bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motion Analysis of Robot Arm for Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Colberg Poley Celeste , Balachandran Balakumar
Published: January 2018

In the previous work of the authors, a modified version of Rapidly exploring Randomized Trees (RRT) algorithm was used to study trajectories of end effectors of multi-link robotic systems. They showed how constraints could be used for better trajectory control. The overall aim of the prior work and the current study is to develop path-planning algorithms that can be used for robots in surgical environments. The authors have picked the KUKA DLR LWR IV+, a seven link, 7 Degree of Freedom (DOF) system, as a representative system for their studies. In the current study, as an initial step, obstacle avoidance has been examined for systems with low number of degrees of freedom (DOF). The goal of using obstacle avoidance is to navigate to representative anatomical body parts such as veins or bones. The authors have explored motions of multi-link robotic systems, by combining the RRT algorithm with Obstacle Avoidance. The modified path-planning algorithm is expected to yield smooth trajectories, which can be followed to expertly navigate delicate anatomical obstacles between initial and goal states. This is facilitated through the construction of constraints that can capture the difficulties encountered during minimally invasive and laparo-scopic surgical procedures. These constraints, which have been formulated based on discussions with multiple surgeons, are utilized for planning the movement of the system. The motion simulations are intended to better represent the confining environment of the human body during surgical procedures, in particular, such as those involved in cochlear implantation. It will be discussed as to how well the formulated constraints help in the realizing paths for the robot end effectors. Given the manner in which the motion-planning algorithm has been constructed with information from the operating theatre, it is expected that this planning algorithm will be uniquely suited for the surgical environment.
Deterministic Hazard Assessment for Petroleum Refinery Products Storage Tanks: Case Study of Tabriz Refinery
Authors: Pourghafari Mohammad , Pourgol-Mohammad Mohammad , Alizadeh Reza , Raheli Kaleibar Mojtaba , Soleimani Morteza
Published: January 2018

The importance of safety regulations and risk assessments in the chemical process of industry has been doubled by the increasing number of accidents in petroleum storage facilities. Control of critical situations and conditions against risks require appropriate planning, collection of valid information of possible scenarios and utilization of proper assessment techniques.

In this study, by combining numerical simulation techniques, mathematical and experimental data and utilization of commercial software, the risks of a Tabriz refinery gasoline tank (as a case study) are investigated for a total release of the reservoir scenario within a specified period of time, as the worst case. The effect of the environment temperature is evaluated on the progression of the scenario. Based on comparison of the results of numerical simulations of pool fire, and vapor cloud explosion with simulation results based on empirical-mathematical models, it can be concluded that, there are significant differences between the results in the vicinity of the boundary conditions; however, with increasing distance from the center of the accident point, this difference decreases markedly.
Friction-Induced Vibrations During Tightening of Bolted Joints: Insights From a Multi-Body Model
Authors: Baramsky Nicolaj , Seibel Arthur , Schlattmann Josef
Published: January 2018

The tightening process of bolted joints shows a highly dynamic behavior, which depends on numerous factors and can therefore be challenging to be adequately quantitatively reproduced. The presented model solves this problem by combining a multi-body model of the joint with the sophisticated LuGre friction model. This allows for a detailed simulation while simultaneously reducing the computational work in comparison to a standard finite element simulation. We demonstrate that, with a constant tightening angular velocity, the progression of the tightening torque and the preload force can be described by three constants. The model further allows to implement custom torque sources, screw types, and materials to further extend its capabilities. In this contribution, we focus on the basic relationships of acting torques on the joint and friction-induced vibrations during the tightening process. Furthermore, effects of typical geometric and material changes on the stick-slip frequency are demonstrated and discussed.
Closed-Loop Signal Shaping With Inner-Loop Model Matching
Authors: Chatlatanagulchai Withit , Yaovaja Kittipong , Poedaeng Puwadon
Published: January 2018

Input shaper is a pre-filter, designed to suppress residual vibration of flexible systems. The input shaper can be placed inside the feedback loop, in front of the flexible plant, to avoid exciting the plant vibratory modes. The performance of this so-called closed-loop signal shaping is limited due to the time delay brought about by the input shaper. The input shaper has more time delay when the plant mode parameters are uncertain. In this paper, an inner-loop controller based on the quantitative feedback theory is designed to match the uncertain flexible plant to a reference model. As a result, the input shaper needs not be robust, and the time delay is reduced. Other benefits include shorter input shaper length, increasing controller bandwidth, applicable to time-varying plant, and reducing cost of feedback. Simulation and experiment have confirmed the effectiveness of the newly proposed technique.
A Community College Toolkit for Manufacturing Programs: Stakeholders Engagement and Collaboration
Authors: Javdekar Chitra , Zeid Ibrahim , Bograd Marina , Duggan Claire
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the original intent and curriculum design of two manufacturing certificate programs funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) award at a community college in Massachusetts. It also describes salient features of this project including a focus on recruiting Liberal Arts majors for emerging jobs in the manufacturing sector, as well as the requirement of an experiential learning component. The paper further discusses what the team learned about student recruitment and employer engagement over the next three years. It also discusses how the team responded to the emerging needs of the student and manufacturing community through collaboration and teamwork. Finally, the paper presents a set of tools and recommendations for institutions interested in developing new academic programs in manufacturing to engage with all the stakeholders including prospective students, departments and other partners.
Validation of a Methodology to Implement Lean Production in Textile and Clothing Industry
Authors: Costa Maia Laura , Alves Anabela C. , Leão Celina P. , Eira Rubén
Published: January 2018

Lean Production is considered a management methodology that has been implemented in many industries and services. Nevertheless, Lean experts know that this is not only a management methodology; it is more a philosophy and a new way of life. This is the reason why it is difficult to implement but, even worst, to be successful and to be sustainable. A continuous effort of improvement must always be kept in mind. Attending to these factors, it is important to have a methodology that helps to implement Lean Production effectively. This methodology could be different from industry to industry in order to model the differences between them and, most important, to assure its sustainability.

This paper presents the validation of one such methodology for the Textile and Clothing Industry (TCI), based on three case studies (three Textile and Clothing companies located in North of Portugal). To validate it, different field procedures instruments such as interviews, questionnaires, and checklists were used. With these instruments, some validation results of the methodology were obtained, mainly, related with the diagnosis phase of Lean implementation. Results of two case studies were published in previous papers, being the results of a third case presented in this paper. Also, an analysis and discussion of the three case studies results, regarding their attitudes and difficulties are presented.
Printing 3D Heart Models From CT Scans Using Materialize: A Congenital Heart Disease Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB)
Authors: Hamade Ramsey F. , Elham Mohammad Karim , El Rassi Issam , Atweh Lamya , Bulbul Ziad , Bitar Fadi
Published: January 2018

Presented in this work is a detailed methodology of how to properly print 3-dimensional (3D) heart models starting from computed tomography (CT) scan and using the Mimics Innovation Suite (Mimics and 3-matic) software package (from Materialize, Leuven, Belgium). The methodology starts by segmenting the clinical DICOM files to retain masks of gray value range of interest. Specifically, retained is the blood volume contained in the heart. Using Mimics, this is accomplished by creating mask and then editing and refining the relevant mask in order to isolate the blood within a certain range of Hounsfield Units (HU). A second mask is created using different gray value ranges to isolate the tissues of the heart. Both 3D models are transferred to 3-matic where integrated Boolean operations are executed to subtract the geometric entities thus retaining the 3D geometry of the heart (including myocardium, cavities, and arteries) of interest. The retained model geometry consists of the muscle surface of the heart and enclosing the hollowed cavities inside that represent the blood volume. Following further processing in 3-matic, the 3D model is now ready for 3D printing. At the American University of Beirut (AUB), a ProJet 3510 SD (3D Systems) is employed to print the heart models (both sectioned and whole). Printed 3D models are employed within the Program for Congenital Heart Disease at AUB that represents a model for clinical applications, education, and research as the first such initiative in Lebanon and the Middle East region.
Pole Placement Near the Midwest Guardrail System
Authors: Pajouh Mojdeh A. , Reid John D. , Bielenberg Robert W. , Schmidt Jennifer D. , Faller Ronald K.
Published: January 2018

Poles are regularly placed along highways and are used to support signs, lights and electrical lines. The Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) is a standard W-beam guardrail system used throughout the United States to redirect vehicles that leave the roadway away from dangerous roadside obstacles, like ravines, water hazards, and bridge piers. Placing poles near a guardrail may affect its ability to safely contain and redirect vehicles. The compatibility of poles placed in the proximity of the MGS is studied using nonlinear finite element analysis. Computer simulations were conducted with vehicles impacting the MGS with varying lateral pole offsets between the back of the system and the front face of the pole, and varying longitudinal pole location from being placed directly behind a post to directly behind the unsupported rail half-way between posts. Results show that poles placed within 16 inches behind the MGS may cause concern in regard to acceptable crash test performance for guardrail systems. Additional simulations and full-scale crash testing is required before guidelines can be recommended.
Impact of Bifurcation Angle and Inlet Reynolds Number on Local Pressure Recovery in Biologically-Inspired Flow Networks
Authors: Koner Subhadeep , Calamas David , Dannelley Daniel
Published: January 2018

This work computationally investigates local flow behavior in tree-like flow networks of varying scale, bifurcation angle, and inlet Reynolds number. The performance of the tree-like flow networks were evaluated based on pressure drop and wall temperature distributions. Microscale, mesoscale, and macroscale tree-like flow networks, composed of a range of symmetric bifurcation angles (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90°) and subject to a range of inlet Reynolds numbers (1000, 2000, 4000, 10000, and 20000) were evaluated. Local pressure recoveries were evident at bifurcations, regardless of scale and bifurcation angle which may result in a lower total pressure drop when compared with traditional parallel channel networks. Similarly, wall temperature spikes were also present immediately following bifurcations due to flow separation and recirculation. The magnitude of the wall temperature increases at bifurcations was dependent upon both bifurcation angle and scale. When compared with mesoscale and macroscale flow networks, microscale flow networks resulted in the largest local pressure recoveries and the smallest temperature jumps at bifurcations. Thus, while biologically-inspired flow networks offer the same advantages at all scales, the greatest performance increases are achieved at microscale.
Exploring Additive Manufacturing Processes for Direct 3D Printing of Copper Induction Coils
Authors: Martin John D.
Published: January 2018

A number of additive manufacturing processes were analyzed and compared in regards to the direct 3D printing of copper induction coils. The purpose of this study was to narrow in on 3D printing technologies that would best be suited for the manufacture of copper inductions coils. The main focus of the study was to look at how all the available additive processes could specifically be successful at creating parts made of copper pure enough to effectively conduct electricity and also geometries complex enough to meet the demands of various induction coil designs. The results of this study led to three main categories of additive manufacturing that were deemed good choices for producing copper induction coils, these included: powder bed fusion, sheet lamination, and directed energy deposition. Specific processes identified within these categories were powder bed fusion using electron beam melting and laser melting; ultrasonic additive manufacturing; and directed energy deposition utilizing laser melting and electron beam melting using both wire and powder material delivery systems. Also discussed was additional benefits that using 3D printing technology could provide beyond the physical manufacturing portion by opening doors for coupling with computer aided drafting (CAD) and computer aided engineering (CAE) software in order to create a seamless design-to-production process.
Life Assessment Based on Numerical Thermodynamic Entropy Estimation: Case Study of Metal Fatigue
Authors: Yousefi Faal Mehrdad , Salimi Hossein , Pourgol-Mohammad Mohammad , Khoshbakhti Saray Rahim
Published: January 2018

Thermodynamically, all damage mechanisms share common feature of energy dissipation. Dissipation is fundamental measure of irreversibility. The irreversibility is quantified in thermodynamic approach by entropy generation. Crack initiation and growth is irreversible phenomena in fatigue process, resulting entropy generation in the system. In this paper, concept of thermodynamic entropy generation is studied in crack initiation for reliability assessment. Analytical and numerical analysis are carried out to evaluate the temperature of specimen during the test. Thereafter, entropy generation is calculated by using evaluated temperature and the empirical relations (such as Morrow) as plastic work per cycle. The finite element software (ANSYS) is used for numerical simulation. It is shown that both entropy generations obtained from analytical analysis and simulation are in good agreement with experimental data. In continuation and for probabilistic analysis, a Mont Carlo simulation method is utilized to determine uncertainties and finally reliability analysis performed with entropy generation approach. As a case study, Aluminum 7075-T651 is used which has common use in airframe constructions. The result shows that the entropy generation is not constant at crack initiation. Although it has specific mean value with low dispersion at same loading condition.
Double Wall Cooling of a Full Coverage Effusion Plate, Including Internal Impingement Array Cooling
Authors: Ligrani Phil , Ren Zhong , Liberatore Federico , Patel Rajeshriben , Srinivasan Ram , Ho Yin-hsiang
Published: January 2018

New experimental data are provided for full-coverage effusion cooling and impingement array cooling, as applied simultaneously onto the respective external and internal surfaces of a single instrumented test plate. For the effusion cooled surface, presented are spatially-resolved distributions of surface adiabatic film cooling effectiveness, and surface heat transfer coefficients. For the impingement cooled surface, presented are spatially-resolved distributions of surface Nusselt numbers. Impingement jet arrays at different jet Reynolds numbers, from 7930 to 18000, are employed. Experimental data are given for spanwise and streamwise impingement hole spacing such that coolant jet hole centerlines are located midway between individual effusion hole entrances. For the effusion cooling, streamwise hole spacing and spanwise hole spacing (normalized by effusion hole diameter) are 15 and 4, respectively. Effusion hole angle is 25 degrees, and effusion plate thickness is 3.0 effusion hole diameters. In regard to the impingement cooled cold-side surface of the effusion plate, associated surface Nusselt number variations provide evidence that impingement jets are turned and re-directed as they cross the impingement passage, just prior to the entrance of coolant into individual effusion holes. In regard to the effusion cooled hot-side surface of the effusion plate, when compared at particular values of injectant and mainstream Reynolds numbers, streamwise location x/de and blowing ratio BR, significantly increased thermal protection is provided when the effusion coolant is provided by an array of impingement cooling jets (compared to a cross flow channel supply arrangement).
Influence of Mechanical Interaction Between Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells in a Simplified Battery Module Under Impact Loading
Authors: Chen Guanhua , Li Wei , Luo Hailing , Xia Yong
Published: January 2018

To understand the mechanical interaction between pouch cells in a battery module and improve the crash safety designs for the power battery system of electrical vehicles, a type of simplified battery module consisting of three pouch cells is designed and tested under impact loading with a drop tower. A finite element model is developed to analyze the response of battery module, and a series of calibration and verification tests are conducted to acquire the homogenized material properties of the single cell. Various loading conditions and factors concerning the safety design of batteries under crash scenarios, e.g. impact speed, drop mass and gaps between cells, are analyzed and discussed in terms of the influence on the mechanical, electrical and thermal responses.
Silica Nanocomposite Membrane for Dehumidification
Authors: Almahmoud Omar , Choi Tae-Youl , Seo Young-Soo , Kim Hyo-Sun , Johnson Kevin A.
Published: January 2018

Various designs of novel membrane (silica nanocomposite polyurethane membrane) were tested for its optimal configuration in a membrane-based dehumidification system. This membrane was designed with a hydrophobic polymer matrix with hydrophilic silica nanochains. In this dehumidification process, two driving forces were suggested: concentration gradient of water vapor in the atmospheric air channel due to sweep gas and pressure gradient due to vacuum. This paper describes validation of the model configurations using the finite element method software (COMSOL Multiphysics) with experiments. Pressurized air enters an air duct at 1–5 liters per minute flow rate. Air is then humidified using a misting nozzle until saturation. Then the humid air passes by the membrane with a vacuum pump connected vertically to the duct to maximize the dehumidification rate. A novel design showed water vapor reduction from 19.4 grams of water vapor per kilogram of dry air to 16.9 grams of water vapor per kilogram of dry air for the 1 liter per minute flow rate of the 47 mm diameter membrane.
A Domain Ontology for Assembly Tolerance Design
Authors: Qie Yifan , Qiao Lihong , Cui Yapeng , Anwer Nabil
Published: January 2018

Product requirements, tolerance standards and design experience are three main aspects need to be considered during assembly tolerance design process. Currently the standards of tolerance has been included in the process of computer aided tolerance design. The representation for geometrical product specification and verification knowledge has been studied as well. However, the studies mentioned above is lack of a unified knowledge representation to visually express product requirements and design experience. A semantic hierarchical representation structure of assembly tolerance is proposed in this paper to establish the mapping between the geometric feature of the part and the tolerance type as well as tolerance value. A domain ontology model for assembly tolerance design is established with OWL ontology to describe domain information while SWRL rules to enrich the semantics of domain ontology. The application of the model in the proposed hierarchical representation structure enables the consideration tolerance standards, product requirements and design experience of in computer aided tolerancing process, by which the assembly tolerance design knowledge is able to be shared effectively. The application of proposed model is verified by an instance of assembly tolerance reasoning in this paper.
Mechanobiologically optimized 3D titanium-mesh scaffolds enhance bone regeneration in critical segmental defects in sheep
Authors: Pobloth Anne-Marie , Checa Sara , Razi Hajar , Petersen Ansgar , Weaver James C. , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina , Windolf Markus , Tatai Andras Á. , Roth Claudia P. , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Duda Georg N. , Schwabe Philipp
Published: January 2018

Soft, honeycomb-structured titanium-mesh scaffolds enhance bone regeneration in a large segmental defect in sheep.
New Shuttle Vectors for Gene Cloning and Expression in Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Species
Authors: Lucidi Massimiliano , Runci Federica , Rampioni Giordano , Frangipani Emanuela , Leoni Livia , Visca Paolo
Published: January 2018

Understanding bacterial pathogenesis requires adequate genetic tools to assess the role of individual virulence determinants by mutagenesis and complementation assays, as well as for homologous and heterologous expression of cloned genes. Our knowledge of
Acinetobacter baumannii
pathogenesis has so far been limited by the scarcity of genetic tools to manipulate multidrug-resistant (MDR) epidemic strains, which are responsible for most infections. Here, we report on the construction of new multipurpose shuttle plasmids, namely, pVRL1 and pVRL2, which can efficiently replicate in
Acinetobacter
spp. and in
Escherichia coli
. The pVRL1 plasmid has been constructed by combining (i) the cryptic plasmid pWH1277 from
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
, which provides an origin of replication for
Acinetobacter
spp.; (ii) a ColE1-like origin of replication; (iii) the gentamicin or zeocin resistance cassette for antibiotic selection; and (iv) a multilinker containing several unique restriction sites. Modification of pVRL1 led to the generation of the pVRL2 plasmid, which allows arabinose-inducible gene transcription with an undetectable basal expression level of cloned genes under uninduced conditions and a high dynamic range of responsiveness to the inducer. Both pVRL1 and pVRL2 can easily be selected in MDR
A. baumannii
, have a narrow host range and a high copy number, are stably maintained in
Acinetobacter
spp., and appear to be compatible with indigenous plasmids carried by epidemic strains. Plasmid maintenance is guaranteed by the presence of a toxin-antitoxin system, providing more insights into the mechanism of plasmid stability in
Acinetobacter
spp.
Microbial Diversity and Putative Opportunistic Pathogens in Dishwasher Biofilm Communities
Authors: Raghupathi Prem Krishnan , Zupančič Jerneja , Brejnrod Asker Daniel , Jacquiod Samuel , Houf Kurt , Burmølle Mette , Gunde-Cimerman Nina , Sørensen Søren J.
Published: January 2018

Extreme habitats are not only limited to natural environments, but also exist in manmade systems, for instance, household appliances such as dishwashers. Limiting factors, such as high temperatures, high and low pHs, high NaCl concentrations, presence of detergents, and shear force from water during washing cycles, define microbial survival in this extreme system. Fungal and bacterial diversity in biofilms isolated from rubber seals of 24 different household dishwashers was investigated using next-generation sequencing. Bacterial genera such as
Pseudomonas
,
Escherichia
, and
Acinetobacter
, known to include opportunistic pathogens, were represented in most samples. The most frequently encountered fungal genera in these samples belonged to
Candida
,
Cryptococcus
, and
Rhodotorula
, also known to include opportunistic pathogenic representatives. This study showed how specific conditions of the dishwashers impact the abundance of microbial groups and investigated the interkingdom and intrakingdom interactions that shape these biofilms. The age, usage frequency, and hardness of incoming tap water of dishwashers had significant impact on bacterial and fungal community compositions. Representatives of
Candida
spp. were found at the highest prevalence (100%) in all dishwashers and are assumed to be one of the first colonizers in recently purchased dishwashers. Pairwise correlations in tested microbiomes showed that certain bacterial groups cooccur, as did the fungal groups. In mixed bacterial-fungal biofilms, early adhesion, contact, and interactions were vital in the process of biofilm formation, where mixed complexes of bacteria and fungi could provide a preliminary biogenic structure for the establishment of these biofilms.

IMPORTANCE
Worldwide demand for household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, is increasing, as is the number of immunocompromised individuals. The harsh conditions in household dishwashers should prevent the growth of most microorganisms. However, our research shows that persisting polyextremotolerant groups of microorganisms in household appliances are well established under these unfavorable conditions and supported by the biofilm mode of growth. The significance of our research is in identifying the microbial composition of biofilms formed on dishwasher rubber seals, how diverse abiotic conditions affect microbiota, and which key microbial members were represented in early colonization and contamination of dishwashers, as these appliances can present a source of domestic cross-contamination that leads to broader medical impacts.
High-Quality Whole-Genome Sequences for 21 Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Strains Generated with PacBio Sequencing
Authors: Smith Peyton , Lindsey Rebecca L. , Rowe Lori A. , Batra Dhwani , Stripling Devon , Garcia-Toledo Lisley , Drapeau Daniel , Knipe Kristen , Strockbine Nancy
Published: January 2018

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is an important diarrheagenic pathogen. We report here the high-quality whole-genome sequences of 21 ETEC strains isolated from patients in the United States, international diarrheal surveillance studies, and cruise ship outbreaks.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of
Deinococcus
sp. UR1, a Putative Novel Species Isolated from an External Stainless Steel Surface in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Suchan Danae M. , Steve Joel J. , Pierce Alexa J. , Olshefsky Stephen C. , Kirzinger Morgan W. B. , Perry Benjamin J. , Cameron Andrew D. S. , Yost Christopher K.
Published: January 2018

Deinococcus
sp. strain UR1, a resilient bacterium isolated from the surface of a stainless steel sign located on the University of Regina campus in Saskatchewan, Canada, was sequenced to 56-fold coverage to produce 73 contigs with a consensus length of 4,472,838 bp and a G+C content of 69.37%.
First Draft Genome Sequences of Two
Bartonella tribocorum
Strains from Laos and Cambodia
Authors: Hadjadj Linda , Jiyipong Tawisa , Bittar Fadi , Morand Serge , Rolain Jean-Marc
Published: January 2018

Bartonella tribocorum
is a Gram-negative bacterium known to infect animals, and rodents in particular, throughout the world. In this report, we present the draft genome sequences of two strains of
B. tribocorum
isolated from the blood of a rodent in Laos and a shrew in Cambodia.
Ensuring adequate vascular access in patients with major trauma: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Verhoeff Kevin , Saybel Rachelle , Mathura Pamela , Tsang Bonnie , Fawcett Vanessa , Widder Sandy
Published: January 2018

Ensuring adequate vascular access in major trauma patients prior to decompensative physiological processes is crucial to patient outcomes. Most protocols suggest achieving two 18-gauge or larger intravenous lines immediately in patients with major trauma. We discuss a quality improvement approach to ensure that >90% of patients with major trauma (as defined by an injury severity score ≥12) at a level one trauma centre receive timely and adequate fluid access. Applying Donabedian principles for process improvement, we used the Alberta Trauma Registry to perform a 4-month chart audit on patients with major trauma at the University of Alberta Hospital. Background data were supported with a formal root cause analysis to outline the problems and generate plan, do, study and act (PDSA) rapid change cycles. These PDSA cycles were then implemented over the course of 2 months to alter system and personnel barriers to care, thereby ensuring that patients with major trauma received adequate vascular access for fluid resuscitation. This was followed by a 6-month sustainability assessment. The percentage of patients with major trauma who received adequate fluid access went from a mean of 55.5% to >90% in 2 months and was sustained at or greater than 90% for 6 consecutive months. The formal application of quality improvement processes is uncommon in trauma care but is much needed to ensure success and sustainability of quality initiatives. Planning including engagement and prechange awareness is crucial to staff engagement, change, and sustainment. Formal quality improvement and change management techniques can elicit rapid and sustainable changes in trauma care. We provide a framework for change to increase compliance with fluid access in patients with major trauma.
Childhood asthma prevalence: cross-sectional record linkage study comparing parent-reported wheeze with general practitioner-recorded asthma diagnoses from primary care electronic health records in Wales
Authors: Griffiths Lucy J , Lyons Ronan A , Bandyopadhyay Amrita , Tingay Karen S , Walton Suzanne , Cortina-Borja Mario , Akbari Ashley , Bedford Helen , Dezateux Carol
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly used to estimate the prevalence of childhood asthma. The relation of these estimates to those obtained from parent-reported wheezing suggestive of asthma is unclear. We hypothesised that parent-reported wheezing would be more prevalent than general practitioner (GP)-recorded asthma diagnoses in preschool-aged children.

Methods

1529 of 1840 (83%) Millennium Cohort Study children registered with GPs in the Welsh Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank were linked. Prevalences of parent-reported wheezing and GP-recorded asthma diagnoses in the previous 12 months were estimated, respectively, from parent report at ages 3, 5, 7 and 11 years, and from Read codes for asthma diagnoses and prescriptions based on GP EHRs over the same time period. Prevalences were weighted to account for clustered survey design and non-response. Cohen’s kappa statistics were used to assess agreement.

Results

Parent-reported wheezing was more prevalent than GP-recorded asthma diagnoses at 3 and 5 years. Both diminished with age: by age 11, prevalences of parent-reported wheezing and GP-recorded asthma diagnosis were 12.9% (95% CI 10.6 to 15.4) and 10.9% (8.8 to 13.3), respectively (difference: 2% (−0.5 to 4.5)). Other GP-recorded respiratory diagnoses accounted for 45.7% (95% CI 37.7 to 53.9) and 44.8% (33.9 to 56.2) of the excess in parent-reported wheezing at ages 3 and 5 years, respectively.

Conclusion

Parent-reported wheezing is more prevalent than GP-recorded asthma diagnoses in the preschool years, and this difference diminishes in primary school-aged children. Further research is needed to evaluate the implications of these differences for the characterisation of longitudinal childhood asthma phenotypes from EHRs.
Fetal and early life antibiotics exposure and very early onset inflammatory bowel disease: a population-based study
Authors: Örtqvist Anne K , Lundholm Cecilia , Halfvarson Jonas , Ludvigsson Jonas F , Almqvist Catarina
Published: January 2018

Objective

Earlier studies on antibiotics exposure and development of IBD (Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)) may have been biased by familial factors and gastroenteritis. We aimed to estimate the association between antibiotics during pregnancy or infantile age and very early onset (VEO) IBD.

Design

In this cohort study of 827 239 children born in Sweden between 2006 and 2013, we examined the link between exposure to systemic antibiotics and VEO-IBD (diagnosis <6 years of age), using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Information on antibiotics and IBD was retrieved from the nationwide population-based Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and the National Patient Register. We specifically examined potential confounding from parental IBD and gastroenteritis.

Results

Children exposed to antibiotics during pregnancy were at increased risk of IBD compared with general population controls (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.93; 95% CI 1.06 to 3.50). Corresponding aHRs were 2.48 (95% CI 1.01 to 6.08) for CD and 1.25 (95% CI 0.47 to 3.26) for UC, respectively. For antibiotics in infantile age, the aHR for IBD was 1.11 (95% CI 0.57 to 2.15); for CD 0.72 (95% CI 0.27 to 1.92) and 1.23 (95% CI 0.45 to 3.39) for UC. Excluding children with gastroenteritis 12 months prior to the first IBD diagnosis retained similar aHR for antibiotics during pregnancy and CD, while the association no longer remained significant for IBD.

Conclusion

We found that exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy, but not in infantile age, is associated with an increased risk of VEO-IBD regardless of gastroenteritis. The risk increase for exposure in pregnancy may be due to changes in the microbiota.
Radiation exposure, and procedure and fluoroscopy times in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a methodological comparison
Authors: Cheung Nicholas K , Boutchard Michelle , Carr Michael W , Froelich Jens J
Published: January 2018

Background

Limited data are available for radiation exposure, and procedure and fluoroscopy times in neuroendovascular treatment (NET) strategies.

Objective

This study establishes and compares related parameters between coil embolization (COIL), balloon assisted coil embolization (BAC), stent assisted coil embolization (SAC), and flow diverting technology (FDT) in NET of intracranial aneurysms.

Materials and methods

Between 2010 and 2017, 249 consecutive intracranial aneurysms underwent NET at a single center, all performed by the same operator. Dose area products (DAP), and procedure and fluoroscopy times were recorded and compared between COIL, BAC, SAC, and FDT techniques. Differences in parameters between cohorts were analyzed for significance using the Mann–Whitney U test, unpaired t test and χ2test. Additional subgroup analysis was performed for emergency and elective cases.

Results

83 aneurysms were treated with COIL (33%), 72 with BAC (29%), 61 with SAC (25%), and 33 with FDT (13%). Baseline characteristics were largely similar within these groups (P>0.05). Among COIL, BAC, and FDT cohorts, no significant difference was found for mean DAP, or procedure and fluoroscopy times (P>0.05). However, compared with all other cohorts, SAC was associated with a significantly higher DAP and longer procedure and fluoroscopy times (P<0.005). No significant difference was recorded for emergency and elective case subgroups.

Conclusion

Compared with other NET strategies, SAC was associated with a significantly higher DAP, and longer procedure and fluoroscopy times. This study provides an initial dataset regarding radiation exposure, and procedure and fluoroscopy times for common NET, and may assist ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles to reduce radiation risks.
First evidence of resistance to macrocyclic lactones in Psoroptes ovis sheep scab mites in the UK
Authors: Doherty Emma , Burgess Stewart , Mitchell Sian , Wall Richard
Published: January 2018

Ovine psoroptic mange (sheep scab) is an infection of substantial economic and animal welfare concern in the UK. Its prevalence has increased rapidly over the last 20 years and management is dependent on a small number of acaricidal compounds, many of which are also used to control a range of other endoparasites and ectoparasites. Here, the effects of the macrocyclic lactone (ML) moxidectin was considered using in vitro assays against mites from four farm populations where persistent treatment failure had been reported: two in West Wales, one from the England/Wales border and one in Herefordshire. The data demonstrate resistance in mites from all four farms. This is the first quantitative evidence of ML resistance in Psoroptes mites in the UK. Given the similarities in their mode of action it is highly likely that cross‐resistance across the range of this class of compound will be found. The development of resistance to moxidectin is of considerable concern given the already high prevalence of scab infection in some regions; major difficulties in scab management should be anticipated if ML resistance becomes widely established in the UK.
Antibacterial properties of synthesized Ag and Ag@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles: a comparative study
Authors: Acharya Debashish , Mohanta Bidhan , Pandey Piyush , Nasiri Farnaj
Published: January 2018

Spherical bare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silica-coated silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2) have been prepared using the one-step chemical reduction method. The optical, structural, and morphological studies were done by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial effects of AgNP and Ag@SiO2 were further compared based on diameter of zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test against B. subtilis AST5–2, S. aureus ATCC 25923, S. marcescens AL2–16, and K. pneumoniae AWD5. Enhanced antibacterial activities were observed for Ag@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles as compared to AgNPs against all tested bacteria. The results were attributed to the prolonged release of Ag (I) through porous silica shell that inhibits the growth of tested bacteria and also infers the possibility to be used in potential antibacterial applications.
Complexiton and solitary wave solutions of the coupled nonlinear Maccari’s system using two integration schemes
Authors: Inc Mustafa , Aliyu Aliyu Isa , Yusuf Abdullahi , Baleanu Dumitru , Nuray Elif
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we consider a coupled nonlinear Maccari’s system (CNMS) which describes the motion of isolated waves localized in a small part of space. There are some integration tools that are adopted to retrieve the solitary wave solutions. They are the modified F-Expansion and the generalized projective Riccati equation methods. Topological, non-topological, complexiton, singular and trigonometric function solutions are derived. A comparison between the results in this paper and the well-known results in the literature is also given. The derived structures of the obtained solutions offer a rich platform to study the nonlinear CNMS. Numerical simulation of the obtained solutions are presented with interesting figures showing the physical meaning of the solutions.
A 2 × VDD-Enabled Output-Capacitor-Free Low-Dropout Regulator with Fast Transient Response for Low-Cost System-on-Chip
Authors: Zhao Shuangxing , Zhan Chenchang , Cai Guigang
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a [Formula: see text]-enabled output-capacitor-free CMOS low-dropout (LDO) regulator with fast transient response for cost-effective system-on-chip (SoC) power management applications with elevated-[Formula: see text] supply. All the MOS transistors used in the proposed LDO regulator are low voltage (LV) MOSFETs, hence saving the high voltage devices fabrication cost required in a conventional design. Two LV power transistors are cascaded in the power train. A mid-rail regulator is used to generate [Formula: see text] voltage for the power transistors as well as the main error amplifier to guarantee safe operation. The mid-rail regulator employs stacking transistors to handle the high supply voltage. Moreover, Miller compensation with adaptive biasing is used to achieve good stability and fast transient response. A proof-of-concept design is fabricated in a standard 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS process which achieves 3.3–3.6[Formula: see text]V nominal input, 3.1[Formula: see text]V nominal output and 100[Formula: see text]mA loading capability with all the transistors being 1.8[Formula: see text]V MOSFETs.
An Efficient Switched Filter Compensation Used LED Lighting PV-Battery Scheme
Authors: Sharaf A. M. , Şahin M. E.
Published: January 2018

This study presents a completely stabilized and novel flexible self-adjusting light emitting diode (LED) lighting scheme powered by a PV-Battery and using a pulse width modulation (PWM) switching multi-regulation dual-loop error-driven weighted modified proportional–integral–derivative (WM-PID) accelerated control scheme. The presented scheme incorporates a green plug filter capacitive switched compensator scheme to ensure efficient energy utilization and reduced inrush currents and switching transients. The LED lighting load is regulated using two stabilizing switched filter compensation (SFC) devices located at the DC side common and load buses. It ensures damping of transient voltage and reduces inrush currents for enhanced energy efficient operation and minimal stresses on the solid-state switches. The proposed multi-regulator controller uses a dual-loop error-driven, error-time de-scaled controller for the PWM switching scheme. The dual-action regulator uses total error-driven signal fed to the fast-acting modified proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller equipped with error-squared acceleration loop and fast response auxiliary derivative type loop, to ensure efficient fast-acting control with minimal inrush conditions, and recovery from load excursions and fault conditions. Moreover, it also changes battery state of the charge (SOC) and solar insolation and ambient temperatures.
Information-entropic method for studying the stability bound of nonrelativistic polytropic stars within modified gravity theories
Authors: Wibisono C. , Sulaksono A.
Published: January 2018

We study the stability of nonrelativistic polytropic stars within two modified gravity theories, i.e. beyond Horndeski gravity and Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld theories, using the configuration entropy method. We use the spatially localized bounded function of energy density as solutions from stellar effective equations to construct the corresponding configuration entropy. We use the same argument as the one used by Gleiser and coworkers [M. Gleiser and D. Sowinski, Phys. Lett. B 727 (2013) 272; M. Gleiser and N. Jiang, Phys. Rev. D 92 (2015) 044046] that the stars are stable if there is a peak in configuration entropy as a function of adiabatic index curve. Specifically, the boundary between stable and unstable regions which corresponds to Chandrasekhar stability bound is indicated from the existence of the maximum peak while the most stable polytropic stars are indicated by the minimum peak in the corresponding curve. We have found that the values of critical adiabatic indexes of Chandrasekhar stability bound and the most stable polytropic stars predicted by the nonrelativistic limits of beyond Horndeski gravity and Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld theories are different to those predicted by general relativity where the corresponding differences depend on the free parameters of both theories.
Numerical Solution of Bioheat Transfer Problems with Transient Blood Temperature
Authors: Liu Kuo-Chi , Tu Fong-Jou
Published: January 2018

In the heat treatment process, blood perfusion starts up a negative feedback mechanism. The blood temperature undergoes a transient process before onset of equilibrium and then changes the situation of temperature distribution. In substance, the blood temperature undergoes a transient process for heat exchange between blood and tissue. For more fully exploring the heat transfer behavior of biological tissue, this paper analyzes the bioheat transfer problems with the nonconstant blood temperature based on the Pennes bioheat equation. A numerical scheme based on the Laplace transform is proposed for solving the present problems.
Free and Forced Vibration Analysis of Peridynamic Finite Bar
Authors: Chen Jingkai , Tian Ye , Cui Xuezheng
Published: January 2018

Peridynamics is a reformulated nonlocal elasticity theory. Unlike the local elasticity theory, the peridynamics is proposed with no continuum assumption. In this paper, a new analytical approach to analyze the vibration of peridynamic finite bar with specified boundary condition is proposed. It is proved that the nonlocal dispersive relation of the peridynamic bar is nonlinear and can be reduced to the local dispersive relation when the peridynamic horizon goes to zero. The phase velocity, as a function of the wave frequency, is proved to be positive and asymptotically decreasing. The homogenous and the nonhomogeneous solutions of the peridynamic bar vibration equation are derived analytically by using the separation of variables. The mode shape characteristic equation of peridynamic bar, which is a second kind Fredholm integral equation, is expanded with a Taylor series expansion up to the infinite order; the corresponding mode shape is derived by solving a differential equation up to the infinite order. The peridynamic boundary condition is analyzed and compared with the local boundary condition. The numerical modeling based on mesh-free method verifies the analytical results for both free vibration and forced vibration cases.
Analysis and Comparison of the Dynamic Performance of One-Stage Inerter-Based and Linear Vibration Isolators
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Ruo-Chen , Meng Hao-Dong
Published: January 2018

Inerter, which is defined as a two-terminal mechanical element, has the characteristic that the force generated at its two terminals is proportional to the relative acceleration between its two ends. Here, the inerter is used in the vibration isolation system; eight kinds of one-stage inerter-based vibration isolators are presented in this paper. Dynamic equations of eight kinds of one-stage inerter-based vibration isolators are established, the natural frequency is considered, and the dynamic response and transmissibility are obtained using the time domain analysis method or the Laplace-transformed method. Four performance indexes are defined to evaluate their isolation performance and compared with the linear vibration isolator (LVI). The best structural parameters of these one-stage inerter-based vibration isolators are determined using the H[Formula: see text] optimization method based on the fixed-point theory, which aims to minimize the maximum transmissibility. The results show that compared with the LVI, some kinds of one-stage inerter-based vibration isolators can offer a better isolation performance according to the four performance indexes. Furthermore, the best vibration isolator among these vibration isolators is determined by the four performance indexes.