A Robust Optimisation Strategy for Metal Forming Processes

Robustness, reliability, optimisation and Finite Element simulations are of major importance to improve product\ud quality and reduce costs in the metal forming industry. In this paper, we propose a robust optimisation strategy for metal\ud forming processes. The importance of including robustness during optimisation is demonstrated by applying the robust\ud optimisation strategy to an analytical test function and an industrial hydroforming process, and comparing it to deterministic\ud optimisation methods. Applying the robust optimisation strategy significantly reduces the scrap rate for both the analytical\ud test function and the hydroforming proces

Computational optimisation of robust sheet forming processes

Mathematical optimisation consists of the modelling and solving of optimisation problems. Although both the modelling and the solving are essential for successfully optimising metal forming problems, much of the research published until now has focussed on the solving part, i.e. the development of a specific optimisation algorithm and its application to a specific optimisation problem for a specific metal forming process. We propose a generally applicable optimisation strategy which makes use of FEM simulations of metal forming processes. It consists of a methodology for modelling optimisation problems related to metal forming. Subsequently, screening is applied to reduce the size of the optimisation problem by selecting only the most important design variables. Finally, the reduced optimisation problem is solved by an efficient optimisation algorithm. However, the above strategy is deterministic, which implies that the robustness of the optimum solution is not taken into account. Robustness is a major item in the metal forming industry, hence the deterministic strategy is extended in order to include noise variables (e.g. material variation) in optimisation. This yields a robust optimisation strategy that enables to optimise to a robust solution of the problem, which contributes significantly to the industrial demand to design robust metal forming processes. Just as the deterministic optimisation strategy, it consists of a modelling, screening and solving stage. The deterministic and robust optimisation strategies are compared to each other by application to an analytical test function

The robust optimisation of metal forming processes

Robustness, reliability, optimisation and Finite Element simulations are of major importance\ud to improve product quality and reduce costs in the metal forming industry. In this paper,\ud we review several possibilities for combining these techniques and propose a robust optimisation\ud strategy for metal forming processes. The importance of including robustness during optimisation\ud is demonstrated by applying the robust optimisation strategy to an analytical test function: for constrained\ud cases, deterministic optimisation will yield a scrap rate of about 50% whereas the robust\ud counterpart reduced this to the required 3 c reliability level

Consensus recommendations on lymphedema in Phelan-McDermid syndrome

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deletions 22q13.3 or pathogenic variants in the SHANK3 gene. Lymphedema can be a clinical feature in 10–25% of individuals with PMS due to a deletion 22q13.3, but is not observed in those with a SHANK3 variant. This paper forms a part of the European consensus guideline for PMS and focuses on what is known regarding lymphedema in PMS in order to present clinical recommendations. The mechanism causing lymphedema in PMS is unknown. Lymphedema can be suggested by pitting oedema of the extremities or, in later stages, non-pitting swelling. It can occur already at a young age and be progressive if untreated, impacting daily functioning. Lymphedema can be treated using existing general multidisciplinary management guidelines, taking the functioning of the individual with PMS into account. Furthermore, well-known risk factors for the development of lymphedema as lack of physical activities and weight gain/obesity should be addressed. Diagnosis and treatment are best performed in a multidisciplinary centre of expertise.</p

Improving the health status of sex workers in Europe: a policy brief with recommendations

&nbsp; Context:&nbsp; Although the United Nations and the European Union are set to improve life on earth through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Framework, sex workers have not been included in this Framework, thereby further increasing various issues, which affect this group, such as discrimination, stigma, and poor mental- and physical health. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing disadvantages of sex workers, highlighting the need for a systematic change to sustainably improve the empowerment and health status of sex workers throughout the European Union. &nbsp; Policy Options: The aim of this policy brief is to propose recommendations, which can contribute to the sustainable improvement of the health status and empowerment of sex workers throughout the EU. Policy options include a bottom-up approach with use of community-based organizations and public-private partnerships, targeting inclusion of sex workers, the organization of workshops, and the distribution of toolkits. &nbsp; Recommendations: Inclusion of sex workers in the SDG Framework; Organization of community-based workshops by and for sex workers; Distribution of culture-personalized toolkits by and to sex workers. &nbsp; &nbsp; Acknowledgments: We thank Martina Paric, our senior advisor, and Kasia Czabanowska for heart-warming support. &nbsp; Authors’ contributions: All authors contributed equally to this work. &nbsp; Conflict of interest: None declared &nbsp; Source of funding: None declare

Mechanism of Disease:Recessive ADAMTSL4 Mutations and Craniosynostosis with Ectopia Lentis

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the calvarial bones, has numerous etiologies. Among them, several involve mutations in genes related to the TGFb signaling pathway, a critical molecular mediator of human development. These TGFb pathway-associated craniosynostosis syndromes include Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) and Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS). LDS and SGS have many similarities common to fibrillinopathies, specifically Marfan syndrome (MFS), which is caused by mutations in FBN1. Historically discriminating features of MFS from LDS and SGS are (1) the presence of ectopia lentis (the subluxation/dislocation of the ocular lens) and (2) the absence of craniosynostosis. Curiously, several instances of a seemingly novel syndrome involving only craniosynostosis and ectopia lentis have recently been reported to be caused by recessive mutations in ADAMTSL4, a poorly characterized gene as of yet. Here, we report on two new cases of craniosynostosis with ectopia lentis, each harboring recessive mutations in ADAMTSL4. We also discuss a proposed mechanism for the relationship between ADAMTSL4, FBN1, and TGFb pathway-related syndromes.</p

Improving the health status of sex workers in Europe: a policy brief with recommendations

Context:&nbsp;&nbsp;Although the United Nations and the European Union are set to improve life on earth through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Framework, sex workers have not been included in this Framework, thereby further increasing various issues, which affect this group, such as discrimination, stigma, and poor mental- and physical health. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing disadvantages of sex workers, highlighting the need for a systematic change to sustainably improve the empowerment and health status of sex workers throughout the European Union. Policy Options:&nbsp;The aim of this policy brief is to propose recommendations, which can contribute to the sustainable improvement of the health status and empowerment of sex workers throughout the EU. Policy options include a bottom-up approach with use of community-based organizations and public-private partnerships, targeting inclusion of sex workers, the organization of workshops, and the distribution of toolkits. Recommendations: Inclusion of sex workers in the SDG Framework; Organization of community-based workshops by and for sex workers; Distribution of culture-personalized toolkits by and to sex workers. &nbsp