Mixed Reality system to study deformable objects: Breast Cancer application

Treballs Finals de Grau d'Enginyeria Biomèdica. Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. Universitat de Barcelona. Curs: 2020-2021. Directors: Eduardo Soudah i Óscar de Coss. Tutor: Aida NiñerolaA significant amount of women who go through a breast cancer conservative surgery to treat early stage breast cancer undergo a repeat surgery due to concerns that residual tumor was left behind. To avoid this, tumor localization is needed to assist the surgeon in order to determine tumor extent and also, it is critical to account for tissue deformations. For these reasons, new navigation systems, like the one proposed on this project, are emerging to cover those needs. This project focuses on the use of a Mixed Reality system to improve the accuracy in placing the static hologram of the tumor and, to implement a dynamical hologram when deformation takes place. In order to do so, two different molds with objects inside have been manufactured. Next, two different approaches were considered, a mathematical approach to create a 3D CAD model of the molds and a medical approach, which consisted in performing a CT and then, segment the images. The models were post-processed and imported to the HoloLens head-mounted display. The system was tested on the molds and on a breast phantom provided by the Hospital Clinic. The results obtained were encouraging and although some things need to be improved, this exciting new use for Augmented Reality has the potential to improve the lives of many patients

Bionanotechnology to Save the Environment

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating atoms and molecules in the nanoscale thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair. The world market for products that contain nanomaterials is expected to increase enormously in the future. The use of nanotechnology has stretched across various streams of science, from electronics to medicine and has also found applications in the field of cosmetics. How will this revolution impact our lifestyle and our planet? Very often the progresses of science, human knowledge and evolution of our lifestyle has been associated with devastating effects on our forests, oceans and more in general on our planet. The real challenge in the years to come is the sustainability of human evolution. The reader of this interesting book will discover how nanotechnology, and in particular nanomaterials derived from plant biomass and fishery’s waste, can improve the quality of our environment by reducing carbon emissions, improving the recycling of materials and even, in the long run, became a profitable business. Green nanotechnologies can be applied to a huge number of products ranging from intelligent textiles to smart drugs or functional polymers which can have a big impact on our daily lives, but nevertheless help us in saving our biodiversity and our planet. However, to fully achieve all these benefits, companies and scientists should be supported by National and International Agencies and Institutions in order to facilitate and support scientific development in this field allowing from one side the protection of intellectual property, but on the other giving accessibility of these technologies to emerging countries for improving the quality of life and the environment all over the world equally

An Integrated Rapid Prototyping and Vacuum Casting System for Medical Applications

Evaluation of products in the design stage has played a critical role in product development. Methods to build functional prototypes have been a deciding factor for designverification. As an emerging technology, rapid prototyping is revolutionizingthe process of building prototypes. However, material limitations and highcosts call for further expansion of this technology focusing on batch productionof prototypes with material options.Recognizing the challenge to produce multiple prototypes, this thesisresearch aims to integrate three state-of-the-art technologies: 3D solid modeling, rapid prototyping, and vacuum casting. A system architecture combining hardwareand computer software is designed and implemented. The system utilizes computergraphics to construct a 3D model of an object through visualitzion. A softwaresystem, Maestro, processes a CAD file, generates support structures, and creates slice data to build prototypes by a stereolithography process. Thebuilt part serves as a master pattern for creation of a silicone rubber mold in a vacuum environment. This vacuum environment creates a material flow ratethat ensures replicas with superior quality in regards to surface finish anddimensional accuracy. This mold is then used to cast multiple replicas ofthe master pattern.The unique contribution of this research is the application of thedeveloped system to meet a specific need in medical research - an effort torestore sight in blind individuals by implanting electordes in the visualcortex. Six replcas of a monkey skull are produced for surgeions to practicesurgical procedures. Image data obtained from CT scans of a mondkey head are successfully used to contruct a 3D solid model to fabricate a batch of six functional prototypes. The superior quality of these replicas hasoffered a unique opportunity for exploratory surgery in efforts to restoresight

DESIGN AND QUALIFICATION OF A ROBUST POLYURETHANE BASED CONFORMAL COATING PROCESS FOR SODIMMs

Conformal coatings protect printed circuit board assemblies, including the electronic components that the assemblies are populated with. A variety of materials and application methods can be used to conformally coat assemblies. The process setup is crucial to repeatable process reliability. The manual spray based conformal coating is widely used. This method of application was selected due to its compatibility, affordability, and efficiency with the required application. Polyurethanes, one of the families of conformal coatings, provide resistance against abrasion, heat, and chemicals while reducing the risk of tin whiskers. In order to minimize the need for rework and create an efficient, repeatable and reproducible process, an option is to automate the process of conformal coating application. This research addressed the research and development of a process specific to SODIMM type memory modules using a two-component polyurethane based conformal coating material. The yield was improved by systematically working on quality by analyzing yield improvements while preventing observed defects. A ‘DoE” based approach was used. Upon validating ‘optimal’ input configurations, the overall process qualification was executed for controlled lots which were then analyzed for visual defects and thickness establishing process effectiveness. The sub-processes for the conformal coating process include board wash, ionograph test, masking, plasma cleaning, conformal coating spray, and cure. The board wash sub-process was qualified using three different temperature and time durations as inputs. When examined under a microscope, white residue was observed for lower temperature configurations. Next, ionograph tests were conducted to verify ionic contamination levels on the surface of the SODIMM products and it was observed that all samples passed. It was observed that an oxygen-based plasma cleaning process provided the minimum contact angles of 8° or below. Argon, by itself, performed equally well but the mixture of the two gases resulted in an angle greater than 8°; hence oxygen was selected. It was seen that the metalized surfaces of the components exhibited thinner deposits of coating than the other areas on board. The final program was modified to accommodate for cross-directional passes and an air tack time of an hour to resolve the observed issue, which turned out to be a successful solution. Controlled lots were processed and inspected for coating thickness. No additional defects were observed. This research has also helped in identifying potential opportunities for improvement

Development of the in situ forming of a liquid infused preform (ISFLIP) process : a new manufacturing technique for high performance fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) components

A problem is not a problem anymore if no solution exists; therefore, in the present dissertation, a novel manufacturing technique, the In Situ Forming of a Liquid Infused Preform (ISFLIP), is proposed as a solution to some typical problems that manufacturing of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) parts through Vacuum Infusion (VI) involves, such as not taking advantage of the full potential of FRPs, long processing times and lack of reproducibility. ISFLIP is a hybrid process between VI and diaphragm forming in which a flat preform of a stack of reinforcement fabrics is firstly impregnated with a low viscosity matrix and, then, formed over a mould while the matrix is still in the low viscosity state. Being focused on high performance FRPs and shell components, from simple to complex double curvature shapes, a number of trade-offs between VI and diaphragm forming were overcome to lay the foundations from which ISFLIP ability to manufacture FRP components has been proven. In order to adopt a VI manufacturing methodology that fitted ISFLIP targets, important contributions to more general VI have also been made in terms of part quality optimization, addressing the major concern that void content is in VI, with competitive manufacturing times. An effective vacuum degassing procedure in which bubble formation is enhanced through high speed stirring, and a non-conventional filling and post-filling strategy are proposed for this purpose. Eventually, void content was virtually eliminated and post-filling time minimized without affecting fibre content. In ISFLIP, textile preforms are formed together with a series of auxiliary materials (plastic films and sheets, textile fabrics and knitted meshes), most of them showing different in-plane deformation mechanisms. Forming performance of preforms, as well as final part quality, are severely affected by interactions between all these materials different in nature. Uncertainties on this respect and an initial evaluation of attainable shapes were also addressed to define a more focused research plan to the final goal, still distant, of implementing ISFLIP in a real production environment. Results obtained throughout the research project give cause for reasonable optimism in ISFLIP potential and future prospects.Un problema deja de ser un problema si no existe solución; por lo tanto, en esta disertación, una novedosa técnica de fabricación, el Conformado In Situ de una Preforma Infusionada con resina Líquida (ISFLIP, por sus siglas en inglés), se propone como solución a algunos problemas típicos relacionados con la fabricación de piezas de Polímero Reforzado con Fibra (FRP) a través de la Infusión por Vacío (VI), problemas tales como el desaprovechamiento de todo el potencial de los FRPs, largos tiempos de procesado y falta de reproducibilidad. ISFLIP es un proceso híbrido entre la VI y el conformado por membrana elástica en el que una preforma plana formada a partir de un apilado de tejidos de refuerzo es en primera instancia impregnada con una resina de baja viscosidad y, entonces, conformada sobre un molde mientras que la matriz permanece todavía en el estado de baja viscosidad. Estando centrado en los FRPs de altas prestaciones y en componentes con formas tipo concha, desde curvaturas simples hasta formas con doble curvatura complejas, un número importante de compensaciones entre la VI y el conformado por membrana se han ido superando para asentar las bases a partir de las cuales se ha probado la capacidad de ISFLIP para fabricas componentes de FRP. Con la vista puesta en implementar una metodología de fabricación por VI que cumpliese los objetivos definidos para ISFLIP, también se han realizado importantes contribuciones de carácter más general relacionadas con la VI en términos de optimización de parámetros de calidad de las piezas, abordando la gran preocupación que la porosidad final supone en la VI, y consiguiendo unos tiempos de fabricación competitivos. Con este propósito se han propuesto un proceso de desgasificación por vacío muy efectivo en el que se favorece la nucleación de burbujas mediante la agitación a alta velocidad, y una prometedora y no convencional estrategia de llenado y post-llenado de la preforma. Finalmente, se consiguió virtualmente eliminar la porosidad atrapada en las piezas, minimizando el tiempo de post-llenado sin afectar la fracción de fibra contenida. En ISFLIP las preformas textiles se conforman junto con una serie de materiales auxiliares (films y hojas plásticas, mallas y tejidos textiles), que muestran diferentes mecanismos de deformación en plano. El conformado de las preformas y el acabado final de las piezas se ve severamente afectado por todas las interacciones entre todos estos materiales diferentes en naturaleza. También se han abordado las incertidumbres que surgen al respecto y una evaluación inicial de las geometrías abarcables para definir un plan de investigación más concreto con el que poder afrontar la meta final, todavía distante, de implementar ISFLIP en un entorno productivo real. Los resultados obtenidos a lo largo de este proyecto de investigación permiten ser razonablemente optimistas en cuanto al potencial de ISFLIP y sus expectativas

Value Added Products for Beekeepers in Albania

Beekeeping is a popular and growing craft in Albania, in both urban and rural areas. Beekeepers face many challenges including maintaining their hives, processing hive materials, and selling their products. This project, sponsored by the Rural Association Support Programme, focused on addressing ways for beekeepers to benefit more from their efforts. Our team conducted experiments to test ways of dissolving propolis, cleaning wax, crafting molds, and making simple cosmetics. We determined feasible and efficient methods for beekeepers to create value added products. Our findings are summarized in educational pamphlets and guides for distribution among beekeepers in Albania and online. These materials provide information for beekeepers to improve their practices to better their livelihoods