National Institute of Design

BackgroundTraditional vehicle-repairing carts in India present ergonomic challenges and occupational health and safety issues. Operators experience discomfort and strain due to difficulties in pushing the cart over long distances and in organising tools and setting up workstations.ObjectivesTo redesign the makeshift vehicle repairing cart by incorporating ergonomic principles and relevant anthropometric data of target users, aiming to reduce physical fatigue and improve usability.MethodsErgonomic evaluations were conducted to identify areas of discomfort, focussing on body parts affected. The operators expressed postural discomfort in different parts of the body like the lower back, neck, shoulder, forearm, wrist, ankle, and foot.ResultsResearchers made recommendations for the proper layout of the tools, provision for manipulating the vehicle in a better manner with ergonomically designed handles, and provision of a modular workstation detachable from the main unit. Accordingly, three concept prototypes were suggested.ConclusionThe manufacturer adopted all three concepts in principle for the new design to improve ergonomics and design of cart for user comfort.

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at elucidating the meanings and associations inherent in the Indian classical dance form, Bharatanatyam, leveraging machine learning techniques and immersive technologies. This study proposes a framework to extract nuanced interpretations from body postures and sound through a multi-modal approach. There is a need for research that integrates technological advances with a deeper understanding of the psychological perception of the dance form. Therefore, a prototype was developed following the proposed framework to demonstrate its potential outcomes. Participants were invited to engage with Bharatanatyam videos both with and without labelled gestures and expressions. Results indicate that viewers comprehend the dance better when provided with gesture and expression labels. Furthermore, the framework was extended to be experienced through VR headsets, highlighting the potential for establishing a learning environment in virtual reality. This approach not only fosters cultural awareness but also facilitates the preservation and dissemination of traditional art forms, particularly among younger generations, through the integration of innovative technologies.

Background and Aims: This study aimed to report the indications and results of fiberoptic intubation (FOI) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the clinicoradiographic data of 191 THAs performed on patients with AS. Preoperative Mallampati score to grade difficulty of intubation, the Bath AS Radiology Index (BASRI) grade of cervical and lumbar spine disease severity, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement, and type of hip joint involvement on plain hip X-rays were analyzed. Results: Out of 191 THAs, 129 (67.5%) were performed under routine spinal anesthesia and 13 (7%) under general anesthesia. In the remaining 49 THAs (25.5%) that were identified preoperatively as having difficult intubation with a FOI backup, 18 THAs (9.5%) required FOI. The mean age was significantly higher (P = 0.02), a significantly higher (P < 0.0001) percentage of patients had class III and IV Mallampati scores, grades 3 and 4 BASRI cervical and lumbar spine, a significantly higher (P < 0.0001) percentage of patients had TMJ affection, and a significantly higher (P = 0.03) percentage of patients had chondrolytic hip in the FOI group when compared to the non-FOI group. Multivariate analysis indicated that a higher BASRI cervical and lumbar spine grades, TMJ affection, and chondrolytic hips were the predictors for FOI. Conclusion: Awake FOI is a safe and reliable method to achieve airway access in patients with AS undergoing THA. Patients with higher BASRI cervical and lumbar spine grades, TMJ affection, and chondrolytic-type hip involvement may be an indication for FOI during THA.

2024

Virtual reality (VR) has widespread application across multiple fields, including education, entertainment, medical, training of soldiers and pilots using virtual simulation. Entertainment is one of the fastest-growing fields, including games, theme parks, virtual tours, live events and films. In entertainment, cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) is fast emerging as an effective way of immersive storytelling. Spatial sound design is considered pivotal in enhancing the immersive experience of cine-VR, redefining how audiences engage with narratives. Since 2012, there has been a steady increase in interest in cine-VR; however, the scholarship on sound design for cine-VR still needs to be expanded with focused studies. This bibliometric analysis delves into the scholarly landscape to gain insights into spatial sound design research trends in cine-VR. A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection database revealed 910 English documents published between 2012 and 2024 (June). Information retrieved through 269 shortlisted articles was analysed using the Web of Science analysis tools, VOSviewer and RStudio. The bibliometric analysis identifies, quantifies, visualises and analyses publication trends, influential authors, key journals, prevalent keywords, co-occurrences of keywords, collaborative networks and global distribution patterns. The United States of America is the most influential country with the most publications, followed by Germany and France. Eight hundred and fifty-two authors affiliated with 352 institutions from 39 countries contributed to 269 shortlisted publications. Stefania Serafin is the most influential author in the field and has the most publications. Aalborg University leads with most publications. The articles from Columbia University received the maximum number of citations. The most used keywords are VR, spatial sound and localisation. Cine-VR is an emerging field, and the study’s findings will be relevant to academia and industry to understand better current research trends and themes in spatial sound design in cine-VR. The findings will guide further explorations in the field.

This research presents an innovative approach to revolutionize IoT service development in medical education, specifically designed to empower individuals with physical disabilities. By integrating digital twin technology, we offer dynamic virtual representations of tangible assets, facilitating real-time simulation, monitoring, and feedback. A unique visual response algorithm has been developed to enhance the processing of visual vector data, resulting in a more efficient IoT service development process. Our method demonstrates superior performance over traditional techniques, particularly in achieving higher intrinsic variable merging values, which is critical for accurate and accessible visualization. The practical applications of this technology are highlighted through case studies that demonstrate how physically disabled students can benefit from interactive and immersive educational experiences. For instance, students can engage with the digital twins of medical equipment, allowing them to practice procedures and gain hands-on experience in a virtual environment without physical barriers. This approach not only improves accessibility but also personalizes learning experiences, adapting to the unique needs of each student. The research underscores the importance of inclusive design in developing IoT services, ensuring higher inclusivity rates and addressing diverse learning patterns. The findings suggest that the integration of IoT and digital twin technologies can significantly enhance medical education, making it more accessible, effective, and inclusive for physically disabled individuals. This study lays the groundwork for future advancements in this field, highlighting the potential for ongoing technological innovations to further transform medical education.