Software Design Research Articles

Novel digital technique for assessing circumferential peri-implant bone height.

To introduce a novel digital technique for precise assessment of peri-implant bone heights, enhancing accuracy and objectivity in dental implantology research. This study utilized digital intraoral scans and digitized impressions obtained during implant exposure surgery, combined with computer-aided design (CAD) software, to measure peri-implant bone heights accurately during flap-raising procedures. The peri-implant bone measurements were quantified circumferentially and validated through a comparative analysis of intraoral and extraoral scans. The technique demonstrated high precision, with a strong correlation (ICC = 0.902) between bone heights determined from intraoral and extraoral scans, highlighting minimal deviations and similar measurement outcomes. This approach enables comprehensive circumferential data and surface area measurements of peri-implant bone levels. The proposed digital technique provides an objective, reliable method for peri-implant bone height assessment, offering precise, reproducible data that addresses the limitations of traditional probing and conventional imaging methods. This technique has broad applicability in dental implantology research, particularly for assessing peri-implant bone levels when a flap is raised.

Challenges and solutions in implementing electronic prescribing in Iran’s health system: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe use of electronic prescribing is recognized as a strategic tool for improving healthcare. Given the nationwide implementation of electronic prescribing systems initiated in 2020, this study aims to explore the challenges and solutions for implementing electronic prescribing in Iran’s health system as a developing country.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted through interviews with physicians, pharmacy staff, and electronic prescribing representatives in 2023. Initially, three in-depth interviews were conducted to develop the interview questions, resulting in three separate interview guides for each participant group (supplementary file no.1). Participants were purposively selected, including 12 physicians, 15 electronic prescribing representatives, and 9 pharmacy staff members. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Inductive content analysis with MAXQDA version 10 software. To identify challenges, sessions were held, and a final list of challenges was categorized. In the final stage, expert panels including 3 researchers, 4 e-prescribing representatives, and 3 insurance experts were formed to propose solutions.ResultThe challenges identified in this study were categorized into two main domains: “Organizational Challenges” and “Systemic Challenges.” Organizational challenges included issues related to insurance (16 cases), patient referrals (4 cases), stakeholder education and communication (6 cases), and supervision (8 cases). Systemic challenges included infrastructure problems (18 cases), user interface (UI) issues (14 cases), and database issues (10 cases). The primary challenges in implementing electronic prescribing were system downtime and sluggishness, internet connectivity issues, and the existence of multiple insurance systems. Expert panel discussions resulted in proposed solutions, including the uniform design of software by the Ministry of Health, the establishment of an integrated electronic referral system, conducting practical training sessions for physicians, and implementing electronic signatures.ConclusionElectronic prescribing in Iran is still in its early stages and will inevitably face challenges and problems. Continuous monitoring of electronic prescribing systems is essential to address implementation issues promptly. Issues related to training insurance monitoring the user interface and database infrastructure were challenging. Overall, improvements in infrastructure, integration of insurance systems, implementation of electronic signatures, adherence to electronic prescribing standards, and provision of practical training are recommended.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Microwave Dielectric Properties of a (1-x) Li<sub>3</sub>MgNbO<sub>5</sub>–(x) Sr<sub>3</sub>V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>8</sub> Composite for Antenna Application

This study investigates the fabrication of a cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) using ceramic microwave dielectric composites as a resonator. The composites (1-x) Li3MgNbO5-(x) Sr3V2O8 (x=0.25-0.40) have been synthesized via the conventional solid-state reaction method, incorporating 1% B2O3 to lower the sintering temperature. The 0.70-0.30 composite exhibited optimal microwave dielectric properties with a dielectric constant (εr) of 19.20, a quality factor (Q x f) of 3738 GHz, and a temperature coefficient (τf)of -43 ppm/°C. These characteristics render the 0.70-0.30 composite suitable for CDRA applications. The experimentally obtained microwave dielectric parameters were used to simulate the CDRA design using the High-Frequency Structure Simulator design software. A single-feed cylindrical antenna has been fabricated using this composite material as a resonator with a radius × height of 5×6 mm2, mounted on an FR4 substrate measuring close to 25×25×1.6 mm3 and Cu strip as a feed line. The simulated and experimentally measured parameters, including S11, voltage standing wave ratio, and radiation pattern, demonstrated excellent agreement, validating the composite's efficacy for antenna design.

Kinematic Analysis of a Cam-Follower-Type Transplanting Mechanism for a 1.54 kW Biodegradable Potted Cabbage Transplanter

Widespread use of plastic seedling pots has been attributed to their light weight and durable characteristics. However, these pots have limitations in facilitating efficient root establishment. Recent studies indicate that biodegradable seedling pots not only enhance seedling resilience but are also environmentally sustainable through natural decomposition. This study presents a kinematic analysis of a cabbage transplanting mechanism specifically under development for biodegradable seedling pots, focusing on position, velocity, acceleration, and power. The optimization of link combinations within the transplanting mechanism was analyzed to enhance the transplantation process, focusing on achieving precise depth and spacing for potted seedlings. A kinematic model of the mechanism was developed and simulated using commercial mechanical design and simulation software, followed by validation through performance tests. The proposed transplanter comprised a four-bar-linkage mechanism consisting of a driving link, a driven link, a connecting link, and a guide bar. Simulation trials were conducted by varying the main arm link length while keeping machine forward speed and mechanism driving speed fixed. Results indicated that the optimal mechanism parameters included a driving link of 50 mm, a connecting arm of 120 mm, a guide bar of 120 mm, and an end-effector link of 220 mm. A dibbling hopper length of 153 mm was identified as the most effective for operation. With these recommended link lengths, validated velocities of the end hopper in the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ directions were 284 mm/s and 1379 mm/s, respectively, while corresponding accelerations were measured at 1241 mm/s2 and 8664 mm/s2. The driving power requirement was calculated to be 17.4 W. These findings suggest that the developed mechanism provides effective planting performance, evidenced by a high degree of seedling uprightness and minimal soil disturbance. This study supports the use of biodegradable pots in mechanized transplanting as a viable alternative to conventional plastic pots, with potential benefits for both agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Implementation of the software design patterns mediator and CQRS with the library mediatr in .NET

This paper explores the features of the popular open-source library from the .NET ecosystem MediatR, which implements the behavioral software design pattern Mediator to achieve loose coupling and better communication between the components of developed applications. It introduces an ‘in-process’ mediator, which aids in building systems, based on the Command and Query Responsibility Segregation software design pattern (CQRS). The MediatR library offers the ability to handle both synchronous and asynchronous requests, responses, commands, notifications, and events. It provides a straightforward approach for managing command and request handlers, simplifying the adoption of CQRS. Using the MediatR library improves the modularity and testability of .NET applications by promoting adherence to SOLID principles in the code structure. This facilitates complex interactions between different parts of applications, the integration of new functionalities and the maintenance of existing ones.

31W Linear broadband 3.4 to 4.4 GHZ high power class-j GaN HEMT amplifier

The recent upsurge in wireless communication systems requiring high-power transmitters for numerous applications such as electronic warfare (EW), RADAR, Satellite and optical communications has further underscored the importance of linear broadband high-power Class-J power amplifiers. This paper proposes a 31W linear broadband 3.4 to 4.4 GHz high-power Class-J GaN HEMT(gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor)amplifier. The power amplifier was designed based on Cree's commercially available 10WGaN HEMT power transistor device (CGHV40010F) using Keysight Advanced Design System (ADS) software and simulated. The transistor was biased withadrain supply voltage of 48V at aquiescent drain-to-source current of 0.58A,which makes the power transistor suitable for high voltage transmitter operations and foreclosed the need for voltage upgrade, thereby reducing thecost of operation. The power amplifier (PA) operates from 3.4 to 4.4 GHz with a centre frequency of 3.9 GHz. The PA has an output power of 31W, drain efficiency of 36.3%, power added efficiency of 35.3% and power gain of 12.9 dB at an input power of 32 dBm. The PA small signal gain stood at 10.6 dB at acentre frequency of 3.9 GHz. The PA maintained a peak envelope power of 56.2W at aninput power of 31 dBm at atwo-tone Frequency of 3.895 GHz. The proposed PA will find applications in wireless communications, military and aviation transmitters.

A Coordination Approach to Support Crowdsourced Software-Design Process

Crowdsourcing software design (CSD) is the completion of specific software-design tasks on behalf of a client by a large, unspecified group of external individuals who have the specialized knowledge required by an open call. Although current CSD platforms have provided features to improve coordination in the CSD process (such as email notifications, chat, and announcements), these features are insufficient to solve the coordination limitations. A lack of appropriate coordination support in CSD activities may cause delays and missed opportunities for participants, and thus the best quality of design contest results may not be guaranteed. This research aims to support the effective management of the CSD process through identifying the key activity dependencies among participants in CSD platforms and designing a set of process models to provide coordination support through managing this activity. In order to do this, a five-stage approach was used: First, the current CSD process was investigated by reviewing 13 CSD platforms. Second, the review resulted in the identification of 17 possible suggestions to improve CSD. These suggestions were evaluated in stage 3 through distributing a survey to 41 participants who had experience in using platforms in the field of CSD. In stage 4, we designed ten process models that could meet the requirements of suggestions, while in stage 5, we evaluated these process models through interviews with domain experts. The result shows that coordination support in the activities of the CSD can make valuable contributions to the development of CSD platforms.

Comparison of accuracy of brain biopsy simulation between 3-dimensional-printed guides and neuronavigation in skull-brain tumor models of dogs and cats.

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of brain biopsies in skull-brain tumor models (SBTMs) of dogs and cats using 2 techniques: 3-D-printed brain biopsy guides (3D-BBGs) and electromagnetic (EM) neuronavigation. Based on the CT data from 12 dogs and 3 cats, a total of 30 SBTMs were created using 3-D-printing technology, with 2 models per data set. Thirty brain biopsies were performed: 15 using 3D-BBGs and 15 using EM neuronavigation. The accuracy of the brain biopsies was assessed by comparing the prebiopsy and postbiopsy models using computer-aided design software. The median needle placement error for all biopsies was 1.75 mm (range: 0.82 to 3.16 mm), with 1.79 mm (range: 0.94 to 2.94 mm) for the 3D-BBG group and 1.68 mm (range: 0.82 to 3.16 mm) for the EM neuronavigation group. There was no significant difference in accuracy between the 2 methods. In the EM neuronavigation group, the needle placement error correlated significantly with the total needle length, but no such correlation was observed in the 3D-BBG group. Both methods successfully retrieved samples from brain tumor models. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of brain biopsies performed using 3D-BBGs and EM neuronavigation. This suggests that the choice of method depends on veterinarian preference, available hospital resources, and patient-specific considerations. This study demonstrates that both 3D-BBG and EM neuronavigation are viable options for performing brain biopsies in veterinary practice, potentially improving the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in small animals.

A clinical comparative analysis using an optical tracking device versus conventional tracking device in the production of occlusal appliances.

Optical tracking devices (OTDs) hold promise for enhancing patient-centered prostheses, but their efficacy remains underexplored. This clinical study aimed to comprehensively evaluate differences in static and dynamic occlusions among occlusal appliances fabricated using optical tracking, conventional tracking, and average articulator values (AAVs), providing insights into their efficacy in clinical and research-based practices. Twelve dentate participants aged over 25 years, with Angle Class I and II occlusal relationships, were enrolled. Occlusal appliances were fabricated by different condylar guidance values obtained by the three systems. The condylar guidance values were measured by an OTD via MODJAW, a conventional tracking device (CTD) via Cadiax compact 2, and the AAV with Bennett angle 10°, immediate mandibular lateral translation 0.5mm, and sagittal condylar inclination (SCI) 35°. Occlusal appliances were designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software with the measured condylar guidance values from three systems. Subsequently, standard tessellation language (STL) files were transferred to computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software for 3D printing with photopolymer resin. Each participant received three occlusal appliances fabricated using the three different systems. The accuracy of the systems was evaluated by accessing the clinical outcomes of the occlusal appliances. After placement, the number of contact points in maximal intercuspation position (MIP) and dynamic occlusion interferences were recorded, along with any discrepancies between designed and recorded contact points. Any anterior open bites at MIP with the appliance in place were measured from the maxillary incisal edge to the mandibular incisal edge. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction for pairwise comparisons (α=0.05). In assessing static occlusion, significant differences were found in contact point discrepancies at MIP. OTD exhibited the lowest mean discrepancy of contact points compared with the original design (1.833±0.312), followed by CTD (4.083±0.758) and AAV (4.833±1.389), with a statistical significance (p=0.047). At the final protrusive position, OTD (0.400±0.204) and CTD (1.400±0.438) methods showed significantly lower discrepancies compared with AAV (3.583±0.352) (p<0.001). Additionally, the OTD method demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in anterior open bite at MIP (0.115±0.044mm) compared with AAV (0.617±0.246mm) (p=0.049). In dynamic occlusion, OTD showed no interferences in all subjects during protrusive movement, significantly outperforming both CTD (0.917±0.474) and AAV (0.417±0.202) (p=0.033). No significant differences were observed among the methods for working and nonworking side laterotrusive movements. The OTD offers superior accuracy over traditional methods, with reduced discrepancies and interferences in occlusal appliance fabrication, signifying a substantial advancement in mandibular movement assessment and improving treatment efficiency and outcomes in clinical practice.

Innovative Approach to Conceptual Design of Enterprise Risk Management Software

The paper shows the integration of the theoretical and practical aspects of designing an ERM software tool. The basic idea of the designed ERM is conceived in the form of an algorithm using the integration of ISO 3100, the COSO framework, the risk matrix designed according to the risk appetite of the observed company, quantitative and qualitative models for risk assessment, and the generation of consequences and mitigating measures for each identified risk. Methodologies for risk assessment in the presented ERM include the following: For business risks, questionnaires were generated for different business areas (from knowledge bases) and the assessment was conducted according to risk matrices. Workplace risk is assessed according to the Kinney method, while technical risks are assessed according to the API 580, 581 standard. Software is created to outbalance problems of all types of risk that may arise regardless of the complexity of the business and the risk itself. The algorithm, model and software were developed and successfully tested in two Serbian companies.

Fiducial Reference Measurements for Air Quality Monitoring Using Ground-Based MAX-DOAS Instruments (FRM4DOAS)

The UV–Visible Working Group of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Changes (NDACC) focuses on the monitoring of air-quality-related stratospheric and tropospheric trace gases in support of trend analysis, satellite validation and model studies. Tropospheric measurements are based on MAX-DOAS-type instruments that progressively emerged in the years 2010 onward. In the interest of improving the overall consistency of the NDACC MAX-DOAS network and facilitating its further extension to the benefit of satellite validation, the ESA initiated, in late 2016, the FRM4DOAS project, which aimed to set up the first centralised data processing system for MAX-DOAS-type instruments. Developed by a consortium of European scientists with proven expertise in measurements, data extraction algorithms and software design specialities, the system has now reached pre-operational status and has demonstrated its ability to deliver a set of quality-controlled atmospheric composition data products with a latency of one day. The processing system has been designed using a highly modular approach, making it easy to integrate new tools or processing updates. It incorporates advanced algorithms selected by community consensus for the retrieval of total ozone, lower tropospheric and stratospheric NO2 vertical profiles and formaldehyde profiles. The ozone and NO2 products are currently generated from a total of 22 stations and delivered daily to the NDACC rapid delivery (RD) repository, with an additional mirroring to the ESA Validation Data Centre (EVDC). Although it is still operated in a pre-operational/demonstrational mode, FRM4DOAS was already used for several validation and science studies, and it was also deployed in support of field campaigns for the validation of the TROPOMI and GEMS satellite missions. It recently went through a CEOS-FRM self-assessment process aiming at assessing the level of maturity of the service in terms of instrumentation, operations, data sampling, metrology and verification. Based on this evaluation, it falls under class C, which is a good rating but also implies that further improvements are needed to reach full compliance with FRM standards, i.e., class A.

Adsorption and removal of Pb (II) via layer double hydroxide encapsulated with chitosan; synthesis, characterization adsorption isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamics, & optimization via Box-Behnken design

The study aimed to enhance the stability and efficiency of removing bivalent Pb(II) by encapsulating AlNi-layered double hydroxide (LDH) in chitosan and itaconic acid to create an adsorbent with chemically active sites. The resulting material, AlNi-LDH/CS, underwent thorough property analysis using XRD, FT-IR, XPS, EDX, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, and FESEM to find out what textural characteristics it has. Specifically, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms were utilized to assess the textural properties of AlNi-LDH/CS. The Al/Ni-LDH/CS surface displayed a specific surface area of 71.95 m2/g and an average pore size of 2.537 nm, consistent with the platelets' external surface. The effects of dose, pH, temperature, and starting concentration on the adsorption process were also investigated in this study. The adsorption characteristics have been examined by means of equilibrium and adsorption kinetics. The adsorption process adhered to the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models. The predominant adsorption process was found to be chemisorption, which had an adsorption energy of 28.42 kJ·mol−1. An endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process is suggested by the increase in metal absorption at increasing temperatures. The Box-Behnken design software was utilized to establish the optimal adsorption parameters as pH 5, a dosage of 0.2 g of AlNi-LDH/CS per 25 mL, and an adsorption capacity of 453.05 mg/g for the Pb(II) arsenate solution. For the composite sponge to be most effective in adsorbing arsenate and be used in water purification procedures, these factors are essential. The adsorption process was successfully improved with few planned tests by applying the Box-Behnken design and response surface technique aspects of the Design-Expert software. An evaluation of the adsorbent's reusability using six successive cycles of adsorption and desorption confirmed its stability and showed no discernible decrease in removal efficiency. Additionally, it retained its original chemical composition before and after reuse, showcased consistent efficiency, and maintained uniform XRD data.

Photoelectric sensor-based belt-type high-speed seed guiding device performance monitoring method and system

The belt-type high-speed seed guiding device encounters difficulties in seed guidance due to its distinctive seed transporting belt structure. The monitoring point is situated between the seed belt support plate and the seeds, which pass through it, making it difficult to distinguish the characteristics of the seed pulses. This presents challenges in monitoring the device’s performance. This study proposes a monitoring method for the belt-type high-speed seed guiding device using photoelectric sensors. The monitoring module employs a photoelectric sensor as a signal source and designs hardware and software for the monitoring module. The research introduces the deviation pulse extraction algorithm (DPEA), which utilises the seed guidance performance monitoring mechanism. This achieves precise monitoring of seed transport on the transporting seed belt, thereby eliminating the increased multiple index caused by “pulse sinking”. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the optimal deviation pulse extraction algorithm (ODPEA) is highly effective in identifying and eliminating “pulse sinking”, resolving the issue of increased multiple index. The DPEA is unable to achieve the same effect. The results of comparative tests of seeding monitoring accuracy indicate that both algorithms exhibit average monitoring accuracy above 96% across varying operating speeds. The DPEA, however, demonstrates heightened sensitivity to changes in operating speed. It can be observed that the operating speed has a significant impact on the monitoring accuracy of both algorithms. The monitoring system performance evaluation comparative test reveals that the DPEA-based monitoring system registers the smallest deviations in qualified feed index, miss index, and multiple index at 0.25 percentage points, 0.10 percentage points, and 0.35 percentage points, respectively. In contrast, the ODPEA-based system shows minimum deviations in qualified feed index and miss index at 0.12 percentage points each, and no deviation in multiple index. Both algorithms demonstrate minimal influence of operating speed on missing and multiple seeding rates. The impact of changes in operating speed on these metrics is significantly lower. The efficacy of the ODPEA in eliminating ’pulse sinking’ enhances the algorithm’s ability to assess multiple seeding rates and overall accuracy. The ODPEA-based monitoring system exhibits superior performance, providing theoretical support for the development of monitoring systems in high-speed belt-type seed guiding devices.

Quantification of effects of degraded hardware on the execution of self-healing software using Continuous Time Markov Chain and Reliability

Embedded systems and Systems on Chips (SoC) are widely used in many applications. The tasks are to be executed in a time-bound manner for critical applications. The latency and worst-case delays shall not exceed the acceptable limits. These systems are designed using software/firmware and hardware components that are tightly coupled. The state of hardware and software/firmware plays a major role in determining the performance and dependability of the system. This paper studies the effects of the degraded state of the hardware on the execution of self-healing software and the system. While hardware and software design teams aim to ensure predictability, it is impossible to guarantee it completely due to the randomness of hardware failure events and resident errors in software. Usage of the system for safety critical systems requires these uncertainties to be quantified for design assurance and certification. Therefore, we propose a Continuous Time Markov Chain (CTMC) based approach to characterize the effects of degraded hardware on software execution. Reliability, which is one of the dependability metrics, is also quantified. The proposed approach is validated using data collected from one of the software-intensive complex hardware equipment of a fighter aircraft.

Technology roadmap toward the completion of whole-brain architecture with BRA-driven development

The development of brain-morphic software holds significant promise for creating artificial general intelligence that exhibits high affinity and interpretability for humans and also offers substantial benefits for medical applications. To facilitate this, creating Brain Reference Architecture (BRA) data, serving as a design specification for brain-morphic software is imperative. BRA-driven development, which utilizes Brain Information Flow (BIF) diagrams based on mesoscale brain anatomy and Hypothetical Component Diagrams (HCD) for corresponding computational functionalities, has been proposed to address this need. This methodology formalizes identifying possible functional structures by leveraging existing, albeit insufficient, neuroscientific knowledge. However, applying this methodology across the entire brain, thereby creating a Whole Brain Reference Architecture (WBRA), represents a significant research and development challenge due to its scale and complexity. Technology roadmaps have been introduced as a strategic tool to guide discussion, management, and distribution of resources within such expansive research and development activities. These roadmaps proposed a manual, anatomically based approach to incrementally construct BIF and HCD, thereby systematically expanding brain organ coverage towards achieving a complete WBRA. Large Language Model (LLM) technologies have introduced a paradigm shift, substantially automating the BRA-driven development process. This is largely due to the BRA data being structured around the brain’s anatomy and described in natural language, which aligns well with the capabilities of LLMs for supporting and automating the construction and verification processes. In this paper, we propose a novel technology roadmap to largely automate the creation of WBRA, leveraging neuroscientific insights. This roadmap includes 12 activities for automating BIF construction, notably extracting anatomical structures from scholarly articles. Furthermore, it details 11 activities aimed at enhancing the integration of Hypothetical Component Diagrams (HCD) into the WBRA, focusing on automating checks for functional consistency. This roadmap aims to establish a cost-effective and efficient design process for WBRA, ensuring the availability of brain-morphic software design specifications that are continually validated against the latest neuroscientific knowledge.

Evaluating the effect of reclaimed asphalt pavement on rubberized hot mix asphalt in pilot projects

The study goal is to evaluate the use of up to 10 % reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) by aggregate replacement in rubberized hot mix asphalt-gap graded RHMA-G mixes to identify any significant potential problems for durability. Five pilot projects were built, each including a control RHMA-G (without RAP) and an RHMA-G with 10 % RAP. The mixes were sampled during production and evaluated using volumetric assessment, and performance related tests including stiffness, four-point bending fatigue resistance, fracture resistance measured with the IDEAL cracking test, and rutting resistance. Mix testing results indicate that the addition of 10 % RAP had minor effects on the mechanical properties. With a few exceptions related to the total binder content of the mixes, the effect of the RAP addition was negligible compared to normal production variability. Modeling with CalME, Caltrans mechanistic-empirical asphalt pavement design software and four-point bending testing results, indicated that RAP addition effects on pavement cracking performance were either negligible or comparable to mix-to-mix RHMA-G variability. Regarding constructability, RAP addition did not create any problems. The life cycle assessment completed in the study indicates that the addition of 10 % RAP to the RHMA-G can reduce the greenhouse gasses emissions associated with the RHMA-G production (cradle-to-gate) by up to 5 %.

Manufacture of a 4-Degree-of-Freedom Robot to Support an IRB 120 Robot

In this work, we present the construction and control of a four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) manipulator aimed at addressing one of the key challenges faced by the Academy-Industry Cooperation Center (CCAI): the need for mechatronic equipment to support and facilitate the development of advanced robotic cells. We begin by designing the robot’s structure and components using SolidWorks software for computer-aided design (CAD) modeling. This ensures that all the links and parts fit together properly without collisions. The robot links are then manufactured using 3D printing. Additionally, we performed kinematic modeling, dynamic analysis, and PI-V control, along with control using a trigonometric function (hyperbolic tangent). To evaluate the robot’s movement, we simulate these processes using Matlab R2019a/Simulink software, focusing on key parameters such as position, velocity, and acceleration, which inform the design of PI-V control for each link. We also present the electrical and electronic designs, followed by system implementation. The kinematics of the robot play a crucial role in the dynamics and controller design. We validate the kinematics using Peter Corke’s libraries based on the Denavit–Hartenberg parameters. The results show that the controller based on the trigonometric function improves the response time, particularly enhancing the performance of axes 2 and 3.

Corneal stress distribution under Goldmann applanation tonometry procedure tested on a human cornea model.

Objective: To assess the effect of corneal thinning and changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) on the distribution of corneal stress induced by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Methods: A 2D model of a human cornea was created using computer-aided design and finite element analysis software using previously reported corneal biomechanical properties. The GAT procedure was simulated, and the magnitude and distribution of stress in the corneal stroma were obtained, for several corneal thicknesses, stiffness and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results: A significant increase in stress was found in the outer and inner layers of the central cornea and in the inner layers of the surrounding central region. The maximal stress value was observed in the central outer layers when the stiffness was doubled, as in our theoretical baseline cornea (125.16 kPa). Minimal stress was observed in the central inner layers for a central corneal thickness of 300 μm (28.17 kPa). The thickness and stiffness of the cornea significantly influenced the magnitude of the stress, whereas the stress distribution in the cornea did not show significant changes. The change in IOP did not induce significant changes, in either stress magnitude or stress distribution. Conclusions: The changes and distribution of corneal stress when a GAT procedure is performed support the idea that variations in corneal thickness and stiffness induce changes in corneal biomechanics that may be relevant for IOP readings. These findings are relevant for assessing IOP in corneas that have undergone surgical procedures or have diseases that alter their layers.

Composite Command Pattern for Managing Spherical Geometry Constructions

Spherical Easel (https://easelgeo.app) is a free web application for researching, teaching, and learning spherical geometry written in Typescript. The authors have created an open-source code base in VueJS v3 that combines several design patterns, global data structures, and cloud-based storage for storing and retrieving spherical constructions. Spherical constructions are made up of interdependent geometric objects (like lines and circles). Interdependencies means that while being moved, updates to a single object must propagate to other dependent objects. The application stores the dependency structure using a directed acyclic graph to allow these updates to propagate correctly. In this paper, we describe how Spherical Easel employs the Command and Composite design patterns (fully integrated with various VueJS supporting libraries) to maintain a history of construction edits, allowing users to undo and redo edits, and to store a final construction script in a cloud database. To guarantee correct rendering of the spherical objects when loading a construction, the stored script also preserves the structure of the directed acyclic graph. The construction script parser built is also designed to take advantage of the (Composite) Command design pattern. Using this innovative design, adding new object types does not require a major redesign of the script parser. Keywords: Spherical geometry, software design patterns, web application

Thermal and structural improvements of a motorcycle piston using a fully coupled thermo-mechanical FEM simulation

This paper aims to conduct thermo-mechanical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) to enhance the design of the piston in a single-cylinder, water-cooled motorcycle engine. The finite element model of the piston was developed to represent its thermo-mechanical behavior under combustion processes and transient heat transfer phenomena. Realistic engine boundary conditions were applied using the non-linear dynamic tool in Solidworks design software. Two different design configurations were investigated concerning the oil jets and the upper face of the piston pins. The results revealed lower piston temperatures by 12.2% as three oil jets targeted the upper region of the piston bosses. Additionally, an optimum radius fillet in the upper face of the piston holes showed potential for minimizing thermo-mechanical stresses. This finding suggests that optimizing the piston design can reduce developed thermo-mechanical stresses while addressing elevated temperatures.