Half-bridge silicon strain gauges are widely used in the fabrication of diaphragm-type high-pressure sensors, but in some applications, they suffer from low output sensitivity because of mounting position constraints. Through a special design and fabrication approach, a new half-bridge silicon strain gauge comprising one arc gauge responding to tangential strain and another linear gauge measuring radial strain was developed using Silicon-on-Glass (SiOG) substrate technology. The tangential gauge consists of grid patterns, such as the reciprocating arc of silicon piezoresistors on a thin glass substrate. When two half-bridges are connected to form a full bridge with arc-shaped gauges that respond to tangential strain, they have the advantage of providing much higher output sensitivity than a conventional half-bridge. Pressure sensors tested under pressure ranging from 0 to 50 bar at five different temperatures indicate a linear output with a typical sensitivity of approximately 16 mV/V/bar, a maximum zero shift of 0.05% FS, and a span shift of 0.03% FS. The higher output level of pressure sensing gauges will provide greater signal strength, thus maintaining a better signal-to-noise ratio than conventional pressure sensors. The offset and span shift curves are quite linear across the operating temperature range, giving the end user the advantage of using very simple algorithms for temperature compensation of offset and span shift.

Titanicone, obtained through molecular layer deposition (MLD) using TiCl4 and ethylene glycol (EG), is often regarded as a thin film of titanium ethylene glycolate [Ti(OCH2CH2O)2]. Nevertheless, titanicone exhibits a distinct vulnerability to moisture, while single crystals of Ti(OCH2CH2O)2 remain stable, even in the presence of water. To elucidate the origin of instability, we investigated the pathway of chemical degradation for titanicone using in situ and ex situ analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, quartz crystal microbalance, quadrupole mass spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Our analyses unveiled that the instability of the MLD-grown titanicone film in the presence of water can be primarily attributed to the high chlorine content present as Ti–Cl species and the coexistence of single-reacted EG species as well as double-reacted EG species, unlike in Ti(OCH2CH2O)2 crystals. Water molecules react with the Ti–Cl species, leading to the formation of Ti–OH species and the release of HCl gas. Furthermore, the single-reacted EG species undergo an intramolecular cyclization reaction catalyzed by HCl, resulting in the formation of Ti–OH and the liberation of ethylene oxide. Consequently, when exposed to water, the MLD-grown titanicone turns into a water-stable mixed film composed of TiO2 and Ti(OCH2CH2O)2.

When a small amount of polymer is added to a liquid capillary bridge between two solid surfaces under steady shear, the effective friction of the receding contact line increases. The critical factor of the determination of the contact line friction is the local polymer concentration near the contact line, which alters the liquid–solid interfacial tension. According to the modified equation of the molecular kinetic theory for polymer solutions, the capillary force has static and dynamic contributions from the local polymer concentration. We show that adding polymer to the solution leads to a large friction coefficient due to the high local polymer concentration. This work also finds that a capillary bridge under steady shear shares the contact line dynamics with an impacted droplet. The origin of the rebound suppression of a dilute polymer solution droplet is, therefore, the increased friction on a retracting contact line by strongly surface-adsorbed polymer molecules.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined lower trapezius strengthening and deep cervical flexor exercises on pain and forward head posture (FHP) accommodative forces in patients with chronic neck pain.Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial Methods: Forty-two young adults (age: 23.123.01years) with chronic neck pain and FHP (craniovertebral angle <48) were enrolled in this trial.The participants were randomized to either an experimental group (n=21: modified prone cobra + deep cervical flexor training) or a control group (n=21: deep cervical flexor training only).Both groups received interventions twice a week for 4 weeks (eight sessions).The primary outcomes were Neck Disability Index (NDI) and craniovertebral angle (CVA).The secondary outcomes included lower trapezius strength and sternocleidomastoid muscle mechanical properties (Myoton PRO).Results: Both groups demonstrated significant time effects for the NDI (experimental: -5.192.77points, control: -4.192.82points; F=118.28,p<0.001, p 2 =0.747) and CVA (p<0.001),surpassing minimal clinically important differences.The experimental group showed significant advantages in regard toleft lower trapezius strength gain (+1.63 vs +0.62 kg, F=4.09, p=0.050, p 2 =0.093) and sternocleidomastoid muscle tone/stiffness reduction.Conclusions: Adding lower trapezius strengthening exercises to cervical stabilization exercises produced superior improvements in the scapular muscle strength and cervical muscle mechanical properties, with comparable effects on pain and posture.Lower trapezius training is a valuable adjunct to conventional neck rehabilitation programs.

Accurate movement measurement is essential in precision manufacturing to ensure high-quality production. This study presents an IMU-based system for evaluating movement accuracy and precision in CNC-based electrochemical machining. The system employs an IMU sensor attached to the moving electrode to measure displacement along the X and Y axes, verifying whether the commanded travel distance (e.g., 1 mm) matches the actual movement. Unlike traditional monitoring methods that rely on indirect sensor-based measurements requiring mechanical error compensation, this approach directly analyzes movement accuracy using real-time IMU data. To achieve this, displacement data from the IMU is collected and processed in MATLAB, where filtering and noise reduction techniques enhance measurement reliability. Experimental validation demonstrates the system’s ability to detect small-scale motion deviations, offering a quantitative assessment of movement errors. The proposed method provides a practical solution for real-time displacement verification in high-precision machining, contributing to improved process efficiency and quality control.

This study investigates how the shape of an electrode affects current flow and density in electrochemical machining (ECM). Two distinct electrode designs were evaluated: a standard cylindrical electrode (A) and a chamfered electrode (B). The designs were tested under varying gap conditions between the electrode and a SUS304 workpiece. The experiments utilized a constant 5A current and NaCl as the electrolyte. Current density was measured at gap distances of 1, 3, and 5 mm to assess its influence on machining precision and hole formation. The results revealed that smaller gaps resulted in higher current concentration, which enhanced accuracy but also increased the risk of uneven wear. Electrode B exhibited a more uniform current density compared to Electrode A. These findings can be used as a guide in the optimization of ECM processes for improved performance.

This study aims to analyze the maximum service life of electrolytes used in Electrochemical Machining (ECM) to minimize chemical waste. In ECM processes, electrolytes are often discarded prematurely due to the absence of clear guidelines, resulting in increased waste and operational costs. To address this issue, a monitoring system equipped with pH, turbidity, temperature, and conductivity sensors was developed to measure electrolyte conditions in real time. The collected data was analyzed to determine the point at which the electrolyte can no longer be effectively used without compromising machining quality. The findings provide valuable insights into extending the electrolyte’s usage period, thereby reducing waste and enhancing the sustainability of ECM operations. This research contributes to improving resource efficiency and promoting environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

It is well known that the rheological properties of magnetorheological (MR) material change under a magnetic field. So far, most works on MR materials have been oriented toward actuating characteristics instead of sensing functions. In this work, to realize dynamic tactile motion, a spherical MR structure was designed as a sensor, incorporating a magnetic circuit core to provide maximum dynamic motion. After manufacturing a prototype (sample), a sinusoidal magnetic field of varying exciting frequency and magnitude was applied to the sample, and the dynamic contraction and relaxation motion depending on the exciting magnetic field was observed. Among the test results, when 10% deformation occurred, the instantaneous force generated was from 2.8 N to 8.8 N, and the force when relaxed was from 1.2 N to 3.5 N. It is also shown that the repulsive force within this range can be implemented using an acceptable input current. The special tactile sensing structure proposed in this work can be used as a sensor to measure the field-dependent viscoelastic properties of human tissues such as stomach, liver, and overall body. In addition, it could be usefully applied to robot surgery, because it can mimic the dynamic motions of various human organs under various surgical conditions.

Carbon neutrality is now important and inevitable in the 21st century for climate change and global warming, and numerous industries are trying to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases. Also, numerous studies have been followed in the steel industry, and FINEX was first devised and is now used as decreasing 20 % of greenhouse gases during the production of iron. Furthermore, the HyREX that is the production process of direct reduced iron with hydrogen was devised for carbon neutrality by replacing coal with hydrogen. In this study, HyREX was studied for its temperature and the number of cycles with 7 % of hydrogen by simulation using Chemical equilibrium with applications to find optimized conditions since it is challenging to research as an experimental approach due to the problem of cost and size. The optimized condition was defined as the point that reduces all oxygen from iron ore because the rest of iron ore or oxides can cause the problem of purity. The temperature range was set between 800 K to 1200 K as known temperature for the production of direct reduced iron that is below the melting point of iron. The amount of provision of iron was constant as 100 g and the percentage of hydrogen was based on the weight. As a result, 69.942 g of direct reduced iron was produced with 100 g of iron under 1200 K of temperature and 5 cycles with 7 % of hydrogen.

Half-bridge silicon strain gauges are widely used in the fabrication of diaphragm-type high-pressure sensors, but in some applications, they suffer from low output sensitivity because of mounting position constraints. Through a special design and fabrication approach, a new half-bridge silicon strain gauge comprising one arc gauge responding to tangential strain and another linear gauge measuring radial strain was developed using Silicon-on-Glass (SiOG) substrate technology. The tangential gauge consists of grid patterns, such as the reciprocating arc of silicon piezoresistors on a thin glass substrate. When two half-bridges are connected to form a full bridge with arc-shaped gauges that respond to tangential strain, they have the advantage of providing much higher output sensitivity than a conventional half-bridge. Pressure sensors tested under pressure ranging from 0 to 50 bar at five different temperatures indicate a linear output with a typical sensitivity of approximately 16 mV/V/bar, a maximum zero shift of 0.05% FS, and a span shift of 0.03% FS. The higher output level of pressure sensing gauges will provide greater signal strength, thus maintaining a better signal-to-noise ratio than conventional pressure sensors. The offset and span shift curves are quite linear across the operating temperature range, giving the end user the advantage of using very simple algorithms for temperature compensation of offset and span shift.

Titanicone, obtained through molecular layer deposition (MLD) using TiCl4 and ethylene glycol (EG), is often regarded as a thin film of titanium ethylene glycolate [Ti(OCH2CH2O)2]. Nevertheless, titanicone exhibits a distinct vulnerability to moisture, while single crystals of Ti(OCH2CH2O)2 remain stable, even in the presence of water. To elucidate the origin of instability, we investigated the pathway of chemical degradation for titanicone using in situ and ex situ analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, quartz crystal microbalance, quadrupole mass spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Our analyses unveiled that the instability of the MLD-grown titanicone film in the presence of water can be primarily attributed to the high chlorine content present as Ti–Cl species and the coexistence of single-reacted EG species as well as double-reacted EG species, unlike in Ti(OCH2CH2O)2 crystals. Water molecules react with the Ti–Cl species, leading to the formation of Ti–OH species and the release of HCl gas. Furthermore, the single-reacted EG species undergo an intramolecular cyclization reaction catalyzed by HCl, resulting in the formation of Ti–OH and the liberation of ethylene oxide. Consequently, when exposed to water, the MLD-grown titanicone turns into a water-stable mixed film composed of TiO2 and Ti(OCH2CH2O)2.