This paper describes a mechatronic (mechanical and electronic) realization of the optimal trajectory planning and guidance algorithms for minimally invasive surgical training. Specifically, the realization implements optimal navigation paths for surgical instruments in laparoscopic exercises. The underlying system platform is the Computer-Aided Surgical Trainer (CAST) that consist of mechanical...

TOPIC The design of a temperament-based parenting program for inner-city families. PROBLEM Selective intervention parenting programs are needed for children who are at high risk for developing behavioral problems. Planning should incorporate cultural considerations to ensure the program meets needs. METHODS A pilot study to assess psychometrics of instruments, obtain preliminary date, test ...

Sustainability transitions pose novel challenges to cities that go beyond traditional planning and urban development policies. Such transitions require broader engagement, empowerment, and breakthrough strategies which enable, facilitate, and direct social innovation processes towards adaptive and innovative urban futures. The transition approach offers a set of principles, a framework, instrum...

Abstract Albania, for 30 years, has entered the phase of transition from a society organized into one-party central governing regime to democratic free market economy. But pace moving in this direction and modernizing country is not expected one, because centralized proclamations political elite expertise have allowed liberal approaches enter Albanian legislation practices. This been case parti...

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) instruments have being widely used in oral health studies. However, most OHRQoL measures are designed to assess the adult population, mainly due to the difficulties for developing such measures for children and their validation. The aim of this review was to describe the impact of oral health on children’s quality of life and its importance for this ...

This paper investigates approaches to information strategy. We make a distinction between three types of control mechanisms, the rationality-mechanism, the integrating-mechanism and the libertarian-mechanism. Based on the manner in which architecture development comes into being and the nature of the architecture itself, we explain that a 'top-down' approach will be effective in a rationally co...

Although it has its defenders,1 command-and-control environmental regulation has been criticised for being economically inefficient and for relying on the effectiveness of the regulator and its staff.2 Scholars have claimed that traditional command-and-control methods of dealing with pollution, involving the use of uniform technology standards, operate in a fragmented manner with the inefficien...

Minimally invasive repair for a Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been performed over the last few years with mixed results. Although the anomaly has been approached from both the abdomen and the chest, the defect can be difficult to close as the posterolateral region may be difficult to reach with precise suturing using standard rigid laparoscopic instruments. The articulating inst...