AN INVESTIGATION OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC (EMG) CONTROL OF DEXTROUS HAND PROSTHESES FOR TRANSRADIAL AMPUTEES

In reference to IEEE copyrighted material which is used with permission in this thesis, the IEEE does not endorse any of Plymouth University's products or services.There are many amputees around the world who have lost a limb through conflict, disease or an accident. Upper-limb prostheses controlled using surface Electromyography (sEMG) offer a solution to help the amputees; however, their functionality is limited by the small number of movements they can perform and their slow reaction times. Pattern recognition (PR)-based EMG control has been proposed to improve the functional performance of prostheses. It is a very promising approach, offering intuitive control, fast reaction times and the ability to control a large number of degrees of freedom (DOF). However, prostheses controlled with PR systems are not available for everyday use by amputees, because there are many major challenges and practical problems that need to be addressed before clinical implementation is possible. These include lack of individual finger control, an impractically large number of EMG electrodes, and the lack of deployment protocols for EMG electrodes site selection and movement optimisation. Moreover, the inability of PR systems to handle multiple forces is a further practical problem that needs to be addressed. The main aim of this project is to investigate the research challenges mentioned above via non-invasive EMG signal acquisition, and to propose practical solutions to help amputees. In a series of experiments, the PR systems presented here were tested with EMG signals acquired from seven transradial amputees, which is unique to this project. Previous studies have been conducted using non-amputees. In this work, the challenges described are addressed and a new protocol is proposed that delivers a fast clinical deployment of multi-functional upper limb prostheses controlled by PR systems. Controlling finger movement is a step towards the restoration of lost human capabilities, and is psychologically important, as well as physically. A central thread running through this work is the assertion that no two amputees are the same, each suffering different injuries and retaining differing nerve and muscle structures. This work is very much about individualised healthcare, and aims to provide the best possible solution for each affected individual on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, the approach has been to optimise the solution (in terms of function and reliability) for each individual, as opposed to developing a generic solution, where performance is optimised against a test population. This work is unique, in that it contributes to improving the quality of life for each individual amputee by optimising function and reliability. The main four contributions of the thesis are as follows: 1- Individual finger control was achieved with high accuracy for a large number of finger movements, using six optimally placed sEMG channels. This was validated on EMG signals for ten non-amputee and six amputee subjects. Thumb movements were classified successfully with high accuracy for the first time. The outcome of this investigation will help to add more movements to the prosthesis, and reduce hardware and computational complexity. 2- A new subject-specific protocol for sEMG site selection and reliable movement subset optimisation, based on the amputee’s needs, has been proposed and validated on seven amputees. This protocol will help clinicians to perform an efficient and fast deployment of prostheses, by finding the optimal number and locations of EMG channels. It will also find a reliable subset of movements that can be achieved with high performance. 3- The relationship between the force of contraction and the statistics of EMG signals has been investigated, utilising an experimental design where visual feedback from a Myoelectric Control Interface (MCI) helped the participants to produce the correct level of force. Kurtosis values were found to decrease monotonically when the contraction level increased, thus indicating that kurtosis can be used to distinguish different forces of contractions. 4- The real practical problem of the degradation of classification performance as a result of the variation of force levels during daily use of the prosthesis has been investigated, and solved by proposing a training approach and the use of a robust feature extraction method, based on the spectrum. The recommendations of this investigation improve the practical robustness of prostheses controlled with PR systems and progress a step further towards clinical implementation and improving the quality of life of amputees. The project showed that PR systems achieved a reliable performance for a large number of amputees, taking into account real life issues such as individual finger control for high dexterity, the effect of force level variation, and optimisation of the movements and EMG channels for each individual amputee. The findings of this thesis showed that the PR systems need to be appropriately tuned before usage, such as training with multiple forces to help to reduce the effect of force variation, aiming to improve practical robustness, and also finding the optimal EMG channel for each amputee, to improve the PR system’s performance. The outcome of this research enables the implementation of PR systems in real prostheses that can be used by amputees.Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Baghdad University- Baghdad/Ira

7049 AL-Alloy Fatigue Behavior under Black Paint Laser Peening

Black Paint Laser (bPL) peening technique is currently applied to engineering components due to their improvements of fatigue behavior and economic advantages. In the current work, the experimental examinations of bPL peening, which aims to understanding the fatigue behavior of bPL surface treated bars was carried out. The application of bPL was associated with significant extension of fatigue life and strength. This extension is due to compressive residual stresses (CRS) generating from peening process. A series of fully rotating bending fatigue tests was conducted at room temperature using 7049 Aluminum alloy. Improvements in fatigue life and strength for constant and cumulative fatigue were demonstrated. Finally, the fatigue strength of 7049 Aluminum alloy at 107 cycles increased by 53% and cumulative fatigue life improved by factors of 1.55 and 1.787 for Low-high sequence and high-low sequence due to bPL treatment respectivel

An improved energy-efficient clustering protocol to prolong the wireless sensor network lifetime

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is an important part of the Internet of Things (IoT). However, sensor nodes of a WSN-based IoT network are constraining with the energy resources. A clustering protocol provides an efficient solution to ensure energy saving of nodes and prolong the network lifetime by organizing nodes into clusters to reduce the transmission distance between the nodes and base station (BS). However, existing clustering protocols suffer from issues concerning the clustering structure that adversely affects the performance of these protocols. In this study, we propose an Improved Energy-Efficient Clustering Protocol (IEECP) to prolong the lifetime of the WSN. The proposed IEECP consists of three sequential parts. First, an optimal number of clusters is determined for the overlapping balanced clusters. Then, the balanced-static clusters are formed on the basis of a modified Fuzzy C-means algorithm by integrating this algorithm with a centralized mechanism to reduce and balance the energy consumption of the nodes. Lastly, cluster heads (CHs) are selected in optimal locations with the rotation of the CH function among members of the cluster based on a new CH selection-rotation algorithm by combining a back-off timer mechanism for CH selection and rotation mechanism for CH rotation. In particular, the proposed protocol reduces and balances the energy consumption of nodes by improving the clustering structure, where IEECP is suitable for networks that require a long lifetime. The simulation results prove that the IEECP prolongs the network lifetime better than Energy efficient clustering protocol based on K-means (EECPK-means)-midpoint algorithm (EECPK-means), Traffic-Aware Channel Access Algorithm (TACAA), and an optimal clustering mechanism based on Fuzzy C-means (OCM–FCM) protocols based on the First node die and Weighted first node die. Furthermore, IEECP performs better than the above protocols in terms of the energy dissipation in the network and the number of messages received by BS

Towards a strategic and operational framework for digital technology deployment in Libyan universities

The increasing impact of digital technologies on educational institutions is widely acknowledged, and this now encompasses Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in developing countries as they follow the developed countries in their new technology adoption for their education activities and systems. In Libyan universities, the use of digital technology is still in the early stages of development. This initial report from this study focuses on the deployment of digital technology and related applications, in particular Cloud computing, in higher education in Libya. The paper highlights the difficulties faced in the planning and implementation of digital technology strategy, and subsequent analysis will put forward a checklist of activities to support strategy development and implementation within Libyan universities. A case study approach entails interviews and questionnaires conducted in three Libyan universities as a pilot for data collection. The provisional findings highlight the areas that need be considered and addressed for digital technology deployment in the learning and teaching processes, including technology infrastructure, curriculum development, human activities, cultural and language aspects, and management support. The study will also develop a plan for the integration of digital technologies into Libyan higher education

Clustering Methods For Cluster-Based Routing Protocols In Wireless Sensor Networks: Comparative Study

Wireless Sensor Networks are used in large area of applications since they can be suitable for various environments. It can function independently in the condition of harsh or risk places where a human's apparition is impossible or very hard. Nevertheless, the sensor's life-time is only related to their batteries, which are impossible for replacing or recharging. So, the energy-efficient routing protocols are very necessary and considers vital task for sensors networks. Various approaches of clustering algorithms are used to optimize the energy of routing protocols. Also, the clustering approaches support the scalability of Wireless Sensor Networks. In this paper, numerous energy efficient routing algorithms for hierarchical routing protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks have been discussed based on the clustering approaches. These approaches of clustering algorithms whether Distributed, Centralized, or Hybrid are reviewed very well, since the most of clustering algorithms have been developed by many researches based on these approaches. Our objective is exploring the literature to present a brief discussion of these algorithms, as well as examine and compare some of distributed, centralized and hybrid clustering algorithm based on several attributes. This work aims to give a clear vision for the developers and researchers about cluster-based hierarchical routing protocols, and how can classified the clustering approaches according to literatures

Relationship Between Increases Anticardiolipin Titer with CMV Infection In Pregnant Women

Background: Recurrent miscarriage is a severe medical problem occurs in women infected with cytomegalovirus and associated with anticardiolipin antibodies IgM. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies in pregnant women with cytomegalovirus infection and history of recurrent loss. Patients and Methods: One hundred women (21-41) years old with recurrent pregnancy loss. Samples were taken from Al-yarmook and Baghdad hospital. This study group was subdivided into four subgroups depends on times of abortion. Anticardiolipin (IgM) and cytomegalovirus antibodies were estimated in the sera by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method and compared with 50 apparently healthy pregnant volunteers as a control group at the same age range. Results: It was observed that there is a positive correlation coefficient between anticardiolipin and cytomegalovirus titer (r=0.34729). Also there is significantly difference (t-test, P< 0.05) between mean of anticardiolipin and cytomegalovirus titers of study and control groups. Conclusion: Anticardiolipin antibodies IgM may be associated with first trimester recurrent abortions for women infected with cytomegalovirus

Evaluate the performance of K-Means and the fuzzy C-Means algorithms to formation balanced clusters in wireless sensor networks

The clustering approach is considered as a vital method for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) by organizing the sensor nodes into specific clusters. Consequently, saving the energy and prolonging network lifetime which is totally dependent on the sensors battery, that is considered as a major challenge in the WSNs. Classification algorithms such as K-means (KM) and Fuzzy C-means (FCM), which are two of the most used algorithms in literature for this purpose in WSNs. However, according to the nature of random nodes deployment manner, on certain occasions, this situation forces these algorithms to produce unbalanced clusters, which adversely affects the lifetime of the network. Based for our knowledge, there is no study has analyzed the performance of these algorithms in terms clusters construction in WSNs. In this study, we investigate in KM and FCM performance and which of them has better ability to construct balanced clusters, in order to enable the researchers to choose the appropriate algorithm for the purpose of improving network lifespan. In this study, we utilize new parameters to evaluate the performance of clusters formation in multi-scenarios. Simulation result shows that our FCM is more superior than KM by producing balanced clusters with the random distribution manner for sensor nodes

Evaluation of vitamin-D3 Concentration in Patients with Thalassemia in Baghdad City

Background:Thalassemia is inherited blood disorders characterized by abnormal  hemoglobin production. Objective:To evaluate decreasing in vitamin-D3 concentration in patients with thalassemia among healthy men in Baghdad city. Patients and Methods: In this study containing 99 thalassemia patients from Baghdad city (68 female and 31 male patients) and (31 healthy males and 10 healthy women) as a control group collected from Al-Kadhymia hospital. Their age ranged (15-40) years old which are compatible to age of study group. Serum samples taken from the patients to determined vitamin-D concentration by using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) technique, during the period 1st April 2016 to 28th January 2017. Results:The study revealed highly significant (P<0.01) low of vitamin-D3 concentration in patients with thalassemia (89.9% decrease vit-D3 compared with 10.1% control group vit-D3 concentration). Conclusion:The decreasing in vitamin-D3 concentration associated with thalassemia patients was due to less exposure to sun light that affected the vitamin metabolism in their bodies

Improved fuzzy c-means algorithm based on a novel mechanism for the formation of balanced clusters in WSNs

The clustering approach is considered as a vital method for many fields suchas machine learning, pattern recognition, image processing, information retrieval, data compression, computer graphics, and others.Similarly, it hasgreat significance in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) by organizing thesensor nodes into specific clusters. Consequently, saving energy and prolonging network lifetime, which is totally dependent on the sensor’s battery, that is considered asa major challenge in the WSNs. Fuzzyc-means (FCM) is one of classification algorithm, which is widely used in literature for this purpose in WSNs. However, according to the nature of random nodes deployment manner, on certain occasions, this situation forces this algorithm to produce unbalanced clusters, which adversely affects the lifetime of the network.To overcome this problem, a new clustering method called FCM-CMhas been proposed by improving the FCM algorithm to form balanced clustersfor random nodes deployment. The improvement is conductedby integrating the FCM with a centralized mechanism(CM).The proposed method will be evaluated based on four new parameters. Simulation result shows that our proposed algorithm is more superior to FCM by producing balanced clustersin addition to increasing the balancing of the intra-distances of the clusters, which leads to energy conservation and prolonging network lifespan