Thesis advisor: Marc L. Snapper / Chapter 1: The design of a novel first aid smart fabric that is linked to a biologically active molecule through an event specific cleavable linker is described. Successful functionalization of a cellulose filter paper fabric mimic and the synthesis of a linker which is potentially selectively cleavable in the presence of blood have been achieved. Chapter 2: Synthetic studies towards the total synthesis of Torilin, a sesquiterpene guaiane natural product with interesting biological activities are described. The synthesis of the hydroazulene core of Torilin is accomplished through a cyclopropanation/ Lewis acid mediated fragmentation of a highly functionalized polycyclic system which is rapidly accessed through the intramolecular cycloaddition of cyclobutadiene. / Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2013. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Immobilisation has been one of the common forms of treatments for orthopaedic injuries and diseases. Immobilisation of injured limbs using dynamic splinting is routinely recommended by clinicians for fast healing as it promotes blood flow and provides the require stability. There are several dynamic splints available in the market that make use of different materials and mechanical elements. This research was set out to investigate the applicability of Magneto-Rheological(MR) fluids for the development of a smart fabric for orthopaedic splints. The fabric would be woven with hollow fibres containing MR fluid, which will change stiffness in an applied magnetic field. The concept was tested by measuring changes in the stiffness of silicone tubings in two different diameters filled with MR fluid, under different magnetic flux densities. The corresponding changes in stiffness of a preliminary fabric specimen built with woven tubings and cast liner was also investigated. The magnetic field was created after a set of detailed experimental and numerical analyses (Finite Element Method). It was found that although the electromagnets are much more versatile and easier to control for a required magnitude of magnetic flux density, they were found to be unsatisfactory due to their weight, bulk, and substantial requirement of batterie power. Permanent magnets offered a much better solution. After detailed preliminary analyses, an array of 21 neodymium magnets was chose for the experiments, which provided the required magnitude and uniformity of the magnetic field. The specimens were loaded in steps by small weights, and the resulting deflection was measured using an optical deformation analysis system. The equivalent Young’s modulus was found to increase from 16 MPa to 122 MPa under an average magnetic flux density of 0.0139 Tesla, which is an in- crease of 70%. A finite-element (FE) model of the single tubing test set up was developed and validated against the experimental results. The FE analysis was extended to the fabric specimens. The difference between the experimental and numerical results for the single tubing was as small as 2.5%, and 9.2% for the fabric. Furthermore, a preliminary numerical model and analysis of the hand was developed, which set the basis in the development of a further numerical analysis in the final development of the fabric. Upon the completion of the tests and simulation, it was concluded that a woven fabric made up of hollow fibres containing MR fluid can be an effective dynamic splint over a small area such as the wrist. However a fully functional product would require further research.

This paper presents MusiCushions, a set of interactive sofa cushions used as an interface to music. Built on physical affordances of sofa cushions and e-textile technology, the artefact is used to explore how an e-textile interface can be used for music interaction at home. Challenges in prototyping e-textile interfaces would also be identified. Three cushions are prototyped with off-the-shelf e-textile and electronic components: in one cushion, its case is explored as an interactive surface; another cushion explores the softness and how it can be easily pressed; and the last cushion explores its portability. The set is then mapped to music interaction in two scenarios: as a remote control to a music player and as a musical instrument to control a synthesizer. Evaluation is conducted in two focus group discussions involving students in Media Technology. It is concluded that MusiCushions could be received as a new way to control media such as music player at home, with broader possible use to interact with other services and objects. As a musical instrument, however, it might not be accepted due to the lack of precision control. / Den här studien handlar om MusiCushions, ett set med interaktiva soffkuddar som används som ett gränssnitt för interaktion med musik. De är utvecklade baserat på soffkuddars fysiska affordances och teknologier för e-textil och används för att undersöka hur ett e-textilt gränssnitt kan användas för att interagera med musik i hemmet. Utmaningar som kan komma att uppstå när man utvecklar ett gränssnitt av e-textil är också identifierade. Tre soffkuddar utvecklades med off-the-shelf elektronik och komponenter för e-textil: en kudde undersöker möjligheten att använda dess fodral som en interaktiv yta; en annan undersöker kuddens fysiska egenskaper, att den är mjuk och enkelt kan pressas ihop, medan den tredje är baserad på att den är enkel att flytta runt. Kuddarna är sedan mappade till två olika scenarier där man interagerar med musik: som en kontroll att styra musik med och som ett musikaliskt instrument. Kuddarna är sedan testade i två olika fokusgrupper där studenter från medieteknik deltar. Av denna studie kan slutsatsen dras att MusiCushions kan användas som ett nytt sätt att kontrollera musik på och det finns även möjlighet att integrera dem med andra tjänster och objekt. Däremot är de inte uppskattade som ett musikaliskt instrument, då interaktionen med det textila gränssnittet saknar precision.