bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of a Compliant Industrial Gripper Driven by a Bistable Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
Authors: Scholtes Dominik , Seelecke Stefan , Rizzello Gianluca , Motzki Paul 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Within industrial manufacturing most processing steps are accompanied by transporting and positioning of workpieces. The active interfaces between handling system and workpiece are industrial grippers, which often are driven by pneumatics, especially in small scale areas. On the way to higher energy efficiency and digital factories, companies are looking for new actuation technologies with more sensor integration and better efficiencies.
Commonly used actuators like solenoids and electric engines are in many cases too heavy and large for direct integration into the gripping system. Due to their high energy density shape memory alloys (SMA) are suited to overcome those drawbacks of conventional actuators. Additionally, they feature self-sensing abilities that lead to sensor-less monitoring and control of the actuation system. Another drawback of conventional grippers is their design, which is based on moving parts with linear guides and bearings. These parts are prone to wear, especially in abrasive environments. This can be overcome by a compliant gripper design that is based on flexure hinges and thus dispenses with joints, bearings and guides.
In the presented work, the development process of a functional prototype for a compliant gripper driven by a bistable SMA actuation unit for industrial applications is outlined. The focus lies on the development of the SMA actuator, while the first design approach for the compliant gripper mechanism with solid state joints is proposed. The result is a working gripper-prototype which is mainly made of 3D-printed parts. First results of validation experiments are discussed.
Study on Mechanical-Electric Characteristics of a Cantilever Beam of a Composite PZT Patch
Authors: Xue Xiaomin , Zhou Jiangwu , Sun Qing , Luo Dong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Piezoelectric transduction has received great attention for vibration-to-electric energy conversion in the last ten years. A typical PZT harvester is a cantilever subject due to its easy implementation. It has been investigated in regard to its harvesting capacity under various conditions. However, its electro-mechanical properties hasn’t gotten involved enough, which is in fact crucial for comprehending the intrinsic properties. Given that, this paper set out to explore the electro-mechanical characteristics of a cantilever beam from a laminated PZT patch by means of experiment and modeling studies. In the test, the PZT cantilever is magnetize by a tip mass, then connected into a circuit with a resistor and vibrated by an exciter. Through tuning excitation frequency, mass weight and resistances load, an optimal settings are summarized for obtaining more harvested energy in the system. Besides, the electro-mechanical behavior is investigated that demonstrates nonlinear hysteretic. On the basis, electromechanical model is presented to accurately mimic the aforementioned nonlinear behavior of the PZT harvester. The presented study has revealed that a proper choice of harvesting system with an accurate model can further exploit energy potentiality in piezoelectric material so as to apply its energy harvesting capability into much more extensive engineering fields.
Investigations Regarding Repeatability of Small Strokes of Electrically Activated SMA Wires
Authors: Theren Benedict , Glaser Thomas , Weirich Antonia , Kuhlenkötter Bernd 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This work makes a contribution regearding research of the generation of small strokes of electrically activated shape memory actuator wires. Binary Ni50Ti50 wires of 100 mm length and diameter of 0.3mm are investigated. Within the scope of this work, a test rig has been designed and built to carry out the performed experiments. One side of the wire was fixed while the other side worked against a spring. The spring force provided the resetting of the wire. The spring constant was chosen low to avoid a strong influence of the spring deflection on the force.
The activation of the shape memory effect of the wires on this test rig was executed electrically by resistance heating and the adjustment of the mechanical load has been solved by pretensioning the spring. Four series of tests have been carried out to determine the feasibility and operational reliability of small stroke ranges. The focus here is on whether such strokes can be generated at all by means of electrical activation and on the other hand, how precisely these strokes can be achieved repeatably.
Mechanisms of Stiffening in Polymer-Filled Honeycomb Composites
Authors: Squibb Carson , Philen Michael 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Honeycomb composites are common materials in applications where a high specific stiffness is required. Previous research has found that honeycombs with polymer infills in their cells exhibit effective stiffnesses greater than the honeycomb or polymer alone. Currently, the state of analytic models for predicting the effective properties of these honeycomb polymer composites is limited, thus further research is needed to better characterize the behavior of these materials. In this work, a nonlinear finite element analysis was employed to perform parametric studies of a filled honeycomb unit cell with isotropic wall and infill materials. A pinned rigid wall model was created as an upper bound on the deformable wall model’s performance, and an empty honeycomb model was employed to better understand the mechanisms of stiffness amplification. Mechanisms by which the stiffness amplification occurs is studied through parametric studies, and the results are compared to current analytic models. It has been observed that both the volume change within the honeycomb cell under deformation, and the mismatch in Poisson’s ratios between the honeycomb and infill influence the effective properties. Stiffness amplifications of over 4,000 have been observed, with auxetic behavior achieved by tailoring of the HPC geometry. This research provides an important step toward understanding the design space and benefits of honeycomb polymer composites, and demonstrates the possibilities for variable stiffness structures when considering smart material infill materials.
Environmentally Friendly Bio-Inspired Turtle Robot
Authors: Domazetovska Simona , Ivanoski Kristijan , Josifovska Stefani , Slavkovski Viktor , Jovanova Jovana 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Inspired by the movement of a turtle in nature, a low-budget turtle-like robot was designed and developed to operate on natural terrain. Applying affordable additive manufacturing (3D printing) leads into creating unique 3-D structure with potential of flexibility, multi-functionality and multi-movement. By implementing solar panels, the energy from the sun is used, which makes the robot self-sustainable. The robot is controlled remotely with an android application designed for the need of this work.
The bio-inspired robot can play an interesting role in real-life applications, such as monitoring in hardly accessible terrain, video and data collection for environmental friendly application, animals’ observation and others. The main application of the robot is for animal observation in the zoo, so it will often need to move across not even landscape in order to allow surveillance of that area. By implementing smart materials, the movement of the turtle can be improved.
This paper presents the design concepts and functionality, together with CAD model of the robot, the prototyping (hardware, control and application design) and the results from the measurements.
Band Gap Formation in Metamaterial Beam With Torsional Local Resonators for Vibration Suppression
Authors: Jian Yupei , Hu Guobiao , Tang Lihua , Aw Kean C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Locally resonant metamaterials have attracted lots of research interests for the application of vibration suppression which is a fundamental problem but remains a big challenge in the engineering field. The transverse wave propagation in a beam is through the transmission of the shear force and bending moment. Most designs of metamaterials in the existing literature exploit translational local resonators to induce reaction force to prevent the transmission of the shear force, hence the wave propagation. This paper studies a metamaterial beam attached with torsional local resonators. The reaction moments generated by the torsional resonators are expected to neutralize the bending moment in the beam, thus preventing the wave propagation. The existence of torsional resonators leads to the moment discontinuity conditions which cannot be directly taken into account using the Euler beam theory. Based on the Timoshenko beam theory, the band structure analysis is developed through a modal analysis based on the infinite periodic local resonator structure. The numerical results reveal that the locally resonant frequency corresponds to the upper bound of the band gap. Both infinitely long and finitely long beams are also modeled using finite element method. The transmittance is calculated to verify the band structure analysis.
Design of a Smart Morphing Wing Using Integrated and Distributed Trailing Edge Camber Morphing
Authors: Mkhoyan Tigran , Thakrar Nisarg Rashmin , De Breuker Roeland , Sodja Jurij 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this study, the design and development of an autonomous morphing wing concept were investigated. This morphing wing was developed in the scope of, the Smart-X project, aiming to demonstrate in-flight performance optimisation. This study proposed a novel distributed morphing concept, with six Translation Induced Camber (TRIC) morphing trailing edge modules, inter-connected triangular skin segments joined by an elastomer material to allow seamless variation of local lift distribution along the wingspan. An FSI structural optimisation tool was developed, to achieve this optimised design, and to produce an optimal laminate design of fibre Glass weave material, capable of reaching target shapes and minimise actuation loads. Analysis of the kinematic model of the embedded actuator was performed, and a conventional actuator design was selected to continuously operate at the required load and fulfil both static and dynamic requirements in terms of bandwidth, actuation force and stroke. Preparations were made in this study for the next stage of the Smart-X design, to refine the morphing mechanism design and build a functional demonstrator for wind tunnel testing.
Combined Finite Element Method (FEM) and Network Simulation of a Nonlinear Electromagnetic Energy Harvester
Authors: Germer Maxim , Marschner Uwe , Richter Andreas 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Combined finite element and network modeling methods provide a time efficient instrument to simulate multi-physics systems. In this work, the Combined Simulation is applied to a nonlinear electromagnetic energy harvester with electrical interface circuit and capacitive energy storage. The energy harvester consists of two cylindrical permanent magnets placed in a cylinder with opposite directions to each other, whereas one magnet is fixed and the other magnet is freely movable in the vertical direction within the cylinder. A coil surrounds the cylinder and transforms the magneto-mechanical energy into electrical energy by means of electromagnetic induction. An external force with a certain wave-form excites the system.
Finite element and network modeling methods are combined to determine concentrated and distributed network parameters and to describe the nonlinear system as an equivalent circuit, whereas Finite element modeling of the two permanent magnets reveals the repulsive force at different distances. The position-dependent electromagnetic coupling coefficient is employed by calculating the linked magnetic flux gradient. The system performance, including the interface circuit and an energy storage component, is then predicted using the numerical network simulator LTspice. A voltage doubler is used to charge a capacitor and compared with a one-way and two-way rectifier. The voltage doubler shows the best results and charges the capacitor to the highest voltage. The presented method helped to understand the overall system behavior. Physical quantities can be quickly determined in the network. The method can be applied to other multi-physics systems and to more complex interface circuits, easily.
Anti-Müllerian hormone in African-American women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Angley Meghan , Spencer Jessica B , Lim S Sam , Howards Penelope P 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveWomen with SLE may experience ovarian insufficiency or dysfunction due to treatment or disease effects. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, has been examined in small populations of women with SLE with conflicting results. To date, these studies have included very few African-American women, the racial/ethnic group at greatest risk of SLE.MethodsWe enrolled African-American women aged 22–40 years diagnosed with SLE after age 17 from the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Women without SLE from the same area were recruited from a marketing list for comparison. AMH was measured in serum using the Ansh Labs assay (Webster, Texas, USA). We considered AMH levels <1.0 ng/mL and AMH <25th percentile of comparison women as separate dichotomous outcomes. Log-binomial regression models estimating prevalence ratios were adjusted for age, body mass index and hormonal contraception use in the previous year.ResultsOur sample included 83 comparison women without SLE, 68 women with SLE and no history of cyclophosphamide (SLE/CYC−) and 11 women with SLE and a history of cyclophosphamide treatment (SLE/CYC+). SLE/CYC+ women had a greater prevalence of AMH <1.0 ng/mL compared with women without SLE (prevalence ratio (PR): 2.90, 95% CI: 1.29 to 6.51). SLE/CYC− women were also slightly more likely to have AMH <1.0 ng/mL (PR: 1.62, 95% CI: 0.93 to 2.82) than comparison women. Results were similar when considering AMH <25th percentile by age of comparison women.ConclusionsTreatment with CYC is associated with low AMH in African-American women with SLE. SLE itself may also be associated with reduced AMH, but to a lesser extent.
Percutaneous left ventricular assist support is associated with less pulmonary congestion and lower rate of pneumonia in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Haberkorn Sandra , Uwarow Angelika , Haurand Jean , Jung Christian , Kelm Malte , Westenfeld Ralf , Horn Patrick 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acute left ventricular unloading by percutaneous left ventricular assist device on pulmonary congestion and pneumonia in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS).MethodsIn this retrospective study, we analysed patients with CS who received the Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist device (n=50) compared with those who received intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support (n=50). Pulmonary congestion was longitudinally assessed while on support by calculating characteristic findings on the chest X-ray using the Halperin score. The rate of pneumonia and early mortality were assessed as a secondary endpoint.ResultsThe groups (Impella vs IABP) did not differ in terms of age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology, Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score or serum lactate levels. Pulmonary congestion decreased in patient treated with Impella at each time point postimplantation. No change in congestion status was observed in patients supported with IABP. Multivariate analysis indicated Impella support as an independent predictor for pulmonary decongestion (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.15 to 14.35, p=0.030). The rate of early pneumonia was lower in the Impella group compared with the IABP group (54% vs 74%, p=0.037). Failure of pulmonary decongestion during mechanical circulatory support independently predicted early pneumonia (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.70, p=0.006).ConclusionPulmonary decongestion may facilitate treatment of pneumonia in patients with CS. Left ventricular unloading by Impella device might support pulmonary decongestion, although a larger prospective trial in this patient population is required.
Supervised pulmonary rehabilitation using minimal or specialist exercise equipment in COPD: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Patel Suhani , Palmer Melanie D , Nolan Claire Marie , Barker Ruth Emily , Walsh Jessica Anne , Wynne Stephanie C , Jones Sarah Elizabeth , Shannon Harriet , Hopkinson Nicholas S , Kon Samantha Swee Chin , Gao Wei , Maddocks Matthew , Man William D-C 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMany trials supporting the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) have used specialist exercise equipment, such as treadmills and cycle ergometers. However, access to specialist equipment may not be feasible in some settings. There is growing interest in delivering PR programmes with minimal, low-cost equipment, but uncertainty remains regarding their efficacy compared with programmes using specialist equipment.MethodsUsing propensity score matching, 318 consecutive patients with COPD undergoing supervised PR using minimal equipment (PR-min) were compared 1:1 with a control group of 318 patients with COPD who underwent supervised PR using specialist equipment (PR-gym). A non-inferiority analysis was performed for the primary outcome (incremental shuttle walk (ISW)) and secondary outcomes (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ)—domain and total scores).ResultsSimilar improvements in ISW and CRQ-domains were observed in PR-min and PR-gym groups (mean difference ISW: 3 m (95% CI −16 to 9); CRQ-total: 0.9 (95% CI −2.7 to 4.5)). The 95% CI between group differences for ISW and CRQ-total did not cross the predefined non-inferiority margins. However, completion rates were lower in PR-min compared with PR-gym (64% vs 73%; p=0.014).ConclusionsIn patients with COPD, PR delivered using minimal equipment produces clinically significant benefits in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life that are non-inferior to rehabilitation delivered using specialist equipment. This study provides support for the provision of PR using minimal exercise equipment, particularly in areas where access to specialist exercise equipment is limited.
$$\chi _{c1}$$ and $$\chi _{c2}$$ polarization as a probe of color octet channel
Authors: Baranov S. P. , Lipatov A. V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe analyze joint LHC data on the production of $$\chi _{c1}$$

χ

c
1

and $$\chi _{c2}$$

χ

c
2

mesons together with the polarization data obtained very recently by the CMS Collaboration at $$\sqrt{s} = 8$$

s

=
8

TeV. Our consideration is based on the $$k_T$$

k
T

-factorization approach and nonrelativistic QCD formalism for the formation of bound states. The observed polar anisotropy of $$\chi _{c1}$$

χ

c
1

and $$\chi _{c2}$$

χ

c
2

decays can be described as a combined effect of the color-singlet and color-octet contributions. We extract the corresponding long-distance matrix elements from the fits. Our fits point to unequal color singlet wave functions for $$\chi _{c1}$$

χ

c
1

and $$\chi _{c2}$$

χ

c
2

states.
Clearing the Haze: What Do We Still Need to Learn about Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems?
Authors: Fucito Lisa M. , Malinosky Hannah , Baldassarri Stephen R. , Herbst Roy S. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; i.e., electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, vape pens) were introduced to the U.S. market in 2007 as a potential harm reduction alternative for people who smoked combustible cigarettes. Since that time, ENDS popularity grew very quickly, particularly among individuals who smoke cigarettes. However, young people and never smokers also started using ENDS, cohorts for whom these products were not intended. There are now a broad range of devices and e-liquid constituents. ENDS devices vary considerably in their design and generation of potentially toxic chemicals, with higher power devices likely much more hazardous than lower power devices. This landscape may further change after September 9, 2020, when all ENDS manufacturers are required to submit a premarket tobacco product application to the FDA to obtain authorization for marketing. Research has not kept pace with this rapidly changing technology and important questions remain regarding the relative benefits versus risks of ENDS. In light of these challenges, we propose key ENDS research priorities to address these gaps.
Judicial Recognition of Outlawed Bigamous Marriage in Ethiopian Federal Supreme Court Cassation: Legal Gap-Filling or Judicial Lawmaking?
Authors: Chewaka Jetu Edosa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Bigamous marriage has been outlawed under the Family and Criminal Codes of Ethiopia despite its wide practice in Ethiopia. This article examines the legality of judicial recognition of the effects of bigamous marriage by the Federal Supreme Court Cassation and its implications for the regulation of marriage. The article reviews the substance of the current family laws in light of selected decisions of Federal Supreme Court Cassation on bigamous marriage by juxtaposing principles of legal interpretation. The article argues that the recognition of outlawed bigamous marriage by the Federal Supreme Court Cassation, even for relief purposes, amounts to an act of judicial law-making. The Court’s reasoning based on the gap-filling role of the judiciary under the guise of the necessity to address problems of bigamous marriage as a ‘social reality’ deviates from the purpose of the current rules under the family law that were deliberately designed to regulate monogamous marriage.
Targeted Killings: Assessing the Legal Contours for Protection of Africans with Albinism
Authors: Nkrumah Bright 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
As the world mourns and condemns the brutal death of George Floyd by police brutality, one cannot ignore, but reflect on similar atrocities committed against hundreds of Africans by virtue of their skin pigmentation. These victims are Africans with albinism (AwA). Widespread discrimination and targeted attacks against these individuals occur against the backdrop of an erroneous mythology that the body parts of AwA have magic powers which could enhance electoral victory, guarantee bumper harvest, cure medical complications and bring riches. Indeed, many states have attempted to avert further abuse by arresting and prosecuting perpetrators. Yet, violations abound. By June 2020, more than 200 Africans with albinism have been killed in 30 African countries, and a disproportionate percentage has been subjected to abduction, rape and violent attacks. These atrocities question the effectiveness of existing (inter)national human rights mechanisms in safeguarding vulnerable populations from their attackers. Coincidentally, the day June 13 is significant as it marks the 5th Anniversary of the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD). While reminding us to combat different forms of discrimination faced by AwA, the day also starkly entreats us to survey the level of legal safeguard afforded this vulnerable community in the region. In a bid to forestall further attacks, the paper argues that while it may be vital for the international community to adopt an overarching binding legal instrument speaking to the protection of AwA, African countries should use the IAAD to reinforce information dissemination and awareness campaigns to destigmatize albinism in local communities.