Optimized biomimetic hair sensor arrays for sensing oscillating air flows

Artificial hair sensor arrays are bio-inspired from flow-sensitive filiform hairs of the crickets, one of nature’s best in sensing small air flows. The presented hair sensor arrays aim to realize higher sensitivities compared to our previous sensor arrays by means of model-based design optimizations and fabricated with advanced MEMS technologies. The artificial hair-sensor arrays display a clear figure-of-eight response and show remarkable sensitivities to oscillating air flows down to 0.85 mm/s surpassing noise levels even at 1 kHz operational bandwidths

Gravity gradiometer system for Earth Exploration

We develop a gravity gradiometer (GG) for use on planetary missions to planets like Mars and Jupiter. With some modifications this development is extended to include (airborne) applications for the Dutch exploratory industry. We adapt key technology of the space based GG for the use in an environment with considerable acceleration noise. The major benefit is the considerable decrease in weight and size with the presently used gradiometer systems

Sexuality of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Experienced Limitations and Needs

Objective of this study is to describe the problems young adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience in the various stages of the sexual response cycle, and the physical and emotional obstacles they experience with sexuality. In this prospective cohort study 74 young adults (46 men; 28 women) with CP and average intelligence participated, aged 20–24 years. Twenty percent of these young adults with CP experienced anorgasmia, 80% reported physical problems with sex related to CP and 45% emotional inhibition to initiate sexual contact. In 90% of the participants, sexuality had not been discussed during the rehabilitation treatment. Many adolescents reported wanting information about the impact of CP on sexuality and reproduction (35%), about interventions (26%), tools and medicines (16%) and about problems with their partner (14%). Young adults with CP can experience various problems or challenges with sexuality. For preventing sexual difficulties and treating sexual problems, health care professionals need to proactively take the initiative to inform young people with CP about sexuality

MEMS-based Micro Coriolis mass flow sensor

We have realized a micromachined micro Coriolis flow sensor consisting of a silicon nitride resonant tube of 40 μm diameter and 1.2 μm wall thickness. First\ud measurements with both gas and liquid flows have demonstrated an unprecedented\ud mass flow resolution in the order of 10 mg/hr at a full scale range of 1 g/hr. The sensor can simultaneously be used as a density sensor

PowerGlove, Concepts and current results

Dynamic interaction between the human body and the environment can be assessed by measuring force and estimating velocity at their interface. A sensorized glove with movement and force sensing is developed in which this principles is applie