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Delena Amsters - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Environmental Control systems the experiences of people with spinal cord injury and the implications for prescribers
    Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Michelle Myburg, Emily Allan, Emily Nalder, Sarita Schuurs, Delena Amsters
    Abstract:

    AbstractPurpose: Environmental Control systems (ECSs) can potentially influence comfort, safety, security and independence for people with severe impairment from spinal cord injury (SCI). This study, aimed at informing prescription practises, investigated ECS prescription and utilisation from the consumer perspective. Methods: Qualitative inquiry, through 15 semi-structured interviews, explored the perspectives of people with high level SCI who use ECSs. Data were coded and clustered to provide a description of their perspectives and interpret lessons for prescribers. Results: The data were grouped into six coding clusters related to readiness to engage, training, autonomy, utility, utilisation and attitudes towards the ECS. Data revealed variability in readiness to embrace ECSs during rehabilitation, some frustration related to setting up systems and instances of ECSs not being used to their full potential. Some highly motivated participants found reward through perseverance. All participants valued havi...

Frances M. Weaver - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Pam Enderby - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • speech driven Environmental Control systems a qualitative analysis of users perceptions
    Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Simon Judge, Mark S Hawley, Zoe Robertson, Pam Enderby
    Abstract:

    Purpose. To explore users' experiences and perceptions of speech-driven Environmental Control systems (SPECS) as part of a larger project aiming to develop a new SPECS. The motivation for this part of the project was to add to the evidence base for the use of SPECS and to determine the key design specifications for a new speech-driven system from a user's perspective.Method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 users of SPECS from around the United Kingdom. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using a qualitative method based on framework analysis.Results. Reliability is the main influence on the use of SPECS. All the participants gave examples of occasions when their speech-driven system was unreliable; in some instances, this unreliability was reported as not being a problem (e.g., for changing television channels); however, it was perceived as a problem for more safety critical functions (e.g., opening a door). Reliability was cited by participants as the reason for using a switc...

  • a speech Controlled Environmental Control system for people with severe dysarthria
    Medical Engineering & Physics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Mark S Hawley, Pam Enderby, Phil D Green, Stuart Cunningham, Simon Brownsell, James Carmichael, Mark Parker, Athanassios Hatzis, P Oneill
    Abstract:

    Automatic speech recognition (ASR) can provide a rapid means of Controlling electronic assistive technology. Off-the-shelf ASR systems function poorly for users with severe dysarthria because of the increased variability of their articulations. We have developed a limited vocabulary speaker dependent speech recognition application which has greater tolerance to variability of speech, coupled with a computerised training package which assists dysarthric speakers to improve the consistency of their vocalisations and provides more data for recogniser training. These applications, and their implementation as the interface for a speech-Controlled Environmental Control system (ECS), are described. The results of field trials to evaluate the training program and the speech-Controlled ECS are presented. The user-training phase increased the recognition rate from 88.5% to 95.4% (p < 0.001). Recognition rates were good for people with even the most severe dysarthria in everyday usage in the home (mean word recognition rate 86.9%). Speech-Controlled ECS were less accurate (mean task completion accuracy 78.6% versus 94.8%) but were faster to use than switch-scanning systems, even taking into account the need to repeat unsuccessful operations (mean task completion time 7.7 s versus 16.9 s, p < 0.001). It is concluded that a speech-Controlled ECS is a viable alternative to switch-scanning systems for some people with severe dysarthria and would lead, in many cases, to more efficient Control of the home.

Qing Cao - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Study of particle deposition on the complex components of Environmental Control systems
    International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2019
    Co-Authors: Qing Cao, Daniel Wei, Chao-hsin Lin, Zhipeng Deng, Qingyan Chen
    Abstract:

    Abstract As most airplanes do not have HEPA filters for filtering outside air, particulate matter in the outdoor air can deposit on the Environmental Control systems (ECS) of the airplanes. The particles that accumulate on the various surfaces of the ECS components can affect their thermal performance and may lead to component failures. This study experimentally and numerically investigated the particle deposition on a heat exchanger and a turbocharger, which are key components of ECS with complex geometry. A test rig was built to obtain the monodisperse particle deposition fractions by measuring the particle concentration upstream and downstream of the components with the weighing method. The tested particles ranged from 1 to 8 μm in diameter. Different Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models, together with a modified Lagrangian method, were used to predict the total particle deposition fractions in the tested components. The computed particle deposition was compared with the experimental data. The results showed that the RNG k-e model with near-wall correction provided the most accurate prediction of the particle deposition fraction on the heat exchanger and turbocharger. The particle deposition fraction increased significantly with the particle size. CFD simulation provided detailed information about the particle deposition distribution inside the heat exchanger and turbocharger. The location and number of deposited particles depended mainly on the particle size and air velocity. This investigation identified a suitable tool for studying particle deposition in the ECS of commercial airplanes.

  • experimental study of particle deposition in the Environmental Control systems of commercial airliners
    Building and Environment, 2016
    Co-Authors: Qing Cao, Daniel Wei, Xiong Shen, Chao-hsin Lin, Yudi Liu, Wei Liu, Steven L Baughcum, Sharon L Norris, Zhengwei Long
    Abstract:

    Abstract Serious air pollution and low on-time performance of commercial flights in China could result in more particles being deposited in the Environmental Control systems (ECS) of the commercial airliners and ground air-conditioning carts (GAC). The particle deposited in the ECS and GAC could cause performance issues of the airplanes and GAC. In addition, particles penetrated to the aircraft cabin could cause adverse health impact on the passengers and crew. This investigation measured the PM 2.5 particle concentrations and the quantities of particles of different sizes at the inlet and outlet of the GAC and ECS in an MD-82 airplane parked next to Tianjin Airport under different air quality levels. The results showed that the deposition rate of the PM 2.5 mass in the GAC and ECS was 40–50%, with most (30–40%) of the deposition occurring in the ECS. For particles with a diameter of 5 μm or larger, the deposition rate was greater than 90%. For particles with a diameter of 0.5 μm or less, the deposition rate was less than 25% so they entered into the aircraft cabin. In addition, particle mass and number concentration was measured on commercial flights. The results indicated that particle concentrations were high compared with that during the cruising when the airplanes were on the ground at the Chinese airports where ambient particle concentrations were also high.

Michelle Myburg - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Environmental Control systems the experiences of people with spinal cord injury and the implications for prescribers
    Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Michelle Myburg, Emily Allan, Emily Nalder, Sarita Schuurs, Delena Amsters
    Abstract:

    AbstractPurpose: Environmental Control systems (ECSs) can potentially influence comfort, safety, security and independence for people with severe impairment from spinal cord injury (SCI). This study, aimed at informing prescription practises, investigated ECS prescription and utilisation from the consumer perspective. Methods: Qualitative inquiry, through 15 semi-structured interviews, explored the perspectives of people with high level SCI who use ECSs. Data were coded and clustered to provide a description of their perspectives and interpret lessons for prescribers. Results: The data were grouped into six coding clusters related to readiness to engage, training, autonomy, utility, utilisation and attitudes towards the ECS. Data revealed variability in readiness to embrace ECSs during rehabilitation, some frustration related to setting up systems and instances of ECSs not being used to their full potential. Some highly motivated participants found reward through perseverance. All participants valued havi...