Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing waterglass-based silica aerogels, wherein the process comprises (a) subjecting a certain amount of a vinyltrialcoxysilane to hydrolysis in the presence of water and an inorganic acid under stirring conditions to produce a hydrolyzed vinyltrialcoxysilane solution; (b) treating a waterglass solution with an acidic cationic-exchange resin to produce a silicic acid solution; (c) forming a sol phase by contacting the hydrolyzed vinylalcoxysilane solution with the silicic acid solution; (d) forming a gel phase by adjusting the pH of the sol phase to a value in the range of from 4 to 6; and (e) subjecting the gel phase to supercritical drying to produce an aerogel. The present invention is also related to waterglass-based silica aerogels obtained by the process according to the invention, which are functionalized with vinyl groups.

Abstract: Generator systems and methods are provided for generating a neuromuscular-to-motion decoder from a healthy limb. The generator system is configured to receive neuromuscular signals from neuromuscular sensors associated to predefined muscle/nerve locations of at least one pair of agonist and antagonist muscles/nerves of the healthy limb, obtained during performance by the person of a predefined exercise (defined by predefined exercise data) with the healthy limb; to receive motion signals from motion sensors associated to predefined positions of the healthy limb, during performance by the person of the predefined exercise with the healthy limb; and to generate the neuromuscular-to-motion decoder by mapping the neuromuscular signals to the motion signals over time using a mapping method. Rehabilitation systems are also provided for rehabilitating a paretic limb by using a neuromuscular-to-motion decoder produced by a generator system.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of 3D reduced graphene oxide/Fe2O3 material includes the following steps: (i) putting in contact a graphene oxide (GO) water dispersion with an aqueous solution of iron(II) sulfate; (ii) hydrothermal treatment; and (iii) freezing the reaction product obtained in step (ii) at a temperature ??5° C.; and (iv) lyophilisation. A 3D reduced graphene oxide/Fe2O3 material is obtainable by the process and further relates to electrodes for CDI devices having the material. A method for removing ions from a fluid, like saline water, using the capacitive deionization device includes applying a voltage to the electrodes while supplying the fluid into the capacitive deionization device.

Abstract: An iontophoretic patch for transdermal delivery of biologically active agents includes at least two electrodes in contact with at least two hydrogel reservoirs. At least one of the hydrogel reservoirs carries at least one active agent and, in use of the iontophoretic patch, is disposed on a user's skin and delivers at least one active agent into the skin. The patch includes a control unit to generate a stimulation pattern having stimulation parameters delivered to stimuli locations on the skin. A stimulation unit generates a time sequence of pulses from the stimulation parameters generated by the control unit. The patch further includes a demultiplexing unit configured to perform independent spatio-temporal distribution of the electrical pulses in the time sequence of pulses to at least one electrode; at least one optical sensing system, for continuously measuring an amount of the active agent in the hydrogel reservoir; and a feedback unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for continuous production of 2,3-butanediol by hydrogenation of 3-hydroxybutanone with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst filled in one or more fixed-bed flow tubular reactor systems comprising one or more tubes with an inner diameter from 1 mm to 6 mm.

Abstract: Self-healing mircrocapsules including: a) a polymeric shell; b) a healing-agent compartmentalized inside the polymeric shell; and c) a catalyst deposited on the surface of the polymeric shell; where the microcapsules are prepared by suspension polymerization, and the microcapsules may be present in a polymeric matrix and in composite materials that include such polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A system for supporting workpieces comprises a base and a plurality of support members (1), each support member (1) comprising a plate (11) and means for positioning the plate (11) in relation to the base. In at least some of the support members (1). The means for positioning the plate (11) comprise at least three controllably extendable members (13) arranged for determining the position and inclination of the plate (11) in relation to the base, thereby allowing for controlled positioning of the plate (11) in relation to the base and for controlled inclination of the plate (11).

Abstract: A system or method for motor rehabilitation of a paretic limb including: a first plurality of sensors for registering brain neurosignals; a body-actuator; a hybrid brain machine interface for decoding brain neurosignals into movements of the body-actuator; a second plurality of EMG sensors couplable to the paretic limb for registering its EMG activity; a device for providing the patient with instructions relative to a series of exercises and/or tasks to be carried out with the paretic limb; wherein upon carrying out a series of training sessions, each session comprising at least a set of such instructions, the hybrid brain machine interface is configured to switch between controlling the movements of the body-actuator based on the decoded brain neurosignals and a hybrid control of the movements of the body-actuator, when a significant level of decodable EMG activity has been registered, the hybrid control being an EMG-gated brain control.

Abstract: A hand rehabilitation device includes at least one support to support a thumb and to perform a flexion/extension movement for rehabilitating the thumb. The flexion/extension movement is actioned by a first transmission mechanism to which the support is connected. The device further includes another support to support the index finger and to perform a flexion/extension movement for rehabilitating the finger. The flexion/extension movement is actioned by a second transmission mechanism to which the at least one second support is connected. The device further includes another support for the three remaining fingers which is configured to perform a flexion/extension movement for rehabilitating the three remaining fingers. The flexion/extension movement is actioned by a third transmission mechanism to which the at least one third support is connected. The three transmission mechanisms are actuated by a motor; and the three flexion/extension movements of the three supports are independent from each other.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to photovoltaic modules comprising one or more photovoltaic cells embedded in a fiber-reinforced composite thermosetting material, wherein at a front side of the photovoltaic cells, the fiber-reinforced composite material comprises a substantially transparent resin, and substantially transparent fibers, and wherein the refractive indices of the resin and the glass fibers are substantially the same. In particular, the fibers can be glass fibers treated with aminosilane coupling agents and the resin can be an epoxy resin. Further disclosed are methods of manufacture of photovoltaic modules comprising one or more crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells comprising: providing a mold, one or more photovoltaic cells in the mold, and reinforcement fibers in the mold and positioning a bag surrounding the mold cavity. Then a vacuum is created in the bag substantially gradually, and the resin is infused with the mold due to the created vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified strain of the bacterium Lactococcus lactis obtainable by a method that comprises a step of fusion of two protoplasts from two Lactococcus lactis parental strains which, compared to the wild type strain of Lactococcus lactis from which they derive, show: (a) an increased ability to produce acetoin and/or 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), and (b) a decreased ability to produce lactic acid, when cultured under aerobic conditions, and wherein the modified strain of Lactococcus lactis has an increased ability to produce 2,3-BDO of at least 20 times the amount produced by the wild type strain, an increased ability to produce acetoin of at least 20 times the amount produced by the wild type strain and a decreased ability to produce lactic acid of at least 10 times the amount produced by the wild type strain, when cultured under aerobic conditions. Also provided are methods to produce acetoin and 2,3-BDO.

Abstract: A tool coupling includes a first tool part and a second tool part, the second tool part being movable in relation to the first tool part. The tool coupling further includes a first base part for detachably retaining the first tool part and a second base part movable in relation to the first base part for detachably retaining the second tool part. The first base part has a pusher movable in relation to the first base part for detaching the first tool part and the second base part has a cap movable in relation to the second base part for detaching the second tool part.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a slurry containing nucleating agents which comprises reacting at least one source of a Ca containing compound with at least one source of a Si containing compound, in an aqueous media and in the presence of a doping agent selected from the group consisting of P, B, S, and mixtures thereof; wherein: (i) the reaction is carried out at a temperature comprised from 100 to 350° C.; (ii) the total molar ratio Ca/Si is 1.5-2.5, and (iii) the total molar ratio doping agent/Si is 0.01-2; provided that: (a) when the sole doping agent is P, the total molar ratio P/Si is 0.1-2; (b) when the sole doping agent is B, the total molar ratio B/Si is 0.01-2, and (c) when the sole doping agent is S, the total molar ratio S/Si is 0.1-2.

Abstract: An assembly for installing a subsea cable, the assembly comprising a submersible apparatus and a submersible cable holder comprising the subsea cable, the subsea cable being connectable to the submersible apparatus through the connector for transmission of electric power and/or data to the submersible apparatus; wherein the assembly is configured to install the subsea cable while the submersible apparatus is electrically powered through said subsea cable. And a method for installing a subsea cable with a submersible apparatus, the method comprising: supplying electric power and/or transmitting data through the subsea cable to the submersible apparatus; and laying the subsea cable in a sea with the submersible apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a cement clinker comprising: (i) mixing one or more starting materials providing each at least one or more of CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3; and, optionally, SO3, to form a raw meal comprising CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3; and, optionally, SO3, wherein the molar ratios among the aforementioned oxides is given by Formula I: (CaO)1(SiO2)a(Al2O3)b(Fe2O3)c(SO3)d, wherein: “a” is comprised from 0.05 to 1, “b” is comprised from 0.01 to 0.6, “c” is comprised from 0.001 to 0.25, and “d” is comprised from 0 to 0.3 and wherein at least 35% (p/p) of the starting materials of the raw meal have a critical microwaves absorbance temperature (Tc) comprised from 15 to 650° C. and a critical microwaves absorbance time (tc) comprised from 1 min to 1 h; (ii) heating the raw meal by irradiating with microwaves during 15 min to 3 h to reach a sintering temperature comprised from 300 to 950° C.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a source of noise in an electrical grid distributing network implementing Power Line Communications, the method including, at each meter, disposing an element behaving as a resistive element within the frequency band of the PLC, and behaving as a nonresistive element at the frequency of the electrical grid, between a first cable belonging to the distributing network and a second cable belonging to the enduser network; measuring the difference in electric potential between the two ends of each element disposed between the first cable belonging to the distributing network and the second cable belonging to the enduser network; and from the one measurement, determining whether a device belonging to the enduser network and connected to the meter is causing a noise disturbance or not.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring proprioceptive and/or sensory information from a prosthesis or from a sensing system disposed at a body part having poor or no sensation, to the skin of a user wearing the prosthesis or the sensing system, includes: a device for providing electrotactile feedback in the form of an electrical stimulation pattern with coding scheme for at least one input signal; and at least one multi-pad electrode configured to be positioned on a part of the body of the user. The multi-pad electrode includes a plurality of pads configured to be selectively and discretely activated/deactivated according to the predefined stimulation pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining glycidol in a semi-continuous or continuous manner by decarboxylating glycerol carbonate at reduced pressure, at a temperature less than or equal to 130° C. and in the presence of alkoxide catalysts of alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals, metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, metal stannates and mixed metal stannates, all of which optionally supported via SiO2, ?-Al2O3, MgO and ZrO2.

Abstract: The invention refers to a body fitting element with negative pressure controlled stiffness comprised of a gas tight envelope (1), a plurality of layers fitted in the envelope (3) and a valve (2) adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope, characterized in that the layers comprise a core (4a) made of a material with a high Young's modulus and flexibility and a first cover layer at both sides of the core made of a material with high friction coefficient (4b). Orthoses and protective equipments fabricated with the fitting element can be shaped and fitted to the body in an optimal manner.

Abstract: Systems for visually inspecting a surface of an object are provided, which includes a visual inspection head, and a positioning apparatus for controlling a position and/or an orientation of the visual inspection head with respect to the object. The visual inspection head includes a visual inspection module, and an angle controlling module for ensuring a predetermined angle of the visual inspection system with respect to an area to be inspected of the surface of the object. The angle controlling module may include a pointer for projecting a light beam onto the area to be inspected and a camera for determining whether the light beam is reflected substantially perpendicularly. The system is configured to move the visual inspection head relative to the object until the light beam is reflected substantially perpendicularly. Methods for visually inspecting a surface are also provided.