bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deformation Modeling of Compliant Robotic Fingers Grasping Soft Objects
Authors: Mouazé Nicolas , Birglen Lionel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a model is shown to predict the simultaneous deformations occurring when compliant robotic fingers are grasping soft objects. This model aims at providing an accurate estimation of the penetration, internal forces, and deformed shapes of both these fingers and the objects. A particular emphasis is placed on the case when the finger is underactuated but the methodology discussed in this paper is general. Usually in the literature, underactuated fingers are modeled and designed considering their grasps of rigid object because of the complexity associated with deforming objects. This limitation severely hinders the usability of underactuated grippers and either restricts them to a narrow range of applications or requires extensive experimental testing. Furthermore, classical models of underactuated fingers in contact with objects are typically applicable with a maximum of one contact per phalanx only. The model proposed in this paper demonstrates a simple algorithm to compute a virtual subdivision of the phalanges which can be used to estimate the contact pressure arising when there are contacts at many locations simultaneously. This model also proposes a computationally efficient approximation of isotropic soft objects. Numerical simulations of the proposed model are compared here with dynamic simulations, finite element analyses, and experimental measurements which all shows its effectiveness and accuracy. Finally, the extension of the model to other types of underactuated fingers, standard grippers, and fully actuated robotic fingers as well as potential applications is discussed and illustrated.
Feasible Regions of Bioink Composition, Extrusion Pressure, and Needle Size for Continuous Extrusion-Based Bioprinting
Authors: Thakare Ketan , Wei Xingjian , Jerpseth Laura , Bhardwaj Abhinav , Qin Hongmin , Pei Zhijian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Bioprinting has many potential applications in drug screening, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. In extrusion-based bioprinting, the extruded strand is the fundamental building block for printed constructs and needs to be of good quality and continuous in structure. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on extrusion-based bioprinting. However, values of process parameters leading to continuous extrusion of strands have rarely been reported. In this paper, feasible regions of bioink composition, extrusion pressure, and needle size for continuous strand extrusion have been evaluated. The information on feasible regions for extruding continuous strands, provided in this paper, can be useful in deciding appropriate extrusion pressure and needle size for the bioink of different compositions (ratios of alginate:methylcellulose) in extrusion-based bioprinting.
A Review on United States Patents to Prevent Mechanical Failures in Foldable Smartphones
Authors: Nematollahisarvestani Ali , Lee Yung-Cheng “Y. C.” 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A foldable smartphone is an exciting new approach for future mobile systems. With some early models being introduced to the market, research and development is being performed to increase the reliability of future systems. Mechanical failure of the display is the major source of foldable smartphone's reliability issues. The display is a laminate structure including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer (emission layer and pixel electrode layer), a touch panel, a polarizer, and multiple protective layers in addition to multiple functional coatings and supporting structures. The display is exposed to repeated folding, finger touch, and the impact of external sharp objects. In addition, mechanical behavior changes through the thickness of the display; which adds extra challenges in preventing damage to vital components of the display. This review covers more than 100 U.S. patents about the mechanical failures in foldable smartphones published or filed after 2015. Different inventions reviewed are to design a foldable configuration to prevent mechanical failures resulting from the following four mechanisms: (1) plastic deformation (yielding, creep, and fatigue); (2) fracture; (3) delamination; and (4) buckling (warping, buckling, wrinkling, and creasing).
Dimensional Data on Vulva Vaginal Anatomy: Medical Device Design Barrier
Authors: Smith Avery , Short Ada-Rhodes 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
An accurate understanding of anatomy allows designers and scientists to create medical devices that work well for their market. However, reliable descriptions of vulva vaginal dimensions are not currently available for reference. This literature review attempts to survey the existing data collected on vulva vaginal dimensions and report the findings. We located scholarly journal articles and cross-sectional studies via academic databases and online search engines. To pinpoint the data that would be helpful in dimensional analysis of vulva vaginal measurements, key search terms included: “vulva dimensions”, “vulva measurements”, “vaginal dimensions”, “vaginal measurements”, “labia dimensions”, “labia measurements”, “clitoral dimensions”, “clitoral measurements”, and “vulva cross-sectional study”.
Robotic Shoe: An Ankle Assistive Device for Gait Plantar Flexion Assistance
Authors: Schaller Marcus , Sorkhabadi Seyed Mostafa Rezayat , Zhang Wenlong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Gait disorders can be attributed to a variety of factors including aging, injury, and neurological disorders. A common disorder involves the ankle push-off phase of an individual’s gait, which is vital to their ability to walk and propel themselves forward. During the ankle push-off stage, plantar flexor muscles are required to provide a large amount of torque to propel the heel off the ground, thus a condition that compromises the strength of these muscles can greatly affect one’s walking ability. In order to rectify these issues, Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO) are used to provide support to a user’s ankle and assist with the force needed for heel off. This article introduces a robotic AFO which was developed with the intent of aiding during the heel-off stage. The proposed design utilizes the user’s body weight to extend constant force springs positioned parallel to the calf to replicate the muscular force generated in plantar flexion. The extended spring is held in place using a ratcheting mechanism which is released with a solenoid during heel up. Similar research has been conducted in which assistive AFO’s have been created, however little research has investigated the use of constant force springs in such devices. A healthy user tested the device on a treadmill and surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors were placed on the user’s plantar flexor muscles to monitor potential reductions in muscular activity resulting from the assistance provided by the AFO device. The data demonstrates the robotic shoe was able to assist during the heel-off stage and reduced activation in the plantar flexor muscles was evident from the EMG data collected.
Assessing Induced Emotions in Employees in a Workplace Setting Using Wearable Devices
Authors: Fortune Emma , Yusuf Yaqoub , Zornes Sarah , Loyo Lopez Jorge , Blocker Renaldo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A working environment which elicits positive emotions in employees is vital for employee retention, engagement and productivity. Wearable sensors provide the means to objectively measure the emotional responses of employees in the workplace in real-time. The study aim was to perform a preliminary investigation into the validity of two multimodal systems to classify employee’s emotional responses to positive, neutral or negative video stimuli: (1) using wearable electroencephalography (EEG) in combination with video-based facial expression analysis (FEA), and (2) using a wearable galvanic skin response (GSR) device in combination with video-based FEA. Five office employees each watched three short video clips at three time points during their regular work shifts while wearing EEG sensors on the forehead and GSR sensors on the middle and index fingers of their non-dominant hand with their face in view of a webcam. Russel’s circumplex model of affect was used to determine participant’s emotional responses to the video clips. The GSR device showed greater accuracy than the EEG device at detecting arousal responses to the video stimuli, with agreement, precision, and recall values of 87%, 100% and 80%, respectively, compared to 53%, 62%, and 80% for the EEG device. The FEA/EEG and FEA/GSR circumplex models were both able to accurately detect positive emotions elicited from video stimuli with levels of agreement and recall greater than 73%. Precision for the FEA/EEG model to detect positive stimuli was lower due to misclassification of 40% of both negative and neutral stimuli as positive. Precision values for both circumplex models were very low for detecting negative emotions. The results suggest that the EEG and GSR devices may be capable of detecting arousal when used alone, and detecting positive emotions when used in combination with video-based FEA in real-time in the workplace.
Real-Time Voice Activity Detection Using Neck-Mounted Accelerometers for Controlling a Wearable Vibration Device to Treat Speech Impairment
Authors: Dubey Saurav , Mahnan Arash , Konczak Jürgen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Speech analysis using microphones can be problematic for Voice Activity Detection (VAD) in the presence of background noise. This study explored the use of wearable accelerometers instead of microphones. We assessed if accelerometers placed on the neck can be part of a VAD system embedded in a wearable collar-like device that delivers vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) to the larynx during speech as a therapy for patients with the voice disorder spasmodic dysphonia. Specifically, we aimed to a) find the ideal location for placing accelerometers to the neck, and b) develop a VAD algorithm that detects the onset and offset of speech. Six healthy adult participants (M/F = 3/3, age = 26 (5.1)) vocalized 20 sample sentences with and without VTS at three neck locations: 1) thyroid cartilage, 2) sterno-cleidomastoid, and 3) posterior neck above C7. Based on time-synchronized acceleration and audio signals, VAD algorithm identified the Number of Onsets of Speech and Total Time Voiced. The thyroid cartilage attachment location had over 90% accuracy detecting speech in both measures. The average accuracy of the sternocleidomastoid and C7 locations were below 75% and 15% respectively. VAD accuracy decreased with the presence of VTS trials at all locations. We conclude that accelerometer signals due to tissue motion at thyroid cartilage are most suitable for real-time VAD. These findings support the feasibility of accelerometer-based voice detection for the use in medical devices that target speech and voice disorders.
A New System to Objectively Measure Ankle Proprioception
Authors: Mahnan Arash , Holst-Wolf Jessica , Konczak Jürgen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Proprioceptive afferents from the ankle joint are essential feedback for maintaining balance. However, there is no widely accepted test or measurement system available for determining the proprioceptive accuracy of the human ankle joint. Here, we present a system with a novel hardware design that applies an established psychometric testing protocol that generates a Just-Noticeable-Difference (JND) threshold as a measure of ankle proprioceptive acuity at the end of testing. To establish the system validity, twelve healthy adult participants completed the assessment. Testing required 25 trials and took approximately 10 minutes to complete. We show exemplar data of the ankle JND threshold and the summary results for all twelve participants. This assessment has the potential to become a tool for clinicians to identify proprioceptive impairment at the ankle and to assess the efficacy of sensorimotor interventions for improving balance in clinical populations.
An Untethered Electro-Pneumatic Exosuit for Gait Assistance of People With Foot Drop
Authors: Salmeron Lizzette J. , Juca Gladys V. , Mahadeo Satesh M. , Ma Jiechao , Yu Shuangyue , Su Hao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Individuals with foot drop caused by stroke or cerebral palsy (CP) have a particular need for robotic ankle exoskeleton. This paper proposes an untethered soft robot using an origami actuator to lift the toes of the wearer. The weight, connections, and complex control of the system are reduced through mechanical design. A compact and portable pneumatic system is designed to perform suction and compression with a single pump. The load test of the actuator shows the capability of 300N in 30 kPa. An untethered, simple and affordable robotic ankle exoskeleton is developed with the pneumatic actuator. The wearer can finish its simple 3-step donning procedure within 1 min.
Research on Dynamics Performance of Two Grouped Virtual Track Train Based on Magic Formula Tire Model
Authors: Jimin Zhang , Chengping Wang , Hechao Zhou 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The virtual track train is a new type of urban rail vehicle that combines some of the characteristics of bus, tram and light EMU. It is a special fusion of automobile and rail, also it will become a new attempt to alleviate the pressure of urban road traffic. The dynamic performance of the virtual track is also begun since its popularization and application. In this paper, based on the theory of rail vehicle dynamics and tire dynamics, the dynamic performance of two kinds of virtual track train (group A - 5 module and group B - 2 module) is simulated by using multi-rigid body software. Among them, the tire model adopts magic formula tire model, and the dynamic performance evaluation index is vertical stability (Sperling index) and smoothness (total weighted acceleration rms value). Through calculation and analysis, it can be obtained that the vertical stability and smoothness index of the group A are better than the group B under the condition of AW0 and AW2; The vertical stability and smoothness of group A and group B show a downward trend with the increase of speed is, the higher the speed, the worse the vertical stability and the smoothness are. The vertical stability of group A under two conditions the averageness is less than 2.5, the rms value of the total weighted acceleration is less than 0.315, which meet the requirements. The vertical stability of group B can meet the requirements. Its smoothness shows different conclusions under different operating conditions that AW0 can meet the requirements, but AW2 can’t.
Coefficients of Friction: Static Versus Dynamic
Authors: Huang Jack Youqin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This paper deals with the problem of static and dynamic (or kinetic) friction, namely the coefficients of friction for the two states. The coefficient of static friction is well known, and its theory and practice are commonly accepted by the academia and the industry. The coefficient of kinetic friction, however, has not fully been understood. The popular theory for the kinetic friction is that the coefficient of dynamic friction is smaller than the coefficient of static friction, by comparison of the forces applied in the two states. After studying the characteristics of the coefficient of friction, it is found that the comparison is not appropriate, because the inertial force was excluded. The new discovery in the paper is that coefficients of static friction and dynamic friction are identical. Wheel “locked” in wheel braking is further used to prove the conclusion.
The key to cause confusions between the two coefficients of friction is the inertial force. In the measurement of the coefficient of static friction, the inertial force is initiated as soon as the testing object starts to move. Therefore, there are two forces acting against the movement of the object, the frictional force and the inertial force. But in the measurement of the coefficient of kinetic friction, no inertial force is involved because velocity must be kept constant.
Considerations for Sensor Selection for Detecting Top-of-Rail (TOR) Lubrication
Authors: Mast Timothy , Neighborgall Campbell , Taheri Masood , Holton Carvel , Ahmadian Mehdi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Continued research into the development of prototype optics based Top-of-Rail (TOR) Lubricity sensors has led to the discovery of benefits and drawbacks of different optical sensing technologies. Sensors of many different types have been investigated for their ability to detect track lubricants including Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), laser, and LED emitters. The individual performances of these different methods do not always translate directly when adapted for track lubricity measurements. This paper intends to unpack some of these conclusions and their specific relationships to the application for Top-of-Rail condition based monitoring in a revenue service environment.
Railroads use rail lubricants to reduce curving forces that contribute to rail and wheel wear and to increase train efficiency. Top-of-Rail Friction Modifiers (TORFM) and flange grease are applied to the rail by train wheels passing through wayside applicators. TORFM is inherently different from flange grease in that it is an engineered lubricant designed to manage the coefficient of friction to an optimal value for traction and braking forces while reducing lateral forces that contribute to wheel and rail wear. While track lubricants provide a compelling benefit for the railroads, there is a fair amount of ambiguity as to how much should be applied to the track, how far they carry down the track from the point of application, and how long they last beyond the time of application. The empirical methods that are currently available are ad hoc, imprecise, and subject to a large amount of error. It is desired to have sensors that can provide some level of objective assessment of the amount of lubricant available on the rail. Such a sensor can be used to answer many of the tor lubrication questions that currently remain unanswered.
A wide array of laboratory tests are carried out in this study to highlight the ability of several different optical sensors to detect track lubricants in a variety of environmental conditions. These tests are designed to determine the feasibility of each sensor and highlight any issues that may arise during field application. The tests serve as a prelude to field testing the sensors in a revenue service environment. The results of the study indicate that precision optical methods are able to detect the presence of TORFM on the rail surface although some optical methods are more robust in their ability to perform in adverse conditions than others.
Simulation Evaluation of Fouled Ballast Thermal Characteristics
Authors: Tan Yongwen , Chen Yang , Hosseini Sayed-Mohammad , Ahmadian Mehdi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This study provides a simulation evaluation of the effect of fouling conditions on the thermal behavior of ballast for the use of railway tracks. Ballast fouling can result in a slurry pumped up to the surface, causing poor foundation strength, rotting of the ties, and other ill effects. To achieve a quick and convenient detection of ballast fouling, a thermal-based non-contacting technique has been proposed and becomes more and more attractive. However, the successful application of this thermal-based fouling-detection technology requires knowledge of the thermal characteristics of ballast, which have not been investigated in prior studies. The objective of this paper is to study the influence of fouling on the thermal behavior of ballast, using an analytical model developed based on one-dimensional conductive heat transfer. The effort to validate the developed model is also included. The general fouling conditions of the ballast — fouled with and without water — are studied through simulation. The simulation results show that, for the case of fouling without water, the ballast under different fouling conditions behaves differently from clean ballast at depths ranging from 0 to 12in under naturally-occurring daily ambient temperature changes, and that the temperature difference peaks at 4-in depth. In addition, increasing the amount of fouling results in less temperature variation in response to the ambient temperature changes. For the case of fouling with water, water is added into the 100% fouled ballast and comparisons are made between the ballasts with different water content. A similar pattern is observed, showing that increasing the amount of water results in a larger temperature difference at all depths considered. Moreover, the maximum temperature difference is observed at the top surface rather than the depth of 4-in as observed in the case of fouling without water.
Effects of synbiotic supplementation on the components of metabolic syndrome in military personnel: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Parastouei Karim , Saeidipoor S , Sepandi M , Abbaszadeh S , Taghdir M 
Published: August 2020

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome comprises a set of risk factors for chronic diseases including abdominal obesity, increased fasting blood glucose (FBG), altered lipid profile and elevated blood pressure (BP). Due to high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its complications in the military personnel, the relevant problems should be identified and controlled. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of synbiotic supplements on the components of metabolic syndrome in the military personnel with metabolic syndrome.MethodologySixty military personnel with metabolic syndrome were included in this double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial. During the intervention, they were asked to consume one capsule of synbiotic supplement or placebo per day for 8 weeks. Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, BP, FBG and lipid profile were measured before and after the intervention.ResultsThe results of the study showed that the synbiotic supplementation had a large significant adjusted effect on the BMI (Cohen’s d=0.82 (95% CI 0.29 to 1.34)). It also had a medium significant adjusted effect on the FBG (Cohen’s d=0.52 (95% CI 0.004 to 1.03)) as well as triglyceride (Cohen’s d=0.65 (95% CI 0.13 to 1.17)).ConclusionFindings of the study revealed that synbiotic supplementation may lead to a significant improvement in the BMI, triglyceride and FBG levels in the military personnel. Thus, consumption of synbiotic supplements is recommended as an adjuvant therapy in the military personnel with metabolic syndrome.