The medical back belt with integrated neuromuscular electrical stimulation is anorthopedic device, which has two main functions. The first function is to stimulate the backmuscles by using a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device that releases regular,electrical impulses. The second function of the medical back belt is the stabilization of theback after lumbar disk herniation’s so that a straight posture can be realized.The product has the opportunity to give lumbar back support and encourage the back musclesto prevent muscle weakness. The integrated neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the beltconsists out of two main components: The NMES device and the textile electrodes. Byactivating the NMES device it transmits electrical impulse to the textile electrodes, which canprickle the muscles.In the future, this product possibly can make a straight posture of the back andsimultaneously stimulation of the back muscles possible. Paper for the 14th Autex World Textile Conference, May 26th-28th, Bursa, Turkey.
MULTIFILE
Designing lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with tailored electrical properties remains a critical challenge for various applications. In this paper we present a novel methodology integrating Machine Learning (ML) and optimization procedures to fine-tune electrical properties in lead-free (1-x) Na0.5 Bi0.5 TiO3 - x CaTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics. A comprehensive dataset of dielectric measurements serves as the foundation for training ML models that accurately predict the permittivity (𝜀′) and dielectric loss (tan 𝛿) as functions of Ca2+concentration (x % Ca), temperature and frequency. Two ML techniques are evaluated: random forest regression, and Multi-Layer Perceptron neural network Regression (MLPR). The MLPR model exhibited a superior regression performance, achieving a correlation coefficient of 0.931 and a root mean squared error of 0.029. The MLPR was then optimized by the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to maximizes 𝜀′ while minimizes tan 𝛿. Within the NSGA-II framework, the optimal values were found at the Pareto curve knee, corresponding to a frequency, temperature, and x % Ca of 609.739 kHz, 398.15 K, and 6.10, respectively, resulting in 𝜀′ equal to 857.87 and tan 𝛿 equal to 0.0120. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of combining ML andoptimization for designing the electrical properties of piezoelectric ceramics, paving the way for more efficient and targeted material development.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if using surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for paralyzed lower-limb muscles results in an increase in energy expenditure and if the number of activated muscles and duty cycle affect the potential increase.DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.RESULTS: Energy expenditure during all NMES protocols was significantly higher than the condition without NMES (1.2 ± 0.2 kcal/min), with the highest increase (+ 51%; +0.7 kcal/min, 95% CI: 0.3 - 1.2) for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. A significant decrease in muscle contraction size during NMES was found with a longer stimulation time, more muscles activated or the duty cycle with a shorter rest period.CONCLUSION: Using NMES for paralyzed lower-limb muscles can significantly increase the energy expenditure compared to sitting without NMES with the highest increase for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. Muscle fatigue occurred significantly with the more intense NMES protocols which might cause a lower energy expenditure in a longer protocol. Future studies should further optimize the NMES parameters and investigate the long-term effects of NMES on weight management in people with SCI.
Mycelium biocomposites (MBCs) are a fairly new group of materials. MBCs are non-toxic and carbon-neutral cutting-edge circular materials obtained from agricultural residues and fungal mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi. Growing within days without complex processes, they offer versatile and effective solutions for diverse applications thanks to their customizable textures and characteristics achieved through controlled environmental conditions. This project involves a collaboration between MNEXT and First Circular Insulation (FC-I) to tackle challenges in MBC manufacturing, particularly the extended time and energy-intensive nature of the fungal incubation and drying phases. FC-I proposes an innovative deactivation method involving electrical discharges to expedite these processes, currently awaiting patent approval. However, a critical gap in scientific validation prompts the partnership with MNEXT, leveraging their expertise in mycelium research and MBCs. The research project centers on evaluating the efficacy of the innovative mycelium growth deactivation strategy proposed by FC-I. This one-year endeavor permits a thorough investigation, implementation, and validation of potential solutions, specifically targeting issues related to fungal regrowth and the preservation of sustained material properties. The collaboration synergizes academic and industrial expertise, with the dual purpose of achieving immediate project objectives and establishing a foundation for future advancements in mycelium materials.
Epoxy thermosets are extensively used as coatings, adhesives and in structural applications as they typically impart outstanding mechanical and electrical properties as well as chemical resistance. The currently used epoxy thermosets are produced from fossil-based non-recyclable materials. To be able to meet the circularity and sustainability goals set by the EU, this needs to change. Biobased epoxy thermosets from residual streams are considered a promising and urgently needed alternative to regular epoxy thermosets. The Cashew Nut industry could play a significant role in the development of these biobased epoxy thermosets. Global cashew nut production is about 4 million tons/year. The cashew nutshell is currently discarded as waste or used as an inefficient fuel, creating environmental issues. The cashew nutshell contains Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL), which consists of the valuable chemical component cardanol. Cardanol can be used to produce biobased epoxy thermosets with balanced rigid-flexible performance. However, systematic studies about the production, properties, recyclability and commercial opportunities of the cardanol based epoxy thermosets are lacking. In this project consortium partners Avans, RUAS, Maastricht University, TU/e, Nuts2, Charcotec, NPSP, SABA, and Prokol jointly aim to answer the question: How can we develop sustainable and economically viable biobased epoxy thermosets and composites from cashew nutshell residue? First the pyrolysis process will be optimized for the effective production of CNSL. Next, the cardanol in the CNSL will be purified and modified to make the recyclable biobased epoxy thermoset. Finally, by adding biocarbon (which is also produced during the pyrolysis of cashew nutshell) to the biobased epoxy thermoset, a composite with enhanced mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties is expected to be obtained. The success of this project serves as a catalyst for the development of sustainable solutions in the thermoset industry and contribute to a sustainable application of cashew nut residue.
