Nylon Fishing Line Research Articles

Simulation’s usage in training for dental trauma

Background and Aim: Majority of the dentists gain hands on experience in managing dental traumas after entering into the field practically leading to an overall limited exposure to dental trauma injuries before their graduation time. The present study aimed to assess the dental student’s perception regarding simulation based dental trauma training. Materials and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study involved 80 dentistry students at a Tertiary Care teaching institute of Lahore, Pakistan. A questionnaire based survey was done on final year dentistry students to answer the questions regarding their experience of simulated trauma splinting. Prior to this simulation-based practice, all participants were given a 60-minute lecture on oral trauma damage, followed by post-training questions. All the students completed simulated treatment using orthodontic wire, twist flex wire, nylon fishing line, and powermesh as splints. The glass ionomer cement and composite resin were bonding materials used. A 5-point Likert scale was used for post-training questions and answers. Results: Out of the 80 dental students, there were 46 (57.5%) male and 34 (42.5%) female students. The incidence of students who agreed and strongly agreed to their learning assisted by simulated trauma practice were 46.3% (n=37) and 33.8% (n=27) respectively.

Research and development of artificial muscles made of nylon fishing line for robots based on lever mechanisms

Subject of research: two types of artificial muscles made by secondary spiralization from nylon fishing line with cross-sectional diameters of 1.2 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, which can be used in the manufacture of robots based on lever mechanisms, as well as in other mechanisms and systems as propellers.
 Purpose of research: to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each type of artificial muscles obtained by secondary spiralization from nylon fishing line of different diameters.
 Methods and objects of research: the article analyzed the method of manufacturing an artificial muscle. A method of measuring the maximum possible lifting weight of the load has been experimentally found. The operating temperature conditions for an artificial muscle made of nylon fishing line and sufficient weights of loads for the successful functioning of an artificial muscle made of nylon fishing line of various cross-sectional diameters were selected by an experimental method.
 Results of research: the results of tensile tests were carried out and analyzed. The numerical difference of the lifted weight relative to the proper mass of the spiral is calculated.

Bio-photogrammetry: digitally archiving coloured 3D morphology data of creatures and associated challenges

Morphological data of life forms are fundamental for documenting and understanding biodiversity. I developed a photogrammetry technique for reconstructing the outer coloured morphology of various creatures and published more than 1000 models online (https://sketchfab.com/ffishAsia-and-floraZia). By suspending it with nylon fishing line(s), taking digital photos from multiple angles and analysing the photos with photogrammetry software, we can obtain a fine 3-dimensional (3D) model of a creature. I believe the challenge could contribute to various fields, such as taxonomy, museology, morphology, anatomy, ecology, education, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, metaverse and, eventually, open/citizen science. Herein, I report the idea and achievement, which I have termed “bio-photogrammetry.”

Dental trauma simulation training using four splinting models: A cross sectional study.

Opportunities for dental students to obtain clinical experience in the management of traumatic dental injuries are scarce, and most dentists encounter difficulties with their first trauma patients after graduation. The aim of this study was to question students on the ease of handling of four types of flexible splints, with two common methods of bonding to the tooth. A total of 161 fourth year dental students completed a simulated treatment of an avulsed tooth using orthodontic wire, Twistflex wire, nylon fishing line, and Powermesh as splints. The bonding materials were composite resin (Spectra ST LV) or glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji LC Ortho). The students then answered 16 questions on a 5-point Likert scale, or with an open answer field. Most students agreed (48.8%) or strongly agreed (31.3%) that the simulated trauma exercise assisted their learning. There was strong agreement (68.8%) and agreement (28.7%) that the simulation added value to their dental training compared to didactic training only. Similarly, 52.3% of participants strongly agreed and 40% agreed that they felt engaged in the learning activity. Only 53.8% of the participants agreed and 7.5% strongly agreed that the simulation felt realistic. Most students (56.2%) found a Powermesh/composite splint was the easiest to place, and nylon fishing line/GC Fuji LC Ortho splints was the least difficult to remove (35%). Wire-free splints with composite bonding were judged as the easiest to place by students, while glass ionomer cement was the easiest to remove.

Moisture’s significant impact on twisted polymer actuation

It was recently shown that inexpensive drawn polymer monofilaments, such as nylon fishing line, can be used to create thermally driven actuators. These actuators are called twisted polymer actuators (TPAs). TPAs can produce linear actuation when they are both twisted and coiled. In this configuration, these actuators are called twisted coiled polymer actuators (TCPAs). These same drawn polymers can be used to create torsional actuation when the precursor monofilament is twisted but still remains straight, known as straight twisted polymer actuators (STPAs), which is also thought to be the elemental unit of TCPAs. The torsional thermal actuation of STPAs is primarily a result of the anisotropic thermal properties of the virgin material (axial thermal contraction and radial thermal expansion), which manifests as linear actuation in the coiled configuration (TCPA). This paper presents two moisture related matters: moisture content impact on the thermal actuation of TPAs and the capability of TPAs to actuate as a function of moisture absorption at room temperature. For the former, we first present moisture dependencies of the axial thermal contraction and axial modulus of the precursor (straight, untwisted) monofilament. This study is conducted because closed-form and finite element models often use the physical properties of the precursor monofilament as inputs to predict the thermal actuation of TPAs. The results show that, both, axial thermal contraction and axial modulus, are strongly dependent on moisture content. Second, we present the experimental thermal actuation for STPAs and TCPAs at different moisture content percentages. We present torsional actuation responses for three different pitch angles STPAs (36, 25, and 15°) at two percentages added moisture by weight (0% and 4%). Similarly, we study the linear thermal actuation of TCPAs under an isotonic tensile load at the above moisture percentages. The results show an increase in actuation for those samples at 4% moisture content of approximately 100% for STPAs at 75 °C and a 50% for TCPAs samples at 100 °C. Finally, we report for the first time, that TPAs can be hygroscopically actuated. Here, we present torsional actuation responses under free torsion conditions for a 36° pitch angle STPA as well as axial contraction of a TCPA under an isotonic tensile load as a function of moisture absorption and show that moisture absorption can cause a similar actuation responses as seen when a thermal load is applied. Like the thermal actuation, we expect this hygroscopic actuation of TPAs is produced by a combination between the swelling that occurs on the precursor monofilament during moisture absorption and its anisotropic nature.

Platform Stabilization of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines by Artificial Muscle Based Active Mooring Line Force Control

The floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) presents underactuation challenge for controls in terms of platform stability, power regulation, and increased structural loads, which demands for simple, low-cost, low-power, and high-bandwidth actuation concepts. In this article, an active mooring line force control (AMLFC) strategy is proposed based on a novel thermally actuated fishing line artificial muscle (FLAM) actuator. The proposed FLAM actuator consists of multiple bundles of twisted nylon fishing lines, which is added to the junction between the mooring lines and platform bars of FOWT with tensioned-leg platform (TLP). A simulation model of the FLAM actuator is developed in Simulink, along with an interface to the mooring line model of TLP-FOWT in NREL's FAST. The dynamic model of the FLAM actuator is obtained with ANSYS simulation, and a control-oriented model is obtained for the FOWT platform motion. A linear quadratic regulator is implemented for the FLAM-based AMLFC. Simulations are performed on the 5-MW WindPACT model for one Region-2 and one Region-3 scenarios. Simulation results show that, with mild power consumption, the proposed strategy can significantly reduce the platform roll motion and the tower-base side–side bending loads without little impact on the rotor speed and power output.

Lethal fishing hook penetration and line entanglement in an adult bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus).

The carcass of a 15-year-old female Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) was retrieved from the Port River near Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. The animal was emaciated with five thick nylon fishing lines emerging from the oropharynx attached to a tangle of nylon and monofilament fishing line that also contained wire and eight fishing hooks. The mouth had been cut by the line and a circumferential curvilinear superficial abrasion/indentation from fishing line encircled the entire distal rostrum. Dissection of the upper aerodigestive tract revealed a large fish hook embedded in the lower blowhole associated with an adjacent abscess at the base of the epiglottis. The stomach contained two unattached fish hooks, parts of a plastic squid lure and two heavy duty work gloves. Further examination revealed a severe necrotising pneumonia with microabscesses in the kidneys and adrenal glands with scattered thromboemboli in keeping with terminal disseminated intravascular coagulation. Death had resulted from septic complications of fishing hook impalement and line entanglement with inanition. The case provides a graphic illustration of the effects of entanglement and fishing hook penetration, as well as ingestion of non-degradable plastic materials, in a free living Bottlenose dolphin.

Reproducibility of a nylon fishing line as a screening test for diabetic foot ulceration risk

The reproducibility of using the “homemade” monofilament (a nylon fishing line) proposed by Parisi et al. in the manuscript titled “Diabetic foot screening: Study of a 3000 times cheaper instrument” () was tested in this study. Independent validation was performed in a primary care setting, a basic health unit located on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo, which is responsible for the care of approximately 2,000 individuals with diabetes mellitus. A total of 548 out of 853 individuals [...]

Explant-Like Passaging of Cells Growing on Portable Substrata Permits the Avoidance of Enzyme Application and Facilitates the Passage Procedure

The experiments presented in this paper show how growing cells on portable substrats can be useful to facilitate and accelerate the passaging (subculture) of anchorage-dependent cells. Experiments have shown that portable substrats are cheap, commercially available, and transparent. They are easily cut into various shapes and sizes, and are easy to sterilize. Portable substrats are also friendly to cells and permit faster than usual cell passaging procedures. Anchorage-dependent cells growing on the bottom of a culture vessel made of glass or polystyrene can be quickly passaged with previously-cut small fragments of glass fiber or nylon meshes or small fragments of polyester foil as well as nylon fishing lines and biodegradable surgeon threads that have been inserted into the vessel. The surfaces of such fragments of portable supports are quickly overgrown with cells and can be easily transferred to a new culture vessel. As with tissue explants, cells migrate and grow over the bottom of the new culture vessels. Using cell viability tests, analyses of proliferation and fluorescence microscopy, we confirmed the utility of the investigated substrats for cell culture. In addition, the passaging cells, together with a portable support (like explants), eliminate the need for an application of proteolytic enzymes which modify numerous cell properties and activities and would keep the cell from detaching from the substratum which would lead to the cell rounding and changes in the cell's cytoskeleton architecture.

Effective line installation technique for preventing crow intrusion into orchards

For protecting crops, scaring devices have only limited effect to deter birds because of habituation. Installation of lines over the crops has some effectiveness as persistent physical barrier against birds. However, the effectiveness of lines differs among the bird species and environment of the sites concerned. In this study, we aimed to develop a simple and effective line installation technique as a means of preventing crow damage in orchards. From the experiments on captive crows, stringing transparent nylon lines in parallel at 1-m intervals, which is equivalent to wingspan length of the crows, was effective in suppressing intrusions. Transparent nylon lines were more effective in preventing crow intrusions than colored highly visible wires. For crows, line-shaped obstacles with low visibility were suggested to be effective barriers for preventing their flight into the places. Based on these results, we devised a method for stringing nylon fishing lines at 1-m intervals across an orchard with its sides covered by netting. The experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of this method on wild crows indicated that it would be effective enough in controlling crow intrusion to put to practical use in orchards.

Rotational Angle Control of a Twisted Polymeric Fiber Actuator by an Estimated Temperature Feedback

A Twisted Polymeric Fiber (TPF) actuator often referred to as a fishing line/sewing thread artificial muscle, is one of the soft actuators which is made by twisting and heating a nylon fishing line. There are mainly two types of the TPF actuator, one is to make a contraction motion, which is sometimes called a Twisted and Coiled Polymeric Fiber (TCPF) actuator, and the other is to make a rotational motion, called simply a TPF actuator. This paper focuses on the latter one and proposes an estimated temperature feedback control method to regulate a torsional angle of the TPF actuator. The TPF actuator is very lightweight and low cost, but the advantage would be lost if some external sensors, such as a thermal sensor or encoder is used. In order to control the torsional angle without the use of the external sensors, a temperature of the actuator is estimated by measuring the change in the Ohm resistance of a heater wrapping around the actuator. By feedbacking the estimated temperature, the torsional angle can be regulated indirectly. Firstly, the two types of models are proposed. One is to derive a desired temperature of the actuator from the desired angle. The other is to estimate the actuator's temperature from a change of the resistance of the actuator's heater. Next, the temperature feedback control law is composed using these two models. Finally, experiments of the torsional angle regulation are conducted using a prototype of the actuation module which consists of antagonistically embedded two TPF actuators to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed controller.

Assessment of two abdominal mass closure methods using fishing line in rabbit model: clinical and pathological study

The aim of the present study was to assess two methods of mass abdominal closure with the fishing line as an alternative suture material for abdominal wall closure. Eighteen healthy male white rabbits weighing approximately 2.5 kg were used in this study. Animals were separated into three groups: control group (CG) (n = 06), interrupted pattern suture experimental group (IEG) (n = 06), and continuous pattern suture experimental group (CEG) (n = 06). Incisional wounds (4 cm) were performed in the right flank of abdominal wall. In control group (CG), the abdominal muscles and peritoneum were sutured in one layer with simple interrupted pattern using PGA resorbable suture and the skin with commercial synthetic suture (nylon). Then, in experimental groups, closure of peritoneum, abdominal muscles, and skin was performed with one-layer pattern using translucent nylon fishing line. Daily scores were allocated for signs of infection, wound healing, and wound adhesion. A faster wound closure time was recorded in control group (9 days) compared to experimental groups (13 days). All study animals showed low adhesion scores that were very important in the muscular wall. Almost similar histopathology profiles were observed in all groups. This study has demonstrated that fishing line, as suture material, is suitable for mass abdominal closure in rabbit model.

Tracking the Northern Pacific sea star Asterias amurensis with acoustic transmitters in the scallop mariculture field of Hokkaido, Japan

The Northern Pacific sea star Asterias amurensis has a major negative impact on scallop mariculture. In northern Japan, fishermen clean up sea stars before releasing young scallops in the mariculture field; however, new sea stars constantly invade the field from outside areas to feed on scallops. Thus, it is important to determine the migration speed and seasonal behavioral patterns of the Northern Pacific sea star to implement effective density control measures. Here, we set out to quantify these parameters using acoustic telemetry. In a rearing experiment, acoustic transmitters were retained on sea stars for up to 71 days using nylon fishing line. In the field experiment, we showed that the moving distance of the Northern Pacific sea star over a 1-week period was significantly further in spring (90.9 ± 49.9 m) than in summer (25.1 ± 18.9 m), and that the moving speed was significantly faster in spring (18.1 ± 15.2 m/day) than in summer (4.3 ± 9.1 m/day). Our results are the first to present the two-dimensional movement of Northern Pacific sea star individuals in spring and summer. We suggest that sea star extermination practices should be extended beyond the immediate culture area.

On the Control and Properties of Supercoiled Polymer Artificial Muscles

Robotics have long sought an actuation technology comparable to or as capable as biological muscle tissue. Natural muscles exhibit a high power-to-weight ratio, inherent compliance and damping, fast action, and a high dynamic range. They also produce joint displacements and forces without the need for gearing or additional hardware. Recently, supercoiled commercially available polymer threads (sewing thread or nylon fishing lines) have been used to create significant mechanical power in a muscle-like form factor. Heating and cooling the polymer threads causes contraction and expansion, which can be utilized for actuation. In this paper, we describe the working principle of supercoiled polymer (SCP) actuation and explore the controllability and properties of these threads. We show that under appropriate environmental conditions, the threads are suitable as a building block for a controllable artificial muscle. We leverage off-the-shelf silver-coated threads to enable rapid electrical heating while the low thermal mass allows for rapid cooling. We utilize both thermal and thermomechanical models for feed-forward and feedback control. The resulting SCP actuator regulates to desired force levels in as little as 28 ms. Together with its inherent stiffness and damping, this is sufficient for a position controller to execute large step movements in under 100 ms. This controllability, high performance, the mechanical properties, and the extremely low material cost are indicative of a viable artificial muscle.

A Device for Ribbon Collection for Array Tomography with Scanning Electron Microscopy.

“Array tomography” is a method used to observe the fine structure of cells and tissues in a three-dimensional view. In this method, serial ultrathin sections in the ribbon state (ribbons) are mounted on a solid substrate and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The method may also be used in conjunction with post-embedding immunocytochemistry. However, it is difficult to mount many serial ribbons on a substrate manually. We developed an inexpensive laboratory-made device that mounts ribbons by pulling a nylon fishing line and lifting the substrate up from the water in a knife boat. Using this device, we succeeded in mounting several ribbons consisting a mean of 205.6 (SD: 37.7) serial ultrathin sections on 1.25 (SD: 0.06) × 1.25 (SD: 0.06)-cm silicon substrates. Furthermore, it was confirmed that our method is suitable for ribbons derived from water-soluble resin blocks. We were also able to stain the specimens by post-embedding immunocytochemistry. Thus, our method is useful in mounting numerus sections on a substrate for array tomography with SEM.

Experimental characterization of thermally-activated artificial muscles based on coiled nylon fishing lines

The discovery of an innovative class of thermally activated actuators based on twisted polymeric fibres has opened new horizons toward the development of effective devices that can be easily manufactured using inexpensive materials such as fishing lines or sewing threads. These new devices show large deformations when heated together with promising performance in terms of energy and power densities. With the aim of providing information and data useful for the future engineering applications, we present the results of a thermo-mechanical characterization conducted on a specific type of twisted polymeric fibre (i.e. nylon-made coiled actuators) that is considered particularly promising. A custom experimental test-bench and procedure have been developed and employed to run isothermal and isometric tensile tests on a set of specimens that are fabricated with a simple and repeatable process. The results of the experiments highlight some important issues related to the response of these actuators such as hysteresis, repeatability, predictability and stored elastic energy.

In vitro mechanical testing of monofilament nylon fishing line, for the extracapsular stabilisation of canine stifle joint.

Abstract. Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is a common injury in the dogs and major cause of degenerative joint disease. A common method to restore stifle joint stability is an extra capsular repair with a lateral fabella-tibial suture using heavy nylon wire. Aims: to compare the mechanical properties (force at failure and elongation) of three diameters of nylon fishing line before and after steam sterilizer with loops secured by knot (two types) and by crimped system. Materials and methods: Two monofilament nylon fishing lines (1 and 1.2 mm) were used to determine the effect of steam sterilization on strength and elongation of the material. A strand of each diameter of monofilament nylon fishing material was knotted or crimped to form a loop around 2 rods on a materials-testing machine. Material testing was performed using a servo-hydraulic materials-testing machine (MULTITEST 5-i) and analyzed by Emperor Force soft. Twenty trials of each diameter of unsterilized and steam-sterilized nylon per each type of secured methods (square knot, surgical knot, and with a crimp clamp) were tested. A strand of each material was elongated to failure at a constant displacement of 10 mm/min to determine strength. A strand of each material was cycled 10 times to a load of 50 N to determine percent elongation. Results: All the loops failed by breaking or slipping within the knot or clamp. The surgeons knot had significantly greater elongation than all other loops, but required the most force to failure. With incremental loading, knotted loops elongated more than crimped loops. The loops secured by indigene crimp system were weaker strength than knotted loops. Conclusion: All materials tested exceeded the necessary strength of neutralizing the load in the canine walk but none exceeded the estimated highest load during canine higher activity.

Reduction of heat loss from solar thermal collector by diminishing natural convection with high-porosity porous medium

We studied the reduction of natural convection heat loss from a solar thermal collector by placing a high-porosity porous medium above the collector plate in a solar thermal collector system. It is known that natural convection can be diminished in a porous medium. In order to use a porous medium in a solar thermal collector, it is necessary to minimize the shading effect of solar radiation caused by the porous medium. In this work, we used a series of offset wire screens made of fine nylon fishing lines of 0.05mm in diameter with 2-mm pitch and a porosity of 0.999. The experimental apparatus consisted of a copper 300mm×300mm collector plate with a selective absorption film on the surface. We measured the reduction rate of the convection heat loss from the collector plate and the shading effect for actual sun radiation by changing the condition of the porous medium, the temperature of the collector plate, and the inclined angle of the collector plate. Experimental results of the Nusselt number of natural convection in the high-porosity porous medium agreed with the equation proposed by Gupta et al. The effect of the inclined angle on the Nusselt number was small. The net reduction rate of natural convection heat loss was 7% by placing the high-porosity porous medium above the collector plate when the temperature of the collector plate was 100°C.

Analysis of compact and sealed RPCs feasibility

In this article, the feasibility of developing compact and portable float glass sealed Resistive Plate Chambers, sRPCs, is analyzed. For this purpose, several small (80 cm2) sealed chambers have beenconstructed using inexpensive materials like windows float glass,copper tape and nylon fishing line. For the sake of simplicity,during this first development stage, only R134a has been used asionizing gas.In order to distinguish gas leakage from internal gas degradation, acouple of sRPCs were tested inside a box with flowing gas: one withR134a and another with N2. Prompt charge, signal rising slope andoperational current were used to assess chambers performancedegradation during a two-week period. Regarding these variables,small leakages were spotted as the main reason for the performancedegradation observed after about one week of steady operation at thesRPC working in N2 environment. The sRPC working in an R134aenvironment did not show any significative degradation during thewhole test. A discussion on merits and limitations of the proposeddesign is provided.

Effects of sterilization with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, ethylene oxide, and steam on bioadhesive properties of nylon and polyethylene lines used for stabilization of canine stifle joints

To compare effects of sterilization with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), ethylene oxide, and steam on bioadhesive properties of nylon and polyethylene lines used for stabilization of canine stifle joints. Samples of a 36.3-kg test nylon leader line, 57.8-kg test nylon fishing line, and 2-mm ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were used. In this in vitro study, samples of nylon leader line, fishing line, and UHMWPE sterilized by use of HPGP, ethylene oxide, and steam or unsterilized samples were used. Bacterial adherence on unsterilized and sterilized samples was tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Five samples were examined for each line type and sterilization condition, and final colony counts were obtained. Bacterial adherence was significantly affected by method of sterilization for all 3 line types. For most of the samples, bacterial adherence was similar or lower when HPGP sterilization was used, compared with results for sterilization via ethylene oxide and steam, respectively. Bacterial adherence was significantly higher for UHMWPE, compared with adherence for the nylon line, regardless of the sterilization method used. Bacterial adherence was higher for nylon fishing line than for nylon leader line for S epidermidis after ethylene oxide sterilization and for E coli after HPGP and ethylene oxide sterilization. Effects of HPGP sterilization on bioadhesive properties of nylon and polyethylene lines compared favorably with those for ethylene oxide and steam sterilization. Also, nylon line may be a more suitable material than UHMWPE for suture prostheses on the basis of bacterial adherence properties.