Background: Prolonged pressure on the skin known as pressure sores, can cause frequent injuries to the skin and underlying tissues. However, several prevention approaches, including non-surgical and surgical managemen...Background: Prolonged pressure on the skin known as pressure sores, can cause frequent injuries to the skin and underlying tissues. However, several prevention approaches, including non-surgical and surgical management,are available. In flap surgery for pressure sores, a variety of flap types may be used;each offers certain benefits and some incidences of complications and recurrence. This study evaluated the versatility of the perforatorenhanced rhomboid flap technique for ischial sore construction.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Plastic Surgery Department of Fayoum University Hospital.The perforator-enhanced rhomboid flap technique was employed in 20 patients with ischial pressure sores who failed to respond to conservative treatment. A proper history was obtained and a preoperative arterial duplex was performed to determine the site of the prominent perforators for their preservation at the base of the flap.Postoperative follow-ups and evaluations were performed.Results: The mean age of the study group was 43.7 ± 13.1, ranging from 19 to 65 years. Moreover, 80% of the participants were males while 20% were female. The main etiology of the sores was paraplegia in 45% of cases.The mean surface area of sores was 24.8 ± 6.3 cm2. In 75% of cases, the color match of the flap was rated as excellent. Similarly, 70% of the patients rated flap thickness as excellent. In 55% of the cases, the scar appearance was deemed excellent. Overall satisfaction was reported as excellent by 40% of the patients, while only 5% reported poor satisfaction. Approximately, 10% of the cases were identified with seroma, and 30% had wound dehiscence of a mean size of 1.33 ± 0.98 cm and required around 6.8 ± 1.9 weeks to heal.Conclusion: The perforator-enhanced rhomboid flap technique is a versatile method for reconstructing ischial pressure sores owing to its technical ease, short operative time, reliable vascularity, aesthetic outcome, matching skin color, and short recovery time. The main limitations include large defects with large surface areas, lack of a nearby donor site for a rhomboid flap, and scarring from prior procedures around the sore.展开更多
Hydrodynamic force is an important factor that affects the performance of underwater vehicle.Adapting to the current underwater environment by changing its shape is an important feature of underwater snake-like robots...Hydrodynamic force is an important factor that affects the performance of underwater vehicle.Adapting to the current underwater environment by changing its shape is an important feature of underwater snake-like robots(USLR).An experiment was implemented to verify the swimming along the straight line of USLR.A simulation platform is also established for the analysis of the swimming of USLR.To figure out adaptive swimming of USLR to different underwater environments,the relationships between CPG parameters and maximum swimming speed have been discussed,and the switching between different swimming modes has been implemented.展开更多
This work investigates adaptive stiffness control and motion optimization of a snake-like robot with variable stiffness actuators. The robot can vary its stiffness by controlling magnetorheological fluid(MRF) around a...This work investigates adaptive stiffness control and motion optimization of a snake-like robot with variable stiffness actuators. The robot can vary its stiffness by controlling magnetorheological fluid(MRF) around actuators. In order to improve the robot's physical stability in complex environments, this work proposes an adaptive stiffness control strategy. This strategy is also useful for the robot to avoid disturbing caused by emergency situations such as collisions. In addition, to obtain optimal stiffness and reduce energy consumption, both torques of actuators and stiffness of the MRF braker are considered and optimized by using an evolutionary optimization algorithm. Simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the proposed adaptive stiffness control and optimization methods for a variable stiffness snake-like robots.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the risk factors related to the development of pressure sores in critically ill surgical patients and to establish a basis for the formulation of effective precautions. Methods: A questionn...Objective: To investigate the risk factors related to the development of pressure sores in critically ill surgical patients and to establish a basis for the formulation of effective precautions. Methods: A questionnaire regarding the factors for pressure sores in critically ill surgical patients was created using a case control study with reference to the pertinent literature. After being exam- ined and validated by experts, the questionnaire was used to collect data about critically ill surgical patients in a grade A tertiary hospital. Among the 47 patients enrolled into the study, the 14 who developed nosocomial pressure sores were allocated to the pressure sore group, and the remaining 33 patients who met the inclusion criteria and did not exhibit pressure sores were allocated to the control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the differences in 22 indicators between the two groups in an attempt to identify the risk factors for pressure sores. Results: According to the univariate analyses, the maximum value of lactic acid in the arterial blood, the number of days of norepinephrine use, the number of days of mechanical ventilation, the number of days of blood purification, and the number of days of bowel incontinence were statistically greater in the pressure sore group than in the control group (P〈0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of days of norepinephrine use and the level of lactic acid in the arterial blood were high risk-factors for pressure sores (P〈0.05). Conclusions: The best method for preventing and control pressure sores in surgical critically ill patients is to strongly emphasize the duration of the critical status and to give special attention to patients in a continuous state of shock. The adoption of measures specific to high-risk patient groups and risk factors, including the active control of primary diseases and the application of decompression measures during the treatment of the patients, are helpful for improving the quality of care in the prevention and control of pressure sores in critically ill patients.展开更多
In order to solve oscillation of head of the underwater snake-like robot,the Central Pattern Generator( CPG)-based control scheme with head-controller was presented. The Kane dynamic model was constructed to be proces...In order to solve oscillation of head of the underwater snake-like robot,the Central Pattern Generator( CPG)-based control scheme with head-controller was presented. The Kane dynamic model was constructed to be processed with a commercial package MotionGenesis Kane 5. 3,to which the proposed control scheme was applied. The relation between CPG parameters and orientation offset of head was investigated. The target orientation of head-controller was calculated through a convenient method. The advantage of this control scheme is that the head of the underwater snake-like robot remains in the forward direction during swimming. To prove the feasibility of the proposed methodology,two basic motion patterns,swimming along the straight line and swimming along the curved path,had been implemented in our simulation platform. The results showed that the simulation platform can imitate the swimming of the underwater snake-like robot and the head of the underwater snake-like robot remains in a fixed orientation directed towards the target. The oscillation of head's orientation is inhibited effectively.展开更多
The structure and motion principle of a hinged synchronous universal joint (HSUJ) is introduced, also whose kinematics is theoretically analyzed. As a result, a few kinematic characters of the HSUJ are obtained,which ...The structure and motion principle of a hinged synchronous universal joint (HSUJ) is introduced, also whose kinematics is theoretically analyzed. As a result, a few kinematic characters of the HSUJ are obtained,which establish the foundation of its application for snake-like manipulator. Making use of the HSUJ ss actuating mechauism, the developed snake-like manipulator has the merits of small curve radius, fewer actuator, and small volume etc.展开更多
A MNSM( mirror neuron system mechanism)-based controller is developed to present the swimming rhythm of a snake-like robot in Cartesian space. From engineering viewpoint,the proposed controller is composed of a neuron...A MNSM( mirror neuron system mechanism)-based controller is developed to present the swimming rhythm of a snake-like robot in Cartesian space. From engineering viewpoint,the proposed controller is composed of a neuron for rhythm angle and two neurons for motion knowledge in XY plane. The given knowledge is a rhythm curve for swimming motion of a snake-like robot. Experimental results show that the proposed controller can present the knowledge of swimming rhythm,which represents the corresponding control law to drive the snake-like robot to swim with different speeds and turning motion. This work provides a novel method to present the knowledge for swimming motion of snake-like robots.展开更多
As a hyper-redundant robot, a 3D snake-like robot can perform many other configurations and types of locomotion adapted to environment except for mimicking the natural snake locomotion. The natural snake locomotion us...As a hyper-redundant robot, a 3D snake-like robot can perform many other configurations and types of locomotion adapted to environment except for mimicking the natural snake locomotion. The natural snake locomotion usually limits locomotion capability of the robot because of inadequacy in the mechanism and actuation to imitate characters of natural snake such as the too many DOFs and the characteristics of the muscle. In order to apply snake-like robots to the unstructured environment, the researchers have designed many gaits for increasing the adaptability to a variety of surroundings. The twist-related locomotion is an effective gait achieved by jointly driving the pitching-DOF and yawing-DOF, with which the snakelike robot can move on rough ground and even climb up some obstacles. In dfis paper, the twist-related locomotion function is firstly solved, and simplified to be expressible by sine or cosine function. The 2D locomotion such as V-shape and U-shape is achieved. Also by applying it to the serpentine locomotion or other types of locomotion, the snake-like robot can complete composite locomotion that combines the serpentine locomotion or others with twist-related locomotion. Then we extend the twist-related locomotion to 3D space. Finally, the experimental results are presented to validate all above analyses.展开更多
In prior research,the orientation of head of the snake-like robot is changed according to the sinusoidal wave. To solve this problem,we propose Central Pattern Generator( CPG)-based control scheme with head-controller...In prior research,the orientation of head of the snake-like robot is changed according to the sinusoidal wave. To solve this problem,we propose Central Pattern Generator( CPG)-based control scheme with head-controller to stabilize the head of the underwater snake-like robot. The advantage of the CPG-based control scheme with head-controller is that the head of the underwater snake-like robot is direct to the target orientation during swimming. The relation between CPG parameters and orientation stability of head is discussed.The adaptation of the proposed method to environment changes is tested. The influences of CPG parameters and hydrodynamic forces on the orientation offset of head are investigated. The target orientation( the input of headcontroller) with an experimental optimization is calculated through a convenient method. To prove the feasibility of the proposed methodology,the different swimming modes have been implemented in our simulation platform.The results show that the oscillation of head's orientation is inhibited effectively,and the proposed method has strong adaptation to environment and CPG parameters changes.展开更多
文摘Background: Prolonged pressure on the skin known as pressure sores, can cause frequent injuries to the skin and underlying tissues. However, several prevention approaches, including non-surgical and surgical management,are available. In flap surgery for pressure sores, a variety of flap types may be used;each offers certain benefits and some incidences of complications and recurrence. This study evaluated the versatility of the perforatorenhanced rhomboid flap technique for ischial sore construction.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Plastic Surgery Department of Fayoum University Hospital.The perforator-enhanced rhomboid flap technique was employed in 20 patients with ischial pressure sores who failed to respond to conservative treatment. A proper history was obtained and a preoperative arterial duplex was performed to determine the site of the prominent perforators for their preservation at the base of the flap.Postoperative follow-ups and evaluations were performed.Results: The mean age of the study group was 43.7 ± 13.1, ranging from 19 to 65 years. Moreover, 80% of the participants were males while 20% were female. The main etiology of the sores was paraplegia in 45% of cases.The mean surface area of sores was 24.8 ± 6.3 cm2. In 75% of cases, the color match of the flap was rated as excellent. Similarly, 70% of the patients rated flap thickness as excellent. In 55% of the cases, the scar appearance was deemed excellent. Overall satisfaction was reported as excellent by 40% of the patients, while only 5% reported poor satisfaction. Approximately, 10% of the cases were identified with seroma, and 30% had wound dehiscence of a mean size of 1.33 ± 0.98 cm and required around 6.8 ± 1.9 weeks to heal.Conclusion: The perforator-enhanced rhomboid flap technique is a versatile method for reconstructing ischial pressure sores owing to its technical ease, short operative time, reliable vascularity, aesthetic outcome, matching skin color, and short recovery time. The main limitations include large defects with large surface areas, lack of a nearby donor site for a rhomboid flap, and scarring from prior procedures around the sore.
文摘Hydrodynamic force is an important factor that affects the performance of underwater vehicle.Adapting to the current underwater environment by changing its shape is an important feature of underwater snake-like robots(USLR).An experiment was implemented to verify the swimming along the straight line of USLR.A simulation platform is also established for the analysis of the swimming of USLR.To figure out adaptive swimming of USLR to different underwater environments,the relationships between CPG parameters and maximum swimming speed have been discussed,and the switching between different swimming modes has been implemented.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51575034)Beijing Leading Talents Program(Z191100006119031)+2 种基金Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation(3202022)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFB1304600)the State Key Laboratory of Robotics of China(2018-O15)。
文摘This work investigates adaptive stiffness control and motion optimization of a snake-like robot with variable stiffness actuators. The robot can vary its stiffness by controlling magnetorheological fluid(MRF) around actuators. In order to improve the robot's physical stability in complex environments, this work proposes an adaptive stiffness control strategy. This strategy is also useful for the robot to avoid disturbing caused by emergency situations such as collisions. In addition, to obtain optimal stiffness and reduce energy consumption, both torques of actuators and stiffness of the MRF braker are considered and optimized by using an evolutionary optimization algorithm. Simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the proposed adaptive stiffness control and optimization methods for a variable stiffness snake-like robots.
文摘Objective: To investigate the risk factors related to the development of pressure sores in critically ill surgical patients and to establish a basis for the formulation of effective precautions. Methods: A questionnaire regarding the factors for pressure sores in critically ill surgical patients was created using a case control study with reference to the pertinent literature. After being exam- ined and validated by experts, the questionnaire was used to collect data about critically ill surgical patients in a grade A tertiary hospital. Among the 47 patients enrolled into the study, the 14 who developed nosocomial pressure sores were allocated to the pressure sore group, and the remaining 33 patients who met the inclusion criteria and did not exhibit pressure sores were allocated to the control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the differences in 22 indicators between the two groups in an attempt to identify the risk factors for pressure sores. Results: According to the univariate analyses, the maximum value of lactic acid in the arterial blood, the number of days of norepinephrine use, the number of days of mechanical ventilation, the number of days of blood purification, and the number of days of bowel incontinence were statistically greater in the pressure sore group than in the control group (P〈0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of days of norepinephrine use and the level of lactic acid in the arterial blood were high risk-factors for pressure sores (P〈0.05). Conclusions: The best method for preventing and control pressure sores in surgical critically ill patients is to strongly emphasize the duration of the critical status and to give special attention to patients in a continuous state of shock. The adoption of measures specific to high-risk patient groups and risk factors, including the active control of primary diseases and the application of decompression measures during the treatment of the patients, are helpful for improving the quality of care in the prevention and control of pressure sores in critically ill patients.
基金Sponsored by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51009091)the Special Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education(Grant No.20100073120016)
文摘In order to solve oscillation of head of the underwater snake-like robot,the Central Pattern Generator( CPG)-based control scheme with head-controller was presented. The Kane dynamic model was constructed to be processed with a commercial package MotionGenesis Kane 5. 3,to which the proposed control scheme was applied. The relation between CPG parameters and orientation offset of head was investigated. The target orientation of head-controller was calculated through a convenient method. The advantage of this control scheme is that the head of the underwater snake-like robot remains in the forward direction during swimming. To prove the feasibility of the proposed methodology,two basic motion patterns,swimming along the straight line and swimming along the curved path,had been implemented in our simulation platform. The results showed that the simulation platform can imitate the swimming of the underwater snake-like robot and the head of the underwater snake-like robot remains in a fixed orientation directed towards the target. The oscillation of head's orientation is inhibited effectively.
基金Robotics LaboratoryChinese Academy of Sciences foundation(RL200105)+1 种基金Shanghai Civic Department of ScienceTechnology(985511057)
文摘The structure and motion principle of a hinged synchronous universal joint (HSUJ) is introduced, also whose kinematics is theoretically analyzed. As a result, a few kinematic characters of the HSUJ are obtained,which establish the foundation of its application for snake-like manipulator. Making use of the HSUJ ss actuating mechauism, the developed snake-like manipulator has the merits of small curve radius, fewer actuator, and small volume etc.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.61333016)
文摘A MNSM( mirror neuron system mechanism)-based controller is developed to present the swimming rhythm of a snake-like robot in Cartesian space. From engineering viewpoint,the proposed controller is composed of a neuron for rhythm angle and two neurons for motion knowledge in XY plane. The given knowledge is a rhythm curve for swimming motion of a snake-like robot. Experimental results show that the proposed controller can present the knowledge of swimming rhythm,which represents the corresponding control law to drive the snake-like robot to swim with different speeds and turning motion. This work provides a novel method to present the knowledge for swimming motion of snake-like robots.
文摘As a hyper-redundant robot, a 3D snake-like robot can perform many other configurations and types of locomotion adapted to environment except for mimicking the natural snake locomotion. The natural snake locomotion usually limits locomotion capability of the robot because of inadequacy in the mechanism and actuation to imitate characters of natural snake such as the too many DOFs and the characteristics of the muscle. In order to apply snake-like robots to the unstructured environment, the researchers have designed many gaits for increasing the adaptability to a variety of surroundings. The twist-related locomotion is an effective gait achieved by jointly driving the pitching-DOF and yawing-DOF, with which the snakelike robot can move on rough ground and even climb up some obstacles. In dfis paper, the twist-related locomotion function is firstly solved, and simplified to be expressible by sine or cosine function. The 2D locomotion such as V-shape and U-shape is achieved. Also by applying it to the serpentine locomotion or other types of locomotion, the snake-like robot can complete composite locomotion that combines the serpentine locomotion or others with twist-related locomotion. Then we extend the twist-related locomotion to 3D space. Finally, the experimental results are presented to validate all above analyses.
基金Sponsored by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51009091)the Special Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education(Grant No.20100073120016)
文摘In prior research,the orientation of head of the snake-like robot is changed according to the sinusoidal wave. To solve this problem,we propose Central Pattern Generator( CPG)-based control scheme with head-controller to stabilize the head of the underwater snake-like robot. The advantage of the CPG-based control scheme with head-controller is that the head of the underwater snake-like robot is direct to the target orientation during swimming. The relation between CPG parameters and orientation stability of head is discussed.The adaptation of the proposed method to environment changes is tested. The influences of CPG parameters and hydrodynamic forces on the orientation offset of head are investigated. The target orientation( the input of headcontroller) with an experimental optimization is calculated through a convenient method. To prove the feasibility of the proposed methodology,the different swimming modes have been implemented in our simulation platform.The results show that the oscillation of head's orientation is inhibited effectively,and the proposed method has strong adaptation to environment and CPG parameters changes.