Transpiration Dynamics of Esparto Grass (Macrochloa tenacissima (L.) Kunth) in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Climate: Unraveling the Impacts of Pine Competition.

Macrochloa tenacissima (M. tenacissima), or esparto, is a perennial tussock grass that coexists with Pinus halepensis (P. halepensis) in semi-arid Mediterranean woodlands. This research was carried out to explore diurnal transpiration at leaf level in esparto grass under different levels of pine-esparto competition and in contrasting environmental soil water conditions. The measurement period spanned from the summer of 2020 to the spring of 2021. The relationship between transpiration and competition was conducted in open and closed P. halepensis stands, and the type of leaf (green, senescent) and the maturity of the esparto grass were taken into account. We observed a higher control of transpiration in green leaves, and the correlations between the transpiration and pine competition were noted exclusively in this type of leaf. Our results demonstrated a significant impact of pine competitors (closed stands) on the transpiration of esparto grass, particularly during seasons characterized by scenarios of high water demand: the summer drought period and the commencement of the growing and flowering period (spring). Furthermore, our findings revealed a greater response to transpiration in mature bushes compared to young ones under severe water stress, indicating a higher adaptation to drought by esparto as it ages. Although our results confirmed that PAR increased transpiration in all seasons and in both stands, which is attributable to the heliophilia of esparto grass, the site effects on transpiration could also be attributable to competition for water, especially during periods of drought. These results may have important implications for the dynamics and management of these semi-arid mixed woodlands, as well as the planning of reforestation programs aimed at restoring esparto grass formations.

Alveolar Cleft Size on Prenatal Two-Dimensional Ultrasonography Predicts Cleft of the Secondary Palate in Unilateral Cleft Lip.

SUMMARY: Prenatal diagnosis of cleft palate (CP) is challenging. The current study's objective was to investigate whether prenatal alveolar cleft width is associated with the likelihood of a cleft of the secondary palate in unilateral cleft lip (CL). The authors reviewed two-dimensional ultrasound (US) images in fetuses with unilateral CL from January of 2012 to February of 2016. Images of the fetal face were obtained with a linear and/or curved probe in the axial and coronal planes. Measurements of the alveolar ridge gap were taken by the senior radiologist. Postnatal phenotype findings were compared with prenatal findings. Thirty patients with unilateral CL met inclusion criteria; average gestational age was 26.67 ± 5.11 weeks (range, 20.71 to 36.57 weeks). Ten fetuses were found to have an intact alveolar ridge by prenatal US; postnatal examination confirmed intact secondary palate in all. Small alveolar defects (<4 mm) were noted in three fetuses; postnatal examination documented CP in a single patient. CP was confirmed in 15 of the remaining 17 fetuses who had alveolar cleft width greater than 4 mm. An alveolar defect of greater than or equal to 4 mm on prenatal US was associated with greater likelihood of a cleft of the secondary palate [c 2 (2, n = 30) = 20.23; P < 0.001]. In the setting of unilateral CL, prenatal US documentation of alveolar defects greater than or equal to 4 mm are highly predictive of the presence of a cleft of the secondary palate. Conversely, an intact alveolar ridge is associated with an intact secondary palate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.

Antiplatelet therapy and outcome in COVID-19: the Health Outcome Predictive Evaluation Registry.

BACKGROUND: Standard therapy for COVID-19 is continuously evolving. Autopsy studies showed high prevalence of platelet-fibrin-rich microthrombi in several organs. The aim of the study was therefore to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antiplatelet therapy (APT) in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and its impact on survival. METHODS: 7824 consecutive patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in a multicentre international prospective registry (Health Outcome Predictive Evaluation-COVID-19 Registry). Clinical data and in-hospital complications were recorded. Data on APT, including aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs, were obtained for each patient. RESULTS: During hospitalisation, 730 (9%) patients received single APT (93%, n=680) or dual APT (7%, n=50). Patients treated with APT were older (74±12 years vs 63±17 years, p<0.01), more frequently male (68% vs 57%, p<0.01) and had higher prevalence of diabetes (39% vs 16%, p<0.01). Patients treated with APT showed no differences in terms of in-hospital mortality (18% vs 19%, p=0.64), need for invasive ventilation (8.7% vs 8.5%, p=0.88), embolic events (2.9% vs 2.5% p=0.34) and bleeding (2.1% vs 2.4%, p=0.43), but had shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (8±5 days vs 11±7 days, p=0.01); however, when comparing patients with APT versus no APT and no anticoagulation therapy, APT was associated with lower mortality rates (log-rank p<0.01, relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.94). On multivariable analysis, in-hospital APT was associated with lower mortality risk (relative risk 0.39, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.48, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: APT during hospitalisation for COVID-19 could be associated with lower mortality risk and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, without increased risk of bleeding. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04334291.

Regression-Based Normative Data for Independent and Cognitively Active Spanish Older Adults: Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and Judgement of Line Orientation.

The aim of this work was to develop normative data for neuropsychological tests for the assessment of independent and cognitively active Spanish older adults over 55 years of age. METHODS: regression-based normative data were calculated from a sample of 103 nondepressed independent community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older (66% women). The raw data for the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) and the Judgement of Line Orientation Test (JLO) were regressed on age, sex and education. The model predicting the FCSRT delayed-recall (FCSRT-Del) scores also included the FCSRT immediate-recall (FCSRT-Imm) scores. The model predicting the ROCF immediate-recall (ROCF-Imm) scores included the ROCF copy-trial (ROCF-C) scores, and the model predicting the ROCF delayed-recall (ROCF-Del) scores included both the ROCF-C and the ROCF-Imm scores. In order to identify low scores, z-scores were used to determine the discrepancy between the observed and the predicted scores. The base rates of the low scores for both the SABIEX normative data and the published normative data obtained from the general population were compared. RESULTS: the effects of the different sociodemographic variables (age, sex and education) varied throughout the neuropsychological measures. Despite finding similar proportions of low scores between the normative data sets, the agreement was irrelevant or only fair-to-good. CONCLUSIONS: the normative data obtained from the general population might not be sensitive enough to identify low scores in cognitively active older adults, incorrectly classifying them as cognitively normal compared to the less active population.

Lightweight Structural Materials in Open Access: Latest Trends.

The aeronautical and automotive industries have, as an essential objective, the energy efficiency optimization of aircraft and cars, while maintaining stringent functional requirements. One working line focuses on the use of lightweight structural materials to replace conventional materials. For this reason, it is considered enlightening to carry out an analysis of the literature published over the last 20 years through Open Access literature. For this purpose, a systematic methodology is applied to minimize the possible risks of bias in literature selection and analysis. Web of Science is used as a search engine. The final selection comprises the 30 articles with the highest average numbers of citations per year published from 2015 to 2020 and the 7 articles published from the period of 2000-2014. Overall, the selection is composed of 37 Open Access articles with 2482 total citations and an average of 67.1 citations per article/year published, and includes Q1 (62%) and Q2 (8%) articles and proceeding papers (30%). The study seeks to inform about the current trends in materials and processes in lightweight structural materials for aeronautical and automotive applications with a sustainable perspective. All the information collected is summarized in tables to facilitate searches and interpretation by interested researchers.

Regression-Based Normative Data for Independent and Cognitively Active Spanish Older Adults: Digit Span, Letters and Numbers, Trail Making Test and Symbol Digit Modalities Test.

In this work, we developed normative data for the neuropsychological assessment of independent and cognitively active Spanish older adults over 55 years of age. METHOD: Regression-based normative data were calculated from a sample of 103 non-depressed independent community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older (67% women). Raw data for Digit Span (DS), Letters and Numbers (LN), the Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) were regressed on age, sex, and education. The model predicting TMT-B scores also included TMT-A scores. Z-scores for the discrepancy between observed and predicted scores were used to identify low scores. The base rate of low scores for SABIEX normative data was compared to the base rate of low scores using published normative data obtained from the general population. RESULTS: The effects of age, sex, and education varied across neuropsychological measures. Although the proportion of low scores was similar between normative datasets, there was no agreement in the identification of cognitively impaired individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Normative data obtained from the general population might not be sensitive to identify low scores in cognitively active older adults, incorrectly classifying them as cognitively normal compared to the less-active population. We provide a friendly calculator for use in neuropsychological assessment in cognitively active Spanish people aged 55 or older.

Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society 2020 (SIMES-2020).

The Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society 2020 (SIMES-2020) has been launched as a joint issue of the journals "Materials" and "Applied Sciences". The 17 contributions published in this Special Issue of Materials present cutting-edge advances in the field of Manufacturing Engineering, focusing on additive manufacturing and 3D printing; advances and innovations in manufacturing processes; sustainable and green manufacturing; manufacturing of new materials; manufacturing systems: machines, equipment and tooling; robotics, mechatronics and manufacturing automation; metrology and quality in manufacturing; Industry 4.0; design, modeling and simulation in manufacturing engineering. Among them, this issue highlights that the topic "advances and innovations in manufacturing processes" has collected a large number of contributions, followed by additive manufacturing and 3D printing; sustainable and green manufacturing; metrology and quality in manufacturing.

Imaging of the fetal oral cavity, airway and neck.

Magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be an extraordinarily useful adjunct modality in assessment of the fetal face, oral cavity, head and neck because of its soft-tissue contrast, utility for acquiring more precise planar imaging and the inherent advantage of contrast provided by fluid-filled structures, including the oropharyngeal cavity, nasal passages and vascular structures. In this review, the author presents an organized approach to assessing normal anatomical structures of the fetus. The author presents cystic and solid lesions as well as structural and developmental abnormalities and discusses potential concomitant abnormalities. Prenatal consultation, patient counseling and delivery considerations are included.

Prenatal diagnosis of intestinal nonrotation using magnetic resonance imaging: Is it possible?

BACKGROUND: Malrotation of the bowel refers to any variation in the rotation and fixation of the gastrointestinal tract during the first trimester and is most commonly detected postnatally. Nonrotation of the bowel and incomplete rotation of the bowel are subtypes of malrotation. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the nonrotation subtype of malrotation of the bowel can be detected on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases from 2012 to 2018 with nonrotation of the bowel without obstruction confirmed by imaging, surgery and/or autopsy were compared to prenatal imaging. Prenatal imaging was retrospectively reviewed to determine if prenatal diagnosis of malrotation could be made. Exclusion criteria included diaphragmatic hernia, omphalocele and gastroschisis. RESULTS: Ten cases of nonrotation diagnosed postnatally by upper gastrointestinal series (upper GI)/small bowel follow-through (SBFT) or autopsy had prenatal MRI. Prenatal MR studies were performed for assessment of heterotaxy syndrome with congenital heart disease (6/10), congenital heart disease with additional anomalies (suspected VACTERL [vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheoesophageal, renal, limb] and suspected lung agenesis, ventriculomegaly) (3/10) and skeletal dysplasia (1/10). Eight upper GI/SBFT cases demonstrated nonrotation of the bowel without obstruction with the small bowel completely on one side of the abdomen contralateral to the stomach and the colon ipsilateral to the stomach; four cases were confirmed by surgery. The small bowel in one upper GI/SBFT case was unilateral contralateral to the stomach with a meandering colon. One case had nonrotation diagnosed at autopsy. There were no cases of postnatal midgut volvulus. Retrospective review of the 10 cases had prenatal MRI performed between 23 and 37 weeks of gestation. The coronal plane was the most optimal plane to assess the position of the stomach, small bowel and colon in relationship to each other. The small bowel was best assessed on T2-weighted images while the colon was best assessed on T1-weighted images. A nonrotated position of the small bowel was present in all 10 fetal MRI cases mirroring postnatal findings, with the small bowel contralateral to the stomach in 9/10 cases and ipsilateral to the stomach (in the right abdomen) in 1/10 cases. The colon was visualized by prenatal MRI in 9/10 cases, with 1 case limited due to a lack of T1-weighted imaging. A nonrotated position of the colon contralateral to the small bowel was present in 7/9 cases. In 2/9 cases, the colon was wandering, positioned on both sides of the midline. Colonic position in all nine cases matched postnatal findings. No cases presented with prenatal bowel obstruction. CONCLUSION: Detection of nonrotation of the bowel is possible on prenatal MRI.

A primer for pediatric radiologists on infection control in an era of COVID-19.

Pediatric radiology departments across the globe face unique challenges in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic that have not been addressed in professional guidelines. Providing a safe environment for personnel while continuing to deliver optimal care to patients is feasible when abiding by fundamental recommendations. In this article, we review current infection control practices across the multiple pediatric institutions represented on the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) Quality and Safety committee. We discuss the routes of infectious transmission and appropriate transmission-based precautions, in addition to exploring strategies to optimize personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. This work serves as a summary of current evidence-based recommendations for infection control, and current best practices specific to pediatric radiologists.

Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society 2019 (SIMES-2019).

The Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society 2019 (SIMES-2019) has been launched as a joint issue of the journals "Materials" and "Applied Sciences". The 29 contributions published in this Special Issue of Materials present cutting-edge advances in the field of manufacturing engineering focusing on additive manufacturing and 3D printing, advances and innovations in manufacturing processes, sustainable and green manufacturing, manufacturing of new materials, metrology and quality in manufacturing, industry 4.0, design, modeling, and simulation in manufacturing engineering and manufacturing engineering and society. Among them, these contributions highlight that the topic "additive manufacturing and 3D printing" has collected a large number of contributions in this journal because its huge potential has attracted the attention of numerous researchers over the last years.

Basic Psychological Needs, Physical Self-Concept, and Physical Activity Among Adolescents: Autonomy in Focus.

The contribution of this research lies in its dual approach to the question of physical activity (PA) among adolescents, combining objective measurement of PA by teenagers and a comparison of psychological satisfaction through physical activities involving differing degrees of autonomy (i.e., organized or unstructured). Using the conceptual framework of Self-Determination Theory, the analysis also examines the relationship between levels of PA among adolescents and physical self-concept and satisfaction of basic psychological needs during exercise. The study surveyed 129 first-year higher secondary education students from schools in the city of A Coruña. Satisfaction of basic psychological needs during organized and unstructured physical activities was measured using the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale. PA levels were assessed based on step count per day for a week as measured by an accelerometer. The results show that the daily step average recorded by students (7,400) is below the minimum recommended levels of PA for this age group, that students are more active on weekdays than at the weekend, and that there is no significant difference in PA levels between male and female subjects (T = 0.23, p < 0.05, d = 0.04). Findings from the comparative analysis of the three basic psychological needs show greater satisfaction of the need for autonomy during unstructured activities (T = 6.15, p < 0.001, d = 0.68), and greater satisfaction of the need for competence during organized activities (T = -2.50, p < 0.05, d = 0.27). No variation in terms of sex was found in relation to satisfaction of the need for autonomy or relatedness from unstructured activities; however, girls showed notably lower satisfaction than boys in relation to the need for competence (T = -2.62, p < 0.01, d = 0.49). Self-esteem was found to play an important mediating role and observed to be strongly related to sex (T = -5.16, p < 0.001, d = 0.90). Organized PA was found to provide greater need satisfaction among boys than girls across all categories. The study showed no relationship between psychological variables and objectively measured PA (Pillai's trace: F = 0.86, p > 0.05, η2 = 0.08, observed power = 0.66). Basic psychological needs show significant positive interrelation between them and a significant positive relationship between them and physical self-concept, as expected based on previous literature.

Normal size of the fetal adrenal gland on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: The adrenal gland plays a vital role in fetal growth. Many disease states such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hemorrhage and tumors can lead to morphological changes in the gland. Ultrasound measurements of normal adrenal sizes in the fetus reported in the literature have shown a trend of increasing size with gestational age. There is no literature available on standard fetal adrenal sizes or detailed appearance by fetal MRI. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to provide MR data on the size and signal characteristics of the fetal adrenal gland throughout the second and third trimesters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective review, we selected 185 prenatal MRIs obtained from Jan. 1, 2014, to May 31, 2017, with normal abdominal findings for inclusion. The adrenal glands were identified in coronal, sagittal or axial T2-W planes and coronal T1-W plane when available. We measured the length and thickness of the medial and lateral limbs of the right and left adrenal glands and recorded signal intensity on T1-W and T2-W sequences, gender and gestational age in each case. RESULTS: The gestational age (GA) ranged 18-37 weeks. Visibility of the adrenal glands on T2-W images was high (90.3-97.2%) up to 30 weeks of GA but declined afterward (47.5-62.2% at 31-37 weeks). Visibility on T1-W images increased with GA, ranging from 21.4% visibility at 18-22 weeks and increasing to 40% at 35-37 weeks. Mean lengths of the adrenal gland limbs steadily increased from 8.2 mm at 18-22 weeks to 11.0 mm at 35-37 weeks. In the second trimester, adrenal glands were low in signal intensity on T2-W images and were surrounded by hyperintense perirenal fatty tissue. In the third trimester, the glands became less distinct, with increasing signal and obliteration of perirenal tissue. The glands were moderately hyperintense on T1-W images throughout pregnancy, with increasing visibility as pregnancy progressed. CONCLUSION: Normal sizes and signal intensities for adrenal glands are reported. Visibility of adrenal glands on T2-W images was 90.3-97.2% up to 30 weeks but declined thereafter. Visibility on T1-W images increased in the third trimester. Adrenal gland sizes increased with gestational age.

Repairing Hybrid Mg-Al-Mg Components Using Sustainable Cooling Systems.

This paper focused on the maintenance or repair of holes made using hybrid Mg-Al-Mg components by drilling, using two sustainable cooling techniques (dry machining and cold compressed air) and taking surface roughness on the inside of the holes as the response variable. The novelty of the work is in proving that the repair operations of the multi-material components (magnesium-aluminum-magnesium) and the parts made of aluminum and magnesium (separately) but assembled to form a higher component can be done simultaneously, thus reducing the time and cost of the assembly and disassembly of this type of component. The study is based on a design of experiments (DOE) defined as a product of a full factorial 23 and a block of two factors (3 × 2). Based on our findings, we propose that the analyzed operations are feasible under sustainable conditions and, in particular, under dry machining. Also, the results depend on the machining order.

Impact of Transcervical Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscesses on Emergency Department Performance Measures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of transcervical ultrasound (US) as the initial imaging study for suspected peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) on pediatric emergency department (ED) throughput measures. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients evaluated for suspected PTAs between January 2009 and April 2017 was conducted. We compared the ED length of stay (LOS) before and after implementation of transcervical US to diagnose a PTA. The balancing measure was the rate of return visits within 2 weeks. RESULTS: There were 387 eligible patients over the study period. A total of 101 patients were evaluated for PTAs with computed tomography and 286 with US. The mean LOS was significantly less for patients who had US (347 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 330, 364 minutes) compared to computed tomography (426 minutes; 95% CI, 392, 459 minutes), with an absolute difference of 79 minutes (95% CI, 44, 113 minutes). Patients who were evaluated with US did not have an increased rate of return visits (5.9% versus 8.0%; P = .66). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of transcervical US was associated with a decrease of greater than 1 hour in the ED LOS for patients with suspected PTAs. Given the better radiation profile of US and no increase in the rate of return visits after its implementation, we propose the adoption of a transcervical US-first approach for the diagnosis of PTAs in pediatrics.

Parametric Analysis of the Mandrel Geometrical Data in a Cold Expansion Process of Small Holes Drilled in Thick Plates.

Cold expansion technology is a cold-forming process widely used in aeronautics to extend the fatigue life of riveted and bolted holes. During this process, an oversized mandrel is pushed through the hole in order to yield it and generate compressive residual stresses contributing to the fatigue life extension of the hole. In this paper, a parametric analysis of the mandrel geometrical data (inlet angle straight zone length and diametric interference) and their influence on the residual stresses was carried out using a finite element method (FEM). The obtained results were compared with the conclusions presented in a previous parametric FEM analysis on the influence of the swage geometry in a swaging cold-forming process of gun barrels. This process could be considered, in a simplified way, as a scale-up of the cold expansion process of small holes, and this investigation demonstrated the influence of the diameter ratio (K) on the relation between the mandrel or swage geometry and the residual stresses obtained after the cold-forming process.

Coordination of the Fetal Medicine Institute and the Cleft and Craniofacial Center: Application to Early Management of Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study is to describe the authors' experience at the Children's National Health System with the coordination of the Fetal Medicine Institute and the Cleft and Craniofacial Center. This collaboration highlights the accuracy and completeness of prenatal diagnosis of cleft abnormalities with expedient postnatal management. METHODS: With Institutional Review Board approval, the authors retrospectively reviewed 74 patients referred for potential orofacial cleft and 44 met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up fetal ultrasonography is typically performed and three-dimensional imaging was performed when feasible. If questionable anomalies or facial findings are present on these studies, the authors proceed with fetal magnetic resonance imaging. A thorough consultation is held with the cleft team, resulting in a comprehensive plan of care. Postnatal examination confirmed the correct prenatal diagnosis in nearly all patients. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity for isolated unilateral cleft lip were 89% and 100%, respectively; for unilateral cleft lip and palate, sensitivity and specificity were 82% and 90%, respectively; for bilateral cleft lip and palate, sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 90%, respectively. Initial postnatal evaluation by the cleft surgeon occurred at an average age of 21 days after birth. All patients who were candidates for presurgical orthodontia were treated at an appropriate young age (mean: 66.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: Coordinated prenatal evaluation of patients with cleft lip/palate by multidisciplinary centers plays an important role in the care of these complex patients. The results of the authors' study demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for the prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip/palate, leading to timely postnatal evaluation and treatment.

Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES).

Research in the field of materials is very broad, ranging from studies on the structure and properties at the atomic or molecular level to the most complex or sophisticated applications that can be done with them, as well as studies about other aspects related to their processing, use or management. The Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES), published in the Section "Manufacturing Processes and Systems" of the journal Materials, focuses, mainly, on the applications and key processing aspects of materials, collecting a set of 48 original papers focused on the field of manufacturing engineering and materials processing.

Cutting Parameter Selection for Efficient and Sustainable Repair of Holes Made in Hybrid Mg⁻Ti⁻Mg Component Stacks by Dry Drilling Operations.

Drilling is one of the most common machining operations in the aeronautic and aerospace industries. For assembling parts, a large number of holes are usually drilled into the parts so that they can be joined later by rivets. As these holes are subjected to fatigue cycles, they have to be checked regularly for maintenance or repair, since small cracks or damage in its contour can quickly cause breakage of the part, which can have dangerous consequences. This paper focuses on finding the best combinations of cutting parameters to perform repair and maintenance operations of holes in stacked hybrid magnesium⁻titanium⁻magnesium components in an efficient, timely, and sustainable (without lubricants or coolants) manner, under dry drilling conditions. For the machining trials, experiments were designed and completed. A product of a full factorial 2³ and a block of two factors (3 × 2) was used with surface roughness as the response variable measured as the mean roughness average. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the results. A set of optimized tool and cutting conditions is presented for performing dry drilling repair operations.

Analysis of Force Signals for the Estimation of Surface Roughness during Robot-Assisted Polishing.

In this study feature extraction of force signals detected during robot-assisted polishing processes was carried out to estimate the surface roughness during the process. The purpose was to collect significant features from the signal that allow the determination of the end point of the polishing process based on surface roughness. For this objective, dry polishing turning tests were performed on a Robot-Assisted Polishing (RAP) machine (STRECON NanoRAP 200) during three polishing sessions, using the same polishing conditions. Along the tests, force signals were acquired and offline surface roughness measurements were taken at the end of each polishing session. As a main conclusion, it can be affirmed, regarding the force signal, that features extracted from both time and frequency domains are valuable data for the estimation of surface roughness.