In Silico Optimization of Femoral Fixator Position and Configuration by Parametric CAD Model

Structural analysis, based on the finite element method, and structural optimization, can help surgery planning or decrease the probability of fixator failure during bone healing. Structural optimization implies the creation of many finite element model instances, usually built using a computer-aided design (CAD) model of the bone-fixator assembly. The three most important features of such CAD models are: parameterization, robustness and bidirectional associativity with finite elements (FE) models. Their significance increases with the increase in the complexity of the modeled fixator. The aim of this study was to define an automated procedure for the configuration and placement of fixators used in the treatment of long bone fractures. Automated and robust positioning of the selfdynamisable internal fixator on the femur was achieved and sensitivity analysis of fixator stress on the change of major design parameters was performed. The application of the proposed methodology is considered to be beneficial in the preparation of CAD models for automated structural optimization procedures used in long bone fixation

The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on theworking conditions, employment, career development and well-being of refugee researchers

The ongoing ‘refugee crisis’ of the past years has led to the migration of refugee researchers (RRs) to European countries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RRs often had to work from home and/or to continue their social, cultural and economic integration process under new conditions. An online survey carried out to explore the impact of the pandemic on the refugee researchers showed that RRs found it difficult to adapt their everyday working life to the ‘home’ setting. The majority have had neither a suitable work environment at home nor the appropriate technology. Although they stated that they are rather pleased with the measures taken by the public authorities, they expressed concern about their vulnerability due to their precarious contracts and the bureaucratic asylum procedures, as the pandemic has had a negative impact on these major issues. The majority of RRs working in academia seem not to have been affected at all as far as their income is concerned, while the majority of those employed in other sectors became unemployed during the pandemic (58%). Recommendations are provided to the public authorities and policy makers to assist RRs to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic on their life

Distance learning and foreign language teaching

Among numerous modes of technology enhanced learning there are not many that have received as much attention as distance learning. Stimulated by the recent rapid developments in Web technologies, researchers in both ICT and education are constantly working to make the most of technological resources and put them to the best pedagogical use. In the area of foreign language teaching a lot has been done to cover a variety of world languages, but there are constant attempts for new solutions, taking into consideration specific needs of language learners. This paper is based on our experience in implementing and the desire to improve a set of three academic English language courses at the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT), the first university institution that have introduced distance learning system in Serbia and delivers academic programmes both traditionally and as distance learning. The first part of the paper presents the technological aspect of the FIT e-learning system, common for all FIT courses. Then we move on to discuss the major specificities of foreign language teaching. Next, we examine the process of development and implementation of English courses at FIT in terms of general course design, selection of teaching materials, technological and pedagogical processing of course materials, the role of the teacher, student support and motivation, performance assessment, course evaluation, and key differences between the two modes of delivery which have to be taken into account. The final part of the paper deals with the noted inadequacies and difficulties of technological and pedagogical nature, as well as challenges and new steps in improving the English courses at FIT. In conclusion, we highlight the complexity of technological, organizational, and not the least, pedagogical issues involved, but also hope to provide a solid starting point for more ambitious projects concerning distance learning and foreign language teaching

Rapid tooling of tyre tread ring mould using direct metal laser sintering

1038-1042Paper outlines a feasibility study of using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) for rapid tooling (RT) of tread ring of tyre vulcanization mould. Lead time and costs for rapid tooling with DMLS is acceptable for small mould segments (1/64 of tread ring). RT strategy that utilizes DMLS appeared to have significant advantages concerning lead time and costs as compared to conventional tooling of tyre mould including CNC-HSM engraving. Simplicity of tread ring tooling by DMLS makes new tyre development and test easier and faster

In Silico Optimization of Femoral Fixator Position and Configuration by Parametric CAD Model

Structural analysis, based on the finite element method, and structural optimization, can help surgery planning or decrease the probability of fixator failure during bone healing. Structural optimization implies the creation of many finite element model instances, usually built using a computer-aided design (CAD) model of the bone-fixator assembly. The three most important features of such CAD models are: parameterization, robustness and bidirectional associativity with finite elements (FE) models. Their significance increases with the increase in the complexity of the modeled fixator. The aim of this study was to define an automated procedure for the configuration and placement of fixators used in the treatment of long bone fractures. Automated and robust positioning of the selfdynamisable internal fixator on the femur was achieved and sensitivity analysis of fixator stress on the change of major design parameters was performed. The application of the proposed methodology is considered to be beneficial in the preparation of CAD models for automated structural optimization procedures used in long bone fixation

Analysis of femoral trochanters morphology based on geometrical model

210-216This study presents morphological analysis of 20 scans of femur samples from European (Serbian) adults from trochanteric region based on the customized computer aided reverse modeling procedure. Results indicated that trochanteric region is a separate morphological unit of proximal femur, named trochanteric wedge or canoe. This new perceiving of trochanteric region seems to provide a better understanding of trochanteric wedge volume and, therefore, better trochanter fractures treatment, operation planning, implant and endoprothesis design and selection. Also, it brings a new light to anatomy of proximal femur, its biomechanics and ossification

Exception detection in business process management systems

188-193This study presents exception detection in process management system, which uses active semantic model (ASM), a hybrid system comprising semantic networks, expert systems, object oriented programming and fuzzy logic. ASM is employed to capture semantic features of all kinds of workflow situations, as well as to detect and interpret exceptions

Reverse Modelling of Human Long Bones Using T-Splines - Case of Tibia

Creating a sufficiently accurate digital model of human bone geometry for a specific patient is the starting point for personalized orthopaedic surgical treatment. Such geometrical model of a particular human bone serves as a template for designing personalized bone implant, which can be an endoprostheses, fixator plate or even scaffold. Due to that role, the geometry of a human bone model has to be reusable and modifiable. Otherwise, design of the corresponding personalized implant for a particular human bone is a very difficult task. Modern reverse modelling techniques have greatly accelerated the creation of a bone geometric model. The prevailing modern approach is based on the use of non-uniform rational B-splines. However, recent research shows that the very complex topology of bio-shapes, such as human bones, can be reconstructed more easily using T-Splines. The presented approach of using T-splines in a modelling process allows creation of a bone model with important advantages regarding quality, flexibility and geometric accuracy. The process of reverse modelling starts from the cloud of points gained through computer-tomography images and uses selected referential geometric, i.e. anatomic entities as guiding elements in digital reconstruction of the particular bone geometry