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We propose in this paper a novel algorithm as well as architecture for the fall accident detection and corresponding wide area rescue system based on a smart phone and the third generation (3G) networks. To realize the fall detection algorithm, the angles acquired by the electronic compass (ecompass) and the waveform sequence of the triaxial accelerometer on the smart phone are used as the system inputs. The acquired signals are then used to generate an ordered feature sequence and then examined in a sequential manner by the proposed cascade classifier for recognition purpose. Once the corresponding feature is verified by the classifier at current state, it can proceed to next state; otherwise, the system will reset to the initial state and wait for the appearance of another feature sequence. Once a fall accident event is detected, the user's position can be acquired by the global positioning system (GPS) or the assisted GPS, and sent to the rescue center via the 3G communication network so that the user can get medical help immediately. With the proposed cascaded classification architecture, the computational burden and power consumption issue on the smart phone system can be alleviated. Moreover, as we will see in the experiment that a distinguished fall accident detection accuracy up to 92% on the sensitivity and 99.75% on the specificity can be obtained when a set of 450 test actions in nine different kinds of activities are estimated by using the proposed cascaded classifier, which justifies the superiority of the proposed algorithm.

A new structure of cross-coupling controller for precise tracking in motion control is proposed in this paper. When compared with the conventional cross-coupling system, this new structure has the advantage that the compensators in CCC have a simpler design process than conventional ones and so does its stability analysis. The proposed compensator (or controller) is evaluated and compared experimentally with a traditional uncoupled controller on a microcomputer controlled dual-axis positioning system. The experimental results show that the new structure of cross-coupling controller remarkably reduces contour error. In addition, this new controller can be implemented easily on a majority of motion systems in use today via reprogramming the reference position command subroutine. 

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Various studies have shown that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is highly associated with other pathologies, including fibromyalgia (FM). The objective of this study was to analyze the differences among risk factors associated with IBS following FM in a nationwide prospective cohort study.We propose that a relationship exists between FM and IBS. This article presents evidence obtained from a cohort study in which we used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to clarify the relationship between FM and IBS. The follow-up period ran from the start of FM diagnosis to the date of the IBS event, censoring, or December 31, 2011. We analyzed the risk of IBS using Cox proportional hazard regression models, including sex, age, and comorbidities.During the follow-up period, from 2000 to 2011, the overall incidence of IBS was higher in FM patients than in non-FM patients (7.47 vs 4.42 per 1000 person-years), with a crude hazard ratio = 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–1.63). After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, FM was associated with a 1.54-fold increased risk for IBS.Mutually risk factors may influence the relationship between FM and IBS. We recommend that physiologists conduct annual examinations of FM patients to reduce the incidence of IBS progression.

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