A Participative Approach for Objective and Subjective Evaluation of Seat Discomfort and User Interface Usability

The main aim of the work is the objective and subjective evaluation of two aspects of the interaction user-product, the seating discomfort and the user interface usability, relevant to industrial design, by using innovative methodologies for generating interpretative and predictive models that allowed the development of analysis strategies useful to improve the satisfaction of use of the types of industrial products considered. On the first aspect investigated, research in the field of medicine and epidemiology has shown that, over the past decades, the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has considerably increased due to sedentary modern lifestyle, closely related to prolonged period of sitting. The importance of good office seating design in improving human wellness, greatly motivates the interest of specialized literature in topics related to the investigation of the biomechanical aspects of sitting and their effect on perceived discomfort. Typically discomfort assessment is realized on the basis of subjective evaluations and/or postural analysis by the interface pressures. In such context, the experimental sessions and the related data analysis were aimed to investigating on three critical aspects of seat discomfort assessment: 1) the relationship between subjective and objective measures of seat discomfort; 2) gender-based differences in seat interface pressure distribution; 3) discriminant effectiveness of indexes based on seat interface pressure. On the second aspect investigated, it's helpful to recognize that, today, design team can speed up the process of managing information related to design process by adopting digital pattern tools. These tools, as Knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) systems, can assist engineers in capture and re-use the multidisciplinary knowledge in an integrated way, in order to reduce time and cost of designing, to automate repetitive tasks and to support activities in conceptual design. The KBE analyzed in this study is a new digital pattern tool that supports the designers of automotive gearboxes. In such context, the research has focused on the evaluation of interface usability that represents a critical point in the development of a KBE system to demonstrate an effective reduction in the time and cost of designing and increased satisfaction in its use. The methods used for the two aspects studied are both theoretical and experimental and can be summarized in four main steps: 1) developmentofparticipativeprotocolsandexecutionofexperimentalsessionswith collecting of objective measures related to the interaction user-product and subjective measures related to user perceptions; 2) organization, classification and synthesis of experimental data collected by using techniques of descriptive statistics; 3) definition of interpretative and predictive models of phenomena investigated including by developing synthetic indexes, by using techniques of multivariate and multicriteria analysis; 4) statisticalvalidationofthesemodelsandindexes. The main results achieved concern the assessment of user-product interaction for different types of industrial products where such evaluation is essential. The outcomes are originals because they allowed to find the factors that had most influence on case studies and to develop synthetic indexes useful for identify some critical issues related use. Statistical data analysis provided new information relating to phenomena examined. Furthermore, the proposed data analysis strategies can be easily adapted to other experimental contexts, involving different target populations, and could have important effects in the industrial field, because they allow the reduction of design time (with obvious consequences on cost) and improvement of products in terms of end-user satisfaction

Development of a New Experimental Protocol for Analysing the Race-walking Technique Based on Kinematic and Dynamic Parameters

Abstract This paper describes a new motion analysis protocol for race-walking. The protocol has been tested under laboratory conditions on a real athlete of the Italian national race-walking team. The experimental setup included a motion capture system and a force platform to record both kinematic and dynamic aspects of the athletic action. Thus, any infringement of the rules can be detected, based on the measure of knee flexion-extension and the loss of ground contact. The biomechanical efficiency can be determined from the joint angles and the temporal components of gait. The results of experiments show that the protocol can be a valuable tool to assist athletes and trainers in improving race-walking technique

Outdoor Tests for the Validation of an Inertial System Able to Detect Illegal Steps in Race-walking

Abstract Aim of this study was to validate an inertial system able to detect the loss of ground contact (LOGC) in race-walking through outdoor tests in real training conditions. An inertial sensor was placed at L5/S1 of the vertebral column of a Italian national team athlete to acquire timing measurements of the LOGC. Data were encoded by a well-defined protocol. After a preliminary laboratory study, the athlete performed outdoor-field-tests at different velocities. A specific e-bike with a high-speed camera allowed to acquire a video and to validate sensor measurements. Results indicate that the inertial system can improve the accuracy in detecting the visible LOGC

Analisis Percepatan terhadap Waktu Proyek (Study Kasus : Kantor Dinas SKPD Gedung B3 di Tenayan Raya)

Project implementation have always refers to the construction assumption and forecast while time plans and schedule were made, Therefore, the contruction problem will arise if there is a discrepancy between plan and assumptions comparing to the actual project. Delays of project implementation is generally always lead to adverse consequences both for the owner and contractor. The project the (SKPD) Unit City Government of Pekanbaru in Riau is having a delay of 75 days. The Best construction time acceleration is 45 days. Construction acceleration can be conducted by 3 alternatives solutions such as: overtime alternative, equipment and workers addition alternative, and shift system alternative. The analysis started from the critical path. Network project the analysis, was obtained from the cost due to delay stands at Rp. 4.761.786.975,00. Cost of construction acceleration caused by overtime alternative is Rp. 2.152.360.596,00 with a total 11.136 hours of extra work for workers, cost of construction acceleration by the workers and equipments additionionally for alternative result Rp. 2.434.965.492,00 with a total 14 new workers, with additional of 2 new equipment units. Cost of construction acceleration from shift alternative is Rp. 2.434.965.492,00 with a total of 14 new workers, a total 2 of equipment units. In conclusion, the most effective construction acceleration method is overtime alternative, obtained the minimum financial loss and recommended to use for the construction acceleration

Selection for background matching drives sympatric speciation in Wall Gecko

The Wall Gecko shows heterogeneous colour pattern, which may vary among individuals, depending on the time of day and on the habitat segregation. Nocturnal pale geckos live exclusively on walls. Diurnal dark geckos preferentially live on olive tree trunks, demonstrating an ability to change skin colour that is superior to that of the pale gecko and allows diurnal geckos becoming camouflaged on the diverse substrates occupied during the day. In our study, the nocturnal/pale/wall and diurnal/dark/trunk geckos could be considered the extremes of an ecological cline of morphological variation on which divergent selection may be acting. Combining the effect of balancing selection on nocturnal geckos and disruptive selection between two sympatric populations could lead to speciation. All geckos analysed here belong to the same species, as confirmed by genetic characterization, however diurnal and nocturnal gecko populations seem to be in an early stage of incipient speciation. These two different morphs still combine genes, as revealed by neutral genetic markers, yet they show complete separation according to the analyses of mtDNA coding genes. Experimental results show that diurnal and nocturnal geckos do not swap their niches, likely because the predation pressure causes severe selection for background matching. Genomic analysis of complete mtDNA suggests that nocturnal geckos seem to be under balancing selection perhaps due to the narrow niche in which they live, whereas the daytime population has more opportunity in fitting into the multiple available niches, and they experience positive selection. Here we hypothesize that the ecological segregation that we are witnessing between the nocturnal and diurnal geckos, can lead to a ecological speciation

Agreements and controversies of national guidelines for bronchiolitis: Results from an Italian survey

Introduction: Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach is challenging and still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian pediatricians following the national guidelines. Material and methods: A survey study was designed and carried out by sending an email an open-ended questionnaire developed by an expert panel of the Scientific Board of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). Questions were designed according to the national intersociety consensus document on treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in newborns and infants. Results: Overall, 234 pediatricians were taking part in the study. When diagnosing bronchiolitis, only 44.01% (103/234) of participants correctly followed the national guidelines. All participants (100%) would perform laboratory tests and/or radiological exams. 44.01% administered oxygen (O2 ) when O2 saturation was minor than 92%. About the therapeutic regimen, marked discrepancies between national guidelines and recorded answers were reported. Indications for hospital admission and discharge criteria were in line with the national guidelines. Conclusions: There is a significant practice variation in the management of acute bronchiolitis among Italian physicians. Some wrong attitudes need to be further discouraged, such use of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches. Further research is urgently required to define the best management of patients with bronchiolitis and implement strategies to standardize care and improve the quality of care

Chronic cough in childhood: A systematic review for practical guidance by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on pediatric chronic cough. In addition, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology elaborated a comprehensive algorithm to guide the primary care approach to a pediatric patient with chronic cough.Several algorithms on chronic cough management have been adopted and validated in clinical practice; however, unlike the latter, we developed an algorithm focused on pediatric age, from birth until adulthood. Based on our findings, children and adolescents with chronic cough without cough pointers can be safely managed, initially using the watchful waiting approach and, successively, starting empirical treatment based on cough characteristics. Unlike other algorithms that suggest laboratory and instrumental investigations as a first step, this review highlighted the importance of a "wait and see" approach, consisting of parental reassurance and close clinical observation, also due to interprofessional collaboration and communication between general practitioners and specialists that guarantee better patient management, appropriate prescription behavior, and improved patient outcome. Moreover, the neonatal screening program provided by the Italian National Health System, which intercepts several diseases precociously, allowing to treat them in a very early stage, helps and supports a "wait and see" approach.Conversely, in the presence of cough pointers or persistence of cough, the patient should be tested and treated by the specialist. Further investigations and treatments will be based on cough etiology, aiming to intercept the underlying disease, prevent potentially irreversible tissue damage, and improve the general health of patients affected by chronic cough, as well as the quality of life of patients and their family. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate this algorithm's performance in real clinical practice

Acute cough in children and adolescents: A systematic review and a practical algorithm by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on acute cough in pediatric age. After that, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology elaborated a comprehensive algorithm to guide the primary care approach to pediatric patients, such as infants, children, and adolescents, with acute cough. An acute cough is usually consequent to upper respiratory tract infections and is self-resolving within a few weeks. However, an acute cough may be bothersome, and therefore remedies are requested, mainly by the parents. An acute cough may significantly affect the quality of life of patients and their family.Several algorithms for the management of acute cough have been adopted and validated in clinical practice; however, unlike the latter, we developed an algorithm focused on pediatric age, and, also, in accordance to the Italian National Health System, which regularly follows the child from birth to all lifelong. Based on our findings, infants from 6 months, children, and adolescents with acute cough without cough pointers can be safely managed using well-known medications, preferably non-sedative agents, such as levodropropizine and/or natural compounds, including honey, glycerol, and herb-derived components

Novel Key Ingredients in Urinary Tract Health-The Role of D-mannose, Chondroitin Sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid, and N-acetylcysteine in Urinary Tract Infections (Uroial PLUS®)

: Urinary tract infections represent a common and significant health concern worldwide. The high rate of recurrence and the increasing antibiotic resistance of uropathogens are further worsening the current scenario. Nevertheless, novel key ingredients such as D-mannose, chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid, and N-acetylcysteine could represent an important alternative or adjuvant to the prevention and treatment strategies of urinary tract infections. Several studies have indeed evaluated the efficacy and the potential use of these compounds in urinary tract health. In this review, we aimed to summarize the characteristics, the role, and the application of the previously reported compounds, alone and in combination, in urinary tract health, focusing on their potential role in urinary tract infections

Development and Implementation of the AIDA International Registry for Patients With Still's Disease

Objective: Aim of this paper is to present the design, construction, and modalities of dissemination of the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) International Registry for patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), which are the pediatric and adult forms of the same autoinflammatory disorder. Methods: This Registry is a clinical, physician-driven, population- and electronic-based instrument implemented for the retrospective and prospective collection of real-world data. The collection of data is based on the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tool and is intended to obtain evidence drawn from routine patients' management. The collection of standardized data is thought to bring knowledge about real-life clinical research and potentially communicate with other existing and future Registries dedicated to Still's disease. Moreover, it has been conceived to be flexible enough to easily change according to future scientific acquisitions. Results: Starting from June 30th to February 7th, 2022, 110 Centers from 23 Countries in 4 continents have been involved. Fifty-four of these have already obtained the approval from their local Ethics Committees. Currently, the platform counts 290 users (111 Principal Investigators, 175 Site Investigators, 2 Lead Investigators, and 2 data managers). The Registry collects baseline and follow-up data using 4449 fields organized into 14 instruments, including patient's demographics, history, clinical manifestations and symptoms, trigger/risk factors, therapies and healthcare access. Conclusions: This international Registry for patients with Still's disease will allow a robust clinical research through collection of standardized data, international consultation, dissemination of knowledge, and implementation of observational studies based on wide cohorts of patients followed-up for very long periods. Solid evidence drawn from "real-life " data represents the ultimate goal of this Registry, which has been implemented to significantly improve the overall management of patients with Still's disease. NCT 05200715 available at