Setup Process Research Articles

Polarization-resolved transmission matrices of specialty optical fibers.

Transmission matrix measurements of multimode fibers are now routinely performed in numerous laboratories, enabling control of the electric field at the distal end of the fiber and paving the way for the potential application to ultrathin medical endoscopes with high resolution. The same concepts are applicable to other areas, such as space division multiplexing, targeted power delivery, fiber laser performance, and the general study of the mode coupling properties of the fiber. However, the process of building an experimental setup and developing the supporting code to measure the fiber's transmission matrix remains challenging and time consuming, with full details on experimental design, data collection, and supporting algorithms spread over multiple papers or lacking in detail. Here, we outline a complete and self-contained description of the specific experiment we use to measure fully polarization-resolved transmission matrices, which enable full control of the electric field, in contrast to the more common scalar setups. Our exact implementation of the full polarization experiment is new and is easy to align while providing flexibility to switch between full-polarization and scalar measurements if desired. We utilize a spatial light modulator to measure the transmission matrix using linear phase gratings to generate the basis functions and measure the distal electric field using phase-shifting interferometry with an independent reference beam derived from the same laser. We introduce a new method to measure and account for the phase and amplitude drift during the measurement using a Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear fitting algorithm. Finally, we describe creating distal images through the multimode fiber using phase-to-amplitude shaping techniques to construct the correct input electric field through a superposition of the basis functions with the phase-only spatial light modulator. We show that results are insensitive to the choice of phase-to-amplitude shaping technique as quantified by measuring the contrast of a razor blade at the distal end of the fiber, indicating that the simplest but most power efficient method may be the best choice for many applications. We also discuss some of the possible variations on the setup and techniques presented here and highlight the details that we have found key in achieving high fidelity distal control. Throughout the paper, we discuss applications of our setup and measurement process to a variety of specialty fibers, including fibers with harsh environment coatings, coreless fibers, rectangular core fibers, pedestal fibers, and a pump-signal combiner based on a tapered fiber bundle. This demonstrates the usefulness of these techniques across a variety of application areas and shows the flexibility of our setup in studying various fiber types.

Shannon Entropy Characterization of High-Entropy Thin Films Synthesized by Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering: The Influence of Modulation Frequency

This manuscript presents a comprehensive study of the synthesis of high-entropy TiCrFeCoNi alloy (HEA) thin films via pulsed magnetron sputtering (PMS).The research investigates the impact of various modulation frequencies on the material properties of the synthesized films. By employing Shannon entropy as a novel method to characterize the complexity and homogeneity of high-entropy thin films, we offer new insights into the synthesis process under various thermodynamic conditions. The initial characterization of the alloy, using calculated parameters such as mixing entropy, enthalpy of mixing, and others, sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the alloy's formation and stability. The experimental methodology encompasses target synthesis, sputtering system setup, sample synthesis, and comprehensive process and sample characterization, including EDS analysis, surface and cross-sectional analyses using SEM, and mechanical property assessments via nanoindentation. Results indicate that modulation frequency significantly influences the plasma discharge process, and consequently, the composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the HEA films. EDS analysis confirms the successful synthesis of the target alloy composition, and surface and cross-sectional analyses reveal the effects of modulation frequency on film morphology and structure. Mechanical property measurements highlight the variations in hardness and Young’s modulus among the synthesized films. The study elucidates the role of PMS parameters, especially modulation frequency, in controlling the synthesis of high-entropy thin films, paving the way for optimizing film properties for advanced material applications.Graphical

Enhanced corner sharpness in DMD-based scanning maskless lithography using optical proximity correction and genetic algorithm

An optical proximity correction (OPC) method is proposed to enhance the UV patterning quality in a DMD-based scanning-type maskless lithography system with an oblique scanning and step-strobe lighting (OS3 L) scheme. The system setup, software programming, and image processing procedures are detailed. A simulation model is also introduced to predict the patterning results for a given DMD mask. Utilizing this model, a genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to optimize the mask pattern for OPC. The GA-OPC method reduces the corner-rounding effect in metal patterns fabricated using digital maskless lithography and metal lift-off processes. Optical images of the metal patterns show that the proposed GA-OPC method effectively mitigates the corner-rounding effect and improves the patterning fidelity. The work presented in this study lays the foundation for further enhancing the patterning capabilities and quality of DMD-based maskless lithography.

Modelling the Nickel Electroforming Process of a Mechanical Vane Fit for Industry 4.0

Electrochemical forming is a chemical additive manufacturing process employed for the development of a variety of niche components, from micro-manufacturing to “heavy industry”. As the Industry 4.0 era unfolds, there is a need to develop models for electroforming which are based on electrochemically sound data. For modelling to be useful, physical and electrochemical parameters which could play a significant role in process optimisation and scaling up should be examined, followed by continuous cross-validation through appropriate experiments and measurements. That way a model can be a valuable aid, allowing predictability in tooling, piloting, and manufacturing in a reliable manner, while minimising the number of manufacturing trials and process waste [1].In this presentation we aim to discuss the experimental and modelling studies conducted as part of an attempt to predict the electroforming of a vane part used in aerospace applications. Mechanical vanes play an integral role in gas turbine engine design and, therefore, are of great industrial interest. Since their main function is to guide and optimise the air flow as the fluid moves through the engine, their design must abide by strict profile and thickness requirements, followed by low tolerances during manufacturing [2]. As near net shape parts, vanes are an interesting challenge for the electroforming process.In that effort, the effect of physical and electrochemical parameters on an electroformed vane was studied and a well-informed modelling tool, using COMSOL Multiphysics, was developed for modelling its industrial electroforming process. The model was subsequently validated through experiments.Following comprehensive scaling-up studies of nickel electroforming on a lab-scale rotating disk electrode (RDE), it was previously established that secondary current distribution could adequately simulate the forming process [3]. Subsequently, experiments were carried out in an industrial piloting tank utilising an industrial vane mandrel. Qualitative analysis of experimental results was carried out to determine process characteristics such as the deposition rate, the direction in which material deposition takes place on the surface, as well as to determine the process predictability. Moving forward, simulations of deposition at current densities up to ~ 5 A/dm2 were run and validated against experimentally achieved thicknesses. Attention was especially focused on the rate with which deposition evolves at the tip of the vane mandrel (“nose”) and the rate at its front and side faces (sides) to determine whether industry requirements for a thick “nose” against thinner sides could be met. The last part of the investigation included the micro-structural characterisation of the electroformed vanes.Simulations of the process at applied currents ≤5 ASD predicted thickness distribution at the sides in reasonably good agreement with the experimentally observed one. However, thickness at the “nose” area was under-predicted by almost 30%. On the other hand, simulations of the process at applied currents >5 ASD underpredicted both the thicknesses at the “nose” and those at the sides of the part. Nevertheless, it is proposed that the model can still be used for qualitative predictions of the growth of the deposit.Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the microstructure of the electroform and the purity of nickel. Imaging suggested that pyramid-shaped nickel particles evolve during deposition. Another interesting observation revealed a periodicity in the growth mechanism which leads to “necklace”-like zones of ~ 100 μm in thickness at the “nose”. It is proposed that these periodic zones might coincide with a periodic regeneration of the active NiOHads intermediate.Lastly, a qualitative assessment of the COMSOL Multiphysics model’s ability to simulate the effect of “masks on the electroforming process was carried out. Even though the relevant modelling results were not validated through practical experiments, the simulations strongly indicated that current distribution and, consequently, thickness distribution of demanding geometries could be efficiently controlled by the use of “masks” which could potentially be an important aid in the efforts to decrease dendritic growth at mandrel leading edges, just through modifications of the process setup configuration. Specifically, a “shell-type mask” configuration studied in this work was found to be significantly effective, “guiding” the current towards the “nose” and away from the leading edges. That way the desired thickness profile of the final product could imitate the target thickness profiles much closer than in the case when no “mask” is used.

First-in-human trial using mixed-reality visualization for patient setup during breast or chest wall radiotherapy

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of mixed-reality (MixR) visualization for patient setup in breast and chest wall radiotherapy (RT) by performing a first-in-human clinical trial comparing MixR with a 3-point alignment.MethodsIRB approval was granted for a study incorporating MixR during the setup process for patients undergoing proton (n = 10) or photon (n = 8) RT to the breast or chest wall. For each patient, MixR was utilized for five fractions and compared against another five fractions using 3-point alignment. During fractions with MixR, the patient was aligned by at least one therapist wearing a HoloLens 2 device who was able to guide the process by simultaneously and directly viewing the patient and a hologram of the patient’s surface derived from their simulation CT scan. Alignment accuracy was quantified with cone-beam CT (CBCT) for photon treatments and CBCT plus kV/kV imaging for proton treatments. Registration time was tracked throughout the setup process as well as the amount of image guidance (IGRT) utilized for final alignment.ResultsIn the proton cohort, the mean 3D shift was 0.96 cm using 3-point alignment and 1.18 cm using MixR. An equivalence test indicated that the difference in registration accuracy between the two techniques was less than 0.5 cm. In the photon cohort, the mean 3D shift was 1.18 cm using 3-point alignment and 1.00 cm using MixR. An equivalence test indicated that the difference in registration accuracy was less than 0.3 cm. Minor differences were seen in registration time and the amount of IGRT utilization.ConclusionsMixR for patient setup for breast cancer RT is possible at the level of accuracy and efficiency provided by a 3-point alignment. Further developments in marker tracking, feedback, and a better understanding of the perceptual challenges of MixR are needed to achieve a similar level of accuracy as provided by modern surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT) systems.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, UFHPTI 2015-BR05: Improving Breast Radiotherapy Setup and Delivery Using Mixed-Reality Visualization, NCT05178927.

Temperature–amplitude spectrum for early full-field vibration-fatigue-crack identification

A dynamic structure under vibration loading within its natural frequency range can experience failure due to vibration fatigue. Understanding the causes of such failure requires pinpointing the initiation time and location of fatigue cracks, tracking their propagation, and identifying the frequency range of critical stress responses. This research introduces a novel, thermoelasticity-based method – the Temperature–Amplitude Spectrum (TAS) method – for early-stage, full-field, and non-contact crack detection that operates during uninterrupted vibration testing. This method leverages high-speed infrared imaging to analyze the specimen’s temperature–amplitude spectrum, capturing comprehensive crack-related information, including initiation and propagation, in real time. Experimentally validated on both 3D-printed polymer and aluminum specimens, the TAS method accurately identified crack locations and paths without complex adjustments to the experimental setup or data processing. This new approach advances vibration-fatigue testing by enabling reliable, high-resolution crack detection and analysis while remaining computationally efficient.

Out of The Box, Onto the Screen: Insights from an OOBE Study of the Xbox Adaptive Controller

This study investigates the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) of the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Logitech Gaming Kit, focusing on users with varying levels of disability and gaming experience. Fifteen participants were recruited from a university population and had varying levels of gaming and disability experienced. The study observed participants’ interactions with the packaging, instructions, and setup process for both the controller and the switch kit. The Xbox Adaptive Controller received positive feedback for its easy-to-open packaging, aesthetically pleasing design, and a relatively easy setup and use process. However, weaknesses included a lack of clear information on functionalities of additional switches, difficulties with cable management, and unclear instructions with a reliance on diagrams Incorporating individuals with diverse gaming backgrounds and experience with disability throughout the design process can help identify challenges and opportunities for a wider range of users.

Improving Laryngeal Procedure Workflow: Moving From the Operating Room to the Outpatient Setting.

Laryngology disease burden is growing while theater capacity is falling. Over half a million patients are waiting for ENT care in England alone (1). The demand for laryngology services has continued to grow significantly, particularly post-COVID (2). Meanwhile, the number and efficiency of ENT theater lists are reduced (3). To tackle the growing backlog, NHS England has emphasized the need for innovative strategies by separating elective from emergency services and by increasing the resilience of elective delivery (4). The establishment of an office-based laryngology procedure clinic is a potential solution. We offer a narrative review and audit of our experience in founding an in-office laryngology procedure service within a tertiary NHS center with the aim of streamlining this setup process for other interested ENT units. We outline an in-depth exploration of the personnel, equipment, and processes necessary to establish an in-office procedure clinic. Our experience showed that the procedure clinic functions well when implemented within the framework of existing ENT elective and emergency services. Although there is initial investment required in terms of money, effort, and time, our outcomes show that the clinical and economic benefits of the clinic outweigh the costs, also allowing for patients to access investigations and treatments reliably and efficiently. Setting up a laryngology in-office procedure clinic within the NHS confers patient, organizational, and economic benefits. It provides a novel and resilient approach in addressing the growing backlog of patients awaiting laryngology care and should be popularized in the current health care environment. Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Integrating Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring, Ecological Momentary Assessment, and Spirometry to Evaluate Asthma Symptoms: Usability Study.

Individuals are exposed to a variety of indoor residential toxins including volatile organic compounds and particulates. In adults with asthma, such exposures are associated with asthma symptoms, asthma exacerbations, and decreased lung function. However, data on these exposures and asthma-related outcomes are generally collected at different times and not in real time. The integration of multiple platforms to collect real-time data on environmental exposure, asthma symptoms, and lung function has rarely been explored. This paper describes how adults with asthma perceive the acceptability and usability of three integrated devices: (1) residential indoor air quality monitor, (2) ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys delivered via a smartphone app, and (3) home spirometry, over 14 days. Participants (N=40) with uncontrolled asthma were mailed the Awair Omni indoor air quality monitor, ZEPHYRx home spirometer, and detailed instructions required for the in-home monitoring. The air quality monitor, spirometer, and EMA app were set up and tested during a videoconference or phone orientation with a research team member. Midway through the 14-day data collection period, participants completed an interview about the acceptability of the study devices or apps, instructional materials provided, and the setup process. At the end of the 14-day data collection period, participants completed a modified System Usability Scale. A random sample of 20 participants also completed a phone interview regarding the acceptability of the study and the impact of the study on their asthma. Participants ranged in age from 26 to 77 (mean 45, SD 13.5) years and were primarily female (n=36, 90%), White (n=26, 67%), college graduates (n=25, 66%), and residing in a single-family home (n=30, 75%). Most indicated that the air quality monitor (n=23, 58%), the EMA (n=20, 50%), and the spirometer (n=17, 43%) were easy to set up and use. Challenges with the EMA included repetitive surveys, surveys arriving during the night, and technical issues. While the home spirometer was identified as a plausible means to evaluate lung function in real time, the interpretation of the readings was unclear, and several participants reported side effects from home spirometer use. Overall, the acceptability of the study and the System Usability Scale scores were high. The study devices were highly acceptable and usable. Participant feedback was instrumental in identifying technical challenges that should be addressed in future studies.

Unveiling short-range magnetic correlations: The development of magnetic pair distribution function method at CSNS

Recent advancements in the magnetic pair distribution function (mPDF) analysis of neutron total scattering data provide a powerful approach to investigate local magnetic correlations in materials. This technique is promising for revealing short-range magnetic correlations at the sub-nanometer length scale directly in real space. It is particularly suitable for strongly correlated electron systems and geometrically frustrated magnets. In this study, the mPDF experiment is conducted at the multi-physics instrument (MPI) of the China Spallation Neutron Source, one of the latest neutron total scattering diffractometers in the world. We systematically benchmarked a series of important parameters related to the experimental setup and data processing for mPDF experiments at the MPI and similar instruments. This method not only advances the magnetic structure determination of fundamental materials but also opens the door for extending mPDF studies to more complicated and frontier magnetic systems that are challenging for conventional diffraction methods.

The European strategy and detector R&D program

The latest update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics stimulated the preparation of the European Detector Roadmap document in 2021 by the European Committee for Future Accelerators ECFA. This roadmap, defined during a bottom-up process by the community, outlines nine technology domains for HEP instrumentation and pinpoints urgent R&D topics, known as Detector R&D Themes (DRDTs). Task forces were set for each domain, leading to Detector R&D Collaborations (DRDs), now hosted at CERN. After an intensive period over the last months, seven DRD collaborations have been established which are now starting to set up their collaboration structures and begin to work. One is still in the preparation phase.In this publication, I will give an overview of the set-up process and the current status of all DRD collaborations covering detector developments in the field of gaseous detectors, noble liquid detectors for rare event searches, semiconductor detectors, photodetectors and concepts for particle ID, quantum sensors, calorimetry, electronics for HEP instrumentation and mechanical and integration aspects.

A hybrid load prediction method of office buildings based on physical simulation database and LightGBM algorithm

Building load prediction plays an important role in building energy savings and mechanical and electrical system optimization control. The dynamic energy consumption can be accurately calculated using the traditional physical energy simulation method that entails a complex setup and verification process due to the numerous input parameters required. It is also difficult to change the physical model once it has been determined. The data-mining method is fast in calculation and simple to use, but its prediction accuracy is limited by historical data quality. It is difficult to predict the load of new buildings without historical data. To solve these problems, this study proposes a hybrid building load prediction method for office buildings. The proposed method uses EnergyPlus to generate a building load database that includes than 25.14 million data cases, covering 35 types of building geometry and 2870 building examples. Based on the above database, the LightGBM algorithm was selected to extract feature variables that affect the load and build a load prediction model. The training results show that there are 24 key feature variables for office building load prediction. The hourly MAPE of the cooling load prediction model is 6.95 % and RMSE is 4.31 W/m2, and the hourly MAPE of the heating load prediction model is 7.09 % and RMSE is 11.64 W/m2 compared with EnergyPlus model. Two actual office buildings are selected as case studies to validate the model prediction accuracy. Results show that comparing predicted results with measured data, the hourly cooling load of the MAPE is 12.42 %. Coparing predicted results with actual heating load, daily MAPE is 7.97 %.

Challenges With Robot-Assisted Surgery Setup for Complex Minimally Invasive Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery.

The utilization of robot-assisted approaches to surgery has increased significantly over the last two decades. This has introduced novel complexities into the operating room environment, requiring management of new challenges and workflow adaptation. This study aimed to analyze challenges in the surgical setup for complex upper gastrointestinal robot-assisted surgery (UGI-RAS) and identify opportunities for solutions. Direct observations of surgical setup processes for UGI-RAS were performed by a trained Human Factors researcher at a non-profit academic medical center in Southern California. Setup tasks were subdivided into five phases: (1) before wheels-in; (2) patient transfer and anesthesia induction; (3) patient preparation; (4) surgery preparation; and (5) robot docking. Start/end times for each phase/task were documented along with workflow disruption (FD) narratives and timestamps. Setup tasks and FDs were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Twenty UGI-RAS setup procedures were observed between May-November 2023: sleeve gastrectomy +/- hiatal hernia repair (n = 9, 45.00%); para-esophageal hernia repair +/- fundoplication (n = 8, 40.00%); revision to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 2, 10.00%); and gastric band removal (n = 1, 5.00%). Frequent FDs included planning breakdowns (n = 20, 29.85%), equipment/supply management (n = 17, 25.37%), patient care coordination (n = 8, 11.94%), and equipment challenges (n = 8, 11.94%). Eleven of 20 observations were first-start cases, of which 10 experienced delayed starts. Interventions aimed at improving workflows during UGI-RAS setup include performing pre-operative team huddles and conducting trainings aimed at team coordination and equipment challenges. These solutions could result in improved teamwork, efficiency, and communication while reducing case start delays and turnover time.

Robotic-Assisted Decompression, Decortication, and Instrumentation for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Robotic-assisted spine surgery has been reported to improve the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement and to reduce blood loss, hospital length of stay, and early postoperative pain1. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) is a procedure that is well suited to be improved by recent innovations in robotic-assisted spine surgery. Heretofore, the capability of robotic navigation and software in spine surgery has been limited to assistance with pedicle screw insertion. Surgical decompression and decortication of osseous anatomy in preparation for biological fusion had historically been outside the scope of robotic-assisted spine surgery. In 2009, early attempts to perform surgical decompressions in a porcine model utilizing the da Vinci Surgical Robot for laminotomy and laminectomy were limited by the available technology2. Recent advances in software and instrumentation allow registration, surgical planning, and robotic-assisted surgery on the posterior elements of the spine. A human cadaveric study assessed the accuracy of robotic-assisted bone laminectomy, revealing precision in the cutting plane3. Robotic-assisted facet decortication, decompression, interbody cage implantation, and pedicle screw fixation add automation and accuracy to MI-TLIF. A surgical robotic system comprises an operating room table-mounted surgical arm with 6 degrees of freedom that is physically connected to the patient's osseous anatomy with either a percutaneous Steinmann pin to the pelvis or a spinous process clamp. The Mazor X Stealth Edition Spine Robotic System (Version 5.1; Medtronic) is utilized, and a preoperative plan is created with use of software for screw placement, facet decortication, and decompression. The workstation is equipped with interface software designed to streamline the surgical process according to preoperative planning, intraoperative image acquisition, registration, and real-time control over robotic motion. The combination of these parameters enables the precise execution of preplanned facet joint decortication, osseous decompression, and screw trajectories. Consequently, this technique grants the surgeon guidance for the drilling and insertion of screws, as well as guidance for robotic resection of bone with a bone-removal drill. The exploration of robotically guided facet joint decortication and decompression in MI-TLIF presents an innovative alternative to the existing surgical approaches, which involve manual bone removal and can be less precise. Other robotic systems commonly utilized in spine surgery include the ROSA (Zimmer Biomet), the ExcelsiusGPS (Globus Medical), and the Cirq (Brainlab)4. The present video article provides a comprehensive guide for executing robotic-assisted MI-TLIF, including robotic facet decortication and osseous decompression. The introduction of advanced robotic technology capable of both decompressing bone and providing implant guidance represents a considerable advancement in robotic-assisted spine surgery. Software planning for robotic-assisted decortication of fused surfaces, surgical decompression, interbody cage placement, and pedicle screw placement allows for a less invasive and more precise MI-TLIF. Anticipated outcomes include reduction in low back and leg pain, improved functional status, and successful spinal fusion. Radiographic outcomes are expected to show restored foraminal height and solid bony fusion. Further, enhanced surgical precision, reduced approach-related morbidity by expanded robotic capabilities in spinal fusion surgery, and a shift from manual bone removal to precise mechanized techniques can be expected. The introduction of robotic-assisted facet joint decortication and decompression represents a notable milestone in spine surgery, enhancing patient care and technological advancement. Although robotic systems were initially predominantly employed for thoracic or lumbar pedicle screw insertion, recent advancements in robotic technology and software have allowed registration of the posterior elements. This advancement has expanded the utility of robotic systems to the initiation of spinal decompression and the decortication of facet joint surfaces, enhancing fusion procedures.Maintaining anatomical precision and preventing the need for re-registration are critical considerations in this surgical procedure. It is recommended to follow a consistent surgical workflow: facet decortication, decompression, modular screw placement, discectomy, insertion of an interbody cage, placement of reduction tabs, rod insertion, and set screw locking.The incorporation of robotic assistance in MI-TLIF is not exempt from a set of challenges. These encompass issues that pertain to dependability of the setup process, occurrences of registration failures, logistical complexities, time constraints, and the unique learning curve associated with the novel capability of robotic decompression of bone and facet joints. MI-TLIF= minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusionOR = operating roomPSIS= posterior superior iliac spineCT = computed tomographyAP = anteroposterior.

The Effects of Laser-Assisted Winding Process Parameters on the Tensile Properties of Carbon Fiber/Polyphenylene Sulfide Composites.

Currently, there is limited research on the in situ forming process of thermoplastic prepreg tape winding, and the unclear impact of process parameters on mechanical properties during manufacturing is becoming increasingly prominent. The study aimed to investigate the influence of process parameters on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic composite materials (CFRP) using laser-assisted CF/PPS winding forming technology. The melting point and decomposition temperature of CF/PPS materials were determined using DSC and TGA instruments, and based on the operating parameters of the laser-assisted winding equipment, the process parameter range for this fabrication technology was designed. A numerical model for the temperature of laser-heated CF/PPS prepreg was established, and based on the filament winding process setup, the heating temperature and tensile strength were simulated and tested. The effects of process parameters on the heating temperature of the prepreg and the tensile strength of NOL rings were then analyzed. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) was employed to globally optimize the process parameters, aiming to maximize winding rate and tensile strength. The results indicated that core mold temperature, winding rate, laser power, and their interactions significantly affected mechanical properties. The optimal settings were 90 °C, 418.6 mm/s, and 525 W, achieving a maximum tensile strength of 2571.51 MPa. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing the forming efficiency of CF/PPS-reinforced high-performance engineering thermoplastic composites.

Numerical and experimental investigation of extrusion processes from coil

The use of coil material as semi-finished product in sheet-bulk metal forming (SBMF), offers the possibility to use high-speed presses and thus to achieve high output quantities. However, compared to industrially established forming of pre-cut blanks, the reduced geometric accuracy of the parts due to the asymmetrical material flow represents a challenge. Against this background, the aim of this study is to gain an in-depth knowledge on the influence of the process setup on the material flow direction and on the forming of geared functional parts. A combined numerical-experimental approach of each a lateral and a backward extrusion process of a DC04 sheet metal ( t0 = 2 mm) is applied for a fundamental process analysis. For this purpose, process-dependent causes for the asymmetric part forming are analyzed by means of material flow simulations. Subsequently, the numerical results are verified experimentally in terms of the part geometry, the process force and grain structural changes. Based on the numerical and experimental results, cause-effect relations between material flow, part accuracy and tool load are derived. In addition, the transferability of the causes of the asymmetric material flow to processes with different primary material flow directions and part geometries is verified. The findings facilitate the future counteraction of asymmetrical material flow in SBMF from coil, which in turn leads to enhanced component quality.

Asymptotically optimal energy consumption and inventory control in a make-to-stock manufacturing system

We study a make-to-stock manufacturing system in which a single server makes the production. The server consumes energy, and its power consumption depends on the server state: a busy server consumes more power than an idle server, and an idle server consumes more power than a turned-off server. When a server is turned on, it completes a costly set-up process that lasts a while. We jointly control the finished goods inventory and the server’s energy consumption. The objective is to minimize the long-run average inventory holding, backorder, and energy consumption costs by deciding when to produce, when to idle or turn off the server, and when to turn on a turned-off server. Because the exact analysis of the problem is challenging, we consider the asymptotic regime in which the server is in the conventional heavy-traffic regime. We formulate a Brownian control problem (BCP) with impulse and singular controls. In the BCP, the impulse control appears due to server shutdowns, and the singular control appears due to server idling. Depending on the system parameters, the optimal BCP solution is either a control-band or barrier policy. We propose a simple heuristic control policy from the optimal BCP solution that can easily be implemented in the original (non-asymptotic) system. Furthermore, we prove the asymptotic optimality of the proposed control policy in a Markovian setting. Finally, we show that our proposed policy performs close to optimal in numerical experiments.

Smccnet 2.0: a comprehensive tool for multi-omics network inference with shiny visualization

SummarySparse multiple canonical correlation network analysis (SmCCNet) is a machine learning technique for integrating omics data along with a variable of interest (e.g., phenotype of complex disease), and reconstructing multi-omics networks that are specific to this variable. We present the second-generation SmCCNet (SmCCNet 2.0) that adeptly integrates single or multiple omics data types along with a quantitative or binary phenotype of interest. In addition, this new package offers a streamlined setup process that can be configured manually or automatically, ensuring a flexible and user-friendly experience.AvailabilityThis package is available in both CRAN: https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/SmCCNet/index.html and Github: https://github.com/KechrisLab/SmCCNet under the MIT license. The network visualization tool is available at https://smccnet.shinyapps.io/smccnetnetwork/.

Droplet size, spray structure and droplet velocity mapping in hollow cone sprays using SLIPI-based techniques

The Structured Laser Illumination Planar Imaging (SLIPI) technique received significant attention in recent years due to notable improvements in the measurement of droplet size and the visualization of internal structure in both dilute and dense sprays. However, despite the improvements, the technique remains limited to these microscopic characteristics of the spray, primarily due to the complexity of the optical setup and image acquisition process. In this article, the capabilities of the SLIPI application are exploited, specifically employing the 3p-SLIPI-LIF/Mie (SLSD), and combined application of 1p-SLIPI-LIF & PIV (1p-SLIPI-PIV) for mapping of both Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) and mean droplet velocity in combination with detailed spray structure analysis. The measurements were carried out in hollow cone sprays operated at the range of injection pressures from 25 to 107 bar. The results obtained using the SLIPI techniques were compared with the Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) measurements showing good agreement for both the SMD and mean droplet velocity. The significant improvements in the important microscopic characteristics (droplet size & velocity) and visualization of the internal structure in a wider flow field of hollow cone sprays allowed detailed analysis and understanding of the dispersed phase flow owing to the suppression of diffused light resulting from the multiple scattering effects.

One dimensional multilayer structure for kerosene adulteration detection in petrol and diesel

Abstract We aim to design a multilayer periodic structure to detect the kerosene adulteration in the petrol and diesel fuels on a single processing setup. We built the structure by arranging TiO2 and SiO2 layers periodically in alternate manner with empty space at the middle. The optical response of the designed structure is then theoretically studied using transfer matrix method. Empty space of the design is filled with different kerosene adulterated petrol and diesel samples for inspecting structure response to incident electromagnetic waves. Theoretical calculations affirm that the proposed structure is capable to detect the fuel adulteration efficiently. Critical performance parameters like sensitivity, quality factor, figure of merit and limit of detection are calculated to check the effectiveness of the sensor. We also optimized the sensitivity of sensors design through modifying the defect thickness as well as angle of incidence of electromagnetic waves, and provides poly fit formula. It is observed that the sensitivity of sensor to detect kerosene adulteration in fuels highly depends on defect thickness and light incidence angle. An efficient sensor possessing high quality factor and figure of merit is realized from the designed structure that is capable of detecting 10 − 5 RIU.