A predictive model to assess the accumulation of microplastics in the natural environment.

The use of plastics inevitably leads to (micro-)plastics entering and accumulating in the natural environment, affecting biodiversity, food security and human health. Currently, a comprehensive and universally applicable methodology to quantify microplastic accumulation in the natural environment is lacking. This study proposes an integrated biodegradation model that provides the possibility to examine and compare the microplastic formation and accumulation of different polymer types in diverse natural environments.

Evaluation of the tip-bending response in clinically used endoscopes.

Background And Study Aims: Endoscopic interventions require accurate and precise control of the endoscope tip. The endoscope tip response depends on a cable pulling system, which is known to deliver a significantly nonlinear response that eventually reduces control. It is unknown whether the current technique of endoscope tip control is adequate for a future of high precision procedures, steerable accessories, and add-on robotics.

Evaluation of robotically controlled advanced endoscopic instruments.

Background: Advanced flexible endoscopes and instruments with multiple degrees of freedom enable physicians to perform challenging procedures such as the removal of large sections of mucosal tissue. However, these advanced endoscopes are difficult to control and require several physicians to cooperate.

Methods: In this article, we present a robotic system that allows the physician to control an instrument in an intuitive way, using a haptic device.

3D position estimation of flexible instruments: marker-less and marker-based methods.

Purpose: Endoscopic images can be used to allow accurate flexible endoscopic instrument control. This can be implemented using a pose estimation algorithm, which estimates the actual instrument pose from the endoscopic images.

Methods: In this paper, two pose estimation algorithms are compared: a marker-less and a marker-based method.

Evaluation of flexible endoscope steering using haptic guidance.

Background: Steering the tip of a flexible endoscope relies on the physician's dexterity and experience. For complex flexible endoscopes, conventional controls may be inadequate.

Methods: A steering method based on a multi-degree-of-freedom haptic device is presented.