ABSTRACT
The limitations of the assistive devices for amputees and the prevention of Covid-19 spread have risen the need for a device that can be controlled without using hands. The availability of the internet of things allows data to be transferred between devices without a physical connection. This paper describes the integration of the Internet of things (IoT) and electroencephalogram (EEG) in controlling fan speed via intention. The controlling process includes EEG signals acquisition in real-time, the intention detection from the signal, the transmission of the fan speed to the cloud and the retrieval of the stored data from the cloud to change the fan speed accordingly via Wi-fi. The system could detect the intention of increasing and decreasing the fan speed with an accuracy of 95% and 75% respectively. The accuracy of detecting the intention from EEG signals is affected by the frame length and electrode duration on the scalp, Wi-fi strength and wireless connection stability. With the utilization of IoT and EEG in the whole system, the fan could be controlled from far without using hands which is suitable for amputees and at the same time, the transmission of Covid-19 through hands could be reduced © 2020 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Background/Purpose: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in data collection methods have been introduced in research to ensure continuity despite physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. Our objective was to compare differences in physical and mental health of older adults participating in falls research using data collection methods pre-covid-19 pandemic (face-to-face) and during the pandemic (hybrid). Method(s): Individuals aged 60 years and over with at least one fall in the past 12 months, and controls with no history of falls in the past 12 months were recruited. Pre-pandemic, individuals were interviewed face-to-face exclusively, those interviews after the start of the pandemic were conducted virtually with physical assessments conducted face-to-face to minimize physical contact. Cognitive status, physical performance, psychological status, quality of life, physical activity, and social participation were measured. Result(s): Of the 145 participants of similar socio-demographic backgrounds, 69 were interviewed face-to-face, while 76 were assessed using a hybrid method. Differences were observed in presence of fall characteristics, with fewer fallers seeing a doctor and more fallers attending the emergency department after the start of the pandemic. After adjustment for baseline differences, participants interviewed using hybrid status had lower depression scores (OR (95%CI)=0.29(0.14-0.61)) and stress scores (OR(95%CI)=0.33(0.15-0.72)), but greater fear of falling (OR(95%CI)=2.16(1.04-4.48)) and reduced social participation (OR(95%CI)=2.64(1.20-5.79)). Conclusion(s): Alterations in data collection methods to overcome pandemic restrictions should take into consideration potential differences in individuals who agree to participate as well as the influence of major life events on the psychological status of participants. Copyright © 2022, Full Universe Integrated Marketing Limited. All rights reserved.