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AbstractPurpose -Aims to investigate medical rapid prototyping (medical RP) technology applications and methods based on reverse engineering (RE) and medical imaging data. Design/methodology/approach -Medical image processing and RE are applied to construct three-dimensional models of anatomical structures, from which custom-made (personalized) medical applications are developed. Findings -The investigated methods were successfully used for design and manufacturing of biomodels, surgical aid tools, implants, medical devices and surgical training models. More than 40 medical RP applications were implemented in Europe and Asia since 1999. Research limitations/implications -Medical RP is a multi-discipline area. It involves in many human resources and requires high skills and knowhow in both engineering and medicine. In addition, medical RP applications are expensive, especially for low-income countries. These practically limit its benefits and applications in hospitals. Practical implications -In order to transfer medical RP into hospitals successfully, a good link and close collaboration between medical and engineering sites should be established. Moreover, new medical applications should be developed in the way that does not change the traditional approaches that medical doctors (MD) were trained, but provides solutions to improve the diagnosis and treatment quality. Originality/value -The presented state-of-the-art medical RP is applied for diagnosis and treatment in the following medical areas: craniomaxillofacial and dental surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, orthosis and tissue engineering. The paper is useful for MD (radiologists and surgeons), biomedical and RP/CAD/CAM engineers.
The power output of photovoltaic modules operating under certain field conditions decreases over the time. The photovoltaic module degradation factor depends not only by the physical properties of the material but also by the change of parameters of the environment where the P V panels operate. The change of the P V modules degradation factor over the time reflects on the power output which is in a close relation with revenues from the purchased electricity produced by the modules.The process of PV modules degradation is a normal process accompanying the operation of the panels. This process is a result of increased losses in linear connections; increased relative humidity of the ambient air, and the process of moisture evaporation; limitation of possibilities of the p-n junction; and destruction of protective coating. The first abovementioned of losses generally depends on the local atmospheric conditions where the panels operate. At higher local values of the average temperature and relative humidity of the air the rate of degradation increases. An analysis about the degradation rate of the P V modules operating under specific field conditions here is made.
4This paper presents an innovative development of a flying robot or an aerial robot, with a flexible manipulator, called the Dexterous Aerial Robotic System (DFTS), for aerial manipulations, especially for inspections and reparations of various structures such as wind turbines, power lines and open gas pipelines, decorations and painting of high industrial chimneys and walls of high buildings, as well as transport and delivery of courier shipments, relocation and manipulation of assemblies and units in inaccessible or dangerous environments. The proposed DFTS consists of two independent but interconnected systems or functional units, which have two main separate functions respectively, including a basic carrying function, and a precise positioning and stabilization function. The system with a basic carrying function is actually the main flying system, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); it is remotely controlled and piloted. Meanwhile, the aerial manipulation platform, called the vertical take-off and landing platform VTOL, which is an active flying platform with 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) is used for positioning and stabilization; and it is attached to the UAV via the soft link. With the use of a long soft link, the problems which are caused by the air turbulent flows generated by the UAV are minimized, and the aerial manipulations of objects are safely controlled and operated. The VTOL which is equipped with a grasping mechanism was successfully developed, prototyped and tested. The experimental results showed that, the developed VTOL can self-stabilize with the inclination angle of being up to 8 degrees.
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