Impact of night orthotic managements on gastroc-soleus complex tightness in pediatric with flexible flatfoot: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Equinus generally is linked to many foot and ankle pathologies. A reasonably convincing relationship was found between isolated gastrocnemius or Achilles contracture and the flatfoot deformity. Achilles' tightness in flatfoot children can lead to future pain and disability, which makes it more important than other types of flatfeet. Findings in the literature suggest stretching and orthotic management as a conservative treatment for this compound disorder. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to examine the impact of orthotic managements on gastroc-soleus complex tightness in pediatric with flexible flatfoot. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science) was performed to find relevant articles. The level of evidence and quality was identified using Downs and Black (1998). This review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-seven studies were found by searching electronic databases. After removing duplicate documents, 190 documents remained. Three other articles were identified from the screened of related references. During title/abstract screening, 193 studies were excluded and no study was selected for full consideration for the present review. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, no study assessed the impact of orthotic management on gastroc-soleus complex tightness in children with flexible flatfoot. These devices have been proposed in spastic and nonspastic patients. Hence, researches that show whether these devices can be effective on gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon tightness in flatfoot children or not will be worthwhile.

Utilizing an Emotional Robot Capable of Lip-Syncing in Robot-Assisted Speech Therapy Sessions for Children with Language Disorders.

This study scrutinizes the impacts of utilizing a socially assistive robot, the RASA robot, during speech therapy sessions for children with language disorders. Two capabilities were developed for the robotic platform to enhance children-robot interactions during speech therapy interventions: facial expression communication (containing recognition and expression) and lip-syncing. Facial expression recognition was conducted by training several well-known CNN architectures on one of the most extensive facial expressions databases, the AffectNet database, and then modifying them using the transfer learning strategy performed on the CK+ dataset. The robot's lip-syncing capability was designed in two steps. The first step was concerned with designing precise schemes of the articulatory elements needed during the pronunciation of the Persian phonemes (i.e., consonants and vowels). The second step included developing an algorithm to pronounce words by disassembling them into their components (including consonants and vowels) and then morphing them into each other successively. To pursue the study's primary goal, two comparable groups of children with language disorders were considered, the intervention and control groups. The intervention group attended therapy sessions in which the robot acted as the therapist's assistant, while the control group only communicated with the human therapist. The study's first purpose was to compare the children's engagement while playing a mimic game with the affective robot and the therapist, conducted via video coding. The second objective was to assess the efficacy of the robot's presence in the speech therapy sessions alongside the therapist, accomplished by administering the Persian Test of Language Development, Persian TOLD. According to the first scenario, playing with the affective robot is more engaging than playing with the therapist. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of the study's results indicates that participating in robot-assisted speech therapy (RAST) sessions enhances children with language disorders' achievements in comparison with taking part in conventional speech therapy interventions.

Foot and ankle characteristics associated with fear of falling and mobility in community-dwelling older people: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fear of falling is multifactorial in etiology and is associated with falls. It has been demonstrated that foot problems increase the risk of falls in older people. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the associations of foot and ankle characteristics with fear of falling and mobility in community-dwelling older people. METHOD: One hundred and eighty-seven community-dwelling older adults (106 females) aged 62-90 years (mean 70.5 ± 5.2) from Isfahan, Iran, were recruited. Foot and ankle characteristics (including foot posture, range of motion, muscle strength, deformity, tactile sensation, pain and dynamic function), fear of falling (Fall Efficacy Scale International) and mobility (Timed Up and Go Test) were measured. Two multivariate linear regression analyses identified variables independently associated with fear of falling and mobility. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis revealed that less ankle plantarflexor muscle strength, greater pressure-time integral, foot pain, and reduced tactile sensitivity of the ankle were significantly and independently associated with increased fear of falling. The total variance explained by the model was 59%. Less ankle plantarflexor muscle strength, greater pressure-time integral, and slower centre of pressure velocity were significantly and independently associated with poorer mobility. The total variance explained by the model was 48%. CONCLUSION: Several foot and ankle characteristics are associated with fear of falling and mobility in older people. Targeting these modifiable risk factors may play a role in reducing fear of falling and enhancing mobility performance in this population.

Design, Manufacture, and Acceptance Evaluation of APO: A Lip-syncing Social Robot Developed for Lip-reading Training Programs.

Lack of educational facilities for the burgeoning world population, financial barriers, and the growing tendency in favor of inclusive education have all helped channel a general inclination toward using various educational assistive technologies, e.g., socially assistive robots. Employing social robots in diverse educational scenarios could enhance learners' achievements by motivating them and sustaining their level of engagement. This study is devoted to manufacturing and investigating the acceptance of a novel social robot named APO, designed to improve hearing-impaired individuals' lip-reading skills through an educational game. To accomplish the robot's objective, we proposed and implemented a lip-syncing system on the APO social robot. The proposed robot's potential with regard to its primary goals, tutoring and practicing lip-reading, was examined through two main experiments. The first experiment was dedicated to evaluating the clarity of the utterances articulated by the robot. The evaluation was quantified by comparing the robot's articulation of words with a video of a human teacher lip-syncing the same words. In this inspection, due to the adults' advanced skill in lip-reading compared to children, twenty-one adult participants were asked to identify the words lip-synced in the two scenarios (the articulation of the robot and the video recorded from the human teacher). Subsequently, the number of words that participants correctly recognized from the robot and the human teacher articulations was considered a metric to evaluate the caliber of the designed lip-syncing system. The outcome of this experiment revealed that no significant differences were observed between the participants' recognition of the robot and the human tutor's articulation of multisyllabic words. Following the validation of the proposed articulatory system, the acceptance of the robot by a group of hearing-impaired participants, eighteen adults and sixteen children, was scrutinized in the second experiment. The adults and the children were asked to fill in two standard questionnaires, UTAUT and SAM, respectively. Our findings revealed that the robot acquired higher scores than the lip-syncing video in most of the questionnaires' items, which could be interpreted as a greater intention of utilizing the APO robot as an assistive technology for lip-reading instruction among adults and children.

Synthesis of a magnetic SBA-15-NH2@Dual-Template Imprinted Polymer for solid phase extraction and determination of Pb and Cd in vegetables; Box Behnken design.

In this study, a simple one-step method was applied for extraction and determination of lead and cadmium. The significant variables in extraction and pre-concentration were identified using analysis of variance and their behavior was modeled. Dual-template imprinted polymer was synthesized on modified Mesoporous silica structures coated with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The optimum condition was 6.12 for pH, 40.62 mg for the polymer amount and 17.38 for the ultrasonic time. Concentration range, correlation coefficient, limit of detection and relative standard deviation for lead were reported to be 0.5-950, 0.9988, 0.35 µg L-1 and 3.5%, respectively. For cadmium the above mentioned figure of merits were 0.3-980, 0.9969, 0.15 µg L-1 and 2.4%, respectively. The adsorption capacities for lead and cadmium were reported to be 10.28 and 10.38, while their imprinting factors were 5.89 and 6.36, respectively.

One-shot Learning from Demonstration Approach Toward a Reciprocal Sign Language-based HRI.

This paper addresses the lack of proper Learning from Demonstration (LfD) architectures for Sign Language-based Human-Robot Interactions to make them more extensible. The paper proposes and implements a Learning from Demonstration structure for teaching new Iranian Sign Language signs to a teacher assistant social robot, RASA. This LfD architecture utilizes one-shot learning techniques and Convolutional Neural Network to learn to recognize and imitate a sign after seeing its demonstration (using a data glove) just once. Despite using a small, low diversity data set (~ 500 signs in 16 categories), the recognition module reached a promising 4-way accuracy of 70% on the test data and showed good potential for increasing the extensibility of sign vocabulary in sign language-based human-robot interactions. The expansibility and promising results of the one-shot Learning from Demonstration technique in this study are the main achievements of conducting such machine learning algorithms in social Human-Robot Interaction.

Foot and ankle biomechanics during walking in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: The foot and ankle complex undergoes significant structural and functional changes with advancing age. RESEARCH QUESTION: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize and critique the research literature pertaining to foot and ankle biomechanics while walking in young and older adults. METHODS: Electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase) were searched from inception to April 2019 for cross-sectional studies which compared kinematics, kinetics and plantar pressure differences between young and older adults. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors, with disagreements resolved by consensus. RESULTS: A total of 39 articles underwent full-text screening, and 19 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. Meta-analysis showed that older adults had less ankle joint plantar flexion (5 studies; weighted mean difference [WMD]: -5.15; 95 %CI: -6.47 to -3.83; P < 0.001) and less ankle joint power generation (6 studies; standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.62; 95 %CI: -0.82 to -0.41; P < 0.001) during propulsion compared to young adults. These differences persisted in subgroup analyses comparing different walking speeds. Plantar pressure findings were highly variable due to differences in data collection protocols and meta-analysis was not possible. SIGNIFICANCE: Older adults have unique foot and ankle kinematics and kinetics during walking characterized by reduced ankle joint plantarflexion and power generation during propulsion.

Structural and functional foot and ankle characteristics associated with falls in older people.

BACKGROUND: Falls affect approximately one in three older people, and foot problems are amongst the modifiable potential risk factors. RESEARCH QUESTION: what are the associations between foot and ankle functional and structural characteristics with falls in community-dwelling older adults? METHOD: One hundred eighty-seven community-dwelling older adults (106 females) aged 62-90 years (mean 70.5 ±â€¯5.2) from Isfahan, Iran were recruited. Foot and ankle structure and function (including foot posture, range of motion, muscle strength, deformity, pain and plantar loading patterns during walking) were measured. Fall history was documented in the preceding year. Univariate analyses compared fallers and non-fallers on all variables to determine significant differences and logistic regression analysis identified variables independently associated with falls. RESULTS: Seventy-four participants (39.9 %) had experienced a fall in the previous year. Logistic regression analysis revealed that less first metatarsophalangeal joint extension (odds ratio 0.82, 95 % CI 0.73-0.91), less plantarflexor muscle strength (odds ratio 0.29, 95 % CI 0.15-0.55), greater pressure-time integral in the medial forefoot (odds ratio 2.65, 95 %CI 1.10-6.38), greater center of pressure velocity in the forefoot (odds ratio 1.27, 95 % CI 1.07-1.49) and greater foot pain (odds ratio 1.09, 95 % CI 1.02-1.16) were significantly and independently associated with falls after accounting for physiological falls risk factors. SIGNIFICANCE: We have identified several structural and functional foot and ankle characteristics associated with falling in older people. Future development of interventions to help prevent or treat these potentially modifiable risk factors may help decrease the risk of falling in this population.

Micro solid phase extraction of cadmium and lead on a new ion-imprinted hierarchical mesoporous polymer via dual-template method in river water and fish muscles: Optimization by experimental design.

In the present study, a new class of hierarchical silica based imprinted mesoporous polymers was fabricated by ion imprinting technology and it was applied to simultaneous selective extraction of cadmium and lead ions by micro solid phase extraction (µ-SPE). The biological nanocrystalline cellulose (BNCC) was prepared via acid catalyzed hydrolysis of cotton wool. The hierarchical silica (HS), as a substrate material, was synthesized via dual-template method, using BNCC and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as hard and soft templates respectively. The structure and functional groups was characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. The results indicate that the as-prepared material has a hierarchical mesoporous structure with high specific surface area and high adsorption capacity for Cd(II) and Pb(II). The optimum experimental conditions in the proposed procedure were determined by response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box Behnken Design (BBD) and then it was successfully applied to determine Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions in the river water and fish samples.

Social Robotics, Education, and Religion in the Islamic World: An Iranian Perspective.

The social impact of robotics applied to domains such as education, religion, nursing, and therapy across the world depends on the level of technology as well as the culture in which it is used. By studying how robots are used in Iran, a technologically-savvy country with a long history and a rich culture, we explore their possible impact on interrelated areas of religious and ethical features in education in an Islamic society. To accomplish this task, a preliminary exploratory study was conducted using two social robots as teaching assistants in Islamic religion classes for 42 elementary students. More than 90% of the participants in the study absolutely preferred the robot-assisted religion class over one taught by a human. Building on the results from the students' viewpoints and exam scores, the acceptability and potential of using social robots in the education of Islamic religious concepts in Iran are further discussed in this paper.

Ultrasonic-assisted micro solid phase extraction of arsenic on a new ion-imprinted polymer synthesized from chitosan-stabilized pickering emulsion in water, rice and vegetable samples.

Pickering emulsion polymerization has been employed for the Ultrasonic assisted-micro solid phase extraction (UA-µSPE) of ultra trace arsenic species by a new magnetic ion imprinted polymer (MIIP) prior to hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. 2-acetyl benzofuran thiosemicarbazone (2-ABT) as a new chelating agent and core- shell hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles was synthesized and the polymerization was carried out at the presence of arsenic - ligand complex, crosslinker, monomer, initiator, stabilizing agent and water-oil emulsion magnetic carrier. In second step, the nanoparticles and polymers were characterized. The analytical parameters such as pH, amount of polymer and ultrasonic time were selected and optimozed by Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs respectively. Linear dynamic range, detection limit and relative standard deviation were 0.01-85.000 µg·L-l, 0.003 µg·L-l, and 3.21%, respectively. The proposed preconcentration procedure was successfully applied to the determination of arsenic ion in a wide range of food samples with different and complex matrixes.

The analysis of the trend of educational system in orthotics and prosthetics in Iran and the world: A step toward the foresight.

BACKGROUND: Along with the growth of science and technology, the orthotics and prosthetics (O and P) have been changing since the past as a dynamic profession and the role of a specialist in O and P has also undergone a change due to needs of society and the growth of technologies. To illustrate the future direction of an educational system, it is necessary to have a trend analysis of what weaknesses and strengths have existed in the past and the present. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this analysis, two methods of scoping review and interview were conducted. For the purpose of scoping review, database searches of PubMed, ERIC, SID, and Web of Science in combination with a search on websites of key organizations, including universities, World Health Organization, and International Society of O and P were conducted. RESULTS: Various trends have been formed from different aspects in the health education system due to multifaceted nature of the O and P. The areas include health and education services, technology, curriculum, educational programs, and accreditation. CONCLUSION: The debate on monitoring and evaluation of O and P educational systems has been also developed along with the progress made in the training of O and P. The training of individuals by setting minimum standards leads to a professional competency in line and is considered as other issues arisen in the field of education; however, in recent years, improvements in this field have not been significant.

Evaluation of the gait performance of above-knee amputees while walking with 3R20 and 3R15 knee joints.

BACKGROUND: The performance of the subjects with above-knee amputation is noticeably poorer than normal subjects. Various types of components have been designed to compensate their performance. Among various prosthetic components, the knee joint has great influence on the function. Two types of knee joints (3R15, 3R20) have been used broadly for above-knee prostheses. However, there is not enough research to highlight the influence of these joints on the gait performance of the subjects. Therefore, an aim of this research was to investigate the performance of the above-knee amputees while walking with 3R15 and 3R20 knee joints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 7 above-knee amputees were recruited in this research study. They were asked to walk with a comfortable speed to investigate the gait function of the subjects with 3 cameras 3D motion analysis system (Kinematrix system). The difference between the performances of the subjects with these joints was compared by use of paired t-test. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that, the performances of the subjects with 3R20 were better than that with 3R15. The walking speed of the subjects with 3R20 was 66.7 m/min compared to 30.4 m/min (P-value = 0.045). Moreover; the symmetry of walking with 3R20 was more than that with 3R15, based on the spatio- temporal gait parameters values (P-value <0.05). CONCLUSION: The difference between the performances of the subjects with 3R20 and 3R15 knee joints was related to the walking speed, which improved while walking with 3R20 joint.

Simultaneous determination of tryptophan, uric acid and ascorbic acid at iron(III) doped zeolite modified carbon paste electrode.

A new chemically modified electrode is constructed based on iron(III) doped zeolite modified carbon paste electrode (Fe(3+)Y/ZCME). The electrode was evaluated as a sensor for sub-micromolar determination of tryptophan (Trp), uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) in aqueous solutions. The measurements were carried out by application of the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method in phosphate buffer solution with pH 3.5. Iron(III) loaded in zeolite can increase anodic peak currents by adsorption of Trp, UA and AA on electrode surface The analytical performance was evaluated with respect to the carbon paste composition, pH of solution, accumulation time and accumulation potential. The prepared electrode shows voltammetric responses with high sensitivity and selectivity for Trp, UA and AA in optimal conditions, which makes it very suitable for simultaneous determination of these compounds. The linear calibration range for AA in the presence of 50 microM UA and 50 microMTrp was 0.6 microM to 100 microM, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992, and a detection limit of 0.21 microM (S/N=3). A linear relationship was found for UA in the range of 0.3-700 microM containing 10 microM AA and 50 microM Trp, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9990 and a detection limit of 0.08 microM. The linear calibration range for Trp in the presence of 10 microM AA and 50 microM UA was 0.2-150 microM, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996, and a detection limit of 0.06 microM. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination Trp, UA and AA in biological systems and pharmaceutical samples.