bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrauterine growth restriction results in persistent vascular mismatch in adulthood
Authors: Kuo Anderson H. , Li Cun , Huber Hillary F. , Clarke Geoffrey D. , Nathanielsz Peter W. 
Published: November 2017

Key points
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases offspring risk of chronic diseases later in life, including cardiovascular dysfunction.
Our prior studies suggest biventricular cardiac dysfunction and vascular impairment in baboons who were IUGR at birth because of moderate maternal nutrient reduction.
The current study reveals changes in artery sizes, distensibility, and blood flow pattern in young adult IUGR baboons, which may contribute to cardiac stress.
The pattern of abnormality observed suggests that vascular redistribution seen with IUGR in fetal life may continue into adulthood.
AbstractMaternal nutrient reduction induces intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), increasing risks of chronic diseases later in life, including cardiovascular dysfunction. Using ultrasound, we determined regional blood flow, blood vessel sizes, and distensibility in IUGR baboons (8 males, 8 females, 8.8 years, similar to 35 human years) and controls (12 males, 12 females, 9.5 years). The measured blood vessels were larger in size in the males compared to females before but not after normalization to body surface area. Smaller IUGR normalized blood vessel sizes were observed in the femoral and external iliac arteries but not the brachial or common carotid arteries and not correlated significantly with birth weight. Mild decrease in distensibility in the IUGR group was seen in the iliac but not the carotid arteries without between‐sex differences. In IUGR baboons there was increased carotid arterial blood flow velocity during late systole and diastole. Overall, our findings support the conclusion that region specific vascular and haemodynamic changes occur with IUGR, which may contribute to the occurrence of later life cardiac dysfunction. The pattern of alteration observed suggests vascular redistribution efforts in response to challenges in the perinatal period may persist into adulthood. Further studies are needed to determine the life course progression of these changes.
Energy-Efficient Trajectory Planning for Robot Manipulators
Authors: Lorenz Michael , Paris Jascha , Schöler Frederic , Barreto Juan-Pablo , Mannheim Tom , Hüsing Mathias , Corves Burkhard 
Published: November 2017

Automated object manipulation is subject to various constraints, which can be affected by means of suitable motion strategies. With respect to an efficient motion design corresponding strategies are often referred to the manipulator’s energy consumption and performance considering its specified kinematic and dynamic characteristics. Supposing that various automated manufacturing processes use industrial robots and manipulators, an efficient motion design is able to reduce operating costs and CO2 emissions.
This contribution is devoted to the simulation based energy optimization of robot motions, considering both the geometric path and the motion law of specific trajectories. In this context, two different levels of trajectory optimization are suggested, exposing the displacement of geometric nodes on the one hand and the variation of velocities and accelerations on the other hand. Due to its simple kinematic structure, the analyses exemplarily are focused on different trajectories of the manipulator Re-PlaLink, a five-bar linkage, which is capable of energy recuperation during regenerative mode. Accordingly, results show a significant energy reduction, establishing high potentials for an increased efficiency of industrial robots.
Object Reorientation and Creative Performance
Authors: Olteţeanu A.-M. , Shu L. H. 
Published: November 2017

Functional fixedness refers to a cognitive bias that prevents people from using objects in new ways, and more abstractly, perceiving problems in new ways. Supporting people in overcoming functional fixedness could improve creative problem solving and capacities for creative design.
A study was conducted to detect whether a relationship exists between participants’ tendency to reorient objects presented as stimuli in an Alternative Uses Test and their creativity, also measured using the Wallach Kogan pattern meanings test. The Alternative Uses Test measures creativity as a function of identifying alternative uses for traditional objects. The Wallach Kogan pattern-meanings test detects the ability to see an abstract pattern as different possible objects or scenes. Also studied is whether Kruglanski’s Need for Closure scale, a psychological measure, can predict the ability to incorporate reorientation cues when identifying uses.
This study revealed highly significant, high correlations between reorientation and several creativity measures, and a correlation between reorientation and the predictability subscale of the Need for Closure scale. A qualitative exploration of participants’ responses reveals further metrics that may be relevant to assessing creativity in the Alternative Uses Test.
A Method for Slip-Stick Area Analysis of Contact Surface in Rotor Blades With Friction Damper
Authors: Xinnan Mao , Yanrong Wang , Hang Ye 
Published: November 2017

High cycle fatigue damage caused by resonance can significantly affect the reliability and life of rotor blades in turbomachinery. Dry friction damper is widely used in vibration reduction design of joint components because of its excellent performance. To predict the vibration response of rotor blades with friction damper, it’s necessary to analyze the pressure distribution of contact area and determine the contact state of each point. Most researchers focused on the construction and improvement of friction models, and assumed that only the normal pressure distribution decides where slip and stick areas are, but the shear traction also play a role.
In this paper, a novel method is proposed to quantitatively conduct the slip-stick area analysis of contact surface by means of theoretical derivation and numerical simulation. Both the non-dimensional normal pressure and shear traction distribution are obtained for different contact conditions. It is found that both the normal pressure and shear traction of each point dominate its contact state. Moreover, the area at contact edges always begins slipping firstly, even if the normal pressure there is much larger than contact center. The developed method will also help to establish more accurate partial-slip model for various jointed structures with friction damping.
Comparing Facets of Divergent Thinking in Engineering Freshmen and Upperclassmen
Authors: Bennetts Caleb , Cheeley Avery , Caldwell Benjamin W. , Green Matthew G. 
Published: November 2017

This paper studies how engineering education might change divergent thinking skills. We hypothesized that people use a higher amount of divergent thinking when a task is unfamiliar. Our previous work developed an online survey to measure divergent ideation in two ways: with one ideation task, equally familiar to both novice and experienced designers, and a second ideation task, familiar only to experienced designers. We sorted ideas from 40 engineering upperclassmen and 40 freshmen into hierarchical categories and scored fluency, flexibility, and originality. The results did not confirm our hypothesis; rather, we found that originality scores were not significantly different between freshman and upperclassmen. Additionally, both groups produced their most-original ideas in the generally-familiar ideation task.
Limitations in our methods prevented meaningful conclusions about flexibility, and further study will be necessary to confirm our other conclusions. To better explore factors influencing divergent thinking, we will refine our methods for future work and retest the participants from the freshmen group in a longitudinal study.
In-Plane Blade-Hub Dynamics of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine With Mistuned Blades
Authors: Sapmaz Ayse , Acar Gizem D. , Feeny Brian 
Published: November 2017

Understanding vibration of the wind turbine blades is of fundamental importance. This paper regards the effect of blade mistuning on the coupled blade-hub dynamics. Unavoidably, at any stage of the wind turbine, the set of blades will not be precisely identical due to the inhomogeneous material, manufacturer tolerances, etc.
This paper is based on blade-hub dynamics of a horizontal-axis wind turbine with mistuned blade. The equations of motion are derived for the wind turbine blades and hub exposed to centrifugal effects and gravitational and cyclic aerodynamic forces. The equations are coupled. To decoupled them, the independent variable is changed from time to rotor angle. The resulting blade equations include parametric and direct excitation terms. The method of multiple scales is applied to examine response of the system. This analysis shows that superharmonic and primary resonances exist and are influenced by the mistuning. Resonance cases and the relations between response amplitude and frequency are studied.
Utilizing Node Interference Method and Complex Network Centrality Metrics to Explore Requirement Change Propagation
Authors: Htet Hein Phyo , Morkos Beshoy , Sen Chiradeep 
Published: November 2017

Requirements play very important role in the design process as they specify how stakeholder expectations will be satisfied. Requirements are frequently revised, due to iterative nature of the design process. These changes, if not properly managed, may result in financial and time losses leading to project failure due to possible undesired propagating effect. Current modeling methods for managing requirements do not offer formal reasoning necessary to manage the requirement change and its propagation. Predictive models to assist designers in making well informed decisions prior to change implementation do not exist. Based on the premise that requirement networks can be utilized to study change propagation, this research will allow for investigation of complex network metrics for predicting change throughout the design process. Requirement change prediction ability during the design process may lead to valuable knowledge in designing artifacts more efficiently by minimizing unanticipated changes due to mismanaged requirements. Two research questions (RQs) described are addressed in this paper:
RQ 1: Can complex network centrality metrics of a requirement network be utilized to predict requirement change propagation?
RQ 2: How does complex network centrality metrics approach perform in comparison to the previously developed Automated Requirement Change Propagation Prediction (ARCPP) tool?
Applying the notion of interference, requirement nodes in which change occurs are virtually removed from the network to simulate a change scenario and the changes in values of select metrics of all other nodes are observed. Based on the amount of metric value changes the remaining nodes experience, propagated requirement nodes are predicted. Counting betweenness centrality, left eigenvector centrality, and authority centrality serve as top performing metrics and their performances are comparative to ARCPP tool.
Influence of Altitude on the Performance of a Bicycle-Cyclist Set
Authors: Morales Mateo , Roa Sergio D. , Muñoz Luis E. , Ferreira Diego A. , Lopez Mejia Omar D. 
Published: November 2017

There is a tradeoff between power delivery and aerodynamic drag force when cyclists ride at different altitudes. The result is particular to the characteristics of the bicycle as well as the aerobic fitness of the cyclist. This work proposes a methodology based on an integrated approach to the study of the influence of altitude on power output and aerodynamic drag over a particular bicycle-cyclist set. The methodology consists of an independent analysis for each of the effects, to conclude with an integration of results that allows estimating the overall effect of altitude on cycling performance.
A case study for the application of the methodology was developed, and the obtained results apply for the specific bicycle-cyclist set under analysis. First, the relationship between power and time was analyzed for a male recreational cyclist based on all-out effort tests at two different altitudes: 237 meters and 2652 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l). Second, the effects of environmental conditions on air density and drag area coefficient due to altitude changes were analyzed based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. It was found that for the bicycle-cyclist set under study, the sustainable power output for 1-hour cycling was reduced 45W for the high-altitude condition as a consequence of the reduction in the maximum oxygen uptake capacity. In addition, the aerodynamic drag force is reduced in greater proportion due to the change in air density than due to the change in drag coefficient. Finally, the results of both effects were integrated to analyze the overall influence of altitude on cycling performance. It was found that for the analyzed case study, the aerodynamic advantage at higher altitude dominates over the disadvantage of reduction in power output: despite delivering 45W less, the subject can travel an additional distance of 900 meters during a one hour ride for the high-altitude condition compared to that in low altitude.
Structuring Information of Modular Product Platforms
Authors: Schuh Günther , Riesener Michael , Schrey Elisabeth , Jank Merle-Hendrikje 
Published: November 2017

A common way to react to mass customization and cost pressure is the introduction of modular product platforms in manufacturing companies. By the help of a modular product platform (MPP), which is composed of standardized and customizable product elements, it is possible to offer economically feasible prices for customized products. Although MPPs are commonly used across different industries, their advantages are not completely exploited. This is especially true when the reuse efficiency of standard elements and knowledge about its structures and elements are rather low. An explanation for the latter can be found looking at how product information is usually managed today. Product information is usually managed in a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system. However, current information technology (IT) solutions for PLM are not designed to systematically deliver platform information and support the lifecycle management of MPPs. Oftentimes, PLM solutions support product information for research and development. Thus, dealing with MPP’s lifecycle, which includes all relevant roles and adjusted permissions across the lifecycle, is often beyond the scope of PLM systems. Despite the severe industry need for improved information quality and availability on the entire MPP’s lifecycle, current research in this field lacks a systematic approach to tackle this problem. Theoretical foundations of an information structure for MPPs should be developed and platform specific requirements for PLM solutions need to be identified. It is shown how current PLM solutions can be adjusted, to support companies regarding MPP’s lifecycle management. Moreover, a detailed procedure to structure the information of MPPs is explained.
Therefore, this paper suggests a methodology to structure information of MPPs. While previous research papers contained an outline of the methodology to structure MPP’s information, this paper presents the detailed procedure. The methodology is based on the platform information flow, that is derived from a platform process model for the MPP’s lifecycle. Different perspectives and roles are considered to identify role specific information profiles and their access to information. Comparing different information profiles, information is characterized based on parameters to build the foundation of a common structure for a semantic information model. In this regard, the aim of this research is to increase efficiency for the business processes using a MPP, by means of a coherent structure for MPP’s information. That way, information can be stored and used by different roles along the platform’s business processes without creating redundancies or inconsistencies.
Pedal Actuator of Driver Robot Based on Flexible Manipulator
Authors: Yu Liangyao , Zheng Sheng , Chang Jinghu , Liu Xiaoxue 
Published: November 2017

In most testing scenarios, driver robot can improve the testing accuracy and reduce the testing time when it replaces human driver. In this paper, an innovative pedal actuator of driver robot based on flexible manipulator is designed. This pedal actuator of driver robot can save the driver cabin space by changing the shape of manipulator according to different vehicle models, so that the human driver can sit in the cabin, together with the driver robot, monitor the testing process and take over the driver robot when necessary.
The proposed pedal actuator of driver robot is composed of a flexible manipulator and end effector. The end effector which is respected to generate 500N pressure in maximum is based on ball screw pairs actuated by DC motor. The flexible manipulator is designed referring to 2-DOF universal joints. The designed prism shells around joint can improve rigidity of flexible manipulator under the condition of small size. Modular link design is used and every module has 2 degrees of freedoms. Its reaching range can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of modules. A three dimensional model has been constructed and the working principle of flexible manipulator is demonstrated in this paper. Simplified kinematics model of flexible manipulator is established, and the homogeneous coordinate transformation matrix and Denavit-Hartenberg convention are used to derive the kinematics equations. And the rotation angle of prism shell which is directly related to the servo motor angle is used to express the bending angle of the universal joint in the kinematics equations, so that it becomes straightforward and simple to solve the forward kinematics problem and control the manipulator.
Optimization of Novel Corner Module for Urban Electric Vehicle
Authors: Waters Allison J. , Khajepour Amir 
Published: November 2017

With urban populations on the rise, sustainable design of cities will be necessary to maintain reasonable quality of life for its inhabitants. Space to accommodate citizens in these densely populated cities will be in short supply and high demand. Strategic shifts in the transportation industry can alleviate the lack of space for residential and commercial facilities in densely populated areas.
One opportunity to mitigate this growing problem is to reduce the size of personally owned, commuter vehicles. Smaller vehicles will reduce the storage space and increase the density of vehicles on roads. Another solution gaining traction in the automotive industry today are autonomous vehicles. Autonomous technology can allow cars to travels closer to one another without increasing the likelihood of a crash. Lastly, changing the market from personally owned vehicles to fleets owned by the company to be used as public transportation would reduce the traffic density.
These changes to the automotive industry will facilitate a change in the layout and packaging of commercial vehicles to meet new objectives. This paper proposes a novel corner module design that meets the market’s needs for mass production of X-by-wire systems integrated into a compact space while maintaining current levels of vehicle stability, handling and ride comfort. The proposed corner module features an in-wheel motor with electronic steering and braking. To increase the handling of the vehicle, the corner module has active camber control and can be modified for active ride height adjustment. Furthermore, the simplicity and minimal quantity of the components makes the corner module design ready for mass production.
The geometry of the purposed corner module was optimized using a genetic algorithm. The objectives were to target a wheel lateral displacement of 10 cm at the −15° of camber angle and to minimize the longitudinal displacement of the wheel in a steer range of −20° to 20° at 0° of camber angle. The optimization had three types of constraints: packaging space limits, component interference and cylinder size. The optimization successfully found a solution that met both objectives while remaining within the constraints. The workspace of the wheel was limited by the rear cylinder size and the fixed length of the linkage.
A Framework for the Design and Optimization of Self-Folding Structures
Authors: Bowen Landen , Frecker Mary , Simpson Timothy W. , Strzelec Rebecca 
Published: November 2017

Due to the multidisciplinary nature and complexity of self folding structures, it can be difficult to know where to start when designing for a new application. Decisions about the active and passive materials to be used and the functionality of the design are very interrelated and can create problems if not considered holistically. There is a need to formalize the steps necessary to move from an origami-inspired shape to a full self-folding concept.
In this paper, an optimization framework is proposed to help designers create self-folding, origami-inspired structures that can accommodate any type of active material. The optimization framework formalizes the design steps needed to move from a target shape/application to a self-folding design. The method is simulation-based, allowing a self-folding design candidate to be identified quickly prior to costly trial-and-error physical prototyping. A general version of the framework is presented that can accommodate a variety of simulation and optimization methods, after which a specific implementation of the framework utilizing a dynamic model and trade space exploration tools is discussed and then used to design a multi-field self-folding carton.
By using the framework, a novel design was identified that both significantly decreased the folding error as well as the amount of active material used when compared to designs that would typically be attempted in a trial-by-error design approach. The demonstrated self-folding design optimization framework has the potential to streamline the design of self-folding structures, resulting in better designs with less time, effort, and cost.
Branch Reconfiguration With Bricard Variations Based on Toroids Intersections: Line-Symmetric Case
Authors: López-Custodio P. C. , Dai J. S. , Rico J. M. 
Published: November 2017

This paper for the first time investigates a disintegrated Bricard mechanism in two toroids and reveals their intersection that leads to a set of Bricard variations with various branches of reconfiguration. The discovery is made in the concentric toroid-toroid intersection. By manipulating the construction parameters of the toroids any possible bifurcation point is explored. This casts light on the reconfiguration of these linkages and leads to the common bi-tangent planes that present singularities in the intersection set.
The study reveals the presence of Villarceau and secondary circles in the toroids intersection. Therefore, a way to reconfigure the Bricard linkage to two different types of Bennett mechanism is uncovered. Further a linkage with two Bricard and two Bennett motion branches is explored. In addition, the paper reveals the Altmann linkage as a member of this Bricard variation family.