Feasibility Study on Laser Cutting of Phenolic Resin Boards

AbstractLaser cutting is the most widely implemented application of lasers in industry. The many advantages of this process stimulate users in industry to cut many different materials, such as wood and wood composites –particleboard, plywood, etc.–, which are being cut with excellent results and productivity. Phenolic resins boards are a new substitute of wood in highly aggressive environments. In the present work we study the feasibility of CO2 lasers to cut phenolic resin boards and assess the potential health hazards of the vapours and residues produced, since its thermal degradation may produce toxic organic vapors

Biomimetic electrochemical sensor integrated in flexible polymeric devices for cancer diagnosis

The authors gratefully acknowledge to the project IBEROS, Instituto de Bioingeniería en Red para el Envejecimiento Saludable, PROGRAMA INTERREG 2014-2020, reference POCTEP/0245_IBEROS_1_E and the financial support to CANCER Project through Norte 2020 – Programa Operacional Regional do Norte, reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000029.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The use of computers and augmentative and alternative communication devices by children and young with cerebral palsy

[Abstract] The purpose of the study was to determine the use of computers and assistive devices amongst children with cerebral palsy (CP) and establish the satisfaction level of both users and educational staff. The study was carried out with 30 children with cerebral palsy. A questionnaire was designed to characterize the use of new technologies and assistive devices. Some of the questions were reserved for the teachers. Even though 29 users show some type of communication difficulty, only 4 users dispose of a computer-aided communication device, with the static symbolic board being the most widely used device (4). More than half of the participants (17) regularly use a computer, 16 of them requiring some type of assistive device. The perception of the teachers with regard to the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in the classrooms is positive in 5 out of 6 cases. ICTs only provide assistance if their application is accompanied by the involvement of professionals and the child's social environment. The low use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication techniques along with the absence of communication codes reveal the need to establish training protocols. The inclusion of social, physical, and personal factors is considered essential in order to evaluate the needs for assistive technology

Empowering personal autonomy through AT with Low Cost

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Valorando la efectividad e impacto de los productos de apoyo

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Ocupaciones y niños con autismo: investigando sobre las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones como apoyos en el día a día

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Fabrication and deposition of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles by laser ablation in open air

The proximity of the “post-antibiotic era”, where infections and minor injuries could be a cause of death, there are urges to seek an alternative for the cure of infectious diseases. Copper nanoparticles and their huge potential as a bactericidal agent could be a solution. In this work, Cu and Cu oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by laser ablation in open air and in argon atmosphere using 532 and 1064 nm radiation generated by nanosecond and picosecond Nd:YVO4 lasers, respectively, to be directly deposited onto Ti substrates. Size, morphology, composition and the crystalline structure of the produced nanoparticles have been studied by the means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), the energy dispersive spectroscopy of X-rays (EDS), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV-VIS absorbance of the thin layer of nanoparticles was also measured, and the antibacterial capacity of the obtained deposits tested against Staphylococcus aureus. The obtained deposits consisted of porous coatings composed of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles interconnected to form chain-like aggregates. The use of the argon atmosphere contributed to reduce significantly the formation of Cu oxide species. The synthesized and deposited nanoparticles exhibited an inhibitory effect upon S. aureus.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Assessing mouse alternatives to access to computer: a case study of a user with cerebral palsy

[Abstract] The purpose of this study is to describe the process of assessment of three assistive devices to meet the needs of a woman with cerebral palsy (CP) in order to provide her with computer access and use. The user has quadriplegic CP, with anarthria, using a syllabic keyboard. Devices were evaluated through a three-step approach: (a) use of a questionnaire to preselect potential assistive technologies, (b) use of an eTAO tool to determine the effectiveness of each devised, and (c) a conducting semi-structured interview to obtain qualitative data. Touch screen, joystick, and trackball were the preselected devices. The best device that met the user's needs and priorities was joystick. The finding was corroborated by both the eTAO tool and the semi-structured interview. Computers are a basic form of social participation. It is important to consider the special needs and priorities of users and to try different devices when undertaking a device-selection process. Environmental and personal factors have to be considered, as well. This leads to a need to evaluate new tools in order to provide the appropriate support. The eTAO could be a suitable instrument for this purpose. Additional research is also needed to understand how to better match devices with different user populations and how to comprehensively evaluate emerging technologies relative to users with disabilities

Needs, demands and reality of people with neuromuscular disorders users of wheelchair

Background: The progressive nature of neuromuscular disease (NMD) results in a reduction in mobility: a person’s ability to move about, or locomotion. Wheelchair is an assistive technology device (AT) that is fundamental to provide a greater degree of independence in mobility to those affected by an NMD, and its use is mediated by factors related to context, activity, and degree of participation. Purpose: To provide an overview of the profile of participants (persons with neuromuscular disorder user of wheelchair) i. To determine the characteristics of wheelchair used by participants ii. To determine the impact of wheelchair in life of people with NMD. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, with a transversal design was employed. Sample was formed by 36 men and 24 women with Neuromuscular Disease (NMD), user of wheelchair, and their caregiver. To obtain information about activities, participation and contextual factors, an original questionnaire was employed, and to evaluate the impact of wheelchair the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) was applied. Results: The results show that, in general, psychosocial impact associated to wheelchair use is positive, with the type of wheelchair, correct matching between AT-person and mobility independence as the main determinants. Conclusion: Knowledge of how the wheelchair is incorporated into a user’s daily life will help him/her to reach his/her objectives and expectations, and to establish the social and personal benefits derived from its use. Independence in personal mobility is the main factor determining a positive impact on the quality of life associated with wheelchair use