Optimization of process parameters in additive manufacturing based on the finite element method

A design optimization framework for process parameters of additive manufacturing based on finite element simulation is proposed. The finite element method uses a coupled thermomechanical model developed for fused deposition modeling from the authors' previous work. Both gradient-based and gradient-free optimization methods are proposed. The gradient-based approach, which solves a PDE-constrained optimization problem, requires sensitivities computed from the fully discretized finite element model. We show the derivation of the sensitivities and apply them in a projected gradient descent algorithm. For the gradient-free approach, we propose two distinct algorithms: a local search algorithm called the method of local variations and a Bayesian optimization algorithm using Gaussian processes. To illustrate the effectiveness and differences of the methods, we provide two-dimensional design optimization examples using all three proposed algorithms

On the Perturbation of the Three-Dimensional Stokes Flow of Micropolar Fluids by a Constant Uniform Magnetic Field in a Circular Cylinder

Modern engineering technology involves the micropolar magnetohydrodynamic flow of magnetic fluids. Here, we consider a colloidal suspension of non-conductive ferromagnetic material, which consists of small spherical particles that behave as rigid magnetic dipoles, in a carrier liquid of approximately zero conductivity and low-Reynolds number properties. The interaction of a 3D constant uniform magnetic field with the three-dimensional steady creeping motion (Stokes flow) of a viscous incompressible micropolar fluid in a circular cylinder is investigated, where the magnetization of the ferrofluid has been taken into account and the magnetic Stokes partial differential equations have been presented. Our goal is to apply the proper boundary conditions, so as to obtain the flow fields in a closed analytical form via the potential representation theory, and to study several characteristics of the flow. In view of this aim, we make use of an improved new complete and unique differential representation of magnetic Stokes flow, valid for non-axisymmetric geometries, which provides the velocity and total pressure fields in terms of easy-to-find potentials. We use these results to simulate the creeping flow of a magnetic fluid inside a circular duct and to obtain the flow fields associated with this kind of flow

Distributed Diagnosis of Actuator and Sensor Faults in HVAC Systems

This paper presents a model-based methodology for diagnosing actuator and sensor faults affecting the temperature dynamics of a multi-zone heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. By considering the temperature dynamics of the HVAC system as a network of interconnected subsystems, a distributed fault diagnosis architecture is proposed. For every subsystem, we design a monitoring agent that combines local and transmitted information from its neighboring agents in order to provide a decision on the type, number and location of the faults. The diagnosis process of each agent is realized in three steps. Firstly, the agent performs fault detection using a distributed nonlinear estimator. After the detection, the local fault identification is activated to infer the type of the fault using two distributed adaptive estimation schemes and a combinatorial decision logic. In order to distinguish between multiple local faults and propagated sensor faults, a distributed fault isolation is applied using the decisions of the neighboring agents. Simulation results of a 5-zone HVAC system are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology

Illthrift in Suckling Lambs Secondary to Umbilical Infections and Possible Implication of Cryptosporidiosis as a Risk Factor

Illthrift was observed in 20/60 lambs aged 40–45 days in a dairy sheep flock in Greece. Cryptosporidiosis had been diagnosed and successfully treated with halofuginone lactate a month earlier. Parasitological examinations were negative for endoparasites while hematology and biochemistry were unremarkable. Necropsy of 5 lambs revealed lung and liver abscessation, presumably secondary to umbilical infections due to poor farm hygiene, though umbilical lesions were not observed. No new cases were observed following treatment of the umbilicus of newborn lambs with chlorexidine. Although umbilical infections are common, this is the first reported case of illthrift in lambs attributed to umbilical infection; illthrift may be the only clinical manifestation of such infections. The prior presence of cryptosporidiosis may have contributed to the severity of the infection through the reduction of local immunity. Recognition of this possibly underdiagnosed or underappreciated condition may improve medical, production, and welfare standards in the sheep industry

New Equations for Hydrostatic Weighing without Head Submersion

New equations were derived to predict the density of the body (DB) by hydrostatic weighing with the head above water (HWHAW). Hydrostatic weighing with the head below water (HWHBW) was the criterion for DB measurement in 90 subjects (44 M, 46 F). Head volume by immersion (HVIMM) was determined by subtracting the mass in water with the head below water (MWHBW) from the mass in water with the head above water (MWHAW), with subjects at residual lung volume. Equations were derived for head volume prediction (HVPRED) from head measurements and used to correct DB by HWHAW. Equations were also derived for HWHAW using direct regression of DB from uncorrected density (with MWHAW in place of MWHBW). Prediction equations were validated in 45 additional subjects (21 M, 24 F). Results were evaluated using equivalence testing, linear regression, Bland–Altman plots, and paired t-tests. Head girth, face girth, and body mass produced the smallest errors for HVPRED. In both M and F validation groups, equivalence (±2% fat by weight) was demonstrated between body fat percent (BF%) by HWHBW and BF% by HWHAW with HVPRED. Variance in computer-averaged samples of MWHAW was significantly less (p \u3c 0.05) than MWHBW. Prediction error was smaller for BF% by HWHAW with HVPRED than for alternative methods. Conclusions: Equivalence between BF% by HWHBW and BF% by HWHAW with HVPRED was demonstrated and differences were not statistically significant. Weight fluctuations were smaller for HWHAW than HWHBW

SafeDrones: Real-Time Reliability Evaluation of UAVs using Executable Digital Dependable Identities

The use of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) offers many advantages across a variety of applications. However, safety assurance is a key barrier to widespread usage, especially given the unpredictable operational and environmental factors experienced by UAVs, which are hard to capture solely at design-time. This paper proposes a new reliability modeling approach called SafeDrones to help address this issue by enabling runtime reliability and risk assessment of UAVs. It is a prototype instantiation of the Executable Digital Dependable Identity (EDDI) concept, which aims to create a model-based solution for real-time, data-driven dependability assurance for multi-robot systems. By providing real-time reliability estimates, SafeDrones allows UAVs to update their missions accordingly in an adaptive manner

Osteosynthesis-associated infection of the lower limbs by multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: a multicentre cohort study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was the clinical and therapeutic assessment of lower-limb osteosynthesis-associated infection (OAI) by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), which have been poorly studied to date. Methods: A prospective multicentre observational study was conducted on behalf of ESGIAI (the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group on Implant-Associated Infections). Factors associated with remission of the infection were evaluated by multivariate and Cox regression analysis for a 24-month follow-up period. Results: Patients (n=57) had a history of trauma (87.7 %), tumour resection (7 %) and other bone lesions (5.3 %). Pathogens included Escherichia coli (n=16), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=14; XDR 50 %), Klebsiella spp. (n=7), Enterobacter spp. (n=9), Acinetobacter spp. (n=5), Proteus mirabilis (n=3), Serratia marcescens (n=2) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n=1). The prevalence of ESBL (extended-spectrum β-lactamase), fluoroquinolone and carbapenem resistance were 71.9 %, 59.6 % and 17.5 % respectively. Most patients (n=37; 64.9 %) were treated with a combination including carbapenems (n=32) and colistin (n=11) for a mean of 63.3 d. Implant retention with debridement occurred in early OAI (66.7 %), whereas the infected device was removed in late OAI (70.4 %) (p=0.008). OAI remission was achieved in 29 cases (50.9 %). The type of surgery, antimicrobial resistance and duration of treatment did not significantly influence the outcome. Independent predictors of the failure to eradicate OAI were age &gt;60 years (hazard ratio, HR, of 3.875; 95 % confidence interval, CI95 %, of 1.540–9.752; p=0.004) and multiple surgeries for OAI (HR of 2.822; CI95 % of 1.144–6.963; p=0.024). Conclusions: Only half of the MDR/XDR GNB OAI cases treated by antimicrobials and surgery had a successful outcome. Advanced age and multiple surgeries hampered the eradication of OAI. Optimal therapeutic options remain a challenge.</p

An investigation of breast cancer risk factors in Cyprus: a case control study

Background: Breast cancer is the most common form of malignancy affecting women worldwide. It is also the leading cancer in females in Cyprus, with approximately 400 new cases diagnosed annually. It is well recognized that genetic variation as well as environmental factors modulate breast cancer risk. The main aim of this study was to assess the strength of associations between recognized risk factors and breast cancer among Cypriot women. This is the first epidemiological investigation on risk factors of breast cancer among the Cypriot female population.Methods: We carried out a case-control study, involving 1,109 breast cancer patients and a group of 1,177 controls who were recruited while participating in the National screening programme for breast cancer. Information on demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected from both groups during a standardized interview. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the strength of the association between each risk factor and breast cancer risk, before and after adjusting for the possible confounding effect of other factors.Results: In multivariable models, family history of breast cancer (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.23, 2.19) was the strongest predictor of breast cancer risk in the Cypriot population. Late menarche (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45, 0.92 among women reaching menarche after the age of 15 vs. before the age of 12) and breastfeeding (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59, 0.92) exhibited a strong protective effect. In the case of breastfeeding, the observed effect appeared stronger than the effect of pregnancy alone. Surprisingly, we also observed an inverse association between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) although this may be a product of the retrospective nature of this study.Conclusion: Overall the findings of our study corroborate with the results of previous investigations on descriptive epidemiology of risk factors for breast cancer. This investigation provides important background information for designing detailed studies that aim to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of breast cancer in the Cypriot population, including the study of gene-environment interactions. Furthermore, our study provides the first scientific evidence for formulating targeted campaigns for prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer in Cyprus