bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Droplet Diffusion in Hydrothermal-Assisted Transient Jet Fusion of Ceramics
Authors: Fei Fan , He Li , Kirby Levi , Song Xuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Hydrothermal-assisted transient jet fusion (HTJF) is a powder-based additive manufacturing method of ceramics, which utilizes a water-mediated hydrothermal mechanism to fuse particles together, eliminating the use of organic binders in forming green bodies and thereby contributing to high green-density parts (&gt; 90%) advantageous for fabricating functional materials with high-performance. In the HTJF process, a transient solution such as water is selectively deposited into a powder bed in a layer-by-layer fashion followed by a hydrothermal fusion process. Upon the ejection and deposition of a droplet of the transient solution on the surface of the powder bed, the diffusion behavior of the liquid significantly influences the particle fusion and the fabrication accuracy of the HTJF process. Precise control of the liquid diffusion in the powder bed is critical for the fabrication of ceramic structures with both high density and accuracy. In this paper, the dependence of transient solution diffusion on different process parameters (i.e., powder packing density, droplet size, pressure, etc.) in the HTJF process were studied. Both numerical modeling and experimental methods were used to quantify the relationships between processing parameters and diffusion profiles of transient solution droplets (e.g., diffusion width/depth). Optimum processing conditions were identified to mitigate the undesired diffusion of transient solution droplets in the powder bed.
Safety Strategy in the Smart Manufacturing System: A Human Robot Collaboration Case Study
Authors: Wang Xi Vincent , Wang Lihui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The next generation of the manufacturing industry calls for new approaches with smarter functionalities and better/safer working environment for human beings. The Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) approach provides a feasible solution combing the flexibility and intelligence of a human, together with the accuracy and strength of an industrial robot. However, in the past years, despite the significant development of different HRC approaches, there is still a lack of clear safety strategy for an HRC system. Thus in this paper, the extensive taxonomy of the human-robot relations are first defined to provide a clear classification in different robotic scenarios. Then a comprehensive action strategy is developed toward different scenarios and human stakeholder’s roles. A dynamic HRC layout approach is also introduced based on the actual speed of human and robot and the distance between them. The feasibility of the proposed approaches in this paper is then evaluated via the implemenntation in an HRC-based assembly cell. The operator’s biometric data is also included in the HRC control loop. It is proven achievable to conduct personalised HRC safety strategy based on the human stakeholder’s role, physical conditions, speed and so forth. The future research outlooks and essential considerations are addressed at the end of the paper.
Design and Signal Processing of a Wearable Shear Force Sensor Utilizing Capacitance and Resistance Modes
Authors: Allen Mark , Mears Laine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Wire connection sub-assemblies in automobiles can cause installers to awkwardly position themselves to complete the connection during the manufacturing of the vehicle. This decreases the likelihood of a successful connection which in turn causes malfunction in the vehicle after the vehicle has left the plant. A potential solution to this problem is a wearable device that detects the amount of force being used while connecting wire sub-assemblies. Our approach to this wearable device is a hand glove that can detect the amount of normal and shear force applied to the hand when a load is applied. The challenge with this is differentiating between shear and normal forces. In this paper we aim to tackle this challenge by exploring capacitance and resistive approaches to measuring forces using flexible materials and parallel plate capacitors as well as contact resistive approaches. The flexible material will favor deformation in a specific direction which will allow us to differentiate between when a shear load has been applied, and when a normal load has been applied. Using this flexible sensor will allow us to characterize the amount of normal and shear loading required for a successful connection and improve the rate at which successful connections are made.
Packaging Electronics on Textiles: Identifying Fiber Junctions for Automated Placement
Authors: Challa Sushmita , Harnett Cindy 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Electronic textile (E-textile) research requires an understanding of the mechanical properties of fabric substrates used to build and support electronics. Because fibers are often non-uniform and fabrics are easily deformed, locating fiber junctions on the irregular surface is challenging, yet is essential for packaging electronics on textiles at the resolution of single fibers that deliver power and signals. In this paper, we demonstrate the need to identify fiber junctions in a task where microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) are integrated on fabrics. We discuss the benefits of fiber-aligned placement compared with random placement. Thereafter we compare three image processing algorithms to extract fiber junction locations from sample fabric images. The Hough line transform algorithm implemented in MATLAB derives line segments from the image to model the fibers, identifying crossings by the intersections of the line segments. The binary image analysis algorithm implemented in MATLAB searches the image for unique patterns of 1s and 0s that represent the fiber intersection. The pattern matching algorithm implemented in Vision Assistant - LabVIEW, uses a pyramid value correlation function to match a reference template to the remainder of the fabric image to identify the crossings. Of the three algorithms, the binary image analysis method had the highest accuracy, while the pattern matching algorithm was fastest.
A Study on Micro-Milling Process of Multi-Directional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Using Nano-Solid Dry Lubrication
Authors: Kim Jin Woo , Nam Jungsoo , Jeon Jaehun , Lee Sang Won 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this research, the micro-milling process using nano-solid dry lubrication is studied for machining multidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (MD-CFRP). For the nano-solid dry lubrication, two kinds of graphene nanoplatelets and multiwall carbon nanotubes are used as nanoparticles. The workpiece is an MD-CFRP composite in which 10 plies of prepreg are laminated and it consists of four carbon fiber orientations — 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°. After a series of micro-milling experiments, the workpiece surface quality and tool wear are investigated. Overall, it is found that the nano-solid dry lubrication can improve the surface quality and reduce the tool wear. In particular, larger graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP H-5) are more advantageous than smaller graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP C-750). In addition, multiwall carbon nanotubes having a tube-shape structure are less effective than graphene nanoplatelets having a two-dimensional thin sheet shape for enhancing the micro-milling performances, which may be due to better lubrication effect with the graphene nanoplatelets’ sliding phenomenon at the cutting region.
Effects of Build Orientation on Mechanical Properties of Curved-Surface AlSi10Mg Alloy Fabricated by Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhou Yue , Ning Fuda 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
AlSi10Mg alloy has been widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries due to its superior physical and mechanical properties. Most AlSi10Mg components possess complicated-geometrical characteristics, such as planar thin wall, lattice structure, curved surface, etc. In recent years, laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF) has emerged as a promising additive manufacturing technique to produce complex AlSi10Mg alloy parts with a high resolution. PBF of curved-surface components exhibit varied heat transfer conditions, challenging post-fabrication processes, and intricate force conditions during mechanical testing owing to their structural inflections and variable cross-sections. Thus, the mechanical properties of the as-built AlSi10Mg parts with curved surfaces should be comprehensively understood to facilitate the adoption of PBF-built curved-surface AlSi10Mg parts in practical engineering applications. This paper systematically investigated the effects of build orientation on the tensile property and microhardness of the PBF-built AlSi10Mg parts with curved surfaces. The results showed that both bending stress and stretching stress contributed to the overall tensile stress of the curved-surface tensile specimens, and the failure always occurred at the peak/valley locations of the sine curved surface due to the largest bending moment. Meanwhile, the ultimate tensile strength increased with the build orientation varying from 60° to 90°. In addition, the curvatures C2 and C4 presented the lowest microhardness while C1 and C5 showed the highest one.
OF-NET: Deep-Learning Based Sub-Pixel Optical Flow Estimation With Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Yang Ru , Guo Ping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Object motion trajecting using computer vision is a technology enabler for various smart manufacturing systems. Sub-pixel displacement estimation is still unsatisfactory with the existing tracking algorithms. In this paper, we extend the popular computer vision task, optical flow, to solve the small displacement detection problem. Since conventional optical flow methods have weakness in robustness and poor performance at the boundary region, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based approach has been developed to solve optical flow problems. We construct a new multi-scale CNN, OF-NET, for sub-pixel optical flow estimation. In the model, we adopt an inverse-pyramid structure to enlarge the small displacement to larger-scale feature maps for motion detection. A novel data structure with multi-level ground truth is adopted to synthesize the dataset for training. The results have demonstrated competitive performance and efficiency compared with the existing state-of-the-art, FlowNetC, and the conventional optical flow method. Validation results from our model reach an end point error (EPE) at the level of 0.01 pixels. Our model excels in identifying the boundaries of moving objects compared with the other reference methods. The efficiency of the model has been optimized by using anisotropic upscaling and independent learning in two directions. Real-time tracking of 25–35 fps is achievable with the proposed model. The model is also verified with experimental results with good performance.
A Feasibility Study on 3D Printed Biopsy Needles: Pronged Tips and Internal Features Affect on Tissue Yield
Authors: VanDeen Anika , Amer Maher , Longo Luiz , Eckstrand Chrissy , Wilkinson Tom , Chen Roland K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Cancer is an ever-prevalent disease accounting for a large portion of medical services. With an aging world population, it is imperative to have non-invasive diagnostics which are efficient and not traumatic to the patient. Biopsy methods such as core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine needle aspiration (FNA), in combination with histopathology or cytology, are some of the most common practices used to garner an accurate diagnosis. The goal of this paper is to explore the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate biopsy needles with advanced designs that cannot be otherwise manufactured by traditional methods. In this study, we focus on changing the tip geometry and the addition of an internal feature to the biopsy needle to improve yield amounts. Four needle designs were tested, two with a bevel shaped tip, and two with a five-pronged tip, both with and without the internal feature. Both pronged-tip design and internal features are shown to have significant effect on tissue sampling efficiency. The 3D printed needles create higher insertion force than that of the stainless-steel needles. The quality of biopsied tissue which was confirmed by histopathological analysis. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate biopsy needles with enhanced tissue sampling efficiency.
Preliminary Investigation of Removing Copper Contamination From Water Using Algae
Authors: Thakare Ketan , Jerpseth Laura , Qin Hongmin , Pei Zhijian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Drinking water contaminated with metal ions can cause negative health effects in humans. Acute heavy metal poisoning can cause such symptoms as vomiting and fainting, while chronic heavy metal poisoning can lead to organ failure and death. It has previously been shown that concentration of metal ions in water solution was decreased by algae. This paper reports a study to examine the ability of two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii algae strains to remove copper ions from water solution. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was chosen for this study because it is easy to culture, and can be used to generate strains with a higher efficiency to remove metals. In this study, the three-factor, two-level full factorial design was used to conduct experiments. Three factors were algae strain, initial copper concentration, and exposure time. Two levels of the algae strain are: cc125 — the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain found commonly in the wild, and AGG1 — an experimentally modified Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain. Two levels of initial copper concentration and exposure time were 1.5 and 3 ppm, and 2.5 and 5 hours, respectively. Copper concentration in the water solution after experiments was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, or ICP-MS. Statistical analysis showed that algae strain was the only factor that significantly affected percentage decrease in copper concentration, at the significance level of 0.05. The cc125 strain decreased copper concentration more efficiently than the AGG1 strain. The cc125 strain decreased copper concentration by 97% for the water solution with an initial copper concentration of 1.5 ppm, and by 90% for the solution with an initial copper concentration of 3 ppm. Copper concentrations of all solutions treated by the cc125 strain were below the Environmental Protection Agency pollution threshold level of 1.3 ppm.
Comparison of Real-Time Geometric Analyses to Predict Warping Deformation in Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Budinoff Hannah D. , Sun Yilin , McMains Sara 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This work describes an experimental study to assess if analytical and empirical models can estimate the risk of warping deviation for parts made using fused filament fabrication based on part geometry. We also examine how the accuracy of the prediction varies for different machines and materials. If the predictive models can estimate risk of warping for a given part geometry, they can help enable better design for additive manufacturing so that designers can change part geometry early in the design process to have more easily-manufacturable parts, or choose an alternative orientation to optimize dimensional accuracy at the process planning stage. Specifically, we evaluate the extent to which two analytical models and one empirical model can assess the risk of warping for approximately rectangular parts with varying dimensions. We analyze dimensional accuracy data for parts with different length, height, and fillet type that were printed in ABS and PLA on different fused filament fabrication machines. After evaluating the three models, we found that the empirical model had the best performance over all datapoints. However, the analytical models showed promise but need further refinement on how the prediction of warping deviation depends on part height. Areas for additional research are highlighted.
Additive Friction Stir Deposition for Fabrication of Silicon Carbide Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Garcia David , Griffiths R. Joey , Yu Hang Z. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Additive friction stir deposition is an emerging solid-state additive manufacturing technology that has shown promise for bulk fabrication of metals and metal-matrix composites. Here, we perform a preliminary investigation into the influence of tool geometries on the particle distribution and matrix-particle coherence of SiC in the matrix of Aluminum Alloy 6061 and commercially pure Copper. Two tool geometries have been used: (1) a simple, featureless tool and (2) a complex geometry tool with four surface protrusions. For the simple tool geometry, the Al-SiC is observed to have less uniform bulk distribution of the reinforcement phase, resulting in regions of highly concentrated SiC reinforcement (up to 69 area%). The Cu-SiC sample produced with the simple geometry tool has a homogeneous distribution. The samples produced with the complex geometry tool show more uniform distribution of SiC reinforcement throughout the bulk of the deposit with local reinforcement concentrations reaching up to 42 area% and 28 area% for the Al and Cu matrix, respectively. All tool geometries create samples with good interfaces that have continuous contact between the particle and matrix phases, even including particles with sharp angles and non-spherical surfaces. Further optimization of tool geometries and processing conditions can lead to improved control of the reinforcement phase distribution and enable design of metal-matrix composites with tailored site-specific properties.
Comparative efficacy of methods for surfactant administration: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Bellos Ioannis , Fitrou Georgia , Panza Raffaella , Pandita Aakash 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesTo compare surfactant administration via thin catheters, laryngeal mask, nebulisation, pharyngeal instillation, intubation and surfactant administration followed by immediate extubation (InSurE) and no surfactant administration.DesignNetwork meta-analysis.SettingMedline, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Google-scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were systematically searched from inception to 15 February 2020.PatientsPreterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.InterventionsLess invasive surfactant administration.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were mortality, mechanical ventilation and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.ResultsOverall, 16 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 observational studies were included (N=13 234). For the InSurE group, the median risk of mortality, mechanical ventilation and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were 7.8%, 42.1% and 10%, respectively. Compared with InSurE, administration via thin catheter was associated with significantly lower rates of mortality (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.76), mechanical ventilation (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.63), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.73), periventricular leukomalacia (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.82) with moderate quality of evidence and necrotising enterocolitis (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.9, low quality of evidence). No significant differences were observed by comparing InSurE with administration via laryngeal mask, nebulisation or pharyngeal instillation. In RCTs, thin catheter administration lowered the rates of mechanical ventilation (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.60) but not the incidence of the remaining outcomes.ConclusionAmong preterm infants, surfactant administration via thin catheters was associated with lower likelihood of mortality, need for mechanical ventilation and bronchopulmonary dysplasia compared with InSurE. Further research is needed to reach firm conclusions about the efficacy of alternative minimally invasive techniques of surfactant administration.
Feasibility study of real-time online text-based CBT to support self-management for people with type 1 diabetes: the Diabetes On-line Therapy (DOT) Study
Authors: Doherty Anne M , Herrmann-Werner Anne , Rowe Arann , Brown Jennie , Weich Scott , Ismail Khalida 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionThis study examines the feasibility of conducting diabetes-focused cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) via a secure online real-time instant messaging system intervention to support self-management and improve glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes.Research design and methodsWe used a pre–post uncontrolled intervention design over 12 months. We recruited adults with type 1 diabetes and suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥69 mmol/mol (DCCT 8.5%) for 12 months) across four hospitals in London. The intervention comprised 10 sessions of diabetes-focused CBT delivered by diabetes specialist nurses. The primary outcomes were number of eligible patients, rates of recruitment and follow-up, number of sessions completed and SD of the main outcome measure, change in HbA1c over 12 months. We measured the feasibility of collecting secondary outcomes, that is, depression measured using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), anxiety measured Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS).ResultsWe screened 3177 patients, of whom 638 were potentially eligible, from whom 71 (11.1%) were recruited. The mean age was 28.1 (13.1) years, and the mean HbA1c was 84.6 mmol/mol (17.8), DCCT 9.9%. Forty-six (65%) patients had at least 1 session and 29 (41%) completed all sessions. There was a significant reduction in HbA1c over 12 months (mean difference −6.2 (2.3) mmol/mol, DCCT 0.6%, p=0.038). The change scores in PHQ-9, GAD and DDS also improved.ConclusionsIt would be feasible to conduct a full-scale text-based synchronized real-time diabetes-focused CBT as an efficacy randomized controlled trial.
Perceptions of an HIV self-testing intervention and its potential role in addressing the barriers to HIV testing among at-risk heterosexual men: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Tan Yi-Roe , Kaur Nashwinder , Ye Angeline Jiajun , Zhang Yiwen , Lim Jerald Xuan Zheng , Tan Rayner Kay Jin , Ho Lai Peng , Chen Mark I-Cheng , Wong Mee Lian , Wong Chen Seong , Yap Peiling 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesVoluntary HIV testing rates are still low in several Asian countries including Singapore. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to increase testing, leading to earlier diagnosis and better prognosis. However, the views of at-risk individuals, especially heterosexual men (HSM), who are not coming forward for testing are still poorly understood. In this study, we examined the barriers and facilitators to and delivery preferences for HIVST in order to implement an effective intervention in Singapore.MethodsFrom May 2017 to June 2018, 48 in-depth interviews were conducted with HSM aged 21–66 years and at risk of HIV infection. Participants were purposively sampled based on ethnicity, age and testing behaviour. Recruitment was done mainly at brothels and entertainment establishments in Singapore. Participants gave their views on HIV testing, factors affecting HIVST use and their preferred HIVST service delivery model.ResultsMost participants preferred HIVST over conventional testing for its convenience, privacy, anonymity and autonomy, but older men still preferred conventional testing. Low self-perceived risk, low awareness and self-efficacy for HIVST, and non-comprehensive test for other STIs were reported as barriers to HIVST. There were mixed opinions on kit preference. A blood-based kit was favoured for higher accuracy, while the oral-fluid-based kit was favoured for ease of use. Participants wanted a human touch for post-test counselling and linkage to care only if they self-tested positive. Traditional media, internet and social media, and venue-based outreach were potential advertising platforms mentioned.ConclusionsA locally acceptable and feasible HIVST intervention must address the barriers and facilitators of using HIVST in order to improve HIV testing rates among this at-risk population who might otherwise delay or fail to present for testing.