Digital Commons Network^™

Supporting Careers, Strengthening Institutions: A Framework For Understanding The Careers Of University Professional Staff, Michelle Gander

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In recent decades, universities have undergone profound transformations shaped by globalisation, digital disruption, new accountability regimes, and shifting societal expectations. While considerable scholarly and public attention has focused on academic staff within these institutions, far less has been devoted to understanding the evolving roles and contributions of professional staff. This report addresses that gap by bringing much-needed visibility to the increasingly complex, strategic, and professionalised work undertaken by professional services staff in higher education. This report foregrounds the career trajectories and aspirations of university professional staff. It sheds light on the opportunities and constraints that shape their advancement. By tracing …

Ecological Resources Of A Heavily Modified And Utilised Temperate Coastal Embayment: Cockburn Sound, Peter J. Mitchell, Daniel E. Yeoh, Kurt N. Krispyn, Claire N. Greenwell, Sorcha Cronin-O’Reilly, Delphine B.H. Chabanne, Glenn A. Hyndes, Danielle Johnston, David V. Fairclough, Claire Wellington, Alan Cottingham, Gary Jackson, Jeffrey V. Norriss, Matias Braccini, Hector Lozano-Montes, Chandra P. Salgado Kent, Erin Clitheroe, Alissa Tate, James W. Penn, Marion Massam, Neil R. Loneragan, James R. Tweedley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Coastal environments and their associated biota provide numerous environmental, economic and societal services. Cockburn Sound, a temperate embayment on the lower west coast of Western Australia, is immensely important for the State and adjacent capital city of Perth. However, urbanisation and associated terrestrial and marine development has the potential to threaten this important ecosystem. This study collated published and unpublished data to review the current state of the ecological resources of Cockburn Sound and describe how they have changed over the past century. Post-WWII, the embayment began undergoing pronounced anthropogenic changes that limited oceanic water exchange, increased nutrient load, modified …

Indigenous Wisdom For Regeneration: Reducing The Knowledge Gap, Sandra Wooltorton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The author of this paper uses Indigenous-informed literature and explores the use of a Multispecies Collaboratory to hear place-based voices and practice ways of knowing often denied value by the mainstream. In the Indigenous nation of Australia, the author sets out to learn ways to practice environmental education that build upon aeons of experience at caring for and responding to Country. The starting point is a 2024 paper with three claims, which are: a culture of epistemic violence and denial support the mainstream paradigm which silences Indigenous voices; an Indigenous-informed way of being with living-places can inform the core of …

A Clinical Practice Review Of Optimizing The Approach For Correction Of Thoracolumbar Deformity— When And How To Perform Anterior Releases And Fusion, Brian M. Phelps, Munish C. Gupta

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Accuracy And Reliability Of Video-Based Range-Of-Motion Assessments In Postreconstruction Brachial Plexus Patients, Christopher J. Dy, Stephen J. Demartini, Eshan Sane, David M. Brogan, Planet Study Group

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: Following surgical reconstructions considered successful, many patients with brachial plexus injuries (BPI) have limited limb motion. In addition to manual muscle testing, clinicians typically measure active range of motion (AROM). AROM measurement relies on in-person examination and manual goniometers or visual estimation, both of which are subject to interobserver variability. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate reliability of video-based AROM assessments. We hypothesized that video-based assessment of AROM would have high inter-rater reliability (IRR) among surgeons who perform BPI reconstruction.

METHODS: We video recorded a standardized examination in a convenience sample of 8 postreconstruction BPI patients …

Comparison And Clinical Applicability Analysis Of All-Posterior, Combined Anterior-Posterior, And Combined Lateral-Posterior Approaches In Adult Spinal Deformities: A Narrative Review, Garrison P. Bentz, Christopher Diaz, Nicholas A. Pollatta, Mark J. Lambrechts

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Identity Work And Aspirations Of Indigenous Males Navigating Elite Australian Higher Education, James A. Smith, Garth Stahl, Andrew Harvey, Braden Hill, Himanshu Gupta, Sam Moore, Jianing Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In Australia, there has been increased attention to attracting Indigenous peoples into higher education but, despite a recent growth in enrolment numbers, they remain severely underrepresented. This underrepresentation is particularly notable among Indigenous males, who are the least likely to attend. In this paper, we investigate the experiences of four Indigenous young men who attended an elite higher education institution. Aligned with other research on the experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic males in higher education, the article captures how their experience in privileged institutions compels them to reflect on their own positionality and the cultural interface between Indigenous and …

Efficacy And Safety Of Dostarlimab In Combination With Chemotherapy In Patients With Dmmr/Msi-H Primary Advanced Or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer In A Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial (Engot-En6-Nsgo/Gog-3031/Ruby), Matthew A Powell, Carolyn Mccourt, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVES: Part 1 of the RUBY trial (NCT03981796) demonstrated improved survival in patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (EC) treated with dostarlimab plus carboplatin-paclitaxel versus placebo plus carboplatin-paclitaxel. Here, we examine additional efficacy and safety data from patients with mismatch repair deficient/microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) EC in the RUBY trial.

METHODS: Patients were randomized 1:1 to dostarlimab 500 mg or placebo plus carboplatin-paclitaxel every 3 weeks for 6 cycles followed by dostarlimab or placebo every 6 weeks for up to 3 years. In the dMMR/MSI-H population of RUBY Part 1, analysis of progression-free survival by investigator assessment compared with …

Early Changes In Spatiotemporal Dynamics Of Remapped Circuits And Global Networks Predict Functional Recovery After Stroke In Mice, Ryan M Bowen, Jake Lee, Brendon Wang, Keith R Lohse, Hanyang Miao, Jonah A Padawer-Curry, Asher J Albertson, Eric C Landsness, Adam Q Bauer, Jin-Moo Lee

2020-Current year OA Pubs

SIGNIFICANCE: Stroke is the leading cause of chronic disability in the United States. How stroke size affects post-stroke repair and recovery is poorly understood.

AIM: We aim to investigate the effects of stroke size on early repair patterns and determine how early changes in neuronal circuits and networks predict functional outcomes after stroke.

APPROACH: We used wide-field optical imaging, photothrombosis, and the cylinder-rearing assay to examine changes in neuronal circuit and network activity in the context of functional recovery after stroke.

RESULTS: Larger strokes ablating

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that diffuse patterns of remapping, and desynchronization and hyperconnectivity of cortical …

Feasibility And Psychometric Quality Of Smartphone Administered Cognitive Ecological Momentary Assessments In Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer, Ashley M. Henneghan, Emily W. Paolillo, Kathleen M. Van Dyk, Oscar Y. Franco-Rocha, Soyeong Bang, Rebecca Tasker, Tara Kaufmann, Darren Haywood, Nicolas H. Hart, Raeanne C. Moore

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is associated with burdensome side effects, including cognitive changes that require ongoing monitoring. Cognitive ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) allow for assessment of individual cognitive functioning in natural environments and can be administered via smartphones. Accordingly, we sought to establish the feasibility, reliability, and validity of a commercially available cognitive EMA platform. Methods: Using a prospective design, clinical cognitive and psychosocial assessments (cognitive batteries; patient reported outcomes) were collected at baseline, followed by a 28-day daily EMA protocol that included self-ratings for symptoms and mobile cognitive tests (memory, executive functioning, working memory, processing speed). Satisfaction and …

Exploring The Relationship Between Melanopsin Gene Variants, Sleep, And Markers Of Brain Health, Ayeisha Milligan Armstrong, Eleanor O'Brien, Tenielle Porter, Vincent Dore, Pierrick Bourgeat, Paul Maruff, Christopher C. Rowe, Victor L. Villemagne, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

INTRODUCTION: Melanopsin is a photopigment with roles in mediating sleep and circadian-related processes, which are often disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Melanopsin also impacts cognition and synaptogenesis. This study investigated the associations between melanopsin genetic variants, sleep, and markers of brain health. METHODS: Linear regression analyses examined the relationship of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the melanopsin gene (OPN4), with cortical amyloid beta (Aβ), cognition, brain volumes, and self-reported sleep traits in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Further analyses assessed whether sleep traits x OPN4 SNP interactions were associated with markers of brain health. RESULTS: OPN4 SNPs rs2355009 and rs3740334 were associated …

Exploring Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Effects On Physical Outcomes In People With Parkinson’S Disease: An Umbrella Evidence Mapping Review With Meta-Analyses, Dale M. Harris, Christopher Latella, Nicholas Tripodi, Steven J. O’Bryan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is sometimes used alongside medication to alleviate motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the evidence supporting NIBS’s effectiveness for improving motor function in PD patients is uncertain.

Objective: This umbrella review aims to synthesize recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have evaluated the effectiveness of NIBS in improving motor function in people with PD, with a key focus being to examine the quality of the evidence presented. Methods: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022380544) and conducted per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search strategy was …

Intrapartum Hydration Assessment And Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Australian And New Zealand Maternity Units, Brianne G. Mcintyre, Debbie Massey, Nigel Lee, Lauren Kearney

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Hydration assessment and management during labour play an important role in maternal and newborn outcomes. Studies indicate that clinical practice is inconsistent, with limited consensus evident in clinical guidelines. Current practices in fluid management across public and private maternity units within Australia and New Zealand remain unknown. Respondents highlighted the importance of maternal hydration assessment and management to well-being. However, inconsistencies were noted in the documentation, medication use and adherence to clinical protocols. Aim: Our study aimed to investigate unit-level clinical practice regarding intrapartum hydration assessment and management across Australian and New Zealand private and public hospitals. The scope …

Is There A Relationship Between Rapid Weight Changes And Self-Reported Injury In Combat Sports Athletes? A 14-Month Study Of 24 Combat Sports Events, Colin S. Doherty, Oliver R. Barley, Lauren V. Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To explore the potential association between rapid weight changes and self-reported injury status (presence or absence of injury) 7 days following competitive events among male and female combat sports competitors.

Design: A 14-month study of 24 events.

Methods: A weight management questionnaire was completed 1-day post-competition, and an injury questionnaire was completed 7 days post-competition. These online questionnaires provided data on body mass and injury status. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyse the odds ratios of rapid weight change variables and their impact on athletes' self-reporting as injured or non-injured.

Results: There were 172 responses (155 …

Patient Perception Of Involvement In Nursing Bedside Handover: A Cross-Sectional Study, Manonita Ghosh, Kaoru Nosaka, Rosemary Saunders, Olivia Gallagher, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Debannita Ghosh, Lucy Gent, Linda Coventry

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In Australia, aligned to safety and quality standards, the health system implements standardised practices that include patient involvement in nursing bedside handover. Despite this mandate, it remains unclear whether patients are genuinely participating in nursing bedside handovers and whether their perspectives are being considered. Aim: To explore patient perceptions of their involvement in nursing bedside handovers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in two acute metropolitan hospitals in Western Australia from July 2021 to March 2022. The survey administered to patients, comprised three sections: demographic information; involvement in bedside handover; and perceptions of bedside handovers; utilising close-ended and …

Planned Changes To Nurse Leadership, Staffing And Skill-Mix: Impact On The Working Environment, Job Satisfaction And Intention To Leave, Noeleen Brady, Selena O'Connell, David Gilligan, Caoimhe Madden, Lisa Gannon, Victoria Howson, Jane E. Ball, Aileen Murphy, Peter Griffiths, Christine Duffield, P. Anne Scott, Vera J.C. Mc Carthy, Jonathan Drennan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Job satisfaction and intention to leave have been consistently linked to the working environment. However, there are few studies of interventions for improving the environment or staff outcomes. Aim: To determine the impact of implementing a framework for safe nurse staffing on the environment and staff outcomes. This involved an assessment of required nursing hours per patient day, supernumerary nurse in charge and minimum 80:20 skill-mix, with intentional changes in staffing if required. Design: A pre-post observational design. Methods: This was a prospective observational study in six medical and/or surgical wards across three acute hospitals in Ireland. The outcomes …

Psychotropic Polypharmacy In Dementia: A Retrospective Analysis For People With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Referred To An Australian Dementia Support Service, Mustafa Atee, Andrew Stafford, Daniel Whiting, Ya Ping Lee, Christopher Morrow, Guillaume Nyakaboyi, Ella Warnes, Thomas Morris

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and Objectives: Despite their limited benefits and serious adverse effects, psychotropics remain frequently prescribed for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of dementia. Psychotropic polypharmacy, the use of two or more concomitant psychotropic medications, is therefore not recommended for people with dementia. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy in Australians living with dementia whose caregivers sought external NPS support from Dementia Support Australia (DSA; the national provider of NPS support) and the association of psychotropic polypharmacy with their demographics and NPS characteristics. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of a subset of DSA referrals at baseline …

Rapid Diagnosis Of Bacterial Vaginosis Using Machine-Learning-Assisted Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Of Human Vaginal Fluids, Xin Ru Wen, Jia Wei Tang, Jie Chen, Hui Min Chen, Muhammad Usman, Quan Yuan, Yu Rong Tang, Yu Dong Zhang, Hui Jin Chen, Liang Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an abnormal gynecological condition caused by the overgrowth of specific bacteria in the vagina. This study aims to develop a novel method for BV detection by integrating surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with machine learning (ML) algorithms. Vaginal fluid samples were classified as BV positive or BV negative using the BVBlue Test and clinical microscopy, followed by SERS spectral acquisition to construct the data set. Preliminary SERS spectral analysis revealed notable disparities in characteristic peak features. Multiple ML models were constructed and optimized, with the convolutional neural network (CNN) model achieving the highest prediction accuracy at 99%. …

Processed Amaranth And Finger Millet Enriched With Cricket Flour Influence The Functionality, Microbial Quality, Shelf Life, And Consumer Preference Of The Porridge Products, Nelly Maiyo, Michael Okoth, George Abong, Brian O. Ochieng, Fathiya Khamis, Margaret Kababu, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Exploration of nutritious, cheap, and easy-to-prepare locally available complementary foods using different processing techniques is gaining traction globally. This study evaluated the impact of three processing techniques (roasting, germination, and fermentation) on finger millet and amaranth quality. The implications of blending processed products with 10% cricket flour on the functional properties, microbial safety, and shelf life of the porridge products were tested. Thereafter, consumer preference and acceptability of the cooked porridge products were assessed with randomly enrolled panelist of mothers (20–66 years), as primary caregivers. Our results showed that powder from germinated cereal products had higher swelling power, water absorption …

An Assessment Of Vegetable Production Constraints, Trait Preferences And Willingness To Adopt Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya And Uganda, Rose N. Okoma, Evanson R. Omuse, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Marius F. Murongo, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global food production systems are under pressure due to population increase, limited farmland, biotic and abiotic constrains, and ongoing climate change. Sustainable intensification is needed to increase agricultural productivity with minimal adverse environmental and social impacts. Vegetable-integrated push pull (VIPP) technology coupled with black soldier fly (BSF) frass offer such opportunities to smallholder farmers. However, farmers’ vegetable preferences and willingness to adopt these innovations remain unknown and are variable across various geographic scales. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-person interviews with smallholder farmers were conducted to assess vegetable production constraints and select vegetables to be integrated into VIPP coupled with …

The Genomic Landscape Of Hermetia Illucens: Exploring The Potential Of The Black Soldier Fly Through Molecular Insights, Peter Muchina, Johnson Kinyua, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Grum Gebreyesus, Zexi Cai, Goutam Sahana

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Abstract The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has garnered significant attention recently due to its potential applications in waste management, animal feed production, frass fertilizer production, and biotechnology. Despite its numerous advantages, genomic resources for BSF remain limited, underscoring the necessity for continued genomic exploration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genomic landscape of BSF, emphasizing the critical role of genomics in understanding its biology and optimizing its applications. We highlighted recent advancements in BSF genome sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and the characterization of the gut microbiome, revealing its implications for BSF health and production efficiency. …

Is Youth's Engagement In Agribusiness An Opportunity Or A Necessity? A Closer Look At The Situation In South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic Of The Congo, Cool Dady Mangole, Paul Martin Dontsop Nguezet, Shiferaw Feleke, Victor Manyong, Kamala Kaghoma Christian, Zoumana Bamba, Tahirou Abdoulaye

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Despite the broad focus on necessity- and opportunity-driven entrepreneurship in research and policy, the entrepreneurial dichotomy within the agribusiness context has not been adequately addressed. This study contributes to closing this knowledge gap by examining youth's perceptions of agribusiness through the lens of the push-pull motivation framework. Results reveal that 47% of youth are driven into agribusiness by both necessity and opportunity, while 41% by necessity alone and only 12% by opportunity alone. Key factors shaping youth's perceptions include gender, education, food processing participation, agribusiness-related training, land ownership, monthly income, and family farming background. The result further identifies significant heterogeneity …

Annual Diversity Of Honey Bee Pollen Sources In Two Pumpkin Growing Landscapes, Machakos County, Kenya, Marystella W. Nang’Oni, Muo Kasina, Rebecca Karanja, Mary M. Guantai, Rahab N. Kinyanjui, Evanson R. Omuse, Michael H.G. Lattorff, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Marian Adan, Samira A. Mohamed, Thomas Dubois

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Multi-floral foraging sources for honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) have been threatened by landscape changes and unsustainable farming practices. In East Africa, the biodiversity of forage resources that could support honey bees, especially in agricultural lands, remains least explored. This study investigated pollen diversity for honey bees in Yatta and Masinga Sub-counties in Machakos County, Kenya. Honey bee hives were installed on eight pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne ex Lam) farms (one hive per farm) in two varying landscape vegetation classes (low and medium) based on normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Pollen traps were installed at the hive entrance and pollen …

Contribution Of Different Frass Fertilizer Products On Enhanced Growth, Yield And Nutrient Quality Of Broccoli [Brassica Oleracea], Noella Kagehi, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mathew P. Ngugi, Sevgan Subramanian, Fathiya M. Khamis

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Vegetables are crucial for food security and income, but in developing countries their production is hindered by low soil fertility. Although the insect frass fertilizer is a potential solution, its use is constrained by limited product choices. Unlike conventional fertilizers, which are available in different forms, the insect frass fertilizer is mostly available in solid form. Here, we evaluated the effects of different black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) products on broccoli [Brassica oleracea] growth, yield, and nutritional profiles. Solid, liquid BSFFF, chitin-fortified solid BSFFF, chitin-fortified liquid BSFFF, and commercial organic fertilizer (Safi) were applied at rates equivalent to 250 …

A Review On Knowledge And Information Extraction From Pdf Documents And Storage Approaches, Salvador D. Atagong, Henri Tonnang, Kennedy Senagi, Mark Wamalwa, Komi M. Agboka, John Odindi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Automating the extraction of information from Portable Document Format (PDF) documents represents a major advancement in information extraction, with applications in various domains such as healthcare, law, or biochemistry. However, existing solutions face challenges related to accuracy, domain adaptability, and implementation complexity. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to examine approaches and trends in PDF information extraction and storage approaches. Results: The review revealed three dominant methodological categories: rule-based systems, statistical learning models, and neural network-based approaches. Key limitations include the rigidity of rule-based …

Predicting Food Prices In Kenya Using Machine Learning: A Hybrid Model Approach With Xgboost And Gradient Boosting, Benard O. Ogol, Evans Omondi, John Olukuru, Betsy Muriithi, Kennedy Senagi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Food price volatility continues to be a significant concern in Kenya's economic development, posing challenges to the country's economic stability. Methodology: This study examines the application of machine learning methods, employing a hybrid approach that combines XGBoost and gradient boosting, to predict food prices in Kenya. The food prices data from the World Food Programme, covering the period from January 2006 to September 2024, as well as currency exchange rates data from the Central Bank of Kenya in US dollars (USD) and inflation rates data, were collated and preprocessed to be ready for analytics and machine learning. The augmented …

Acceptability And Suitability Of Some Poaceae Plants For Fall Armyworm Feeding And Oviposition, Xavier Chiriboga Morales, Islam S. Sobhy, Duncan Cheruiyot, Charles A.O. Midega, Toby J.A. Bruce, Zeyaur R. Khan, Amanuel Tamiru

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has invaded new geographical regions, now spanning Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe, from its native distribution in the last decade. Little is known about FAW host plants in recently invaded habitats; although more than 300 hosts have been reported in the Americas, its native habitat. In our study, we evaluated the acceptability and suitability of 12 cultivated varieties of plants from Africa, in the family Poaceae, for FAW herbivory and oviposition. Methods: Experiments investigating larval development, no-choice oviposition, and no-choice larval arrestment-feeding were conducted to evaluate the insect´s ability to utilize …

Insect Biological Control: A Global Perspective, Lessando M. Gontijo, Jorge B. Torres, Paul K. Abram, Armando Alfaro-Tapia, Hugo C. Arredondo-Bernal, Antonio Biondi, Raymond A. Cloyd, Alejandro C. Costamagna, Nicolas Desneux, Marie D’Ottavio, Michael J. Furlong, Nancy M. Greco, Roselyne Labbe, Martin Hill, Blas Lavandero, Tian Hao Li, José R. Lomelí-Flores, Eric Lucas, Gerben J. Messelink, Margarita Rocca, Marcela Rodriguez-Garcia, José R.P. Parra, Ainara Peñalver-Cruz, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Sean Thackeray, Alberto Urbaneja, German Vargas, Myron P. Zalucki, Lian Sheng Zang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The intentional use of biological control agents to manage arthropod pests dates back to as early as 304 AD, when Chinese farmers used weaver ants to manage citrus pests. Over time, biological control has evolved into distinct approaches: classical, augmentation, and conservation. Prior to the advent of pesticides, most insect pest management relied on natural and classical biological control. The most common strategy used at first, despite regional variations, was the importation of biological control agents. Nonetheless, due to issues with unintentional non-target impacts, numerous failures in the introduction, and longer periods required for implementation, augmentative and conservation approaches have …

Unmanned Vehicle Having Flight Configuration And Surface Traverse Configuration, Genda Chen, Alec Reven, Bo Shang, Zenhua Shi, Liujun Li, Boyang Li

Patents

An unmanned vehicle includes a body, at least one power source coupled to the body, a flight propulsion system coupled to the at least one power source and configured to propel the unmanned vehicle through air, and a surface propulsion system coupled to the at least one power source and configured to propel the unmanned vehicle along a surface. The unmanned vehicle is configured to switch between a flight configuration in which the unmanned vehicle is propelled through air via the flight propulsion system, and a surface traverse configuration in which the unmanned vehicle is propelled along the surface via …

Mobile Robot Configured To Determine Human Arm Stiffness During Overground Interaction, Sambad Regmi, Yun Seong Song

Patents

A mobile robot system and method for determining the stiffness of a human arm while moving with a user during overground interaction as the user holds the robot's handle and exchanges forces with it. A mobile base moves with the user, a robot arm interacts with the user, and a controller determines the stiffness. The robot arm includes servomotors driving a linkage mechanism, an end effector including the handle supported by the linkage mechanism, and a force transducer measuring a force applied by the user to the handle. The controller causes the robot arm to generate a force perturbation at …