Search Results (66)

Stoma surgery can be critical in helping to restore the well-being of patients suffering from gastrointestinal disease or injury but it inevitably comes with numerous psychological and physiological complications. Disposable pouch systems which enable the collection of bowel waste have revolutionized stoma care but providing robust, discreet devices that can efficiently meet the requirements of the patient can be challenging. Pouches must securely store a microbially active waste whilst preventing leakage, protecting the underlying skin from inflammation and minimizing odor. All of this needs to be achieved within the design constraints of a pouch that is easy to manage and yet still maintains a discreet body contour. Stoma collection has moved from the waste being collected in butyl rubber pouches to much more elaborate systems incorporating assemblies of polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethyl vinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol with new, skin-friendly adhesive such as hydrocolloid and silicones impregnated with ceramides and aloe. Moreover, 3D printing has emerged as a means of providing personalized stoma pouches that can potentially address the age-old issue of leakage. Despite such advances, stoma pouches have evolved slowly over the past 70 or so years. A survey of the literature reveals an abundance of quality-of-life studies but a dearth of reports addressing the key technological challenges. Consequently, this narrative review considers current stoma pouch technology and highlights the issues that continue to afflict stoma patients. Research and patent literature is critically appraised in terms of current pouch technology and the potential opportunities for new composite materials are identified. Full article

Creating propositions for the near and distant future requires a design to catch the tide of the times and move with or against trends. In addition, appropriate, adaptable, flexible, and transformational projects are needed in light of changes in science, technology, social, economic, political, and demographic fields over time. Humanity is facing a period in which science and developing technologies will be even more important in solving food safety, health, and environmental problems. Adapting to and mitigating climate change; reducing pollution, waste, and biodiversity loss; and feeding a growing global population with safe food are key challenges facing the agri-food industry and the food supply chain, requiring systemic transformation in agricultural systems and sustainable future agri-food. The aim of this review is to compile scientific evidence and data, define, and create strategies for the future in terms of food security, safety, and sufficiency; future sustainable foods and alternative protein sources; factors affecting food and nutrition security and agriculture; and promising food systems such as functional foods, novel foods, synthetic biology, and 3D food printing. In this review, the safety, conservation, nutritional, sensory, welfare, and potential challenges and limitations of food systems and the opportunities to overcome them on the basis of new approaches, innovative interpretations, future possibilities, and technologies are discussed. Additionally, this review also offers suggestions for future research and food trends in light of future perspectives. This article focuses on future sustainable foods, alternative protein sources, and novel efficient food systems, highlights scientific and technological advances and new research directions, and provides a significant perspective on sustainability. Full article

With the increasing demand for renewable energy worldwide, lithium-ion batteries are a major candidate for the energy shift due to their superior capabilities. However, the heat generated by these batteries during their operation can lead to serious safety issues and even fires and explosions if not managed effectively. Lithium-ion batteries also suffer from significant performance degradation at low temperatures, including reduced power output, a shorter cycle life, and reduced usable capacity. Deploying an effective battery thermal management system (BTMS) is crucial to address these obstacles and maintain stable battery operation within a safe temperature range. In this study, we review recent developments in the thermal management and heat transfer of Li-ion batteries to offer more effective, secure, and cost-effective solutions. We evaluate different technologies in BTMSs, such as air cooling, liquid cooling, phase change materials, heat pipes, external preheating, and internal preheating, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Through comparative analyses of high-temperature cooling and low-temperature preheating, we highlight the research trends to inspire future researchers. According to the review of the literature, submerged liquid BTMS configurations show the greatest potential as a research focus to enhance thermal regulation in Li-ion batteries. In addition, there is considerable research potential in the innovation of air-based BTMSs, the optimization of liquid-based BTMSs, the coupling of heat pipes with PCMs, the integration of PCMs and liquid-cooled hybrid BTMSs, and the application of machine learning and topology optimization in BTMS design. The application of 3D printing in lithium-ion battery thermal management promises to enhance heat transfer efficiency and system adaptability through the design of innovative materials and structures, thereby improving the battery’s performance and safety. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent source of sleep-disordered breathing. OSA is most commonly associated with dysfunctions in the genioglossus (GG) muscle. In this study, we present the first version of a medical device that produces an electromyogram (EMG) of the GG. The prototype is composed of a (custom-made) 3D-printed mouthpiece. Impressions were taken for the lower arch and scanned with a lab scanner to be converted into digital impressions. ExoCad software was used to design the appliance. Fusion 360 software was then used to modify the design and create tubes to house the electrodes in a bilateral configuration to secure excellent and continuous contact with the GG muscle. Silver–silver chloride electrodes were incorporated within the appliance through the created tubes to produce a muscle EMG. In this preliminary prototype, an EMG amplifier was placed outside the mouth, and isolated electric wires were connected to the amplifier input. To test the design, we ran experiments to acquire EMG signals from a group of OSA patients and a control group in wakefulness. The GG EMGs were acquired from the participants for 60 s in a resting state whereby they rested their tongues without performing any movement. Then, the subjects pushed their tongues against the fontal teeth with steady force while keeping the mouth closed (active state). Several features were extracted from the acquired EMGs, and statistical tests were applied to evaluate the significant differences in these features between the two groups. The results showed that the mean power and standard deviation were higher in the control group than in the OSA group (p < 0.01). Regarding the wavelength during the active state, the control group had a significantly longer wavelength than the OSA group (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the mean frequency was higher in the OSA group (p < 0.01) at rest. These findings support research that showed that impairment in GG activity continues in the daytime and does not only occur during sleep. Future research should focus on developing the device to be more user-friendly and easily used at home during wakefulness and sleep. Full article

HUB3D represents a cutting-edge solution for managing and operating a 3D printer farm through the integration of advanced hardware and software. It features intuitive, responsive interfaces that support seamless interaction across various devices. Leveraging cloud services ensures the system’s stability, security, and scalability, enabling users from diverse locations to effortlessly upload and manage their 3D printing projects. The hardware component includes a purpose-built rack capable of housing up to four 3D printers, each synchronized and managed by a manipulator arm controlled via Raspberry Pi technology. This setup facilitates continuous operation and high automation, optimizing production efficiency and reducing downtime significantly. This integrated approach positions HUB3D at the forefront of additive manufacturing management. By combining robust hardware capabilities with sophisticated software functionalities and cloud integration, the system offers unparalleled advantages. It supports continuous manufacturing processes, enhances workflow efficiency, and enables remote monitoring and management of printing operations. Overall, HUB3D’s innovative design and comprehensive features cater to both individual users and businesses seeking to streamline 3D printing workflows. With scalability, automation, and remote accessibility at its core, HUB3D represents a pivotal advancement in modern manufacturing technology, promising increased productivity and operational flexibility in the realm of additive manufacturing. Full article

Esophageal cancer is a complex and challenging tumor to treat, with esophageal stenting being used as a palliative measure to improve the quality of life of patients. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), self-expandable plastic stents (SEPS), and biodegradable stents are the most commonly used types of stents. However, complications can arise, such as migration, bleeding, and perforation. To address issues of migration, this study developed a novel 3D printed bioinspired esophageal stent utilizing a highly flexible and ductile TPU material. The stent was designed to be self-expanding and tubular with flared ends to provide secure anchorage at both the proximal and distal ends of the structure. Suction cups were strategically placed around the shaft of the stent to prevent migration. The stent was evaluated through compression–recovery, self-expansion, and anti-migration tests to evaluate its recovery properties, self-expansion ability, and anchoring ability, respectively. The results indicated that the novel stent was able to recover its shape, expand, keep the esophagus open, and resist migration, demonstrating its potential for further research and clinical applications. Finite element analysis (FEA) was leveraged to analyze the stent’s mechanical behavior, providing insights into its structural integrity, self-expansion capability, and resistance against migration. These results, supported by FEA, highlight the potential of this innovative stent for further research and its eventual application in preclinical settings. Full article

Tissue imaging is crucial in oral cancer diagnostics. Imaging techniques such as X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and computed tomography (CT) enable the visualization and analysis of tissues, aiding in the detection and diagnosis of cancers. A significant amount of research has been conducted on designing OCT probes for tissue imaging, but most probes are either heavy, bulky and require external mounting or are lightweight but straight. This study addresses these challenges, resulting in a curved lightweight, low-voltage and compact handheld imaging probe for oral soft tissue examination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first curved handheld OCT probe with its shape optimized for oral applications. This probe features highly compact all-fiber optics with a diameter of 125 μm and utilizes innovative central deflection magnetic actuation for controlled beam scanning. To ensure vertical stability while scanning oral soft tissues, the fiber was secured through multiple narrow slits at the probe’s distal end. This apparatus was encased in a 3D-printed angular cylinder tube (15 mm outer diameter, 12 mm inner diameter and 160 mm in length, weighing < 20 g). An angle of 115° makes the probe easy to hold and suitable for scanning in space-limited locations. To validate the feasibility of this probe, we conducted assessments on a multi-layered imaging phantom and human tissues, visualizing microstructural features with high contrast. Full article

A significant number of individuals in the United States use assistive devices to enhance their mobility, and a considerable portion of those who depend on such aids require assistance from another individual in performing daily living activities. The introduction of robotic grippers has emerged as a transformative intervention, significantly contributing to the cultivation of independence. However, there are few grippers in the fields, which help with mimicking human hand-like movements (mostly grasping and pinching, with adoptive force control) to grasp and carry objects. Additionally, the data are not available even on how many Activities of Daily Living (ADL) objects they can handle. The goal of the research is to offer a new three-fingered gripper for daily living assistance, which can both grasp and pinch with adaptive force, enabling the capabilities of handling wide-ranging ADL objects with a minimal footprint. It is designed to handle 90 selective essential ADL objects of different shapes (cylindrical, irregular, rectangular, and round), sizes, weights, and textures (smooth, rough, bumpy, and rubbery). The gripper boasts a meticulously engineered yet simple design, facilitating seamless manufacturing through 3D printing technology without compromising its operational efficacy. The gripper extends its functionality beyond conventional grasping, featuring the capability to pinch (such as holding a credit card) and securely hold lightweight objects. Moreover, the gripper is adaptable to grasping various objects with different shapes and weights with controlled forces. In evaluation, the developed gripper went through rigorous load tests and usability tests. The results demonstrated that the users picked and placed 75 objects out of 90 daily objects. The gripper held and manipulated objects with dimensions from 25 mm to 80 mm and up to 2.9 kg. For heavy-weight objects (like books) where the centroid is far apart from the grasping areas, it is difficult to hold them due to high torque. However, objects’ textures have no significant effect on grasping performance. Users perceived the simplicity of the gripper. Further investigation is required to assess the utility and longevity of grippers. This study contributes to developing assistive robots designed to enhance object manipulation, thereby improving individuals’ independence and overall quality of life. Full article

Environmental screening is essential due to the increased occurrence of harmful substances in the environment. Open Meter Duo (OMD) is an open-source field photo/fluorimeter that uses an RGB diode that imitates a color according to the selected wavelength and uses a UV LED from the security kit diode as an excitation light source. The prepared PCB shield with a 3D-printed aperture was connected to Arduino UNO R4 WiFi. This system was used for the fluorescent detection of cholinesterase activity with the indoxyl acetate method. Carbofuran—a toxic pesticide—and donepezil—a drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease—were tested as model inhibitors of cholinesterase activity. The limit of detection of indoxyl acetate was 11.6 μmol/L, and the IC50 values of the inhibitors were evaluated. This system is optimized for wireless use in field analysis with added cloud support and power source. The time of analysis was 5 min for the fluorimetric assay and 20 min for the optional photometric assay. The time of field operation was approximately 4 h of continuous measurement. This system is ready to be used as a cheap and easy control platform for portable use in drug control and point-of-care testing. Full article

This paper delineates the design and realization of a Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arm (WMRA), envisioned as an autonomous assistance apparatus for individuals encountering motor difficulties and/or upper limb paralysis. The proposed design solution is based on employing a 3D printing process coupled with optimization design techniques to achieve a cost-oriented and user-friendly solution. The proposed design is based on utilizing commercial Arduino control hardware. The proposed device has been named Pick&Eat. The proposed device embodies reliability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, and features a modular structure housing a 4-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm with a fixing frame that can be attached to commercial wheelchairs. The arm is integrated with an interchangeable end-effector facilitating the use of various tools such as spoons or forks tailored to different food types. Electrical and sensor components were meticulously designed, incorporating sensors to ensure user safety throughout operations. Smooth and secure operations are achieved through a sequential procedure that is depicted in a specific flowchart. Experimental tests have been carried out to demonstrate the engineering feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design solution as an innovative assistive solution for individuals grappling with upper limb impairment. Its capacity to aid patients during the eating process holds promise for enhancing their quality of life, particularly among the elderly and those with disabilities. Full article

This article proposes the integration of two novel aspects into the production of 3D-printed customized wrist-hand orthoses. One aspect involves the material, particularly Colorfabb varioShore thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament with an active foaming agent, which allows adjusting the 3D-printed orthoses’ mechanical properties via process parameters such as printing temperature. Consequently, within the same printing process, by using a single extrusion nozzle, orthoses with varying stiffness levels can be produced, aiming at both immobilization rigidity and skin-comfortable softness. This capability is harnessed by 3D-printing the orthosis in a flat shape via material extrusion-based additive manufacturing, which represents the other novel aspect. Subsequently, the orthosis conforms to the user’s upper limb shape after secure attachment, or by thermoforming in the case of a bi-material solution. A dedicated design web app, which relies on key patient hand measurement input, is also proposed, differing from the 3D scanning and modeling approach that requires engineering expertise and 3D scan data processing. The evaluation of varioShore TPU orthoses with diverse designs was conducted considering printing time, cost, maximum flexion angle, comfort, and perceived wrist stability as criteria. As some of the produced TPU orthoses lacked the necessary stiffness around the wrist or did not properly fit the palm shape, bi-material orthoses including polylactic acid (PLA) inserts of varying sizes were 3D-printed and assessed, showing an improved stiffness around the wrist and a better hand shape conformity. The findings demonstrated the potential of this innovative approach in creating bi-material upper limb orthoses, capitalizing on various characteristics such as varioShore properties, PLA thermoforming capabilities, and the design flexibility provided by additive manufacturing technology. Full article

As the popularity of 3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) continues to increase for use in commercial and defense supply chains, the requirement for reliable, robust protection from adversaries has become more important than ever. Three-dimensional printing security focuses on protecting both the individual Industrial Internet of Things (I-IoT) AM devices and the networks that connect hundreds of these machines together. Additionally, rapid improvements in quantum computing demonstrate a vital need for robust security in a post-quantum future for critical AM manufacturing, especially for applications in, for example, the medical and defense industries. In this paper, we discuss the attack surface of adversarial data manipulation on the physical inter-device communication bus, Controller Area Network (CAN). We propose a novel, hierarchical tree solution for a secure, post-quantum-supported security framework for CAN-based AM devices. Through using subnet hopping between isolated CAN buses, our framework maintains the ability to use legacy or third-party devices in a plug-and-play fashion while securing and minimizing the attack surface of hardware Trojans or other adversaries. The results of the physical implementation of our framework demonstrate 25% and 90% improvement in message costs for authentication compared to existing lightweight and post-quantum CAN security solutions, respectively. Additionally, we performed timing benchmarks on the normal communication (hopping) and authentication schemes of our framework. Full article

Employing a combination of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoforming and 3D-printed cylindrical patterns, we carefully engineer a linear resistive temperature sensor. This intricate process involves initial PET thermoforming, yielding a hollow cylindrical chamber. This chamber is then precisely infused with a composite fluid of graphite and water glue. Ensuring electrical connectivity, both ends are affixed with metal wires and securely sealed using a hot gun. This cost-effective, versatile sensor adeptly gauges temperature shifts by assessing composite fluid resistance alterations. Its PET outer surface grants immunity to water and solubility concerns, enabling application in aquatic and aerial settings without extra encapsulation. Rigorous testing reveals the sensor’s linearity and stability within a 10 °C to 60 °C range, whether submerged or airborne. Beyond 65 °C, plastic deformation arises. To mitigate hysteresis, a 58 °C operational limit is recommended. Examining fluidic composite width and length effects, we ascertain a 12 Ω/°C sensitivity for these linear sensors, a hallmark of their precision. Impressive response and recovery times of 4 and 8 s, respectively, highlight their efficiency. These findings endorse thermoforming’s potential for fabricating advanced temperature sensors. This cost-effective approach’s adaptability underscores its viability for diverse applications. Full article

Background: Surgeries of severe periacetabular bone defects (Paprosky ≥ 2B) are a major challenge in current practice. Although solutions are available for this serious clinical problem, they all have their disadvantages as well as their advantages. An alternative method of reconstructing such extensive defects was the use of a cup with a stem to solve these revision situations. As the instrumentation offered is typically designed for scenarios where a significant bone defect is not present, our unique technique has been developed for implantation in cases where reference points are missing. Our hypothesis was that a targeting device designed based on the CT scan of a patient’s pelvis could facilitate the safe insertion of the guiding wire. Methods: Briefly, our surgical solution consists of a two-step operation. If periacetabular bone loss was found to be more significant during revision surgery, all implants were removed, and two titanium marker screws in the anterior iliac crest were percutaneously inserted. Next, by applying the metal artifact removal (MAR) algorithm, a CT scan of the pelvis was performed. Based on that, the dimensions and positioning of the cup to be inserted were determined, and a patient-specific 3D printed targeting device made of biocompatible material was created to safely insert the guidewire, which is essential to the implantation process. Results: In this study, medical, engineering, and technical tasks related to the design, the surgical technique, and experiences from 17 surgical cases between February 2018 and July 2021 are reported. There were no surgical complications in any cases. The implant had to be removed due to septic reasons (independently from the technique) in a single case, consistent with the septic statistics for this type of surgery. There was not any perforation of the linea terminalis of the pelvis due to the guiding method. The wound healing of patients was uneventful, and the implant was fixed securely. Following rehabilitation, the joints were able to bear weight again. After one to four years of follow-up, the patient satisfaction level was high, and the gait function of the patients improved a lot in all cases. Conclusions: Our results show that CT-based virtual surgical planning and, based on it, the use of a patient-specific 3D printed aiming device is a reliable method for major hip surgeries with significant bone loss. This technique has also made it possible to perform these operations with minimal X-ray exposure. Full article

This research presents a comprehensive study on the design and implementation of a flexible robotic gripper. Conventional grippers utilized in articulated robotic arms are often limited in their capabilities, being restricted to specific tasks or fixed object sizes. While soft grippers are a viable option, they have limitations in terms of grasping objects across a wide range and providing complete coverage. In this study, a novel compressible gripper is developed to enable safe and secure grasping of objects with varying sizes and shapes within a wide range. The gripper features a grasping area measuring 14 cm × 6 cm, allowing complete coverage of objects within this surface area. The current prototype with 7 cm of compressibility demonstrates the ability to grasp objects with a width difference of 7 cm with a maximum thickness of 15 cm, enabling manipulation of objects with varying widths, as defined by user-programmable parameters. The functionality of the gripper is based on the compressibility of the 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. The flexible part of the gripper can be easily interchanged, offering versatility by accommodating different thicknesses without the need to replace the entire gripper mechanism. The gripper system operates using an open-loop control system, enhancing user-friendliness. Experimental evaluation of the gripper involved the creation and analysis of a CAD model followed by the fabrication of a prototype. The prototype exhibited exceptional performance in grasping objects of diverse sizes, shapes, and textures, demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed soft gripper system. The scalability of the soft gripper enables seamless integration with various types of articulated robotic arms, while the maximum weight limit for objects will be defined based on the robotic arms’ limitations. The research findings highlight the promising capabilities of the compressible gripper in enhancing the versatility and efficiency of robotic grasping systems, offering a significant contribution to the field of robotics. Full article