bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMPATHY AND THE EVOLUTION OF COMPASSION: FROM DEEP HISTORY TO INFUSED VIRTUE
Authors: Deane‐Drummond Celia
Published: February 2017

This article poses a challenge to contemporary theories in psychology that portray empathy as a negative force in the moral life. Instead, drawing on alternative psychological and philosophical literature, especially Martha Nussbaum, I argue that empathy is related to the virtue of compassion and therefore crucial for moral action. Evidence for evolutionary anthropological accounts of compassion in early hominins provides additional arguments for its positive value in deep human history. I discuss this work alongside Thomistic notions of practical wisdom, compassion, misericordia, and the importance of reason in the moral life. The tension between “bottom up” accounts of empathy and that according to a theological interpretation of “infused” virtues also needs to be addressed. From a secular perspective, infused virtue is a projection of the ideal moral life, but from a theological perspective, it is a way of understanding how human capacities through the action of grace can reach beyond what seem to be the limits of psychological moral identity.
A TERMINATOR, A TRANSFORMER, AND JOB MEET: CREATOR–CREATED RELATIONS IN FILM AND SCRIPTURE
Authors: Jones E. Allen
Published: February 2017

In this essay, I set the book of Job in dialogue with a number of films from the robot science fiction subgenre. It is my intention to show that both sets of literature are deeply engaged with questions related to how creators and created things can interact, and that they deal with these questions in ways that illuminate and complement each other. The study proceeds in three phases. First, I develop a typology of robot science fiction as I see it in Hollywood cinematic presentation. Second, I turn to unpack God's response to Job's complaint in Job 38. In this section, I focus particularly on God's self‐description through constructive and parental metaphors. Finally, I suggest how reading these texts together can sharpen our understanding of the way in which the biblical narrative addresses relational dynamics between a creating God and humans as created beings.
STIRPICULTURE: SCIENCE‐GUIDED HUMAN PROPAGATION AND THE ONEIDA COMMUNITY
Authors: Prince Alexandra
Published: February 2017

Between 1869 and 1879, the communal Christian group the Oneida Community undertook a pioneering eugenics experiment called “stirpiculture” in upstate New York. Stirpiculture resulted in the planned conception, birth, and communal rearing of fifty‐eight children, bred from selected members of the Oneida Community. This article concerns how the Oneida Community's unique approach to religion and science provided the framework for the creation, process, and eventual dissolution of the stirpiculture experiment. The work seeks to expand current understanding of the early history of eugenics in the United States by placing its practice more than two decades earlier than is generally considered. Additionally, this article situates the Community's leader John Humphrey Noyes as an early eugenics and social scientific thinker. Finally, the treatment provides a case study for the transitional period in mid to late nineteenth century America whereby scientific modes of epistemology were accommodated within or supplanted by theological worldviews.
ASTROPHYSICS AND CREATION: PERCEIVING THE UNIVERSE THROUGH SCIENCE AND PARTICIPATION
Authors: Benz Arnold O.
Published: February 2017

I explore how the notion of divine creation could be made understandable in a worldview dominated by empirical science. The crucial question concerns the empirical basis of belief in creation. Astronomical observations have changed our worldview in an exemplary manner. I show by an example from imaginative literature that human beings can perceive stars by means other than astronomical observation. This alternative mode may be described as “participatory perception,” in which a human experiences the world not by objectifying separation as in science, but by personal involvement. I relate such perceptions to “embodied cognitive science,” a topical interdisciplinary field of research in philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Embodied cognitions initiate processes that can convey personal experiences of the stars. Such cognitions may involve religious apprehensions and give rise to sophisticated values. It is argued that the knowledge available through astrophysics and interpretation of the universe as divine creation represent two different ways of perceiving the same reality and should thus be seen as mutually complementary.
THE “SCIENTIFIC MIRACLE OF THE QUR’ĀN,” PSEUDOSCIENCE, AND CONSPIRACISM
Authors: Bigliardi Stefano
Published: February 2017

This article, after tracing a precise classification of the exegetical trend known as iʿjāz ʿilmī, summarizes and discusses the criticism leveled at it and examines how the “scientific interpretation” of the Qur’ān is liable to blend with pseudoscience and conspiracy theories to the detriment of a solid harmonization of science and religion and of a genuine appreciation of natural science. Furthermore, the article offers some practical ideas that can be implemented in order to effectively and fairly address iʿjāz ʿilmī in the Muslim world.
RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AS EVOLUTIONARY ADAPTATIONS
Authors: Szocik Konrad
Published: February 2017

Scholars employing an evolutionary approach to the study of religion and religious beliefs search for ultimate explanations of the origin, propagation, and persistence of religious beliefs. This quest often pairs in debate two opposing perspectives: the adaptationist and “by‐product” explanations of religion and religious beliefs. The majority of scholars prefer the by‐product approach, which is agnostic and even doubtful of the usefulness of religious beliefs. Despite this pervasive negativity, it seems unwarranted to deny the great usefulness of religious beliefs—particularly concerning their past utility. Instead, adaptationist explanations of religion and religious beliefs must be re‐established as interesting and useful approaches to the study of religious beliefs.
POETIC NATURALISM: SEAN CARROLL, SCIENCE, AND MORAL OBJECTIVITY
Authors: Kaufman Whitley
Published: February 2017

Physicist Sean Carroll has developed a new theory of the fundamental nature of reality, which he calls “Poetic Naturalism,” with the stated goal of developing a theory of what is real that is consistent with the findings of natural science. Carroll claims to prove that morality cannot be seen as objectively true. This essay argues that Carroll's conclusion is not convincing; there is no good reason to reject moral objectivity within a purely naturalistic worldview.
FAITH, BELIEF, AND THE COMPATIBILITY OF RELIGION AND SCIENCE
Authors: Recker Doren
Published: February 2017

Recent attacks on the compatibility of science and religion by the “militant modern atheists” (Jerry Coyne, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens) have posed serious challenges for anyone who supports the human importance of religious faith (particularly their identification of “faith” with “believing without evidence”). This article offers a critical analysis of their claims compared with those who do not equate faith with belief. I conclude that (i) the militant modern atheist interpretation of faith undervalues transformative religious experiences, (ii) that more people of faith hold it for this reason than their opponents acknowledge, and (iii) that meaningful dialogue between religion and science is both possible and desirable.
BIBLICAL AND THEISTIC ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE EVOLUTIONARY ARGUMENT AGAINST NATURALISM
Authors: Nieminen Petteri , Boudry Maarten , Ryökäs Esko , Mustonen Anne‐Mari
Published: February 2017

Alvin Plantinga's evolutionary argument against naturalism states that evolution cannot produce warranted beliefs. In contrast, according to Plantinga, Christian theism provides (I) properly functioning cognitive faculties in (II) an appropriate cognitive environment, in accordance with (III) a design plan aimed at producing true beliefs. But does theism fulfill criteria I–III? Judging from the Bible, God employs deceit in his relations with humanity, rendering our cognitive functions unreliable (I). Moreover, there is no reason to suppose that God's purpose would be to produce true beliefs in humans (III). Finally, from the theistic/religious perspective, it is impossible to tell whether observations have natural or supernatural causes, which undermines an appropriate cognitive environment (II). Reliable identification of deceit or miracles could alleviate these problems, but the theistic community has failed to resolve this issue. Dismissal of parts of the Bible, or attempts to find alternative interpretations, would collapse into skepticism or deism. Thus, Plantinga's problem of epistemic warrant backfires on theism.
FOOD ETHICS: A CRITIQUE OF SOME ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD
Authors: al‐Attar Mariam
Published: February 2017

This article critiques some Islamic approaches to food ethics and the debate over genetically modified (GM) food. Food ethics is a branch of bioethics, and is an emerging field in Islamic bioethics. The article critically analyzes the arguments of the authors who wrote in favor of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from an Islamic perspective, and those who wrote against GMOs, also from an Islamic perspective. It reveals the theological and the epistemological foundations of the two main approaches. Moreover, it provides an attempt to critique what is perceived as an exclusivist and legalistic trend adopted by some authors. It argues that an alternative approach that acknowledges the priority of reason in ethics and is at the same time rooted in Islamic tradition would be more inclusive and constructive.
IS MY FEELING YOUR PAIN BAD FOR OTHERS? EMPATHY AS VIRTUE VERSUS EMPATHY AS FIXED TRAIT
Authors: Peterson Gregory R.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this article is to (1) critique the primary arguments given by Paul Bloom and Jesse Prinz against empathy, and (2) to argue instead that empathy is best understood as a virtue that plays an important but complicated role in the moral life. That it is a virtue does not mean that it always functions well, and empathy sometimes contributes to behavior that is partial and unfair. In some of their writings, both Bloom and Prinz endorse the view that empathy is a fixed trait, but there is little reason to think this, and the studies that they cite do not support this view. Further, a number of recent studies suggest the opposite: our empathic reactions are malleable and subject to environmental effects and learning. Although our capacities for cognitive and emotional empathy are clearly not sufficient for being moral, I argue that they are functionally necessary traits that, like other virtues, must be cultivated correctly.
Thermal Performance Analysis of Biporous Metal Foam Heat Sink
Authors: Li Yongtong , Gong Liang , Xu Minghai , Joshi Yogendra
Published: February 2017

The present study presents a concept of biporous metal foam heat sink applicable to electronic cooling. This heat sink has two metal foam layers arranged in parallel along the primary flow direction, with different metal foam thickness, porosity, and pore density for each layer. The forced convective heat transfer in biporous metal foam heat sink is numerically investigated by employing the Forchheimer–Brinkman extended Darcy momentum equation and local thermal nonequilibrium energy equation. The effects of geometrical and morphological parameters on thermal and hydraulic performance are discussed in detail, and the heat transfer enhancement mechanism of biporous metal foam is analyzed. The thermal performance of biporous metal foam heat sink is compared with that of uniform metal foam heat sink. The results show that the thermal resistance of the biporous metal foam heat sink decreases with decrease of top layer metal foam porosity at a fixed bottom metal foam porosity of 0.9. It is seen that the biporous metal foam heat sink can outperform the uniform metal foam heat sink with a proper selection of foam geometrical and morphological parameters, which is attributed to the presence of high velocity gradient at the boundary layer that can enhance the convective heat transfer. The best observed thermal performance of biporous metal foam heat sink is achieved by employing 30 pores per inch (PPI) metal foam at the bottom layer, with a fixed 50 PPI metal foam at the top layer for the porosities of both layers equal to 0.9, and the optimal thickness of the bottom foam layer is about 1 mm.
Meshless Local B-Spline Collocation Method for Two-Dimensional Heat Conduction Problems With Nonhomogenous and Time-Dependent Heat Sources
Authors: Hidayat Mas Irfan P. , Ariwahjoedi Bambang , Parman Setyamartana , Rao T. V. V. L. N.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a new approach of meshless local B-spline based finite difference (FD) method for transient 2D heat conduction problems with nonhomogenous and time-dependent heat sources. In this method, any governing equations are discretized by B-spline approximation which is implemented as a generalized FD technique using local B-spline collocation scheme. The key aspect of the method is that any derivative is stated as neighboring nodal values based on B-spline interpolants. The set of neighboring nodes is allowed to be randomly distributed. This allows enhanced flexibility to be obtained in the simulation. The method is truly meshless as no mesh connectivity is required for field variable approximation or integration. Galerkin implicit scheme is employed for time integration. Several transient 2D heat conduction problems with nonuniform heat sources in arbitrary complex geometries are examined to show the efficacy of the method. Comparison of the simulation results with solutions from other numerical methods in the literature is given. Good agreement with reference numerical methods is obtained. The method is shown to be simple and accurate for the time-dependent problems.
An Internet-of-Things Based Cyber-Physical Test Bed for Collaborative Manufacturing
Authors: Cecil J. , Albuhamood S.
Published: February 2017

The emergence of cyber physical frameworks has been catalyzed by various smart technologies including Next Generation Networks and 3D based Virtual Prototyping. Such frameworks hold the potential to support complex distributed collaborative practices in various engineering fields especially advanced manufacturing. This paper discusses the design and implementation of such a cyber physical framework based on Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies while addressing semantic interoperability issues. The components of this framework is outlined along with an overview of the role of the emerging GENI based Next Internet technologies. The semantic framework is designed based on a Virtual Enterprise (VE) context where multiple organizations with similar as well as different capabilities can form temporary partnerships.
Application of Hyperelastic Models in Mechanical Properties Prediction of Mouse Oocyte and Embryo Cells at Large Deformations
Authors: Abbasi Ali A. , Ahmadian M. T. , Alizadeh Ali , Tarighi S.
Published: February 2017

Biological cell studies have many applications in biology, cell manipulation and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and malaria. In this study, inverse finite element method (IFEM) combined with Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithm has been used to extract and characterize material properties of mouse oocyte and embryo cells at large deformations. Then, the simulation results have been validated using data from experimental works. In this study, it is assumed cell material is hyperelastic, isotropic, homogenous and axisymmetric. For inverse analysis, FEM model of cell injection experiment which implemented in Abaqus software has been coupled with Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithm written in Matlab; based on this coupling the optimum hyperelastic coefficients which give the best match between experimental and simulated forces are extracted. Results show that among different hyperelastic material models, Ogden material is well suitable for characterization of mouse oocyte cell and Mooney-Rivlin or polynomial are suitable for characterization of mouse embryo cell. Moreover the evaluated Poisson ratio of the cell is obtained to be equal to 0.5, which indicates the structural material of mouse oocyte and embryo, are compressible.
Performance Assessment of a Noninvasive Swallowable Biosensor Deployment System in Microgravity
Authors: Slawinski Piotr R. , Lewis Weston M. , Terry Benjamin S.
Published: February 2017

Ingestible capsule endoscope technology has been a topic of research since the middle of the 20th century and has become a prominent area of study since the commercialization of capsule endoscopy in 2000. Ingestible telemetry capsules have been investigated by NASA in the last 20 years as a means for monitoring human body temperature during periods of physical exhaustion, but are limited in sensing time due to passage through the digestive system. In this work, we present a feasibility study on a sensor that attaches to the intestinal mucosa after being delivered to the bowel via ingestible capsule to be used on long distance space flights. This study included experiments conducted on NASA’s Weightless Wonder aircraft and replicated in a laboratory setting on the ground. During these experiments, a capsule was activated, manually inserted into excised porcine small intestine, and then automatically implanted a sham sensor onto the mucosal lining. The purpose of the experiment was to determine if the automated implantation sequence is affected by microgravity. Eight trials conducted in each setting yielded successful implantation of four sham sensors in microgravity and three in earth gravity. Results suggest that automated implantation is feasible in both 1G and microgravity environments though design changes are necessary to significantly improve repeatability in both environments. Though improvements in reliability of the device are needed, this experiment is a benchmark for transferring capsule technology currently used only for visual screening of the bowel to health monitoring systems for space flights.
Mechanical Property Testing and Analysis of 3D Printing Objects
Authors: Le Xiaobin , Akouri Rami , Latassa Anthony , Passemato Brett , Wales Ryan
Published: February 2017

3D printing known as additive manufacturing has been widely used in academics and industries to make various 3D objects for various applications. The strength of the 3D printing parts is different from its original material strength due to this additive manufacturing technique. The 3D printing parts should be treated as anisotropic materials. However, the information of mechanical property such as the ultimate strength of 3D printing parts is very limited. There is little information about the mechanical property of 3D printing parts at different print angles. This research was focused on exploring the mechanical properties of 3D printing objects. The tensile test specimen of two different materials: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-electrostatic dissipative (ABS-ESD) and Nylon 12 were printed at the 5 different print angles through the Fortus 450mc 3D printer. Tensile test results, data analysis, detailed discussion and the empirical formula of the tensile strength of 3D printing objects vs different print angles will be presented.
Buckling Analysis of Hollow Microneedle in Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Raja Rajeswari N. , Malliga P. , Gnanavel B. K.
Published: February 2017

In biomedical field, the microneedles have gained popularity in the transdermal drug delivery applications. A hollow out-of-plane microneedle with bevel shaped tip, made up of silicon material is considered in this paper. The safe insertion of such microneedles into the soft tissue without breakage plays a vital role in the design of microneedles. The primary mode of failure often found in microneedles is buckling. When the microneedle is applied with an insertion force (F) larger than the critical buckling load (Pcr), it may suffer from buckling. In this paper, the buckling analysis of silicon microneedle is performed using Finite Element Analysis. The equilibrium equation of Love’s (1944) thin rod theory is used to study the buckling effect of microneedle. A non-linear Eigen value buckling analysis of the hollow microneedle is performed. The fundamental mode 1 and the critical mode 813 are discussed. The deflection, stresses and reaction force are analysed for both the modes. The critical buckling load (Pcr) is determined to be 0.39 N and if the microneedle is applied with insertion force within this value of critical buckling load, it avoids buckling. Therefore, this critical buckling load is taken as a conservative result for designing the microneedle.
The Effects of Graft Size and Insertion Site Location During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Intercondylar Notch Impingement
Authors: Nayeb Hashemi Hamid , Orsi Alexander D. , Vaziri Ashkan , Olia Masoud
Published: February 2017

Intercondylar notch impingement is detrimental to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Notchplasty is a preventative remodeling procedure performed on the intercondylar notch during ACL reconstruction (ACLR). This study investigates how ACL graft geometry and both tibial and femoral insertion site location affect ACL-intercondylar notch interactions post ACLR. A range of ACL graft sizes are reported during ACLR, from 6mm–11mm in diameter. Minor variability of up to 3mm in ACL insertion site locations is reported during ACLR. Several 3D finite element (FE) knee joint models were constructed using three ACL graft sizes and polar arrays of tibial and femoral insertion site locations. Each knee model was subjected to flexion, tibial external rotation, and valgus motion. Impingement force and contact area between the ACL and the intercondylar notch compared well with published cadaver study results. A 3mm shift in the antero-lateral direction of the tibial insertion site of the average and maximum size ACL increased impingement force by 155.4% and 242.9% respectively. A 3mm shift in the anterior-proximal direction of the femoral insertion site of the average and maximum size ACL increased impingement by 292.6%, and 346.2% respectively. Simulated notchplasties of 4mm and 5mm reduced graft impingement force by 89.4% and 100% respectively for the simulations with greatest impingement. For the kinematics applied, the results show that small differences in graft size and insertion site location may lead to large increases in impingement force and contact area. The study aims to improve ACLR success rates by understanding how minor variations in graft size and insertion site location affect intercondylar notch impingement. Because minor variations in insertion site location during ACLR are a known occurrence, the results of this study may support the argument for performing notchplasty during ACLR.
Investigation and Thermal Analysis of Friction Stir Welding Process Parameters of AA6061 Plates
Authors: Shukla Jalay , Echempati Raghu , Vyasa Rupal , Badheka Vishvesh
Published: February 2017

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process in which a non-consumable rotating tool with a specially designed pin and shoulder is inserted into the abutting edges of sheets or plates to be joined and subsequently traversed along the joint line. In FSW, a pin tool with different shapes spins against the edges of two metal pieces of same or different thickness positioned next to each other. As the pin travels along, it creates friction that generates heat, mixes, and joins the alloys without melting them. To optimize the process, several researchers created pins of different shape, and geometry, and used them in FSW but varied the depth, rotational speed, and tilt angle of the pins. Statistical analysis has been used to identify the most optimum combination of tool and weld parameters that could support high-speed production. Many studies support that the faster FSW is carried out, the stronger (better weld quality) the resulting welds will be.

The objective of this paper is to predict the effects of some of the process parameters on the performance of the aluminum alloy components joined using ANSYS simulation tool. Although not reported in this paper, the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the welded members have been measured in the laboratory. The goal is to gain an understanding of how FSW can be used to successfully join aluminum alloys and to study the effect of the various process parameters on the process. The material used is AA6061 as it is one of the popular choices for automotive applications. Experiments have been conducted to validate some of the simulation results from ANSYS software.
Football Helmet Energy Absorption Degradation and Impact Performance Resulting From High Humidity and Temperature
Authors: Saczalski Kenneth J. , West Mark N. , Saczalski Todd K. , Burton Joseph L. , Pozzi Mark C.
Published: February 2017

The helmet is the primary means for providing head impact protection to adult and youth football players through use of energy absorbing (EA) materials placed in a crush zone located between the head and helmet shell. Ultimate safety performance of the helmet requires uniformly consistent, repeatable and reliable attenuation of the impact energy so as to minimize head injury potential throughout the helmet. However, quasi-static materials tests and dynamic helmet testing results, reported on herein, show that EA materials of current and older helmet designs are susceptible to large levels of EA degradation, or softening, when subjected to a “hot-wet” condition caused by high temperatures and high humidity, such as that produced from the sweat of a player. Depending on the size of the crush zone, and other factors, this condition can lead to increased head impact loads. The standard football helmet certification criteria do not address the issue of “hot-wet” EA degradation. Dynamic helmet testing analyzed in this study consisted of two methods. One method used the standard helmet certification approach where a human responding head form and helmet are dropped vertically, along a twin guide wire set-up, onto a soft rubber pad. The second method employed use of a human responding Hybrid-III head and neck that was incorporated into a free pendulum impact set-up where impact took place on a non-yielding surface and both direct contact impact injury potential and rotational injury aspects of the helmet performance were measured. The dynamic tests were conducted with various size head forms, energy levels, and impact speeds that ranged from the 5.5 m/s level, used in helmet certification, on up to higher speeds of 7.0 m/s that is more consistent with a “5-second 40-yard dash” speed. Based on equal kinetic energy impact comparisons, the two dynamic approaches showed that helmets that were impacted onto the soft elastomeric pad surface produced artificially lower indications of head injury severity than did the helmets tested against the non-yielding surface. The results also showed large variations and inconsistencies of impact attenuation within a specific helmet design, depending on impact location or region being tested. Also, dynamic impact testing was applied with both ambient and 3-hour “hot-wet” soak conditions applied to the EA padding of adult and youth helmets. These results showed that the relatively newer EA pad designs and the older type elastomeric foam EA pads were sensitive to “hot-wet” degradation for soak times as low as 3-hours, which is consistent with game or practice time situations. Finally, as noted above, it was shown that, depending on the size of the crush zone, this EA degradation factor could lead to increased head loads and injury severity measures. The results suggest the need for additional research on the above to enhance helmet safety.
A Novel Incremental Bending Process of Complex Curved Sheet Metal
Authors: Zuo Qiyang , He Kai , Sun Zhigang , Xu Hui , Li Wei , Li Wei , Dang Xiaobing , Du Ruxu
Published: February 2017

The bending of complex curved sheet metals of ship hull has long been a challenge in shipbuilding yard on account of some inherent defects of the traditional forming processes such as the line heating. This paper presents a novel incremental bending process based on punching to obtain complex curved steel plates in order to take the place of those inefficient traditional forming processes of ship hull.

The presented incremental bending process is carried out by a series of stepping punches, so it is also defined as incremental punching in this work. By means of this process, the blank plate that is fixed and held by a flexible supporting system can incrementally be bent to the target shape by a press tool with a planned tool trajectory one step after another. Meanwhile, in order to improve geometric accuracy of the formed work-piece, a 3D scanning feedback system is applied to measure the deformation of the work-piece during the forming process. Three dimensional shape of the formed work-piece can be imaged and rebuilt with a large amount of point cloud data by the 3D scanning feedback system. Then the difference between the rebuilt model of the formed work-piece and the target CAD-model can be acquired, which can be used for feedback control of the forming accuracy if necessary.

To validate the presented forming process, an original incremental punching prototype was designed and manufactured, which is mainly composed of a 3-axis CNC machine, a flexible supporting system and a 3D scanning feedback system. A forming experiment of a gradual curvature steel plate was carried out using this prototype and is discussed in detail in this paper in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed incremental bending process of complex curved steel plate.
Development of a Force Sensing Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Device
Authors: Alotaibi Ahmed M. , Anwar Sohel , Loghmani M. Terry , Chien Stanley
Published: February 2017

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a form of massage using rigid manufactured or cast devices. The delivered force, which is a critical parameter in massage during IASTM, has not been measured or standardized for most clinical practices. In addition to the force, the angle of treatment and frequency play an important role during IASTM. As a result, there is a strong need to characterize the delivered force to a patient, angle of treatment, and stroke frequency.

This paper proposes a novel mechatronic design for a specific instrument from Graston Technique® (Model GT-3), which is a frequently used tool to clinically deliver localize pressure to the soft tissue. The design uses a 3D load cell, which can measure all three force components force simultaneously. The overall design is implemented with an IMUduino microcontroller chip which can also measure tool orientation angles and provide computed stroke frequency.

The prototype of the mechatronic IASTM tool was validated for force measurements using an electronic plate scale that provided the baseline force values to compare with the applied force magnitudes measured by the device. The load cell measurements and the scale readings were found to be in agreement within the expected degree of accuracy. The stroke frequency was computed using the force data and determining the peaks during force application. The orientation angles were obtained from the built-in sensors in the microchip.
Powering a Lower Limb Exoskeleton Using Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Chambers Jonathan M. , Carignan Craig R. , Wereley Norman M.
Published: February 2017

Passive leg exoskeletons are currently being investigated for offsetting the weight of tools and other loads from workers performing maintenance and assembly tasks. By providing power-assist to the knee joints with pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs), a wider range of stances could be used by maintenance workers without drawing significant power. A simplified kinematic model of the exoskeleton is developed, and the array of potential user stance configurations is then bounded. A static analysis is performed to define the torque required for actuation of the knee joint to support the tool loads carried by the exoskeleton. Finally, an exemplary transmission model is used to verify that it is feasible for a PAM to provide the range of motion and forces required for knee joint actuation. Upon demonstration of the viability of PAM actuation, development of an exoskeleton leg prototype is underway to provide validation of the proposed scheme. The knee actuation system will be retrofit to the FORTIS exoskeleton, and tests on its effectiveness will be conducted.
Modeling and Analysis of Heart Left Ventricle in Diastole Using Finite Element
Authors: Seidel Joshua B. , Kabo J. Michael , Nandikolla Vidya K.
Published: February 2017

Finite element is used to analyze the effects of infarct on left ventricular end-diastolic function. The results for the symmetric infarct cases 1–6 demonstrated in this paper correspond to infarct percent by volume of 4, 8, 9, 16, 25 and 51% respectively. Using the developed three-dimensional model, these infarct percent by volume showed a reduction in end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 3, 5, 5, 8, 11, 17 mL respectively. Three natural infarct cases denoted A, B and C was evaluated consisting of 7%, 15% and 50% infarct region by volume respectively. The decrease in EDV for cases A, B and C were 6, 9 and 17 mL. The simulated decrease in EDV for the infarct cases was consistent with patients experiencing decreased tissue compliance. The higher left ventricle (LV) pressure resulted in an increase in wall stress opposite to the infarct for the symmetric and natural infarct cases.
On the Coupling of Peridynamics With a Meshless Method Based on Classical Elasticity
Authors: Shojaei Arman , Zaccariotto Mirco , Galvanetto Ugo
Published: February 2017

In this paper we introduce a simple and efficient approach to couple a discretized Peridynamic model with a meshless method based on classical continuum mechanics. The coupling is done through a complete meshless style without producing any ghost forces in the transition region. We shall show with such type of coupling it is possible to reproduce the solution of a pure Peridynamic model by a hybrid meshless method with lower computational cost.
A New Propelled Wing Aircraft Configuration
Authors: Trancossi Michele , Stewart Jill , Pascoa Jose C.
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates by an energetic approach possible new configurations of aircrafts, which can rival in low speed operations against helicopters. It starts from an effective energy balance of helicopters during fundamental operations: takeoff, horizontal flight, hovering, and landing. The energy state of a helicopter can be written as:

E = ½ mV2 + mgh + ½ I ω2 (1)

where m is mass of helicopter, I is total rotor inertia, ω is rotor rotational speed. By taking the partial derivative with respect to time of equation 1, the power is expressed as

dE/dt = ΔP = mV dV/dt + mg dh/dt (2)

By optimizing the energy balance of the helicopter a new aircraft configuration has been obtained that allow a very high lift even at very low speed, but drastically reducing the energy consumption during horizontal flight. The total power required is obtained by rotor power and overall efficiency factor (η) and HPreq total = η HPreq rotor.

By equations (1) and (2) it has been produced a preliminary optimization in different operative conditions considering a speed range from 0.5 (hovering conditions) to 50 m/s. By an accurate balance of the results, it has been identified that the most disadvantageous situation for a helicopter is forward flight. A new powered wing architecture has been specifically studied for replicating the behaviour of helicopters. Preliminary it has been defined by starting from the energy equations the main characteristics of the propelled wing. From those numerical results it has been defined a new configuration of propelled wing and the new aircraft configuration which allow adequate performance against helicopter. Those wings take a large advantage of two not common features: symmetry with respect to a vertical axis and possibility of optimizing the shape for specific missions.

It has been designed and optimized in different configurations by CFD. In particular, an accurate analysis of fluiddynamic of the system allows quantifying the different effects that allows realizing an extraordinary ratio between lift and thrust producing an effective vehicle that can rival against helicopter also at very low speeds with a morphing configuration that will be presented in the final paper because of patenting reasons. Results show that the proposed innovative aircraft configuration allows hovering and very low speed flight. In particular, the conditions and the design for this kind of operation are presented even if still in initial design stage. The presented aircraft architecture can also allow inverting the direction of motion just by inverting the direction of the thrust. In this case, it will allow overcoming completely the performances of helicopters. The energetic balance of flight has been evaluated and the advantages with respect to helicopters have been finally expressed with surprising results.
Association Between Impact Peak and Hip Flexor Activity During Running
Authors: Schmitz Anne , Norberg Jaclyn , Snarski Kristen , Piovesan Davide
Published: February 2017

Gait retraining techniques to reduce impact forces during running is of significant interest to clinicians interested in reducing running injury risk. Increased peak rectus femoris activity during swing was significantly correlated with decreased impact peak during running (r = −0.654, p = 0.01) due to the muscle’s large hip flexion moment arm (43 to 54 mm). Gluteus medius (r = −0.204, p = 0.466) and adductor longus (r = 0.104, p = 0.714) activity were not significantly correlated with impact peak. These results suggest that gait retraining programs aimed at reducing the impact peak during running should focus on increased rectus femoris activity during swing.
Fixture Layout Design and Optimization of Sheet Metal Assembly Based on Genetic Algorithm for Optimization Toolbox
Authors: Xing Yanfeng , Wang Fang , Ji Qing
Published: February 2017

Fixture layout can affect deformation and dimensional variation of sheet metal assemblies. Conventionally, the assembly dimensions are simulated using a large number of finite element analyses, and fixture layout optimization needs significant user intervention and unaffordable iterations of finite element analyses. This paper therefore proposes a fully automated and efficient method of fixture layout optimization based on the combination of 3DCS simulation (for dimensional analyses) and GAOT, a genetic algorithm in optimization toolbox in MATLAB. The locating points, the key elements of a fixture layout, are selected from a much smaller candidate pool thanks to our proposed manufacturing constraints based filtering methods and thus the computational efficiency is greatly improved. Since MATLAB macro commands of 3DCS have been developed to calculate assembly dimensions, the optimization process is fully automated. A case study of inner hood is applied to demonstrate the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is suitable for generating the optimal fixture layout with excellent efficiency for engineering applications.
Atom Ionization in Metal Cutting
Authors: Wang Z. Y. , Jacobs James , Sun Pengtao
Published: February 2017

The inspiration for developing this atomic model comes from Merchant’s models for studying chip strain and shear angle. In this paper the 2D Merchant’s Diagram of Circles has been replaced by atoms of the workpiece and tool. This research reveals that atom losing electrons in workpiece is common in metal cutting. Also at the atomic level, cutting workpiece leads to an electric process to occur, which valence electrons leave atoms of the workpiece material as cutting tool pushing forward, forming a charged zone in the workpiece which weakens its strength and eventually causes them to be removed as cutting chip. In this paper, the charged zone was calculated for cutting 1040 steel with a tungsten carbide tool. Experimental results of electromotive force are presented to support the existence of an electrical charge in metal cutting.
A Comparison of Ammonia Measurements Using Fourier Transform Infrared and Tuneable Diode Laser Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Nilton , El-Hamalawi Ashraf , Barrett Richard , Wheatley Andrew , Robinson Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Current diesel engine after-treatment systems such as Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) use ammonia (NH3) to reduce Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) into Nitrogen (N2) and water. However, if the reaction between NH3 and NOx is unbalanced, it can lead either to NH3 or NOx being released into the environment. As NH3 is classified as a hazardous compound on the environment, its accurate measurement is essential.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Tuneable Diode Laser (TDL) spectroscopy are two of the methods that can measure raw emissions from engine exhaust pipes, especially NH3. However, it is difficult to suggest which method is the right one for measuring NH3 from engine exhausts.

This paper compares the effectiveness of FTIR and TDL methods for NH3 measurement from diesel engine exhausts, based on tests conducted under well-controlled laboratory conditions. The concentration of NH3 from a diesel engine was measured under both a steady-state test cycle and a transient test cycle. The NH3 readings from FTIR and TDL were analysed, for comparison of precision, response time and their accuracy. It was shown that both techniques were suitable with attention to the different sampling procedures to avoid absorption.
Regional Vascular Characterization of Ectatic Coronary Arteries From Fluoroscopy
Authors: Menon Prahlad G. , Adhyapak Srilakshmi M. , Varghese Kiron
Published: February 2017

Coronary artery ectasia is designated as abnormal focal dilatation of segments of the coronary artery and less frequently or diffuse dilatation along the entire coronary artery. In this study, we describe an image processing pipeline for automatic segmentation and centerline characterization from conventional X-ray angiography images. Two patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery ectasia are examined. Fluoroscopic views showing left and right coronary arteries were automatically quantified for vascular centerlines and arterial centerlines are rendered color-coded plots of regional vascular radius, to objectively characterize patient-specific regional vascular dilatation. Ectasia was found to be most pronounced in the proximal and mid-coronary segments and occurred preferentially in the areas of high curvature of the coronaries, along their course over the epicardial surface of the heart.
Analysis of Threaded Connections for Differential Gear Pinions
Authors: Croccolo D. , De Agostinis M. , Fini S. , Olmi G.
Published: February 2017

The present paper deals with the failure analysis of a pinion shaft belonging to a differential gear for offroad machinery applications, namely wheel loaders. The motivations of the study arise from some in-field failures, which resulted in the fracture of the pinion shaft, originated at an external groove located at the end of its threaded portion. The issue has been tackled by means of analytical, numerical and experimental tools. The observed failures have been demonstrated to be due to the in-service loosening of a ring nut, whose function is to preload the tapered rolling bearings, which support the shaft.
Stress Analysis of Smart Beam Energy Harvesters
Authors: Hosking Nathan S. , Sotoudeh Zahra
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we study fully coupled electromagnetic-elastic behaviors present in the structures of smart beams using variational asymptotic beam sections and geometrically exact fully intrinsic beam equations combined in a consistent theory. We present results for smart beams under various oscillatory loads in both the axial and transverse directions and calculate the corresponding deformations. Recovery equations are employed to construct the full 3D stress and strain components in order to complete a full stress / strain analysis. Smart materials change mechanical energy to electrical energy; therefore, changing the structural dynamic behavior of the structure and its stiffness matrix.
The Efficient Multi-Objective Optimization of Finite Element Analysis Model Using ModelCenter
Authors: Wang Lyu , Yun Yuan , Zhang Bin , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2017

The multi-objective optimization for a nested flying vehicle (NFV) of space science experiments is carried out aiming at the launch weight, frequency response and vacuum effect. The parametric model and finite element analysis are adopted to implement the structural analysis. The NFV is optimized to enhance the performance in the space environment where the lunch weight and structural strength are key constraints to concern about. The CAX software, analysis models and algorithms are integrated based on ModelCenter framework which makes modeling, analyzing and optimization more convenient and efficient. The optimizer of ModelCenter is chosen to optimize the structural performance of NFV, including the total mass, maximum deformation caused by vacuum environment and frequency response. As to validate the results, both weighting method with gradient optimization algorithm and Genetic Algorithm (GA) for multi-objective optimization are used. The optimization results of NFV verify the approaches proposed in this paper can improve the performance of NFV and apply to the finite element analysis model.
Development of Hybrid Electromagnetic and Mechanical Stimulation System for Enhancement of Nerve Axonal Extension
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuya , Morita Yusuke , Nakamachi Eiji
Published: February 2017

Recently, the electromagnetic and mechanical stimulation have been recognized as the effective extracellular environmental factor to enhance the defected peripheral nerve tissue regeneration. We designed and fabricated a bioreactor device, which can load the uniform AC magnetic field (ACMF) and the uniform tensile strain to stimulate PC12 nerve cell. For ACMF stimulation system, we used the pole piece structure to enable the uniform ACMF and in-situ microscopic observation. We confirmed the uniformity of magnetic field in the experiments. Further, the uniform strain in the stretch stimulation device was confirmed, even a slightly deviation from the designed strain was observed. It was a negligible small error.

Next, we validated the effectiveness of PC12 axonal extension enhancement by two stimulation methodologies, ACMF and the cyclic stretch, under individual and combined stimulation conditions. ACMF showed a best enhancement effect on axonal extension, such as 70 μm at 96 h culture period, which rate is larger than the case of control. On the other hand, the stretch stimulation caused the exfoliation of cells. Hybrid stimulation succeeded to inhibit the exfoliation. However, the extensional rate was less than the case of ACMF. These results can be used to fabricate a bioreactor of nerve cell regeneration.