Design, implementation, control, and user evaluations of assiston-arm self-aligning upper-extremity exoskeleton

Physical rehabilitation therapy is indispensable for treating neurological disabilities. The use of robotic devices for rehabilitation holds high promise, since these devices can bear the physical burden of rehabilitation exercises during intense therapy sessions, while therapists are employed as decision makers. Robot-assisted rehabilitation devices are advantageous as they can be applied to patients with all levels of impairment, allow for easy tuning of the duration and intensity of therapies and enable customized, interactive treatment protocols. Moreover, since robotic devices are particularly good at repetitive tasks, rehabilitation robots can decrease the physical burden on therapists and enable a single therapist to supervise multiple patients simultaneously; hence, help to lower cost of therapies. While the intensity and quality of manually delivered therapies depend on the skill and fatigue level of therapists, high-intensity robotic therapies can always be delivered with high accuracy. Thanks to their integrated sensors, robotic devices can gather measurements throughout therapies, enable quantitative tracking of patient progress and development of evidence-based personalized rehabilitation programs. In this dissertation, we present the design, control, characterization and user evaluations of AssistOn-Arm, a powered, self-aligning exoskeleton for robotassisted upper-extremity rehabilitation. AssistOn-Arm is designed as a passive back-driveable impedance-type robot such that patients/therapists can move the device transparently, without much interference of the device dynamics on natural movements. Thanks to its novel kinematics and mechanically transparent design, AssistOn-Arm can passively self-align its joint axes to provide an ideal match between human joint axes and the exoskeleton axes, guaranteeing ergonomic movements and comfort throughout physical therapies. The self-aligning property of AssistOn-Arm not only increases the usable range of motion for robot-assisted upper-extremity exercises to cover almost the whole human arm workspace, but also enables the delivery of glenohumeral mobilization (scapular elevation/depression and protraction/retraction) and scapular stabilization exercises, extending the type of therapies that can be administered using upper-extremity exoskeletons. Furthermore, the self-alignment property of AssistOn-Arm signi cantly shortens the setup time required to attach a patient to the exoskeleton. As an impedance-type device with high passive back-driveability, AssistOn- Arm can be force controlled without the need of force sensors; hence, high delity interaction control performance can be achieved with open-loop impedance control. This control architecture not only simpli es implementation, but also enhances safety (coupled stability robustness), since open-loop force control does not su er from the fundamental bandwidth and stability limitations of force-feedback. Experimental characterizations and user studies with healthy volunteers con- rm the transparency, range of motion, and control performance of AssistOn- Ar

Examination Of Interaction And Statistical Differences Between Information And Communication Within Internal Control And Managers’ Perceived Communication Skills

Internal control, which plays a proactive and integral role in organizations’ adaptation to changes and alterations that they face, is a dynamic structure that is developed as a result of strategic plans and analyses which contributes greatly to the realizing of organizational strategies. Strategic analysis has two aspects. First one is the aspect that displays the internal characteristics of organization and the second is related to its external environment. Information and communication have vital importance because of being both one of the internal characteristics of organization and one of the compounds of internal control. In the application stage of the research, a face-to-face survey was applied to 373 people selected by simple random sampling, who work at state schools of primary and secondary education in province of Nigde, in Turkey. Hypotheses that were formulated according to research model were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods. Consequently, perceived communication skills of managers are effective on internal control information and communication and there are statistical relationship and significant differences between them

Heart Disease Detection using Vision-Based Transformer Models from ECG Images

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a prevalent and critical medical condition characterized by the impairment of the heart and blood vessels, leading to various complications such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. The timely and accurate detection of heart disease is of paramount importance in clinical practice. Early identification of individuals at risk enables proactive interventions, preventive measures, and personalized treatment strategies to mitigate the progression of the disease and reduce adverse outcomes. In recent years, the field of heart disease detection has witnessed notable advancements due to the integration of sophisticated technologies and computational approaches. These include machine learning algorithms, data mining techniques, and predictive modeling frameworks that leverage vast amounts of clinical and physiological data to improve diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification. In this work, we propose to detect heart disease from ECG images using cutting-edge technologies, namely vision transformer models. These models are Google-Vit, Microsoft-Beit, and Swin-Tiny. To the best of our knowledge, this is the initial endeavor concentrating on the detection of heart diseases through image-based ECG data by employing cuttingedge technologies namely, transformer models. To demonstrate the contribution of the proposed framework, the performance of vision transformer models are compared with state-of-the-art studies. Experiment results show that the proposed framework exhibits remarkable classification results

Acute Thrombotic Occlusion of Right Coronary and Left Circumflex Coronary Arteries in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Successful Stent Implantation

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare disorder. Acute myocardial infarction is uncommon among these patients. Here we report a case of a 44-year-old man with antiphospholipid syndrome admitted for acute inferior myocardial infarction. Performed coronary angiography revealed that both the right coronary and the left circumflex coronary arteries were occluded by thrombi. We successfully performed primary angioplasty and stent implantation for both of the occluded coronary arteries. In the literature, this is the first case with antiphospholipid syndrome in which primary coronary angioplasty with stent implantation was successfully performed for two coronary arteries with acute thrombotic occlusion

Origin of barite deposits in dolomite-limestone units, Gazipasa, Eastern of Antalya: geology, geochemistry, statistics, sulfur isotope composition

Purpose. Gazipasa region is one of the most important barite mineralization of Turkey. To investigate the main origin properties of Gazipasa barite deposits, conditions of their genesis and occurrence. Methods. To investigate the basic geological, geochemical, mineralogical, statistical, sulfur isotopic properties of Gazipasa barite deposits, conditions of their genesis and occurrence. Findings. Paragenesis of barites deposits can be presented as barite, galena sphalerite, pyrite, limonite, quartz and calcite. Also, there are lots of barite-galena ores around Gazipasa. In the wall rocks of vein, while barium occurence is low, limonite and galenite density is high. According to isotope analysis results, 34S ranks between 20.3 and 22.4. As indicated in the Rare Earth Еlements (REE) diagram, calculated values show that barites reflect sedimentary environment conditions. Barite formation in these reserves contains approximately 86-99% BaSO4 and it was determined to be mostly found in dolomites and limestones as lode, vein and veinlet. Originality. According to geological and mineralogical studies, barite formation in dolomite-limestone units occurred in sin-sedimentary stage conditions. Practical implications. Barites in the region are used because of their high tenor and closeness to the harbor.Мета. Вивчення основних геологічних, геохімічних, мінералогічних, статистичних, і сірчано-ізотопних властивостей баритових родовищ Газіпаша (Туреччина) з точки зору їх походження та умов формування. Методика. Польові дослідження проводилися в районах баритових покладів Газіпаша. Зразки між BT1-BT17 були відібрані з шахти “Boyalik Mine”, а BT18-BT30 – зі штольні “Buyuk Ocak”. Використовували рентгенівські дифрактограми, а для аналізу дифракції рентгенівських променів – програмне забезпечення Bruker PDF-4 і Search-Match. Дані порошкової рентгенографії зразків були уточнені за допомогою програми Ритвельда Topaz 4.2 (Bruker AXS). Автономні результати в 34S ізотопному аналізі отримані за допомогою 20% стандартного аналізу. Зразки для сірки поміщали в олов’яні капсули шляхом масштабування, ізотопний склад сірки вимірювали із використанням мас-спектрометра зі стабільним ізотопним співвідношенням MAT 253, прикріпленого до елементного аналізатору Costech ECS 4010. Результати. Виявлено, що парагенезіс баритових родовищ представлений у вигляді бариту, галенового сфалериту, піриту, лімоніту, кварцу й кальциту. Причому в районі Газіпаша залягає також багато барито-галенових руд. Встановлено, що у бічних породах покладу спостерігається низький вміст барію, в той час як щільність лімоніту й галеніту вельми висока. Ізотопний аналіз показав, що вміст ізотопу сірки 34S коливається між 20.3 і 22.4. Аналіз діаграми рідкоземельних мінералів показує, що барити відображають екологічні умови їх відкладення. Частка баритів у цих родовищах становить близько 86-99% у вигляді BaSO4, які в основному знаходяться в доломітах і вапняках у вигляді рудних тіл, жил і прожилків. Наукова новизна. Доведено геологічними і мінералогічними дослідженнями, що утворення баритів у доломіто-вапнякових покладах відносяться до осадових порід. Практична значимість. Проведені геохімічні та мінералогічні дослідження підтверджують високий вміст руди у баритовому родовищі Газіпаша. Завдяки цьому, а також близькості розташування до морського порту, руди є конкурентними і широко використовуються в різних галузях економіки на внутрішньому та зовнішньому ринках.Цель. Изучение основных геологических, геохимических, минералогических, статистических и серно-изотопных свойств баритовых месторождений Газипаши (Турция) с точки зрения их происхождения и условий формирования. Методика. Полевые исследования проводились в районах баритовых залежей Газипаши. Образцы BT1-BT17 были отобраны из шахты “Boyalik Mine”, а BT18-BT30 – из штольни “Buyuk Ocak”. Использовали рентгеновские дифрактограммы, а для анализа дифракции рентгеновских лучей – программное обеспечение Bruker PDF-4 и Search-Match. Данные порошковой рентгенографии образцов были уточнены с помощью программы Ритвельда Topaz 4.2 (Bruker AXS). Автономные результаты в 34S изотопном анализе получены с помощью 20% стандартного анализа. Образцы для серы помещали в оловянные капсулы путем масштабирования, изотопный состав серы измеряли с использованием масс-спектрометра со стабильным изотопным соотношением MAT 253, прикрепленного к элементному анализатору Costech ECS 4010. Результаты. Выявлено, что парагенезис баритовых месторождений представлен в виде барита, галенового сфалерита, пирита, лимонита, кварца и кальцита, причем в районе Газипаши залегает также много барито-галеновых руд. Установлено, что в боковых породах залежи наблюдается низкое содержание бария, в то время как плотность лимонита и галенита весьма высокая. Изотопный анализ показал, что содержание изотопа серы 34S колеблется между 20.3 и 22.4. Анализ диаграммы редкоземельных минералов показывает, что бариты отражают экологические условия их отложения. Доля баритов в этих месторождениях составляет около 86-99% в виде BaSO4, которые в основном находятся в доломитах и известняках в виде рудных тел, жил и прожилок. Научная новизна. Доказано геологическими и минералогическими исследованиями, что образования баритов в доломито-известняковых залежах относятся к осадочным породам. Практическая значимость. Проведенные геохимические и минералогические исследования подтверждают высокое содержание руды, в баритовом месторождении Газипаши. Благодаря этому и близости к морскому порту, руды являются конкурентными и широко используются в различных отраслях экономики на внутреннем и внешнем рынках.The study is supported with the FYL-2016-1832 Project by Akdeniz University Scientific Research Projects

Geochemical characterization of the Sutlegen bauxite deposit, SW Antalya

Purpose. The purpose is to determine geological and geochemical characteristics of the Sutlegen (Antalya, Turkey) bauxites, to identify the elements that played a major role in their formation. Methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineral phase analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the petrographic and mineralogical analyses, and multivariate statistical methods were used. Findings. The major element content of the ore was determined as Al2O3 (60-35.2 wt%), SiO2 (39.5-0.2 wt%), Fe2O3 (48.4-19.5 wt%), TiO2 (36.9-16 wt%), and P2O5 (0.5-0.1 wt%). The Sutlegen region, which shows epirogenetic action with the uplift of the earth's crust, is generally rich in neritic carbonates. It was revealed that the bauxite ores have undergone moderate and strong laterization as a result of the deferruginization in the environment, and they were classified into four groups as lateritic, ferritic, kaolinitic, and bauxite. The increase in the aluminosilicate minerals, which were formed during the formation of bauxite in the environment was found to be directly proportional to the laterization processes. In this context, it was considered that the lateritic material that was firstly formed in the environment filled the cavities and pores of the karst-type limestones and sedimentary units in the region by superficial transfer phenomena. The bivariate diagrams of Log Cr vs. Log Ni revealed that the bauxite that formed in the region had an ultrabasic source. Originality. In literature, no scientific studies have been found on bauxite mineralization in the Sutlegen deposits that have been operated for a long period. Practical implications. In this context, the geochemical characteristics of bauxites revealed that the source of the laterization process in the region was the ultrabasic igneous rocks. The lateritic material moved by superficial transfer was accumulated on sandstone, claystone, siltstone, and limestone and in karstic cavities; then, it formed karstic bauxite (kaolinitic and bauxite) of different classifications due to the effect of metamorphism.Цель. Определить геологические и геохимические характеристики бокситов в Сутлегене (Анталия, Турция) и установить значение химических элементов в их образовании. Методика. Был использован анализ минеральной фазы методом рентгеновской дифракции, рентгенофлуоресцентный элементный анализ, масс-спектрометрия с индуктивно-связанной плазмой, петрографический и минералогический анализы, многовариантные статистические методы. Результаты. Определен основной элементный состав руды: Al2O3 (60-35.2% вес.), SiO2 (39.5-0.2% вес.), Fe2O3 (48.4-19.5% вес.), TiO2 (36.9-16% вес.) и P2O5 (0.5-0.1% вес.). Определено, что Сутлеген, появившийся в результате эпирогенетических процессов и подъема земной коры, изобилует неритическими карбонатами. Установлено, что бокситовые руды подвергались умеренной и сильной латеритизации из-за обезжелезивания местности. Руды были классифицированы и разделены на 4 группы: латеритовые, ферритовые, каолинитовые и бокситовые. Увеличение количества алюмосиликатных минералов, которые образовались одновременно с бокситами, оказалось прямо пропорциональным процессам латеритизации. Доказано, что латеритный материал, который образовался вначале, заполнял поры и карстовые полости известняка и других осадочных образований благодаря явлению поверхностного переноса. Из двухвариантных диаграмм Log Cr и Log Ni следует, что боксит, образовавшийся в данном регионе, имеет ультра-основное происхождение. Научная новизна. Впервые для Сутлегенского месторождения выявлены его геологические и геохимические особенности и описан механизм его образования. В научной литературе отсутствуют исследования по минерализации бокситов Сутлегенского месторождения, которое разрабатывается в течение многих лет. Практическая значимость. Геохимические характеристики бокситов позволяют утверждать, что источником процесса латеритизации в регионе были ультраосновные магматические породы. Латеритный материал благодаря поверхностному переносу накапливался на песчанике, аргиллите, алевролите, известняке и в карстовых полостях. Процессы метаморфизма впоследствии привели к образованию карстового боксита (каолинитового и бокситового) различных типов.The financial support for this research was provided by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (BAP, FKA-2019-4636) of Akdeniz University, Antalya/Turkey. The authors would like to thank the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Akdeniz University. This paper is a part of the M.Sc. thesis of Atakoglu Ozer O., the first author

Intrarectal negative pressure system in the management of open abdomen with colorectal fistula: A case report

AbstractINTRODUCTIONTo present the management of open abdomen with colorectal fistula by application of intrarectal negative pressure system (NPS) in addition to abdominal NPS.PRESENTATION OF CASETwenty-year old man had a history of injuries by a close-range gunshot to the abdomen eight days ago and he had been treated by bowel repairs, resections, jejunal anastomosis and Hartman's procedure. He was referred to our center after deterioration, evisceration with open abdomen and enteric fistula in septic shock. There were edematous, fibrinous bowels and large multiple fistulas from the edematous rectal stump. APACHE II, Mannheim Peritoneal Index and Björck scores were 18, 33 and 3, respectively (expected mortality 100%). After intensive care for 5 days, he was treated by abdominal and intrarectal NPS. NPS repeated for 5 times and the fistula was recovered on day 18 completely. Fascial closure was facilitated with a dynamic abdominal closure system (ABRA) and he was discharged on day 33 uneventfully. There was no herniation and any other problem after 12 months follow-up.DISCUSSIONManagement of fistula in OA can be extremely challenging. Floating stoma, fistula VAC, nipple VAC, ring and silo VAC, fistula intubation systems are used for isolation of the enteric effluent from OA. Several biologic dressings such as acellular dermal matrix, pedicled flaps have been used to seal the fistula opening with various success. Resection of the involved enteric loop and a new anastomosis of the intestine is very hard and rarely possible. In all of these reports, usually patients are left to heal with a giant hernia. In contrast to this, there is no hernia in our case during one year follow up period.CONCLUSIONCombination of intra and extra luminal negative pressure systems and ABRA is a safe and successful method to manage open abdomen with colorectal fistula

Echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic functions in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A comperative study of diastolic functions in sub-phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women. It is known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the echocardiographic data of patients according to the phenotypes of PCOS. Methods: This study included 113 patients with PCOS and 52 controls. Patients were classified into four potential PCOS phenotypes. Laboratory analyses and echocardiographic measurements were performed. Left ventricular mass was calculated by using Devereux formula and was indexed to body surface area. Results: Phenotype-1 PCOS patients had significantly higher homeostasis model assessment — insu­lin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.023), free testosterone (p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.001) and free androgen index (p < 0.001) compared with the control group. There were significant differences between groups regarding the septal thickness, posterior wall thickness, Left ventricular ejection frac­tion, E/A ratio and left ventricular mass index (for all, p < 0.05). PCOS patients with phenotype 1 and 2 had significantly higher left ventricular mass index than the control group (p < 0.001). In univariate and multivariate analyses, PCOS phenotype, modified Ferriman-Gallwey Score and estradiol were found as variables, which independently could affect the left ventricular mass index. Conclusions: This study showed that women in their twenties who specifically fulfilled criteria for PCOS phenotype-1 according to the Rotterdam criteria, had higher left ventricular mass index and decreased E/A ratio, which might be suggestive of early stage diastolic dysfunction. (Cariol J 2017; 24, 4: 364–373

Potentiometric titrations of some mono methyl substituted and 5-keto mono methyl substituted hexadecanoic acids in nonaqueous media

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