CAM Strategies Research Articles

A hybrid deep learning pavement crack semantic segmentation

Automatic pavement crack segmentation plays a critical role in the field of defect inspection. Although recent segmentation-based CNNs studies showed a promising pavement crack segmentation performance, a challenging task is still remaining due to the inhomogeneity of crack intensity, the complexity of pavement environments, a limited number of labeled training datasets, and the presence of noise in the majority of images in the crack dataset, which makes it difficult to distinguish the cracks from the noise. To overcome these challenges, this study aims to exploit the inherent relationship between classification and segmentation tasks to improve pavement crack segmentation. A hybrid deep learning pavement crack semantic segmentation is proposed based on knowledge transfer among the Class Activation Maps (KTCAM) and the encoder–decoder segmentation network (KTCAM-Net) via the capability of the revised CAM strategy. An adopted trained pavement crack classification network is used to produce high-quality crack localization maps. These localization abilities are fused with the encoder’s image features and fed into the decoder network to provide an accurate pavement crack segmentation. Furthermore, a hybrid loss function is developed to optimize the segmentation network, capture information about thin cracks, and tackle the problem of class imbalance. Afterward, a novel refinement process is applied to purify the segmented crack boundaries. A comprehensive experimental comparison is conducting using four benchmark datasets: DeepCrack, Crack500, CFD, and CrackSC. The proposed KTCAM-Net demonstrates the state-of-the-art segmentation results.

Case study review: pharmacognosy of complementary and alternative medicines as effective adjuncts in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension

The applications of Complementary and Alternative medicine strategies using naturally occurring plants and plant products have played an important role in the treatment and amelioration of illness and disease for hundreds if not thousands of years in many parts of the world. The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes an extensive nutraceutical formulary with its origins dating back for over 2,000 years, and in North American and other indigenous societies the use of locally available naturally occurring plants contributed to the prevention of numerous nutritional deficiencies including scurvy. In European cultures, and in Central and South American societies the use of natural products also contributed an important role in their health and wellbeing. In the Caribbean, the earliest populations arose from migrating from indigenous peoples from South and Central America with later immigrants arriving from Europe and the African continent, bringing with them the plants and animals that were important to their respective cultures to add to the local environments. This resulted in the abundance of nutraceutical related plants throughout the region, and that the Caribbean now hosts one of the most diverse and extensive arrays of medicinal plants known to exist on the planet. In the present editorial we will review the Pharmacognosy and use of TCM and CAM strategies with practices originating in China and the Caribbean region respectively as compared to allopathic medications on the treatment of mild to moderate intensity hypertension.

A Non-Uniform Offset Algorithm for Milling Toolpath Generation Based on Boolean Operations

In milling, the advancement of CAM strategies has increased the need for tailored algorithms for semi-finished phase computation. In some cases (e.g., thin-wall milling), variable radial engagement of the tool during the toolpath is desired, leading to the need of non-uniform machining allowance on the component that could be achieved only with a non-uniform offset algorithm, i.e., offset where the distance to the initial contour varies along that input. This work presents a general algorithm for non-uniform offset of polyline curves. The approach is based on 2D polygons and Boolean union operation, following these steps: (i) projection segments are generated, (ii) polygons (trapezoids and circular sectors) are created, (iii) Boolean union of all the polygons is performed, (iv) boundary of interest is extracted. The proposed algorithm is able to handle both internal and external offset and is robust for complexity of both the polyline and variable offset magnitude along that line, as proven by several examples and two applications to thin-wall milling provided.

Adaptive CAM planning to support co-design in the building industry

Co-design describes a collaborative design process between different stakeholders. These stakeholders usually come from various domains. To enable co-design, data has to be exchanged between the stakeholders. Current approaches to data management in the building industry are usually oriented along the process chain and therefore only allow a unidirectional flow of information. This is an obstacle in the implementation of co-design within the building industry.As more and more buildings are built by utilizing prefabricated modules to accelerate the on-site building process and to reduce the cost, a major effort in terms of implementing co-design is to link the design information of the building industry with the production information of the manufacturing industry. The problem occurs as the building industry mainly uses the fndustry Foundation Classes and the manufacturing industry uses the Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data as a data format to exchange information. This leads to a break in the flow of information. Furthermore, information about the manufacturability of products, that is generated during the computer-aided manufacturing process, cannot be easily returned to the architect who can utilize the information to adapt the design in the computer-aided design process.This paper addresses these problems by defining a data processing pipeline that enables the conversion of the geometric design information stored in IFC into the STEP data format. From there, the CAM strategy can be defined and results in an executable G-Code. The information of the CAM planning is returned to the architect, who can adapt the design by interpreting the results of the CAM processing. To close the co-design loop, the G-Code for the design adaptions can be generated automatically by reusing the predefined CAM strategy.

Experimental investigation and fuzzy TOPSIS optimisation of Ti6Al4V finish milling

ABSTRACT Ti6A14V is a well-known ‘Difficult to Cut’ material in the aerospace industry. Ti6Al4V shows strain hardening, poor thermal conductivity and chemical reactivity at elevated temperatures, which implies low machinability. This work presents an experimental investigation of 3D finish milling of Ti6Al4V material by Taguchi design of experiments, having L25 array. The considered process parameters are cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, tool type, coolant type and computer aided manufacturing strategy. The experimentation is conducted on the 3D finish milling process, and the performance in terms of tool life, tool wear and surface integrity were recorded. The fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, a multiple-criteria decision-making tool, was applied on experimental responses. The yielded optimum results are derived at minimum cutting speed, moderate depth of cut, feed rate per tooth and collaboration under high concentrated wet lubrication using a PVD-TiAlN cutting tool driven by streamline computer aided manufacturing strategy. In addition, analysis of variance confirms the influential process parameter contribution on the respective performance. Finally, optimised process parameters were applied for the gear bracket finish milling through streamline CAM strategy, which results in minimum flank and crater wear with an average surface roughness of 0.17 microns.

Utilization and Impact of Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Symptomatic Autoimmune Hepatitis Patients

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has become increasingly common. It is also prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease, but the scope, depth, and safety of use is not well known.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and patterns of CAM use in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients.MethodsElectronic invitation to complete a 22 item CAM-specific questionnaire was posted weekly to well-established AIH Facebook communities (combined membership of 4700 individuals) during a 6-week study period. Age ≥ 18 years and AIH diagnosis made by a treating physician were the eligibility criteria.ResultsThe prevalence of ever CAM use among participants was 56.4%, and nearly 42% used CAM after AIH diagnosis. Among those reporting CAM use after diagnosis, 53.7% (51/95) indicated CAM was used to mitigate AIH-related phenomenon, most often targeting liver inflammation/fibrosis (67.7%), fatigue (51%), joint pain (47.1%), and sleep issues (45.1%). Most frequent physical CAM strategies were exercise (49.5%) and yoga (34%), whereas most frequent consumable CAM included healthier eating (45.3%), cannabidiol preparations (45.3%), and probiotics (44.3%). Seventy-five percent reported that CAM improved AIH symptoms and no severe adverse events were reported.ConclusionsCAM use in AIH patients is prevalent, yet providers have historically failed to document their patient’s CAM strategies. Beyond inherent drug-induced liver injury risk, drug-drug interactions remain a concern and could alter baseline immunosuppression levels in AIH. Despite a majority found CAM approaches that improved targeted symptoms, all were unable to alter the course of chronically prescribed medications by physicians.

Impact of Different CAM Strategies and Cutting Parameters on Machining Free-Form Surfaces with Ball-End Milling Tools in Terms of Micro and Macro Accuracy

Impact of Different CAM Strategies and Cutting Parameters on Machining Free-Form Surfaces with Ball-End Milling Tools in Terms of Micro and Macro Accuracy

Use of CAM Strategies for Tool Movement in Machining Surfaces of Various Shapes

Implementation of the CAD systems in the field of machine design allowed more possibilities for the design of free-form surfaces, which are especially used in the field of shape design within the automotive and consumer industries. The connection of the CAD systems with the CAM machining technologies has brought a revolution in the field of machining these surfaces. What until recently could be machined with a great effort on copy milling machines, where the clay or laminate model was an original, can now be produced using a virtual model, whereby the tool copies the shape of this model. The CAD/CAM systems already offer analyses during design, which can verify the manufacturability of the modelled surface. The CAM systems offer a number of tool movement strategies for machining a given surface. This paper is focused on the selection of the most suitable strategy for machining the shaped surfaces of the active parts of press tools for the production of automotive parts. It points out the importance of the CAD/CAM data needed in the stage of technological preparation of production, because they have a significant impact on the achieved surface quality. This paper deals with strategies of machining a planar inclined surface using horizontal and vertical machining strategies. The next part of the paper deals with machining of the Free Form Surface and the final part of the paper uses the described strategies for machining the shapes of the die cavity for connecting rod fittings. The experimental part is concentrating on the selection of the most suitable strategy of die milling for the production of the connecting rod (car internal combustion engine part). Simulations of production and the production of details from two different materials are realized on individual details of the mould. The resulting quality of the treated surface was evaluated based on the evaluation of surface roughness.

Trajectory generation in 5-axis milling of freeform surfaces using circular arc approximation and its influence in surface roughness

Current methods used to generate toolpath in 5-axis machining, multiply the program lines when the precision is sought, producing a deficient approach to the points and a highly variable feed rates. These factors cause geometric imprecision and poor surface finishes. In this work, a new method for approximating trajectories through circular arcs between selected points has been developed. It has been checked through the machining of an elliptical toroid surface and its results have been compared with those produced by other CAM strategy. The part produced by the new method shows a considerable improvement in the surface roughness.

Influence of Different CAM Strategies on the Fit of Partial Crown Restorations: A Digital Three-dimensional Evaluation.

CAM fabrication is an important step within the CAD/CAM process. The internal fit of restorations is influenced by the accuracy of the subtractive CAM procedure. Little is known about how CAM strategies might influence the fit of CAD/CAM fabricated restorations. The aim of this study was to three-dimensionally evaluate the fit of CAD/CAM fabricated zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic partial crowns fabricated with three different CAM strategies. The null hypothesis was that different CAM strategies did not influence the fitting accuracy of CAD/CAM fabricated zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic partial crowns. Preparation for a partial crown was performed on a maxillary right first molar on a typodont. A chairside CAD/CAM system with the intraoral scanning device CEREC Omnicam (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA, USA) and the 3+1 axis milling unit CEREC MCXL was used. There were three groups with different CAM strategies: step bur 12 (12), step bur 12S (12S), and two step-mode (12TWO). The zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic Celtra Duo (Dentsply Sirona) was used as the CAD/CAM material. A new 3D method for evaluating the fit was applied, consisting of the quadrant scan with the intraoral scanning device CEREC Omnicam. The scan of the PVS material adherent to the preparation and the preparation scan were matched, and the difference analysis was performed with special software OraCheck (Cyfex AG, Zurich, Switzerland). Three areas were selected for analysis: margin (MA), axial (AX), and occlusal (OC). Statistical analysis was performed using 80% percentile, one-way ANOVA, and the post hoc Scheffé test with α=0.05. Statistically significant differences were found both within and between the test groups. The aspect axial fit results varied from 90.5 ± 20.1 μm for the two-step milling mode (12TWO_AX) to 122.8 ± 12.2 μm for the milling with step bur 12S (12S_AX). The worst result in all groups was found for the aspect occlusal fit with the highest value for group 12S of 222.8 ± 35.6 μm. Group two-step milling mode (12TWO) performed statistically significantly better from groups 12 and 12S for the occlusal fit ( p<0.05). Deviation patterns were visually analyzed with a color-coded scheme for each restoration. CAM strategy influenced the internal adaptation of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate partial crowns fabricated with a chairside CAD/CAM system. Sensible selection of specific areas of internal adaptation and fit is an important factor for evaluating the CAM accuracy of CAD/CAM systems.

Research on and development of a Miller cycle engine with multi-stage boosting

In order to improve the thermal efficiency of engines, it is essential to increase their geometric compression ratio or the expansion ratio. This research explores the technology options to enable a higher expansion ratio in future boosted spark-ignition direct-injection engines, with the aim of significantly reducing the fuel consumption while achieving the same torque and combustion performances as those of baseline turbocharged engines. Variable-valve-actuation technologies such as the late-intake-valve-closing cam strategy and the early-intake-valve-closing cam strategy were considered, and their effectiveness in reducing the effective compression and preventing knock in high-compression-ratio engines was assessed. To compensate for the torque loss due to late intake valve closing or early intake valve closing, multi-stage boosting systems including the turbocharger–supercharger combination and the two-stage turbocharger were implemented and compared. In this study, a Miller cycle engine concept with a high expansion ratio of 12.0:1 was developed with variable valve actuation and multi-stage boosting. On the basis of this new concept, an engine was built and extensively tested on an engine dynamometer to assess its part-load fuel consumption and full-load performance. The experimental results indicated that this engine concept can improve the fuel economy of the vehicle by 3–4% at typical city and highway driving conditions while maintaining the same performance.

Influence of CAM Strategies on the Wear of Cutting Tools

This paper presents research on the influence of CAM strategies for wear and durability of milling tools. We used two machining principles in this process. In the first instance was constant point of contact with the tool and machining surface. The second method was changing point of the cutting edge in the milling process. Material of tool was hard alloy and high speed steel for machining steel 40CrMnMo7 and C45. The shape of cutting tool was a “Ball Nose” end mill. A DMU 85 monoBLOCK 5-axis CNC milling machine was used. The cutting tool wear was measured in Zoller Genius 3, universal measuring machine and digital microscope, Dino lite 2. The results show differences of cutting tool wear depending on the milling strategy and material of tool.

Avoiding Early Failures in Conjugate Cam Mechanism by Means of Different Design Strategies

Abstract To solve the indetermination of forces existing in a form-closed cam mechanism formed by conjugate cams, where the contact between the cams and the follower rollers is constantly ensured by only the geometry of the elements, dynamic models that consider the elasticity of the elements must be proposed. Because the stiffness of the main elements is associated with the elasticity of the solids, tight variations in manufacturing and assembly errors modify the effective interference fit, which significantly affects the expected fatigue life of the mechanism, leading to a premature failure of the elements due to surface fatigue. Based on a real industrial application of a conjugate cam mechanism and using lumped-parameter models, the objectives of this paper are: first, to show that it is difficult to achieve a pure form-closed conjugate cam mechanism, with the expected fatigue life of the mechanism, by using only standard tolerance specifications; second, to compare the expected fatigue life and motor torque with other cam mechanism design strategies such as force-closed and the combination of force-closed and form-closed strategies, known as force-closed conjugate cam strategy. This paper based on simulation results demonstrates that this latest strategy can, thanks to a better control of the preload, easily achieve results very similar to the theoretical ones of a form-closed conjugate cam mechanism. A prototype of the mechanism of the force-closed conjugate cam strategy is also built.

Surveys of complementary and alternative medicine usage: A scoping study of the paediatric literature

To conduct a scoping review of paediatric CAM utilisation literature, in order to establish the depth and breadth of the field and identify gaps in knowledge regarding the epidemiology of CAM use. A CAM and paediatric search strategy was developed and run in three databases (Medline, Embase, Amed) in June 2006. It was revised and rerun in February 2010. Utilisation studies about paediatric CAM were selected if they had an English or French abstract. Data were extracted into an excel table by one individual. 152 paediatric CAM utilisation studies were identified as of February 2010, 136 were fulltext English. There was variation in how CAM was defined: vitamins were included in 35 studies, excluded in 12 studies and not mentioned in 40; while prayer was included in 64, excluded in 9, and not mentioned in 39. Over half of the studies identified were from North America. The majority of studies were conducted in conventional health settings. The four most commonly studied subpopulations were cancer, asthma, autistic spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Eighteen percent of studies did not report on the period of assessment used. Twenty-seven percent of studies inquired about adverse events and 32% inquired about costs and insurance coverage. There are substantial paediatric utilisation data available but some subpopulations remain poorly researched. The need for transparent utilisation data remains important in order to help prioritize safety and efficacy research.

Integrative psychosomatics east–west in pain treatment

Asian and western cultures have developed different concepts of the connection between body, mind and spirit strongly influenced by culture, worldview and spirit of the age. These concepts are reflected in different medical systems, their different diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. An integration process of different psychosomatic concepts is going on in east and west. In the last decades the west has become increasingly interested in the holistic/psychosomatic approach of acupuncture, Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine. After the integration of western scientific medicine China is looking more and more for western mental health strategies, respectively, for western psychotherapy and its broad spectrum of schools. Based on the different historical and cultural background the process of integration is different. In this context also the phenomenon of pain is differently understood in east and west. It cannot be separated from the laws of universe and nature as well as from the human nature. The concepts of acute and chronic pain are diverse. Chronic pain is a specific reaction and part of a long time process of imbalance in the relations between the somatic, energetic/psychic and mental level of the patient. The treatment of pain should be an integrative therapeutic setting of different biomedical and CAM strategies including diagnostics and methods of Asian medical systems, their specific psychotherapeutic settings in combination with western psychotherapeutic interventions. The concepts of Asian medical systems are opening the possibility to work out an individual and specific therapeutic setting.

ECAM: Integrative Genomics and Fecundity

<i>eCAM</i>: Integrative Genomics and Fecundity

Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Role of Health Education

Johnson et al. (1) and Nowak and Dorman (2) make a significant contribution to the complementary and alternative (CAM) literature. As noted in both papers, there is little published on the subject in relationship to the role of health education. This brief discusses the three findings common to both papers, including the definition of and attitudes regarding CAM, the type of individuals in the U.S. who engage in CAM treatments or therapies, and the role of health education related to CAM. It also suggests some future roles for health educators. First, a history of the term CAM is in order. Prior to 1998, terms such as medicine, home remedies, and traditional medicine were used. The first federal funding for CAM was approved in October 1991. Public Law 102-170 provided $2 million to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish an office and advisory panel to research programs that would investigate promising but unconventional medical practices. This action was followed by Public Law 103-43, the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993, which established the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) within the Office of the Director of NIH. Its purpose was to facilitate the evaluation of alternative treatment and to disseminate information to the public through an information clearinghouse. And in October 1998, the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 105-277) elevated the status of the OAM by authorizing the establishment of the National Commission of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) under the NIH. The term CAM was thereby recognized. (3) Nowak and Dorman reported from the student respondents' perspective that CAM is generally misunderstood and used primarily as a way to enhance personal appearance and/or performance. The students preferred self-directed CAM approaches, such as exercise, dietary supplements, or vitamins. A similar 2002 NCCAM survey of Americans revealed that only 14.8% of adults sought care from licensed or certified CAM practitioners; most individuals using CAM preferred to treat themselves. (2) When added to the analysis, prayer was the most popular CAM strategy for both students and national survey respondents. Even though the NCCAM list of common therapies does not include prayer, there remains confusion as to whether prayer should be included in CAM survey choices. The respondents had misunderstandings about CAM. Although CAM is no longer labeled quackery, Nowak and Dorman (2(p.83)) reported the continued use of the word: thirty-one percent of respondents believed alternative therapists are quacks, while over a quarter believed most alternative therapies do not work Although Johnson et al. (1(p.75)) did not report any use of the word quackery, they confirmed CAM misunderstandings--health educators were familiar the common CAM therapies, such as massage therapy, chiropractic, and dietary supplements, but were unfamiliar with the less widely used therapies, including Ayurveda, osteopathy, Qi Gong, and Reiki. These findings confirm the relationship between lack of CAM knowledge and misconceptions. Second, from a global perspective and regardless of the term used, CAM has been practiced for centuries by individuals seeking ways to ease their undesirable health symptoms. In addition, many individuals have used folk due to lack of income or lack of access to medical care; but in the U.S., the use of CAM increases as educational attainment increases. Most such individuals use CAM to treat musculoskeletal conditions associated with chronic or recurring pain. (4) Although Johnson et al. (1) did not seek respondents' personal experience with CAM, findings revealed that CAM knowledge was influenced by gender, education level, ethnicity, and employment setting. Nowak and Dorman (2) reported that the majority of students responding were white and female. The national NCCAM survey reported that women were more likely than men to use CAM, (4) which may be the reason why women were more interested in completing the student survey. …