Jill Manthorpe and Joanne Liming Chen
The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the development and content of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018 (hereafter “the Act”) in Singapore. It reports the parliamentary…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the development and content of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018 (hereafter “the Act”) in Singapore. It reports the parliamentary processes and deliberations.
Design/methodology/approach
A synthesis of publicly available research, policy documents, parliamentary debate, media reports and commentary.
Findings
The paper sets the Act’s development and aims in Singapore’s social and legal contexts. It notes the interface with other legislation and the focus of the Act on community and family abuse and neglect.
Research limitations/implications
The paper suggests some areas for research including how the Act is used and its impact and also points to areas where the Act does not apply.
Practical implications
The paper outlines new professional powers and responsibilities and the role of government and community-based organisations.
Originality/value
This paper provides an early account of the genesis and aims of the new legislation, its powers and administration. Also, international comparisons are drawn.
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P. Ng, P.S.V. Lee and J.C.H. Goh
The traditional way of making a prosthetic socket is by draping a heated thermoplastic sheet over the positive mould, or by applying layers of woven materials together with…
Abstract
The traditional way of making a prosthetic socket is by draping a heated thermoplastic sheet over the positive mould, or by applying layers of woven materials together with acrylic resins over the positive mould. This process is extremely labour intensive, and it usually takes two to three days to make one socket. This paper presents the development of a prosthetics Computer‐Aided‐Manufacturing (CAM) system that utilises Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology. The system reduces the socket making time from days to less than 4 h. Clinical and biomechanical studies are conducted to evaluate the comfort and fit of the new socket during gait. Preliminary investigation of the new socket shows that its functional characteristics are very similar to that of a traditional socket
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Leiyu Zhang, Jianfeng Li, Shuting Ji, Peng Su, Chunjing Tao and Run Ji
Upper-limb joint kinematics are highly complex and the kinematics of rehabilitation exoskeletons fail to reproduce them, resulting in hyperstaticity and human–machine…
Abstract
Purpose
Upper-limb joint kinematics are highly complex and the kinematics of rehabilitation exoskeletons fail to reproduce them, resulting in hyperstaticity and human–machine incompatibility. The purpose of this paper is to design and develop a compatible exoskeleton robot (Co-Exos II) to address these problems.
Design/methodology/approach
The configuration synthesis of Co-Exos II is completed using advanced mechanism theory. A compatible configuration is selected and four passive joints are introduced into the connecting interfaces based on optimal configuration principles. A Co-Exos II prototype with nine degrees of freedom (DOFs) is developed and still owns a compact structure and volume. A new approach is presented to compensate the vertical glenohumeral (GH) movements. Co-Exos II and the upper arm are simplified as a guide-bar mechanism at the elevating plane. The theoretical displacements of passive joints are calculated by the kinematic model of the shoulder loop. The compatible experiments are completed to measure the kinematics of passive joints.
Findings
The compatible configuration of the passive joints can effectively reduce the gravity influences of the exoskeleton device and the upper extremities. The passive joints exhibit excellent compensation effect for the GH joint movements by comparing the theoretical and measured results. Passive joints can compensate for most GH movements, especially vertical movements.
Originality/value
Co-Exos II possesses good human–machine compatibility and wearable comfort for the affected upper limbs. The proposed compensation method is convenient to therapists and stroke patients during the rehabilitation trainings.
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Smitkumar Savsani, Shamsher Singh and Harlal Singh Mali
Medical devices are undergoing rapid changes because of the increasing affordability of advanced technologies like additive manufacturing (AM) and three-dimensional scanning. New…
Abstract
Purpose
Medical devices are undergoing rapid changes because of the increasing affordability of advanced technologies like additive manufacturing (AM) and three-dimensional scanning. New avenues are available for providing solutions and comfort that were not previously conceivable. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the research on developing prostheses using AM to understand the opportunities and challenges in the domain. Various studies on prosthesis development using AM are investigated to explore the scope of integration of AM in prostheses development.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of key publications from the past two decades was conducted. Integration of AM and prostheses development is reviewed from the technologies, materials and functionality point of view to identify challenges, opportunities and future scope.
Findings
AM in prostheses provides superior physical and cognitive ergonomics and reduced cost and delivery time. Patient-specific, lightweight solutions for complex designs improve comfort, functionality and clinical outcomes. Compared to existing procedures and methodologies, using AM technologies in prosthetics could benefit a large population.
Originality/value
This paper helps investigate the impact of AM and related technology in the field of prosthetics and can also be viewed as a collection of relevant medical research and findings.
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Xin Ren, Fang Cheng Liu, Xiang Yu Zhang and Yi Min Xie
This paper aims to study the tensile performance, deformation characteristics, auxeticity and stability of different auxetic tubular structures generated by cutting method and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the tensile performance, deformation characteristics, auxeticity and stability of different auxetic tubular structures generated by cutting method and pattern scale factor (PSF) method using validated finite element analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Two types of auxetic tubular structures were designed by a coordinate transformation method and the PSF adjustment method, respectively. ABAQUS/explicit solver was used for the large deformation analysis and the displacement of key nodes was extracted to calculate Poisson’s ratio value and evaluate the deformation of tubular structures.
Findings
The random cut method was not suitable for designing auxetic tubular structures. Vertical and horizontal cut approach was suitable, but the change of the tubular diameter was lower than the tubular structures generated by the PSF adjustment method.
Research limitations/implications
Simple ways to generate auxetic tubular structure, which can be made into intelligent and foldable equipment, such as annuloplasty rings, angioplasty stents and oesophageal stents. By combined with shape memory polymer, various smart tubular materials and structures with various functions can be designed, especially in medical scaffold and other medical equipment fields.
Originality/value
The auxetic characteristic of tubular structure designed by using random cut method has been investigated for the first time. The outcome of this study would be very useful design tubular structures with better mechanical properties.
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Inas Zaki Hadi Al-Araji, Meenaloshini A/P Satgunam, Abreeza Noorlina Bt Abd Manap, Kadhim K. Resan and Ahmed K. Muhammad
The purpose of this study was to fabricate a flexible inner socket with enhanced stiffness and hardness distribution by using the functional gradient method (FGM). The FGM…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to fabricate a flexible inner socket with enhanced stiffness and hardness distribution by using the functional gradient method (FGM). The FGM technique can improve the comfort and flexibility of amputees through the use of a socket that is built via the direct method.
Design/methodology/approach
Six flexible inner socket samples were fabricated with varying weight fractions of rice husk ash-to-silicone rubber. The tensile strength and hardness of each sample were assessed. Then, numerical analyses were conducted using SOLIDWORKS software to evaluate the pressure distribution on the inner and outer layers of the flexible socket.
Findings
The hardness and stiffness of the fabricated flexible inner socket gradually increased with the weight ratio of rice husk ash-to-silicone rubber, so when it was in contact with the skin, it approximated the stiffness and hardness of the skin to ensure comfort, and when reaching a higher value in the socket contact layer, it prevented penetration through the flexible inner socket. In addition, the pressure distribution at the external layer of the flexible inner socket has improved.
Research limitations/implications
A budget of US$500 limited the research to create a flexible inner socket that keeps the socket from penetrating the skin.
Practical implications
The FGM technique created a flexible inner socket that balances hardness and stiffness to ensure comfort and prevent wounds for its users, lower limb amputees. The commercial value resides in the accessibility of a secure and comfortable flexible inner socket for amputees worldwide, enabling them to overcome the issue of excessive stiffness typically associated with sockets made using the direct method.
Originality/value
This study introduces the use of FGM to fabricate a flexible inner prosthetic socket with enhanced stiffness and hardness distribution. The approach of using varying weight fractions of rice husk ash-to-silicone rubber to improve the comfort and flexibility of prosthetic sockets is a novel contribution to the field. Given the high stiffness of flexible internal sockets and their ability to maintain flexibility in the part in contact with the skin, such sockets manufactured using this method prevent pain and skin ulcers that previously occurred when sockets are manufactured via the direct method.
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Karthik Rajashekar Kavuri, Srinivasa Prakash Regalla, Suresh Kurra and Prakash Narayan Shrivastava
This study aims to enhance hygiene and structural performance in additively manufactured (AM) below-knee prosthetic sockets by optimizing ventilation and structural integrity…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance hygiene and structural performance in additively manufactured (AM) below-knee prosthetic sockets by optimizing ventilation and structural integrity through advanced design methodologies, including topology optimization (TO) and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM).
Design/methodology/approach
A transtibial prosthetic socket was digitally modeled from image data of the residual limb of an amputee and fabricated using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material using fused deposition modeling. TO and DfAM rules were applied to achieve the multi-objective design of ventilation, weight reduction and structural integrity by introducing geometric discontinuities. The level of this achievement was evaluated through finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical testing using a novel lobe bending test.
Findings
This study found that TO significantly reduced stress concentrations and improved the strength-to-weight ratio of the socket. Mechanical testing revealed a critical failure load of 918.5 N, validated by FEA, which indicated peak stresses of 37.91 MPa. A 5 mm thick socket with circular discontinuities demonstrated enhanced ventilation and mechanical resilience.
Research limitations/implications
The focus on ABS material and specific socket designs may limit the generalizability of findings to other materials and designs.
Practical implications
The optimized socket design provides a cost-effective, high-performance solution for improving comfort and durability in below-knee prosthetic sockets within AM applications.
Originality/value
This research introduces innovative testing methods, including the lobe bending test and uses advanced optimization techniques, addressing challenges in ventilation and mechanical performance. The insights gained are valuable for future prosthetic socket design advancements.
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Jairo Chimento, M. Jason Highsmith and Nathan Crane
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of 3D printed materials for use as rapid tooling (RT) molds in low volume thermoforming processes such as in manufacturing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of 3D printed materials for use as rapid tooling (RT) molds in low volume thermoforming processes such as in manufacturing custom prosthetics and orthotics.
Design/methodology/approach
3D printed specimens of different materials were produced using the Z‐Corp process. The parts were post processed using both standard and alternative methods. Material properties relevant to the 3D printed parts such as pneumatic permeability, flexural strength and wear rate were measured and compared to standard plaster compositions commonly used.
Findings
Three‐dimensional printing (3DP) can replicate the performance of the plaster materials traditionally used in prosthetic/orthotic applications by using modified post process techniques. The resulting 3D printed molds can still be modified and adjusted using traditional methods. The results show that 3D printed molds are feasible for thermoforming prosthetic and orthotic devices such as prosthetic sockets while providing new flexibility.
Originality/value
The proposed method for RT of a mold for prosthetic/orthotic manufacturing provides great flexibility in the manufacturing and fitting process while maintaining proven materials in the final device provided to patients. This flexibility increases the value of digital medical records and efforts to develop model‐based approaches to prosthetic/orthotic device design by providing a readily available process for recreating molds. Depending on the needs of the practitioners and patients, 3DP can be incorporated at a variety of points in the manufacturing process.
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Hardik D. Sondagar and Shailendra Kumar
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a widely used 3D printing technique for the fabrication of mechanical metamaterials with intricate geometries. Gradient strategy is applied to…
Abstract
Purpose
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a widely used 3D printing technique for the fabrication of mechanical metamaterials with intricate geometries. Gradient strategy is applied to geometric parameters of gradient star re-entrant hybrid auxetic (GSRA) structure. Deformation behaviour is studied under compressive loading. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of gradient geometric parameters on mechanical properties, namely, specific strength (SS), specific modulus (SM) and specific energy absorption (SEA).
Design/methodology/approach
Response surface methodology (RSM) is implemented for the design of experiments of gradient geometric parameters to minimize the number of experimental tests. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material is used for the fabrication of GSRA structures by FFF technique. The best set of gradient parameters has been optimized maximizing all three responses using RSM and artificial neural network optimization technique.
Findings
During compressive testing, row-wise deformation is observed with two-stage plateau regions, which results in increase in SEA of the structure. Furthermore, based on analysis of variance and 3D response plots, it is found that height gradient is the most influencing gradient geometric parameter on SS and SM, whereas the wall thickness gradient has maximum influence on SEA. Meanwhile, the interaction effect of wall thickness gradient and height gradient has maximum influence on SS, SM and SEA.
Research limitations/implications
This study of applying gradient strategy to geometric parameters is limited to GSRA structure under compressive loading. In addition, findings are valid within the selected range of gradient geometric parameters. These findings are useful for the selection of gradient geometric parameters to maximize SS, SM and SEA of GSRA structure simultaneously. These outcomes pave the way for designing light-weight gradient hybrid auxetic structures in the field of construction, aerospace, automobile and biomedical engineering.
Originality/value
Limited experimental study is available on investigating the influence of gradient geometric parameters on mechanical properties, namely, SS, SM and SEA, and deformation behaviours of hybrid auxetic structures. This study directly addresses the above research gaps.
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Rafia Afroz, Mohammad Muhibbullah, Puteri Farhana and Mohammad Niaz Morshed
To achieve proper waste management, the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is one suitable method. Most developing countries, including Malaysia, are facing lack of e-waste…
Abstract
Purpose
To achieve proper waste management, the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is one suitable method. Most developing countries, including Malaysia, are facing lack of e-waste recycling facilities and low household participation. Using a survey method using a questionnaire, this study aims to examine the intention of Malaysian households to drop-off their mobile phones to the nearest collection boxes (n = 600).
Design/methodology/approach
This study expanded the theory of planned behavior by adding environmental awareness and knowledge. In addition, the cost of disposal and the convenience of the available disposal infrastructure were measured as two parts of the perceived behavioral control.
Findings
The results of this study show that environmental knowledge and awareness have a significant impact on attitudes toward recycling intention of the households. In addition, it was also found that the attitude and cost of disposal infrastructure is positively related to household intention.
Originality/value
These results show that if e-waste collection boxes are provided to the nearest community and e-waste management information is distributed, this will increase household participation in e-waste management.