bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D Printed Impact Echo Device for Concrete Crack Detection
Authors: Pechlivani Eleftheria Maria , Papadimitriou Athanasios , Pemas Sotirios , Kanlis Alexandros , Stefanidou Maria , Drosou Anastasios , Tzovaras Dimitrios 
Published: June 2024

AbstractConcrete structures are widely used in construction due to their strength and durability. However, over time, cracks may develop within these structures due to various factors, potentially compromising their integrity. Non‐destructive testing (NDT) methods are essential for assessing the health of concrete without causing further damage. This paper presents an alternative Impact Echo (IE) method using a Do‐It‐Yourself (DIY) device for non‐destructive concrete crack detection. The DIY device employs low‐frequency accelerometers and relies on stress wave propagation principles to detect cracks. The proposed device utilizes off‐the‐shelf components, commercially available hardware parts, and open‐source software for detecting cracks in concrete. A fully functional prototype is developed using 3D printing and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) construction methods, with an emphasis on ease of assembly. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed device, a case study is conducted involving an intact plate and a plate with surface opening cracks to validate its proper functioning. This research contributes a practical, cost‐effective solution for assessing concrete cracks, making NDT techniques more accessible for various applications, including infrastructure maintenance and safety inspections.
Digital Twin in SMEs: Implementing Advanced Digital Technologies for Engineering Advancements
Authors: Marino Alfonso , Pariso Paolo , Picariello Michele 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe integration of Digital Twin technology in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) has brought forth a transformative paradigm in engineering practices. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the use of Digital Twin in SMEs and its implementation of advanced digital technologies in an engineering context. The paper highlights key benefits, such as the ability to simulate, analyze, and predict the behavior of products or processes before their physical instantiation. By leveraging advanced modeling and simulation techniques, SMEs can efficiently explore multiple design iterations, identify potential issues, and optimize engineering solutions without costly physical prototyping. Furthermore, the paper discusses integrating other advanced digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Digital Twin to create intelligent and interconnected systems. The implementation of Digital Twin technology in SMEs extends beyond product design to encompass various aspects of the product lifecycle, fostering efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. However, challenges such as data integration, cybersecurity, and skill requirements are addressed. With proper planning and investment, SMEs can unlock the full potential of Digital Twin technology to gain a competitive edge in the dynamic engineering domain.In conclusion, this paper demonstrates that the use of Digital Twin in SMEs and its integration with advanced digital technologies revolutionizes engineering practices. By offering virtual representations of physical assets and processes, Digital Twin enables SMEs to make informed decisions, optimize performance, and drive innovation. As the technology evolves, it becomes an indispensable tool for SMEs seeking to thrive in the ever‐evolving engineering landscape.
Development of a System for Repairing Damaged Tissue Utilizing 3D Printed Biodegradable Scaffolds and Computer Vision Approaches
Authors: Kladovasilakis Nikolaos , Charalampous Paschalis , Boumpakis Apostolos , Peleka Georgia , Kostavelis Ioannis , Mariolis Ioannis , Papasoulis Efthymios , Sideridis Aristotelis , Tzovaras Dimitrios 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOne of the main therapeutic problems worldwide is the restoration of cartilaginous lesions in order to prevent osteoarthritis which can lead to heavy and high‐cost joint replacement operations with metal implants. In situations where large cartilage lesions occur, the only solution is the transplantation of autologous cells such as chondrocytes or mesenchymal cells. These transplants require the use of scaffolds that are derived from various animals or even synthetic materials, acting as carriers of the above‐mentioned cells. In the context of this study, an integrated system is introduced aiming to rapidly design and fabricate customized 3D‐printed scaffolds, which are constructed from biomaterials, providing that way a valuable solution to their production as well as eliminating the need for multiple operations. The main idea is the employment of a stereoscopic endoscope during the arthroscopy operation extracting stereoscopic images of the investigated area in order to perform a 3D reconstruction of the cartilage lesion area prior and after the surgeon's operation. The fusion of the preoperative images (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] for organic tissue and computed tomography [CT] for synthetic phantoms) with the captured stereoscopic images allows the formulation of an appropriate 3D model of the scaffold. In addition, the physical model of the scaffold is manufactured with the aid of a sterilized 3D printer utilizing biomaterials, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), chitosan, etc. Finally, the 3D printed scaffold is impregnated with autologous cells and inserted into the cartilage lesion during the arthroscopy operation saving precious time and reducing the overall rehabilitation cost.
Hybrid Composite‐Polypropylene Sandwich‐Based Design for the Fuselage Panel in Commercial Aircraft to Increase the Passive Safety of Passengers
Authors: Garofano Antonio , Acanfora Valerio , Russo Angela , Riccio Aniello 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe passive safety in aircraft concerns all measures able to protect the passengers and crew in the event of an accident or emergency. In this context, an important role is played by the design adopted for components inside the passengers’ cabin, such as the seats and the interior lining. An effective approach in design of passive safety system is provided by anthropomorphic test devices. In this work, a new design of the interior lining of the fuselage wall has been introduced and its crashworthiness features have been studied through a side impact of an unbelted window‐side passenger. The new proposed interior lining is made with a hybrid sandwich‐based design with a polypropylene honeycomb core able to ensure passive safety for passengers and thermal and acoustic insulation.
Metal Replacement in UAV Vertical Tails Using Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Battaglia Miriam , Acanfora Valerio , Garofano Antonio , Maisto Giovanni , Riccio Aniello 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe use of additive manufacturing techniques in the development of aerospace components is gaining ground. These innovative methodologies facilitate the proposal of new designs for components with weight reduced features without compromising their mechanical properties. This results in lower fuel consumption and emissions. The present paper focuses on a metal replacement process in a UAV's vertical tail, using a Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) strategy and making use of the lightweight, high‐strength engineering polymer known as carbon PA. By comparing the results achieved through numerical simulations conforming to certification standards between the metal and carbon PA vertical tail model, this work points out the possibility of decreasing the structural mass of the component by up to 48% while maintaining structural integrity. This reduction is achieved by matching materials, design concepts, and manufacturing capabilities.
Shape Memory Alloy Actuators for Controlled Movement of an Automotive Spoiler
Authors: Battaglia Miriam , Sellitto Andrea , Riccio Aniello 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMorphing surfaces are highly demanded in various engineering fields due to their numerous advantages including improving aerodynamics, increasing stability, and reducing drag. Various technologies can be used to achieve this purpose. This paper presents the results of implementing a mobile spoiler using a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. SMAs are commonly used as actuators since they can reversibly change their shape after the application of thermal or mechanical loads. This study explains the mechanism of spoiler displacement, detailing how a bistable linear actuator with a maximum stroke of 5 mm can facilitate spoiler displacement of approximately 40 mm through a well‐designed actuation system.
Effect of Turning Parameters on Cutting Forces, Maximum Principal Stress, and Maximum Interfacial Temperature on Medium Carbon AISI 1045 Steel: Simulation and Comparative Studies
Authors: Wambua Job , Zoppi Guillaume , Woo Wai‐Lok , Mwema Fredrick , Akinlabi Stephen , Bodunrin Michael , Akinlabi Esther 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMedium carbon AISI 1045 steel is a hard to machine material attractive to the automotive and construction industries due to its high strength and excellent heat resistance. Finite element method (FEM) is used in this study to obtain the optimal parameters for turning AISI 1045 steel. The simulation data is obtained and analyzed using an L16 Taguchi orthogonal array (TOA). Three input parameters: cutting speed (A), depth of cut (B), and feed rate (C), and three responses: cutting forces (Cf), maximum interfacial temperature (Tmax), and maximum principal stresses (σmax) are considered and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal conditions obtained are 60 m min−1 for A, 0.3 mm for B, and 0.4 mm rev−1 for C. The depth of cut and feed rate contribute the largest to the Cf (80.98%) and Tmax (38.56%), respectively. All the parameters contribute approximately equal toward the σmax. Comparison between the FEM values and literature experimental data shows that FEM can be used to predict optimal turning parameters with differences of ≈5%. This study gives a reference prediction model for the optimal machining parameters of medium carbon AISI 1045 steel and other related materials, which can be used, alongside experiments, to reduce the overall machining costs.
Research Regarding the Design and Development of an Optimal Concept for a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Dugăeșescu Ileana , Neacșu‐Pave Angela‐Miruna , Enache Vlad‐Cristian , Tunsoiu Nicolae , Doicin Cristian‐Vasile 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe paper presents a development methodology achieving the optimal concept of a humanoid‐like robot which targets the educational environment. This is presented through a series of stages, which served as the basis for developing a range of concepts. To establish the main function, a systematic approach is required, which involved decomposing it into subfunctions and determining the critical ones. These are used to determine the necessary components for the development of the robot. To develop conceptual solutions that address these critical subfunctions, the application of suitable strategies and techniques is required. The optimal concept is selected following the implementation of screening and evaluation matrix, to obtain a functional prototype. The multidisciplinary approach encompasses mechanical design, electronics, control systems, and sensor integration. Key aspects include analyzing human anatomy and motion, selecting appropriate materials, and actuation methods. It also takes into consideration power supply and human–robot interaction interfaces. Finally, a functional method is proposed to develop an optimum concept for a humanoid‐like robot used in the educational system.
Optimization of a Dissimilar Joint Using Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Feier Anamaria , Brindușoiu Mihai , Nițoi Dan , Chivu Oana Roxana , Dubic Demetrius , Țăpirdea Alin , Enache Catalina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe article will explore a potential additive manufacturing approach for combining two distinct thermoplastics, ABS and PMMA. The obtained piece can be produced up of two parts: the lower half is made of ABS, while the upper part is based on PMMA. Given that the assembly is meant to be used on an automobile's exterior, it must be resilient to air and water. Both types of thermopolymers—ABS and PMMA—must be used in a range of lighting applications, including automotive lighting, to lower prices and improve lamp performance. Although PMMA and ABS are different materials, they are compatible and are frequently bonded together.
Experimental Study on Surface Instabilities in FDM Printed Specimens under Compression
Authors: Hamaied R. , Montanari M. , Spagnoli A. , Gao C. , Bertolin C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study looks into the development of wrinkles in a bilayer fused deposition modeling (FDM)‐printed system. The specimen is composed of two polymeric materials (ABS and TPU) to emphasize the difference in stiffness between the two layers, i.e., the film and the substrate. The specimen production process allows to take into account a variety of printing parameters, including infill density, the number of film layers, and printing orientation. During the experimental stage, a distributed compressive force is applied to the specimens, which are confined so as to avoid out‐of‐plane instabilities, allowing wrinkles to form. The research shows that surface instabilities can develop in the surface film depending on the stiffness mismatch and resulting in variations in the wrinkles' magnitude and wavelength during compression. Furthermore, the study observes the transition from wrinkles to folds (creases). The results of this study are a step forward in explaining the mechanisms that govern surface instabilities and promoting advanced application in future research. In fact, understanding the formation of wrinkles in bilayer membranes with a limited stiffness mismatch will allow the development of soft printed matter with adaptable properties that are easily applicable, for instance, in the fields of soft robotics and biomedical engineering.
Improved Surface Quality with TiN‐Coated Tool
Authors: Coman Costel Catalin , Mazurchevici Simona‐Nicoleta , Cimpoeşu Nicanor , Carausu Constantin , Oleksik Valentin Stefan , Nedelcu Dumitru 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe emergence of incremental sheet forming has led to the development of innovative manufacturing techniques that possess great adaptability and hold the potential to provide substantial economic advantages in the realms of advanced technologies and low‐volume production. In this study, specialized analyses are conducted to determine the structure and morphology of the surfaces produced after single‐point incremental sheet forming (SPISF). The material subjected to SPISF is Al 3003. For the material forming, two types of tools, one uncoated and one coated with titanium nitride (TiN), are used. It is observed that the TiN‐coated tool yields the most favorable roughness outcomes and also reduces the values of the forming components. According to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, the deposition of the TiN on the tool is uniform, thus the results relate to the surface roughness and not only justified.
Functional Analysis: A Case Study of an IoT‐Based Health Monitoring System
Authors: Ulmeanu Mihaela‐Elena , Doicin Cristian‐Vasile , Dugăeșescu Ileana , Zaharia Cristin , Pârvu Gabriela‐Marina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper focuses on the application of technical functional analysis in the early development stages of an advanced Internet of Things (IoT) system designed for remote monitoring of patients' health parameters. The primary objective of this work is to enhance healthcare efficiency and accessibility, addressing the increasing demand for optimized medical services. Function identification is a pivotal aspect of this endeavor as it plays a crucial role in the successful development of the IoT system and often leads to the identification of competitive advantages. The methodology employed in this study involves identifying the basic need, together with the primary, secondary, and tertiary functions. These functions are then hierarchically organized, weighed, and assessed in both technical and economic dimensions. The cost–value relationship of the functions is analyzed using the least‐squares method and an optimal concept framework for an advanced IoT system tailored for remote health parameter monitoring of patients is proposed.
Numerical Analysis Techniques for Studying the Structural Strength of a Vehicle in Terms of Absorbed Energy
Authors: Felaco Amelia , Opran Costantin G. , Lamanna Giuseppe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDuring an impact, the vehicle structure must absorb as much energy as possible to avoid injury and damage to those involved. Diagnostic parameters, such as energy absorption, can be obtained via finite element analysis (FEA) and used to assess the vehicle's crashworthiness performance. The finite element method for numerical simulations is a widely accepted method in machine design, allowing models to be validated, saving money and time. Numerical models are modeled using Hypermesh and evaluated with the Ls‐Dyna numerical code. Starting from a standard frontal crash test against a rigid barrier at a speed of 50 km h−1 according to the Euro Ncap protocol, the approach used is to divide a commercial vehicle into five macro‐areas, namely: front, flatbed–driver, flatbed–passenger, chassis–driver, and chassis–passenger. This is done to assess the absorption energy of the structural components as the position of the impact angle against the barrier changes (0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°); in this way, the degree of reliability and safety of the entire vehicle can be assessed in more detail, allowing a broader evaluation and a starting point for future vehicle design.
Numerical Simulation of Crashworthiness and Occupant Restraint System of a Rollover Tractor
Authors: Felaco Amelia , Caputo Francesco , Lamanna Giuseppe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSafety in agriculture is a crucial aspect to consider. The ultimate goal of safety in agriculture is to create a safe working environment and ensure the integrity of the food supply chain that provides resources for all. Modern agriculture depends heavily on heavy machinery, which increases the efficiency of many agricultural procedures. Unfortunately, tractors, cultivators, and power tools pose a serious hazard, as evidenced by numbers reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, where 146 people were fatally injured while working with or near tractors in 2018 alone. This study aims to analyze one of the most critical phenomena involving tractor occupants: rollover. By conducting an explicit finite element analysis (FEA) of a rollover test of a generic T5 tractor, the aim is to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the occupant focusing on the interaction between the occupant and the interior of the vehicle. Biomechanical parameters will be studied and compared with different case studies that may be useful for a better understanding of the situation. In particular, a case study with an unbelted dummy and another case study where the dummy has a seat belt will be analyzed. The innovation of this study is to compare the previous case studies with another case study. This is the introduction of an airbag placed on the side pillar of the tractor cab, which will contribute significantly to the reduction of fatal accidents.
Integrin αM promotes macrophage alternative M2 polarization in hyperuricemia‐related chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Jing , Guo Fan , Chen Xiaoting , Fu Ping , Ma Liang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHyperuricemia is an essential risk factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD), while urate‐lowering therapy to prevent or delay CKD is controversial. Alternatively activated macrophages in response to local microenvironment play diverse roles in kidney diseases. Here, we aim to investigate whether and how macrophage integrin αM (ITGAM) contributes to hyperuricemia‐related CKD. In vivo, we explored dynamic characteristics of renal tissue in hyperuricemia‐related CKD mice. By incorporating transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics data, we analyzed gene expression profile, hub genes and potential pathways. In vitro, we validated bioinformatic findings under different conditions with interventions corresponding to core nodes. We found that hyperuricemia‐related CKD was characterized by elevated serum uric acid levels, impaired renal function, activation of macrophage alternative (M2) polarization, and kidney fibrosis. Integrated bioinformatic analyses revealed Itgam as the potential core gene, which was associated with focal adhesion signaling. Notably, we confirmed the upregulated expression of macrophage ITGAM, activated pathway, and macrophage M2 polarization in injured kidneys. In vitro, through silencing Itgam, inhibiting p‐FAK or p‐AKT1 phosphorylation, and concurrent inhibiting of p‐FAK while activating p‐AKT1 all contributed to the modulation of macrophage M2 polarization. Our results indicated targeting macrophage ITGAM might be a promising therapeutic approach for preventing CKD.
Photodynamic therapy for cancer: mechanisms, photosensitizers, nanocarriers, and clinical studies
Authors: Zhao Wanchen , Wang Liqing , Zhang Meihong , Liu Zhiqi , Wu Chuanbin , Pan Xin , Huang Zhengwei , Lu Chao , Quan Guilan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a temporally and spatially precisely controllable, noninvasive, and potentially highly efficient method of phototherapy. The three components of PDT primarily include photosensitizers, oxygen, and light. PDT employs specific wavelengths of light to active photosensitizers at the tumor site, generating reactive oxygen species that are fatal to tumor cells. Nevertheless, traditional photosensitizers have disadvantages such as poor water solubility, severe oxygen‐dependency, and low targetability, and the light is difficult to penetrate the deep tumor tissue, which remains the toughest task in the application of PDT in the clinic. Here, we systematically summarize the development and the molecular mechanisms of photosensitizers, and the challenges of PDT in tumor management, highlighting the advantages of nanocarriers‐based PDT against cancer. The development of third generation photosensitizers has opened up new horizons in PDT, and the cooperation between nanocarriers and PDT has attained satisfactory achievements. Finally, the clinical studies of PDT are discussed. Overall, we present an overview and our perspective of PDT in the field of tumor management, and we believe this work will provide a new insight into tumor‐based PDT.