Middle Placement Research Articles

Improving phase change heat transfer in an enclosure partially filled by uniform and anisotropic metal foam layers

Anisotropic metal foams exhibit exceptional potential for improving the efficiency of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) units by enhancing heat transfer and thermal energy storage rates. This study explores the largely uncharted area of thermal behavior of anisotropic metal foams in varied configurations and enclosure designs. The research focuses on an LHTES unit with a specific channel configuration, constructed using copper and containing three layers of copper metal foam, one of which is anisotropic and infused with paraffin wax. The finite element method was utilized to manage the complexities emerging from phase change, and the anisotropic angle varied from 0 to 90° in three different placements of the AMFL: top, middle, or bottom of the enclosure. The ideal design was achieved with an AMFL in the middle with a 0°angle, resulting in a 3.7 % reduction in melting time and approximately a 2.3 % reduction in solidification time. However, AMFL designs at the middle placement with a 75° anisotropic angle were less effective, hampering the melting and solidification processes, thus potentially extending charging and discharging times. The study concludes that the placement and angle of the AMFL layer are vital for the heat transfer capabilities of phase change materials. AMFL at the middle with a 0° angle optimally leverages temperature gradients, enhancing heat transfer compared to other investigated cases. An AMFL in the middle with a 0° angle exhibits approximately 7.1 % and 6.3 % improvements for melting fractions of 0.9 and 0.95, respectively, underscoring its potential for efficient thermal energy storage.

Impact of cage position on biomechanical performance of stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a finite element analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the biomechanical performance of various cage positions in stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion(SA LLIF).MethodsAn intact finite element model of the L3-L5 was reconstructed. The model was verified and analyzed. Through changing the position of the cage, SA LLIF was established in four directions: anterior placement(AP), middle placement(MP), posterior placement(PP), oblique placement(OP). A 400 N vertical axial pre-load was imposed on the superior surface of L3 and a 10 N/m moment was applied on the L3 superior surface along the radial direction to simulate movements of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Various biomechanical parameters were evaluated for intact and implanted models in all loading conditions, including the range of motion (ROM) and maximum stress.ResultsIn the SA LLIF models, the ROM of L4-5 was reduced by 84.21–89.03% in flexion, 72.64–82.26% in extension, 92.5-95.85% in right and left lateral bending, and 87.22–92.77% in right and left axial rotation, respectively. Meanwhile, ROM of L3-4 was mildly increased by an average of 9.6% in all motion directions. Almost all stress peaks were increased after SA LLIF, including adjacent disc, facet joints, and endplates. MP had lower stress peaks of cage and endplates in most motion modes. In terms of the stress on facet joints and disc of the cephalad segment, MP had the smallest increment.ConclusionIn our study, SA LLIF risked accelerating the adjacent segment degeneration. The cage position had an influence on the distribution of endplate stress and the magnitude of facet joint stress. Compared with other positions, MP had the slightest effect on the stress in the adjacent facet joints. Meanwhile, MP seems to play an important role in reducing the risk of cage subsidence.

Does Italian origin really determine a price premium for fluid milk? Evidences from a hedonic price analysis

The regulation 1169/2011, which aims to protect the consumers in relation to food information, stresses the fact that the country of origin is become a key attribute for consumers in their purchasing decision. In 2014, the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, with the Decree of 9 December 2016 - based on art. 26 of Reg. 1169/2011 – introduced the obligation of labelling the country origin of milk used in all dairy products and therefore for the first time for uht milk. In this context, the aim of the study is to evaluate the price premium of different quality attributes on uht milk sold in Italy, with particular regard to the country of origin of milk.From the analysis, it emerges that Italian origin of milk has a significant and positive effect on price, together with the type of retailer (i.e. hypermarket), notorious brands, plastic packaging, high and middle placement on the shelves, organic attribute and the enrichment with omega 3, phosphorus or fibre.

How does the material variation of dynamic hip screw affect the cut-out risk in the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures?

The material selection of dynamic hip screw (DHS) is not usually considered from the point of mechanical effects. In this study, the effects of the titanium alloy and stainless steel DHS was investigated in the cut-out risk of femur using finite element analysis (FEA). Intertrochanteric femur fracture (IFF) (31-A2 type according to AO classification) was created in the 3D femur model obtained from computer tomography images. The DHS model was inserted to the fractured femur model in two different positions (inferior and middle). The material properties of DHS were defined for the FEA. The force applied to the femoral head was determined according to the maximum value that is observed during walking. The results show that the safest model was obtained in the middle placement of titanium alloy DHS according to the safety factor. Consequently, the use of stainless steel DHS for IFF could cause higher failure risk of DHS than the use of titanium alloy DHS.