Surgical outcome of congenital penile curvature treatment with corporal rotation technique

Congenital penile curvature (CPC) is a rare condition in men but has considerable impact on male sexual activity as well as their mental health. Many techniques had been proposed to manage this condition, however the corporal rotation technique had the advantage of preserving the penile length. Therefore, we conducted a study on 16 men with CPC who were treated with corporal rotation surgery to evaluate the outcome of this technique. The results showed that the mean degree of curvature was 51 ± 12.2 degree. The majority of patients had a moderate penile curvature (< 60 degree) and ventral curvature (75%). After the surgery, the residual curvature decreased significantly (from 51 ± 12.2 degree to 16.6 ± 6.34 degree with p < 0.001). We observed no remarkable changes in all penile dimensions including stretched penile length (13.6 ± 0.93cm before the surgery compared with 13.3 ± 0.89cm after the surgery with p = 0.01). Erectile function of the subjects was also significantly improved especially in the intercourse satisfaction domain.

Partial mobilisation of the neurovascular bundle for ventral penile curvature correction: A proof-of-concept study

Background: To lift the neurovascular bundle (NVB) is a critical step during dorsal plications for ventral penile curvature correction. Indeed, this procedure may hesitate in nerves and vascular damage. Herein, we present a revolutionary approach of partial NVB mobilisation that avoids dissection among 10 and 2 o’clock positions decreasing the risk of injuring nerves and vessels. Methods: We assessed ventral penile curvature after penile degloving, marking the level of maximal bending. Bilateral para urethral incisions were made and the Buck’s fascia carefully mobilised from the tunica albuginea. The mobilisation of NVB was carried until 10 and 2 o’clock, avoiding the area between 10 and 2 o’clock positions, where nerves and vessels are more concentrated. The 10 and 2 o’clock positions correspond also to the dorsal edges of the two cavernosa cylinders, where plications are more effective. Penile straightening after surgery was defined as residual curvature less than 10 degrees. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, we have operated 33 men and 32 boys with ventral penile curvature. The severity of penile curvature was mid (<30 degrees) in 13 (20%) patients, moderate (30–60 degrees) in 33 (51%) patients, and severe (> 60 degrees) in 19 (29%) patients. Penile straight was achieved for all patients. We recorded three haematoma, three glans skin erosion, and one curvature recurrence after 13 months of follow-up. No patient reported erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study shows that partial NVB mobilisation is technically easier and safer compared to complete NVB mobilisation, without compromising the success of surgery. Level of evidence: Not applicable

Mechanical performance of aluminum reinforced wood plastic composites under axial tension: an experimental and numerical investigation

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) are low-cost biomass composite materials with good mechanical stability and good weather resistance that are mainly used in the areas with low stress levels. Aimed at improving the mechanical properties of WPCs, this paper proposes a new WPC reinforced with aluminum. The WPC and aluminum were hot pressed to form an aluminum reinforced wood plastic composites (A-WPC). The axial tensile properties, stress–strain relationship, and failure mechanism of the composite were studied experimentally. The results show that the ultimate stress and strain, elastic modulus, and other mechanical parameters of A-WPCs are much higher than those of WPCs. The elongation at break is 10.13 times that of WPCs, which greatly improves the ductility. Based on the equivalent stiffness theory, two calculation models were proposed to predict the tensile stress–strain relationship of A-WPCs. The tensile rebound process of A-WPCs was analyzed in depth, and then the calculation formula of the residual curvature was deduced to compare with the test results. The experimental results are in good agreement with the calculation results.

Lateral Buckling Mitigation in Deep Waters - A Total Installed Costs Comparison

The paper introduces lateral buckling mitigation techniques (sleepers, distributed buoyancy sections, and residual curvature method or RCM) used in deep water fields and provides a total installed cost comparison of these solutions in relative terms. A hypothetical deep-water scenario is used to compare all techniques within the same site environment. Historic benchmarks have been used to make a relative comparison of these buckle mitigation methods on the engineering, procurement, fabrication, and installation fronts. In addition, risks associated with engineering, procurement/fab and installation have been listed to illustrate the risks versus rewards tradeoff. While sleepers and distributed buoyancy have been previously used in deep water, RCM doesn't have a significant track record yet. RCM is a proven and cost-effective buckle mitigation solution in shallow water. This paper compares its application in deep water to the prevailing buckle mitigation methods and confirms if it creates value (savings and reduces risks) for an offshore installation project. It is assumed that each mitigation method is appropriate for the hypothetical deep-water scenario.

Feasible SCR Configuration from FPSO with Large Motions, by Applying Residual Curvature Methods

This paper describes an alternative and innovative solution to Steel Lazy Wave Risers (SLWR) in order to allow the rigid riser be designed in a free hanging configuration from a floater with large hang off vertical motions. This work demonstrates that the residual curvature method can reduce the stress at the touchdown zone (TDZ) within acceptable limits and improves fatigue life when compared to a Steel Catenary Rigid (SCR). The state-of-art concept eliminates the necessity of buoys in a SLWR concept. Further, there will be saving in installation time, this combined reduces the CAPEX to develop new projects, making it a very attractive solution in recent market scenario. The results for Brazil offshore scenario at Santos Basin and in Gulf of Mexico, in a water depth of 2100m indicate a considerable reduction on the stress at the TDZ within acceptable limits. Fatigue results indicate a slight improvement when compared to a SCR in a free hanging configuration. The fatigue performance for the Gulf of Mexico condition has sufficient fatigue life. However, it has potential margin to be developed in the future and achieve better results. The new concept was evaluated numerically through a comprehensive load case matrix contemplating extreme and fatigue analysis. Results indicated the feasibility of the solution, making it a considerable alternative to replace SLWR in harsh environments.

Research And Simulation of The Sheet Leveling Machine Manufacturing Capabilities

One of the main tasks to determine the technological settings of the sheet leveling machine (leveler) is to identify the maximum roll overlap. In the well-known works on the study of sheet metal-roll leveling, the overlaps are set on the basis of experimental data, that is applicable for the leveling sheets from material with the 800 MPa yield strength. But for materials with a higher yield strength additional research is required. The purpose of this work is to establish criteria affecting the maximum allowable overlap for the working rolls by the leveler and to determine the dependencies for the most rational working rolls adjustment. When solving the set tasks, developed by the authors, a numerical analytical mathematical model of the leveling process was used as an objective function, that allows to determine the energy-power characteristics and the sheet curvature after leveling, depending on the individual settings of the leveler rolls. Within the framework of studies, an algorithm of a mathematical model was developed that allows to determine the leveler technological settings necessary for correcting the longitudinal curvature and comes down to determining the aligning coordinates for each of the movable rolls depending on the known characteristics of the metal being processed, the leveler geometric parameters, and the permissible value of the sheet residual curvature after leveling. In consequence of studying the influence of the working rolls setup on the sheet metal-roll quality during leveling on a multi-roll leveling machine, the laws for the rational rolls positioning were established. The linear and sinusoidal laws were identified as optimal ones. Boundary factors were also established as affecting the maximum overlap of the rolls. These factors included the condition of the pickup and the condition of the rolls strength. Using the example of implementing the developed finite element model of the sheet leveling process at the leveler of NKMZ (Ukraine), it was found that the pickup condition has a dominant influence when leveling sheets with a thickness of less than 6 mm, and with larger thicknesses the condition of the rolls strength is prevailing. With a decrease in the yield strength of the material or the width of the sheets, this ratio will be redistributed towards the pickup condition.

Lateral Buckling Mitigation of Subsea Pipeline by Temporary Winch Pull

The design process of lateral buckling has gained in maturity over the last ten years. However the design of any required engineered trigger to control the formation of lateral buckles remains open to a wide range of design concepts (like sleeper, buoyancy modules, snake lay or residual curvature method) with sometimes increasing complexity in either engineering, fabrication or installation. This paper will describe how a lateral deflection initiated by a temporary subsea winch after pipelay can be used as a reliable mitigation with limited impact on the project execution. The interaction between the winch pull and the pipe soil interaction and the consequences on both the post buckle behaviour and reliability design of the mitigation architecture will be presented. The advantages of this technique (decoupling of construction activities between pipelay and lateral buckling mitigation, standard engineering process, no offset from seabed, no additional permanent equipment) and its limitations (stiff pipeline, detailed pipe soil interaction) will be discussed. The operational feedback from several flowlines designed, installed and operated with this winch pull mitigation will be reviewed and the main lessons learnt will be highlighted. It can be concluded that this temporary subsea winch pull is an interesting and cost effective option for lateral buckling initiation of subsea pipelines.