Yihao Zheng, Yancheng Wang, Roland K. Chen, Sagar Deshpande, Noah S. Nelson, Steven R. Buchman and Albert J. Shih
To obtain a vascularized autologous bone graft by in-vivo tissue transformation, a biocompatible tissue transformation mold (TTM) is needed. An ideal TTM is of high geometric…
Abstract
Purpose
To obtain a vascularized autologous bone graft by in-vivo tissue transformation, a biocompatible tissue transformation mold (TTM) is needed. An ideal TTM is of high geometric accuracy and X-ray radiolucent for monitoring the bone tissue formation. The purpose of this study is to present the TTM design and fabrication process, using 3D reconstruction, stereolithography (SLA) and silicone molding.
Design/methodology/approach
The rat mandible, the targeted bone graft, was scanned by micro-computed tomography (CT). From the micro-CT images, the 3D mandible model was identified and used as the cavity geometry to design the TTM. The TTM was fabricated by molding the biocompatible and radiolucent silicone in the SLA molds. This TTM was implanted in a rat for in vivo tests on its biocompatibility and X-ray radiolucency.
Findings
SLA can fabricate the TTM with a cavity shape that accurately replicates that of the rat mandible. The bone formation inside of the silicone TTM can be observed by X-ray. The TTM is feasible for in vivo tissue transformation for vascularized bone reconstruction.
Research limitations/implications
Research of the dimensional and geometrical accuracy of the TTM cavity is required in the future study of this process.
Practical implications
The TTM fabricated in this presented approach has been used for in-vivo tissue transformation. This technique can be implemented for bone reconstruction.
Originality/value
The precision fabrication of the TTMs for in-vivo tissue transformation into autogenous vascularized bone grafts with complex structures was achieved by using SLA, micro-CT and silicone molding.
Details
Keywords
Xinjie Wang, Yan Cheng, Huadong Zheng, Yihao Li and Caidong Wang
Currently, rehabilitation medical care is expensive, requires a large number of rehabilitation therapist and which can only limit in the fixed location. In addition, there is a…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, rehabilitation medical care is expensive, requires a large number of rehabilitation therapist and which can only limit in the fixed location. In addition, there is a lack of research on the structure optimization and theoretical analysis of soft actuators for hand rehabilitation. In view of the problems above, this paper aims to propose a cheap, portable, wearable soft multiple joints rehabilitation glove.
Design/methodology/approach
First, this paper determined the hyperelastic constitutive model by material tensile test. Second, the soft actuator’s internal longitudinal section shape was optimized through the comparison of three diverse chamber structures. Meanwhile, the motion model of the soft actuator is established by the finite element model analysis method. Then, this paper established the constitutive model of the soft actuator according to the torque equilibrium equation and analyzed the relationship between the soft actuator’s bending angle and the input air pressure. This paper has verified that the theoretical model is correct through the soft actuator bending test. Finally, rehabilitation gloves were manufactured according to the model and the rehabilitation performance and grasping ability of gloves were verified through experiments.
Findings
The optimization results show that the internal semicircular cavity has better performance. Then, the actuator performance is better after adding the external arc structure and optimizing the physical dimension. The experimental results show that the trajectory of the actuator conforms to the mathematical model and rehabilitation gloves can meet the needs of rehabilitation treatment.
Practical implications
Rehabilitation gloves made of actuators can help patients with hand dysfunction in daily rehabilitation training. Then, it can also assist patients with some fine and complicated hand movements.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a new type of soft rehabilitation glove, which is composed of new soft actuators and adapting pieces. The new actuator is small enough to be fitted to the knuckle of the glove to move each joint of the finger.
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Keywords
Lurdes Esteves, Mário Franco and Margarida Rodrigues
The study of mindfulness is still shown to be of interest in different aspects of organisations and/or businesses. Therefore, this study aims to present an integrative…
Abstract
Purpose
The study of mindfulness is still shown to be of interest in different aspects of organisations and/or businesses. Therefore, this study aims to present an integrative, multi-level model of mindfulness based on a holistic approach that can contribute to better governance practices and lead to competitive advantages.
Design/methodology/approach
To fulfil this aim, an extensive integrative review of the literature, from the main articles about this topic, was made.
Findings
This study shows that the concept of mindfulness, a conscious presence or full attention and its relation with organisations or firms’ personal, behavioural and social characteristics, in the current context of great adversity, uncertainty and unpredictability, is of interest at the individual, organisational and social level.
Practical implications
This conceptual study has important implications for both practice and theory. It demonstrates that mindfulness significantly impacts the manager/business person’s ecosystem at the individual, organisational and social levels, particularly in relation to Sustainable Development Goals.
Originality/value
This study introduces a comprehensive theoretical model that explains this relationship and organises information from a multi-level perspective. This approach can contribute to the advancement of theory by clarifying and discussing the role of mindfulness at the individual, organisational and societal levels. It also identifies opportunities and outlines future research directions, aiming to promote more sustainable development.