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1 – 10 of 835Mihaela Cretu and Dan Doru Micu
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the response of the spinal cord, the transmembrane potential, during lumbar magnetic stimulation, using a figure of eight coil.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the response of the spinal cord, the transmembrane potential, during lumbar magnetic stimulation, using a figure of eight coil.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to obtain a precise stimulation of the spinal cord and not the nearby nervous fibres, the coil from the electric circuit of the magnetic stimulator is optimized. The new proposed design is based on the turns’ placement inside the coil, the number of turns required to produce activation. Once the coil configuration is established, the paper addresses other issues that need to be solved: reducing power consumption (the low efficiency of power transfer from the coil to the tissue is a major drawback) and reducing coil heating.
Findings
The traditional commercial coils, used for magnetic stimulation in some preliminary experiments, had proved their inability to specifically stimulate the target tissue, without activating the surrounding areas and the low efficiency of power transfer from the coil to the nervous tissue. A more realistic modelling of the stimulating coil, based on the distribution of turns inside the coil can lead to directly stimulation of the spinal cord, during lumbar magnetic stimulation.
Practical implications
If the electrical circuit of the magnetic stimulator is improved, the direct stimulation of the spinal cord is obtained; so, this technique could facilitate functional motor activities, including standing and stepping in paralyzed people, without requiring implantation of electrodes like in electrical stimulation.
Originality/value
The authors underlined that the spinal cord stimulation can be achieved by magnetic stimulation, only if the parameters of the stimulator circuit are optimized. Therefore an original and realistic modelling of the inductive coil was proposed based on number and turns’ distribution within the coil. The coil is designed so that reducing the excessive heating makes it difficult in obtaining a more frequent repetition of stimulus.
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Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some…
Abstract
Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.
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Peyman Maghsoudi, Sadegh Sadeghi, Qingang Xiong and Saiied Mostafa Aminossadati
Because of the appreciable application of heat recovery systems for the increment of overall efficiency of micro gas turbines, promising evaluation and optimization are crucial…
Abstract
Purpose
Because of the appreciable application of heat recovery systems for the increment of overall efficiency of micro gas turbines, promising evaluation and optimization are crucial. This paper aims to propose a multi-factor theoretical methodology for analysis, optimization and comparison of potential plate-fin recuperators incorporated into micro gas turbines. Energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental factors are covered.
Design/methodology/approach
To demonstrate applicability and reliability of the methodology, detailed thermo-hydraulic analysis, sensitivity analysis and optimization are conducted on the recuperators with louver and offset-strip fins using a genetic algorithm. To assess the relationship between investment cost and profit for the recuperated systems, payback period (PBP), which incorporates all the factors is used as the universal objective function. To compare the performance of the recuperated and non-recuperated systems, exergy efficiency, exergy destruction and corresponding cost rate, fuel consumption and environmental damage cost rates, capital and operational cost rates and acquired profit rates are determined.
Findings
Based on the results, optimal PBP of the louvered-fin recuperator (147 days) is slightly lower than that with offset-strip fins (153 days). The highest profit rate is acquired by reduction of exergy destruction cost rate and corresponding decrements for louver and offset-strip fins are 2.3 and 3.9 times compared to simple cycle, respectively.
Originality/value
This mathematical study, for the first time, focuses on introducing a reliable methodology, which covers energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental points of view beneficial for design and selection of efficient plate-fin recuperators for micro gas turbine applications.
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Sara Armou, Mustapha Ait Hssain, Soufiane Nouari, Rachid Mir and Kaoutar Zine-Dine
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of varying baffle height and spacing distance on heat transfer and cooling performance of electronic components in a baffled…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of varying baffle height and spacing distance on heat transfer and cooling performance of electronic components in a baffled horizontal channel, using a Cu-H2O nanofluid under mixed convection and laminar flow.
Design/methodology/approach
The mathematical model is two-dimensional and comprises a system of four governing equations, such as the conservation of continuity, momentum and energy. To obtain numerical solutions for these equations, the finite volume method was used for discretization. A validation process was performed by comparing this study’s results with those of previously published studies. The comparison revealed a close agreement. The numerical study was performed for a wide range of key parameters: The baffle height (0 ≤ h ≤ 0.7), the spacing distance between baffle and blocks (0.25 ≤ w ≤ 3), the Grashof and Reynolds numbers are kept equal to 104 and 75, respectively, the channel aspect ratio is L/H = 10, and the volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles is fixed at φ = 5%.
Findings
The results of the study reveal a significant improvement in heat transfer in terms of total Nusselt number of the top and bottom hot components, which exhibited an improvement of 16.89% and 17.23% when the baffle height increases from h = 0 to h = 0.7. Additionally, the study found that reducing the distance between the baffle and the electronic components up to a certain limit can improve the heat transfer rate. Therefore, the optimal height of the baffle was found to be no lower than 0.6, and the recommended distance between the heaters and the baffle was 0.5.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the optimization of the design of baffled channels for improved heat transfer performance. The findings of study can be used to improve heat exchangers and cooling systems in various applications. The use of Cu-H2O nanofluid under mixed convection and laminar flow conditions in channel with baffle and electronic components is also unique, making this study an original contribution to the field.
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Junan Ji, Zhigang Zhao, Shi Zhang and Tianyuan Chen
This paper aims to propose an energetic model parameter calculation method for predicting the materials’ symmetrical static hysteresis loop and asymmetrical minor loop to improve…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose an energetic model parameter calculation method for predicting the materials’ symmetrical static hysteresis loop and asymmetrical minor loop to improve the accuracy of electromagnetic analysis of equipment.
Design/methodology/approach
For predicting the symmetrical static hysteresis loop, this paper deduces the functional relationship between magnetic flux density and energetic model parameters based on the materials’ magnetization mechanism. It realizes the efficient and accurate symmetrical static hysteresis loop prediction under different magnetizations. For predicting the asymmetrical minor loop, a new algorithm is proposed that updates the energetic model parameters of the asymmetrical minor loop to consider the return-point memory effect.
Findings
The comparison of simulation and experimental results verifies that the proposed parameters calculation method has high accuracy and strong universality.
Originality/value
The proposed parameter calculation method improves the existing parameter calculation method’s problem of relying on too much experimental data and inaccuracy. Consequently, the presented work facilitates the application of the finite element electromagnetic field analysis method coupling the hysteresis model.
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Soufiane Nouari, Elhafad Bara, Zakaria Lafdaili, Sakina EI-Hamdani, Abdelaziz Bendou and Hicham Doghmi
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the oscillatory movement on heat transfer within a double periodic lid-driven cubic enclosure filled with copper-water…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the oscillatory movement on heat transfer within a double periodic lid-driven cubic enclosure filled with copper-water nanofluid and to figure out how the oscillations impact the fluid flow and thermal behavior inside the enclosure. The authors asserted that this study will help to improve the heat transfer efficiency and the thermal performance of various technical engineering equipments.
Design/methodology/approach
The cubic enclosure is heated differentially; the left side is cold, the right one is warm and the remaining walls are insulated. Based on the movement directions of the upper and bottom lids, two cases for lid-driven walls are examined (Case 1: same movement for both lids; Case 2: opposite movement for the lids). The finite volume approach was implemented to solve the time-dependent three-dimensional momentum and energy equations, adopting the power low as a scheme of resolution. The numerical study was carried out for a range of parameters: volume fraction (0 ≤ φ ≤ 0.06), Richardson number (0.1 ≤ Ri ≤ 10), non-dimensional lid frequency (2π/50 ≤ Ω ≤ 2π/10) and fixed Grashof number 105.
Findings
The numerical simulations were executed for two different cases of the direction of the motion of the oscillatory lids. Based on the findings obtained, decreasing the Richardson number with low lids frequency gives the best heat transfer enhancement for both cases. Furthermore, in the same conditions, swapping from Case 2 to Case 1 leads to enhancing the maximum average Nusselt number obtained by 29.74%. At a high Richardson number, using high lids frequency increases the heat transfer rate compared to using low lids frequency (an enhancement of 4.32% for Case 1 and 3.63% for Case 2). The best heat transfer rate was established for Case 1 when the lids move positively, transporting the cold flow to the hot side. In all cases, increasing the concentration of nanoparticles improves the heat transfer.
Originality/value
The current study gives an understanding of the problem of mixed convection in a cubic enclosure with oscillatory walls, which has received little attention. And also, there has been no study published on unsteady mixed convection within a double oscillatory lid-driven cavity.
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S. El Issami, L. Bazzi, M. Mihit, B. Hammouti, S. Kertit, E. Ait Addi and R. Salghi
To correlate the inhibitory effect of triazole compounds on the corrosion of copper in HCl at various temperatures by semi‐empirical molecular orbital theory.
Abstract
Purpose
To correlate the inhibitory effect of triazole compounds on the corrosion of copper in HCl at various temperatures by semi‐empirical molecular orbital theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Two triazoles were selected as the best inhibitors among the triazole compounds tested. Gravimetric and electrochemical measurements were conducted.
Findings
Correlation between inhibition efficiency and calculation of molecular orbital of triazole compounds was obtained. Cu(I)‐triazole complex formation was confirmed by UV spectroscopy.
Research limitations/implications
The calculation of energetic levels of molecular orbital may be a tool to explain the classification of inhibitor efficiency.
Practical implications
The theoretical calculation is a complementary mean to selecting an efficient inhibitor among a given series. Good agreement between the experimental methods explored and theoretical calculations was observed.
Originality/value
The originality of this work was the finding of the correlation between energetic levels of orbital molecular and inhibitor efficiency of triazole compounds. The confirmation of the formation of Cu(I)‐triazole by UV‐visible spectroscopy was also new.
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Francisco Duarte, Adelino Ferreira and Paulo Fael
This paper aims to deal with the development of a software tool to simulate and study vehicle – road interaction (VRI) to quantify the forces induced and energy released from…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to deal with the development of a software tool to simulate and study vehicle – road interaction (VRI) to quantify the forces induced and energy released from vehicles to the road pavement, in different vehicle motion scenarios, and the energy absorbed by the road surface, speed reducers or a specific energy harvester surface or device. The software tool also enables users to quantify the energetic efficiency of the process.
Design/methodology/approach
Existing software tools were analysed and its limitations were identified in terms of performing energetic analysis on the interaction between the vehicle and the road pavement elements, such as speed reducers or energy harvest devices. The software tool presented in this paper intends to overcome those limitations and precisely quantify the energy transfer.
Findings
Different vehicle models and VRI models were evaluated, allowing to conclude about each model precision: bicycle car model has a 60 per cent higher precision when compared with quarter-car model, and contact patch analysis model has a 67 per cent higher precision than single force analysis model. Also, a technical study was performed for different equipment surface shapes and displacements, concluding that these variables have a great influence on the energy released by the vehicle and on the energy harvested by the equipment surface.
Originality/value
The developed software tool allows to study VRI with a higher precision than existing tools, especially when energetic analyses are performed and when speed reduction or energy harvesting devices are applied on the pavement.
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Daniel Sanz‐Merodio, Manuel Cestari, Juan Carlos Arevalo and Elena Garcia
Lower‐limb exoskeletons and powered orthoses are external devices that assist patients with locomotive disorders to achieve correct limb movements. Current batteries cannot meet…
Abstract
Purpose
Lower‐limb exoskeletons and powered orthoses are external devices that assist patients with locomotive disorders to achieve correct limb movements. Current batteries cannot meet the long‐term power requirements for these devices, which operate for long periods of time. This issue has become a major challenge in the development of these portable robots. Conversely, legged locomotion in animals and humans is efficient; to emulate this behaviour, biomimetic actuation has been designed attempting to incorporate elements that resemble biological elements, such as tendons and muscles, in the mechanical systems. The purpose of this paper is to present a mechanism that resembles a human tendon to achieve and utilise the synergic actuation of the leg joints.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, we present a mechanism that resembles a human tendon to move the ankle joint and utilise the synergic actuation of hip and knee joints. Implementation of the proposed transmission system in the ATLAS active orthosis prototype allowed for a better ankle gait fit, which resulted in a more natural stride and, as expected, optimised energy consumption in the locomotion cycle and actuation energy requirements.
Findings
The fitted passive ankle motion provides toe‐off impulse, increases support force, and helps provide ground clearance.
Originality/value
A synergetic underactuated movement in the ankle joint, implemented by two cables in each leg, improves the functionality of the device without increasing the leg weight and while maintaining a reduced size. To achieve a correct and efficient motion in the ankle of an active orthosis, two steel cables were attached in the ATLAS orthosis. These cables act as a synergic biarticular linkage and transfer motion from the hip and knee joints. Synergic ankle motion provides impulse in the toe‐off, increases support force, and provides ground clearance. These goals are achieved with low energy expenditure because of synergical actuation, and high inertia is prevented in the more distal limb.
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Ayaz Ahmed Hoshu, Liuping Wang, Alex Fisher and Abdul Sattar
Despite of the numerous characteristics of the multirotor unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), they have been termed as less energy-efficient compared to fixed-wing and helicopter…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite of the numerous characteristics of the multirotor unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), they have been termed as less energy-efficient compared to fixed-wing and helicopter counterparts. The purpose of this paper is to explore a more efficient multirotor configuration and to provide the robust and stable control system for it.
Design/methodology/approach
A heterogeneous multirotor configuration is explored in this paper, which employs a large rotor at the centre to provide majority of lift and three small tilted booms rotors to provide the control. Design provides the combined characteristics of both quadcopters and helicopters in a single UAS configuration, providing endurance of helicopters keeping the manoeuvrability, simplicity and control of quadcopters. In this paper, rotational as well as translational dynamics of the multirotor are explored. Cascade control system is designed to provide an effective solution to control the attitude, altitude and position of the rotorcraft.
Findings
One of the challenging tasks towards successful flight of such a configuration is to design a stable and robust control system as it is an underactuated system possessing complex non-linearities and coupled dynamics. Cascaded proportional integral (PI) control approach has provided an efficient solution with stable control performance. A novel motor control loop is implemented to ensure enhanced disturbance rejection, which is also validated through Dryden turbulence model and 1-cosine gust model.
Originality/value
Robustness and stability of the proposed control structure for such a dynamically complex UAS configuration is demonstrated with stable attitude and position performance, reference tracking and enhanced disturbance rejection.
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