bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Ti-6Al-4V micro-milling resulting surface roughness for osteointegration enhancement
Authors: CAPPELLINI C.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. In the last period, the demand of prostheses has massively increased. To guarantee their reliability, properties of durability, biocompatibility, and osseointegration results to be mandatory. Possessing these attributes, Ti-6Al-4V alloy represents the most employed material for implants realization, and because of its microstructure, it can be manufactured by different processing methods, i.e., machining, and additive manufacturing. Considering the necessity of patient-tailored implants, and the capability of additive manufacturing to produce single batch, and complex shapes, at relatively low cost and short time, this latter represents a rewarding process. Compared to biocompatibility, that is mainly function of material chemistry, durability and osteointegration concern mostly surface roughness that affects cells growth at bone-prosthesis interface. After additive manufacturing process and prior to be inserted in the human body, a prosthetic implant is finished by machining operations, hence, the attainment of an appropriate resulting surface roughness is crucial for obtaining a successful implant. Thus, roughness forecasting capability, as a function of the employed finishing process, permits its optimization, avoiding expensive scraps. For this reason, this paper deals with the development of predictive models of surface roughness when micro-milling Ti-6Al-4V alloy specimens.
Cutting force in peripheral milling of cold work tool steel
Authors: TAMURA S.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Tool steels have been commonly applied to die and mold parts because of the high strength and the high abrasive wear resistance obtained by the heat treatments. In order to achieve high machining rate, the heat-treated tool steels have recently finished with end mills coated by hard thin layers. The cutting force in milling of the tool steel should be controlled to improve the fatigue lives of die and mold, which are associated with not only the surface qualities but also the microstructure in the subsurface. This paper discusses the cutting process in milling of a cold work tool steel in terms of the cutting force and the residual stress in finished subsurface.
Considering the stiffness of the forming tools in the numerical analysis of the ironing process
Authors: OLIVEIRA M.C.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ironing can occur in cylindrical cup drawing whenever the thickness of the drawn flange is larger than the gap between the punch and the die. This is particularly relevant for materials that present r-values lower than 1.0, such as the aluminium alloys, since they tend to present more thickening of the flange. The aim of this study is to evaluate numerically the impact of the elastic deformation of the forming tools on the final cup geometry, i.e., the earing profile and the evolution of thickness along the circumferential direction, at different heights. Different contact conditions are also analysed since they strongly affect both the thickness strain and the earing profile. The process conditions considered are the ones from EXACT, the ESAFORM Benchmark 2021, enabling the comparison with experimental results. Considering the deformation of the forming tools mainly impacts the ironing stage, enabling predicting wall thickness values larger than the gap between the punch and the die.
Modelling of yield point phenomenon in bake-hardening grade steel
Authors: DESHMANE N.S.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. In this study the yield point phenomenon in Bake-Hardening grade steel is predicted using a physically based thermo-mechanical model. A modified Taylor equation is proposed with a physically based dislocation density evolution approach. The softening that follows the higher yield point is incorporated with a Voce type decaying exponential function. The strain rate dependency of the plastic hardening is also incorporated in the model. The yield point in the decay function is also strain rate dependent but does not follow the same dependency of plastic hardening. This was solved by making the decay function strain rate dependent by adding a modified strain rate stress term to the exponential function. This parameter is calculated based on tensile experiments. Due to the softening behavior of the material, the numerical model is mesh size sensitive. Hence, a lower order strain gradient enhanced approach is implemented. The gradient is in a form of an additional hardening term assigned in the locally strained bands based on the plastic strain gradient. Hill48 yield criterion is used to assimilate the anisotropy in the steel grade. The numerical results show good correspondence with experimental tensile tests. The regularization significantly reduced the mesh size dependency of the numerical results.
Advanced CFD investigations of electromagnetic stirring of molten steel in continuous caster tundish
Authors: ZIELIŃSKA M.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. The continuous casting process is one of the initial operations in the entire metal forming chain used in the metallurgical industry. The phenomena of solidification and unification of properties that occur during slab casting are highly dependent on the steel composition and the purity of the metal. The high cleanliness of steel is the determinant of the good quality of the final products, without internal cracks or inhomogeneities in mechanical, thermal or electrical properties. Therefore, one of the production goals is to avoid the non-metallic inclusions in the molten steel by intensifying their removal processes. One of the most important metallurgy equipment responsible for cleaning the steel is the ladle furnace, where special mixing processes are executed to increase the removal process of unfavourable elements. Another critical piece of equipment is the tundish, located just before the slab casting, which can additionally improve the microstructure final composition and homogeneity. Therefore, the investigations presented in the paper are centred on the development of an advanced Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model of the flow behaviour of the molten steel inside the tundish. The key element of the model is to include the effect of an additional electromagnetic stirring device which can improve the cleanliness and the composition of the steel and hence its final properties. The role of this device is often omitted during practical research, but its direct influence on the properties of the steel has a clear impact on the characteristics of the formed metallic parts under further processing operations. Therefore, optimization of the process inside the tundish is essential from an industrial point of view. The paper includes a detailed analysis of the flow and stirring energy distributions to predict and understand the active and dead zones inside the tundish to avoid the regions with stagnant velocity distribution. As an outcome of such a developed coupled electromagnetic/fluid dynamic model, optimizing the mixing processes to control the product's properties is possible.
A numerical approach to optimize the toolpath strategy for polymers forming
Authors: FORMISANO A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Incremental sheet forming is a relatively new technology with a deformation strategy that resembles the layered manufacturing principle of rapid prototyping; thanks to this, it can represent a viable way to form metal and polymer sheets, guaranteeing high customization and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, and particularly when considering thermoplastic sheets, the components obtained by this process suffer from peculiar defects like, for example, twisting and wrinkling. A way of reducing the risk of such defects is to optimize the toolpath strategy to lower in-plane forming forces. To pursue this aim, the present work follows a numerical approach; a commercial FE code was used to simulate the incremental forming of polycarbonate sheets by varying the toolpath strategy. The investigation of some features like the forming forces and the deformation states was carried out, with the goal of determining an optimized toolpath strategy for the reduction of the incremental forming forces and the consequent expectation of reduced risk of failures and defects for incremental formed polymer sheets.
A numerical procedure to test the effects of the main variables in the submerged arc welding process
Authors: CONTE R.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Arc welding processes (AWPs) are performed by generating an electric arc between a metal electrode and the workpiece to be joined. Submerged arc welding, belonging to AWPs, is characterized by the peculiarity that the arc is not visible. Indeed, a granular fusible material flux is employed in the process to shield the parts to be processed, avoiding arc radiation and fumes and, at the same time, reducing the oxidation risks of the welded metals. The main process variables are current, voltage and welding speed. These variables have to be properly set to balance the specific heat in the weld pool for a proper process optimization.
Machining of hybrid structures produced through cold spray technology: A preliminary study
Authors: PERNA A.S.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Cold spray is a recently developed manufacturing technology for creating metallic layers on a variety of materials. Metallic particles are accelerated and strike the target surface using a pressurized gas flowing at supersonic speeds. In the last years, cold spray has gained increasing interest in different industrial scenarios, in particular, in the aerospace sector. Given the many fields of application, the need to understand how coated substrates behave when it is necessary to carry out machining operations arises. In this work, low-pressure cold spray equipment was employed to produce metal coatings on epoxy-based glass fibre-reinforced substrates optimized for cold spray deposition employing a layer of polypropylene on the composite surface. An automatic multi-purpose machine was used to drill 4mm diameter holes in the coated specimens considering the rotational speed fixed and varying the feed rate. The machined areas were then analyzed to assess the surface quality of the drilled holes and the burr morphology, considering different feed rate values and different entry surface of the drill-bit.
Characterization of the biaxial response of a thermoplastic ABS Sheet using DIC-instrumented bubble inflation technique
Authors: VAREDI R.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. During the forming of a product with the thermo-vacuum forming process, a heated thermoplastic sheet is subjected to a complex and dynamic multi-axial deformation mode. In order to measure the relevant mechanical response of the material during processing, an experimental method that applies the relevant modes of deformation during forming is required. The bubble inflation technique combined with digital image correlation (DIC) allows having a complete data set regarding displacement, principal strains as well as local thickness reduction for material characterization. Bubble formation as a function of temperature would be investigated to determine the nonlinear terms of a material constitutive model for numerical simulation.
Control strategy for angular gradations by means of the flow forming process
Authors: KERSTING L.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Climate change, rare resources and industrial transformation processes lead to a rising demand of multi-complex lightweight forming parts, especially in aerospace and automotive sectors. In these industries, flow forming is often used to produce cylindrical forming parts by reducing the wall thickness of tubular semifinished parts, e.g. for the production of hydraulic cylinders or gear shafts. The complexity and functionality of flow forming workpieces could be significantly increased by locally graded microstructure and geometry structures. This enables customized complex hardness distributions at wear surfaces or magnetic QR codes for a unique, tamper-proof product identification. The production of those complex, 2D (axial and angular) graded forming parts currently depicts a great challenge for the process and requires new solutions and strategies. Hence, this paper proposes a novel control strategy that includes online measurements from an absolute encoder to determine the angular workpiece position. Workpieces of AISI 304L stainless steel with 2D-graded structures are successfully manufactured using this new strategy and analyzed regarding the possible accuracy and resolution of the gradation. At this point, a dependency of the gradations on the sensor and actuator dynamics, accuracy and geometry could be noted. It is further evaluated how the control strategy could be extended by an observer-based closed-loop property control approach to enhance the accuracy of the suggested strategy.
Optimizing the microstructure in open-die forgings using reinforcement learning
Authors: REINISCH N.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. The open-die forging process can produce large workpieces with excellent material properties that can be used for heavy-duty applications like turbine shafts. The mechanical properties result from the microstructure, which in turn directly results from the process route. Since in open-die forging processes commonly hundreds of unique forming operations are carried out, numerous process routes lead to the same final geometry but produce different microstructures. This is why the prior design of an optimal pass schedule is essential to ensure good mechanical properties of open-die forgings. In the past reinforcement learning (RL) was already used to design optimized pass schedules for open-die forging that achieve the desired geometry, utilize the available press force, and reduce the number of passes. Furthermore, the design of a single pass schedule only took a few seconds which creates opportunities for the use of RL in control systems e.g. for the microstructure. This is why in this publication an existing RL algorithm is extended so that microstructure can be included in the optimization. Within this process, a microstructure model is integrated into the RL algorithm and the reward function (defines the goal of the training process) was extended in two steps to also rate the achieved average grain size continuously dependent on the temperature of the workpiece. In addition, the RL implementation was changed to ensure the production of the desired final geometry leading to a decrease in the complexity of the optimization problem. Thus, both an improvement of the designed pass schedules and a significant reduction of the training time of the RL algorithm was achieved.
Gate design algorithm to maximize the fiber orientation effectiveness in thermoplastic injection-molded components
Authors: PERIN M.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. This research presents an automatic algorithm, implemented in a Visual Basic Architecture (VBA), for the optimization of the gate location in thermoplastic injection molding of short fibers reinforced composite materials. The algorithm receives, as input, the geometry of the component and, according to the user’s choice, defines the injection points grid, and relevant versors, on a pre-constructed mesh, automatically runs the finite volume method (FVM) simulation and exports the fiber orientation tensor (FOT) on each node of the mesh. The nodal coordinate of the part and the relevant FOT are then used as the training dataset for a Gradient Boosting (GB) algorithm for the full correlation between injection gate locations and the resulting fiber orientation distribution (FOD), allowing to define the injection gate configuration better suited to maximize the effectiveness of the reinforcement fibers. By coupling the trained GB algorithm with a finite element method (FEM) simulation it was confirmed that the developed algorithm can predict the influence of the gate location on the FOD and the resulting mechanical performances, improving the stiffness between 3.8% and 32.6%, on simple and complex geometries alike.
Automated programming for the robotic layup process
Authors: GAMBARDELLA A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Rolling simulation, especially for groove rolling, is heavily dominated by use of finite element methods, but simulating a full pass sequence often takes several hours. Simpler models offer high-speed simulation within seconds at the expense of resolution and accuracy. In mechanical engineering, Monte-Carlo approaches are well known for analysis of fabrication tolerances in component assembly. By usage of fast simulation cores, this technique becomes available for analysis of process variations in groove rolling, since computational costs are crucial due to the need of hundreds or thousands of simulation runs. Rolling process variations can be classified in two groups: first, variations of the input material, such as actual dimensions, temperature and microstructure state; second variations occurring during processing, such as transport times, environment temperature and tool wear. The regarded process was the operation of the experimental semi-continuous rolling plant at the Institute of Metal Forming (IMF). Simulations were carried out by use of the open source rolling framework PyRolL, developed at IMF. The main part of process parameters was considered as constant, but some were described as a statistical distribution. For each simulation run a set of actual sample values of the distributed parameters was drawn using a random number generator. Selected result values were described by use of statistical methods to analyze the variational behavior of the process in behalf of the two variation classes.
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) as a tool for analysis of metal flow in aluminum extrusion
Authors: PIRES M.V.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to analyze the crystallographic texture within extruded AA6005 hollow profiles, allowing for the analysis of metal flow through various extrusion porthole die designs of different metal deformation conditions. Control of metal flow through a die design is necessary to meet industry demands for faster-running dies, tighter tolerances, thinner walls, and reduced extrusion loads. A standard die was compared with an innovative die design that doubled the extrusion exit speed. Analysis of metal flow was performed to provide additional insight into the uniformity of the metal flow, especially near the extrusion welds. Finite element method simulations were performed to predict the die exit temperature and plastic strain distributions. Local texture varied across the core and surface regions of the tube wall but remained consistent between both extrudates. A peripheral coarse grain structure was found within both extrudates, due to their elevated exit die temperatures.
Investigations into the processing and texture of Pr-substituted NdFeB magnets produced by extrusion
Authors: RÜDIGER A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Crystallographically and magnetically textured but dimensionally limited NdFeB permanent magnets produced by hot deforming processes such as die-upsetting and back-extrusion have been extensively researched in the past [1]. In order to investigate the possibility of producing longer magnets which can subsequently be cut to the required length, the extrusion of permanent magnets was investigated as a further hot deformation process. For this purpose, the process control with regard to the tools used as well as the process parameters were modified from the common forming processes for extrusion. Therefore, a praseodymium-substituted NdFeB powder was encapsulated in steel and extruded by varying the extrusion ratio (9.9:1 & 13.9), the billet insert temperature (800°C & 850°C) and the extrusion speed (0.6 - 10.5 mm/s). In addition, the glass lubrication system was changed during the experiments. Since the resulting magnetic properties for hot deformation depend on the produced anisotropy, texture analyses were also carried out in the first step by means of X-ray diffraction on the cross-sections of the produced strands. For the parameter variation, strands could be realized with the applied concept. However, cracks were found in the magnetic material for all tests. Based on the texture analyses, anisotropy could be generated in the magnet material for all strands.
Crystal plasticity finite element analysis of linear and non-linear extrusion processes
Authors: ŞIMŞEK Ü.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) induced by conventional forming processes such as extrusion has a significant effect on texture evolution and strength of metals. Conventional twist extrusion (TE) process can be used to produce ultra-fine grained (UFG) structures without introducing any significant change in the overall dimensions of the sample. However, the commercialization for industrial usage has been limited because of production efficiency and non-uniform distribution of grain refinements. In order to overcome these difficulties a new process called nonlinear twist extrusion (NLTE) has been introduced recently where TE mold channel is modified to restrain strain reversal and rigid body rotation of the workpiece. Prediction of the texture evolution in these processes is crucial for mold design and process parameters. In this work, the texture evolution during NLTE and TE processes are investigated through crystal plasticity finite element method. Single copper crystal which has a billet form is fully extruded through the TE and NLTE mold models separately. In addition to spatial stress and strain evolution investigations, the orientation differences and texture evolution of extruded billets are examined for two different initial orientations of single copper crystal. Moreover, the deformation histories at different locations of the sample are analyzed with crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) to compare the performance of both techniques.
Study of forming defects and failure occurrence in the radial-axial rolling of super duplex stainless steel rings
Authors: MURILLO-MARRODÁN A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Welding neck flanges are commonly manufactured by radial-axial ring rolling (RARR). The service conditions of these elements are very demanding (mechanical loads and corrosive environments). For this reason, materials such as super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) are used, which could present workability problems under certain process conditions. In this work, a study of forming defects and failure occurrence in the RARR of SDSS flanges has been proposed. Firstly, a finite element model of the industrial RARR process was developed and validated. Then, a multivariate factorial analysis based on a virtual design of experiments was performed to identify the determinant parameters of the process. The diameter of the mandrel was identified as the most determinant parameter. An increase in diameter reduces the probability of developing underfilling defects and the development of cracks in the flange neck. The mandrel radial speed has no significant effect on the cracking of underfill defects while reducing the rotational speed of the king-roll could improve the uniformity of the deformation distribution in the flange section.
Detailed study of tube hot rolling process by means of FEM
Authors: GARCÍA GIL E.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. In this paper seamless tubes hot manufacturing calibration rolling is studied by means of a finite element model, to improve product quality and process performance. Based on real data provided by an industrial partner, Tubos Reunidos Group, a finite element model of the process has been created and validated for the thermo-mechanical analysis of the process. The model has been used for the study of the wall thickness evolution and peripherical distribution during process, the eccentricity and the polygonization effects. Results show that the tube velocity in the process is one of the factors affecting wall thickness eccentricity, due to mass flow conservation. Regarding polygonization and eccentricity effect it has been found that both effects increase in the rolling stands with higher reduction ratio, and are corrected afterwards. These effects are mainly due to the ovality of the rolls. However, the effect the different sliding velocity along roll perimeter has implications in the local deformation of the material in contact with the roll, causing local compressive stress areas in addition to the predominant tension areas.
A stress-based proposal for wrinkling criterion of clamped surfaces
Authors: BORBÉLY R.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. This study presents a possible stress-based limit theory regarding the wrinkling occurrence of clamped surfaces. There are several theorems that describe the buckling and/or the wrinkling phenomenon in different forms and conditions, but a general description, which would represent the limit state of wrinkling in sheet metal forming still does not exist according to the authors knowledge. This could be particularly important for the finite element simulations that are mostly used for process minoring purposes. However, some software work with body elements is suitable for the representation of wrinkles, users do not receive information about how close a process is to the wrinkling limit, or how it is affected by the input parameters. This is even less estimable if shell, or membrane elements are used in a finite element code. In this work, a purely analytical calculation for the wrinkling limit stress of clamped surfaces is carried out, i.e., when blank holder tool acts on the sheet. To take into consideration the effect of the normal pressure, Wang and Cao’s proposal was used. After expressing the critical stress by its major and minor principal components using anisotropic yield criteria, a novel illustration method of the wrinkling limit has become available and is published in this article.
Evaluation of hot and warm forming of age-hardenable aluminium alloys into manufacturing of automotive safety critical parts
Authors: MYROLD B.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Lightweight solutions will become increasingly necessary for the next generation of passenger cars. Applications of age-hardenable high strength aluminium material can be superior to traditional low strength alloys, especially if the processing of the parts itself is cost effective. Sheet forming of aluminium at elevated temperatures has been addressed in the current work. Warm forming directly after solution heat treatment can eliminate several process steps and reduce cycle time in the production of light weight load bearing car components. However, this is not straight forward as 6xxx alloys need minimum critical cooling rate to achieve the full potential of precipitation hardening. The technical forming methods must take this into the thermomechanical setup during the process steps of handling, lubrication, deformation, and final ageing. Elevated forming temperatures, more likely warm than hot show high formability of the alloys. Further, a short artificial ageing time demonstrate required strength and fatigue capacity in real components. Reduction of the deformation temperature to below 300°C is still favourable when lubrication for serial production is the issue. The modified thermomechanical method is appropriate for achieving accurate geometrical tolerances, uniform properties, and high productivity for aluminium automotive parts. The paper describes a feasibility study and method development for forming of sheet material of hardenable aluminium alloys at intermediate temperatures.
Influence of increased die surface roughness on the product quality in rotary swaging
Authors: FENERCIOĞLU T.O.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Rotary swaging is an ascendant forming method for manufacturing axisymmetric parts. High production rate with excellent net shape forming is achieved in recent automation developments. However, precise machine design and tailored process developments are necessary to transfer the high impact type forming loads to workpiece efficiently. The failure of this transfer results in high vibrations of the machine structure and poor product quality, due to the impact loads with high frequencies. The centerpiece of the process development to prevent these disruptive effects is to resolve die specifications such as shape and surface properties. In general forming applications, surface roughness of the dies is perceived as a disruptive element for the product quality and only a small amount is provided to settle lubricants. However, for rotary swaging applications, an optimized surface roughness to increase the load transfer between the die and the workpiece without disrupting the final product surface quality is essential. In this study, for a fixed die shape, the relation between the die surface roughness and the product quality is investigated for macro rotary swaging applications. In particular, the effective transfer of the forming forces to the workpiece is analyzed by using finite element analysis within the scope of surface friction. Consequently, a die set with roughened surface conditions is manufactured by using a novel technique. Real process trials are conducted to validate the results of the analysis.
Análisis multitemporal de la degradación de los bosques de encino y oyamel en la Cuenca de México (1993-2014)
Authors: Santibañez-Andrade Gabriela , Valdez-Lazalde José René , Guerra-Martínez Francisco
Published: April 2023

El conocimiento de la dinámica de cambio de cobertura, uso del suelo (CCUS) y de la degradación forestal es crucial en países en desarrollo para la prevención de la deforestación, así como para la planificación de actividades de restauración y rehabilitación de los bosques. Actualmente no existen estudios acerca de la dinámica de CCUS de los bosques templados de la Cuenca de México, estos procesos no han sido cartografiados ni cuantificados a escala regional. En este estudio se determinaron las tasas y las trayectorias de cambio de las coberturas existentes y se analizaron procesos de cambio específicos como permanencia, degradación, deforestación y recuperación. Además, se generó un mapa de distribución espacial de los bosques de oyamel y de encino con diferente grado de degradación (bosque primario, bosque primario degradado, bosque secundario y tierra forestal degradada). Se encontró que, durante el período completo de análisis (21 años, 1993-2014), el bosque primario de oyamel recuperó 610 ha (~29 ha por año) pero se degradaron 1062 (~50 ha por año) y se perdieron 689 ha (~32 ha por año). Para el caso del bosque primario de encino, durante el período total se recuperaron 2104 ha (~100 ha por año), se degradaron 3370 ha (~ 160 ha por año) y se perdieron 2773 ha (~132 ha por año). La información generada en este estudio servirá de base para la identificación de áreas potenciales para la restauración y el diseño de estrategias de gestión para generar oportunidades de conservación.
أثر تطبيق قواعد الحوكمة المصرفية في تعظيم القيمة السوقية لأسهم عينة من المصارف العاملة في محافظة السليمانية
Authors: Sabr Saud Ghali , Nouri Saman Hama Saleh
Published: April 2023

تهدف الدراسة الى تحديد ومعرفة مدى تأثير تطبيق قواعد الحوكمة المصرفية في تعظيم القيمة السوقية في العمل المصرفي لعينة من المصارف في محافظة السليمانية، وقد ركزت مشكلة البحث على معرفة وقياس علاقات الارتباط والاثر لتطبيقات ومؤشرات الحوكمة المصرفية والقيمة السوقية للمصارف قيد البحث، جاءت الدراسة في اربع فصول تناول الأول في منهجية البحث والدراسات السابقة اما الفصل الثاني تتناول موضوعا عن الإطار النظري للحـــوكــــمة، فيما ينصرف الفصل الثالث في تحليل القيمة السوقية لاسهم المصارف عينة البحث، وأخيراً تخصص الفصل الأخير الجانب العملي في مناقشة نتائج التحليل والاختبار، وقد خرجت الدراسة بعدد من الاستنتاجات والمقترحات.
Fitbit Data to Assess Functional Capacity in Patients Before Elective Surgery: Pilot Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Angelucci Alessandra , Greco Massimiliano , Canali Stefano , Marelli Giovanni , Avidano Gaia , Goretti Giulia , Cecconi Maurizio , Aliverti Andrea
Published: April 2023

Background

Preoperative assessment is crucial to prevent the risk of complications of surgical operations and is usually focused on functional capacity. The increasing availability of wearable devices (smartwatches, trackers, rings, etc) can provide less intrusive assessment methods, reduce costs, and improve accuracy.

Objective

The aim of this study was to present and evaluate the possibility of using commercial smartwatch data, such as those retrieved from the Fitbit Inspire 2 device, to assess functional capacity before elective surgery and correlate such data with the current gold standard measure, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance.

Methods

During the hospital visit, patients were evaluated in terms of functional capacity using the 6MWT. Patients were asked to wear the Fitbit Inspire 2 for 7 days (with flexibility of –2 to +2 days) after the hospital visit, before their surgical operation. Resting heart rate and daily steps data were retrieved directly from the smartwatch. Feature engineering techniques allowed the extraction of heart rate over steps (HROS) and a modified version of Non-Exercise Testing Cardiorespiratory Fitness. All measures were correlated with 6MWT.

Results

In total, 31 patients were enrolled in the study (n=22, 71% men; n=9, 29% women; mean age 76.06, SD 4.75 years). Data were collected between June 2021 and May 2022. The parameter that correlated best with the 6MWT was the Non-Exercise Testing Cardiorespiratory Fitness index (r=0.68; P<.001). The average resting heart rate over the whole acquisition period for each participant had r=−0.39 (P=.03), even if some patients did not wear the device at night. The correlation of the 6MWT distance with the HROS evaluated at 1% quantile was significant, with Pearson coefficient of −0.39 (P=.04). Fitbit step count had a fair correlation of 0.59 with 6MWT (P<.001).

Conclusions

Our study is a promising starting point for the adoption of wearable technology in the evaluation of functional capacity of patients, which was strongly correlated with the gold standard. The study also identified limitations in the availability of metrics, variability of devices, accuracy and quality of data, and accessibility as crucial areas of focus for future studies.
A Medical Ethics Framework for Conversational Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Fournier-Tombs Eleonore , McHardy Juliette
Published: April 2023

The launch of OpenAI’s GPT-3 model in June 2020 began a new era for conversational chatbots. While there are chatbots that do not use artificial intelligence (AI), conversational chatbots integrate AI language models that allow for back-and-forth conversation between an AI system and a human user. GPT-3, since upgraded to GPT-4, harnesses a natural language processing technique called sentence embedding and allows for conversations with users that are more nuanced and realistic than before. The launch of this model came in the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, where increases in health care needs globally combined with social distancing measures made virtual medicine more relevant than ever. GPT-3 and other conversational models have been used for a wide variety of medical purposes, from providing basic COVID-19–related guidelines to personalized medical advice and even prescriptions. The line between medical professionals and conversational chatbots is somewhat blurred, notably in hard-to-reach communities where the chatbot replaced face-to-face health care. Considering these blurred lines and the circumstances accelerating the adoption of conversational chatbots globally, we analyze the use of these tools from an ethical perspective. Notably, we map out the many types of risks in the use of conversational chatbots in medicine to the principles of medical ethics. In doing so, we propose a framework for better understanding the effects of these chatbots on both patients and the medical field more broadly, with the hope of informing safe and appropriate future developments.
Promoting Well-being Among Informal Caregivers of People With HIV/AIDS in Rural Malawi: Community-Based Participatory Research Approach
Authors: Sbaffi Laura , Zamani Efpraxia , Kalua Khumbo
Published: April 2023

Background

People living with HIV/AIDS and their informal caregivers (usually family members) in Malawi do not have adequate access to patient-centered care, particularly in remote rural areas of the country because of the high burden of HIV/AIDS, coupled with a fragmented and patchy health care system. Chronic conditions require self-care strategies, which are now promoted in both developed and developing contexts but are still only emerging in sub-Saharan African countries.

Objective

This study aims to explore the effects of the implementation of a short-term intervention aimed at supporting informal caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi in their caring role and improving their well-being. The intervention includes the dissemination of 6 health advisory messages on topics related to the management of HIV/AIDS over a period of 6 months, via the WhatsApp audio function to 94 caregivers attending peer support groups in the rural area of Namwera.

Methods

We adopted a community-based participatory research approach, whereby the health advisory messages were designed and formulated in collaboration with informal caregivers, local medical physicians, social care workers, and community chiefs and informed by prior discussions with informal caregivers. Feedback on the quality, relevance, and applicability of the messages was gathered via individual interviews with the caregivers.

Results

The results showed that the messages were widely disseminated beyond the support groups via word of mouth and highlighted a very high level of adoption of the advice contained in the messages by caregivers, who reported immediate (short-term) and long-term self-assessed benefits for themselves, their families, and their local communities.

Conclusions

This study offers a novel perspective on how to combine community-based participatory research with a cost-effective, health-oriented informational intervention that can be implemented to support effective HIV/AIDS self-care and facilitate informal caregivers’ role.
Study on the Path of Leisure Sports Tourism to Help Rural Revitalization in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Authors: Duo Dai
Published: April 2023

Leisure sports tourism is both a tourism activity and a sports activity, and belongs to the same broad category of human leisure activities. At the present stage, the integration mode between rural tourism and leisure sports tourism industry tends to be more and more diversified, which to a certain extent provides a good guarantee for the realization of the goal of rural revitalization strategy. As the increasing awareness of people’s sports health, the sports with the aims of health, fitness, ornamental, leisure, competition, and entertainment purposes have quietly emerged, and the advantages of land area and ethnic characteristics of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture have become the highlights of the leisure, sports and tourism industries. By analyzing the path of leisure sports integration into rural tourism and exploring the innovation of leisure sports integration into rural tourism, this paper aims to promote the sustainable development of leisure sports tourism economy in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and provide a reliable guiding basis for the upgrading and transformation of rural leisure sports tourism industry. It makes leisure sports tourism play a role in promoting rural economy and development.
Impacts of Climatic Change, Information Governance and Moral Crisis in Nigeria Society: A Case of Moral Decadence in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Talabi Joseph Moyinoluwa , Akinsanya Exradallenum Olusegun , Oyewusi Obe Olubunmi , Okusanya Samuel Oludare , Talabi Olaoluwa Temitope
Published: April 2023

Adapting to advancement in Information governance and climatic change affect morality and interpersonal relationships among Yoruba people in modern day Nigeria. Using the theory of J. Descartes on moral-culture for analysis which sees man as a rational being or a rational substance, this work looks at remarkable changes noted in the society. The concept of morality is entrenched in Yoruba traditional society. The moral standard has fallen in recent times due to climatic change which make human to decide what is best as far as moral is concern, and to dictate the action to adopt. A clear example is the idea which is common in Nigeria, “weather for two”, and this indicate that whenever there is cold, you can take law into your hands and decide to have sexual intercourse with anybody who is available. Also, the idea of “self-morality”, this simply mean, an individual can decide the standard of moral not the societal Laws. Critical and analytical methods based on ethnography collected on the street of Lagos and proceedings of the Lagos High Court in the case of an old man who molested a minor shall be the basis of analysis for this presentation.
МИКРОЭЛЕКТРОНИКА: РАЗВИТИЕ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННОЙ БАЗЫ, ПРОДАЖИ ОБОРУДОВАНИЯ И EUV-ЛИТОГРАФИЯ
Authors: Макушин М.
Published: April 2023

Расширение применения ИС и других полупроводниковых приборов как в традиционных для них областях, так и в новых сферах ведет к расширению производственной базы и увеличению закупок оборудования для производства с использованием перспективных процессов с минимальными проектными нормами.
АНАЛИЗАТОР СИГНАЛОВ И СПЕКТРА СК4-МАХ6 – СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ
Authors: Тимонович А.
Published: April 2023

В АО «ПК «Новэл» налажено серийное производство анализаторов сигналов и спектра реального времени высшего измерительного класса СК4-МАХ6. По сочетанию метрологических и технических характеристик этот прибор сопоставим с лучшими образцами иностранного производства.
ИСТОРИЯ РАДИОЧАСТОТНЫХ СОЕДИНИТЕЛЕЙ. ИНСТРУМЕНТАЛЬНЫЕ И МЕТРОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ СОЕДИНИТЕЛИ
Authors: Джуринский К.
Published: April 2023

Приведены основные требования, предъявляемые к инструментальным и метрологическим радиочастотным соединителям. Подробно рассмотрены особенности униполярных соединителей. Проанализированы основные этапы создания и параметры соединителей сантиметрового и миллиметрового диапазонов длин волн.
ZESTRON УШЕЛ… ГИДРОНОЛ ПРОДОЛЖИТ!
Authors: Ковенский В. , Поцелуев Д.
Published: April 2023

Рассмотрены отмывочные жидкости Гидронол. Отмечено, что это полноценная замена жидкостей Zestron, Vigon и других мировых брендов, не уступающая им по своим техническим и эксплуатационным характеристикам.
Hate Speech Detection Using Machine Learning
Authors: Futane Suraj , Bandwal Twinkal , Dhonde Dnyaneshwari , Gudmewar Sakshi , Kadam Aishwarya
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Twitter's central goal is to enable everybody to make and share thoughts and data, and to communicate their suppositions and convictions without boundaries. Twitter's job is to serve the public discussion, which requires portrayal of a different scope of points of view. Yet, it does not advance viciousness against or straightforwardly assault or undermine others based on race, nationality, public cause, rank, sexual direction, age, inability, or genuine illness. Hate Speech can hurt a person or a community. So, it is not appropriate to use hate speech. Now, due to increase in social media usage, hate speech is very commonly used on these platforms. So, it is not possible to identify hate speeches manually. So, it is essnetial to develop an automated hate speech detection model and this resaech work shows different approaches of Natural Language Processing for classification of Hate Speech through Machine Learning Algorithms.
Comparison of Monographs of Indian Pharmacopeia with BP and USP Pharmacopeia’s
Authors: Munirathnam Jayaprakash , Radhakrishnan Gowri
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study is to emphasis on the importance of the chromatographic testing methods updates to evaluate the quality of drug products and drug substances. Indian pharmacopeial monographs compared with United States pharmacopeia and British pharmacopoeia monographs for the critical testing parameters. The monographs of most commonly prescribed or sold Tablets like Paracetamol, Amoxycillin, Co-amoxiclav, Losartan potassium and its drug substances were selected for this comparative study. The comparison was made to the critical tests like assay and related substances for drug substances; assay, dissolution and related substances tests for drug Products. It has been observed that the Indian pharmacopoeia assay and dissolution tests are comparable with other pharmacopoeias, however related substances methods of analysis need to be updated as per current requirement. The comparative study suggests that Indian Pharmacopoeia need to strengthen testing procedure and specification limits to improve the quality of pharmaceutical products.
Assessing awareness and practice towards Surgical Mask Regulations among the Population of Chandigarh: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Dhawan Hirishita , Gupta Priyanka
Published: April 2023

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical masks have become a crucial protective measure to prevent the spread of the virus. While they are regulated as medical devices to ensure their effectiveness, the high demand for masks has led to an increase in counterfeit products that pose a threat to public health.

Materials and methods: In Chandigarh, India, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 350 individuals aged 15 and above who had access to social networks. An online questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on knowledge, practice, and demographics was used to collect data through convenience sampling with a chain-sampling method. Descriptive statistics and correlation and linear regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 29.0 to find a statistically significant relationship between knowledge, practice, and demographic variables.

Result: Of 350 participants in the survey 26.0% were aged 15-29, 32.6% were aged 30-39, 13.4% were aged 40-49, and 28.0% were aged 50-80. In terms of gender, 49.1% were male and 50.9% were female. The majority had a master's degree (45.7%) and were employed in the private sector (49.4%). Education had a significant impact on knowledge (t-value of 11.375, significance level < .001), but job type did not (t-value of -1.740, significance level .083). Participants' knowledge and practice had a strong positive correlation (Pearson Correlation coefficient of 1.000, significance level < .001). The constant (intercept) was significant in predicting practice, while age, gender, and job were not (significance levels > .05).

Conclusion: The study found that the community had satisfactory awareness and practice of using certified and licensed surgical masks. However, there is a need for reinforced education on the topic. The researchers recommend mass media campaigns and strict government regulation to ensure the use of certified masks and prevent the use of counterfeit ones. Continuous education is also necessary to help the public understand the importance of using certified and licensed masks for maximum protection.
Opinión pública sobre el desempeño gubernamental tras un desastre natural: Algunas reflexiones para América Latina
Authors: Acuña Duarte Andrés A.
Published: April 2023

El presente ensayo utiliza datos de EM-DAT y de la encuesta AmericasBarometer para caracterizar la evaluación ciudadana sobre el desempeño de los gobiernos latinoamericanos tras la ocurrencia de un desastre natural. El análisis muestra que los desastres naturales que han generado el mayor número de víctimas y daños en América Latina en las últimas seis décadas son terremotos, inundaciones, sequías y huracanes. A su vez, la probabilidad de vulnerabilidad ante un desastre natural supera el 60%, presenta una tendencia a la baja y es heterogénea al interior de América Latina. Finalmente, la opinión pública latinoamericana manifiesta una mayor responsabilidad individual ante la ocurrencia de desastres climatológicos e hidrológicos por sobre la responsabilidad que le atribuyen al gobierno en su conjunto.