Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions and methods for preparing aqueous nano-dispersions of hydrophobic agrochemicals and fungicides comprising cellulose nanomaterials as a carrier or dispersing agent. The compositions described herein provide superior pest and parasite control efficiency. The disclosure also provides pesticide formulations comprising cellulose nanomaterials and a dispersing agent, e.g., a surfactant, that demonstrates enhanced deposition on hydrophobic plant surfaces. The disclosure also describes the design and preparation of mucoadhesive CNC pesticide containing nano-dispersion for the control and remediation of parasitic organisms, such as sea lice in farmed aquatic species such as salmon.

Abstract: The efficacy in the use of probiotics is compromised due to their lack of survivability in gastric conditions (pH 1.5-3), leading to a large reduction in viable probiotic cells. The present disclosure describes cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) modified with ferulic acid (FA) and shellac (SH) to produce two types of new coating materials, which are environment friendly and harmless to humans. These coating materials were developed and utilized to formulate Pickering emulsions (W1/O/W2 and W/O) for probiotic encapsulation. Based on their pKa values, greater than pKa, carboxyl groups from the CNCFA and CNCSH based Pickering emulsions were deprotonated, inducing phase separation and allow yeast releasing. This system could be further investigated for functionalized food-based applications to deliver active substances, such as probiotics, at high pH. Such delivery systems can be applied to human, animal, and aquatic systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for controlling an articulating member including a tool. The system may include a dual camera system that captures near-infrared (NIR) images and point cloud images of a tissue or other substance that includes NIR markers. The system may generate a three-dimensional (3D) path based on identified positions of the NIR markers, may filter the generated path, and may generate a 3D trajectory for controlling the articulated arm of a robot having a tool to create an incision along the filtered path. In a shared control mode, an operator may generate manually control commands for the robot to guide the tool along such a path, while automated control commands are generated in parallel. One or more allocation functions may be calculated based on calculated manual and automated error models, and shared control signals may be generated based on the allocation functions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods for remote trauma assessment are provided, a system comprising, a robot arm; an ultrasound probe and a depth sensor coupled to the robot arm; and a processor programmed to: cause the depth sensor to acquire depth data indicative of a three dimensional shape of at least a portion of a patient; generate a 3D model of the patient; automatically identify scan positions using the 3D model; cause the robot arm to move the ultrasound probe to a first identified scan position; receive movement information indicative of input provided via a remotely operated haptic device; cause the robot arm to move the ultrasound probe from the first scan position to a second position based on the movement information; cause the ultrasound probe to acquire ultrasound data at the second position; and transmit an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data to the remote computing device.

Abstract: A wearable power assistive device for hand rehabilitation includes a hand brace having an external platform and an internal platform connected to and spaced inwardly from the external platform. Five finger assemblies are adjustably mounted on and extending from the distal end of the external platform. Each finger assembly includes a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal joint. Five motors are used to actuate the five finger assemblies respectively. Each motor is mounted in close proximity to the external platform and has one end connected to the external platform and another end coupled to its proximal follower assembly by a ball joint in order to facilitate transfer of force and minimize mechanical stress on the other parts of the device.

Abstract: A wearable power assistive device for hand rehabilitation includes a hand brace having an external platform and an internal platform connected to and spaced inwardly from the external platform. Five finger assemblies are adjustably mounted on and extending from the distal end of the external platform. Each finger assembly includes a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal joint. Five motors are used to actuate the five finger assemblies respectively. Each motor is mounted in close proximity to the external platform and has one end connected to the external platform and another end coupled to its proximal follower assembly by a ball joint in order to facilitate transfer of force and minimize mechanical stress on the other parts of the device.