Wearable devices for ergonomics: A systematic literature review

Wearable devices are pervasive solutions for increasing work efficiency, improving workers’ well-being, and creating interactions between users and the environment anytime and anywhere. Although several studies on their use in various fields have been performed, there are no systematic reviews on their utilisation in ergonomics. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to identify wearable devices proposed in the scientific literature for ergonomic purposes and analyse how they can support the improvement of ergonomic conditions. Twenty-eight papers were retrieved and analysed thanks to eleven comparison dimensions related to ergonomic factors, purposes, and criteria, populations, application and validation. The majority of the available devices are sensor systems composed of different types and numbers of sensors located in diverse body parts. These solutions also represent the technology most frequently employed for monitoring and reducing the risk of awkward postures. In addition, smartwatches, body-mounted smartphones, insole pressure systems, and vibrotactile feedback interfaces have been developed for evaluating and/or controlling physical loads or postures. The main results and the defined framework of analysis provide an overview of the state of the art of smart wearables in ergonomics, support the selection of the most suitable ones in industrial and non-industrial settings, and suggest future research directions

Resolving a taxonomic and nomenclatural puzzle in mantellid frogs: synonymization of Gephyromantis azzurrae with G. corvus, and description of Gephyromantis kintana sp. nov. from the Isalo Massif, western Madagascar

The genus Gephyromantis belongs to the species-rich family Mantellidae and is currently divided in six subgenera. Among these is the subgenus Phylacomantis, which currently includes four described species: Gephyromantis pseudoasper, G. corvus, G. azzurrae, and G. atsingy. The latter three species are distributed in western Madagascar, and two of them (G. azzurrae and G. corvus) occur in the Isalo Massif. Based on the analysis of molecular data (a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene), morphological inspection of museum specimens, and photographic comparisons, G. azzurrae is synonymised with G. corvus and the second Phylacomantis lineage of Isalo is described as G. kintana sp. nov. This medium-sized frog species (adult snout-vent length 35–44 mm) is assigned to this subgenus according to genetic and morphological similarities to the other known species of Phylacomantis. Gephyromantis kintana sp. nov. is known only from the Isalo Massif, while new records for G. corvus extend its range to ca. 200 km off its currently known distribution. These two taxa seem to occur in syntopy in at least one locality in Isalo, and the easiest way to distinguish them is the inspection of the ventral colouration, dark in G. corvus and dirty white in G. kintana.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effectiveness of a Feed Supplement in Advanced Stages of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a very common pathology in cats, especially in the geriatric age. A proper renal diet is considered the current standard of care to enhance patients\u2019 long-term survival and quality of life. However, when diet alone is not sufficient, it is necessary to supplement it with specific substances: these are phosphate binders and alkalinizing agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a feed supplement containing calcium carbonate, calcium lactate gluconate, chitosan and sodium bicarbonate in controlling hyperphosphatemia and metabolic acidosis in cats with severe CKD (IRIS, International Renal Interest Society, stage 3 and 4). Materials, Methods & Results: 10 cats (median BW 4.00 (3.20; 5.70) Kg, BCS 3/5 (2.25; 3.75), 11 (8.25;12.00) years) fed with a balanced renal diet were included in the study. To be enrolled in the study cats had to be affected by CKD in stages 3 or 4 and show hyperphosphatemia. Treatment consisted in oral administration of the product (Renal, Candioli Pharma) at 0.2 g/kg/day mixed with the food for 60 days. The animals were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at 15, 30, 60 days (T0, T15, T30, T60) for: clinical condition, BW, BCS, blood pressure and for routinely hematochemical, biochemical and urinary parameters. Owners were asked to assess appetite of the cat, palatability of the supplement, presence of vomit and/or diarrhoea, general health and vitality. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software. After checking normality data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range). For the parameters P (P < 0.0001), iCa (P = 0.0008) and HCO3 (P = 0.0002) there were statistically significant differences among times of supplementation (T0, T15, T30, T60). Statistically significant reduction of serum phosphorus concentration was obtained through the study (reduction of 59% at T60 vs T0). Also a statistically significant increase of bicarbonate was seen (7% from T0 to T60). At T60 was also recorded an increase of ionized calcium level, which however was in normal range. For the other laboratory parameters, no statistical difference was recorded. All the owners reported a good palatability of the product. The decrease of vomit and diarrhea episodes and the increase of the appetite reported were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Discussion: The restriction of available dietary phosphorus is now recognised as one of the major contributors in slowing the disease progression and improving survival rates. Phosphate binders are able to absorb phosphate (P) in the intestine, forming insoluble products that are eliminated with the faeces, thus decreasing serum phosphate levels. The phosphate binders contained in the product tested in the present trial were chitosan, calcium lactate gluconate and calcium carbonate. During the study P decreased significantly from T0 to T60, reaching the target post-treatment plasma P concentration for IRIS stage 3 after 30 days. Another important recommendation for CKD treatment is to use alkalinisation therapy if metabolic acidosis is present. The feed supplement tested in this study also contained sodium bicarbonate. In our study, 90% of the patients at the inclusion examination had metabolic acidosis. At the end of the study, the median blood bicarbonate concentration was in the normal range, thus reaching the IRIS treatment target. The feed supplement tested was therefore effective in reducing blood phosphate levels and in increasing blood bicarbonate levels, thus improving the cats\u2019 clinical conditions for the duration of the study without any adverse effect

The Grizzly, January 26, 1999

A Work in Progress • Area Congressmen Discuss Leadership in the 21st Century • Montco Welcomes Clintons, Gores • Classes Held Martin Luther King Day • The Message of Dr. King Remembered • Students Honored for Fundraising • Spring/Summer Internships • Collegeville Squares is a Hit • Opinion: State of Surreality; Impeachment: Democracy on Trial? • Film Society: New & Improved! • Ursinus Gymnastics Back in Full Swing • First Conference Win for UC Swimming • Winter Sports Wrap-uphttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1431/thumbnail.jp

A multi-analytical study of Bronze Age pottery from the UNESCO site of Al-Khutm (Bat, Oman)

The extensive investigation carried out in recent years at the UNESCO site of Al-Khutm (Ibri, Oman) has allowed to uncover the monumental remains of a tower dated back to the third millennium BC and to collect an abundant ceramic assemblage from the associated soil deposits. Eighteen selected pottery samples have been investigated using a multi-analytical approach including microfocus X-ray computed tomography, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and prompt gamma activation analysis to analyse the vessel-forming technique and to characterise their micro-structure, mineralogical and chemical composition to recognise possible local vs. non-local raw materials. The results provided new insights on ancient manufacturing processes and revealed that most of the vessels were locally produced exploiting raw materials from the surroundings of the site with the exception of a fragment of a black slipped jar. The chemical results suggest that the latter was imported from the Indus area in nowadays Pakistan. This evidence integrates our knowledge about the presence of this type of vessels in Oman and confirms the involvement of inland centres like Bat and Al-Khutm into a large-scale exchange system

The Grizzly, March 2, 1999

Vaccination for Meningitis a Success • Dr. England to Speak on Social Crowds • Middle States Presents Findings • Ursinus Alum Named Principal of Vanguard Group • Ursinus Students Called to Aid Project for Peace • Middle States Team Praises Ursinus Students • Ursinus Students Battle Against Sickness • Dean\u27s Office Recognizes Resident Scholars • Opinion: Lessons From Space Ghost; Higher Education: Meal Ticket or Soul Food?; Dan Quayle: Eight Years Later, What has Changed? • Grizzly Wrestlers to Take Trenton State by Storm • Positive Outlook for New Field Hockey Coachhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1436/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, September 29, 1998

Construction Begins for New Bookstore • Ursinus Students Named Smith Scholars • Econ. Students Apply Classroom Knowledge • Opinion: Terrorist Debate Continues; Ursinus Keeps up With the Times; Students Vote Two Thumbs up for Co-ed Living • Is Home the way you Left it? • Students Spending Weekends Differently • Hugs Help Pottstown Hospital • Family Day \u2798 = Success • Kelley on Photography • Berman Exhibits Not Well Attended • Volleyball Hit With Key Injury • UC Football Gets Terrorized • Men\u27s Soccer Drops Two • Women\u27s Soccer Shuts-Out Dickinson • Who\u27s in Charge Here? • Women\u27s Rugby Overpowered by Lock Haven University • Centennial Conference Newshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1425/thumbnail.jp