Guido De Bruyne associate professor

Research Guido De Bruyne

Research team

Expertise

The research focuses on product ergonomics, in which product ergonomics is approached from anthropometric 3D models, physiological 3D models and Physio-Anatomical human-product interaction.

Cognitive assessment platform (CAP): Capturing physiological interaction parameters of caregivers during stressful ICU interventions, towards the development of dynamic caregivers' assistant interfaces (CAI). 01/07/2019 - 31/12/2020

Abstract

An intensive care unit (ICU) is a safety critical environment where caregivers' activities are crucial to human lives. Adverse events, defined as injuries or complications that are provoked by a medical human error rather than the patient's underlying disease, occur in about one-third of cases in adult ICU patients and the risk of error is cumulative. The risk factors of adverse events include high nursing workload, caregivers' sleep deprivation or fatigue, communication failure, a high patient-to-nurse ratio and poor management. Work-related stress with the accompanying emotions provoked specifically in ICU is well documented. Nonetheless, only few studies have utilized physiological measures regarding research conducted on stress on medical caregivers. Within this project, it is aimed to develop a cognitive assessment platform (CAP) which comprises wearable sensors to enable monitoring of physiological parameters and location in real-time of caregivers within an ICU. This allows creating cognitive states of caregivers, linked to time and place. Workload, fatigue and stress are the monitored cognitive states, as they are the most significant threats towards patient safety. This innovative approach will allow us to correlate the cognitive states of caregivers with specific locations at the ICU, TISS-28, tasks and episodes during their working day and night, which will provide new insights and better understanding of the workflow of the ICU caregivers. Ultimately, this research may provide rich opportunities for examination and discovery in optimising the workflow of ICU caregivers.

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  • Research Project

ColdID: prevention of nail toxicity at cancer patients. 01/06/2017 - 31/05/2019

Abstract

Cytotoxic chemotherapy is a commonly used treatment for curing breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Cytotoxic chemotherapy may however also induce serious side effects such as nail changes (e.g., color, brittleness, damages, ...). In its most severe form, this may lead to onycholysis or the releasing of a portion of the nail, which is often preceded or accompanied by severe pain. Nail toxicity is observed at 44% of patients treated with taxanes. Nail toxicity can be avoided or mitigated through the use of ice gloves. Ice gloves are cooled to -20 ° C and worn during a chemotherapeutic treatment. Unfortunately, the use of ice gloves is very painful and therapeutic compliances are limited. This project allows to develop a medical instrument to avoid nail toxicity at cancer patients. The instrument aims to allow a painless and effective prevention of nail toxicity.

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  • Research Project

Cobioto, Corneale Biopsy Tool. 06/03/2017 - 05/03/2018

Abstract

Keratitis, or an inflammation of the cornea, is a common eye disease in which a biopsy of the cornea is required to determine its underlying cause which can range from infectious causes (including viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic), mechanical (contact lens wear), non infectious (Vitamin A deficiency) (Gorski et al., 2015). Currently, no standardized tool is available for taking such biopsy and corneal scrapings are performed with a scalpel or wide bore needle, very often with inconclusive results as too little material is removed for fear of penetration. Consequently, biopsies are not performed as often and a broad-spectrum antibiotic is prescribed, assuming bacterial keratitis. The delay in providing optimal treatment can result in untoward sequelae such as corneal scarring and opacification requiring corneal transplantation. Collaborative research between the department of ophthalmology (UZA) Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (Ophthalmology/Vaxinfectio – UA/UZA) and Product Development (UA) together with the industrial partner D.O.R.C. will lead to the development of a standardized tool for taking a biopsy of the cornea where the safety of the patient is guaranteed thereby addressing the aforementioned shortcomings.

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  • Research Project

Virtual SIZE. 01/12/2016 - 30/06/2019

Abstract

The project's overall aim is to develop a technology platform that allows developing cycling apparel with an optimized fit based on personal measurements. The first objective is to develop a measurement system that allows to measure an individual cyclist. The second objective makes it possible to develop a 3D shape model of trunk and limbs of a cyclists.

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  • Research Project

Enabling higher gaming experiences through digital tokens. 13/07/2015 - 12/07/2017

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Building an articulating 3D shape model for an improved seating comfort. 01/01/2015 - 31/12/2018

Abstract

There is a wide variety of body shapes. The goal of this project is to develop a statistical shape model of the population, based on 3D scans of the exterior of the body. This virtual model is fully adjustable, both in pose as well as in body shape. The characteristics are also adjustable. The model can be used by product developers to deliver better, more comfortable, semi-custom designs.

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  • Research Project

PhyT: Physical and thermal comfort of helmets. 01/01/2015 - 31/12/2017

Abstract

The general purpose of this research is to model a virtual head that allows developing individualized bicycle helmets for Physical and Thermal comfort (PhyT). Three objectives are defined. The first objective is to model a 3D Anthropometric Head Shape Model. The second objective is to build a Biomechanical Head Shape Model. The third objective is to build a Thermal Head Shape Model.

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  • Research Project

Optimization of spectacle frame design. 01/11/2014 - 30/04/2016

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Virtual thermal and Virtueel thermisch en biomechanisch hoofdmodel om lokaal (dis)comfort te kwantificeren (vir-head) head model to quantify local (dis)comfort (vir-head). 01/07/2014 - 31/12/2015

Abstract

This research aims at developing the methodological basis of a virtual thermal and biomechanical head model (vir-head). The model will allow designing head mounted products for thermal and physical comfort through insight in local pressure accumulation and local thermal responses on the head.

Researcher(s)

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Project type(s)

  • Research Project