Design and characteristic analysis of vibration feeding system for coal-gas dust-removal medium

A vibration feeder is a piece of equipment for rationing and conveying powder, particle and block materials. In order to test the regeneration performance of de-dusting medium for high-temperature coal gas, a set of de-dusting medium-feeding systems was designed quantitatively. The de-dusting medium-feeding system is used in the gasification process for cleaning coal gas. The system is mainly composed of a hopper unit, control unit and feeding unit. In order to optimize the feeding stability of the coal-gas dust-removal medium vibration feeding system, the setting and scope of the following design factors and operating factors are investigated. Specifically, it includes the influence of gate-valve-opening adjustment of the control unit on the feeding stability of a vibrating feeding system; the influence of the gap size of the dipleg of the control unit on the feeding sensitivity of the vibration system; the influence of the particle size of the de-dusting medium on the operating range of the vibrating feeding system; the influence of the digitization of the working-current indicator of electromagnetic vibrating feeders on measurement variation and the process variation of a vibration feeding system. This vibration feeding system can realize the function of precise and quantitative feeding of the de-dusting medium, which can meet the design requirements of subsequent experimental research.

Soybean Root System Architecture Trait Study through Genotypic, Phenotypic, and Shape-Based Clusters

We report a root system architecture (RSA) traits examination of a larger scale soybean accession set to study trait genetic diversity. Suffering from the limitation of scale, scope, and susceptibility to measurement variation, RSA traits are tedious to phenotype. Combining 35,448 SNPs with an imaging phenotyping platform, 292 accessions (replications=14) were studied for RSA traits to decipher the genetic diversity. Based on literature search for root shape and morphology parameters, we used an ideotype-based approach to develop informative root (iRoot) categories using root traits. The RSA traits displayed genetic variability for root shape, length, number, mass, and angle. Soybean accessions clustered into eight genotype- and phenotype-based clusters and displayed similarity. Genotype-based clusters correlated with geographical origins. SNP profiles indicated that much of US origin genotypes lack genetic diversity for RSA traits, while diverse accession could infuse useful genetic variation for these traits. Shape-based clusters were created by integrating convolution neural net and Fourier transformation methods, enabling trait cataloging for breeding and research applications. The combination of genetic and phenotypic analyses in conjunction with machine learning and mathematical models provides opportunities for targeted root trait breeding efforts to maximize the beneficial genetic diversity for future genetic gains.

Validating a destructive measurement system using Gauge R&R — a case study

The research study aims to evaluate the precision of the measurement system using Gauge R&R. An experimental research design adopting a positivist empirical approach with deductive strategy was followed to assess the effectiveness of Crossed Gauge R&R technique for validating a measurement system using destructive testing. Crossed Gauge R&R technique in Minitab was found to be highly effective in quantifying different components of measurement variation relative to process variation. Clue generation from the Crossed Gauge R&R study combined with manufacturing and measurement process know-how helped in identifying and eliminating the root causes for measurement variation. Overall Crossed Gauge R&R proved successful in validating the burst strength test equipment. However, it should be noted that manufacturing and test equipment played an equally important part in developing and executing the gauge R&R study and accurately analysing the results. So, Crossed Gauge R&R should be used as an aid rather than the solution for measurement system validation.

Range of motion and between-measurement variation of spinal kinematics in sound horses at trot on the straight line and on the lunge

Clinical assessment of spinal motion in horses is part of many routine clinical exams but remains highly subjective. A prerequisite for the quantification is the assessment of the expected normal range of motion and variability of back kinematics. The aim of this study was to objectively quantify spinal kinematics and between-measurement, -surface and -day variation in owner-sound horses. In an observational study, twelve owner-sound horses were trotted 12 times on four different paths (hard/soft straight line, soft lunge left and right). Measurements were divided over three days, with five repetitions on day one and two, and two repetitions on day three (recheck) which occurred 28-55 days later. Optical motion capture was used to collect kinematic data. Elements of the outcome were: 1) Ranges of Motion (ROM) with confidence intervals per path and surface, 2) a variability model to calculate between-measurement variation and test the effect of time, surface and path, 3) intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to determine repeatability. ROM was lowest on the hard straight line. Cervical lateral bending was doubled on the left compared to the right lunge. Mean variation for the flexion-extension and lateral bending of the whole back were 0.8 and 1 degrees. Pelvic motion showed a variation of 1.0 (pitch), 0.7 (yaw) and 1.3 (roll) degrees. For these five parameters, a tendency for more variation on the hard surface and reduced variation with increased repetitions was observed. More variation was seen on the recheck (p<0.001). ICC values for the pelvis were between 0.76 and 0.93, for the whole back flexion-extension and lateral bending between 0.51 and 0.91. Between-horse variation was substantially higher than within-horse variation. Concluding, ROM and variation in spinal biomechanics are horse-specific and small, necessitating individual analysis and making subjective clinical assessment of spinal kinematics challenging.

Range of Normal and Abnormal Syndesmotic Measurements Using Weightbearing CT

Background: Early recognition of syndesmotic instability is critical for optimizing clinical outcome. Injuries causing a more subtle instability, however, can be difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both distal tibiofibular articulations using weightbearing computed tomography (CT) in patients with known syndesmotic instability, thereafter comparing findings between the injured and uninjured sides. We also aimed to define the range of normal measurement variation among patients without syndesmotic injury. Methods: Patients with unilateral syndesmotic instability requiring operative fixation ( n = 12) underwent preoperative bilateral ankle weightbearing CT. A separate cohort of patients without ankle injury who also underwent bilateral ankle weightbearing CT were included as comparative controls ( n = 24). For each weightbearing CT, a series of 7 axial plane tibiofibular joint measurements, including 1 angular measurement, were utilized to evaluate parameters of the syndesmotic anatomy at a level 1 cm above the tibial plafond. Values were recorded by 2 independent observers to assess for interobserver reliability. Results: Among those with unilateral syndesmotic instability, values differed between the injured and uninjured sides in 4 of the 7 measurements performed including the syndesmotic area: direct anterior, middle, and posterior differences, and sagittal translation ( P < .001, < .001, < .001, and < .001, respectively). In the control population without ankle injury, no differences were identified between any of the bilateral measurements ( P value range, .172-.961). Conclusion: This study highlights the ability of weightbearing CT to effectively differentiate syndesmotic diastasis among patients with surgically confirmed syndesmotic instability from those without syndesmotic instability. It underscores the substantial utility and importance of using the contralateral, uninjured side as a valid internal control whenever the need for confirming potential syndesmotic instability arises. Prospective studies are necessary to fully understand the accuracy of weightbearing CT in diagnosing occult syndesmotic instability among patients for whom the diagnosis remains in question. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative diagnostic study.