Dear Followers!

We are pleased to announce that at the beginning of June, our ErgoDesign Team has been joined by a new partner from sunny Italy - Prospecto Srl. We are very excited about the new cooperation and we count on a fresh breeze in our sails!

Dear Followers,

We are sad to inform you that at the end of May our wonderful and very helpful Partner ValueDo is leaving our project. Remembering the time we worked together, we wish ValueDo Team good luck and we do not say goodbye but see you in the future.

We are proud of our partners 2 Óbuda University facilitates the market entry of student innovations.

The recent collaboration agreement between Óbuda University and a student-led team, FilaMass (https://www.filamass.com/), specializing in advancing 3D printing technologies, aims to facilitate the market entry of student innovations.
As winners of the 2021 Proof of Concept (PoC) idea competition, FilaMass represents a significant step forward for the university in supporting student entrepreneurship. The agreement underscores the university's commitment to fostering innovative ventures. FilaMass aims to pioneer comprehensive 3D printing solutions that print and diagnose printing processes. Their creative approach has attracted attention, including them in the Start it @K&H Incubation Program, offering vital resources and networking opportunities for their development.

source: https://uni-obuda.hu/2022/04/25/kozos-start-up-vallalkozas-a-filamass-sal/

On June 3 and 4, 2024, a meeting of the members of the project team ERASMUS+ 2021-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000031182 "ErgoDesign – Improving digital skills for Ergonomics and Bioengineering Innovations for inclusive Health Care" took place in Prešov on the grounds of FVT TUKE, which under the leadership of the leader from Poznań University of Technology (Poland) enters the final phase of the solution (01.12.2021 – 01.12.2024). Other members of the consortium are: National Technical University of Athens (Greece), Technical University of Varna (Bulgaria), Oudai Egyetem (Hungary), Valuedo srl (Italy) and Technical University of Košice (Slovakia).

The project aims to create a new educational course for students to increase their knowledge of ergonomics and bioengineering, as well as their digital skills in the design and manufacturing of related products (dental and orthopaedic implants, prostheses and exoskeletons). The training course will take into account the specific requirements of people with special needs (health handicap) so that students learn to pay special attention to these target groups.

During the meeting realised in a hybrid form, the team members in a pleasant working atmosphere evaluated the activities carried out so far within the project and worked together on the preparation handbook that will enable replication of the ErgoDesign Course, on turning the Handbook contents into an e-learning course and on promoting the Handbook through webinars and a dissemination conference. In the afternoon and evening, the work meeting turned into moments spent together getting to know the centre of Prešov and a friendly discussion during dinner.

The organisers of the meeting would like to thank the Erasmus+ National Agency PL01 - Foundation for the Development of the Education System for the project funding. At the same time they would like to thank the management of FMT TUKE with a seat in Prešov for support during the project solution as well as for support at the organisation of this international meeting of the consortium members.

The field of biomaterials has undergone a significant revolution by embracing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates various scientific disciplines, including medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, manufacturing engineering, and tissue engineering. Over the past few decades, this field has experienced substantial growth, driven by noteworthy discoveries in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, which have been successfully translated into advancements in medical device manufacturing.

These days, they are incredibly popular in the medical industry for a variety of uses, from sutures to permanent implants. Before people could understand what a biomaterial was or why they worked or did not function, they used them for many years to give solution to medical problems. Except from some materials used externally, no medical device firms produced biomaterials for a long time, and materials were not created with the intention of employing them as biomaterials. This indicates that there were conflicting findings on the safety and effectiveness of the materials, and that there were no rules or guidelines to adhere to while utilizing them in the human body.

The first biomaterials were simple, readily reusable materials that could be found in nature. There was evidence of the use of seashells as dental implants, as well as sutures made of linen or catgut. In addition, certain tribes of people healed wounds with the jaws of huge ants rather than sutures. The biomaterials used in medical operations evolved together with technology and material processing. The development of stronger devices, like metal sutures and various implants (including dental implants) was made possible by the use of metals as biomaterials. As these metals were utilized for longer periods of time as biomaterials, concerns about some of them emerged, giving rise to the idea of biocompatibility. After undergoing extensive testing, a some of these metals were retained for use as biomaterials and others were rejected because of their harmful effects on the body. With the eventual development of plastics, biomaterials with a great range of qualities were made suitable to be used to create medical devices. It is currently routine practice to test the biocompatibility of polymeric biomaterials. Novel biomaterials, such as hydrogel, are continuously being developed and examined for various uses. More innovative concepts in the field of biomaterials are introduced by hydrogels, which are polymers that swell in water but do not dissolve in it. The bioceramics industry saw numerous breakthroughs and developments during its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. In this century of considerable interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, biodegradable bioceramics are proven to be very helpful for hard tissue regeneration. Composite biomaterials are just as important in the biomedical industry. A wide range of biological uses has been invented, including drug delivery systems, biosensors, bioseparation, and human tissue regeneration.

In this sense, a biomaterial for a medical device can be made from metals, ceramics, polymers, glass, and even natural tissues. A wide range of medical devices, including bone plates, screws, orthopaedical and dental implants, heart valves, contact lenses, coronary stents, and coatings and textiles, can be made from these materials.

#ErgoDesignProject #3DPrinting #Implants #OnlineCourse #Ergonomics #Bioengineering #JoinUs

It's amazing! Two difficult surgeries were performed at the Poznan Hospital using 3D technology. They allowed to provide a treatment of tear duct obstruction. The application of augmented reality enabled to do endoscopic sac-nasal anastomosis. The surgeon had the opportunity to observe and superimpose a 3D reconstruction image on the actual image of the operated area using special holographic glasses. Thanks to it, the operation could be more precise than a standard one using two-dimensional imaging, i.e. computed tomography.So far, only 3 such operations have been performed in Poland (in Warsaw), so we are glad that other centers undertake such actions for the benefit of patients. Congratulations!

(https://epoznan.pl/news-news-147782-dwie_innowacyjne_operacje_w_poznanskim_szpitalu_pierwsze_takie_w_wielkopolsce)

Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)

Do you still wonder if 3D printers and medicine are related? We are pleased to inform you that a complex maxillofacial surgery procedure was performed at the Poznan Hospital! Thanks to the cooperation with the Poznan University of Technology, the treatment of a patient with temporomandibular joint stiffness was provided. The quality of life of a person after radiotherapy who had difficulty opening his mouth has been improved significantly. It was possible due to changing position of the mandible, which, as you probably remember, is the only movable bone in our head. We wish the team a lot of success and a patient a quick and easy recovery! We would like to remind you that our project supports activities related to the use of 3D design in medicine, and ergonomics!

(https://epoznan.pl/news-news-147543-skomplikowany_zabieg_w_poznanskim_szpitalu_z_pomoca_drukarki_3d)

Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)

We are pleased to announce the next edition of the conference. More information you can find here:

„Dear colleagues,

let me invite YOU to submit YOUR article and publish YOUR research results in the journals listed below. Editorial board, article types and deadlines can be found using the links provided.

1. Materials, CC WoS, IF 3,4  „Preparation and Application of Regularly Structured Porous Materials“
2. Discover Mechanical Engineering, ISSN 2731-6564, "Recent Advances in Additive Technologies"
3. III. Frontiers in Manufacturing Technology, ISSN 2813-0359, "Quality, Properties, and Manufacturing Conditions of Parts made by Additive Technology" 

I look forward to hearing from YOU!

Kind regards,
Katarina Monkova (TUKE)

On behalf of ErgoDesign team, we would like to wish you merry Christmas and prospectus New Year 2024! The coming year is really important for us, so please do not forget to check our incoming news:)

ErgoDesign Team

Dear Colleagues, dear Friends!

Let me cordially invite YOU to attend the upcoming conference - The 10^th International Conference on Engineering Failure Analysis, which will take place in Athens (Greece) during the term 7-10 July 2024

https://ww.elsevier.com/events/conferences/international-conference-on-engineering-failure-analysis

Abstract submission deadline: 26 January 2024

Katarina Monkova (TUKE)

Have you already read our new paper entitled: “File Formats and Digital Data Transfer for Dental Needs” (Diana Pavlova, Tihomir Dovramadjiev, Dimo Daskalov, Rozalina Dimova, and Beata Mrugalska) published in Lectures Notes in Networks and Systems?

Abstract: The use of CAD/CAM in dentistry makes it possible to optimize the treatment process in case of a violation of parts of the orofacial complex. It contributes to the rationalization of the production process of the dental prosthetic structure by transferring file formats between different software programs for design, design visualization, simulation, and post-production through an additive or subtractive process. This electronic process has the ability to store larger amounts of medical data with different formats and transfer them between different software.

More info: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-99-3236-8_38

Beata Mrugalska (PUT)

Introduction

PR4 – short recap on the activities: what has been done and which are the next activities

After a short presentation by Tihomir of TUV team, Gyula of OU team provided a recap of the activities carried out so far and shared a number of suggestions with the consortium to make the course interactive. Gyula also reminded partners of the structure that each topic of the course should adopt.

1^st day

PR4/A2: presentation and discussion for improvements of the topics from all involved partners

After a short break, the meeting moved on with a discussion of the topics prepared by the partners. This space was reserved for a group brainstorming on the work done by each topic’s author and to arrive at suggestions for improvement.

2^nd day

PR3: presentation of what the course will look like within the Collaborative Platform; discussion for possible improvements.

Tihomir of TUV team presented the structure of the collaborative platform, focusing on how videos, presentations and quizzes will be displayed.

Partners agreed to have a single course composed of 14 topics. The full title of the course will be “3D PRINTING FOR INCLUSIVE HEALTH CARE (improving digital skills for ergonomics and bioengineering)”. All partners will be allowed to edit the course and upload autonomously the content that refers to the topics assigned to them.

Stefano Pianigiani (Valuedo)

Introduction

The recent project meeting of ErgoDesign in Budapest marked a significant step towards the development of our innovative curriculum for ergonomic design and the promotion of e-learning in the field. Held on 16-17 May 2023, the meeting brought together project partners to discuss progress, curriculum design principles, platform improvements, and the implementation of training materials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the meeting agenda and key discussions that took place during the event.

Day 1 - 16th May 2023

The first day of the meeting commenced with a warm welcome and the presentation of the agenda by Obuda University, setting the stage for productive discussions among the project partners. The participants delved into a comprehensive recap of the activities carried out in PR2, highlighting the achievements and outlining the remaining tasks required to successfully complete PR2.

The discussions then shifted to PR2/A3, which focused on a review of the Course Design Principles and their practical application in creating the ErgoDesign Curriculum. The partners engaged in a fruitful discussion, exploring how these principles could guide the development of module titles, content lists, learning outcomes, teaching methods, scope/duration of online training, and the recommended number of ECTS credits.

Following a brief coffee break, the project team reconvened for PR2/A4, where a detailed proposal for the ErgoDesign Curriculum and its components was presented. This encompassed a comprehensive overview of module titles, content lists, learning outcomes, teaching methods, recommended scope/duration of online training, and the suggested number of ECTS credits. The partners actively participated in a validation process, ensuring that the proposed curriculum aligned with the project's objectives and adhered to the Course Design Principles.

The discussions continued with PR2/A4, which focused on finalizing the validation of the ErgoDesign Curriculum and its components. The partners provided valuable feedback, enabling necessary revisions and reaching a consensus on the curriculum's structure and content.

Additionally, the partners discussed the Interim Report. PUT and ValueDo clarified its timeline, the required contributions from each partner, and the expected outcomes.

Later in the day, updates on dissemination activities and the overall work plan were presented by PUT. The partners shared their accomplishments in disseminating project outcomes and engaged in constructive discussions to maximize the project's visibility and impact.

Day 2 - 17th May 2023

The second day the focus shifted to PR3, with a presentation on the project platform by Technical University of Varna and proposals for its improvement. The partners actively engaged in discussions on enhancements and modifications to ensure an optimal learning experience for the ErgoDesign e-learning platform.

Then, attention turned to PR4, centeringaround the "ErgoDesign e-learning Training Materials." The partners received an overview of PR4 activities by Obuda University team, including a presentation of the key elements of the course preparation Action Plan and assessment materials. Collaborative brainstorming and idea sharing took place regarding the practical implementation of the pilot course.

The meeting concluded with a recap of tasks and deadlines, ensuring that all partners were aligned on the next steps and responsibilities. Final conclusions were drawn, acknowledging the progress made during the meeting, and expressing appreciation for the active participation and collaboration of all partners.

In conclusion, the project meeting held in Budapest was instrumental in advancing the ErgoDesign project's objectives. The discussions and decisions made during the meeting propelled curriculum development, platform improvements, and the preparation of training materials. The partners' dedication and collaborative efforts have brought the project closer to its goal of promoting ergonomic design through innovative e-learning methodologies.

Giuditta Pasta (ValueDo)

The medical device manufacturing industry is growing rapidly in order to keep up with the increased demand. Therefore, medical device product designers must create innovative medical products. Plenty of challenges are to be considered during the manufacturing of medical equipment, with the most important among them being patient safety. Efficiency, effectiveness, and cost containment, are also very important to be considered.

In recent days, information has appeared in the Polish media about an operation performed in Poznań with the use of an endoprosthesis produced with the use of 3D printing.

The operated person, suffering from many different diseases, has not been able to take a step for the last year. It was caused by a defect in the pelvic bone, as a result of moving around for many years with too loose an endoprosthesis. Now, after implanting an implant that takes into account the anatomy of that person, the patient can walk again (https://gloswielkopolski.pl/lekarze-z-poznania-wszczepili-endoproteze-wydrukowana-w-3d-implant-szyty-na-miare-to-przelom/ar/c14-17418373).

 

Additive technologies are on the rise in today's world. 3D printing has appeared in almost all areas of industry and life, allowing the rapid creation of unique pieces. Additive technology is also playing a role in medical technology, with dental technology being the fastest growing. In the production of dental implants, each piece is unique, because each tooth is individual, like a fingerprint. Several methods can be used to produce the implant, which is the result of careful condition assessment, design and manufacture.

In August 2022, the partners agreed on the final agenda for the meeting in Athens. The meeting will be hosted by NTUA and will last two days. NTUA, as leader of PR1, will have the occasion to present the results of the evaluation from external expert on Dynamic Toolkit, to discuss possible improvements for the final version of the DT. PUT and TUV, respectively leaders of PR2 and PR3, will present the progress of the activities, asking for partners’ contribution and feedback.The ErgoDesign partners are looking forward to finally working together in person, after almost one year from the beginning of the project… Athens will be the perfect spot for this first meeting!

Giuditta Pasta (Valuedo)

The Dynamic Toolkit aims to help its users, usually professionals from the medical sector, to put in order the various digital tools that can be used for designing and producing 3D printed models of any kind of medical implants, to systemize them according to a common format and to create a tool that can help them select the suitable software for the right purpose.

In June the project consortium received their passwords to test in real the intellectual project output PR3 – ErgoDesign collaboration platform. The platform will have a lot of engaging content to offer but we started from creating our own profiles.

Tihomir Dovramadjiev (TUV)

The leader of the PR1, NTUA represented by Angelos Markopoulos, presented the software described by all the partners. The descriptions of the tools will represent the basis for the construction of the Dynamic Toolkit that will be made available in beta version for internal and external tests.

The leader of PR2, Beata Mrugalska (PUT), updated the partners on the state-of-art for PR2. All partners will collect information on how HEI courses in topics related to ergonomic and bioengineering are designed and delivered in EU countries, focusing on methods and topics. Special attention will be given to aspects relating to people with special needs’ requirements, so to provide information all along the modules design, of which the curriculum will be composed of, and develop a specific module in the final curriculum. Partners will also analyse good practices in other countries referring to training methodologies and practical activities meant for training students in the use of software and digital tools.

The leader of the PR3, TUV represented by Tihomir Dovramadjiev, presented the collaborative platform which is integrated in the Moodle. In the next step it will be integrated within the ErgoDesign project website.

Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)

The leader of the PR3, TUV represented by Tihomir Dovramadjiev, presented the collaborative platform which we will be an easy-to-use interface, designed to be responsive, accessible, easy to navigate on desktops and mobile devices, conceived to allow a two-way sharing between trainers and learners: learners will get training and information, but also will provide them.  It will be of paramount importance for ensuring the sustainability of project outcomes (dynamic toolkit, curriculum, training materials, exercises, Trainers’ Handbook, e-learning course, all other training materials available in this one-stop shop) and their exploitation (freely available for 5 years after the project’s end). All the partners discussed the technology they would like to use to the collaborative platform.

Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)

The leader of the PR1, NTUA represented by Angelos Markopoulos, asked all the partners to choose and describe the software we already know and use in practice, even if it will be possible to add more software besides the proposed ones we choose to work on. For this aim, we defined the template how the description of the software should look like to collect the similar results.

Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)

The leader of the PR1, NTUA represented by Angelos Markopoulos, explained the further steps for this project result. In the incoming weeks all University partners will identify software/digital tools according to the technical specifications defined in PR1/A1 and fill in the template for the description of the software/tools.

Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)

On 24-25.01.2022 the first meeting of the consortium implementing the Erasmus + ErgoDesign project took place. The partners presented their achievements and plans for the implementation of the project. The area of project management and reporting, administrative and financial issues and Quality Assurance Plan were presented.

On the second day, presentation, and discussion of the proposed action plan (methodology, upcoming tasks, responsibilities) and technical requirements and functionalities of the online collaborative platform were presented.

The aim of this block was to: ensure that all partner agreements are signed, appoint Steering Committee members, discuss channels of communication, agree on the schedule of virtual meetings, validate the dates and places of project meetings, present project indicators etc.

Beata Mrugalska (PUT)

Yupi! We are happy that the ErgoDesign project has been positively verified in the Erasmus + program. We are starting work on the project which supports the introduction of ergonomic and bioengineering innovations in implantology and prosthetics. The leader of the Consortium is the Poznan University of Technology.

Beata Mrugalska (PUT)