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A tunable active-noise-control (ANC) circuit topology for headsets used in different applications is presented in this article. In the current consumer headset market, ANC is a mature technology that is commonly applied to wireless headsets connected to smartphones for listening to music and making phone calls. The development of ANC headsets has resulted in low-cost and simple devices due to the built-in ANC registers in the digital circuit. Digital circuit implementation is important to provide ultra-low latency processing for different algorithms compared with using digital signal processors (DSPs). However, a limitation associated with these built-in ANC filters is that the ANC digital circuit has been designed only for the wireless headset consumer market. Consequently, ANC headsets can only be used for designated features. ANC tuned for planes by eliminating low-frequency engine noise has been commonly used in the past twenty years. Pass-through (PT) amplification is also commonly tuned to allow users to hear external sounds and have conversations without having to remove their headset. In addition, ANC and PT amplification are also not allowed to operate simultaneously on the existing chipsets. In this paper, an ANC circuit topology with ultra-low latency processing is presented, where the ANC response of the headset can be tuned without any restriction imposed by the built-in ANC filters. The proposed ANC circuit topology consists of a commercial ANC chipset with an external audio codec to provide tunable characteristics. It is achieved by fixed maximum noise cancellation of ANC chipset being modified by summing with the signal from audio-codec path via an audio mixer. Acoustic performance for several headset applications implemented using the proposed circuit is validated. This simple circuit topology can be easily developed and adapted to the current headset consumer market for consumer-selective ANC in different environments.
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Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model has been applied in post-stroke rehabilitation, yet limited studies explored its clinical application on enhancing patients' Activity and Participation (ICF-A&P) level. Purpose: This study gathered evidence of the effects of an ICF-based post-stroke rehabilitation program (ICF-PSRP) in enhancing community reintegration in terms of ICF-A&P of post-stroke patients. Methods: Fifty-two post-stroke patients completed an 8 to 12 weeks multidisciplinary ICF-PSRP after setting personal treatment goals in an outpatient community rehabilitation center. Intake and pre-discharge assessments were administered for primary outcomes of Body function (ICF-BF; e.g., muscle strength) and ICF-A&P (e.g., mobility), and secondary outcomes of perceived improvements in ability (e.g., goal attainment and quality of life). Results: There were significantly higher levels in the ICF-BF and ICF-A&P domains, except cognitive function under the ICF-BF. Improvements in the primary outcomes predicted corresponding secondary outcomes. Firstly, expressive and receptive functions (ICP-BF) were mediated by the everyday language (ICF-A&P) which predicted patients' satisfaction with the language-related quality of life. Secondly, upper extremity function (ICP-BF) was mediated by the lower extremity mobility (ICF-A&P) predicting work and productivity-related quality of life. Content analyses showed that combined ICF-BF and ICF-A&P contents throughout the ICF-PSRP contributed to the positive treatment effects. Conclusion: The ICF-PSRP was effective in promoting body function, and activity and participation levels of post-stroke patients. Positive treatment effects are characterized by goal-setting process, cross-domain content design, and community-setting delivery.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05941078?id=NCT05941078&rank=1, identifier NCT05941078.
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Background: Body functions and structures, activities, and participation are the core components in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to identify post-stroke patients' health conditions. The specification of health conditions enhances the outcomes of post-stroke rehabilitation. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the extent and the processes in an ICF-based post-stroke rehabilitation program (ICF-PSRP) that could enhance patients' community reintegration level. Methods: Post-stroke patients who completed the ICF-PSRP participated in intake and pre-discharge individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. In addition, case therapists were invited to a face-to-face semi-structured group interview. Clinician experts were invited to complete an interview with the same interview contents as case therapists but in an online format. All interview recordings were analyzed with the Framework analysis. Patients' treatment goals were mapped with the ICF Core Set for Stroke. Results: Out of 37 invited post-stroke patients, thirty-three of them completed the interview. Three case therapists and five clinicians completed the interviews. The goals set by the patients and their caregivers showed a broadening of their scope over the course of the program. The changes in scope ranged from the activities to the participation and environmental components. Increases in patient-therapist interactions played an essential role in the goal-setting process, which were integral to personalizing the treatment content. These characteristics were perceived by all parties who contributed to the program outcomes. Conclusion: The application of ICF's principles and core components offers a useful framework for enhancing post-stroke patients' community reintegration level. Future studies should explore the way in which patient-therapist interaction, exposure to environmental factors, and personalized interventions maximize the benefits of applying this framework to the community integration of post-stroke patients.
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BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicated that the behavioral performances of older adults could be enhanced by multisensory integration. This pilot study tested the benefits of an audiovisual integrative (AV) training for improving the cognitive and upper limb motor functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Twenty participants, according to their MoCA scores, with ten in each of a MCI (mean age = 63.3 years) and healthy older adult group (mean age = 64.7 years), engaged in AV integrative training. They were recruited from the Institute of Active Ageing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The screening was conducted from February to March 2018 and the training program which consisted of three sessions (2 h each) was conducted from 14-28th May 2018. Their executive function, attention and upper limb functions were measured by the Stroop Test and Purdue Pegboard Test respectively. RESULTS: The mixed linear model analysis results showed significant Time x Group interaction effects in the time used in the Stroop Test (dots) (p = 0.042) and the Purdue Pegboard scores (non-dominant hand use) (p = 0.025). The MCI group exhibited significantly more improvements in attentional control and non-dominant hand motor functions after the training. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the AV integrative training has the potential for enhancing the cognitive and motor functions of older adults with MCI. Furthermore, AV integrative training can serve as an alternative non-pharmacological intervention for combating neurodegeneration in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry which is a World Health Organisation approved registry. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR2000029408, January 29th, 2020.
