bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intervention with Microfinance for AIDS and Gender Equity (IMAGE): Women’s Engagement with the Scaled-up IMAGE Programme and Experience of Intimate Partner Violence in Rural South Africa
Authors: Knight L , Ranganathan M , Abramsky T , Polzer-Ngwato T , Muvhango L , Molebatsi M , Stöckl H , Lees S , Watts C
Published: December 2019

The Intervention with Microfinance for AIDS and Gender Equity (IMAGE) programme has been scaled up to three provinces in South Africa. This paper explores associations between women’s engagement in the intervention, intimate partner violence (IPV) and factors associated with IPV and partner abuse. We enrolled women receiving group-based microfinance loans plus gender training into the scaled-up IMAGE cohort study (n = 860). We present cross-sectional analysis on participants’ characteristics and intervention engagement and use multivariate logistic regression to explore associations. 17% of women reported lifetime (95% CI 15 to 20%) and 7% past year (95% CI 5 to 9%) IPV, 9% past-year economic (95% CI 7 to 11%) and 11% past-year emotional (95% CI 9 to 14%) abuse. Women under 35 years had higher levels of IPV and emotional abuse. 53% of women attended all the trainings, 83% continuously borrowed and 98% agreed the training had a major impact on their life. Attendance was associated with improved partner relationships (χ2p < 0.001), but not lower IPV risk. Odds of past-year IPV decreased the more types of support (e.g. advice) women received from group members (aOR 0.27, p < 0.001 among those reporting all support versus none or some). A similar pattern was seen for economic, but not emotional, abuse. The scaled-up IMAGE intervention is widely acceptable and may support improvements in partner relationships, but younger women need to be targeted. Group support appears to be a potentially important component of the intervention.
Constraining the Evolutionary History of the Moon and the Inner Solar System: A Case for New Returned Lunar Samples
Authors: Tartèse Romain , Anand Mahesh , Gattacceca Jérôme , Joy Katherine H. , Mortimer James I. , Pernet-Fisher John F. , Russell Sara , Snape Joshua F. , Weiss Benjamin P.
Published: December 2019

The Moon is the only planetary body other than the Earth for which samples have been collectedin situby humans and robotic missions and returned to Earth. Scientific investigations of the first lunar samples returned by the Apollo 11 astronauts 50 years ago transformed the way we think most planetary bodies form and evolve. Identification of anorthositic clasts in Apollo 11 samples led to the formulation of the magma ocean concept, and by extension the idea that the Moon experienced large-scale melting and differentiation. This concept of magma oceans would soon be applied to other terrestrial planets and large asteroidal bodies. Dating of basaltic fragments returned from the Moon also showed that a relatively small planetary body could sustain volcanic activity for more than a billion years after its formation. Finally, studies of the lunar regolith showed that in addition to containing a treasure trove of the Moon’s history, it also provided us with a rich archive of the past 4.5 billion years of evolution of the inner Solar System. Further investigations of samples returned from the Moon over the past five decades led to many additional discoveries, but also raised new and fundamental questions that are difficult to address with currently available samples, such as those related to the age of the Moon, duration of lunar volcanism, the lunar paleomagnetic field and its intensity, and the record on the Moon of the bombardment history during the first billion years of evolution of the Solar System. In this contribution, we review the information we currently have on some of the key science questions related to the Moon and discuss how future sample-return missions could help address important knowledge gaps.
Central Nervous System Changes in Pelvic Inflammation/Pain Patients
Authors: Asiri Mohammad Dhafer , Banjar Rowaa , Al-Qahtani Wadha , Goodarzynejad Hamidreza , Hassouna Magdy
Published: December 2019

Purpose of Review

Centralized pain syndromes (CPS), including chronic pelvic pain (CPP) syndrome, are significant public health problems with prevalence more than diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular disease. A variety of pathologies are linked with CPP syndrome; however, pain often continues without the presence of pathology, or when an underlying pelvic disease is found, the extent and severity of pain are disproportionate. Although this is not a systematic review, we performed a detailed literature search to identify relevant papers and to provide the available evidence for central changes in association with CPP syndrome.

Recent Findings

Recent advances in brain imaging techniques have provided more accurate data on gray matter volume, functional connectivity, and metabolite levels in the pain-relevant areas of the brain. The present evidence shows that like other chronic pain conditions, the CPP syndrome is associated with central nervous system (CNS) alterations. In particular, these include changes in brain structure, in the activity of both the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system, and in the behavioral and central response to noxious stimulation.

A growing body of evidence, mostly from neuroimaging, suggests that for many patients with CPP, the pain may be associated to changes in both structure and function of the CNS. The treatment of pain symptoms, even without the presence of identifiable pathology, may prevent the development or at least minimize the progression of long-term central changes. These findings support the use of new therapeutic strategies targeting the CNS for controlling of pain in CPP conditions.
On some recent progress in the classification of $$(P\hbox { and }Q)$$-polynomial association schemes
Authors: Gavrilyuk Alexander L. , Koolen Jack H.
Published: December 2019

The problem of classification of$$(P\hbox { and }Q)$$(PandQ)-polynomial association schemes, as a finite analogue of E. Cartan’s classification of compact symmetric spaces, was posed in the monograph “Association schemes” by E. Bannai and T. Ito in the early 1980s. In this expository paper, we report on some recent results towards its solution.
Wie adaptiv ist der Einsatz von Sprachlehrstrategien in KiTas? Ergebnisse einer Videoanalyse
Authors: Hormann Oliver , Skowronek Merle
Published: December 2019

Zusammenfassung. Angelehnt an Dannenbauer (1999) wird der adaptive Einsatz von Sprachlehrstrategien (SLS) durch pädagogische Fachkräfte unter drei Fragestellungen untersucht: (1) Variiert die Nutzung der SLS zwischen pädagogischen Settings? (2) Wird sie an die kindlichen Lernausgangslagen angepasst? (3) Welchen Einfluss haben die SLS auf die dialogische Qualität der Fachkraft-Kind-Gespräche? Es zeigt sich, dass der Einsatz der SLS nur bedingt mit den Lernausgangslagen der Kinder, wohl aber mit den Kontexten korrespondiert. Es konnten spezifische SLS identifiziert werden, welche die Dialogqualität beeinflussen.
Decoding the essential interplay between central and peripheral control in adaptive locomotion of amphibious centipedes
Authors: Yasui Kotaro , Kano Takeshi , Standen Emily M. , Aonuma Hitoshi , Ijspeert Auke J. , Ishiguro Akio
Published: December 2019

Amphibious animals adapt their body coordination to compensate for changing substrate properties as they transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments. Using behavioural experiments and mathematical modelling of the amphibious centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans, we reveal an interplay between descending command (brain), local pattern generation, and sensory feedback that controls the leg and body motion during swimming and walking. The elongated and segmented centipede body exhibits a gradual transition in the locomotor patterns as the animal crosses between land and water. Changing environmental conditions elicit a mechano-sensory feedback mechanism, inducing a gait change at the local segment level. The body segments operating downstream of a severed nerve cord (no descending control) can generate walking with mechano-sensory inputs alone while swimming behaviour is not recovered. Integrating the descending control for swimming initiation with the sensory feedback control for walking in a mathematical model successfully generates the adaptive behaviour of centipede locomotion, capturing the possible mechanism for flexible motor control in animals.
A common root for coevolution and substitution rate variability in protein sequence evolution
Authors: Rizzato Francesca , Zamuner Stefano , Pagnani Andrea , Laio Alessandro
Published: December 2019

We introduce a simple model that describes the average occurrence of point variations in a generic protein sequence. This model is based on the idea that mutations are more likely to be fixed at sites in contact with others that have mutated in the recent past. Therefore, we extend the usual assumptions made in protein coevolution by introducing a time dumping on the effect of a substitution on its surrounding and makes correlated substitutions happen in avalanches localized in space and time. The model correctly predicts the average correlation of substitutions as a function of their distance along the sequence. At the same time, it predicts an among-site distribution of the number of substitutions per site highly compatible with a negative binomial, consistently with experimental data. The promising outcomes achieved with this model encourage the application of the same ideas in the field of pairwise and multiple sequence alignment.
Synthesis of wollastonite from AlF3-rich silica gel and its hardening in the CO2 atmosphere
Authors: Gineika Andrius , Siauciunas Raimundas , Baltakys Kestutis
Published: December 2019

This work combines some aspects of eco-friendliness: consumption of toxic waste, cutback of energy consumption during the synthesis of the binding material, reduction of CO2 emission by using less CaCO3 in the raw meal, and consumption of carbon dioxide. In the study, the kinetics of two-step synthesis of wollastonite from CaO and AlF3 production waste, namely, silica gel, its carbonisation process and the mechanical properties of obtained samples were investigated. According to XRD and DSC data, the optimal temperature in the mixture with CaO/(Al2O3 + SiO2) = 1 for the hydrothermal synthesis of the wollastonite precursors is 130 °C: F−–containing compounds were bound into katoite and cuspidine, and portlandite reacted completely within 8 h. The optimal temperature for wollastonite formation is 900 °C, but fluormayenite, cuspidine, and the traces of larnite form as well. During the curing in the CO2 atmosphere, wollastonite and larnite reacted completely and formed calcite, vaterite, and amorphous CaCO3. Cuspidine also participates in the carbonisation process and, in addition to amorphous SiO2, it releases fluorite, which contributes to the total compressive strength of the products. The values of the compressive strength (10–15 MPa) in the wollastonite-sand samples match the requirements for the belite and special low-heat cements.
A new method for pharmaceutical compounding and storage of anti-VEGF biologics for intravitreal use in silicone oil-free prefilled plastic syringes
Authors: Lode Heidrun Elisabeth , Gjølberg Torleif Tollefsrud , Foss Stian , Sivertsen Magne Sand , Brustugun Jørgen , Andersson Yvonne , Jørstad Øystein Kalsnes , Moe Morten Carstens , Andersen Jan Terje
Published: December 2019

Intravitreal injections of antibody-based biologics targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are highly effective and have markedly decreased the risk of visual impairment associated with prevalent retinal diseases, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetes macular oedema. The diseases are chronic in their nature, and most patients need long-term therapy to suppress disease activity. We previously reported a compounding method for repackaging and storage of aflibercept (Eylea), a commonly used anti-VEGF biologic, in silicone oil-coated plastic syringes without compromising drug stability or activity. In addition to improving safety and time spent per patient, compounding of anti-VEGF biologics enables single-dose vials to be split into multiple syringes, thereby considerably reducing waste and drug expenses. However, symptomatic silicone oil droplets may deposit in the eye’s vitreous body after repetitive injections. To fully avoid this complication, we here report on a novel pharmaceutical compounding method using silicone oil-free syringes and a 33 G × 9 mm Low Dead Space Needle hub injection needle. We evaluate the method for three anti-VEGF biologics commonly used in ophthalmology: aflibercept, ranibizumab (Lucentis) and bevacizumab (Avastin). Our results show that compounding and storage for one week does not compromise the functional activity of the biologics and allows for safe and cost-effective compounding of anti-VEGF biologics for intravitreal injections in prefilled silicone oil-free syringes.
Liquid biopsy for minimal residual disease detection in leukemia using a portable blast cell biochip
Authors: Khoo Bee Luan , Shang Menglin , Ng Chin Hin , Lim Chwee Teck , Chng Wee Joo , Han Jongyoon
Published: December 2019

Long-term management for leukemia is challenging due to the painful and invasive procedure of bone marrow (BM) biopsy. At present, non-invasive liquid (blood) biopsy is not utilized for leukemia, due to lower counts of leukemia blast cells in the blood. Here, we described a robust system for the simultaneous detection and enrichment of rare blast cells. Enrichment of blast cells was achieved from blood with a one-step microfluidic blast cell biochip (BCB) sorting system, without specific targeting of proteins by antibodies. Non-target cells encountered a differential net force as compared to stiffer blast cells and were removed. The efficiency of the BCB promotes high detection sensitivity (1 in 106cells) even from patients with minimal residual disease. The procedure was validated using actual blast cells from patients with various types of leukemia. Outcomes were compared to current evaluation standards, such as flow cytometry, using BM aspirates. Blast cell detection efficiency was higher in 55.6% of the patients using the BCB as compared to flow cytometry, despite the lower concentrations of blast cells in liquid biopsy. These studies promote early-stage detection and routine monitoring for minimal residual disease in patients.
Plasma-treated carbon-fiber microelectrodes for improved purine detection with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Li Yuxin , Ross Ashley E.
Published: December 2019

New carbon surfaces for significantly improved detection of purine analytes with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.
Intracellular build-up RNAi with single-strand circular RNAs as siRNA precursors
Authors: Kimura Yasuaki , Shu Zhaoma , Ito Mika , Abe Naoko , Nakamoto Kosuke , Tomoike Fumiaki , Shuto Satoshi , Ito Yoshihiro , Abe Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

We herein report a new approach for RNA interference, so-called “build-up RNAi” approach, where single-strand circular RNAs with a photocleavable unit or disulfide moiety were used as siRNA precursors.
A novel mesoporous hydrogen-bonded organic framework with high porosity and stability
Authors: Wang Bin , Lv Xiu-Liang , Lv Jie , Ma Li , Lin Rui-Biao , Cui Hui , Zhang Jian , Zhang Zhangjing , Xiang Shengchang , Chen Banglin
Published: December 2019

A highly chemically and thermally stable mesoporous hydrogen-bonded organic framework with a high surface area and a large pore volume has been rationally designed and constructed.
Boron based layered electrode materials for metal-ion batteries
Authors: Hao Kuan-Rong , Yan Qing-Bo , Su Gang
Published: December 2019

The geometric structures of MXB4 (M = Li, Na, Mg; X = Al, Ga) and possible migration pathways of M ions along different directions, parallel to the boron layer (P1) and vertical to the boron layer (P2), respectively. They may be good anode materials for metal-ion batteries.
Molecular mechanism of Be2+-ion binding to HLA-DP2: tetrahedral coordination, conformational changes and multi-ion binding
Authors: De Susmita , Sabu Gopika , Zacharias Martin
Published: December 2019

Be small and positive: the smaller size and higher charge of the Be2+-ion results in strong binding between the M2 peptide and the β-chain of HLA-DP2, which induces conformational changes at the periphery suitable for TCR binding.
A novel, mesoporous molybdenum doped titanium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide composite as a green, highly efficient solid acid catalyst for acetalization
Authors: Thalgaspitiya Wimalika R. K. , Kankanam Kapuge Tharindu , He Junkai , Kerns Peter , Meguerdichian Andrew G. , Suib Steven L.
Published: December 2019

A novel, mesoporous molybdenum doped titanium dioxide-reduced graphene oxide composite is synthesized as a highly efficient heterogeneous solid acid catalyst.
A unique uranyl framework containing uranyl pentamers as secondary building units: synthesis, structure, and spectroscopic properties
Authors: Zhang Yugang , Chen Lanhua , Guan Jingwen , Wang Xia , Wang Shuao , Diwu Juan
Published: December 2019

In this work, two uranyl framework compounds consisting of 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic ligands have been synthesized, and one of them adopts an open framework structure built from uranyl pentamers.
How does the acidic milieu interfere in the capability of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes to release nitric oxide?
Authors: Orenha Renato Pereira , Morgon Nelson Henrique , Contreras-García Julia , Silva Graziele Cappato Guerra , Nagurniak Glaucio Régis , Piotrowski Maurício Jeomar , Caramori Giovanni Finoto , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Parreira Renato Luis Tame
Published: December 2019

The nitric oxide has a well-defined role in biology. The ruthenium complexes are model for study NO release mechanisms. The proton increases the capability of these compounds to release NO after reduction reaction or of the light supported reaction.
Available photo-charging integrated device constructed with dye-sensitized solar cells and lithium-ion battery
Authors: Di Yi , Jia Suping , Yan Xiaoshuang , Liang Junfei , Hu Shengliang
Published: December 2019

The development of self-chargeable lithium-ion batteries is of great significance for expanding the usable range of the lithium-ion battery and it has received intensive attention from numerous researchers.
Diastereoselective construction of carbazole-based spirooxindoles via the Levy three-component reaction
Authors: Zhan Shao-Cong , Sun Jing , Liu Ru-Zhang , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: December 2019

The CuSO4 catalyzed three-component reaction of indole-2-acetate, aromatic aldehydes and 3-methyleneoxindoles in toluene at 130 °C afforded polysubstituted spiro[carbazole-3,3′-indolines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity.
Snake venomics at the crossroads between ecological and clinical toxinology
Authors: Calvete Juan J.
Published: December 2019

Venoms are complex secretions used for predatory and defensive purposes by a wide range of organisms. Venoms and venom production represent fascinating systems to study fundamental evolutionary processes. Understanding the evolution of venom generation demands the integration of the selective interactions and mechanisms, which transformed ordinary genes into deadly toxins, in the context of the natural history of the producing organism. Humans are not prey for any extant venomous creature on Earth, and thus human envenomings result from unexpected encounters with venomous animals, e.g., snakes. Research on snake venoms conducted on mammalian prey from an ecologically informed perspective is conceptually transferable to the clinic, highlighting the mutually enlightening relationship between evolutionary and translational venomics.
Apples is apples, unless they're not
Authors: Ember Katie
Published: December 2019

This is the ninth year the Biochemical Society has run the Science Communication Competition. The competition aims to give talented young science communicators the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist. This year's competition attracted entries from around the world covering a wide variety of topics, in both the written and video categories. The entries were judged by our expert panel of judges. In this issue we are proud to present the third place entry from the written category by Katie Ember.
Combination of SDF-1 and bFGF promotes bone marrow stem cell-mediated periodontal ligament regeneration
Authors: Xu Mengting , Wei Xing , Fang Jie , Xiao Li
Published: December 2019

Stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were reported to induce the differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) into cells with characteristics of periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Thus SDF-1 and bFGF may play a positive role in BMSCs-mediated periodontal ligament regeneration. Here, the methylthiazolyldiphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to investigate the effect of scaffolds, SDF-1 and bFGF on BMSCs proliferation. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate gene and protein expression. Beagle dogs were used to establish an animal model of tooth reimplantation and to investigate the effects of scaffolds, BMSCs, SDF-1 and bFGF on periodontal ligament regeneration. X-ray images and micro computed tomography (micro CT) were used to assess morphological changes in replanted teeth and surrounding alveolar bone. H&E staining and Masson’s staining were also performed. BMSCs from Beagle dogs growth on scaffolds consisted of dense structured collagens. SDF-1 and bFGF effectively promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into fibroblasts, periodontal membrane reconstruction, and cell proliferation in vitro. SDF-1 and bFGF also stimulated the expression of type I collagen (Col I), type III collagen (Col III), CXC family chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4), and decreased the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In our experimental Beagle dog model of tooth extraction and replantation, application of SDF-1 and bFGF significantly elevated periodontal membrane reconstruction and thus supported the survival of replanted teeth. In conclusion, the findings from the present study demonstrated that SDF-1 and bFGF enhance the process of periodontal ligament reconstruction, and provide a basis and reference for the use of stem cell tissue engineering in promoting periodontal membrane regeneration.
Milk and dairy products consumption and the risk of oral or oropharyngeal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Jian , Li Wen , Sun Wei , Deng Shuli
Published: December 2019

The present meta-analysis was conducted to explore the role of milk and dairy products consumption on oral or oropharyngeal cancer risk. PubMed, Embase and Chinese Wanfang databases were investigated until 30 June 2019. The overall and subgroup associations were pooled with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). As a result, the present study involving 4635 cases and 50777 participants from 12 publications suggested that an inverse association was found between milk and dairy products consumption and oral or oropharyngeal cancer risk (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59–0.92; I2 = 65.9%, Pfor heterogeneity=0.001). Four studies reported milk consumption on oral cancer risk, but no significant association was found (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.61–1.37). Six studies about milk consumption and oropharyngeal cancer risk found that there was a positive association between them (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.44–0.90). In conclusion, findings from our meta-analysis indicated that milk and dairy products consumption may be associated with decreased risk of oral or oropharyngeal cancer.
Research on the network of rotating rate of spinning frame
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Wang Jingxin , Wang Jinglong
Published: December 2019

For the operation of the spinning frame in the spinning mill, Hall sensors are used to test the running rate of each axis of the spinning frame. In order to centrally monitor the operation of the spinning frame, analyse the production site environment, communication distance and node layout, ZigBee is used to establish a networked monitoring system to improve the stability of rate acquisition and enhance the stability of data transmission. According to the actual condition at the production site, the ZigBee traditional routing algorithm is improved to be more convenient and efficient in the textile mill environment and have the packet loss rate reduced. The rate collection node sends the collected data to the coordinator. The coordinator uploads the data to the upper computer by WI‐FI module through WI‐FI gateway. The results show that the improved routing algorithm greatly reduces the packet loss rate and the entire monitoring system is stable and reliable.
Design of centroid deviated spherical rolling robot
Authors: Chai Wenjie , Zhang Yibo , Li Quan
Published: December 2019

A spherical robot is a machine with a unique appearance and novel function. The spherical robot function designed in this study is limited to the movement in all directions. The principle is that the centroid of the spherical robot deviates from the centroid to create an unbalanced state, which drives the movement of the spherical robot. The structure of the spherical robot is mainly composed of a ball screw, two self‐rotating frames, and a spherical shell. Its action is similar to that of the ‘Euphorbia’ – A self‐aligning frame and a ball screw form a spherical coordinate system. Through the rotation of two self‐rotating frames, a spherical coordinate is formed. The two corners of the system move in a vertical direction through the ball screw to achieve the movement of the target centre of mass on the polar axis.
Design and manufacture of life size human model using material extrusion and vat photopolymerization additive processes
Authors: Molnar Ivan , Michal David , Simon Stefan , Morovic Ladislav , Kostal Peter
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, Additive Manufacturing (AM) is increasingly being used in various fields of medicine. Using Material Extrusion additive process – Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method are produced 3D models of organs or body parts designed for preoperative planning, individual prosthetic and orthopaedic appliances and others. The Vat Photopolymerization additive process – Stereolithography (SLA) method is used to produce precision hearing aids, wearable assist devices, prosthetics, orthotics and so on. The content of the article describes the process of designing and manufacturing the life size human model to show the possibilities and advantages of using selected additive methods in the field of medicine and thus pointing out the versatility of using the AM technology on a concrete example. The aim of thisarticle is to provide an up-to-date practical application of FFF and SLA additive methods in the fast-growing field of AM and to present to the reader a specific example of the use of AM with the idea of raising a better general understanding and supporting research into the use of AM technology in medicine.
Designing a testing device for customized hip prosthesis
Authors: Leordean Dan , Purdea Florin-Andrei , Țepeș Mihai , Valach Andrei Vasile
Published: December 2019

The practical reference of this article is part of the technical and medical field of designing, modeling and testing of hip prostheses. The purpose of the article is to present a stand that tests the hip orthopedic prostheses. After the initial design, the whole assembly was redesigned both dimensionally and functionally based on the results obtained by the finite element method. The main results fromthe design of the stand are both the wide range of types of hip prostheses that can be tested as well as the actual simulation of the kinematics of the joint. The simulations performed correspond to the different daily actions: walking, running and other special conditions. The practical implications of this research are the possibility of testing the time endurance of prosthesis in the laboratory condition. The results obtained from this research can be applied to the development of new generations of prostheses, starting from materials with better endurance and reaching aspects of shape and customizableoptimal dimensions.
Researches on the design of customized femoral implant
Authors: Leordean Dan , Ciobanu Tatiana , Rusu Mircea
Published: December 2019

Innovations in the industry have also proved to be quite impressive in the medical field, where another approach is needed due to the need for personalization. Due to femoral fractures, it is not just enough to stabilize the bone, but also to have the integration of the implant with the host bone. Thisresearch is intended to undertake studies on the redesign of the distal femoral plate. The redesign had been elaborated to increase the number of people who are compatible with this type of femoral plate and also, to improve the physico-mechanical and biological properties toward to a commercial distal femoral plate made of type 316L stainless steel. Within SolidWorks software, a static simulation has been run after there have been defined restraints, external loads, and a mesh. The parameters were similar to those after the implantation. Taking this reason into consideration, the final results will be improved by modifying plate’s material from 316L to titanium alloy Ti6Al7Nb to increase the capability and biocompatibility. Moreover, the geometry of the distal femoral plate changes to decrease theweight and time of osteosynthesis. The final implant is parametrized 3D models that handle all day-to-day activities and has a weight 50% lower than that of the commercial implant.
Some challenges to manufacturing engineer education process at TU – Varna
Authors: Toteva–Lyutova Pavlina , Koleva Krasimira , Tsoneva Nadezhda
Published: December 2019

Today's economic development is dynamic, closely connected with high technology applications, a growth in intellectual capital and widespread innovations. Most economically developed countries realise the need to create new solutions to present or upcoming problems. Creating a modern innovative, educational, scientific and technological infrastructure becomes an important issue. The 21st century sets new challenges to future engineering specialists. The paper analyses the currently demanded engineering competencies and modern requirements to engineer training in order to prepare reliable specialists for the labour market. The purpose of this paper is to present a brief analysis of the syllabi and the content of the separate disciplines which ensure qualified student education. An attempt to include geometrical dimensioning and tolerance in design education at TU – Varna was reported in this paper, standards which are the core of geometrical product specifications inevitably required in the age of globalization of industry. The paper gives some hints how to teach efficiently the new generation of GPS standards at the mechanical engineering faculty.
Computational simulation of fracture behaviour in auxetic cellular structure by multiaxial loading
Authors: Nečemer Branko , Kramberger Janez , Novak Nejc , Glodež Srečko
Published: December 2019

A computational simulation of fracture behaviour in auxetic cellular structure, subjected to multiaxial loading is presented in this paper. A fracture behaviour of the 3D (three-dimensional) chiral auxetic structure under multiaxial loading conditions was studied. The computational models were used to study the geometry effect of the unit cell on the Poisson’s ratio and fracture behaviour of the analysed chiral auxetic structure. A 3D computational model was built using FEM-code LS DYNA. The discrete computational model of chiral auxetic structure was built using beam finite elements. The lattice model of the analysed auxetic structure was positioned between rigid plates and assembled in a way to simulate a hydro-compression loading conditions. Between the contacting surfaces interactions in normal (contact) and tangential direction (friction) with the node-to-surface approach were simulated. A developed computational model offers insight in the fracture behaviour of considered auxetic cellular structure and helps to better understanding their crushing behaviour under impact multiaxial loading.
Fracture and determination of a lifetime of in-service mechanical components with porosity cluster in an aluminium alloy
Authors: Vasseur Julien , Vasiukov Dmytro , Chaki Salim , Huther Isabel , Marzin Michel , Lefebvre Fabien , Dupont Benoît , Leymarie Nicolas
Published: December 2019

This paper focuses on the fatigue lifetime estimation of metallic components containing group of porosities as manufacturing defects. In order to represent these defects, six test specimens with different Side Drilled Holes (SDH) clusters, have been made of 7075-T6 aluminium alloy. Main characteristics of such defect (elementary size of porosities, spatial density or gradient of elementary sizes) have been studied by taking it into account in a FEM modelling in fatigue to determine their influence on the lifetime. Experimental tensile fatigue tests have been performed on all SDH samples with load ratio R=0.1. Semi-elliptical surfaces with a size of a typical Mg2Si particle of the studied alloy have been chosen as initial cracks for multiple crack propagation. Indeed, such a particle is often responsible for the initiation of a crack in this type of material. For crack growth, Paris’ type propagation law has been used. Local stress redistribution due to presence of the SDH implies mix-mode behaviour which has been considered by using G-theta method. Simulations results allowed realistic lifetime estimation according to the experimental ones. Moreover, a strong dependency of the crack paths and fatigue lifetime on the defect characteristics has been proved and quantified.
Fatigue strength evaluation for individual strands of overhead conductors using a biaxial fretting fatigue test bench
Authors: Omrani Amine , Langlois Sébastien , Van Dyke Pierre , Sattarpanah Karganroudi Sasan , Lalonde Sébastien
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a biaxial fretting fatigue test bench which provides the capability of performing fretting fatigue experiments on individual wires of a conductor combining the effect of both alternating tension and bending loadings to represent a more realistic state of a conductor individual strand under periodic loading caused by aeolian vibrations. Preliminary tests with only uniaxial alternating tension loading were carried out on 1350-H19 aluminum wires having the same mechanical and geometric characteristics as those of the ACSR Bersfort conductor aluminum strands. Different levels of alternating stress were tested in order to validate the performance of the apparatus. Preliminary results showed that the experimental setup allows reproducing the local loading state which leads to the fretting fatigue damage on the tested wires. Biaxial tests were also conducted at a high level of alternating loadings. The results of these tests reveals that, at high alternating stress amplitudes, the biaxial loading allows to observe some fretting fatigue failures, whereas early plain fatigue failures were observed when applying similar uniaxial loading.
Configurational forces in cyclic metal plasticity
Authors: Tsakmakis Aris , Vormwald Michael
Published: December 2019

The configurational force concept is known to describe adequately the crack driving force in linear fracture mechanics. It seems to represent the crack driving force also for the case of elastic-plastic material properties. The latter has been recognized on the basis of thermodynamical considerations. In metal plasticity, real materials exhibit hardening eﬀects when suﬃciently large loads are applied. Von Mises yield function with isotropic and kinematic hardening is a common assumption in many models. Kinematic and isotropic hardening turn out to be very important whenever cyclic loading histories are applied. This holds equally regardless of whether the induced deformations are homogeneous or non-homogeneous. The aim of the present paper is to discuss the eﬀect of nonlinear isotropic and kinematic hardening on the response of the configurational forces and related parameters in elastic-plastic fracture problems.
Fatigue Life Properties of Stainless Steels in Wide Ranged Biaxial Stress States using a Hollow Cylinder Specimen
Authors: Saito Shunsuke , Ogawa Fumio , Itoh Takamoto
Published: December 2019

Stress controlled multiaxial fatigue tests were carried out using hollow cylinder specimens of type 430 and 316 stainless steels at room temperature. A newly developed fatigue testing machine which can apply push-pull loading and inner pressure to the specimen was used. For inner pressure, oil was put inside of the specimen. 7 types of cyclic loading paths were employed by combining axial and hoop stresses; a Pull, an Inner-pressure, a Push-pull, an Equi-biaxial, a Square-shape, a LT-shape and a LC-shape. Fatigue lives vary depending on the loading path when those were evaluated by the maximum Mises’ equivalent stress range on inner surface of the specimen. The fatigue lives of both the steels showed a similar tendency. However, the following difference was identified. Specifically, differences in fatigue lives of type 430 stainless steel between the uniaxial loading and the multiaxial tests were large, while those of type 316 stainless steel were small. To discuss difference in fatigue life properties between both steels, this study investigates the effect of the shear stress range, mean stress and additional hardening and which leads to evaluate the lives suitably.
Computational and experimental study of crack initiation in statistical volume elements
Authors: Kakandar Ebiakpo , Castelluccio Gustavo M. , Barrios Alejandro , Pierron Olivier , Maeder Xavier
Published: December 2019

Fatigue crack formation and early growth is significantly influenced by microstructural attributes such as grain size and morphology. Although the crystallographic orientation is a primary indicator for fatigue cracking, the neighbourhood conformed by the first and second neighbour grains strongly affect the fatigue cracking driving force. Hence, two identical grains may result in different fatigue responses due to their interactions with their microstructural ensemble, which determines the fatigue variability. Naturally, macroscopic samples with millions of grains and thousands of competing microstructural neighbourhoods can effectively resemble a representative volume element in which fatigue failure may seem deterministic. However, when considering systems in which fatigue failure is controlled by hundreds or less of grains, fatigue failure is stochastic in nature and the samples are not a representative but a statistical volume. This work studies fatigue crack nucleation in micron-scale Ni beams that contain a few hundred grains. This work presents 3D crystal plasticity finite element models to compute stochastic distribution of fatigue indicator parameters that serve as proxies for crack nucleation in statistical volume elements. The integration of experiments with models provides a method to understand the irreversible deformation at the grain level that leads to fatigue cracking. Our results explain the role of grain morphology of crack nucleation distribution
The peak stress method applied to the fatigue assessment of tube-tube steel joints with weld ends under multiaxial loadings
Authors: Meneghetti Giovanni , Campagnolo Alberto , Vormwald Michael , Shams Ehsan
Published: December 2019

The Peak Stress Method (PSM) is an approximate, FE-oriented application of the notch stress intensity factor (NSIF) approach to fatigue design of welded joints, which is based on the singular linear elastic peak stresses calculated from FE analyses performed by using coarse mesh patterns. By adopting the averaged strain energy density (SED) as a fatigue strength criterion, a design stress (the equivalent peak stress) can be defined; in conjunction with a reference design curve previously defined, the fatigue strength assessment of welded joints subjected to multiaxial fatigue loadings can be performed. In the present contribution, the PSM has been applied to the fatigue assessment of tube-tube steel joints with weld ends, which have been fatigue tested in a previous contribution under combined loadings: namely pure axial, pure torsion and in-phase as well as out-of-phase axial-torsion loadings, all of which with two load ratios, i.e. R = 0 and R = -1. The experimental fatigue results have been re-converted in terms of equivalent peak stress by adopting a 3D FE model including an idealised weld end geometry. The equivalent peak stress has proved to assess the fatigue crack initiation location in agreement with experimental observations, moreover a quite good agreement has been obtained between the experimental results and the PSM-based design scatter band.
Introducing Value Axiom for New Design Creations
Authors: Nakao Masayuki , Iino Kenji
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes “Value Axiom” that states “The larger the sum of Customer Attribute values, the better the design.” A customer evaluates a design with the sum of the value produced by each Customer Attribute, expressing it with a monetary value such as Japanese yen. A designer can hardly estimate and express a perfect set of Customer Attributes at the early stage of a design. The designer writes down the design equation to visualize the entire design, and improves the sets of Design Parameters and Functional Requirements using the Independence Axiom and Information Axiom, and at the same time, it is also important to review the values of Customer Attributes using the Value Axiom.
Analysis of the educational design activity in the field of cold pressing technology by means of the axiomatic design
Authors: Nagîț Gheorghe , Dodun Oana , Coteață Margareta , Dușa Petru , Ionuț Rîpanu Marius , Hrițuc Adelina , Slătineanu Laurențiu
Published: December 2019

Within the university study program that trains of the future engineers in the field of manufacturing engineering, in the Romanian technical universities, there are matters that aim at familiarizing students with the way of solving certain problems of constructive and/or technological design. Such a matter, called cold pressing technology, has been included in the last years of the license studies. In the context of the project activity at this matter, as a theme to be solved, the student usually receives the responsibility of designing a mold for the cold-pressing of pieces of various shapes, for large series production, starting from sheet type workpiece. The passing of successive design stages gradually leads the student to elaborate a project that includes an assembly drawing and some mechanical drawings as final documents related to the received project theme. It was considered that by using some principles of axiomatic design, it is possible to investigate and define more clearly the objectives of the project activity in the field of cold pressing technology. The analysis allowed a clearer definition of functional requirements and the identification of solutions to improve the quality of future engineer training activities concerning to project activity in the field of cold pressing technology.
Axiomatic Design of Test Artifact for Laser Powder Bed Fusion Machine Capability Assessment
Authors: Giorgetti Alessandro , Ceccanti Filippo , Citti Paolo , Ciappi Andrea , Arcidiacono Gabriele
Published: December 2019

Additive Manufacturing is increasingly growing in importance in the manufacturing environment, allowing to realize very complex product designs. Identifying the real machine capability is becoming fundamental as additive manufacturing technologies are starting to substitute conventional manufacturing processes. This aspect holds particularly true in the case of Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology. In this case, the method to investigate and determine the actual machine capabilities still represents an open point. In this paper, we propose an analysis of a well-known test artifact from an Axiomatic Design standpoint; based on the results and the review of the Customer Needs, we develop an improved design which is able to ensure a robust analysis for a reliable machine performance check.
Design decision based on dependencies among product specifications
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Bingbing , Simeone Alessandro , Chu Xingpeng , Gu Peihua
Published: December 2019

Changes in product specifications and their combinations can be achieved through adaptations of physical components. To better satisfy the changeable product specifications, design decisions on physical components need to be made by considering the dependencies among product specifications. In this paper, a method for dependencies quantification among product specifications is defined from the statistical point of view. Since product specifications are achieved by physical components, then the statistical dependencies among product physical components are analyzed based on specifications/components relationships. A method for design decision support based on components clustering is proposed for new product development. An example is provided to illustrate the proposed methodology.
Industry 4.0 for Managing Logistic Service Providers Lifecycle
Authors: Tiwong Sunida , Rauch Erwin , Šoltysová Zuzana , Ramingwong Sakgasem
Published: December 2019

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) can be employed using so called smart information and smart technology to increase customer satisfaction in the global market. Logistics service companies apply I4.0 to create new services or to improve the process, e.g., real-time monitoring system, big data analytics, real-time customer service to keep customer royalty. The aim of this is to implement a new framework for the entire lifecycle of logistics service, i.e., design, test and operation, after sales service and end-of-life assessment. To create and redesign this new service we use Axiomatic Design (AD) to address customer requirements and to manage logistics operation at Logistics Service Providers. As a result, using I4.0 concepts, we can improve the logistics service. Managing the supply chain responsively and increasing customer satisfaction.
Axiomatic Design for Creativity, Sustainability, and Industry 4.0
Authors: Brown Christopher A. , Rauch Erwin
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses how to foster creativity and sustainability during Axiomatic Design processes, including Industry 4.0 as an example application. Creativity is generating valuable, new ideas. Innovation is making new ideas viable. This paper explains how AD theory and methods can improve the selection process in evolution-inspired creativity for formulating functional requirements and generating and selecting design parameters. FR formulation is a key to creating value in design solutions. No design solution can be better than its FRs. The FRs must capture the true, underlying essence of customer needs. In addition, an FR must define the solution space appropriately, so that all the best DP candidates are included. Suh’s axioms are used to select the single best DPs from the candidates. In AD, viabilityis established systematically during the axiomatic decomposition and the physical integration processes. Methods for detecting poor design thinking are presented. Metrics and tests for evaluating FRs’ facility for creativity and innovation are proposed. Techniques for improving FRs are proposed, decomposed, and reviewed for their compliance with the axioms.