Novel Methodology for Inflection Circle based synthesis of Straight Line Crank Rocker Mechanism

Emerging fields like Compact Compliant Mechanisms have created newer/novel situations for application of straight line mechanisms. Many of these situations in Automation and Robotics are multidisciplinary in nature. Application Engineers from these domains are many times uninitiated in involved procedures of synthesis of mechanisms and related concepts of Path Curvature Theory. This paper proposes a predominantly graphical approach using properties of Inflection Circle to synthesize a crank rocker mechanism for tracing a coupler curve which includes the targeted straight line path. The generated approximate straight line path has acceptable deviation in length, orientation and extent of approximate nature well within the permissible ranges. Generation of multiple choices for the link geometry is unique to this method. To ease the selection, a trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is developed to indicate relative length of various options generated. Using studied unique properties of Inflection Circles a methodology for anticipating the orientation of the straight path vis-à-vis the targeted path is also included. Two straight line paths are targeted for two different crank rockers. Compared to the existing practice of selecting the mechanism with some compromise due to inherent granularity of the data in Atlases, proposed methodology helps in indicating the possibility of completing the dimensional synthesis. The case in which the solution is possible, the developed solution is well within the design specifications and is without a compromise.

Considerations for quality assurance of multiplex malaria antigen detection assays with large sample sets

Multiplex assays for malaria antigen detection can gather data from large sample sets, but considerations for the consistency and quality assurance (QA) of mass testing lack evaluation. We present a QA framework for a study occurring November 2019 to March 2020 involving 504 assay plates detecting four Plasmodium antigens: pan-Plasmodium aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2), P. vivax LDH (PvLDH). Controls on each plate included buffer blank, antigen negative blood, and 4-point positive dilution curve. The blank and negative blood provided consistently low signal for all targets except for pAldolase, which showed variability. Positive curve signals decreased throughout the 5-month study duration but retained a coefficient of variation (CV) of < 5%, with the exception of HRP2 in month 5 (CV of 11%). Regression fittings for inter-plate control signals provided mean and standard deviations (SDs), and of 504 assay plates, 6 (1.2%) violated the acceptable deviation limits and were repeated. For the 40,272 human blood samples assayed in this study, of 161,088 potential data points (each sample × 4 antigens), 160,641 (99.7%) successfully passed quality checks. The QA framework presented here can be utilized to ensure quality of laboratory antigen detection for large sample sets.

Stochastic modeling of gridded short-term rainstorms

This study aims to develop a stochastic method (SM_GSTR) for generating short-time (i.e., hourly) rainstorm events at all grids (named gridded rainstorm events) in a region. The proposed SM_GSTR model is developed by the non-normal correlated multivariate Monte Carlo simulation (MMCS) method (Wu et al. 2006) with the statistical properties and spatiotemporal correlation structures of the four event-based gridded rainfall characteristics. The radar-based rainfall data on 20 typhoon events at 336 grids in a basin located in north Taiwan, Nankan River watershed, are used in the model development and demonstration. The results from the model demonstration indicate that the proposed SM_GSTR model can reproduce a great number of gridded rainfall characteristics, of which, the statistical properties in time and space have a good fit to those from the observations in association with the acceptable deviation; thus, it can reasonably emulate the behavior of the rain field in both time and space. It is expected that the resulting massive rainfall-induced disasters (e.g., inundation and landslide) from the physical-based numerical model with the simulated gridded rainstorms by the proposed SM_GSTR model can be applied to establish an alternative artificial intelligence (AI) model for effectively forecasting the hydrologic variables (e.g., runoff and water-level).

Methodology for calculating the technological parameters of preventive deformation of the hardened parts of the "wall" type

The article aims to establish the effect of preventive deformation on the accuracy of aircraft parts made from the thermally hardened aluminium alloy 1933T2, after blasting hardening. Determination of the impact of preventive deformation was carried out by analysing structural parts of the "wall" type produced using various technological sequences. Sample 1 was produced using a standard manufacturing sequence: milling – blasting hardening – blasting correction. Sample 2 was produced as follows: milling – preventive deformation – hardening – blasting correction. The deformation of the samples was determined at checkpoints by deviations from flatness based on bending deflections. In sample 2, preventive deformation was performed on its ridges by a rolling device. The calculation of the technological parameters of the rolling device was conducted following the principle of superposition of individual operations, such as rolling and blasting hardening. The definition of the parameters of preventive deformation of sample 2 was based on the results ob tained for sample 1. It was established that, for both samples, the deviation from flatness after milling comprised 2.5 mm. The maximum deviation of sample 1 (without preventive deformation) after blasting hardening was 2.6 mm under a high degree of surface saturation. The maximum deviation of sample 2 (with preventive deformation) after blasting hardening did not exceed 0.4 mm, which corresponds to the acceptable deviation of such structural parts. Thus, the inclusion of the preventive deformation stage in the manufacturing process, with consideration of the deviations resulting from the milling stage, allows minimisation of deviations from the required form after blasting hardening. An analysis of the obtained re[1]sults confirmed that preventive deformation of structural parts reduces distortions after blasting hardening. Therefore, it is advisable to use the following manufacturing sequence: preventive deformation → hardening by a blasting method → correction by a blasting method.

Proton Therapy for Mandibula Plate Phantom

Purpose: In this study, the required dose rates for optimal treatment of tumoral tissues when using proton therapy in the treatment of defective tumours seen in mandibles has been calculated. We aimed to protect the surrounding soft and hard tissues from unnecessary radiation as well as to prevent complications of radiation. Bragg curves of therapeutic energized protons for two different mandible (molar and premolar) plate phantoms were computed and compared with similar calculations in the literature. The results were found to be within acceptable deviation values. Methods: In this study, mandibular tooth plate phantoms were modelled for the molar and premolar areas and then a Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the Bragg curve, lateral straggle/range and recoil values of protons remaining in the therapeutic energy ranges. The mass and atomic densities of all the jawbone layers were selected and the effect of layer type and thickness on the Bragg curve, lateral straggle/range and the recoil were investigated. As protons move through different layers of density, lateral straggle and increases in the range were observed. A range of energies was used for the treatment of tumours at different depths in the mandible phantom. Results: Simulations revealed that as the cortical bone thickness increased, Bragg peak position decreased between 0.47–3.3%. An increase in the number of layers results in a decrease in the Bragg peak position. Finally, as the proton energy increased, the amplitude of the second peak and its effect on Bragg peak position decreased. Conclusion: These findings should guide the selection of appropriate energy levels in the treatment of tumour structures without damaging surrounding tissues.

Numerical Imitation Simulation of Assembly Mechanism Dynamics

Numerical simulation is widespread method to investigate machines and robotic mechanisms in different applications. Program complexes such as MATHLAB Simulink and similar ones are based on the assumption that mechanism kinematics can be described by kinematic scheme and it does not change on time interval of simulation. This is used to generate equations of dynamics automatically and then calculate the mechanism motion. Formulated assumption does not take place for numerous applications cause a set of contact points between mechanism parts is not permanent. This circumstance restricts application area of simulation method and accuracy of investigations. "Physical drives" are software systems for motion simulation of interacting bodies in real time. This restricts the complicity of dynamics model that are used in simulation. The paper describes the simulation method in which mechanism is represented as mechanical system of geometrical bodies. Their motion is defined by Lagrange virtual movement principle. Simulation algorithm generates equations automatically when all contact points between mechanism parts and with external environment are found. Simulation program was been used to investigate the motion of cylindrical shaft in assembly operation. It was been became all scenarios of shaft motion relatively hole. Each of them is defined by initial position of shaft and hole and also mechanical features of assembly device units or features of assembly manipulator servo control system. Simulation algorithm calculates assembly force, forces and moments are acted in mechanism and between mating surfaces. Developed simulation program can be used for choosing of constructive parameters and defining acceptable deviation in initial shaft position.

Analysis of Bioavailable Toluene by Using Recombinant Luminescent Bacterial Biosensors with Different Promoters

In this study, we constructed recombinant luminescent Escherichia coli with T7, T3, and SP6 promoters inserted between tol and lux genes as toluene biosensors and evaluated their sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity for measuring bioavailable toluene in groundwater and river water. The luminescence intensity of each biosensor depended on temperature, incubation time, ionic strength, and concentrations of toluene and coexisting organic compounds. Toluene induced the highest luminescence intensity in recombinant lux-expressing E. coli with the T7 promoter [T7-lux-E. coli, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.05 μM], followed by that in E. coli with the T3 promoter (T3-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.2 μM) and SP6 promoter (SP6-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.5 μM). Luminescence may have been synergistically or antagonistically affected by coexisting organic compounds other than toluene; nevertheless, low concentrations of benzoate and toluene analogs had no such effect. In reproducibility experiments, the biosensors had low relative standard deviation (4.3%–5.8%). SP6-lux-E. coli demonstrated high adaptability to environmental interference. T7-lux-E. coli biosensor—with low LOD, wide measurement range (0.05–500 μM), and acceptable deviation (−14.3% to 9.1%)—is an efficient toluene biosensor. This is the first study evaluating recombinant lux E. coli with different promoters for their potential application in toluene measurement in actual water bodies.

Analysis of bioavailable toluene by using recombinant luminescent bacterial biosensors with different promoters

In this study, we constructed recombinant luminescent Escherichia coli with T7, T3, and SP6 promoters inserted between tol and lux genes as toluene biosensors and evaluated their sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity for measuring bioavailable toluene in groundwater and river water. The luminescence intensity of each biosensor depended on temperature, incubation time, ionic strength, and concentrations of toluene and coexisting organic compounds. Toluene induced the highest luminescence intensity in recombinant lux-expressing E. coli with the T7 promoter [T7-lux-E. coli, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.05 μM], followed by that in E. coli with the T3 promoter (T3-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.2 μM) and SP6 promoter (SP6-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.5 μM). Luminescence may have been synergistically or antagonistically affected by coexisting organic compounds other than toluene; nevertheless, low concentrations of benzoate and toluene analogs had no such effect. In reproducibility experiments, the biosensors had low relative standard deviation (4.3–5.8%). SP6-lux-E. coli demonstrated high adaptability to environmental interference. T7-lux-E. coli biosensor—with low LOD, wide measurement range (0.05–500 μM), and acceptable deviation (− 14.3 to 9.1%)—is an efficient toluene biosensor. This is the first study evaluating recombinant lux E. coli with different promoters for their potential application in toluene measurement in actual water bodies.

Analysis of Bioavailable Toluene by Using Recombinant Luminescent Bacterial Biosensors with Different Promoters

In this study, we constructed recombinant luminescent Escherichia coli with T7, T3, and SP6 promoters inserted between tol and lux genes as toluene biosensors and evaluated their sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity for measuring bioavailable toluene in in groundwater and river water. The luminescence intensity of each biosensor depended on temperature, incubation time, ionic strength, and concentrations of toluene and coexisting organic compounds. Toluene induced the highest luminescence intensity in recombinant lux-expressing E. coli with the T7 promoter [T7-lux-E. coli, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.05 μM], followed by that in E. coli with the T3 promoter (T3-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.2 μM) and SP6 promoter (SP6-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.5 μM). Luminescence activities may have been synergistically or antagonistically affected by coexisting organic compounds other than toluene; nevertheless, low concentrations of benzoate and toluene analogs had no such effect. In reproducibility experiments, the biosensors had low relative standard deviation (4.3%–5.8%). SP6-lux-E. coli demonstrated high adaptability to environmental interference. T7-lux-E. coli biosensor—with low LOD, wide measurement range (0.05–500 μM), and acceptable deviation (−14.3% to 9.1%)—is an efficient toluene biosensor. This is the first study evaluating recombinant lux E. coli with different promoters for their potential application in toluene measurement in actual water bodies.

Analysis of Bioavailable Toluene by Using Recombinant Luminescent Bacterial Biosensors with Different Promoters

In this study, we constructed recombinant luminescent Escherichia coli with T7, T3, and SP6 promoters inserted between tol and lux genes as toluene biosensors and evaluated their sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity for measuring bioavailable toluene in in groundwater and river water. The luminescence intensity of each biosensor depended on temperature, incubation time, ionic strength, and concentrations of toluene and coexisting organic compounds. Toluene induced the highest luminescence intensity in recombinant lux-expressing E. coli with the T7 promoter [T7-lux-E. coli, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.05 μM], followed by that in E. coli with the T3 promoter (T3-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.2 μM) and SP6 promoter (SP6-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.5 μM). Luminescence activities may have been synergistically or antagonistically affected by coexisting organic compounds other than toluene; nevertheless, low concentrations of benzoate and toluene analogs had no such effect. In reproducibility experiments, the biosensors had low relative standard deviation (4.3%–5.8%). SP6-lux-E. coli demonstrated high adaptability to environmental interference. T7-lux-E. coli biosensor—with low LOD, wide measurement range (0.05–500 μM), and acceptable deviation (−14.3% to 9.1%)—is an efficient toluene biosensor. This is the first study evaluating recombinant lux E. coli with different promoters for their potential application in toluene measurement in actual water bodies.