bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Guide to Writing a Qualitative Systematic Review Protocol to Enhance Evidence‐Based Practice in Nursing and Health Care
Authors: Butler Ashleigh , Hall Helen , Copnell Beverley 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe qualitative systematic review is a rapidly developing area of nursing research. In order to present trustworthy, high‐quality recommendations, such reviews should be based on a review protocol to minimize bias and enhance transparency and reproducibility. Although there are a number of resources available to guide researchers in developing a quantitative review protocol, very few resources exist for qualitative reviews.AimsTo guide researchers through the process of developing a qualitative systematic review protocol, using an example review question.MethodologyThe key elements required in a systematic review protocol are discussed, with a focus on application to qualitative reviews: Development of a research question; formulation of key search terms and strategies; designing a multistage review process; critical appraisal of qualitative literature; development of data extraction techniques; and data synthesis. The paper highlights important considerations during the protocol development process, and uses a previously developed review question as a working example.Implications for ResearchThis paper will assist novice researchers in developing a qualitative systematic review protocol. By providing a worked example of a protocol, the paper encourages the development of review protocols, enhancing the trustworthiness and value of the completed qualitative systematic review findings.Linking Evidence to ActionQualitative systematic reviews should be based on well planned, peer reviewed protocols to enhance the trustworthiness of results and thus their usefulness in clinical practice. Protocols should outline, in detail, the processes which will be used to undertake the review, including key search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the methods used for critical appraisal, data extraction and data analysis to facilitate transparency of the review process. Additionally, journals should encourage and support the publication of review protocols, and should require reference to a protocol prior to publication of the review results.
A new perspective on the reduction of cephalic scales in fossorial legless skinks (Squamata, Scincidae)
Authors: Miralles Aurélien , Jono Teppei , Mori Akira , Gandola Robert , Erens Jesse , Köhler Jörn , Glaw Frank , Vences Miguel 
Published: January 2016

In this study, we provide an extended multilocus phylogenetic analysis combining mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of a group of fossorial and miniaturized legless lizards (genus Paracontias) from Madagascar, including the description of two species new to science, P. ampijoroensis sp. nov. and P. mahamavo sp. nov. Our analyses revealed the existence of two distinct, parapatric and diagnosable clades within the genus: (i) the ‘kankana clade’ (including P. kankana and the two newly described species), located in the north (but absent from the extreme northern tip) of the island and characterized by a pattern of cephalic scales very unusual for Malagasy Scincinae, with large loreal scales extending to and meeting each other at dorsal midline, and (ii) the ‘brocchii clade’ (including all other studied species), endemic to the north of Madagascar and characterized by small loreal scales separated from each other by the rostral and the frontonasal scale. By combining phylogenetic results with morphological traits observed among species, we develop novel hypotheses on the simplification of the cephalic scalation pattern within this genus, a trend frequently encountered among various lineages of legless squamates that convergently adapted to a burrowing lifestyle. Additionally, a user‐friendly graphical identification key for species of Paracontias is provided and made available as supplementary information.
HPC Methods for Domains of Attraction Computation
Authors: Belardinelli Pierpaolo , Lenci Stefano 
Published: January 2016

The work is devoted to the development of efficient parallel algorithms for the computation of large-scale basins of attraction. Since the required computational resources increase exponentially with the dimension of a dynamical system, it is common to get into memory saturation or in a secular elaboration time.
This paper presents a code, based on a cell mapping method, that evaluates basins of attraction for high-dimensional systems by exploiting the parallel programming. The proposed approach, by using a double-step algorithm, permits, i) to fully determine the basins in all the dimensions ii) to evaluate 2D Poincaré sections of the system. The code is described in all its parts: the shell, in charge of the core management, permits to split over a multi-core environment the computing domain, it carries out an efficient use of the memory.
A preliminary analysis of the performances is undertaken also by considering different dimensional grids; the optimal balance between computing cores and memory management cores is studied.
Topology Optimization on the Cloud: A Confluence of Technologies
Authors: Suresh Krishnan 
Published: January 2016

Topology optimization is a systematic method of generating designs to meet specific engineering requirements. It is exploited today in several industries including aircraft, automobile, and machinery, and it strongly complements the emerging field of additive manufacturing. Yet, the wide-spread use of topology optimization has been deterred due to high computational cost and significant software/hardware investment.
In this paper, we propose a cloud based topology optimization (CTO) framework to overcome these challenges, thereby promoting the wider use of topology optimization. CTO requires a confluence of several methods and technologies, each of which is discussed in this paper.
First and foremost, CTO requires a fast 3D topology optimization method that can respond rapidly to multiple clients. Here, PareTO, a topological sensitivity based method is used as the backbone of the framework. PareTO relies on limited-memory finite element analysis with a deflated linear solver that is designed to exploit multi-core and many-core architectures. At the client-end, the framework relies on JavaScript based WebGL and ThreeJS technologies to display 3D geometry and formulate structural problems within a browser. Finally, Ajax, php and HTML5 technologies are exploited to achieve asynchronous and robust user experience. An implementation of this framework is available at www.cloudtopopt.com; to use this free service, JavaScript must be enabled within the browser.
A System of Multi-Sensor Fusion for Activity Monitoring of Industrial Trucks in Logistics Warehouses
Authors: Alias Cyril , Özgür Çağdaş , Yang Qingjin , Noche Bernd 
Published: January 2016

Industrial trucks, such as forklifts, are key enablers of logistics performance in warehouses. Being critical resources of warehousing processes, their optimal utilization and the prevention of waste in relation to the use of forklifts are of ever increasing importance. Hence, real-time data about the activities of the trucks are required for both immediate reactions on an operational level and retrospective analyses for tactical adjustments.
In the ongoing research initiative, a technical solution concept has been developed and implemented which aims at collecting activity data of an industrial truck used in an indoor warehousing environment. For this reason, different sensors are used for monitoring individual functions of an industrial truck. The truck activities monitored by means of the sensors are its acceleration behavior, i.e. speed and vibration, as well as surrounding temperatures. In addition, the occupation status and the movement of the fork have been monitored and recorded. Thereby, logistics managers and analysts are facilitated to gain insight into the activity profile of the individual truck and the entire fleet, respectively, and to derive adequate measures of adjustment or even correction.
The paper illustrates details of the technical solution concept and presents a first set of experimentation results.
Plane Recognition on the Basis of Cloud of Points Determined by Photogrammetry
Authors: Gessner Andrzej , Sobczak Marcin , Kowal Michal 
Published: January 2016

The article presents the results of research on developing a mathematical model allowing to identify the planes in a measured object, based on a cloud of points located on its walls.
A basic mathematical description of surfaces is presented. An algorithm for determining the general equation of the plane on the basis of three points described in the Cartesian coordinate system has been developed. The algorithm has then been used to determine all possible planes in a given set of measured points, which were then subjected to the process of elimination and normalization. Filtered equations of the planes were grouped in order to finally determine the set of the sought-after equations.
The designed algorithms have been implemented in a C++ computer program and their effect has been verified on a sample object with 3 methods of measurement: a contact measurement, a structured-light scanner method and with photogrammetry. The calculated equations have been compared with equations developed by a referenced commercial software. The results of the comparison have proved the correctness of the tested algorithms.
The mathematical model will be used for rapid assessment of the geometrical parameters of castings and of the size of the machining allowances, as well as in the automatic settings of the casting in the machining space.
The research was supported by the National Centre for Research and Development, Poland within the ongoing project No. LIDER / 07/76 / L-3/11 / NCBR / 2012.
Blast Mitigation Seat Analysis: Assessment of the Effect of Personal Protective Equipment on the 5th Percentile Female Anthropomorphic Test Device Performance in Drop Tower Evaluations
Authors: Bosch Kelly , Harris Katrina , Clark David , Scherer Risa , Melotik Joseph 
Published: January 2016

To address the lack of knowledge on the quantitative effects of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the small occupant, 55 drop tower tests were conducted and the resulting responses were evaluated. A previous technical publication evaluated the results of drop tower testing of twelve models of blast energy-attenuating seats1. That study assessed the data recorded from three sizes of anthropomorphic test devices, or ATDs, including the Hybrid III 5th percentile female, the Hybrid III 50th percentile male, and the Hybrid III 95th percentile male. The forces, moments, and accelerations from the ATDs were compared to Injury Assessment Reference Values (IARVs) to validate the drop tower methodology and to evaluate the appropriateness of the IARVs developed for the three occupant sizes. The data review revealed that the maximum lumbar compression loads recorded by the ATDs was an effective “go/no-go” criteria for judging seat performance, and that the 5th percentile female ATD, or small occupant, was the most difficult to pass the corresponding lumbar compression IARV. Additionally, the 5th percentile female ATD exceeded its corresponding IARV for upper neck compression, leading to the motivation for this study; the data set from the previous technical publication was used in this study.
Historically, blast mitigation seats are designed to accommodate the average sized occupant, or 50th percentile male. Moving forward, there is a new emphasis on extending the protection afforded to the full military population, including the small female. The data presented in this paper seeks to determine the effect of PPE on the lumbar compression and upper neck loads for the small occupant.
Containerization Method for Logistic Cost Reduction Based on Closed-Loop Supply Chain Model
Authors: Ou Xinyan , Chang Qing , Xiao Guoxian , Arinez Jorge 
Published: January 2016

Logistics cost is an important contributor to the overall cost in a supply chain system. By using collapsible containers, the frequency of return freight can be reduced and the return of containers can be optimized, leading to potential logistic cost savings. However, the dynamic behavior of container flows due to demand, inventory, storage, and repair requirements make it difficult to accurately analyze container system performance. An accurate estimation of this collapsible container usage impact is of great importance for decision-making.
This paper describes the development of a mathematical model of the container dynamic flow system by using the collapsible containers. A continuous time, discrete space Markov process is used for stochastic scenario. The model determines the total cost savings, based on the collapsible rate, the number of collapsible containers, the performance of the factory and the supplier and the transportation environment. The presented mathematical formulation enables the evaluation of the system performance. A case study of collapsible container supply chain system demonstrates the advantages of this methodology. In addition, a simulation model of this stochastic system is presented to verify the mathematical model. Simulation tests are conducted to demonstrate the potential logistics cost savings in the closed-loop supply chain system.
Justification, Design, and Analysis of a Village-Scale Photovoltaic-Powered Electrodialysis Reversal System for Rural India
Authors: Wright Natasha C. , Van de Zande Georgia , Winter Amos G. 
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the merits of village-scale photovoltaic (PV) powered electrodialysis reversal (EDR) systems for rural India and the design and analysis of such a system built by the authors with planned testing to be completed in March 2015 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The requirements for the system include daily water output of 6–15 m3/day (enough potable water for the average village size of 2,000–5,000 people), removal of dissolved salts in addition to biological contaminants, photovoltaic power source, recovery ratio of greater than 85% and appropriate maintenance and service scheme. At present, most village-scale desalination systems use reverse osmosis (RO), however the managing NGOs have found the systems to be cost prohibitive in off-grid locations. EDR has the potential to be more cost effective than currently installed village-scale RO systems in off-grid locations due to the lower specific energy consumption of EDR versus RO at high recovery ratios. This leads to lower power system cost and overall capital expense.
The system developed in this study is designed to validate whether the system requirements can be met in terms of recovery ratio, product water quality, specific energy consumption, and expected capital cost. The system is designed to desalinate 3600 ppm brackish groundwater to 350 ppm at a rate of 1.6 m3/hour and a recovery of 92%. This paper reviews the scope of the market for village scale desalination, existing groundwater salinity levels, and presents the design methodology and resulting system parameters for a village-scale PV-EDR field trial.
Design Repository and Analogy Computation via Unit Language Analysis (DRACULA) Repository Development
Authors: Lucero Briana , Turner Cameron J. , Linsey Julie 
Published: January 2016

Engineering designs are typically constrained by requirements and specifications. The Design Analogy Performance Parameters System (D-APPS) project seeks to provide engineers with a means to transform these product requirements and specifications into functional analogies. D-APPS employs design-by-Analogy (DbA) via critical functionality and the engineering performance parameters from the specifications to produce functional alternative options to design engineers.
Repositories, or databases, provide structured storage of information for retrieval by users in an systemic manner. D-APPS utilizes a repository to store analogy entries, capable of being polled by the developed algorithm. Analogous matches are formulated with the weighting scheme of the algorithm. This research investigates the structures of three alternative repositories, and the current D-APPS database with its interface to the algorithm and design engineer. The architecture of the repository is discussed with example entries and rationale for inclusion.
A Principle of Similarity for Nonlinear Vibration Absorbers
Authors: Habib Giuseppe , Kerschen Gaetan 
Published: January 2016

With continual interest in expanding the performance envelope of engineering systems, nonlinear components are increasingly utilized in real-world applications. This causes the failure of well-established techniques to mitigate resonant vibrations. In particular, this holds for the linear tuned vibration absorber (LTVA), which requires an accurate tuning of its natural frequency to the resonant vibration frequency of interest. This is why the nonlinear tuned vibration absorber (NLTVA), the nonlinear counterpart of the LTVA, has been recently developed. An unconventional aspect of this absorber is that its restoring force is tailored according to the nonlinear restoring force of the primary system. This allows the NLTVA to extend the so-called Den Hartog’s equal-peak rule to the nonlinear range.
In this work, a fully analytical procedure, exploiting harmonic balance and perturbation techniques, is developed to define the optimal value of the nonlinear terms of the NLTVA. The developments are such that they can deal with any polynomial nonlinearity in the host structure. Another interesting feature of the NLTVA, discussed in the paper, is that nonlinear terms of different orders do not interact with each other in first approximation, thus they can be treated separately. Numerical results obtained through the shooting method coupled with pseudo-arclength continuation validate the analytical developments.
An Experimental Demonstrator of Semi-Active Tire Damping Enhancement
Authors: Vantsevich Vladimir V. , Judd Gabriel D. 
Published: January 2016

Pneumatic tires play a greater role in vibration control of vehicles with stiff or no suspension systems. The challenge is to find an approach that enhances vibratory damping in the tires without increasing the power losses due to rolling resistance effects. This paper presents a novel tire damping enhancement that allows for improved damping within the tire while maintaining the rolling resistance found in a typical pneumatic tire.
The damping enhancement was evaluated by testing an apparatus/demonstrator that simulates a pneumatic tire. The experiment was initially configured to measure the damping ratio of the conventional tire design using a calibrated external excitation and analyzing the decay of the vibration. The damping enhancement presented in the paper was then subjected to the same test and analysis procedure. Results of the analysis show that the proposed damping enhancement measurably decreased the time of the vibratory oscillation.
Nonsmooth Modal Analysis: Investigation of a 2-DOF Spring-Mass System Subject to an Elastic Impact Law
Authors: Thorin Anders , Legrand Mathias , Junca Stéphane 
Published: January 2016

The well-known concept of normal mode for linear systems has been extended to the framework of nonlinear dynamics over the course of the 20th century, initially by Lyapunov, and later by Rosenberg and a growing community of researchers in modal and vibration analysis. This effort has mainly targeted nonlinear smooth systems — the velocity is continuous and differentiable in time — even though systems presenting nonsmooth occurrences have been increasingly studied in the last decades to face the growing industrial need of unilateral contact and friction simulations. Yet, these systems have nearly never been explored from the standpoint of modal analysis.
This contribution addresses the notion of modal analysis of nonsmooth systems. Developments are illustrated on a seemingly simple 2-dof autonomous system, subject to unilateral constraints reflected by a perfectly elastic impact law. Even though friction is ignored, its dynamics appears to be extremely rich. Periodic solutions are sought for given numbers of impacts per period and nonsmooth modes are illustrated for one and two impacts per period in the form of two-dimensional manifolds in the phase space. Also, an unexpected bridge between these modes in the frequency-energy plots is observed.
Tension-Efficient Cable-Driven Robot Design Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Bryson Joshua T. , Agrawal Sunil K. 
Published: January 2016

Cable-driven robots have advantages which make them attractive solutions for a variety of tasks, however, the unidirectional nature of cable actuators complicates the design and often results in multiply redundant cable architectures which increase cost and robot complexity. This paper presents a stochastic optimization approach to the problem of designing a cable routing for a cable-driven manipulator to provide the desired robot workspace while minimizing the cable tensions required to perform a desired task.
Two cable routing design variants are developed for a robot leg through the application of a stochastic optimization methodology called Particle Swarm Optimization. The PSO methodology is summarized, followed by a description of the specific implementation of the methodology to the particular problem of optimizing the cable routing of a robot leg. An objective function is developed to capture all pertinent design criteria in a quantitative evaluation of each particular set of cable parameters. Finally, a description of the PSO execution is presented and the results of the two optimization problems are presented and discussed.
Dynamically Consistent Whole-Body Modeling and Simulation Can Reasonably Predict In Vivo Knee Loads
Authors: Adams Matthew J. , Turner Cameron J. , Silverman Anne K. 
Published: January 2016

Total knee replacement is a viable treatment for end-stage knee arthritis. With a greater number of younger patients opting for total knee replacement surgery, their increasingly active lifestyles will result in higher wear rates while decreasing the life expectancy of the tibial insert component of the knee replacement implant. In response to the eventuality of patients with more active lifestyles requiring knee replacement surgery, this research proposed to accurately estimate in vivo knee loading over a gait cycle using a dynamically consistent whole-body modeling and simulation method. However, medical treatment based on modeling and simulation must be validated before clinical application becomes feasible.
Estimates for knee loading were compared to publicly-available in vivo knee loading measurements from a telemetric implant [1]. A whole-body musculoskeletal modeling approach was used to simulate the gait cycle of a person who had undergone total knee replacement surgery. This approach was used to calculate net knee joint contact forces. Results suggest that generic whole-body modeling and hybrid forward dynamic simulation techniques for estimating knee joint loads may become clinically feasible in the near future.