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Lebrasseur A, Lettre J, Routhier F, Archambault PS, Campeau-Lecours A. Assistive robotic arm: Evaluation of the performance of intelligent algorithms. Assist Technol 2021; 33:95-104. [PMID: 31070524 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2019.1601649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
People with upper body disabilities may be limited in their activities of daily living. Robotic arms, such as JACO, are assistive devices that could improve their abilities, independent living, and social participation. However, performing complex tasks with JACO can be time-consuming or tedious. Therefore, some advanced functionalities have been developed to enhance the performance of users. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the performance, in terms of ease of use, task completion time, and participants' perception of usability, of three new algorithms applied to the JACO robotic arm: (1) predefined position, (2) fluidity filter, and (3) drinking mode. The secondary objective is to evaluate differences in performance variables between proportional and non-proportional control modes. Fourteen participants with upper body disabilities completed various tasks with and without these functionalities. Using JACO with the algorithms led to a significant decrease of up to 72% in task completion time and improvements of 2.3 and 2.9 on a 7-point Likert scale for perceived ease of use and usability, respectively. There was no significant difference between control modes. Our results demonstrate that algorithms could produce significant improvements in performing daily living activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Lebrasseur
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Josiane Lettre
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - François Routhier
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe S Archambault
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Rehabilitation, Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval, Laval, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Campeau-Lecours
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Abstract
EU energy policy is more and more promoting a resilient, efficient and sustainable energy system. Several agreements have been signed in the last few months that set ambitious goals in terms of energy efficiency and emission reductions and to reduce the energy consumption in buildings. These actions are expected to fulfill the goals negotiated at the Paris Agreement in 2015. The successful development of this ambitious energy policy needs to be supported by scientific knowledge: a huge effort must be made in order to develop more efficient energy conversion technologies based both on renewables and fossil fuels. Similarly, researchers are also expected to work on the integration of conventional and novel systems, also taking into account the needs for the management of the novel energy systems in terms of energy storage and devices management. Therefore, a multi-disciplinary approach is required in order to achieve these goals. To ensure that the scientists belonging to the different disciplines are aware of the scientific progress in the other research areas, specific Conferences are periodically organized. One of the most popular conferences in this area is the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) Series Conference. The 12th Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Conference was recently held in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The present Special Issue of Energies, specifically dedicated to the 12th SDEWES Conference, is focused on five main fields: energy policy and energy efficiency in smart energy systems, polygeneration and district heating, advanced combustion techniques and fuels, biomass and building efficiency.
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Mikulčić H, Duić N, Dewil R. Environmental management as a pillar for sustainable development. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 203:867-871. [PMID: 28991538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern about how to minimize the impact of human activities on the environment. Already nowadays, in some places adaptation efforts are needed in order to avoid the irreversibility of negative human activities. Due to climate changes, and corresponding environmental and social changes, there is a great need for a more sustainable development of mankind. Over the years, research studies that analyzed the sustainable development of different communities with a multi-disciplinary approach, stressed the necessity of preserving the environment for next generations. Therefore, responsible and conscientious management of the environment is a pillar of the sustainable development concept. This review introduction article provides an overview of the recent top scientific publications related to sustainable development that mostly originated from previous SDEWES conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrvoje Mikulčić
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Neven Duić
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Raf Dewil
- Department of Chemical Engineering (CIT), KU Leuven, Jan De Nayerlaan 5, 2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
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