Page 21 - Abacoa Community News - September '24

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Science On The cuTTing edge

model training and validation. Multiple machine-learning
models were then developed to estimate m-CTSIB scores
from the wearable sensor data. Researchers also explored
the most effective sensor placements to optimize balance
analysis.
Results of the study, published in the journal Frontiers
Balancing Act: Wearable in Digital Health, underscore this approach’s high
accuracy and strong correlation with ground truth balance
Sensors And AI Transform scores, suggesting the method is effective and reliable
in estimating balance. Data from lumbar and dominant
Balance Assessment ankle sensors demonstrated the highest performance in
balance score estimation, highlighting the importance of
By Gisele Galoustian strategic sensor placement for capturing relevant balance
Balance can be impacted by various factors, including adjustments and movements.
diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, acute and chronic Using wearable sensors and advanced machine learning “Wearable sensors offer a practical and cost-effective
injuries to the nervous system, and the natural aging algorithms, researchers have developed a novel method that solution for capturing detailed movement data, which is
process. Accurately assessing balance in patients is could revolutionize balance assessment practices. Photo essential for balance analysis,” said Behnaz Ghoraani,
important to identify and manage conditions that affect by Alex Dolce. Ph.D., senior author, an associate professor, FAU
coordination and stability. Balance assessments also play Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer
a key role in preventing falls, understanding movement Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (m-CTSIB), Science, co-director of the FAU Center for SMART
disorders, and designing appropriate therapeutic widely used in health care to assess a person’s ability Health, and a fellow, FAU Institute for Sensing and
interventions across age groups and medical conditions. to maintain balance under different sensory conditions. Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE).
However, traditional methods used to assess balance Wearable sensors were placed on study participants’ ankle, “Positioned on areas like the lower back and lower
often suffer from subjectivity, are not comprehensive lumbar (lower back), sternum, wrist and arm. limbs, these sensors provide insights into 3-D movement
enough and cannot be administered remotely. Moreover, Researchers collected comprehensive motion data from dynamics, essential for applications such as fall risk
these assessments rely on expensive, specialized the participants under four different sensory conditions assessment in diverse populations. Coupled with the
equipment which may not be readily accessible in all of m-CTSIB: balance performance with eyes open and evolution of machine learning, these sensor-derived
clinical settings and depend on the clinician’s expertise, closed on a stable surface; and eyes open and closed on a datasets transform into objective, quantifiable balance
which can lead to variability in results. More objective foam surface. Each test condition lasted about 11 seconds metrics, using an array of machine learning techniques.”
and comprehensive assessment tools in balance evaluation without breaks to simulate continuous balance challenges Results provide important insights into the significance
are greatly needed. and streamline the assessment process. Researchers used of specific movements, feature selection and sensor
Using wearable sensors and advanced machine learning inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors coupled with a placement in estimating balance. Notably, the XGBOOST
algorithms, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s specialized system to evaluate ground truth m-CTSIB model, utilizing the lumbar sensor data, achieved
College of Engineering and Computer Science have balance scores for their analysis. outstanding results in both cross-validation methods and
developed a novel approach that addresses a crucial gap The data was then preprocessed and an extensive demonstrated a high correlation and a low mean absolute
in balance assessment and sets a new benchmark in the array of features was extracted for analysis. To estimate error, indicating consistent performance.
application of wearable technology and machine learning the m-CTSIB scores, researchers applied Multiple Linear “Findings from this important research suggest that this
in health care. The approach is a significant advance Regression, Support Vector Regression and XGBOOST novel method has the potential to revolutionize balance
in objective balance assessment, especially for remote algorithms. The wearable sensor data served as the input assessment practices, especially in situations where
monitoring in home-based or nursing care settings, for their machine-learning models, and the corresponding traditional methods are impractical or inaccessible,” said
potentially transforming balance disorder management. m-CTSIB scores from Falltrak II, one of the leading tools
For the study, researchers used the Modified Clinical in fall prevention, acted as the ground truth labels for Science On The Cutting Edge on page 24

gOvernmenT

Commissioner’s Update

Declaring September 2024 As troubling figure reflects broader socioeconomic challenges, (UWPBC), developed the Hunger Relief Plan for Palm

National Hunger Action Month as many households are contending with financial Beach County. This strategic plan marked the beginning
instability. Additionally, according to the latest ALICE
of a collective impact initiative aimed at reducing hunger
report, 46 percent of county households are struggling to throughout the county. Since then, the UWPBC’s Hunger
By Vice Mayor G. Marino make ends meet. ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Relief team has continued to lead these efforts, working
In recognition of Income Constrained, Employed, represents a significant with more than 150 partners to address various facets of
the ongoing battle and growing demographic: individuals and families who food insecurity.
against hunger and food are employed but unable to afford basic necessities such The Hunger Relief Plan has made significant strides in
insecurity, the Palm Beach as housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and several key areas, including addressing childhood hunger,
County Board of County technology. senior hunger, and increasing access to fresh produce in
Commissioners will The county’s commitment to addressing hunger is not underserved areas like the Glades. The plan also focuses
proclaim September 2024 new. In 2015, the Board of County Commissioners, in on building the necessary infrastructure to alleviate hunger
as National Hunger Action collaboration with the United Way of Palm Beach County more effectively and advocating for policy changes that
Month. This declaration is can create long-term solutions.
part of a larger, nationwide National Hunger Action Month in Palm Beach County is
campaign designed to a reaffirmation of the county’s commitment to these efforts.
inspire action and raise awareness about hunger in the It serves as a call to action for all residents to become
United States, a problem that persists even in affluent areas involved in the fight against hunger, whether through
like Palm Beach County. volunteering, donating, or simply raising awareness about
Despite the county’s overall wealth, the reality is the issue. If you are considering donating food, local food
stark for many residents. According to Feeding America’s pantries and our local food bank are always looking for
“Map the Meal Gap” report, more than 173,000 residents food that is “shelf stable” or nonperishable. If you have
of Palm Beach County struggle with hunger, including the resources, you may also want to consider donating less
50,890 children who do not have enough to eat on a daily common items like a can opener, boxed milk, oil, spices,
basis. This statistic underscores the critical importance cake mix, and frosting. Your thoughtful donations can help
of initiatives like Hunger Action Month, which seek to bring joy and dignity to those in need.
mobilize the community in addressing these disparities. For more information on food and nutrition
As of June 2024, over half—54 percent—of the families resources, please visit: https://discover.pbcgov.org/
with children enrolled in the Palm Beach County School communityservices/communityaction/Pages/Food-
District are considered economically disadvantaged. This Nutrition.aspx.