A home environment test battery for status assessment in patients with motor fluctuations

Background and aims Evaluating status in patients with motor fluctuations is complex and occasional observations/measurements do not give an adequate picture as to the time spent in different states. We developed a test battery to assess advanced Parkinson patients' status consisting of diary assessments and motor tests. This battery was constructed and implemented on a handheld computer with built-in mobile communication. In fluctuating patients, it should typically be used several times daily in the home environment, over periods of about one week. The aim of this battery is to provide status information in order to evaluate treatment effects in clinical practice and research, follow up treatments and disease progression and predict outcome to optimize treatment strategy. Methods Selection of diary questions was based on a previous study with Duodopa® (DIREQT). Tapping tests (with and without visual cueing) and a spiral drawing test were added. Rapid prototyping was used in development of the user interface. An evaluation with two pilot patients was performed before and after receiving new treatments for advanced disease (one received Duodopa® and one received DBS). Speed and proportion missed taps were calculated for the tapping tests and entropy of the radial drawing velocity was calculated for the spiral tests. Test variables were evaluated using non-parametric statistics. Results Post-treatment improvement was detected in both patients in many of the test variables. Conclusions Although validation work remains, preliminary results are promising and the test battery is currently being evaluated in a long-term health economics study with Duodopa® (DAPHNE).

Do modelo geométrico ao modelo físico: o tridimensional na educação do arquiteto e urbanista

In the teaching practice of architecture and urbanism in Brazil, educational legislation views modeling laboratories and workshops as an indispensable component of the infrastructure required for the good functioning of any architectural course of study. Although the development of information technology at the international level has created new possibilities for digital production of architectural models, research in this field being underway since the early 1990s, it is only from 2007 onwards that such technologies started to be incorporated into the teaching activity of architecture and urbanism in Brazil, through the pioneering experience at LAPAC/FEC/UNICAMP. It is therefore a recent experiment whose challenges can be highlighted through the following examples: (i) The implementation of digital prototyping laboratories in undergraduate courses of architecture and urbanism is still rare in Brazil; (ii) As a new developing field with few references and application to undergraduate programs, it is hard to define methodological procedures suitable for the pedagogical curricula already implemented or which have already been consolidated over the years; (iii) The new digital ways for producing tridimensional models are marked with specificities which make it difficult to fit them within the existing structures of model laboratories and workshops. Considering the above, the present thesis discusses the tridimensional model as a tool which may contribute to the development of students skills in perceiving, understanding and representing tridimensional space. Analysis is made of the relation between different forms of models and the teaching of architectural project, with emphasis on the design process. Starting from the conceptualization of the word model as it is used in architecture and urbanism, an attempt is made to identify types of tridimensional models used in the process of project conception, both through the traditional, manual way of model construction as well as through the digital ones. There is also an explanation on how new technologies for digital production of models through prototyping are being introduced in undergraduate academic programs of architecture and urbanism in Brazil, as well as a review of recent academic publications in this area. Based on the paradigm of reflective practice in teaching as designed by Schön (2000), the experiment applied in the research was undertaken in the integrated workshop courses of architectural project in the undergraduate program of architecture and urbanism at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Along the experiment, physical modeling, geometric modeling and digital prototyping are used in distinct moments of the design process with the purpose of observing the suitability of each model to the project s phases. The procedures used in the experiments are very close to the Action Research methodology in which the main purpose is the production of theoretical knowledge by improving the practice. The process was repeated during three consecutive semesters and reflection on the results which were achieved in each cycle helped enhancing the next one. As a result, a methodological procedure is proposed which consists of the definition of the Tridimensional Model as the integrating element for the contents studied in a specific academic period or semester. The teaching of Architectural Project as it is developed along the fifth academic period of the Architecture and Urbanism undergraduate program of UFRN is taken as a reference

CAD e engenharia reversa como ferramentas de auxílio na fabricação de cartuchos para próteses ortopédicas

The manufacturing of above and below-knee prosthesis starts by taking surfac measurements of the patient s residual limb. This demands the making of a cartridg with appropriate fitting and customized to the profile of each patient. The traditiona process in public hospitals in Brazil begins with the completion of a record file (according to law nº388, of July 28, 1999 by the ministry of the health) for obtaining o the prosthesis, where it is identified the amputation level, equipment type, fitting type material, measures etc. Nowadays, that work is covered by the Brazilian Nationa Health Service (SUS) and is accomplished in a manual way being used commo measuring tapes characterizing a quite rudimentary, handmade work and without an accuracy.In this dissertation it is presented the development of a computer integrate tool that it include CAD theory, for visualization of both above and below-knee prosthesis in 3D (i.e. OrtoCAD), as well as, the design and the construction a low cos electro-mechanic 3D scanner (EMS). This apparatus is capable to automatically obtain geometric information of the stump or of the healthy leg while ensuring smalle uncertainty degree for all measurements. The methodology is based on reverse engineering concepts so that the EMS output is fed into the above mentioned academi CAD software in charge of the 3D computer graphics reconstruction of the residualimb s negative plaster cast or even the healthy leg s mirror image. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed model is valid, because it allows the structura analysis to be performed based on the requested loads, boundary conditions, material chosen and wall thickness. Furthermore it allows the manufacturing of a prosthesis cartridge meeting high accuracy engineering patterns with consequent improvement in the quality of the overall production process

Adaptação eletrônica de um leitor mecânico de coto, investigação e desenvolvimento de interface CAD

Due to advances in the manufacturing process of orthopedic prostheses, the need for better quality shape reading techniques (i.e. with less uncertainty) of the residual limb of amputees became a challenge. To overcome these problems means to be able in obtaining accurate geometry information of the limb and, consequently, better manufacturing processes of both transfemural and transtibial prosthetic sockets. The key point for this task is to customize these readings trying to be as faithful as possible to the real profile of each patient. Within this context, firstly two prototype versions (α and β) of a 3D mechanical scanner for reading residual limbs shape based on reverse engineering techniques were designed. Prototype β is an improved version of prototype α, despite remaining working in analogical mode. Both prototypes are capable of producing a CAD representation of the limb via appropriated graphical sheets and were conceived to work purely by mechanical means. The first results were encouraging as they were able to achieve a great decrease concerning the degree of uncertainty of measurements when compared to traditional methods that are very inaccurate and outdated. For instance, it's not unusual to see these archaic methods in action by making use of ordinary home kind measure-tapes for exploring the limb's shape. Although prototype β improved the readings, it still required someone to input the plotted points (i.e. those marked in disk shape graphical sheets) to an academic CAD software called OrtoCAD. This task is performed by manual typing which is time consuming and carries very limited reliability. Furthermore, the number of coordinates obtained from the purely mechanical system is limited to sub-divisions of the graphical sheet (it records a point every 10 degrees with a resolution of one millimeter). These drawbacks were overcome by designing the second release of prototype β in which it was developed an electronic variation of the reading table components now capable of performing an automatic reading (i.e. no human intervention in digital mode). An interface software (i.e. drive) was built to facilitate data transfer. Much better results were obtained meaning less degree of uncertainty (it records a point every 2 degrees with a resolution of 1/10 mm). Additionally, it was proposed an algorithm to convert the CAD geometry, used by OrtoCAD, to an appropriate format and enabling the use of rapid prototyping equipment aiming future automation of the manufacturing process of prosthetic sockets.

Geração automática de testes a partir de descrições de linguagens

Some programs may have their entry data specified by formalized context-free grammars. This formalization facilitates the use of tools in the systematization and the rise of the quality of their test process. This category of programs, compilers have been the first to use this kind of tool for the automation of their tests. In this work we present an approach for definition of tests from the formal description of the entries of the program. The generation of the sentences is performed by taking into account syntactic aspects defined by the specification of the entries, the grammar. For optimization, their coverage criteria are used to limit the quantity of tests without diminishing their quality. Our approach uses these criteria to drive generation to produce sentences that satisfy a specific coverage criterion. The approach presented is based on the use of Lua language, relying heavily on its resources of coroutines and dynamic construction of functions. With these resources, we propose a simple and compact implementation that can be optimized and controlled in different ways, in order to seek satisfaction the different implemented coverage criteria. To make the use of our tool simpler, the EBNF notation for the specification of the entries was adopted. Its parser was specified in the tool Meta-Environment for rapid prototyping

Virtual simulator for mobile robots navigation systems

This paper presents the virtual environment implementation for project simulation and conception of supervision and control systems for mobile robots, that are capable to operate and adapting in different environments and conditions. This virtual system has as purpose to facilitate the development of embedded architecture systems, emphasizing the implementation of tools that allow the simulation of the kinematic conditions, dynamic and control, with real time monitoring of all important system points. For this, an open control architecture is proposal, integrating the two main techniques of robotic control implementation in the hardware level: systems microprocessors and reconfigurable hardware devices. The implemented simulator system is composed of a trajectory generating module, a kinematic and dynamic simulator module and of a analysis module of results and errors. All the kinematic and dynamic results shown during the simulation can be evaluated and visualized in graphs and tables formats, in the results analysis module, allowing an improvement in the system, minimizing the errors with the necessary adjustments optimization. For controller implementation in the embedded system, it uses the rapid prototyping, that is the technology that allows, in set with the virtual simulation environment, the development of a controller project for mobile robots. The validation and tests had been accomplish with nonholonomics mobile robots models with diferencial transmission. © 2008 IEEE.

Retention and processing methods of nasal prosthesis

Patients with congenital malformations, traumatic or pathological mutilation and maxillofacial developmental disorders can be restored aesthetically and emotionally by the production and use of facial prostheses. The aim of this study was to review the literature about the retention and processing methods of facial prostheses, and discuss their characteristics. A literature review on Medline (PubMed) database was performed by using the keywords maxillofacial prosthesis, silicone, resin, pigment, cosmetic, prosthetic nose, based on articles published from 1956 to 2010. Several methods of retention, from adhesives to the placement of implants, and different processing methods such as laser, CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping technologies have been reported. There are advantages and disadvantages of each procedure, and none can be classified as better compared to others.

Design & prototipagem: conhecimento e uso da prototipagem rápida no design brasileiro

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Reconstrução e geração de malhas em estruturas biomecânicas tridimensionais para análise por elemento finitos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Desenvolvimento, comportamento mecânico e microestrutural de uma prótese mandibular em liga de titânio produzida por sinterização direta a laser de metal (DMLS)

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEIS

Implementação de uma plataforma HW/SW para automação industrial, utilizando hardware reconfigurável com processador NIOS II em conformidade com o padrão IEEE 1451

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da precisão de guias cirúrgicos para implantes osteointegrados obtidos a partir de prototipagem rápida

O planejamento implantodôntico exige precisão e confiabilidade. A prototipagem rápida oferece a possibilidade de transferir o planejamento para o campo operatório, sendo este um importante aliado no tratamento cirúrgico. O presente estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a precisão de guias cirúrgicos obtidos através de tomografia computadorizada, planejamento em software para implantodontia (Implantviwer – Anne Solutions ltda.) e prototipagem rápida, avaliando a angulação e a posição horizontal dos implantes e ainda comparar guias com apoio ósseo e guias com apoio gengival. Foram selecionadas cinco mandíbulas humanas secas, que foram fixadas a um crânio e realizadas as tomografias computadorizadas, o planejamento dos implantes e os guias confeccionados apartir de prototipagem. Após a instalação de vinte implantes foram realizadas novas tomografias e comparação das medidas referentes a angulação e posicionamento horizontal dos implantes através da sobreposição das imagens pré e pós operatórias. Tais resultados foram submetidos a análise estatística pelo teste T para amostras dependentes e análise de variância de Friedman com índice de significância de 95%. Observou-se uma discrepância média de angulação de 2,60º (DP = 3,20º) e de 0.40 mm (DP = 0,51 mm) para o posicionamento horizontal nos guias com apoio sobre gengiva artificial e 5,30º (DP = 3,88º) e 0,70 mm (DP = 0,82 mm) para os guias com apoio ósseo . Os guias com apoio ósseo e gengival apresentaram diferença estatística entre si apenas quanto a angulação. Os guias cirúrgicos para implantes osteointegrados construídos apartir de prototipagem rápida oferecem precisão na transferência do planejamento para o campo operatório e sua utilização poderá aumentar a previsibilidade dos resultados, assim como facilitar a cirurgia e minimizar a intervenção cirúrgica.

COMPARISON BETWEEN MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF ALLOY TI-6AL4V, COLD WORK VERSUS PROTOTIPES BY DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING

The present work aims to study the microstructure and mechanical properties of titanium alloys, widely used in the manufacture of orthopedic implants in order to compare a new manufacturing technology of implants, rapid prototyping in metals with conventional manufacturing processes. Rapid prototyping is being used in many areas of human knowledge to assist in the study and often in the manufacture of components for their own use. Nowadays with the advancement of software and equipment such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, we can reproduce any part of the human body in three-dimensional images with great perfection and it is used in the reproduction of implants, scaffolds, material aid and preparation in surgery. This work aims to do: A comparison between the microstructure of the alloy in the two manufacturing processes (prototyping and conventional), showing the grain size, the nature, form, quantity, and distribution of various ingredients or certain inclusions and study of mechanical properties of titanium in both cases.

Softwares livres e prototipagem rápida aplicados na engenharia

In modern industry we see a growing need for answers cheaper, accurate and quick to deliver solutions and products to be able to remain competitive. In this way the inclusion of open source software and Rapid Prototyping tools have proven very important to obtain the expected results. This work, through information gathering, analysis software and their applicability, search tools commercially available rapid prototyping will demonstrate the importance of these tools and will also present possible configurations for a space for rapid prototyping within the university, as a proposal to implement a rapid prototyping laboratory at the Faculdade de Engenharia de Guaratinguetá

Utilização das tecnologias assistidas na concepção, no desenvolvimento e no projeto de uma escova dental sustentável e ergonômica

The toothbrush is identified as one of the most importants inventions in human history. Most of them are made by polypropylene, a recyclable polymer. Some are made of polypropylene and polyethylene leftovers from others industrial processes. However, the toothbrushes are discarded incorrectly and end up in landfills, which could be avoided by using a material and design suitable for the manufacture of the product. This study aimed, based on research, develop and design a toothbrush model with great features. For the conception of the prototype, was used rapid prototyping technologies. With the intention of improving the product quality, was created an ergonomic, sustainable and environmentally friendly model, seeking maximally reduce the generation of waste and environmental damages. The solution adopted was the use of "interchangeable head", which can be discarded after their useful life, keeping the rest of the body.