A node-based strain smoothing technique for free vibration analysis of textile-like sheet materials

This paper presents an implementation of the node-based smoothed finite element method and Reissner-Mindlin plate theory for a four node isoparametric shell element to improve the numerical precision and computational efficiency subjected to free vibration analysis of textile-like sheet materials. A one smoothing cell integration scheme in the strain smoothing technique is implemented to contrast the shear locking phenomenon that may exists in the analysis for moderatelythick and thick shell models. Various numerical results of free vibration analysis for a multi-layer nonwoven fabric sample are compared with other existing analytical solutions and numerical solutions in literatures to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present method. An advantage of the present formulation is that it can improve the numerical precision without decreasing the computational efficiency.The first and fourth author acknowledge FCT for the conceded financial support through Project UID/CTM/00264/2019 of 2C2T – Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, hold by National Founds of FCT/MCTES. The second and third author acknowledge support by FCT/MCTES through national funds and when applicable co-funded EU funds under the project SFRH/BD/136554/2018

Executive Summary of the American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria for Radiation Treatment of Node-Negative Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE: Definitive radiation therapy (RT), with or without concurrent chemotherapy, is an alternative to radical cystectomy for patients with localized, muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are either not surgical candidates or prefer organ preservation. We aim to synthesize an evidence-based guideline regarding the appropriate use of RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses literature review using the PubMed and Embase databases. Based on the literature review, critical management topics were identified and reformulated into consensus questions. An expert panel was assembled to address key areas of both consensus and controversy using the modified Delphi framework. RESULTS: A total of 761 articles were screened, of which 61 were published between 1975 and 2019 and included for full review. There were 7 well-designed studies, 20 good quality studies, 28 quality studies with design limitations, and 6 references not suited as primary evidence. Adjuvant radiation therapy after cystectomy was not included owing to lack of high-quality data or clinical use. An expert panel consisting of 14 radiation oncologists, 1 medical oncologist, and 1 urologist was assembled. We identified 4 clinical variants of MIBC: surgically fit patients who wish to pursue organ preservation, patients surgically unfit for cystectomy, patients medically unfit for cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and borderline cystectomy candidates based on age with unilateral hydronephrosis and normal renal function. We identified key areas of controversy, including use of definitive radiation therapy for patients with negative prognostic factors, appropriate radiation therapy dose, fractionation, fields and technique when used, and chemotherapy sequencing and choice of agent. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited level-one evidence to guide appropriate treatment of MIBC. Studies vary significantly with regards to patient selection, chemotherapy use, and radiation therapy technique. A consensus guideline on the appropriateness of RT for MIBC may aid practicing oncologists in bridging the gap between data and clinical practice

An alpha finite element method for linear static and buckling analysis of textile-like sheet materials

A four node isoparametric shell element (Q4) based on Mindlin/Reissner plate theory and the alpha finite element method (αFEM) was formulated for obtaining a nearly exact solution of linear static and buckling analysis of textile-like sheet material. The novel idea of αFEM-Q4 is assumed to be similar to the framework of conventional finite element approaches for Q4, but the gradient of strains is scaled by a factor α ∈ [0, 1]. The numerical examples demonstrate that the αFEM-Q4 can improve the accuracy of FEM solution in static and buckling analysis shell structures of non-woven fabric. However, the αFEM-Q4 cannot provide the nearly exact solution to all elasticity problems. In addition, it also requires a quadrilateral mesh that cannot be fully generated by common geometric algorithms for complicated problem domains.The first and fourth author acknowledge FCT for the conceded financial support through Project UID/CTM/00264/2019 of 2C2T – Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, hold by National Founds of FCT/MCTES. The second and third author acknowledge support by FCT/MCTES through national funds and when applicable co-funded EU funds under the project SFRH/BD/136554/2018

Etude de faisabilité d'un projet de développement de la culture du café Arabica

L'objectif de ce projet est de définir et de mettre en place, principalement dans le nord du pays, pendant une phase initiale de 5 ans, un programme de développement de l'arabicaculture dont le produit procurera aux planteurs et à l'état des revenus rémunérateurs. L'étude s'est déroulée au Viet Nam du 9/8 au 7/9/96. Elle a permis de situer l'importance du secteur agricole dans le contexte national, d'établir un bilan - diagnostic de la caféiculture robusta et Arabica, de définir les opérateurs et services d'appui à la production ainsi que les perspectives d'évolution du secteur caféier. Dans ce rapport sont détaillés les actions envisagées et les modalités d'exécution, les coûts et plan de financement ainsi que la justification économique et financière au niveau des planteurs, des unités de transformation et de l'économie national