bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impacts of price insulation on world wheat markets during the 2022 food price crisis
Authors: Martin Will , Minot Nicholas
Published: November 2022

This paper begins with a survey of recent commodity price developments that highlights the magnitude of this price surge and identifies the rapid rise in wheat prices as a key element. The analysis in this paper focuses on the extent to which domestic markets are insulated from these changes and on the resulting impacts on world prices. An econometric analysis using error‐correction models finds stable long‐term relationships between world wheat prices and most domestic prices of wheat and wheat products, but with considerable variation across countries in the rate of price transmission. A case study of the price shocks during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the Ukraine food price crisis finds that price insulation roughly doubled the overall increase in world wheat prices and raised their volatility both during periods of price increase and price decline.
Real‐world data for the renal safety of abemaciclib combined with bisphosphonate in HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer
Authors: Hao Chunfang , Bai Xuedong , Zhang Jie , Meng Wenjing , Tong Zhongsheng
Published: November 2022

Objective

Our study evaluated the renal safety of abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) with bisphosphonate as a treatment option for hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER‐2) negative (HR+/HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC), especially with bone metastasis.

Methods

Data were collected from HR+/HER2− ABC patients who received abemaciclib with ET between March 2021 and May 2022 in a single medical center in China. We performed an analysis of the change in serum creatine (Cr) and creatine clearance (CrCl), time to first abnormal Cr value, and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade of increased creatinine.

Results

A total of 210 patients were included in the final analysis, with a median age of 56 years and a median weight of 65 kg. Any grade laboratory‐assessing increased Cr occurred in 87.1% of patients, while CrCl rarely went down to 30 ml/min. Associations between start dose with grade of increased Cr and menopausal status with alert value, which is defined as creatinine clearance <30 ml/min, were indicated.

Conclusion

This study shows that abemaciclib combined with bisphosphonate would be safe for renal function in HR+/HER2− ABC patients with bone metastases.
Malondialdehyde acetaldehyde adduction of surfactant protein D attenuates SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein binding and virus neutralization
Authors: Muralidharan Abenaya , Bauer Christopher , Katafiasz Dawn M. , Pham Danielle , Oyewole Opeoluwa O. , Morwitzer M. Jane , Roy Enakshi , Bailey Kristina L. , Reid St Patrick , Wyatt Todd A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Over 43% of the world's population regularly consumes alcohol. Although not commonly known, alcohol can have a significant impact on the respiratory environment. Living in the time of the COVID‐19 pandemic, alcohol misuse can have a particularly deleterious effect on SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected individuals and, in turn, the overall healthcare system. Patients with alcohol use disorders have higher odds of COVID‐19‐associated hospitalization and mortality. Even though the detrimental role of alcohol on COVID‐19 outcomes has been established, the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Alcohol misuse has been shown to induce oxidative damage in the lungs through the production of reactive aldehydes such as malondialdehyde and acetaldehyde (MAA). MAA can then form adducts with proteins, altering their structure and function. One such protein is surfactant protein D (SPD), which plays an important role in innate immunity against pathogens.

Methods and Results

In this study, we examined whether MAA adduction of SPD (SPD‐MAA) attenuates the ability of SPD to bind SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein, reversing SPD‐mediated virus neutralization. Using ELISA, we show that SPD‐MAA is unable to competitively bind spike protein and prevent ACE2 receptor binding. Similarly, SPD‐MAA fails to inhibit entry of wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 virus into Calu‐3 cells, a lung epithelial cell line, as well as ciliated primary human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from healthy individuals.

Conclusions

Overall, MAA adduction of SPD, a consequence of alcohol overconsumption, represents one mechanism of compromised lung innate defense against SARS‐CoV‐2, highlighting a possible mechanism underlying COVID‐19 severity and related mortality in patients who misuse alcohol.
Readability, reliability and credibility of online patient information on skin grafts
Authors: Heaven Chelsea L. , Patel Cheerag , Ahmadi Omid , Mathy Jon A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Skin grafting reflects a common dermatological procedure for closing skin defects. Patient education is important for managing expectation and optimising skin graft take. While health information is increasingly accessed on the internet, there are no existing studies assessing their quality.

Methods

The first 25 results from Google, Microsoft Bing and Yahoo! search engines using the term ‘skin graft’ were analysed using a variety of standard instruments. Readability was assessed using the Flesch–Kincaid Grade score (FKG), Gunning Fog Index (GFI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) and the New Dale‐Chall Readability Index (NDC). Reliability was assessed using the DISCERN instrument and credibility with the Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Criteria (JAMA). Transparency was identified by presence of the Health On the Net Foundation Code certification (HON‐code).

Results

Seventy‐five websites were identified. After exclusion, forty‐three remaining websites were analysed with average FKG, GFI and SMOG scores of 7.8, 10.1 and 10.7, respectively. The average NDC was 5.9. The average reliability was fair with a DISCERN score based on the first 15 questions of the instrument of 42.6. The mean JAMA score was 2, and 9 websites displayed the HON‐code certificate.

Conclusions

Readability, reliability and credibility of online health information regarding skin grafting can be improved. Health care providers should critically assess existing online patient information or develop alternative material to educate patients undergoing skin graft surgery.
Application of CT contrast medium is not associated with an increased risk for acute kidney injury in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Tergast Tammo L. , Schulte Benjamin , Griemsmann Marie , Kahlhöfer Julia , Dörge Petra , Hinrichs Jan B. , Kraft Anke R. M. , Schmidt Julius J. , Behrendt Patrick , Wedemeyer Heiner , Cornberg Markus , Maasoumy Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Studies reported conflicting results regarding the nephrotoxic potential of iodinated contrast medium (CM) for computer tomography (CT).

Aim

To investigate the impact of diagnostic CM application on kidney function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

First, we evaluated the impact of diagnostic CM‐CT on AKI incidence in a cross‐sectional approach. Second, we analysed 28‐day AKI incidence post‐CM‐CT in patients with impaired kidney function (i.e., creatinine >133 μmoL/L). Third, we excluded all patients with relevant interventions besides CM‐CT. All remaining patients were matched via propensity score matching (PPSM) and further analysed. Last, we validated the results in an independent dataset of prospectively collected registry data of 118 patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Here, plasma samples were analysed regarding neutrophil‐gelatinase‐associated‐lipocalin (NGAL).

Results

Of the 611 included patients, 98 (16%) received CM‐CT. CM‐CT was not associated with AKI in the cross‐sectional approach (CM‐CT:8% vs. no CM‐CT:15%; p = 0.08). Furthermore, CM‐CT was not associated with higher 28‐day AKI incidence among patients with impaired kidney function (HR:0.79; 95% CI 0.45–1.38; p = 0.40). The PPSM cohort revealed no association between CM‐CT and AKI or severe AKI (HR:1.28, p = 0.45 and HR:1.62; p = 0.43). Moreover, CM‐CT did not result in worsening of kidney function after CM application. In the validation cohort, CM‐CT was also not linked to AKI (p = 0.85) and NGAL levels were not increased in those with CM‐CT (CM‐CT:309 ng/ml vs. No CM‐CT:266 ng/ml, p = 0.35).

Conclusion

Decompensated cirrhosis per se should not preclude diagnostic CM‐CT.
Cytochrome P450 inhibition to decrease dosage and costs of venetoclax and ibrutinib: A proof‐of‐concept case study
Authors: De la Garza‐Salazar Fernando , Colunga‐Pedraza Perla Rocío , Gómez‐Almaguer David
Published: November 2022

The inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is the most frequent cause of drug–drug interactions. Many safe, inexpensive and widely available therapeutic drugs can inhibit CYP enzymes (e.g., azoles). Also, the specific potency of inhibition and the targeted CYP enzyme have been well described (e.g., itraconazole strongly inhibits CYP enzyme 3A4 and, in turn, CYP3A4 metabolizes venetoclax and ibrutinib). CYP enzyme inhibitors increase the plasma concentration of other drugs via shared metabolic pathways. We herein present the effects of inhibiting CYP enzymes with itraconazole–venetoclax for the treatment of refractory acute myeloid leukaemia, as well as itraconazole–ibrutinib to treat steroid‐refractory acute graft vs. host disease in the same patient. Both of the patient's conditions responded completely. This appears to be a feasible strategy that decreases treatment costs by 75%. Previous Food and Drug Administration recommendations and clinical data support these subsequent dose reductions. Eleven months after the transplant, the patient remains in complete response and with no minimal residual disease. Another patient had been effectively treated before with CYP enzyme inhibition prior to venetoclax–itraconazole administration for orbital myeloid sarcoma. Thus, this case study furthers information on the CYP enzyme inhibition strategy when associated with another costly drug, ibrutinib. The CYP enzyme inhibition strategy could be applied to many more anticancer drugs (e.g., ruxolitinib and ponatinib) and facilitate the availability of expensive oncological treatments in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Also, this strategy could be further generalized by using different CYP enzyme inhibitors with varied pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties (i.e., grapefruit, azoles and clarithromycin).
Safety of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines in 213 adult patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Joseph Laure , Corbasson Anne , Manceau Sandra , Khimoud Djamal , Meunier Benoit , Cheminet Geoffrey , Lefrere François , Jannot Anne‐Sophie , Lu Estelle , Arlet Jean‐Benoît
Published: November 2022

Given the lack of information about safety of the COVID‐19 vaccines for sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, we sought to determine whether COVID‐19 vaccine was associated with subsequent hospital admission for vaso‐occlusive events (VOEs). We included 402 patients with SCD, including 88 regularly transfused. As of July 31, 2021, 213 (53.0%) of them had received a least one dose of COVID vaccine (Pfizer 93.0%). We showed similar risk of hospital admission for a VOE among vaccinated patients (whether transfused or not) and among a control group of non‐vaccinated patients matched for age, sex and genotype.
Severe aortic regurgitation from aortic valve perforation in Libman‐Sacks endocarditis: Incremental value of 3D TEE
Authors: Adil Amina , Kazmi Faraz N. , Malik Ijaz A. , Ammar Khawaja Afzal
Published: November 2022

A 43‐year‐old woman with stroke and systemic lupus erythematosus was found to have severe eccentric aortic regurgitation. Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram further defined the origin of the regurgitant jet through a perforation in the left coronary cusp next to a mass with a tiny stalk attached to the left coronary cusp.
Multiple‐attribute decision‐making spherical vague normal operators and their applications for the selection of farmers
Authors: Palanikumar Murugan , Arulmozhi Krishnan , Jana Chiranjibe , Pal Madhumangal
Published: November 2022

In this article, we discuss a few fresh approaches to the spherical vague normal set (SVNS) approach to multiple attribute decision‐making (MADM) problems. A new generalization of the vague set (VS) and the spherical interval valued fuzzy set (SIVFS) is the spherical vague set (SVS). The spherical vague number (SVN) concepts consolidate normal fuzzy number (NFN) and we defined the spherical vague normal number (SVNN) and some of its intriguing fundamental operations. The purpose of this article is to discuss a novel idea of spherical vague normal weighted averaging (SVNWA), spherical vague normal weighted geometric (SVNWG), generalized spherical vague normal weighted averaging (GSVNWA) and generalized spherical vague normal weighted geometric (GSVNWG) operators. We talked about a flowchart with an algorithm that uses this operators and the MADM approach. With the help of a numerical example, we interact the extended euclidean and hamming distance measures. In this communication, it is also important to elaborate on some key SVN approach characteristics based on various algebraic operations, such as idempotency, boundedness, commutativity, and monotonicity. They are quicker to find the best option, more straightforward and practical. Think about five farmers. The four factors that are taken into account for each of the five farmers are climate, water, soil, disease, and flood, and their corresponding weights are displayed. We want to select the best option from a large number of choices by comparing expert assessments with the criteria. As a result, the conclusions of the defined models are more precise and closely related to . We contrast some of the current models with the ones that have been proposed in order to demonstrate the dependability and utility of the models under investigation. The study's findings are also intriguing and fascinating.
High‐intensity ultrasound reduces fermentation time and improves textural properties, antioxidant activity and probiotic survival in fermented probiotic strawberry drink
Authors: Mizuta Amanda G. , de Menezes Jéssica L. , da Silva Luciana A. , Marcolino Vanessa A. , Barão Carlos E. , Pimentel Tatiana C. , de Abreu Filho Benício A. , Madrona Grasiele S.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIUS) application with different processing times (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 min) on the physicochemical, rheological and textural properties, antioxidant activity (AA) and probiotic survival in strawberry‐flavoured fermented probiotic strawberry drink during storage (7°C for 28 days). The application of HIUS resulted in products with lower fermentation times, higher organic acid stability during storage and improved texture (higher firmness and consistency) and functional properties (higher phenolic compounds content and/or AA). Using 2.5 min of processing time would be advisable due to the better probiotic survival to simulated gastrointestinal conditions (probiotic counts higher than 106 CFU mL−1), reduced fermentation times (reduction in 3 h), higher lactic acid content during storage and enhanced AA. The products showed a viable probiotic counts higher than 106 CFU mL−1 during the entire shelf life. HIUS may be considered as an adequate pre‐treatment in the development of probiotic fermented probiotic strawberry drink.
Antifungal features and properties of Pickering emulsion coating from alginate/lemongrass oil/cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Wardana Ata Aditya , Wigati Laras Putri , Van Tran Thi , Tanaka Fumina , Tanaka Fumihiko
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the antifungal features of sodium alginate (Alg) 1% combined with lemongrass essential oil (LGO) 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% as a Pickering emulsion coating to control Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum, identified as citrus fruit pathogens. Cellulose nanofibers 0.24%, 42.55 ± 9.34 nm, were selected as a stabiliser. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy were used to analyse the droplet size and morphology and chemical interaction of emulsified coating, respectively. The effective dosage of lemongrass oil (0.75%) may enhance the antifungal action confirmed with a series of in vitro tests on spore germination by 88.28% (P. digitatum) and 91.94% (P. italicum), germ tube elongation by 89.28% (P. digitatum) and 90.13% (P. italicum) and membrane integrity by 41.67% (P. digitatum) and 63% (P. italicum). Additionally, the incorporation of LGO Pickering emulsion improved the beneficial properties of Alg‐based coating film, including light transmission at UV and visible light wavelengths and hydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to evaluate the interior microstructure of the coating film. Pickering emulsion‐based coatings described in this study may have potential applications for active packaging, particularly for citrus fruit commodities.
Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity by MCC950 leads to exacerbation of Sjӧgren's syndrome pathologies in non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: Zhou Jing , Onodera Shoko , Yu Qing
Published: November 2022

Sjӧgren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by chronic inflammation and dysfunction of exocrine glands and causes dry mouth, dry eyes and various systemic health problems. The objective of this study is to define the in vivo actions of the endogenous NLRP3 inflammasome, a key initiator and mediator of various immune and inflammatory conditions, in newly established SS disease. MCC950, a highly specific small‐molecule inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome formation and activation, was intraperitoneally administered to the female non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice aged 11 weeks, which have newly established SS‐like hyposalivation and pathologies. The injection was conducted three times weekly for three consecutive weeks and mice were analysed for characteristic SS pathologies at the end of the treatments. MCC950 treatment resulted in a marked reduction in salivary secretion and an exacerbation of leukocyte infiltration of submandibular glands. The disease‐worsening effect of MCC950 treatment was accompanied by increased T and B cell numbers, enhanced T helper 1 response and reduced aquaporin 5 expression in submandibular glands. Hence, ablation of endogenous NLRP3 inflammasome activity by MCC950 with established autoimmune exocrinopathy exacerbates salivary gland dysfunction and inflammation, indicating a disease‐alleviating and inflammation‐dampening action of the endogenous NLRP3 inflammasome activity during established SS disease in the non‐obese diabetic mouse model.
Influence of Saccharomyces boulardii inoculation on post‐harvest processing methods on the coffee quality
Authors: Lim GiGi Chin Wen , Hou Chih‐Yao , Hsieh Lu‐Sheng , Wu Shinn‐Dar , Ciou Jhih‐Ying
Published: November 2022

Coffee is an economically important plant and has been a famous non‐alcoholic beverage globally. This study aimed to investigate the coffee quality of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) inoculated to different post‐harvest processed coffee beans (dry method and semi‐dry method). The result showed that the pH value decreased along with the processing period. Moisture content had the final content below 12%. Water activity decreased along with the processing period, reaching around 0.40 at the end of processing. Color parameters resulted in an increased browning index after roasting. The organic acid showed an increasing trend in each acid after roasting, especially for glycolic acid and citric acid. The phenolic acid degraded after roasting each sample. The caffeine content increased after roasting each sample. The D and S groups had higher total sugar content than the yeast‐inoculated group before roasting, while roasting the S group had the highest total sugar content. Total phenolic content resulted in the highest content in group D while roasted in group SY. For antioxidant capacity, the SY had the lowest IC50 value (2.85 g/ml) in unroasted beans. For the sensory evaluation, each of the samples presented a different flavor after roasting.

Novelty impact statement

The coffee quality including physicochemical, chemical analysis, and sensory evaluation of Saccharomyces boulardii inoculated to different post‐harvest processed coffee beans (dry method and semi‐dry method) are determined. The result of the physicochemical analysis did not show significant changes; however, for chemical analysis, there were significant changes in semi‐dry processed beans.
Recent advances and future perspectives in early‐maturing cotton research
Authors: Zhao Hang , Chen Yanli , Liu Ji , Wang Zhi , Li Fuguang , Ge Xiaoyang
Published: November 2022

Cotton's fundamental requirements for long periods of growth and specific seasonal temperatures limit the global arable areas that can be utilized to cultivate cotton. This constraint can be alleviated by breeding for early‐maturing varieties. By delaying the sowing dates without impacting the boll‐opening time, early‐maturing varieties not only mitigate the yield losses brought on by unfavorable weathers in early spring and late autumn but also help reducing the competition between cotton and other crops for arable land, thereby optimizing the cropping system. This review presents studies and breeding efforts for early‐maturing cotton, which efficiently pyramid early maturity, high‐quality, multiresistance traits, and suitable plant architecture by leveraging pleiotropic genes. Attempts are also made to summarize our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying early maturation, which involves many pathways such as epigenetic, circadian clock, and hormone signaling pathways. Moreover, new avenues and effective measures are proposed for fine‐scale breeding of early‐maturing crops to ensure the healthy development of the agricultural industry.
Tree logs for grassland restoration? Lessons from an unintentional experiment
Authors: Porto Ana Boeira , Rolim Rosângela Gonçalves , Menezes Luciana da Silva , Thomas Pedro Augusto , Seger Guilherme Dubal dos Santos , Overbeck Gerhard Ernst
Published: November 2022

For subtropical Brazilian grasslands, few restoration techniques are established, and seeds of native grassland species are not available on the market. Here, we evaluated the effect of physical barriers (PB) on vegetation recovery in a degraded grassland. We considered species that exhibit attributes in their diaspores that facilitate dispersal as well‐dispersed species (WDS) and compared the proportion of WDS at our site to their proportion in the regional species pool. To analyze plots near and distant from the PB, we calculated the extrapolated metrics by an asymptotic estimator (double sample size of each distance). We found 74 species in the degraded area, with higher richness and Shannon diversity values closer to logs, but higher Simpson values with larger distance from logs. Almost half of the species in the degraded area are WDS, more than in the regional species pool. While effects of logs on microsite conditions may also play a role (e.g. logs accumulating organic material or increasing soil moisture, providing shade), our data indicates that the PB works as a seed trap favoring the occurrence of WDS. It seems promising to develop applications in restoration, especially when associating PB with other restoration techniques to increase availability of adequate germination and establishment conditions.
Age‐related differences in reasoning about the acceptability of eating animals
Authors: McGuire Luke , Fry Emma , Palmer Sally , Faber Nadira S.
Published: November 2022

Children in the western world often are socialized as meat‐eaters, while caring much about animals. Yet we know little about how children think about eating animals and animal products, which will have important consequences for global meat consumption. Participants (n = 479, 80% White British, 57% female; children n = 119, Mage = 10.03, SD = 0.72; young adults n = 181, Mage = 19.09, SD = 0.85; adults n = 179, Mage = 40.97, SD = 8.18) reasoned about the acceptability of eating animals and animal products. Using the framework of social domain theory, we found that that children focused on moral concerns (p < .001, ηp2 = .01), whereas adults referenced conventions about the natural and necessary components of eating meat. Participants across age groups reported eating animal products (e.g., milk) to be acceptable because animals were not harmed. Together these results indicate that attempts to reduce meat consumption ought to be tailored in a domain‐specific manner to age groups.
Cardiac sodium channel complexes and arrhythmia: structural and functional roles of the β1 and β3 subunits
Authors: Salvage Samantha C. , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Huang Christopher L.‐H. , Jackson Antony P.
Published: November 2022

In cardiac myocytes, the voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.5 opens in response to membrane depolarisation and initiates the action potential. The NaV1.5 channel is typically associated with regulatory β‐subunits that modify gating and trafficking behaviour. These β‐subunits contain a single extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig) domain, a single transmembrane α‐helix and an intracellular region. Here we focus on the role of the β1 and β3 subunits in regulating NaV1.5. We catalogue β1 and β3 domain specific mutations that have been associated with inherited cardiac arrhythmia, including Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, atrial fibrillation and sudden death. We discuss how new structural insights into these proteins raises new questions about physiological function.

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Surrogate Models and Time Series for Flow Prediction on the Red River Dam Network
Authors: Alizadeh Reza , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh
Published: November 2022

Surrogate models have been used to replace computationally expensive analysis models in engineering design problems. However, time-dependent variables and historical data are usually ignored in the surrogate modeling process. For instance, in a dam network design, using hydraulic simulations to estimate the water flow is computationally expensive, and the data is in the form of time series. So, we need time-dependent surrogate models to replace these simulations and manage this computational complexity. In this paper, we describe surrogate models to predict the amount of water flow into a reservoir. The challenge is that the flow is a time-dependent variable, and we need to incorporate time series into surrogate models. Thus, there are three contributions: (1) using surrogate modeling to predict flow for dam network design, (2) incorporating time series analysis in surrogate models for water network design, (3) using an ensemble of surrogates to increase the accuracy of prediction. We also demonstrate how to integrate surrogate models and machine learning with time series analysis for more accurate and faster prediction. Due to the availability of data, we use the Buffalo Reservoir in the Red River Basin as an example. Based on the time series data for flow, evaporation, precipitation, and maximum and minimum temperature, three surrogate models are used to examine the impact of integrating time series into surrogate models. These are multivariate autoregressive integrated moving average (MARIMA), a classic time series analysis method; artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest (RF) methods, two machine learning surrogate models. We use seven different time lags as features within an RF model, as an ensemble of surrogate models, and predict the flow for seven-time steps ahead. We successfully incorporate the time series data and particularly the concept of the time lag within surrogate models. We show that RF as the ensemble of surrogates provides more accurate predictions than the other two surrogate models. Although this method has been demonstrated for the Red River Basin, it could also be applied to designing anything in which time-dependent flow is an issue, for example, in biomedical applications, the management of manufacturing processes and product sales as well as any products in which fluid flow is an issue.
Evaluating the Potential for a Novel Irrigation System Controller to Be Adopted by Medium-Scale Contract Farmers in East Africa
Authors: Van de Zande Georgia D. , Sheline Carolyn , Winter Amos G.
Published: November 2022

Food insecurity in East Africa (EA) is exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Water scarcity and high energy costs make it difficult for farmers to increase their yields to levels needed to feed growing populations. One way for countries to sustainably increase food production is to increase the adoption of water- and energy-efficient irrigation technology. Solar-powered drip irrigation systems are such a technology. These systems provide many benefits to farmers who have been able to install them on their fields, but their high costs is one barrier that currently limits its adoption among the majority of EA farmers. In this work, a concept for a novel irrigation controller is introduced and assessed for its viability in the EA market. The proposed controller determines complex irrigation schedules based on local weather predictions and specifics of a given farm. It does this while optimizing for the lifetime performance of the irrigation system, something that existing controllers do not do and something that could lower the lifetime costs of solar-powered drip irrigation systems. The proposed controller communicates this complex schedule to farmers in a way that allows them to continue to use low-cost, manually-operated valves on their fields. This concept is evaluated through storyboard-based interviews with EA farmers and key market stakeholders. The results provide initial positive feedback from these lead users, suggesting that this controller could be a viable product in EA. If adopted at scale, this technology could help lower the barrier to adopting water- and energy-efficient irrigation, ultimately having a positive, sustainable impact on food security in EA.
Design and Analysis of a Piezo-Driven Precision Positioning Stage Suitable for XBPM
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , Cui Xu , Zhang Mengchen , Zhuang Jian
Published: November 2022

X-ray beam position monitor (XBPM) is an indispensable device in the fourth-generation synchrotron light sources. However, the vacuum micro-positioning stage suitable for key components in advanced light sources has received scant attention. Aiming at the demand of high positioning accuracy and simple position adjustment of XBPM, an XZ stacked piezo-driven precision positioning stage is proposed in this paper. The stage configuration is decoupled, which can realize independent translations in X and Z directions. The overall scheme is non-closed and the selection of material and actuator in special occasion is focused, which is suitable for general and ultra-high vacuum system. In addition, the static and dynamic characteristics of the precision positioning stage are verified with finite element analysis (FEA), and the prototype test system is built. The experimental results indicate that the workspace under closed-loop feedback control is 51.39 μm × 35.07 μm, which is almost consistent with the simulation results. Furthermore, the output displacement linearity, maximum output coupling error rate and actual resolution of the stage are assessed. The impact of environmental fluctuation on actual resolution is also quantitatively evaluated. According to the simulated and test results, the designed stage achieves the expected performances and can meet the demands of micronano positioning accuracy and motion decoupling of XBPM.
Additive Manufacturing Strategy for Ultra-Lightweight High Value-Added Components
Authors: Catar Louis , Tabiai Ilyass , St-Onge David
Published: November 2022

Additive manufacturing and its growth in advanced industrial fields are changing many process paradigms for the development of highly customizable components. It condenses the traditional approaches to produce assemblies that are more and more integrated at different levels: functionality (strength, lightness), productivity (flexibility, customization) and development (passage from the digital part to the final part).

This work presents a methodology to help select a combination of possibilities (materials, process, etc.). Derived from the double diamond method, this methodology aims to propose a rationalization of the choices available to designers of high value-added products with strict and mutually intertwined requirements. The whole methodology is then illustrated with the design of an indoor aerostat drone which illustrates the implementation of some of the key elements of the proposed process.
Evaluation and Modification of Kinetic Gas Collision Theory as Applied to Encounter Rate Dynamics for Multi-Robot Groups and Robot Swarms
Authors: Schroeder Adam , Rooney Mark , Lipscomb Glenn
Published: November 2022

Robots encountering other robots in a group can be beneficial, e.g., to exchange information, or detrimental, e.g., obstructing one another from operating. Kinetic gas theory (KGT) provides a statistical mechanical analysis of the collision rate between molecules. KGT has been applied to model robot encounter rates but there has been some inconsistency in how it has been applied to robot groups. There is a nine order of magnitude difference in size between a typical robot and molecule, so it is not a surprise that some adjustments may need to be made when considering robots instead of molecules. This work develops a model in detail by applying KGT, articulates limitations of applying this theory to robots, highlights inconsistencies in how it has been previously applied to robots, and suggests modifications to the model. A simple numerical study is also shown to validate the model and highlight the effect of differences in the implementation.

The most important gap that this research has identified is the need to collect data on the magnitude and direction distribution of robots’ velocities. Robots move and behave differently than gas molecules, whose velocity magnitude follow a Boltzmann distribution. A second major result is the connection of the KGT-based model developed in this work and previous research on robot encounter rate which independently arrived at the same relationship between robot size, number of robots, and encounter rate.
Accommodating Irregular Panel Profiles and Thicknesses in LET Joint Arrays
Authors: Smith Samuel P. , Magleby Spencer P. , Howell Larry L.
Published: November 2022

Origami-inspired mechanisms can produce compact, easily-manufacturable designs. Compliant mechanisms have been used to create surrogate folds in many kinds of engineering materials by allowing large deflections without yielding. LET arrays are best used as surrogate folds when the regions being folded on each other have parallel sides, keeping the LET joint segment geometry constant. This consistency allows for homogeneous stresses/strains throughout the joint and constant curvature along the joint is achieved. However, when panel sides are irregular, optimal LET design is not necessarily obvious. This paper presents an exploration into characterizing folding motions of LET joints to achieve arbitrary curvatures of the folded region. Curvatures are obtained through variations in joint segment geometry whether length, width, thickness, or a combined approach. Testing of several specimens is conducted and the results are consistent with the analysis.
Automatic Shape Modification for Self-Supporting Structures in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chen Jiangce , Patterson Matt , Mirzendehdel Amir M. , Behandish Morad
Published: November 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a class of advanced manufacturing technologies that facilitates fabrication of geometrically complex, high-performance functional parts. AM processes often produce a “near-net” shape comprising the intended design and sacrificial support structures to be removed in postprocessing. The amount of extra material in the near-net shape directly increases fabrication cost and clean-up time. This paper presents a shape modification method for AM parts to minimize the need for sacrificial material in the near-net shape. Given an existing triangulated boundary representation of the part, we formulate the problem as a generic shape optimization that minimizes the changes made to the original geometry by locally modifying vertex coordinates while both maintaining the manifold nature of the representation and satisfying the overhang angle constraints, when possible. Specifically, we augment a pseudo-energy regularization term to our primary objective function for self-supporting to ensure that the optimized shape is valid and suitable for AM. We propose two mesh regularization methods, using virtual springs and sphere packing, and provide differentiable expressions of the objective function and constraints to enable efficient gradient-based optimization. We show that the sphere packing is more robust and retains the quality of the mesh during optimization. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our method in modifying realistic models in 3D.
Triggered: Using Human-AI Dialogue for Problem Understanding in Collaborative Design
Authors: Arzberger Anne , van der Burg Vera , Chandrasegaran Senthil , Lloyd Peter
Published: November 2022

Creative conversation among designers and stakeholders in a design project enables new ideas to naturally originate and evolve. Language allows for the exchange of values, priorities, and past experience whilst keeping solution forms usefully ambiguous. Yet there is a danger that only the language of people directly involved in the design process gets to be heard, limiting how inclusively the problems are interpreted, which in turn can impede how complex design problems are addressed. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have shown the exclusionary spaces that are often inhabited by designers, engineers, and developers of new artefacts and technologies. On the other hand, text data used to train language models for machine learning applications have the potential to highlight societal biases in ways that designers can utilise. In this paper, we report the results of an exploratory study using AI text generation to synthesize and narrate opinions and experiences that may be unfamiliar to designers. Three pairs of designers were given a complex socio-technical problem to solve. Of these, two pairs interacted with an AI text generator during the task, while one pair acted as a baseline condition. Analysing the conversational exchanges between the designers and the designers & AI, we observe how the use of AI leads to prompting nuanced interpretations of problems and ideas, opening up the objective problem and design lenses and interpretations. Finally, we discuss how the designers (re)assign different roles to the AI to suit their creative purposes.
Patent Mining to Understand Functional Evolution of Engineered Products
Authors: Song Hyeonik , Selva Daniel , McAdams Daniel A.
Published: November 2022

This work presents a patent mining methodology to qualitatively examine functional evolution of engineered products. Using a topic modeling method called Nonnegative Matrix Factorization, topics of nutcracker- and drone-related patents of different time frames are automatically generated to understand how the two products have functionally evolved over time. The topic modeling results demonstrate that nutcracker’s nut cracking mechanism has changed from an impact method to a rotating method for facilitating mass production. Drone system has evolved from a mechanical system with flight capability to an electromechanical system widening its application in package delivery and videography. The topic modeling results provide different design insights that could assist designers during the early product development process. In addition to the topic modeling approach, an analysis with patent citations is performed to gain additional insights about the functional evolution of the engineered products. The patent citation analysis suggests that the topic modeling approach provides a reasonable illustration of how products have evolved over time, but the algorithm requires improvement as some functional aspects of a product can be obscured by topics that simply characterize the technology. The objective of the study is to provide a basis for automated modeling of patents to understand the functional evolution of engineered products.
A Parallel Multi-Constraint Topology Optimization Solver
Authors: Diaz Adrian , Morgan Nathaniel , Bernardin John
Published: November 2022

This paper presents an open source parallel Topology Optimization (TO) code capable of optimizing mechanical designs subject to multiple inertial constraints. The code utilizes Open-MPI and Kokkos to enable fine-grained parallelism in every major computational segment of a TO code: global equation assembly, global equation solution, and the non-linear optimization of the design. Most of the the Finite Element (FE) infrastructure for the TO code is implemented on the Fierro open source code base; which also leverages the ELEMENTS (grants FE basis functions) and MATAR (grants efficient multidimensional sparse matrix storage) libraries. Essential Numerical Algorithms such as a parallel multi-grid solver for the global equilibrium equations and non-linear optimization come from the MueLu and ROL packages (both found in the Trilinos library) respectively. It is found that the Fierro TO algorithm is capable of providing minimum compliance solutions in multi-constraint problems involving mass, several moment of inertia targets, and constraints related to load bearing regions; where the relative error in the satisfaction of all constraints seen in this work does not exceed 3%. Additionally, this work demonstrates the use of a piece-wise continuous interpolation of material density; which avoids the implementation of filters to avoid well-known mesh dependent issues such as checker-boarding.
Techniques for Designing Stable Flat-Foldable Wood Furniture
Authors: Parkinson Bethany , Ames Daniel , Andrews David , Morgan David , Bateman Terri , Howell Larry L. , Magleby Spencer
Published: November 2022

In this paper we develop techniques for designing stable flat-foldable wooden furniture. Thickness-accommodation techniques used to enable folding of origami from thick materials are shown to also be applicable to wood. Specifically, wood may be used in (and is stable in) the unique load-bearing conditions of vertical lamina emergent torsional (LET) joints and arrays and angled-from-vertical modified origami tessellations, which utilize membrane joints to accommodate thickness. We present and analyze data for LET arrays of various heights in compression. In addition to being unique in load-bearing conditions, the presented structures are unique in that they are collapsible and deployable and fold from their deployed state to a completely flat state. The viability of using LET arrays as load-supporting joints — both in vertical and horizontal orientations — is also discussed. We present a design for a deployable stool and chair which gain their movement from carefully-placed LET joints and may be manufactured with a CNC mill from a single sheet of plywood. A design for a deployable chair based on an origami tessellation is also presented, which consists of six wooden panels cut on a CNC mill, and has a comparatively small surface area in its flat-folded state and may thus be more easily transported.
Developing Requirements for a Manufacturing Training Platform: A Three-Pronged Approach
Authors: Renu Rahul Sharan , Righter James , Lytch Jada
Published: November 2022

The study reported in this paper is focused on training needs for manufacturing assembly line workers. Specifically, the objective is to investigate desired worker characteristics, upskilling opportunities, and need for a training platform targeted at assembly line workers in South Carolina. The study is performed in three parts: 1) a survey of South Carolina manufacturing professionals, 2) an analysis of manufacturing job ads, and 3) an analysis of publicly available data from O*NET®.

The survey consisted of 27 questions and primarily focused on learning objectives within the cognitive and psychomotor domains of Bloom’s taxonomy. The survey tool was also designed to determine industry perceptions of virtual training for manual assembly operations and perceptions of its potential benefits and limitations. Specific survey questions address the desired complexity of training objectives within the cognitive and psychomotor domains. The results from this survey will later be used provide a framework for customized, targeted training modules for assembly workers.

Job postings for assembly line workers were analyzed using Natural Language Processing techniques. Specifically, postings were analyzed to relate action verbs to the distinct domains of Bloom’s taxonomy of learning objectives. In addition, a frequency analysis of the verbs provided insight into skills that are in demand.

Preliminary survey results were compared to results from the job ads analysis and trends from O*NET® for alignment or discrepancies between announced characteristics and desired skills. This comparison provides insights into training requirements and upskilling opportunities for the manufacturing workforce. Further possibilities include targeted semi-structured interviews to explore knowledge gaps, pursue insights, and refine results.
Bistability Condition for Electrostatically Actuated Initially Curved Micro-Beams in the Presence of Curved Electrodes
Authors: Medina Lior
Published: November 2022

Following increasing interest in electrostatic actuation of curved beams via curved electrodes. A rigorous limit point analysis is carried out to view how the beam reacts as a function of its geometry, as well as that of the electrode. The culmination of the study is in a bistability condition that describes what geometry both beam and electrode must have in order for bistability to be present. The study is based on a single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) reduced order (RO) model of a curved beam, derived from Galerkin’s decomposition. The extraction of a condition is based on the existence of a vanishing discriminant of a cubic equation, which formed a boundary in the parameters space of both beam and electrode geometries. The boundary describes a shift in behaviour, from mono- to bistability. Such a model and subsequent analysis have been used before for the study of curved beams, especially when it is on the verge of bistability, with high degree of fidelity. The condition shows that while actuation voltages will increase or decrease as a function of electrode curvature, as well as operational range, the curvature of an electrode plays a key role in determining the behaviour of the beam. Such results can serve researchers and engineers alike in designing curved beam-electrode configurations for usage in future studies, thus promoting their usage in micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) based applications.