bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional Relationships Between Parenting Processes and Deviance in a Sample of Inner‐City African American Youth
Authors: Harris Charlene , Vazsonyi Alexander T. , Bolland John M.
Published: June 2016

This study assessed bidirectional relationships among supportive parenting (knowledge), negative parenting (permissiveness), and deviance in a sample (N = 5,325) of poor, inner‐city African American youth from the Mobile Youth Survey over 4 years. Cross‐lagged path analysis provided evidence of significant bidirectional paths among parenting processes (knowledge and permissiveness) and deviance over time. Follow‐up multigroup tests provided only modest evidence of dissimilar relationships by sex and by developmental periods. The findings improve our understanding of developmental changes between parenting behaviors and deviance during adolescence and extend current research of the bidirectionality of parent and child relationships among inner‐city African American youth.
Patterns of Adolescent Regulatory Responses During Family Conflict and Mental Health Trajectories
Authors: Koss Kalsea J. , Cummings E. Mark , Davies Patrick T. , Cicchetti Dante
Published: June 2016

Four distinct patterns of adolescents' behavioral, emotional, and physiological responses to family conflict were identified during mother–father–adolescent (M = 13.08 years) interactions. Most youth displayed adaptively regulated patterns comprised of low overt and subjective distress. Under‐controlled adolescents exhibited elevated observable and subjective anger. Over‐controlled adolescents were withdrawn and reported heightened subjective distress. Physiologically reactive adolescents had elevated cortisol coupled with low overt and subjective distress. Regulation patterns were associated with unique mental health trajectories. Under‐controlled adolescents had elevated conduct and peer problems whereas over‐controlled adolescents had higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. Physiologically reactive adolescents had low concurrent, but increasing levels of depressive, anxiety, and peer problem symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of examining organizations of regulatory strategies in contributing to adolescent mental health.
A THIRD‐ORDER UNCONFORMITY WITHIN LOWER ORDOVICIAN CARBONATES IN THE TARIM BASIN, NW CHINA: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Zhiqian Gao , Tailiang Fan , Qunan Ding , Xiaolan Hu
Published: June 2016

This paper presents outcrop, petrographic, geochemical, well log and seismic data which together characterise the third‐order T78 unconformity located between the carbonate‐dominated Lower Ordovician Penglaiba and Yingshan Formations in the Tarim Basin, NW China. Unconformities in Lower Palaeozoic carbonates in this basin are of increasing interest because major reserves of hydrocarbons have recently been discovered at the North Slope field (> 1000 × 106 brls oil and ∼ 3050× 108 m3 gas). The reservoir here consists of karstified Lower Ordovician carbonates bounded by a third‐order unconformity. The T78 unconformity in Tarim Basin represents a short‐term exposure surface (< 1 Ma) controlled both by sea‐level changes and by palaeogeographic location within the basin, and the intensity of karstification varies laterally. The unconformity has had a major influence on porosity development in the underlying Penglaiba Formation carbonates. At two measured outcrop sections at the NW basin margin (Penglaiba and Shuinichang), dissolution porosity was observed in karstified and dolomitised carbonates below the T78 unconformity surface. A seismic profile shows the presence of reflection anomalies below the unconformity which are interpreted as karst‐related palaeo‐caverns. Geochemical data indicate that the T78 unconformity is associated with anomalies in stable isotope ratios and in heavy mineral and trace element profiles. Thus there are negative excursions in δ13C and δ18O ratios within the carbonate rocks immediately below the unconformity surface. Similarly, concentrations of major and trace elements such as Li, K, Ti, Rb, Th, Sr, V and Ni are significantly reduced in the underlying carbonates, while there is an anomalously high content of haematite‐limonite.
Piety, Brotherhood and Power: The Role and Significance of Emotions in Albert of Aachen'sHistoria Ierosolimitana
Authors: Spencer Stephen J.
Published: June 2016

This article explores the role and significance of emotions in theHistoria Ierosolimitanaattributed to Albert of Aachen, long recognised as one of the most detailed and colourful histories of the First Crusade and the early years of Latin settlement in the East. Rather than attempting to reconstruct the crusaders' lived passions, it analyses the comments the author made about emotions and the ways in which emotion terms functioned in his history. It will be argued that emotions interacted with, and helped to communicate, a number of key themes in Albert'sHistoria, three of which are discussed here: crusader piety; Christian brotherhood; and power. At the same time, through a comparison with contemporaneous narratives of the First Crusade, it will be suggested that the emotional content of Albert'sHistoriais not without historical value, for it offers a window onto wider social and cultural conceptions of emotions in the 12th century.
Body Talk: Gestures of Emotion in Late Medieval England
Authors: Murphy Paul
Published: June 2016

The affective turn in medieval studies has produced insightful scholarship into the embodied nature of late medieval religious life. While considerable attention has been paid to emotions, senses and feelings, little dedicated focus has been pinpointed on gestures and how they figure in such phenomenological perspectives. This essay seeks to illuminate some of the means by which bodily motions, particularly those mimicking biblical figures, were perceived to heighten the emotional responsiveness of devout fifteenth‐century Christians. The kinesthetic empathy detailed in the work of Reginald Pecock, Nicholas Love and Margery Kempe underlines the widespread contemporary belief in the transformative power of performance. It highlights the need to consider motion, and particularly gestural imitation, as a primary mode of emotional engagement with Christ and his followers.
Early Signs of End‐Organ Damage in Retinal Arterioles in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Compared to Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Jumar Agnes , Ott Christian , Kistner Iris , Friedrich Stefanie , Michelson Georg , Harazny Joanna M. , Schmieder Roland E.
Published: June 2016

Background

Eutrophic and hypertrophic remodeling are major vascular hallmarks for hypertension and diabetes‐associated microvascular end‐organ damage in peripheral arterioles. The aim of this study is to compare retinal arterioles of diabetic, hypertensive, and healthy individuals.

Methods

Retinal parameters were assessed in 99 patients with T2DM, 158 hypertensive, and 149 healthy individuals. WT and CA of retinal arterioles (80–140 μm) were measured noninvasively and in vivo by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany).

Results

After adjustment for values differing between the groups (age, BMI, gender, HDL cholesterol and serum creatinine, systolic office BP), patients with T2DM showed no significant difference in WT (14.2 ± 3), and CA (4199 ± 1107) in comparison with hypertensive patients (WT = 13.3 ± 4, p = 0.18, CA = 3862 ± 1546, p = 0.10) and healthy individuals (WT = 13.1 ± 3, p = 0.55, CA = 3864 ± 1216, p = 0.86). However, the subgroup of patients with diabetes duration of more than 60 months showed greater WT (14.9 ± 4, p = 0.04) and CA (4557 ± 1137, p = 0.02) than the hypertensive group and greater WT (p = 0.04) and CA (p = 0.03) than the healthy group, which is consistent with hypertrophic remodeling.

Conclusion

In the early stage of T2DM no hypertrophic remodeling was seen in retinal arterioles. However, hypertrophic remodeling was found in diabetic patients with more than 60 months duration of disease.
Dispensable chromosomes in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
Authors: Vlaardingerbroek Ido , Beerens Bas , Schmidt Sarah M. , Cornelissen Ben J. C. , Rep Martijn
Published: June 2016

The genomes of many filamentous fungi consist of a ‘core’ part containing conserved genes essential for normal development as well as conditionally dispensable (CD) or lineage‐specific (LS) chromosomes. In the plant‐pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, one LS chromosome harbours effector genes that contribute to pathogenicity. We employed flow cytometry to select for events of spontaneous (partial) loss of either the two smallest LS chromosomes or two different core chromosomes. We determined the rate of spontaneous loss of the ‘effector’ LS chromosome in vitro at around 1 in 35 000 spores. In addition, a viable strain was obtained lacking chromosome 12, which is considered to be a part of the core genome. We also isolated strains carrying approximately 1‐Mb deletions in the LS chromosomes and in the dispensable core chromosome. The large core chromosome 1 was never observed to sustain deletions over 200 kb. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed that some of the sites at which the deletions occurred were the same in several independent strains obtained for the two chromosomes tested, indicating the existence of deletion hotspots. For the core chromosome, this deletion hotspot was the site of insertion of the marker used to select for loss events. Loss of the core chromosome did not affect pathogenicity, whereas loss of the effector chromosome led to a complete loss of pathogenicity.
Nasopharynx is well‐suited for core temperature measurement during hypothermia therapy
Authors: Hine Kotaro , Hosono Shigeharu , Kawabata Ken , Miyabayashi Hiroshi , Kanno Keichi , Shimizu Masaki , Takahashi Shori
Published: June 2016

Background

Rectal temperature is commonly used as the core temperature during therapeutic hypothermia therapy in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The purpose of this study was to examine whether nasopharyngeal temperature could serve as a substitute for rectal temperature.

Methods

We prospectively investigated 40 neonates with HIE who underwent therapeutic hypothermia by selective head cooling, which involved cooling the body to 34°C for 72 h. During this period, nasopharyngeal temperature was measured and compared with rectal temperature every hour.

Results

For 40 neonates included in this study, the mean rectal and nasopharyngeal temperatures were 34.3 ± 0.4°C (n = 2920) and 34.3 ± 0.4°C (n = 2920), respectively. Nasopharyngeal temperature strongly correlated with rectal temperature (R2 = 0.623, P < 0.0001) and magnitude of the mean difference between nasopharyngeal and rectal temperature varied little during the 72 h of therapeutic hypothermia.

Conclusions

Nasopharyngeal temperature in neonates with perinatal HIE undergoing therapeutic hypothermia may be a suitable substitute for rectal temperature.
Incidence and risk factors of bacterial infections in children following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Single‐center experience from Jordan
Authors: Hussein Ayad Ahmed , Al‐Antary Eman T. , Najjar Rula , Al‐Zaben Abdulhadi , Frangoul Haydar
Published: June 2016

Bacterial infection is a serious sequela following AHSCT; however, limited data are available regarding pediatric recipients, especially in developing countries. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence and risk factors of bacterial infections during the first 100 days after AHSCT in children at KHCC in Amman, Jordan between January, 2005 and September, 2013. A total of 65 patients were identified, with median age of four yr (1–17). Forty‐seven patients (72.3%) had solid tumors and 18 (27.7%) had lymphoma. Bacterial infections were documented in 33 patients (50%), with a total of 63 episodes. Gram‐negative infection (57.1%) was more prevalent than Gram‐positive infection (38%). The risk of bacterial infections was higher among patients less than five yr of age (p = 0.028) and those who developed hypogammaglobulinemia requiring IVIG replacement (p = 0.001). Patients with solid tumors developed more bacterial infections compared to patients with lymphoma (p = 0.0057). No deaths were attributed to bacterial infection. Bacterial infection rate is high among recipients of AHSCT in Jordan with Gram‐negative bacteria being the most common.
On the Difference Between Risk as Seen From the Perspectives of the Analysts and Management
Authors: Aven Terje
Published: June 2016

In its general form, risk is quantitatively described by analysts by identifying a set of consequences C of an activity and using a measure Q to express the uncertainties related to these consequences. This risk description (C,Q) is based on a background knowledge K, including assumptions on which the (C,Q) assessment was found. The purpose of the present paper is to draw attention to the fact that risk from the perspective of the decision-maker necessarily needs to see beyond (C,Q); judgments of the background knowledge K of the analysts are an integral part of the management’s and the decision-maker’s risk description and evaluation. Thus, this risk description of the analyst is (C,Q|K), whereas the management and the decision-maker need to reflect on the unconditional description (C,Q,K), seeing K as containing potential risk sources. Ways of characterizing this risk are presented and discussed. An example from the oil and gas industry is used to illustrate the discussions and show the importance for the practice of risk assessment and management.
The D3 Methodology: Bridging Science and Design for Bio-Based Product Development
Authors: Egan Paul , Cagan Jonathan , Schunn Christian , Chiu Felix , Moore Jeffrey , LeDuc Philip
Published: June 2016

New opportunities in design surface with scientific advances: however, the rapid pace of scientific discoveries combined with the complexity of technical barriers often impedes new product development. Bio-based technologies, for instance, typically require decisions across complex multiscale system organizations that are difficult for humans to understand and formalize computationally. This paper addresses such challenges in science and design by weaving phases of empirical discovery, analytical description, and technological development in an integrative “D3 Methodology.” The phases are bridged with human-guided computational processes suitable for human-in-the-loop design approaches. Optimization of biolibraries, which are sets of standardized biological parts for adaptation into new products, is used as a characteristic design problem for demonstrating the methodology. Results from this test case suggest that biolibraries with synthetic biological components can promote the development of high-performance bio-based products. These new products motivate further scientific studies to characterize designed synthetic biological components, thus illustrating reciprocity among science and design. Successes in implementing each phase suggest the D3 Methodology is a feasible route for bio-based research and development and for driving the scientific inquiries of today toward the novel technologies of tomorrow.
A Novel Method to Solve a Class of Distributed Optimal Control Problems Using Bezier Curves
Authors: Darehmiraki Majid , Farahi Mohammad Hadi , Effati Sohrab
Published: June 2016

In this paper, two approaches are used to solve a class of the distributed optimal control problems defined on rectangular domains. In the first approach, a meshless method for solving the distributed optimal control problems is proposed; this method is based on separable representation of state and control functions. The approximation process is done in two fundamental stages. First, the partial differential equation (PDE) constraint is transformed to an algebraic system by weighted residual method, and then, Bezier curves are used to approximate the action of control and state. In the second approach, the Bernstein polynomials together with Galerkin method are utilized to solve partial differential equation coupled system, which is a necessary and sufficient condition for the main problem. The proposed techniques are easy to implement, efficient, and yield accurate results. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the flexibility and efficiency of the proposed method.
Stochastic Modeling on the Emotional Contagion
Authors: Tan Taide , Liu Zhao
Published: June 2016

The effects of emotional contagion between leader and followers have been proven of great importance, especially on the outcomes and the working efficiency. The mechanisms of the multi level emotional infections have been analyzed. The stochastic modeling methods on emotional contagion have been reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages have been compared between these methods. A novel stochastic model based on cellular automaton (CA) has been presented. The initial results have been shown and the simulation demonstrated the CA model is one of the ideal tools for the estimation of emotional contagion and to evaluate the influence of positive and negative emotions from the leader group.
A Cellular Automaton Model and its Application on Emotional Infections
Authors: Liu Zhao , Zhang Huan , Tan Taide , Qin Changxiong , Fan Jing
Published: June 2016

Emotional contagion has been a focus problem in the current fields of psychology and organizational behavior. Based on the theoretical analysis of the emotional contagion mechanisms and probabilistic theory, a cellular automaton (CA) model has been proposed to simulate the process of emotional contagion. And with the help of this CA model, we study the gross features of employees’ positive emotions in the evolution of emotional contagion and explore the effects of employees’ ability to transport emotion susceptibility and intimacy on the reaction process. The results indicate that employees’ ability to transport positive emotion susceptibility and intimacy are positive related to the emotional contagion between employees.
Durability Studies of Hybrid Composite of E-Glass/Carbon Fibers in Different Solvents for Bridge Deck Panel Application
Authors: Owuor Peter , Tcherbi-Narteh Alfred , Hosur Mahesh , Jeelani Shaik
Published: June 2016

Objective An experimental study was carried out to investigate the solvent uptake in E-glass/Carbon Fiber composites with two types of epoxy systems: SC-15 and 635 epoxy resins in water, saltwater and antifreeze. These resins were infused into carbon, E glass and a hybrid of carbon and E-glass fabrics. Unconditioned samples with 635 epoxy resin system showed better flexural properties in case of both carbon fiber and hybrid composites but poor response when used as a matrix for E-glass fibers compared to SC-15 epoxy resin. Flexural properties for conditioned samples were determined after an immersion period of 8 weeks at room temperature and results showed that the 635 epoxy resin has a poor retention of flexural properties compared to SC-15 epoxy resin with highest degradation recorded for samples fabricated using E-glass fabrics. Moisture absorption curves did not follow the Fick’s law of diffusion except for first week of immersion. Lowest solvent uptake was recorded in antifreeze while highest was recorded in saltwater. Low operation temperature was exhibited by 635 epoxy resin with lower values of glass transition temperature compared to SC-15 epoxy resin. Storage modulus and glass transition temperatures determined from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that composites with 635 epoxy resin system had better storage modulus while those with SC-15 had higher glass transition temperatures. Highest degradation in storage modulus was seen in E-glass-635 epoxy samples when conditioned with salt water while the maximum reduction in the glass transition temperature was seen for E-glass-635 epoxy samples conditioned with water.
Impact Response of an Adhesively Bonded Lap Joint
Authors: Chiu Jack , Delale Feridun , Elvin Niell
Published: June 2016

Failure of adhesively bonded joints is often dictated by the stresses developed within the adhesive layer, which are difficult to measure experimentally. While solutions, including closed-form solutions, exist for static cases, even numerical solutions are not easily obtainable for dynamic cases where the bonded layers are dissimilar in material and/or geometry. In this paper, we present a method to determine the dynamic stresses in the adhesive and adherends of adhesively bonded lap joints subjected to arbitrary dynamic end loads. In the formulation the adherends are treated as orthotropic plates while the adhesive layer is approximated as a tension-shear spring. The equations of motion result in a complex system of fourteen (14) partial differential equations in time and space. The equations are solved numerically using the Finite Difference Method (FDM). First, special cases where known solutions exist are solved to verify both the formulation and the numerical approach. Next, the problem of a lap joint subject to a remote, transmitted impact is considered and results are obtained. The planar distribution of stresses within the adhesive layer shows areas of dynamic stress concentration which may act as crack nucleation sites.
Interfacial Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Composites
Authors: Sugahara Toshi , Ma Yan , Mathurosemontri Suchalinee , Hamada Hiroyuki , Yang Yuqiu
Published: June 2016

Carbon fiber composites are getting more and more widely used in aeronautics and astronautics, vessels, blades of wind turbine generators and so on. In this study, carbon fabric as reinforcement and thermoplastic and thermosetting resin as matrix were used to manufacture carbon fiber prepreg to mold the unidirectional carbon fiber sheet composite (Carbon/PA6 and Carbon/Epoxy). Specially, the multi-tensile tests of 90 degree carbon fiber sheet composite specimens with 150 mm gage length were carried out. After the 1st trial, the longer part of the fracture specimen was chosen as the experimental specimen of 2nd trial tensile test. Similarly, the 3rd trial was investigated. The mechanical properties of 90 specimens including tensile strength, elastic modulus and ultimate stain of polished specimens were investigated in the primary research. Then, the effect of trial on the mechanical properties, the comparison of failure probability distribution of ultimate strain of trials, the relation between gage length and tensile strength, tensile strength and ultimate strain were discussed according to the multi-tensile test result of each specimen. Additionally, the interfacial properties were discussed based on the SEM observation on the fracture surface.
Liquid Metal Printing for Manufacturing Large-Scale Flexible Electronic Circuits
Authors: Zheng Yi , He Zhi-Zhu , Yang Jun , Liu Jing
Published: June 2016

The advancement of printed electronics technology has significantly facilitated the development of electronic engineering. However, so far there still remain big barriers to impede the currently available printing technologies from being extensively used. Many of the difficulties came from the factors like: complicated ink-configurations, high post-treatment temperature, poor conductivity in room temperature and extremely high cost and time consuming fabrication process. From an alternative strategy, our recently invented desktop liquid metal printer offered a flexible way to better address the above deficiencies. Through modifying the system developed in the authors’ lab, here we demonstrated the feasibility of the method in quickly and reliably printing out various large area electronic circuits. Particularly, the liquid metal ink made of GaIn24.5 alloy, with a high electrical resistivity of 2.98×10−7 Ω·m, can be rapidly printed on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate with maximum sizes spanning from centimeter size to meter large. Most important of all, all these manufactures were achieved at an extremely low cost level which clearly shows the ubiquitous value of the liquid metal printer. To evaluate the working performance of the present electronics fabrication method, the electrical resistance and wire width of the printed circuits were investigated under multiple overprinting cycles. For practical illustration purpose, LED lighting conductive patterns which can serve as a functional electronic decoration art were fabricated on the flexible plastic substrate. The present work sets up an example for directly making large-scale ending consumer electronics via a high-efficiency and low-cost way.
Mechanical Properties of the Multilayer Laminated Intra-Hybrid Woven Fabric Composites
Authors: Ichikawa Daiki , Kitamura Masayuki , Yang Yuqiu , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2016

Generally hybrid composite material is with two or more reinforcements or matrixes. They are referred as hybrid matrix and fiber hybrid. Further it is also included hybrid interface using different materials state of the interface. Therefore high functionality which compensates the disadvantages of each other by a hybrid can be expected. At current study, additionally, various strengthening forms were obtained and spread to textile material with hybrid(s). For example, techniques used in the weft and warp fibers/yarns might be different in making a fabric. It will be referred to as intra-layer hybrid fabric. It means in making fabric. It means that different physical properties due to the loading direction in one layer, the mechanical properties unique variety can be expected.

In this study, carbon/glass intra-hybrid woven fabric was used to fabricate fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite through hand lay-up method. Then, the investigation on the mechanical property and fracture behaviour was carried out. Tensile test combined with acoustic emission (AE) measurement was conducted in this research. Knee point stress was the main factor of initial damage which discussed with AE characteristics during mechanical test. Due to the difference of energy release from fracture between glass fiber and matrix, the fracture characteristics of composite could be monitored during the test through AE facility. Relation between bundle and cracks inside the materials was examined through optical microscope. Scanning electron microscope observation was also carried out to examine the fracture of materials after testing.
Process Simulation Role in the Development of New Alloys Based on an Integrated Computational Materials Engineering Approach
Authors: Sabau Adrian S. , Porter Wallace D. , Roy Shibayan , Shyam Amit
Published: June 2016

To accelerate the introduction of new materials and components, the development of metal casting processes requires the teaming between different disciplines, as multi-physical phenomena have to be considered simultaneously for the process design and optimization for mechanical properties. The required models for physical phenomena as well as their validation status for metal casting are reviewed. The data on materials properties, model validation, and relevant microstructure for materials properties are highlighted. One vehicle to accelerate the development of new materials is through combined experimental-computational efforts. Integrated computational/experimental practices are reviewed; strengths and weaknesses are identified with respect to metal casting processes. Specifically, the examples are given for the knowledge base established at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and computer models for predicting casting defects and microstructure distribution in aluminum alloy components.
Flexural Behavior of Fiberglass Polymer Composite With and Without TEOS Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Shinde Dattaji K. , White Fatima T. , Kelkar Ajit D.
Published: June 2016

High specific modulus and strength are one of the most desired properties of the materials for structural applications with applications in automotive, defense, aerospace etc. The major cause of failures in composite laminates is due to delaminations. These delaminations in composite laminates can occur due to various loadings such as, low velocity impact, fatigue etc. Conventional methods have like through the thickness stitching or Z-Pinning have limitations for improving flexural and interlaminar properties in woven composites, as while improving interlaminar properties, the in plane properties are affected. Non-woven Tetra Ethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS) electrospun nanofibers (ENFs) applied at interfacial regions offer an alternative option to traditional treatments to improve the flexural properties.

This study investigates the flexural behavior of fiberglass composite interleaved with TEOS ENFs. The chemically engineered TEOS ENFs were manufactured using electrospinning technique and then sintered. The glass fiber composites with and without interleaving of non-woven TEO ENFs mats were manufactured using a heated vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (H-VARTM). The flexural strength and modulus of nanomodified composite are increased by 14% and 8% respectively; and the strain energy absorption has significantly increased up to 93% with 2% wt. of TEOS ENFs that shows significant improvement in impact resistance.
On a Generalized Approach for Design of Compliant Mechanisms Using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model Concept
Authors: Bapat Sushrut G. , Midha Ashok , Koli Ashish B.
Published: June 2016

This paper provides a generalized approach for the design of compliant mechanisms. The paper discusses the implicit uncoupling, between the kinematic and energy/torque equations, enabled by the pseudo-rigid-body model concept, and utilizes it for designing a variety of compliant mechanism types for a wide-range of user specifications. Pseudo-rigid-body four-bar mechanisms, with one to four torsional springs located at the revolute joints, are considered to demonstrate the design methodology. Mechanisms are designed for conventional tasks, such as function, path and motion generation, and path generation with prescribed timing, with energy/torque specified at the precision-positions. State-of-the-art rigid-body synthesis techniques are applied to the pseudo-rigid-body model to satisfy the kinematic requirements. Energy/torque equations are then used to account for the necessary compliance according to the user specifications. The approach utilizes a conventional, simple yet efficient optimization formulation to solve energy/torque equations that allow a designer to i) achieve realistic solutions, ii) specify appropriate energy/torque values, and iii) reduce the sensitivities associated with the ‘synthesis with compliance’ approach. A variety of examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the approach. All of the examples are verified with the finite element software ANSYS®.
Characteristic Deflection Domain for Various Compliant Segment Types, and its Importance in Compliant Mechanism Synthesis and Analysis
Authors: Midha Ashok , Bapat Sushrut G.
Published: June 2016

Compliant mechanism design inherently requires certain specified displacement boundary conditions to be satisfied. Obtaining realistic solutions for such problem types often becomes a challenge as the number of displacement boundary condition specifications increases. Typically, related failures are attributed to the numerical nature of the solution process. Little attention has been given to the fundamental understanding of the deformation behavior of flexible continuum with respect to its limits of mobility or reach. This paper strives to provide an insight into this aspect of compliant mechanism design. To assist a designer with the specification of realistic and achievable requirements, the concept of characteristic deflection domain has been proposed in the past. This paper systematically develops the characteristic deflection domain for a variety of compliant segment types. The pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) representation is utilized for determining the lower and upper boundaries of the deflection domain. The paper further investigates the mobility characteristics of compliant mechanisms comprised of multiple segment types. Case studies are presented that help exemplify the use of the characteristic deflection domain plots. The results suggest that the number, type, and orientation of the compliant segments have a significant effect on the mobility of compliant mechanisms. Thus, care must be exercised by the designer when specifying free-choices/boundary conditions in compliant mechanisms synthesis and analysis.
Development of an Integrated Process for Eggshell Valorization
Authors: Ribeiro A. , Vilarinho C. , Araújo J. , Carvalho J.
Published: June 2016

The current global trend towards more stringent environmental standards, technical applicability and cost-effectiveness, became key factors in the selection of adsorbents. After demonstrating the performance of eggshell-derived adsorbent under a range of lab operating conditions, this work focused the adsorption efficiency of calcined eggshell powder (CEP), in the treatment of wastewaters from different industrial units. In order to do it, the removal of organic material, expressed as chemically oxygen demand (COD), was monitored in leachate wastewaters from sanitary landfill (LLWW) and in municipal residual wastewaters (MWW). Furthermore, the efficiency of alkaline metals removal, specifically from effluents of industrial unites from superficial treatments, was also assessed. A detailed study of the eggshell characteristics, before and after the adsorption process, was carried out, aiming at investigate the adsorption mechanism underlying the removal of different pollutants. Results demonstrate that adsorption of organic material and metals in the CEP, go around 84% of organic material removal in MWW and 81% in LLWW. Finally, a removal of 95% of aluminium (Al) from MWW, deriving from anodizing industrial plant, and a removal of 88% copper (Cu), 95% chromium (Cr) and 30% nickel (Ni) from effluents of superficial treatments produced in Ni/Cr plating plants, were also determined This suggests that CEP adsorbent is appropriated to wastewaters treatment with high contents of organic matter and heavy metals, from different aqueous systems or different industries. The application of this adsorbent in this methodology showed good cost-benefits ratio, proving that it can be an effective alternative to activated carbon. However, aiming the progress and sustainability of the whole eggshell valorisation, we are further optimizing, testing and developing new techniques and products to recover the organic fraction of the eggshell through the reclamation of several bioactive peptides derived from hydrolysis of different proteins that constitute these residues. These products are intended to be introduced in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical markets.
Interlaminar Tensile Strength of CFRP Composites Reinforced With Interleaved Carbon Nanotube Sheets
Authors: Levy-Wendt Benjamin L. , Bever Alaina M. , Wright Nicholaus C. , Venable Timothy J. , Dally John P. , Shih Frank J.
Published: June 2016

Unidirectional carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with interleaved carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets were manufactured using a heated press. The effect of CNT sheets on the interlaminar tensile strength (ILTS) of composite laminates was measured using curved beam bending tests. Two sets of [0]24 T800S/3900-2B specimen were prepared using carbon fiber prepregs and non-woven CNT sheets, with specimen thickness and radial geometries conforming to ASTM D6415. Epoxy resin loaded CNT sheets were inserted in the mid-radius region of curved beam specimens during the lay-up process. The measured interlaminar tensile strengths (ILTS) were compared between the CNT-enhanced and baseline CFRP specimens. Specimen fracture surfaces were examined with optical microscopy to determine the mode of failure and to confirm that fracture occurred at the location with the highest radial stresses. CNT sheet enhancements have shown to improve ILTS by 42%, with all failures initiating at the CNT interlayer and the polymer matrix interface.
Testing and Analysis of Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems Using the Euro NCAP Vehicle Target
Authors: Schwall Matthew L. , Neal John D. , Retallack Charles J. , Larson Robert E. , Fowler Graeme F.
Published: June 2016

Passenger cars are increasingly available equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). AEB systems detect likely forward collisions and apply the vehicle’s brakes if the driver fails to do so, reducing vehicle speed in order to mitigate or potentially avoid a collision. The performance of these systems is experimentally evaluated in tests including those specified by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) and by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In both of these testing programs the subject vehicle is driven towards a Euro NCAP Vehicle Target, an inflatable device designed to have visual and radar reflective characteristics similar to the rear of a compact car.

The results reported by Euro NCAP and the IIHS have revealed significant differences in the AEB test results achieved by various AEB-equipped vehicles. Such differences exist even between vehicles with similar sensing technologies, suggesting that the source of such disparities may be differences in sensor data processing methods or differences in collision mitigation and avoidance strategies. This paper details the performance of AEB as well as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems when tested with the Euro NCAP Vehicle Target. These results are analyzed, exploring the differences in the performance of these systems under the test conditions and discussing possible reasons for the observed disparities.
Viscoelastic Evaluation of Soft Materials at Subsonic Level by Ball Impact Test
Authors: Igarashi Katsuya , Torii Naoki , Sakuma Atsushi
Published: June 2016

Mechanical evaluation of soft material is required in the precise design fields of machines concerning car accident, airplane bird strike, and so on because the inaccuracy of mechanical design causes economic loss. In the design field of crash problems on the soft material, precise analysis of the material at subsonic level is required for practical realization of accurate numerical simulation. Then a shock impact test method for the material at the subsonic level using an airsoft gun is developed to identify the mechanical behavior of the soft material. In the impact test, the viscoelastic characteristics of specimens are evaluated by analyzing the stress response using the extended Hertzian contact theory and wave equation at the moment when a simple ball bullet is shot at the specimen using the airsoft gun. An obvious relationship between quasi-static and impact responses of the specimen is observed subjectively in the experimental results of the test. The deformation resistance modules of impact test method for the specimens at the subsonic level are higher than that of quasi-static examination in all materials. The evaluated viscoelastic relationship is applied to crash simulations of soft material by using the fundamental viscoelastic constitutive equation and the material parameters derived from the impact test, and the simulation is computed using the identified parameters. In the simulated results of impact test using the viscoelastic model applied material behavior of soft material, the deformation behavior of the soft materials can be evaluated for the applicable form to numerical simulation.
The Antecedents of Client Satisfaction in Product Design Consulting
Authors: Palm William J.
Published: June 2016

Product design consulting has been promoted as an open innovation strategy but project outcomes vary widely and the causes of this variation are not well understood. Because client satisfaction is both a holistic, overarching measure of consulting project success and an under-studied one, this paper derives a model explaining it in terms of project performance and value, working relationship quality, and the client’s experience with design consulting and reason for outsourcing the project. The model is tested using quantitative survey data from 97 consulting projects, and explains 73% of the observed variation in client satisfaction. The results confirm predictions from customer satisfaction theory but challenge conventional wisdom about outsourced innovation. Although design consultancies have been widely portrayed as “creativity experts,” clients outsourcing to obtain an original perspective had lower satisfaction than those outsourcing for other reasons. The consultancies were much more effective at rapid innovation, developing familiar products far more quickly than bureaucratic organizations and inexperienced start-ups can.
Development and Characterization of PLA-Based Bio Composites
Authors: Anwer Muhammad A. S. , Naguib Hani E. , Celzard Alain , Fierro Vanessa
Published: June 2016

Polymers make up an important component of the manufacturing industry. Their density and mechanical properties makes them desirable for many applications. Currently much polymer produced is from non-renewable sources which adds to waste after disposal. PLA is a bio-based polymer shown to be promising in many studies but its inherent brittleness prevents wide scale application of the polymer. One readily feasible alternative is to reinforce PLA with fillers as a means to improve mechanical properties. Two types of PLA based bio-composites were considered: PLA-Lignin & PLA-Tannin composites. PLA was the matrix in these composites with the fillers either being Lignin or Tannin. Composites containing 5, 10, and 15 wt % of the fillers were studied. The composites were fabricated by means of melt blending in a twin screw compounder followed by injection molding. SEM morphological, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical evaluations of the composites were performed. Tan delta values of both Lignin and Tannin based PLA composites increased with increasing addition of fillers with the exception of PLA with 5 wt% Tannin. Lignin appears to have a plasticizing effect on the initial tensile stiffness while tannin appears to have a stiffening effect on the initial tensile stiffness. Glass transition temperatures of all composites do not seem to change significantly from that of pure PLA.
Biodegradable Magnesium Implant: In Vivo and In Vitro Convergence
Authors: Yun Yeoheung , Jang Yongseok , Wang Juan , Dong Zhongyun , Shanov Vesselin , Sankar Jagannathan , Koo Youngmi , White Leon , Collins Boyce
Published: June 2016

In recent years, magnesium alloys have emerged as possible biodegradable implant material. A fundamental understanding of the nature of magnesium corrosion and the ability to control this process in vivo is critical to advancing the case for clinical use of magnesium based biomaterials. The biodegradation of magnesium is fundamentally linked to studies of its corrosion, which is dependent on the interfacing dynamics between the material and its environment. Thus, it is required to confirm what variable differentiate the corrosion behavior between in vitro and in vivo before optimizing and standardizing of in vitro test. This study was conducted to understand the biodegradation behavior of commercial AZ31 and Mg-Zn-Ca alloys with plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) under various biological environments using in vivo and in vitro testing methods mimicking in vivo physiological environment. This study is focused on the effect of Zn element concentration and PEO coating for magnesium alloys, and the correlation between the in vivo and in vitro in terms of corrosion rate, types of corrosion and corrosion product formation.
Tribo Mechanical Properties of CoCr and NiWCrB Hardfacing Superalloy Coating Systems
Authors: Azzi M. , Vernhes L. , Bousser E. , Klemberg-Sapieha J. E.
Published: June 2016

Wear of materials is a serious problem facing industry especially in mechanical applications where moving parts are continuously subjected to friction. Hard coatings prepared by a variety of processes are nowadays considered as effective solutions to protect components against wear. Examples of such processes are: thermal spray coating, vacuum-based coating and hardfacing. In this paper, we study the mechanical, tribological and corrosion properties of two hard coating systems: CoCr Stellite 6 (ST6) hardfacing on 316 stainless steel and NiWCrB Colmonoy 88 (C88) thermal spray coating on Inconel 718. The effect of gas nitriding on the microstructure and wear performance of these coating systems is investigated. X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for microstructural analysis. Micro-indentation technique was utilized to measure the surface and cross-sectional hardness of the coatings. Rockwell indentation technique was used to evaluate coating adhesion in accordance with CEN/TS 1071-8. Pin-on-disk tests were conducted to assess the tribological performance of the coatings. Microstructural analysis showed that ST6 has a cobalt matrix in the form of dendrites reinforced with metal carbide particles whereas C88 has a Nickel matrix reinforced mainly with metal boride particles. ST6 and C88 improved significantly the wear resistance of their corresponding substrates. This is mainly due to good adhesion and high hardness of the coatings; HR15N values of ST6 and C88 were almost 85 as compared to 61 and 80 for 316 and INC substrates, respectively. ST6 was found to improve significantly the corrosion resistance of 316 whereas C88 decreased the corrosion performance of INC. Moreover, nitriding treatment was found to improve significantly the wear resistance of 316 and INC, however, in the case of ST6, nitriding was beneficial in terms of wear resistance only at relatively low load.
Evaluating the Potential for Flashing Discharge From Small Engine Fuel Tanks
Authors: Hetrick Todd M. , Smyth Suzanne A. , Ogle Russell A. , Ramirez Juan C.
Published: June 2016

This paper explores an infrequently encountered hazard associated with liquid fuel tanks on gasoline-powered equipment using non-vented fuel caps. Depending on the location of fuel reserve tanks, waste heat from the engine or other vehicle systems can warm the fuel during operation. In the event that the fuel cap is not vented and if the fuel is sufficiently heated, the liquid fuel may become superheated and pose a splash hazard if the fuel cap is suddenly removed. Accident reports often describe the ejection of liquid from the fuel tank opening as a geyser. This geyser is a transient, two-phase flow, vertical jet of flashing liquid. This could create a fire hazard as the geyser could result in splashing flammable liquid onto any bystanders.

Many fuel tank systems are vented to ambient through the fuel tank cap and, in addition, may incorporate other features that contribute to pressure relief. Venting of the pressurized vapor inhibits the vapor-liquid mixture in the fuel tank from achieving thermodynamic equilibrium, thus preventing the formation of a superheated liquid. It has been empirically determined that flashing two-phase flow can be prevented by keeping the fuel tank pressure below 1.5 psig. However, if the cap is not vented or vents at a lesser rate than the rate of liquid vaporization, pressure in the tank can rise and the flammable liquid can become superheated.

This phenomenon is explored here to facilitate a better understanding of how the hazard is created. The nature of the hazard is explained using thermodynamic concepts. The differences in behavior between a closed system and an open system are discussed and then illustrated through experimental results obtained from two sources: experiments with externally heated fuel containers and operation of a gasoline-powered riding lawn mower. The role of the vented fuel cap in preventing the geyser phenomenon is demonstrated.
In-Situ AFM Corrosion Study of Ti and Mg Thin Films
Authors: Fialkova Svitlana , Kotoka Ruben , Yarmolenko Sergey , Sankar Jagannathan
Published: June 2016

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is powerful technique to study surface properties and processes in the μm- and nm-range. In-situ liquid AFM measurements were conducted to evaluate the surface degradation of two biocompatible metals: Ti as the most bio-inert (bio-stable) and Mg as the promising biodegradable metal. The pure Mg and Ti thin films were deposited using DC magnetron sputtering on glass substrates. The corrosion resistances of the samples were evaluated in in pure water and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The results showed exponential decay of film thickness in water.