An AI-Based Model for Texture Classification from Vibrational Feedback: Towards Development of Self-Adapting Sensory Robotic Prosthesis

This paper presents a novel method of tuning vibration parameters to elicit specific perceptions of texture using vibration artefacts detected in EMG signals. Though often used for prosthetic control, sensory feedback modalities like vibration can be used to convey proprioceptive or sensory information. Literature has shown that the presence of sensory feedback in prosthesis can improve embodiment and control of prosthetic devices. However, it is not widely adopted in daily prosthesis use, due in large part to the daily change in perception and interpretation of the sensory modality. This results in daily parameter adjustments so that sensory perception can be maintained over time. A method therefore needs to be established to maintain perception generated by modalities like vibrations. This paper investigates modulating the vibration parameters based on how the vibrations dissipate in the surrounding tissue from the stimuli. This is with the aim of correlating dissipation of vibration to specific perceptions of texture. Participants were asked to control vibration motor parameters to elicit the perception of three different grades of sandpaper, provided to them for reference. Once the vibration parameters were chosen a CNN algorithm identified and categorized the artefact features along equidistantly spaced EMG electrodes. Participants were asked to repeat this experiment on three separate days and on the fourth was asked to complete a texture identification task. The task involved identifying the texture of the sandpaper based on their previously chosen parameters and compared the results to tuning against an AI-based algorithm using the dissipation of the vibration artefacts

An Investigation into the Dissipation of Vibrations Using Electromyography towards the Development of Self-Adapting Robotic Prosthesis

Vibrations can be used to convey positional or sensory information to prosthetic users. However, for the feedback to convey information consistently, daily fine-grained adjustments are required. This paper investigates whether vibration dissipation through the muscle can be tracked using EMG with the aim of providing reliable, long-term sensory feedback. The results of this study showed that the magnitude of vibration artifacts can be measured using EMG and used to create a dissipation trend. This trend varies between participants but shows consistency for individuals when measured across multiple days. This novel way of measuring vibration dissipation can potentially be used as a basis for adaptive sensory control in future prosthesis studies

Evaluation of A Novel Organ Perfusion Research Platform

This paper presents a novel, low cost, organ perfusion machine designed for use in research. The modular and versatile nature of the system allows for additional sensing equipment to be added or adapted for specific use. Here we introduce the system and present its preliminary evaluation by assessing its ability to maintain a predetermined input pressure. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller was implemented and tested on a porcine liver to maintain input pressure to the hepatic artery and compared to bench tests. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the controller for maintaining input through the hepatic artery (HA) in a timely manner. Clinical Relevance-Machine Perfusion (MP) is proving to be an invaluable adjunct in clinical practice. With its ongoing success in the transplant arena, we propose MP for use in research. A cost-effective, versatile system that can be modified for specific research use to test new pharmacological therapies, imaging techniques or develop simulation training would be beneficial

An adaptable research platform for ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion of the liver

PURPOSE: This paper presents an assessment of a low-cost organ perfusion machine designed for use in research settings. The machine is modular and versatile in nature, built on a robotic operating system (ROS2) pipeline allowing for the addition of specific sensors for different research applications. Here we present the system and the development stages to achieve viability of the perfused organ. METHODS: The machine's perfusion efficacy was assessed by monitoring the distribution of perfusate in livers using methylene blue dye. Functionality was evaluated by measuring bile production after 90 min of normothermic perfusion, while viability was examined using aspartate transaminase assays to monitor cell damage throughout the perfusion. Additionally, the output of the pressure, flow, temperature, and oxygen sensors was monitored and recorded to track the health of the organ during perfusion and assess the system's capability of maintaining the quality of data over time. RESULTS: The results show the system is capable of successfully perfusing porcine livers for up to three hours. Functionality and viability assessments show no deterioration of liver cells once normothermic perfusion had occurred and bile production was within normal limits of approximately 26 ml in 90 min showing viability. CONCLUSION: The developed low-cost perfusion system presented here has been shown to keep porcine livers viable and functional ex vivo. Additionally, the system is capable of easily incorporating several sensors into its framework and simultaneously monitor and record them during perfusion. The work promotes further exploration of the system in different research domains

"When we import goods, we export jobs":An in-depth analysis of the laws and practices related to land expropriation for the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, Nigeria

This article was submitted for the UN Economic Commission for Africa “2017 Conference on Land Policy in Africa” Nov. 14-17 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This article sheds light on a series of events that triggered escalating tensions over land and resources in the coastal communities of Lagos, Nigeria. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s laws on expropriation and the processes of acquiring land and compensating landholders in the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) case. Specifically, the analysis addresses the following research questions: 1) Do Nigeria’s laws comply with internationally recognized standards on expropriation and compensation? 2) Did the government follow international standards on expropriation and compensation in the LFTZ case? 3) What measures can be recommended to the Nigerian government to the balancing of property rights with the public interest, thus ensuring the sustainable development of both affected communities and the general public? Proposing law reform as a solution to the recurring issue of insufficient compensation, this article answers research question (1) by assessing Nigeria’s laws on expropriation and compensation to determine whether they comply with internationally recognized standards as established by the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (FAO 2012). To conduct the analysis of Nigerian laws and practices related to land expropriation and compensation, the authors utilized the legal indicators on Nigeria from the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure dataset available on Land Portal. This dataset measures national expropriation laws against international standards and is publicly available on the Land Portal (Tagliarino 2016, 2017). Answering research question (2) entailed conducting a desk review of primary and secondary sources on the LFTZ case as well as surveying 140 households from 10 communities that were affected by the LFTZ. The survey questions asked about the type of compensation, resettlement, and other entitlements granted to affected communities, the process by which compensation was calculated and land was expropriated, and whether the amount given was sufficient to cover income and other livelihood losses. Interviews were also conducted with local NGOs, government bodies, and the private sector to better understand the various viewpoints on the LFTZ case. Research question (3) was answered by using the findings from the legal analysis and LFTZ case study to develop a set of evidence-based recommendations for legal reform of Nigeria's Land Use Act