In a recent Foundations of Physics paper [5] by the current author it was shown that, when the self-force problem of classical electrodynamics is properly solved, it becomes a plausible ontology underlying the statistical description of quantum mechanics. In the current paper we extend this result, showing that ordinary matter, thus represented, possibly suffices in explaining the outstanding observations currently requiring for this task the contrived notions of dark-matter, dark-energy and inflation. The single mandatory 'fix' to classical electrodynamics, demystifying both very small and very large scale physics, should be contrasted with other adhoc solutions to either problems. Instrumental to our cosmological model is scale covariance (and 'spontaneous breaking' thereof), a formal symmetry of classical electrodynamics treated on equal footing with its Poincare covariance, which is incompatible with the (absolute) metrical attributes of the GR metric tensor.

Particulate matter (PM) contains heavy metals that affect various cellular functions and gene expression associated with an array of acute and chronic diseases, in humans. However, their specific effects on the stem cells remain unclear. Here, we report the effects of PM collected from Jeddah city on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on proliferation, cell death, related gene expression and systems biological analysis aiming to understand the underlying mechanisms. Two different sizes (PM_2.5-₁₀) were tested in vitro at various concentrations (15 to 300 µg/ml) and durations (24 to 72 h). PMs induced cellular stress including membrane damage, shrinkage and death. Lower concentrations of PM_2.5 increased BM-MSCs proliferation, while higher concentrations decreased it. PM₁₀ decreased BM-MSCs proliferation in a concentration-dependant manner. The X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometric analysis showed that PM contains high levels of heavy metals. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and hierarchical clustering analyses showed that heavy metals were associated with signalling pathways involving cell stress/death, cancer and chronic diseases. qRT-PCR results showed differential regulation of the apoptosis genes (BCL2, BAX); upregulation of inflammation associated genes (TNF-a and IL-6) and downregulation of cell cycle regulation gene (P53). We conclude that PM could affect different cellular functions and predispose to debilitating diseases.

Spectral characteristics of CDOM in water column are a key parameter for bio-optical modeling. Knowledge of CDOM optical properties and spatial discrepancy based on the relationship between water quality and spectral parameters in Yinma River watershed with in situ data collected highly-polluted waters are exhibited in this study. Seasonal field data sets collected over a period of 2 months in 2015 in Yinma River Watershed. Based on the comprehensive index method, the riverine waters showed serious contamination, especially the COD, Fe, Mn, Hg and DO were out of range contamination warning. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total suspended matter (TSM) with prominent non-homogenizing were significantly high in the riverine waters, but chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) was opposite. Ternary phase diagram showed that non-algal paritcles absorption played an important role in total non-water light absorption (>50%) in most sampling locations, and mean contribution of CDOM were 13% and 22% in summer and autumn respectively. Analysis of ratio of absorption at 250-365 nm (E_250:365) and spectral slope (S_275-295) indicated that CDOM had higher aromaticity and molecular weight in autumn than in summer, is consistent with the results of water quality and relative contribution. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that the environmental variables OSM had a strong correlation with CDOM absorption, followed by heavy metal, e.g., Mn, Hg and Cr⁶⁺. However, for the specific UV absorbance (SUVA₂₅₄), the seasonal values showed opposite results compared with the reported literature. The potential reasons were the more UDOM (uncolored Dissolved Organic Matter) from human source (wastewater effluent) existed in waters. Terrigenous inputs simultaneously are in relation to the a_CDOM(440)-DOC relationship with the correlation coefficient was 0.90 in summer (2-tailed, p<0.01), and 0.58 in autumn (2-tailed, p<0.05). Spatial distribution of CDOM parameters exhibited that the downstream regions focused on dry land have high CDOM molecular weight and aromatic hydrocarbon. Partial sampling locations around the cities or countries generally showed abnormal values due to terrigenous inputs. As a bio-optical model parameter, spectral characteristic of CDOM is helpful in adjusting the derived algorithms in highly-polluted environments. The study on organic carbon and pollutants in highly-polluted waters had an important contribution to global carbon balance estimation and water environment protection.

Owing to the risk of atypical femoral fractures, total hip arthroplasty presents unique challenges for patients with ipsilateral osteoarthritis and localized periosteal thickening in the femoral subtrochanteric region. Stem length selection is critical for minimizing stress concentration in the thickened cortex to avoid such fractures. Herein, we report the case of a 78-year-old woman with ipsilateral hip osteoarthritis and localized subtrochanteric periosteal thickening. Preoperative planning included finite element analysis to assess stress distribution across various stem lengths. Simulation aimed to determine the optimal stem length to span the cortical thickening and reduce the risk of postoperative complications. The results of finite element analysis indicated that a stem length of &gt;150 mm was required to effectively reduce the stress at the site of cortical thickening. A 175-mm stem was selected for total hip arthroplasty, which provided a favorable stress distribution and avoided the risk of stress concentration. Therefore, in cases of ipsilateral osteoarthritis with localized subtrochanteric periosteal thickening, finite element analysis can be valuable for preoperative planning to determine the optimal stem length, thereby reducing the risk of atypical femoral fractures. Further studies with multiple cases are recommended to validate these findings and improve surgical outcomes.

Corrugated boards are used for packaging because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability, and biodegradability. They have an orthotropic sandwich structure with unique characteristics for each direction owing to their flute shape. In this study, the bending behavior was qualitatively analyzed for various variables through an FE-based simulation, and the possibility of an alternative test method for the four-point bending test on a corrugated board was examined through a similarity analysis with the experimental results. The cross-machine direction (CD) bending stiffness through finite element analysis (FEA) simulation was closely related to the thickness of the corrugated board. In AB-flute-double-wall (AB/F-DW), the difference in CD bending stiffness based on the bending direction was approximately 17.2% in the FEA simulation and approximately 10.5% in the experiment. However, the differences in the bending behavior (bending force vs. deflection plot) and bending stiffness based on the phase shift between the two flutes constituting BB-flute-double-wall (BB/F-DW) were insignificant. Overall, the CD bending behavior of the corrugated board was simulated relatively well through FEA simulation. However, it was impossible to simulate the machine-direction (MD) bending behavior through FE-based simulation because of a decrease in convergence and a large error caused by the variability of the contact condition of the modeled test specimen with a non-uniform MD cross-section.

To improve the current density distribution and electromagnetic performance of air-core inductors, a structural optimization method combining BP neural network and genetic algorithm was proposed for the study of axial and radial spiral multi-winding inductors. The Monte Carlo method was used to extract the structural size samples of the inductors, and the training dataset was obtained through finite element calculation of electromagnetic fields. Based on BP neural networks, nonlinear mapping models between the inductance value, volumetric inductance density, current distribution non-uniformity coefficient, and inductor structural parameters were constructed. The sensitivity analysis of the inductor inductance value affected by structural parameters was conducted through the Sobol index calculation. Using the current distribution non-uniformity coefficient as the fitness function and the volumetric inductance density as the constraint condition, the genetic algorithm was applied to optimize the structural parameters of the inductor globally. The optimization results were verified through finite element comparison. The results show that, under the requirement of satisfying the volumetric inductance density, the current distribution non-uniformity coefficient of AHI type inductor was reduced by 4.57% compared with the best sample in the sampling, while that of RHI type inductor was reduced by 5.33%, demonstrating the practicality of the BP-GA joint algorithm in the structural optimization design of inductors.

Hypophthalmichthys nobilis are widely distributed in the Yangtze River basin and its related lakes. They are an important economic fish species and are a famous cultured species known as the "Four Famous Domestic Fishes" in China. Currently, with the fishing ban in the Yangtze River basin, fishing for H. nobilis in natural water bodies of the Yangtze River basin has been completely prohibited. In order to identify the sources of H. nobilis appearing in the market, further control and accountability, it is necessary to trace the sources of H. nobilis in the Yangtze River basin and its related water bodies. Therefore, this study identified and traced different sources of H. nobilis through muscle element fingerprint analysis (EFA). The results show that H. nobilis from different stations have characteristic element compositions. The characteristic element of H. nobilis from Wuhan (WH) is Pb, which is significantly higher than that in other stations; the characteristic element from Anqing (AQ) is Hg, which is significantly higher than that in other stations; and the characteristic element from Taihu (TH) is Al, which is significantly higher than that in other water areas. Multivariate analysis selected different spatial distribution patterns of 4 discriminant elements ratios (Pb/Ca, Cr/Ca, Na/Ca, Al/Ca) in the muscle of H. nobilis in the Yangtze River basin and its related lakes. The study suggests that the screened discriminative elements can be used to visually distinguish different sources of H. nobilis, and to quickly trace and verify the origin of newly emerging samples. Therefore, the use of selected discriminant element fingerprint features to trace the origin of new samples has been proven to be feasible. By further discriminating and verifying the muscle element fingerprints of new samples, the discrimination rate is high. Therefore, Multivariate analysis for muscle element fingerprint can be used for origin traceability of samples of unknown origin in market supervision.

Permeability is a fundamental property of porous media, especially when studying resin transfer within a dense fibrous medium to manufacture composite materials. When the measurement of permeability tensor of composite reinforcements is difficult and time consuming, especially in thick, heterogeneous fibrous structures, a numerical approach based on the calculation of the tensor components on a 3D image of the material can be very advantageous. A new finite element based method proposed in this study allows solving very high-dimensional flow problems while limiting the biases associated with boundary conditions and the small size of the numerical samples addressed. The method is validated against academic test cases and against the results of a recent permeability benchmark exercise. The results emphasize that for heterogeneous and anisotropic microstructures, it is important to perform calculations on large samples using boundary conditions that do not suppress the transverse flows that occur when flow is forced out of the principal directions. Since these are not necessarily known in complex media, the permeability determination method must not introduce bias by generating non-physical flows.

Accurate cloud quantification is essential in climate change research. In this work, we construct an automated computer vision framework by synergistically incorporating deep neural networks and finite sector clustering to achieve robust whole sky image-based cloud classification, adaptive segmentation, and recognition under intricate illumination dynamics. A bespoke YOLOv8 architecture attains over 95% categorical precision across four archetypal cloud varieties curated from extensive annual observations (2020) at a Tibetan highland station. Tailor-made segmentation strategies adapted to distinct cloud configurations, allied with illumination-invariant image enhancement algorithms, effectively eliminate solar interference and substantially boost quantitative performance even in illumination-adverse analysis scenarios. Compared with the traditional threshold analysis method, the cloud quantification accuracy calculated within the framework of this paper is significantly improved. Collectively, the methodological innovations provide an advanced solution to markedly escalate cloud quantification precision levels imperative for climate change research, while offering a paradigm for cloud analytics transferable to various meteorological stations.

In genetic conflicts, driver and killer elements achieve biased survival, replication, or transmission over sensitive and targeted elements through a wide range of molecular mechanisms, including mimicry. Driving mechanisms manifest at all organismal levels, from the biased propagation of individual genes, as demonstrated by transposable elements, to the biased transmission of genomes, as illustrated by viruses, to the biased transmission of cell lineages, as in cancer. Targeted genomes are vulnerable to molecular mimicry through the conserved motifs they use for their own signaling and regulation. Mimicking these motifs enables a selfish element to control core target processes, and can occur at the sequence, structure, or functional level. Molecular mimicry was first appreciated as an important phenomenon more than twenty years ago. Modern genomics technologies, databases, and machine learning approaches offer tremendous potential to study the distribution of molecular mimicry across genetic conflicts in nature. Here, we explore the theoretical expectations for molecular mimicry between conflicting genomes, the trends in molecular mimicry mechanisms across known genetic conflicts, and outline how new examples can be gleaned from population genomic datasets. We discuss how mimics involving short sequence-based motifs or gene duplications can evolve convergently from new mutations. Whereas, processes that involve divergent domains or fully-folded structures occur among genomes by horizontal gene transfer. These trends are largely based on a small number of organisms and should be reevaluated in a general, phylogenetically independent framework. Currently, publicly available databases can be mined for genotypes driving non-mendelian inheritance patterns, epistatic interactions, and convergent protein structures. A subset of these conflicting elements may be molecular mimics. We propose approaches for detecting genetic conflict and molecular mimicry from these datasets.

The paper delves into the critical issue of damage detection within the guy cable of a truss steel mast, a pivotal component in structural integrity. It introduces a model wherein damage manifests as a localized cross-section reduction in a single element of the cable. Employing Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), a pioneering methodology, the study scrutinizes the behavior of the affected elements through static structural analyses. Signal decomposition via the Mallat pyramid algorithm facilitates comprehensive examination. Static displacements at the connection point between the cable and the truss mast serve as the measured variables. Through systematic investigation, the paper evaluates the impact of damage size and location, external loading force, and cable tension force on the efficacy of the proposed approach. Utilizing data derived from Finite Element Method (FEM) computations for wavelet analysis the authors substantiate the findings with numerical examples, thus offering valuable insights into damage detection strategies for structural health monitoring and engineering applications.

This work aims at improving surface integrity and LCF life of machined Inconel 718. The correlation between the LCF life of Inconel 718 and various states of machined surface integrity is explored. In this paper, the surface integrity of Inconel 718 specimens is enhanced by low plasticity burnishing (LPB). The LCF life with different surface integrity specimens is predicted by micro-macro finite element method (FEM). Firstly, the LCF specimens with different surface integrity are machined by turning (turned specimen), polishing (matrix specimen) and LPB process (LPBed specimen). Secondly, the LCF experiment is carried out to reveal the effect of surface integrity on LCF life. Finally, the LCF micro-macro FEM model is proposed to predict the LCF of machined Inconel 718 specimens. The representative volume element (RVE) model is established based on the measured surface integrity and microstructure of Inconel 718 specimens. The effect of surface integrity on LCF life is transformed to equivalent load. The micro-macro FEM model combined with Tanaka-Mura dislocation crack initiation theory and extended finite element method (XFEM) is applied to predict the LCF life the machined specimens. The study results show that the LCF life of LPBed specimens can be improved by 90.5% and 36.1% compared with that of turned specimens and polished matrix specimens, respectively. The errors between FEM prediction results and experimental results are 13.1%, 9.2% and 12.2%, respectively. The proposed micro-macro FEM model could be utilized to predict the LCF life of Inconel 718 with different surface integrity, and further to apply the LCF life prediction in industry.

Based on the analysis of the spatial distribution of uranium grade in 348 boreholes of a uranium deposit in Xinjiang, the enrichment and spatial variation of uranium ore in two stopes of the deposit are discussed by using multifractal theory. The distribution characteristics of uranium ore of the two stopes are studied by multifractal parameters: the scaling exponent of mass , the scaling exponent of each sub-set and its corresponding fractal dimension , the fractal dimension D0 and information dimension D1. The differences of uranium distribution in two stopes can be well quantified by multifractal spectrum and multifractal parameters( , , ).10m×10m is defined as a fence unit, and the window sizes are respectively set, the singularity exponent of the two stopes are calculated by this element concentration-area(C-A) method. The results show that the multifractal theory and model can organically combine spatial structure information, scale change information and anisotropy information to obtain low-grade and weak mineral resources information, and can effectively distinguish complex and superimposed anomalies. This will provide a basis for local concentration and spatial variation rules of uranium distribution and the design of the parameters of leaching uranium mining well site.

In order to further investigate the study of the effect of grouped stud effect on the force properties of stud connector, based on the premise that the correctness of the finite element simulation method in this paper, finite element modeling of grouped stud connectors was developed, the grouped stud effect and its sensitivity factors were analyzed, to validate the recommended formula for calculating the shear capacity of grouped stud connectors. Results show that the number of grouped stud rows and row spacing have a significant effect on the grouped stud effect, and the unevenness coefficient of grouped stud force Ⅰ is negatively correlated with the number of grouped stud rows as well as the grouped stud row spacing. For grouped stud connectors with commonly used concrete grades greater than C50 and height-to-diameter ratios greater than 4 in steel-concrete composite structural bridges, which is insensitive to changes in the concrete strength grades and the length of the studs. The direction of force transmission for the grouped stud changes with the change of loading angle, and the unevenness coefficient of force for the grouped stud will therefore be reduced. By comparing the results of the 62 existing groups of grouped stud connectors push-out tests, the mean value of the ratio of tested to calculated values is found to be 1.12, the variance is 0.023, the dispersion is small, it is shown that the recommended formula has a high degree of accuracy. The results of this paper can be used as a theoretical basis for the study of the shear stress performance of grouped stud connectors.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of entropy generation during natural convection in a porous medium with Casson fluid. The governing equations, including the momentum, energy, and entropy balance equations, are solved numerically using finite element method. Through the analysis, various parameters affecting entropy generation are investigated, such as the Casson fluid parameter, Radiation, Prandtl number, and Rayleigh number. The results indicate that the Casson fluid parameter significantly influences the flow and heat transfer characteristics, while the Darcy number and Rayleigh number control the intensity of natural convection. Moreover, the Prandtl number determines the relative significance of heat transfer compared to viscous effects.

For enhancing the efficiency of cantilever casting the construction in the bridge, a novel rhombus traveling track of hanging basket was developed and optimized. The civil software titled Midas was applied to analyse the mechanical properties of the hanging basket with full load and control load. The strength and distortion of the walking mechanism were within the specified range when the maximum beam unit internal force of 149.69Mpa, which was less than the allowable stress of steel 175Mpa, and the anti-overturning safety factor of the hanging basket was 2.5 to meet the requirements. Through the comparative analysis of the key components and the finite element calculation, it was found that there was about 30% redundancy in the structure performance. Therefore, further optimization of each structure was carried out, and the front elevation of the main truss of 20° was achieved. It obtained the best performance in all aspects.

Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and its various composites are extensively studied as matrix materials for oil-free lubricated mechanical friction surfaces. While numerous macroscopic friction experiments can compare the frictional performance of different NBR composites, the complex material preparation and low experimental efficiency pose challenges. Nanoscale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can help develop materials with improved friction properties, but they cannot directly provide the friction coefficients of actual macroscopic friction surfaces. Therefore, it is important to integrate the advantages of macroscopic and nanoscale friction studies and perform a synergistic analysis to modify the friction properties of composite materials. In this study, a multi-scale approach is proposed to simulate the frictional characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced NBR by combining the MD friction simulation， micromechanical bridging model, and macroscopic finite element analysis (FEA) methods. The results of the multi-scale friction simulation of copper (Cu)-CNT/NBR composites show that the addition of CNTs significantly improves the frictional properties of NBR, and the extent of the improvement is related to the mass fraction of CNTs. As the mass fraction of CNTs increases (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%), the coefficient of friction decreases from 0.50 to 0.38. The results are validated by ring-block friction experiments at the same scale as the simulations.

Functionally graded materials (FGM) have attracted considerable attention in the field of composite materials and rekindled interest in research on composite materials, due to their unique mechanical response achieved through material design and optimization. Compared to conventional composites, FGMs offer several advantages and exceptional properties, including improved deformation resistance, improved toughness, lightness properties, and excellent recoverability. This study focused on the production of functionally graded (FG) polymer materials by additive manufacturing (AM) method. FG structures were produced by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method using Acrylonitrile benzidine styrene (ABS) and Polylactic acid (PLA) materials and tensile tests were performed according to ASTM D638. The effects of different layer thicknesses, volume ratios, and total thicknesses on mechanical behavior were investigated. In addition, tensile tests were carried out by producing single-layer samples at certain volume ratios to create a numerical model with the Finite element method to verify the experimental data. As a result of this study, it is presented that the FG structure produced with FDM improves mechanical behavior.

The article presents a simplified method for determining the strength of a corrugated board packaging subjected to dynamic transport loads. The proposed algorithm consists of several calculation steps: (1) a static analysis of the compressive strength of the package, (2) an analysis of random vibrations in the frequency domain, used to determine the resonance frequencies, and (3) a dynamic analysis of the package loaded with computed resonant frequencies. For this purpose, numerical models of the static compression test of the packaging before and after the dynamic analysis of the package subjected to general transport loads were developed. In order to validate the model, the laboratory packaging compression tests were also performed for samples of boxes with 3-layer cardboard. Thanks to this, it was possible to verify the results of numerical simulations of compression tests for several box geometries. Which, in turn, allowed for the development of a method based on dynamic and post-dynamic (static) numerical analysis, allowing to determine with high accuracy the resistance of selected packaging to vibrations and dynamic loads. The results of the (validated experimentally) numerical analysis prove the usefulness of the simplified method presented here for precise estimation of the load capacity of various packages dynamically loaded during transport.

The major goal of this work is to present a novel fractional temperature-dependent boundary element model (BEM) for solving thermoelastic wave propagation problems in smart nanomaterials. The computing performance of the suggested methodology was demonstrated by using stable communication avoiding S-step – generalized minimal residual method (SCAS-GMRES) to solve discretized linear BEM systems. The benefits of SCAS-GMRES are investigated and compared to those of other iterative techniques. The numerical results are graphed to demonstrate the influence of fractional, piezoelectric, and length scale characteristics on total force-stresses. These findings also demonstrate that the BEM methodology is practical, feasible, effective, and has superiority over domain methods. The results of the present paper help to develop the industrial uses of smart nanomaterials.

Indirect fracturing from roof rock to coal using a horizontal well is a new and promising technology for coalbed methane surface exploitation in soft and low-permeability coal seams. In order to study the propagation law of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface, a pore pressure cohesive element is used to establish a numerical model for indirect fracturing. Combined with practical engineering in 3# coal seam in Xinjing mine in China, the propagation behavior of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface was researched, and the range of horizontal well position for indirect fracturing was determined. The results show that: (1) the pore pressure cohesive element can be used to simulate accurately the interaction between hydraulic fracture and natural fracture, and the propagation of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface. (2) As the vertical distance between the horizontal well and coal-rock interface decreases, the breakdown pressure of perforation decreases; while the injection pressure increases when the hydraulic fracture crosses the coal-rock interface. (3) For the indirect fracturing engineering in 3# coal seam in Xinjing mine, the vertical distance between the horizontal well and coal-rock interface should not be larger than 2.0m to make the hydraulic fracture propagate into the coal seams.

The shield tunnels inevitably endure various damage with the service time increasing. Meanwhile, steel corrugated plate has been used extensively in multiple conditions and proved effective to strengthen the segmental joints by full-scale tests. A numerical model is proposed to probe the feasibility of using new Stainless Steel Corrugated Plate (SSCP) to reinforce the shield tunnel segments. A new method, called virtual tracking element technology, is employed to achieve the simulation of realistic stress state of the segmental joint. Moreover, the segmental joint component analysis and parametric study are conducted based on the numerical model. The results demonstrate that: (1) the virtual tracking element technology proves valid and efficient to simulate the secondary stress state of segmental joint; (2) SSCP reinforcement is not fully utilized when the grade of segmental concrete is C50 and it has abundant safety margin for potential overload; (3) SSCP reinforcement is well-performed regardless of the burial depth and reinforcement in advance is recommended.

In this paper, we present the investigation results of radiation-induced effects in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) doped with moderate amounts of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as a potential candidate for space-borne application. The samples were fabricated via the sputtering method at a working pressure of 3mTorr and a deposition temperature of 300oC. The ZnO samples were exposed to 1.25-MeV gamma-ray utilizing Co60 source, and their electronic response was measured at ionizing doses ranging from 10 kGy to 300 kGy. A comparative work was performed through finite element method to simulate the electronic response of the PN junction diode due to ionizing radiation. The results indicate that the ideality factor of the MOS diode increases as the ionizing dose increases, rendering it unsuitable for use as a diode. The degradation of the electrical parameters was also simulated, showing the increase in hole concentration. These findings suggest that the ejection of electrons occurred, which agrees with the gamma radiation effects trend. Furthermore, as the intensity of radiation increases, the spatial charge that arises from the separation of hole-electron pairs results in a substantial reduction of the electric field in the central portion of the n-type region. These findings provide insights into the degradation of electrical parameters in MOS devices under gamma radiation and have implications for their use in space-borne applications.

Commonly employed methods for reversibly disrupting gene expression, such as those based on RNAi or CRISPRi, are rarely capable of achieving >80-90% downregulation, making them unsuitable for targeting genes that require more complete disruption to elicit a phenotype. Genetic deletion, on the other hand, while enabling complete disruption of target genes, often produces undesirable irreversible consequences such as cytotoxicity or cell death. Here we describe the design, development and detailed characterization of a dual-function "TRE-Lox" system for effecting either (a) doxycycline (Dox)-mediated downregulation or (b) genetic deletion of cathepsin D (CatD), based on targeted insertion of a tetracycline-response element (TRE) and two LoxP sites into the 5' end of the endogenous gene (CTSD). Using an optimized reverse-tetracycline transrepressor (rtTR) variant fused with the Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain, we show that CatD expression can be disrupted by as much as 98% in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). This system is highly sensitive to Dox (IC50 = 1.46 ng/mL) and results in rapid (t1/2 = 0.57 d) and titratable downregulation of CatD. Notably, even near-total disruption of CatD expression was completely reversed by withdrawal of Dox. As expected, transient expression of Cre recombinase results in complete deletion of the CTSD gene. The dual functionality of this novel system will facilitate future studies of the involvement of CatD in various diseases, particularly those attributable to partial loss of CatD function. In addition, the TRE-Lox approach should be applicable to the regulation of other target genes requiring more complete disruption than can be achieved by traditional methods.

To investigate the impact of a magnetic field on plaque development in a stenotic bifurcated artery, a finite element method is utilized. The blood flow is modelled as a stable, incompressible, Newtonian, biomagnetic, and laminar fluid. Furthermore, the arterial wall is assumed to be linear elastic. The Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method is employed to describe the hemodynamic flow in a bifurcated artery under the influence of an asymmetric magnetic field, taking into account two-way fluid-structure interaction coupling. A stable $P_2P_1$ finite element pair discretizes a nonlinear system of partial differential equations that requires a solution. The Newton-Raphson method is utilized to find a solution to the resulting nonlinear algebraic equation system. Numerical modelling is used to simulate the presence of magnetic fields, and the resulting displacement, velocity magnitude, pressure, and wall shear stresses are shown for a range of Reynolds numbers ($Re = 500$, $1000$, $1500$, and $2000$). The results of the numerical analysis demonstrate that the presence of a magnetic field has a significant effect not only on the magnitude of displacement but also on the velocity of the flow. The application of a magnetic field reduces flow separation, extends the recirculation area near the stenosis, and increases wall shear stress.

Magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) are smart materials consisting of micro-scale magnetizable particles suspended in a carrier fluid. The rheological properties of a MRF can be changed from a fluid-state to a solid-state upon the application of an external magnetic field. This study reports the development of a particle-level simulation code for magnetic solid spheres moving through an incompressible Newtonian carrier fluid. The numerical algorithm is implemented within an open-source finite-volume solver coupled with an immersed boundary method (FVM-IBM) to perform fully-resolved simulations. The particulate phase of the MRF is modeled using the discrete element method (DEM). The resultant force acting on the particles due to the external magnetic field (i.e., magnetostatic polarization force) is computed based on the Clausius-Mossotti relationship. The fixed and mutual dipole magnetic models are then used to account for the magnetic (MAG) interactions between particles. Several benchmark flows were simulated using the newly-developed FVM-IBM-DEM-MAG algorithm to assess the accuracy and robustness of the calculations. First, the sedimentation of two spheres in a rectangular duct containing a Newtonian fluid is computed without the presence of an external magnetic field, mimicking the so-called drafting-kissing-tumbling (DKT) phenomenon. The numerical results obtained for the DKT case study are verified against published data from the scientific literature. Second, we activate both the magnetostatic polarization and the dipole-dipole forces and resultant torques between the spheres for the DKT case study. Next, we study the robustness of the FVM-IBM-DEM-MAG solver by computing multi-particle chaining (i.e., particle assembly) in a two-dimensional (2D) domain for area volume fractions of 20% (260 particles) and 30% (390 particles) under vertical and horizontal magnetic fields. Finally, the fourth computational experiment describes the multi-particle chaining in a three-dimensional (3D) domain allowing to study fully-resolved MRF simulations of 580 magnetic particles under vertical and horizontal magnetic fields.

Alternating current field measurement (ACFM) testing is one of promising techniques in the field of non-destructive testing with advantages of the non-contact capability and the reduction of lift-off effects. In this paper, a novel crack detection approach is proposed to reduce the effect of the angled crack (cack orientation) by using rotated ACFM techniques. The sensor probe is composed of an excitation coil and two receiving coils. Two receiving coils are orthogonally placed in the centre of the excitation coil where the magnetic field is measured. It is found that the change of the x component and the peak value of the z component of the magnetic field when the sensor probe rotates around a crack follows a sine wave shape. A customised accelerated finite element method solver programmed in MATLAB is adopted to simulate the performance of the designed sensor probe which can significantly improve the computation efficiency due to the small crack perturbation. The experiments have also been carried out to validate the simulations. It is found that the ratio between the z and x components of the magnetic field remains stable under various rotation angles. It shows the potential to estimate the depth of the crack from the ratio detected by combining the magnetic fields from both receiving coils (i.e., the x and z components of the magnetic field) using the rotated ACFM technique.

Zero-rate output (ZRO) drift induces deteriorated micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) gy-roscope performances, severely limiting its practical applications. Hence, it is vital to explore an effective method toward ZRO drift reduction. In this work, we conduct an elaborate investigation on the impacts of the internal and packaging stresses on the ZRO drift at the thermal start-up stage, and propose a temperature-induced stress release method to reduce the duration and magnitude of ZRO drift. Self-developed high-Q dual mass tuning fork gyroscopes (TFGs) are adopted to study the correlations between temperature, frequency and ZRO drift. Furthermore, a rigorous finite element simulation model is built based on the actual device and packaging structure, revealing the temperature and stresses distribution inside TFGs. Meanwhile, the relationship between temperature and stresses are deeply explored. Moreover, we introduce a temperature-induced stress release process to generate thermal stresses and reduce the temperature-related device sensitivity. By this way, the ZRO drift duration is drastically reduced from ~2000 s to ~890 s, and the drift magnitude decreases from ~0.4 °/s to ~0.23 °/s. This stress release method achieves a small bias instability (BI) of 7.903 °/h and a low angle random walk (ARW) of 0.792 °/√h, and the long-term bias performance is significantly improved.

To understand the enhanced protection mechanism of CoCrNiAlY-YSZ-LaMgAl11O19 dou-ble-layer ceramic coating with aluminum plating, a finite element simulation method was used to simulate the distribution of thermal stress in the coating in all directions. The results show that in the air exposure of the un-aluminized coating, high temperature causes a large radial thermal stress on the surface of the LaMgAl11O19 (LMA) layer, and it increases with the increase in temperature, which is the main reason for the initiation of axial cracks. After arc aluminum plating, the aluminum plating layer effectively inhibited the volume shrinkage of the coating through good adhesion to the coating and internal diffusion, the thermal stress of the coating was considerably reduced, and the CoCrNiAlY-YSZ-LMA coating had an effective enhancement and protection effect; however, there was still a certain amount of shear thermal stress inside the LMA layer, the top of the crack, and the bottom of the crack. This thermal stress caused the initi-ation of radial microcracks in the LMA layer, which also becomes a risk point for the failure of the aluminum coating.

Variations in the implant thread shape and occlusal load behavior may result in significant changes in the biological and mechanical properties of dental implants and surrounding bone tissue. Most previous studies consider a single implant thread design, an isotropic bone structure, and a static occlusal load. However, the effects of different thread designs, bone material properties, and loading conditions are important concerns in clinical practice. Accordingly, the present study performs Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations to investigate the static, quasi-static and dynamic response of the implant and implanted bone material under various thread designs and occlusal loading directions (buccal-lingual, mesiodistal and apical). The simulations focus specifically on the von Mises stress, displacement, shear stress, compressive stress and tensile stress within the implant and the surrounding bone. The results show that the thread design and occlusal loading rate have a significant effect on the stress distribution and deformation of the implant and bone structure during clinical applications. Overall, the results provide a useful insight into the design of enhanced dental implants for an improved load transfer efficiency and success rate.

This paper presents a steady-state and transient heat conduction analysis framework using the polygonal scaled boundary finite element method (PSBFEM) with polygon/quadtree meshes. The PSBFEM is implemented with commercial finite element code Abaqus by the User Element Subroutine (UEL) feature. The detailed implementation of the framework, defining the UEL element, and solving the stiffness/mass matrix by the eigenvalue decomposition are presented. Several benchmark problems from heat conduction are solved to validate the proposed implementation. Results show that the PSBFEM is reliable and accurate for solving heat conduction problems. Not only can the proposed implementation help engineering practitioners analyze the heat conduction problem using polygonal mesh in Abaqus, but it also provides a reference for developing the UEL to solve other problems using the scaled boundary finite element method.

In this work, effects of 20 transition element additives on the interfacial adhesion energy and electronic structure of Al (111)/6H-SiC (0001) interfaces have been studied by first principles method. For clean Al (111)/6H–SiC (0001) interfaces, both Si-terminated and C-terminated interfaces have covalent bond characteristics. The C-terminated interface has stronger binding energy, which is mainly due to the stronger covalent bond formed by the larger charge transfer between C and Al. The results show that the introduction of many transition elements, such as 3d transitional group Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and 4d transitional group Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, can improve the interfacial adhesion energy of the Si-terminated Al (111)/6H-SiC (0001) interface. However, for the C-terminated Al (111)/6H-SiC (0001) interface, only the addition of Co element can improve the interfacial adhesion energy. Bader charge analysis shows that the increase of interfacial binding energy is mainly attributed to more charge transfer.

Two opposed p–n diodes are connected with another junction that causes cancellation of the electric field in the depletion layer of each diode by the field of the other diode. This derived quantum diode is called the A system. Another dual diode, constructed by the same process but with the p- and n-types positioned as duality, called the B system. When a bias voltage is applied between the A and B systems, Lorentz conservation imparts a momentum (i.e., a wave number) to the carriers in the absence of any internal voltage. Thus, a superconducting bias current density appears without the need for cooling. The reappearances of electron–hole pairs on the junction surfaces are assumed to be described by entire wavefunctions normalized by the band gap. Based on the bias superconducting current, NOT and NAND gates were constructed from the quantum diode systems. Numerical calculations revealed that the constant phases of the entire wavefunctions of the p-and n-types converged. Accordingly, it was clarified that Bose–Einstein condensation and the Meissner effect (described by the London equation) occurred in the quantum diode systems. Moreover, the systems exhibited rectification characteristics and a switching speed of the order of 10^-14 s. Combining this switching property with the large bias superconducting current (of the order of several V), we developed NOT and NAND gates with direct quantum correlations among many qubits, which are unaffected by random and thermal noises. These gates have memorization and initialization properties and are compatible with existing and accumulating programing algorithms. Moreover, when harvesting a divergent current output from these systems, the bias superconducting current and memorization property preserve the formed quantum correlations.

This paper presents a new numerical method for multiscale modeling of composite materials. The new numerical model, called DECM, consists in a DEM (Discrete Element Method) approach of the Cell Method (CM) and combines the main features of both the DEM and the CM. In particular, it offers the same degree of detail as the CM, on the microscale, and manages the discrete elements individually such as the DEM—allowing finite displacements and rotations—on the macroscale. Moreover, the DECM is able to activate crack propagation until complete detachment and automatically recognizes new contacts. Unlike other DEM approaches for modeling failure mechanisms in continuous media, the DECM does not require prior knowledge of the failure position. Furthermore, the DECM solves the problems in the space domain directly. Therefore, it does not require any dynamic relaxation techniques to obtain the static solution. For the sake of example, the paper shows the results offered by the DECM for axial and shear loading of a composite two-dimensional domain with periodic round inclusions. The paper also offers some insights into how the inclusions modify the stress field in composite continua.

Corrosion is considered as one of the main factors in the structural performance deterioration of steel members. In this study, experimental and numerical methods were used to assess the reduction in compressive strength of short tubular steel columns with local corrosion damage. The corrosion damage was varied with different depths (0, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 4.5, and 6 mm), height (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, and 180 mm), circumference (0, 90, 180, 270, and 360°), and location along the column. A parametric numerical study was performed to establish a correlation between the residual compressive strength and the severity of corrosion damage. The results showed that as the corrosion depth, height and circumference increased, the compressive strength decreased linearly. As for the corrosion height, the residual compressive strength became constant after decreasing linearly when the corrosion height was greater than the half-wavelength of buckling of the short columns. An equation is presented to evaluate the residual compressive strength of short columns with local corrosion wherein the volume of the corrosion damage was used as a reduction factor in calculating the compressive strength. The percentage error using the presented equation was found to be within 11.4%.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) consist of a work platform, extending structure, and chassis, and are used to move persons to working positions. MEWPs are useful but are composed of pieces of equipment, and accidents do occur owing to equipment defects. Among these defects, accidents caused by the fracture of bolts fixed to the extension structure and swing system are increasing. This paper presents a failure analysis of the fixing bolts of MEWP. Standard procedure for failure analysis was employed in this investigation. Visual inspection, chemical analysis, tensile strength measurement, and finite element analysis (FEA) were used to analyze the failure of the fixing bolts. Using this failure analysis approach, we found the root cause of failure and proposed a means for solving this type of failure in the future. First, the chemical composition of the fixing bolt is obtained by a spectroscopy chemical analysis method, which determined that the chemical composition matched the required standard. The tensile test showed that the tensile and yield strengths were within the required capacity. The stress analysis was carried out at five different boom angles, and it was determined that the fixing bolt of MEWP can withstand the loads at all the boom angles. The outcomes of the fatigue analysis revealed that the fixing bolt fails before reaching the design requirements. The results of the fatigue analysis showed primarily that the failure of the fixing bolt was due to fatigue. A visual inspection of the fractured section of the fixing bolt also confirmed the fatigue failure. We propose a method to prevent failure of the fixing bolt of the MEWP from four different standpoints: the manufacturer, safety certification authority, safety inspection agency, and owner.

Globally 30% of landslides occur in the northeastern part of India [1]. One of the major earthquake events in Sikkim, India occurred on 18th September 2011 (Mw 6.9) led to over 300 landslides and 122 human deaths [2]. These landslides not only controlled by natural disasters but initiated due to human activities. The present study considered Lungchok landslide occurred in south district of Sikkim due to 2011 seismic event. The study focused on the failure mechanism of the landslide based on finite element analysis by adopting eight different cases. The deformation characteristic was investigated for dry and saturated slope conditions under static and dynamic behavior considering vehicle loads using GeoStudio software. The FEM analysis has been carried out using load deformation and linear elastic. The analysis shows that the failure of the slope was not sudden due to the 2011 earthquake event, but progressive failure was observed with time and construction activity. The paper demonstrates that, an increase in infrastructure development including construction by hill cutting increased the initiation of landslide with soil erosion. The cracks developed after 2011 earthquake event led to further deformations during future disasters required effective stabilization measures.

A computational methodology for the hydrodynamic analysis of horizontal axis marine current turbines is presented. The approach is based on a boundary integral equation method for inviscid flows originally developed for marine propellers and adapted here to describe the flow features that characterize hydrokinetic turbines. To this purpose, semi-analytical trailing wake and viscous-flow correction models are introduced. A validation study is performed by comparing hydrodynamic performance predictions with two experimental test cases and with results from other numerical models in the literature. The capability of the proposed methodology to correctly describe turbine thrust and power over a wide range of operating conditions is discussed. Viscosity effects associated to blade flow separation and stall are taken into account and predicted thrust and power are comparable with results of blade element methods that are largely used in the design of marine current turbines. The accuracy of numerical predictions tend to reduce in cases where turbine blades operate in off-design conditions.

Nuclear export of viral mRNAs, is an essential step in the HIV replication cycle. This role is played by a small regulatory protein of HIV-1 called Rev.The N-terminal region of Rev contains an arginine-rich sequence. The arginine-rich motif (ARM) is located between amino acids 38-50 and forms an alpha-helical secondary structure. Expression of the structural proteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 requires the direct interaction of multiple copies of the viral Rev protein with its highly structured RNA target sequence, the Rev Response element (RRE). The major viral proteins are not produced if this transport of RNA is stopped. Therefore, knowledge of Rev structure is essential for understanding of its cooperative binding to the RRE, for understanding the mechanism of HIV infection and for the development of antiviral drugs that interfere with Rev’s essential functions and for acknowledgment of good candidate drugs for treatment of AIDS. To understand how REV interact with RRE element of HIV-RNA and its formation of oligomeric complex it is better to characterize the domain wise structure of REV with regard in function of each domain. Due to lack of structural data on Rev no single compound is reported as inhibitor of REV expect antiviral drugs. Identification of a high-affinity RNA-binding site for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev Protein is much more important. The ARM is a highly specific sequence which allows for the multimerization of Rev and also binding of REV with RNA. Here we are first time exploring the structural characteristics of REV protein both in free form and in complex with RNA at domain function level especially explore the role of ARM motif in REV HIV-1 protein as RNA binding sites by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and homology modeling studies. Results indicate that the arginine-rich motif (ARM) is crucial in stability of this complex. The residues ARG38, 39, 41, 43, 44, 48, 50, and ASN40 are most interacting with nucleobases of RRE in Crystal structure of Rev and Rev-response-element RNA complex. Our study plays a major role in elaboration of binding of RNA with REV and pave the way for further investigation for therapeutically agent for HIV.

We have previously reported that 60% sucrose diet-fed ChREBP knockout mice (KO) showed body weight loss resulting in lethality. We aimed to elucidate whether sucrose and fructose metabolism are impaired in KO. Wild type mice (WT) and KO were fed a diet containing 30% sucrose with/without 0.08% miglitol, an α-glucosidase inhibitor, and these effects on phenotypes were tested. Furthermore, we compared metabolic changes of oral and peritoneal fructose injection. Thirty percent sucrose diet feeding did not affect phenotypes in KO. However, miglitol induced lethality in 30% sucrose-fed KO. Thirty percent sucrose plus miglitol diet-fed KO showed increased cecal contents, increased fecal lactate contents, increased growth of lactobacillales and Bifidobacterium and decreased growth of clostridium cluster XIVa. ChREBP gene deletion suppressed the mRNA levels of sucrose and fructose related genes. Next, oral fructose injection did not affect plasma glucose levels and liver fructose contents; however, intestinal sucrose and fructose related mRNA levels were increased only in WT. In contrast, peritoneal fructose injection increased plasma glucose levels in both mice; however, the hepatic fructose content in KO was much higher owing to decreased hepatic Khk mRNA expression. Taken together, KO showed sucrose intolerance and fructose malabsorption owing to decreased gene expression.

In a recent paper: “On the time dependency of a₀” the authors claim that they have tested “one of the predictions of the Scale Invariant Vacuum (SIV) theory on MOND” by studying the dependence of the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) accelera- tion at two data sets, low-z (3.2 × 10⁻⁴ ≤ z ≤ 3.2 × 10⁻²) and high-z (0.5 ≤ z ≤ 2.5). They claim “both samples show a dependency of a₀ from z”. Here, the work men- tioned above is revisited. The explicit analytic expression for the z-dependence of the a0 within the SIV theory is given. Furthermore, the first estimates of the Ω_m within SIV theory give Ω_m = 0.28 ± 0.04 using the low-z data only, while a value of Ω_m = 0.055 is obtained using both data sets. This much lower Ωm leaves no room for non-baryonic matter! Unlike in the mentioned paper above, the slope in the z- dependence of A₀ = log10(a₀) is estimated to be consistent with zero Z-slope for the two data sets. Finally, the statistics of the data are consistent with the SIV predic- tions; in particular, the possibility of change in the sign of the slopes for the two data sets is explainable within the SIV paradigm; however, the uncertainty in the data is too big for the clear demonstration of a z-dependence yet.

Clockwork fermions represent a novel theoretical construct in high-energy physics, addressing such fundamental issues as mass hierarchies and dark matter. This review provides an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of clockwork fermions, their implications for particle physics, and the current state of experimental validations. Clockwork fermions represent a paradigm in particle physics, elegantly addressing the hierarchy problem and offering insights into the generation of small neutrino masses. We provide an analysis of the clockwork mechanism, emphasizing its theoretical innovation and the unique mass hierarchies it produces. We examine recent experimental efforts, including collider searches and direct detection experiments, that place constraints on clockwork models, while also exploring their potential cosmological implications.

Background: Monogenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) has severe health and socioeconomic repercussions. Its rarest cause are presenilin 2 (PSEN2) gene mutations. We present two new cases with presumed PSEN2-AD, with unusual clinical and neuroimaging findings in order to provide more information on the pathophysiology and semiology of these patients. Methods: Women aged 69 and 62 years at clinical onset, marked by prominent behavioral and language dysfunction, progressing to severe dementia within three years. Neuroimaging, laboratory study, genetic testing. In addition, a systematic review of the PSEN2-AD were performed. Results: Neuroimaging revealed pronounced frontal white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and frontotemporal atrophy/hypometabolism. The genetic study unveiled PSEN2 variants: c.772G>A (p.Ala258Thr) and c.1073-2_1073-1del. Both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and experimental blood biomarkers shouldered AD etiology. Conclusions: Prominent behavioral and language dysfunction suggesting frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may be underestimated in the literature as a clinical picture in PSEN2 mutations. Thus, it may be reasonable to include PSEN2 in genetic panels when suspecting FTDL. PSEN2 mutations may cause striking WMH, arguably related with myelin disruption induced by amyloid accumulation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of biomass for cooking carries significant health implications and can lead to adverse environmental issues such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and erosion. Despite these concerns, there is a lack of information about the nature and extent of cooking emissions in many developing countries. To address this gap, a study was conducted to assess cooking emission levels and their associated health effects among households in Dodoma City, Tanzania. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted, involving 285 households in the peri-urban area of Dodoma City, Tanzania. A combination of questionnaires, observational checklists, and sampling devices (Aeroqual series 500 for Carbon Monoxide and Temptop PMD 351 for Particulate Matters) were employed for data collection, adhering to established protocols. Additionally, lung function tests were conducted with consent from the primary household cooks. Collected data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA 17 software. FINDINGS: Out of 285 participants, 74.7% predominantly use charcoal for cooking, with 68.4% having outdoor kitchen setups. Significant differences in pollutant concentrations were observed across various fuel types (P=0.0001), with firewood emitting higher levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide concentrations during cooking were 6 times higher for firewood, 5 times higher for charcoal-gas, and 3 times higher for charcoal compared to WHO daily average limits. Additionally, a positive correlation between pollutant concentrations was noted (P-value = 0.0000). Lung problems 17.8% followed by eye irritation 15.7% were mentioned by those who claimed to know the health effects associated with cooking emissions. In addition, the spirometry test indicated that the majority of the participants had % predicted >80 while only 19% had % predicted below 50. CONCLUSION: Charcoal and firewood remain the primary cooking fuels in the study area despite their significant negative impacts. Our findings highlight a lack of awareness among community members regarding the health effects of biomass cooking emissions and insufficient guidance on constructing healthy kitchens. To address this, enforcing building standards, raising health awareness, and ensuring affordable access to modern fuels are crucial steps. These measures are essential for promoting healthier cooking practices and mitigating the adverse effects on households.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is important for the global carbon cycle, and hyperspectral remote sensing has proven a promising method for fast SOM content estimation. However, soil physical properties significantly affect the sensitivity of satellite hyperspectral imaging to SOM, leading to poor generalization ability of the estimation model. This study aims to improve the spatiotemporal transferability of the SOM prediction model by alleviating the coupling effect of soil physical properties on the spectra. Based on satellite hyperspectral images and soil physical variables, including soil moisture (SM), soil surface roughness (root mean squared height, RMSH), and soil bulk weight (SBW), a soil spectral correction strategy was established based on the information unmixing method. Two important grain-producing areas in Northeast China were selected as study areas to verify the performance and transferability of the spectral correction model and SOM content prediction model. The results showed that soil spectral corrections based on fourth-order polynomials and the XG-Boost algorithm had excellent accuracy and generalization ability, with residual predictive deviations (RPD) exceeding 1.4 in almost all bands. In addition, when the soil spectral correction strategy was adopted, the accuracy of the SOM prediction model and the generalization ability after model migration were significantly improved. The SOM prediction accuracy based on the XG-Boost corrected spectrum was the highest, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.76, root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.74 g/kg, and RPD of 1.68. The prediction accuracy, R2, RMSE, and RPD of the model after migration were 0.72, 6.71 g/kg, and 1.53, respectively. Compared with the direct migration prediction of the model, adopting the soil spectral correction strategy based on fourth-order polynomials and XG-Boost reduced the RMSE of the SOM prediction results by 57.90% and 60.27%, respectively. The performance comparison highlighted the advantages of considering soil physical properties in regional-scale SOM prediction.

κ Draconis is a binary system with a classical Be star as the primary component. Its emission-line spectrum consists of hydrogen lines, notably the Hα line with a peak intensity ratio (V/R) variations phase-locked with the orbital period P = 61.55 days. Among binaries demonstrating the Be phenomenon, κ Dra stands out as one of a few systems with a discernible mass of its secondary component. Based on more than 200 spectra obtained in 2014 − 2023, we verified the physical parameters and constructed the mass function. We used part of these data obtained in 2014 − 2021 to investigate regions in the circumstellar disk of the primary component that emit the Hα line using the Doppler tomography method. The results show that the disk has a non-uniform density distribution with a prominent enhancement at Vy≈ 99 km s−1 and Vx≈−6 km s−1 that corresponds to a cloud-like source of the double-peaked Hα line profile. We argue that this enhancement’s motion is responsible for the periodic variations of the Hα V/R ratio, which is synchronised in orbital phase with the radial velocity (RV) of absorption lines from the atmosphere of the primary component.

Photonic sensors are innovative devices that leverage the principles of light-matter interaction to enable precise and efficient detection of various physical parameters. These sensors operate by exploiting the interaction between photons, the fundamental particles of light, and matter. The light propagates through an optical waveguide, and a portion of the electromagnetic field extends beyond the waveguide surface, forming the evanescent field. This evanescent field interacts with the surrounding medium, allowing for highly sensitive detection of changes in the refractive index or properties of nearby substances. The underlying concept involves the modulation of light properties, such as intensity, wavelength, or phase, when it interacts with a target substance or undergoes changes in the surrounding environment. The advancements in photonic sensor technology have paved the way for enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and miniaturization, making them invaluable tools in diverse industries. The ability to harness light-matter interactions for sensing purposes not only facilitates highly sensitive measurements but also allows for non-intrusive and remote monitoring, contributing to the evolution of smart and connected systems. In this overview, the material platforms and waveguide structures are explored that can make highly sensitive photonic devices applied to gas and biosensing applications.

Living systems must solve the problem of realizing their environment to act appropriately to maintain external relationships and internal order for survival and reproduction. This problem is a biological version of the philosophical enigma of how the self can escape solipsism. This study develops a comprehensive model to solve this adaptation problem. LSs must be composed of material entities that have the property of detecting their external states. The detection of the outside is conceptualized as “cognition,” a related state change that occurs at three levels of nested hierarchy: physical, chemical, and semiotic cognitions. Any entity that cognizes the surroundings is a “cognizer.” The hierarchical extension of cognition to all levels of the world provides a monistic view that only cognizers exist. Semiotic cognition is essential for the emergence and evolution of life. Living systems invented semiotic cognitions based on physical and chemical cognitions to manage the probability distribution of events that occur to them. This study proposes a theoretical model in which semiotic cognition is an adaptive process in which inverse causality operations produce particular internal states as symbols that signify hidden external states. This operation makes the living systems aware of the external world.

Spectacularly, particulate matter pollution influences human health by aggravating numerous diseases and causing premature deaths. In order to eliminate its concentration in the ambient air, plant species can act as natural bio-filters and capture, degrade, and metabolize air pollutants inside their foliage. In a study carried out at three sites with different pollution levels and plant types. The immobilization efficiency of Particulate Matter (PM) was investigated in the leaves of three species (shrub, climber, and herb) in the southwestern of Japan with a time gap of 14 days. Two healthy mature leaf samples of each specimen were carefully collected and analyzed using the gravimetric analytical method. A significant quantity of PM in three-size fractions with aerodynamic diameters ranging between (0.1-100 μm) was captured inside the leaf foliage of the analyzed species. Fine particles (2.5 -10 μm) dominated the highest portion of the PM deposition captured by the analyzed species with 70.6 μg.cm-2(39.5%). Shrub species represented with Elaeagnus pungens proved to be the most efficient species among the analyzed species. Leaf traits such as grooves, trichomes, roughness, and margin are considered key factors associated with positive PM deposition, whereas the total surface area of the leaves had no direct correlation to PM deposition.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from organic fertilizers may increase soil phosphorus (P) availability. However, the frequently observed correlation between soil P availability and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content has led to an excessive focus on DOC content at the expense of DOM properties. The present study investigated the influence of DOM characteristics on soil P availability by using a 6-year field experiment and microcosms of P sorption in paddy soil. Our results showed that partial replacement of chemical P fertilizer with manure or crop straw increased P fertilizer-use efficiency, even when decreasing chemical P input by 34 %, compared to normal chemical fertilization. The microcosm experiment demonstrated that DOM properties, rather than total DOC content, determine soil P sorption capacity, despite the significant correlation between DOC content and P availability observed in the field experiment. Manure-DOM exerted stronger inhibitory effects on P sorption than straw-DOM, and high molecular weight (HMW)-fractionated DOM exerted stronger inhibitory effects on P sorption than low-molecular-weight-fractionated DOM by 16-20%. The mechanism was rooted in the HMW DOM with unique characteristics (e.g., strong aromaticity, hydrophobicity, abundant humic-like components, carboxyl groups, and benzene ring structures) competing for soil P sorption sites (e.g., reduction in specific surface area and micropore volume), decreasing the soil surface charge (e.g., zeta potential), and thereby suppressing P sorption in paddy soil. Our study points out a promising avenue for regulating organic matter properties with organic fertilization to improve P use efficiency in agricultural soils.

As broiler farming facilities have become larger and more concentrated in response to external environmental changes, there is a possibility of increased concentrations of fine dust and aerosols inside these facilities due to enclosure. In particular, workers are exposed to high concentrations of organic particulate matter and harmful gases while performing their tasks, and as they age, they become more vulnerable to respiratory diseases. It is essential to directly monitor the concen-trations to which workers are exposed, along with the spatial distribution of aerosols inside broiler house. In this study, we analyzed the regional aerosol concentrations using passive samplers in commercial tunnel-ventilated broiler farms. Simultaneously, we employed active samplers at the height of the workers' breathing zones to monitor real-time aerosol concentrations by particle size along their work routes. Spatial aerosol concentrations generally increased from the inlet to the exhaust in the breathing zone. The average aerosol concentrations were TSP -1,042 µg/m³, PM-10 718 µg/m³, and PM-2.5 137 µg/m³. To analyze the workers' exposure environments, we categorized the tasks in the barn into Static work period (SWP) and Moving work period (MWP) based on video analysis. The results showed that during MWP, fine dust concentrations exceeded the standards by up to 214%. Particularly, during MWP, the concentrations were 1.74 times higher for TSP, 1.40 times higher for PM-10, and 1.22 times higher for PM-2.5 compared to SWP. It was observed that during the movement of workers, physical generation of particles around 10 µm, such as feces, feed, and bedding, occurred due to the movement of chicken, which influenced the aerosol concentration.

This article explores matter collineations (MCs) of static plane-symmetric spacetimes, considering the stress-energy tensor in its contravariant and mixed forms. We solve the MC equations in two cases: when the energy-momentum tensor is nondegenerate and degenerate. For the case of degenerate energy-momentum tensor, we employ a direct integration technique to solve the MC equations, which leads to an infinite-dimensional Lie algebra. On the other hand, when considering the nondegenerate energy-momentum tensor, the contravariant form results in a finite-dimensional Lie algebra with dimensions of either 4 or 10. However, in the case of the mixed form of the energy-momentum tensor, the dimension of the Lie algebra is infinite. Moreover, the obtained MCs are compared with those already found for covariant stress-energy.

The lockdown implemented to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on air quality. Globally, studies have shown that the air pollutants levels reduced temporally during the restriction measures. In this study, we evaluated the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the air quality of Western Macedonia, Greece, using the hourly concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 along with meteorological data from the Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) operated by the Lignite Center of Western Macedonia. In Western Macedonia, previous studies have identified that there is a general reduction in air pollutants levels during the last decade due to coal phase-out plan for power generation. During the lockdown the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 decreased further. However, reduced emissions from the local mining activities and lignite-fired power plant electricity generation, as well as the weather conditions seems to contribute to improving air quality.

Saussurea neoserrata Nakai offers a reliable and efficient source of antioxidants that can help alleviate adverse skin reactions triggered by air pollutants. Air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), have the ability to infiltrate the skin and contribute to the higher occurrence of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory ailments. Individuals with compromised skin barriers are particularly susceptible to the impact of PM since it can be absorbed more readily through the skin. This study investigated the impact of protocatechuic acid and syringin, obtained from the n-BuOH extract of S. neoserrata Nakai, on the release of PGE₂ and PGD₂ induced by PM₁₀. Additionally, it examined the gene expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of PGE₂ and PGD₂ in human keratinocytes. The findings of this research highlight the potential of utilizing safe and efficient plant-derived antioxidants in dermatological and cosmetic applications to mitigate the negative skin reactions caused by exposure to air pollution.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a major cause of mortality worldwide, has been shown through epidemiological studies to have a relationship with short-term exposure to air pollutants; however, the association between air pollutants and the outcome of STEMI has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of air pollutants on the outcomes of STEMI. Data on particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), <10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) at each of the 11 air monitoring stations in Kaohsiung City were collected between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017. Medical records of non-trauma patients aged > 20 years who had visited the ED with a principal diagnosis of STEMI were extracted. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. After adjusting for potential confounders and meteorological variables, we found that an increase in the interquartile range (IQR) in NO2 was associated with an elevated risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI. Moreover, during the warm season, an IQR increase in NO2 corresponded to a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI on lag 3 (OR=3.266; 95% CI:1.203–8.864, p=0.02). Conversely, an IQR increase in PM10 was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI on lag 3 (OR=2.792; 95%CI:1.115–6.993, p=0.028) during the cold season. Our study suggests that exposure to NO2 (during warm season) and PM10 (during cold season) may contribute to a higher risk of poor prognosis in patients with STEMI.

Irrigation and fertilizer are two essential factors affecting rice root traits and yield. In this respect, a pot experiment was performed at the boro (dry season irrigated) season of 2021-22 in the Department of Agronomy of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The variety Binadhan-10 was planted at two irrigation conditions i.e. saturation (S) and continuous flooding (CF); two potassium (K) dose e.g. 65 kg ha-1 (K65) and 98 kg ha-1 (K98) and two nitrogen (N) dose i.e. 140 kg ha-1 (N140) and 210 kg ha-1 (N210). The experiment was laid in split plot design and replicated thrice. The findings confirmed the effectiveness of irrigation, K and N on root number (RN), root length (RL), root volume (RV), leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), yield attributes and yield. Considering interaction among irrigation, K and N, S condition with K65 and N140 showed best performance. At 80 DAT, the highest RN (373.00), RL (1700.00 cm), RV (8.90 cm3 hill-1), LAI (4.94) and TDM (25.83 g plant-1) was obtained from this combination. Grain yield (GY) and root traits except root porosity, showed a significant positive association. Grain yield (GY) was highest (27.12 g pot-1) in S condition with K65 and N140.

Background & aims It is documented that low protein and amino-acid dietary intake is related to poorer cognitive health and increased risk of dementia. Degradation of the neuromodulatory pathways, (comprising the cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems) is observed in neurodegenerative diseases and impairs the proper biosynthesis of key neuromodulators from micro-nutrients and amino acids. How these micro-nutrients are linked to neuromodulatory pathways in healthy adults is less studied. The Locus Coeruleus–Noradrenergic System (LC-NA) is the earliest subcortical structure affected in Alzheimer’s disease, showing marked neurodegeneration, but is also sensitive for age-related changes. The LC-NA system is critical for supporting attention and cognitive control, functions that are enhanced both by tyrosine administration and chronic tyrosine intake. The purpose of this study was to 1) investigate whether the dietary intake of tyrosine, the key precursor for noradrenaline (NA), is related to LC integrity 2) whether LC integrity mediates the reported association between tyrosine intake and higher cognitive performance (measured with Trail Making Test – TMT), and 3) whether LC integrity relates to an objective measure of brain maintenance (BrainPAD). Methods The analyses included 398 3T MRIs of healthy participants from the Berlin Aging Study II to investigate the relationship between LC integrity and habitual dietary tyrosine intake-daily average (HD-Tyr-IDA). As a control procedure, the same analyses were repeated on other main seeds of the neuromdulatory subcortical system (Dorsal and Medial Raphe, Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Basalis of Meynert). In the same way, the relationships between the five nuclei and BrainPAD were tested. Results Results show that HD-Tyr-IDA is positively associated with LC integrity. Similarly, LC integrity disproportionally relates to better brain maintenance (BrainPAD). Mediation analyses reveal that only LC, relative to the other nuclei tested, mediates the relationship between HD-Tyr-IDA I and performance in the TMT and between HD-Tyr-IDA and BrainPAD. Conclusions These findings provide the first evidence linking tyrosine intake with LC-NA system integrity and its correlation with neuropsychological performance. This study strengthens the role of diet for maintaining brain and cognitive health and supports the noradrenergic theory of cognitive reserve. Within this framework, adequate tyrosine intake might increase the resilience of LC-NA system functioning, by preventing degeneration and supporting noradrenergic metabolism required for LC function and neuropsychological performance.

This paper is devoted to study the gravitational lensing for Curvature-coupled antisymmetric wormhole solution to compute the bending angle of light by utilizing the Gibbons and Werner technique. To achieve this, we find the Gaussian optical curvature and then apply Gauss-Bonnet theorem in the weak field limits. We also study the effects of plasma as well as dark matter mediums on the bending angle. Moreover, we analyze the graphical behaviour of the deflection angle $\alpha$ with respect to the impact parameter $\sigma$ and minimal radius $r_{0}$ in non-plasma and plasma mediums. We examine that deflection angle shows direct relation with $r_{0}$ such that large values of $r_{0}$ gives large deflection angle and small values of $r_{0}$ gives small deflection angle. For impact parameter $\sigma$, deflection angle $\alpha$ shows inverse relation. Additionally, we derive the deflection angle of light by using Keeton and Petters method and compare with the previous results.

Entomopathogenic fungi perform important functions in the ecosystem as natural antagonists of insects, which can be used in agriculture. Interestingly, recent studies showed a significant promotion of tested plants growth in the presence of fungi. We hypothesize that some of various compounds produced by entomopathogenic fungi can positively affect plant development. To test this hypothesis, fungal extracts of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana were prepared at different conditions of temperature and pH. In addition to determination of the ammonium nitrogen content, the composition of extracts was analyzed by elemental ICP-OES. Then, their effect on the wheat germ growth was studied using various extract concentrations. After experiments, tested plants were measured, weighed, and the chlorophyll content was determined. Finally, the impact of extracts on the selected G+ and G- bacteria growth was examined to exclude the possibility of interference with soil microorganisms. The highest length of the wheat shoot was obtained for the use of 10-times diluted extract (10%) at pH 10 obtained at 20°C. In contrast, addition of 10% extract (pH 10) obtained at 75°C resulted in the shortest shoot. Generally, the extracts obtained at 75°C showed phytotoxic properties leading to lower values of shoot length and fresh weight in comparison to the control group. Our preliminary results are the first confirming the potential of fungal water extracts as factors promoting plant growth. Further detailed study should be carried out to confirm the effects in real environment conditions. Also, the consistency of the plant growth stimulation across different entomopathogenic fungi, and agriculturally used plant species should be tested.

The mission here is to see if we can find bound states for tachyons in some gravitational environment. That could provide an explanation for the phenomena called Dark Matter. Starting with the standard Schwarzschild metric in General Relativity, which is for a static and spherically symmetric source, it appears unlikely that such localized orbits exist. In this work the usual assumption of isotropic pressure is replaced by a model that has different pressures in the radial and angular directions. This should be relevant to the study of neutrinos, especially if they are tachyons, in cosmological models. We do find an arrangement that allows bound orbits for tachyons in a galaxy. This is a qualitative breakthrough. Then we go on to estimate the numbers involved and find that we do have a fair quantitative fit to the experimental data on the Galaxy Rotation Curve. Additionally we are led to look in the neighborhood of a Black Hole and there we find novel orbits for tachyons.

Wet anaerobic storage of algal biomass is a promising preservation approach which can ensure continuous supply of these feedstocks to biorefineries year-round. An effective solution to preservation must ensure minimal dry matter loss and change in biochemical composition during storage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the preservation of Nannochloropsis gaditana biomass through wet anaerobic storage and its impact on biomass quality. Prior to storage, algae sample was inoculated with two different strains of lactic acid bacteria and thereafter stored for 30 and 180 days. Each inoculant limited dry matter loss to &lt;10% (dry basis) after the storage durations. Final pH values (4.3 - 4.8) indicate that the biomass samples were properly ensiled, achieving the acidic conditions necessary for preservation. Compositional analysis of the biomass after storage showed a reduction in carbohydrate content, a relative increase in lipid content, and no significant change to the protein fraction. Glucose and galactose were the prevalent sugar monomers. The low dry matter loss and minimal compositional change indicates that wet anaerobic storage is an effective means of preserving algal biomass, ensuring a constant supply of algal biomass feedstock to a biorefinery.

Reducing the amount of precipitation in summer in the Chernozems area alters soil organic matter (SOM). To compensate for the lack of moisture, farmers are introducing new agricultural technologies such as no-till cultivation. In turn, no-till practices influence the composition of SOM. We examined the impacts of the rise of aridity and no-till technology on the chemical composition of bioavailable and recalcitrant pools of OM. The properties of SOM were assessed using double-shot pyrolysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The thermolabile substances that are volatilised in the first stage of pyrolysis (300°C) are considered the bioavailable pool. Accordingly, substances are obtained in the second pyrolysis stage (500°C) were attributed to the recalcitrant pool. Identified in both steps of pyrolysis, products were assigned to different chemical groups (lignin-derivative, polysaccharide-fragments, indoles, etc.) and relative abundances were calculated. In work for the separation of substances, a polar column was used for chromatography of the thermolabile fraction. With an increase in aridity in Сhernozems, the content in the bioavailable pool of polysaccharide fragments decreased and the proportion of indoles increased. In the recalcitrant pool, the abundance of six-membered rings with nitrogen and aromatic compounds decreases at the same time the contents of unsubstituted and O-substituted acyclic compounds as well as pyridine increases. The influence of the NT was more noticeable in the recalcitrant OM. The NT practice promotes biological activity and to rich in nitrogen compounds the bioavailable OM; this process contributes to the accumulation of carbon in the recalcitrant OM.

Land engineering is a specific new academic discipline in China. Although the undergraduate major of land engineering was officially approved and established lately since 2017, the birth of land engineering as an academic discipline dates back 40 years ago. It has passed through four development stages: the incubation stage in 1978-1985, the initial stage in 1986-1997, the growth stage in 1998-2011, and the expanding stage from 2012 to present. However, land engineering as an academic discipline remains immature and seriously lags behind practice. There are still no unified academic community and broad academic consensus. After a historical overview of the four development stages, this study gave a strategic consideration to five key questions. We argue that the study object of the discipline is land engineering activity, which is defined as the artificial transformation of a land complex combined by various natural and human elements. The uniqueness of the discipline is rooted in its ability to study the comprehensive and integrated reorganization or rebuilding of various elements of land as a complex, with the theory of land complex reconstruction being the core theory. The discipline of land engineering is based on land pure science and land technology, and is one basis of land management. It consists of two modules (rural land engineering and urban land engineering), five secondary disciplines of each module (land development, land rearrangement, land improvement, land protection, and land remediation), and more than 30 research directions. Various technologies are only instrumental but not essential components of land engineering as an academic discipline.

Mind and brain/matter interaction is one of the important and controversial issues in Islamic philosophy. In fact, in the resources of Islamic philosophy, one of the basic parts of philosophical discussions is related to mind’s nature and its interaction with the brain. Especially, in Avicenna’s philosophy, there are many articles and books which have addressed the topic of mind and brain and the relation between them. Avicenna was a profound philosopher, an expert physicist and a proficient physician of his time. Because of his experimental proficiency in medicine and surgery and his deep philosophical analysis, his discussion about mind and brain is very interesting for our time, due to recent advances in neuroscience. In this article, we have explained one of Avicenna’s arguments (in his famous opus “al-Isharat”) about the incorporeity of mind (self), which is very close to modern neuroscience and physics literature. In addition, we explain his model of mind and brain interaction. Avicenna described the mechanism of the causal effect of mind on the brain via a third identity, which works as an interface between them (in his main book “al-Shifa”). We try to illustrate his model by the use of some examples, inspired from modern physics. Also, we explore the philosophical constraints which must be considered in any model of mind-matter interaction, within the Islamic philosophy framework. In fact, we propose a new understanding of Avicenna’s philosophy which is in agreement with modern physics and neuroscience.

This is a short note on a new way to describe Haug's newly introduced maximum velocity for matter in relation to the Schwarzschild radius. This leads to a probabilistic Schwarzschild radius for elementary particles with mass smaller than the Planck mass. In addition, our maximum velocity, when linked to the Schwarzschild radius, seems to predict that particles just at that radius cannot move. This implies that radiation from the Schwarzschild radius not can undergo velocity time dilation. Our maximum velocity of matter, therefore, seems to predict no time dilation, even in high Z quasars, as has surprisingly been observed recently.

Although the most common forms of brain injury in preterm infants have been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, existing MRI scoring systems lack specificity, do not incorporate clinical factors, and are technically challenging to perform. The objective of this study was to develop a web-based, clinically-focused prediction system which differentiates severe from normal-moderate neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years. Infants were retrospectively identified as those who were born ≤30 weeks gestation, had MR imaging at term-equivalent age, and neurodevelopmental testing at 18-24 months. Each MRI was scored on injury in three domains (intraventricular hemorrhage, white matter injury, and cerebellar hemorrhage) and clinical factors strongly predictive of outcome were investigated. A binary logistic regression model was then generated from the composite of clinical and imaging components. A total of 154 infants were included (mean GA = 26.1±1.8 weeks, BW = 889.1±226.2 grams). The final model (imaging score + ventilator days + delivery mode + antenatal steroids + ROP requiring surgery) had strong discriminatory power for severe disability (AUC=0.850), with a PPV of 76% and NPV of 90%. Available as a web-based tool, it can be useful for prognostication and targeting early intervention services to infants who may benefit most from such services.

For condensed systems, the incorporation of quantum chemical solvent effects into molecular dynamics simulations has been a major concern. To this end, quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) techniques are popular and powerful options to treat gigantic systems. However, they cannot be directly applied because of temporal and spatial discontinuity problems. To overcome these problems, in a previous study, we proposed a corrective QM/MM method, size-consistent multipartitioning (SCMP) QM/MM, and successfully demonstrated that, using SCMP, it is possible to perform stable molecular dynamics simulations by effectively taking into account solvent quantum chemical effects. The SCMP method is characterized by two original features: size-consistency of a QM region among all QM/MM partitioning and partitioning update. However, in our previous study, the performance was not fully elicited compared to the theoretical upper bound, and the optimal partitioning update protocol and parameters were not fully verified. To elicit the potential performance, in the present study, we simplified the theoretical framework and modified the partitioning protocol.

Atmospheric pollution arising from diesel-powered engines can result in acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The annual carnival festival that takes place in the city of Salvador, Bahia-Brazil, is a large-scale event that gathers approximately 2 m revelers and 170,000 workers who accompany dozens of sound-trucks, or trios elétricos, for a period of seven days. These slow-moving sound-trucks run on diesel fuel, constantly exposing those around them to exhaust fumes. The present study aimed to evaluate air quality along the approximately 10km-long carnival parade circuit and determine possible impacts on human health. We applied a three-phase risk analysis strategy from 2007–2009: 1) hazard identification, 2) risk characterization and 3) risk management. Our quantification of atmospheric particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations revealed variable levels of PM2.5 ranging from 19 µg/m³ to 580 µg/m³, with peaks of up to 800 μg/m³ at sound-truck concentration areas. We then assessed the effects of air pollution on human health using ophthalmologic parameters obtained from 28 carnival volunteers, who often presented symptoms of eye irritation. Finally, we established strategies to communicate the study’s objectives and obtained results to the population through media outlets and open discussions with government agencies. According to our risk analysis, carnival sound-trucks represent the main source of atmospheric PM2.5 and NO₂ pollution during the annual 7-day carnival festival. As a consequence of our research, the municipal government of Salvador issued an addendum to its carnival legislation mandating organizers to monitor atmospheric pollution, and, subsequently, all large-scale public events. Municipal government authorities have also promoted a shift from petroleum-based diesel fuel to biodiesel, a less-polluting fuel, for all adapted carnival sound-trucks. Our approach, which employed easily accessible and inexpensive methodology, provided substantial scientific evidence to support improvements in the regulation of air quality during large-scale public events held in the city of Salvador.Keywords: environmental

The optical complexity of coastal waters is mostly caused by the water discharged from land carrying optical components (such as dissolved and particulate matter) into coastal bays and estuaries, and increasing the attenuation of light. This paper aims to investigate the links between in-water optical properties in four Swedish bays (from the northern Baltic proper up to the Bothnian bay) and the land use and land cover (LULC) and the hydrology in the respective catchment of each bay. The optical properties were measured in situ over the last two decades by various research and monitoring groups while the LULC in each bay was classified using the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service based on Landsat 8 and Sentinel-3 data. The absorption coefficient of coloured dissolve organic matter at 440 nm, aCDOM (440), and its spectral slope factor, SCDOM, were mostly correlated to natural land cover classes (Wetland, Meadow) acting as sources of CDOM, while Agricultural and Urban classes seem to act as sinks. The Agricultural class was also found to be a sink for suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) whilst Coniferous and Mixed Forests as well as Meadows acted as a sources. SPOM seems to mostly originate from Natural classes, possibly due to the release of pollen and other organic matter. Overall, the methods applied here allow for a better understanding of effects of land used and land cover on the bio-optical properties, and thus coastal water quality, on a macroscopic scale.

There are unsolved problems related to inflation, gravity, dark matter, dark energy, missing antimatter, and the birth of the universe. Some of them can be better answered by assuming the existence of aether and hypoatoms. Both were created during the inflation in the very early universe. While aether forms vacuum, hypoatoms, composed of both matter and antimatter and believed to be neutrinos, form all observable matter. In vacuum, aether exists between the particle-antiparticle dark matter form and the dark energy form in a dynamic equilibrium: A + A-bar = gamma + gamma. The same reaction stabilizes hypoatoms and generates a 3-dimensional sink flow of aether that causes gravity. Based on the hypoatom structure, the singularity does not exist inside a black hole; the core of the black hole is a hypoatom star or neutrino star. By gaining enough mass, ca. 3 X 10²² M_sun, to exceed neutrino degeneracy pressure, the black hole collapses or annihilates into the singularity, thus turning itself into a white hole or a Big Bang. The universe is anisotropic. Its center, or where the Big Bang happened, is at 0.66^+0.03_-0.01 times the radius of the observable universe at Galactic coordinates (l, b) = (286⁺¹⁰_-10, -43⁺⁷_-6). If we look from the Local Group to the center of the universe, the universe is rotating clockwise.

As an important civil and military infrastructure, airport runway pavement is faced up with threats from cluster munitions, since it is vulnerable to projectile impact with internal explosion. Aiming at the damage assessment of island airport runway pavement under impact, this work dealt with discrete modeling of rigid projectile penetration into concrete pavement and calcareous sand subgrade multi-layer structure. First, Discrete Element Method (DEM) is introduced to model concrete and calcareous sand granular material features like cohesive fracture and strain hardening due to compression, with mesoscale constitutive laws governing the normal and shear interactions between adjacent particles. Second, sequent DEM simulations of uniaxial and triaxial compression were performed to calibrate the DEM parameters for pavement concrete as well as subgrade calcareous sand. Piror to multi-layer structure investigations, penetration into sole concrete or calcareous sand is validated in terms of projectile deceleration and depth of penetration (DOP) with relative error

Spacecraft recovery technology is crucial in the field of aerospace, in which the parachute plays a key role in slowing down the descent speed of the spacecraft and realizing a smooth landing. In order to construct a dynamically adjustable parachute deployment strategy, it is necessary to measure the parachute dynamic load accurately in real time. However, the existing sensor measurement scheme is difficult to meet the measurement requirements due to its large structure and complex wiring. In order to meet the current demand for real-time measurement of parachute cords dynamic load, a miniature measuring instrument is designed.According to the function and technical requirements of the miniature measuring instrument, the hardware modules of the acquisition system are selected and designed, and the integration debugging and performance optimization of the microcontroller module, A/D sampling module, signal acquisition circuit and power supply module are carried out. The software of the parachute cords tension acquisition system based on the miniature measuring instrument is developed. The elastomer is modeled by using SolidWorks and statically analyzed by using AnsysWorkbench finite element analysis software. Then the final structure of the elastomer and the pasting position of the strain gage are determined through the results analysis as well as experimental verification. The hardware module of the signal acquisition system for the miniature measuring instrument is then encapsulated. The force value of the miniature measuring instrument is calibrated and tested many times by using the microcomputer-controlled electronic universal testing machine. The experimental results show that the designed miniature measuring instrument has accurate data, strong stability and good real-time performance, which meets the demand for real-time accurate measurement of miniature measuring instrument, and can provide reliable data for parachute cords parameter validation and stepless unfolding design.

Cascading landslides represent a dynamic and hazardous geological phenomenon, char-15 acterized by a sequential chain of slope failures triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, 16 seismic activity, or anthropogenic activities. These events can amplify the damage caused by the 17 initial trigger and propagate instability along a slope, often resulting in significant environmental 18 and societal impacts. The Morino-Rendinara cascading landslide, situated in the Ernici mountains 19 along the border of Abruzzo and Lazio region (Italy), serves as a notable example of the complexities 20 and devastating consequences associated with such events. In March 2021, a substantial debris flow 21 event in Morino obstructed the Liri River, marking the latest step in a series of landslide events 22 characterized by a complexity far beyond initial expectations. This study employs a multidiscipli-23 nary approach, combining conventional techniques and advanced technologies, to understand the 24 complexities of the Morino-Rendinara landslide. Field activities, UAV image acquisition, SAR inter-25 ferometry based on SENTINEL-1 images and pixel offset analysis based on high-resolution Google 26 Earth images, offer insights into the geological and hydrogeological setting of the unstable slope, 27 landslide geometry, mechanism and kinematics. To supplement the analysis a specific FEM slope 28 stability analyses is used to reconstruct the deep geometry of the system emphasizing the modula-29 tion action of groundwater flow to the slope stability

Plug and abandonment (P&amp;A) operations demand valuable time and resources with operational procedures and materials to establish the well barrier element. This study proposes the use of a water-based fluid as a liquid well barrier element for temporary abandonment, based on esti-mates of its lifespan and survival probability on downhole conditions acquired through acceler-ated life tests. For that, the water-based formulation was tested and exposed to 95, 110, 140 and 150°C, for time intervals ranging from 1 to 10 days. After temperature exposure, the fluid prop-erties were verified and failure was detected by accounting for any deterioration in rheological parameters and/or a substantial increase in filtrate volume. Statistical analysis of failure data was performed in R software using Weibull Model, and fluid average lifespan and survival probability were estimated for P&amp;A temperatures. The results obtained demonstrates that the degradation of the fluid only was observed for 140 and 150°C and is mostly related to the CMC deterioration. The reliability metrics shows that until 80°C the fluid is a promising alternative for temporary abandonment, with no need of monitoring. For higher downhole temperatures, theses metrics should be considered to define the maximum time of operation and requirements for monitoring management in the operation design.

This paper studies the flexural behavior of the bridge deck link slabs made with the Polyvinyl Alcohol-Strain Hardening Cementitious Composites (PVA-SHCC). Tensile and flexural properties of the PVA-SHCC with four volume fractions, i.e., 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%, were evaluated first. Next, using the similarity theory, composite models with a geometric similarity ratio of 1: 5 were designed to represent the bridge deck with the link slabs. The models considered three materials for link slabs, including concrete, cement mortar and self-compacting PVA-SHCC; and two different curing ages at 7 and 56 days. Bending tests were performed to investigate the flexural behavior of the models. Based on the fractal theory, cracking characteristics of the models with different types of link slabs were compared, and the relationship between Df and the flexural behavior of the models were studied. Numerical models were built to correlate with the results from the bending tests. It is illustrated that the flexural behavior of the self-compacting PVA-SHCC link slab is better than that of concrete and cement mortar link slabs, where the crack initiation and propagation can be postponed.

Scaling up the production of power devices involves, in the semiconductor industry, the use of large semiconductor 8” and 12” wafers of Si or SiC. Their use implicates a successful an effective monitoring and control of wafer warpage, as the geometrical size of the substrate increases, as well as a command control on the degeneration of non-linear warpage into critical phenomena known as bifurcation or buckling.To mitigate the warpage, the use of taiko wafers, which consists of wafers having a thicker region on the rim region of the wafer, has been generally adopted in the production lines. In a previous work [1] we investigated the warpage of taiko wafers by introducing the concept of equivalent thickness, in the linear approximation, for the case of a front side metalized taiko wafer. However, as the thickness of the central semiconductor substrate region decreases the possibility that also the taiko wafer bifurcates emerges. For this reason, in this work we have investigated the occurrence of bifurcation or buckling in a taiko wafer. In particular, we implemented a finite element analysis method by using ANSYS Mechanical Enterprise 2023/R2 to investigate the phenomenon of bifurcation in a taiko wafer. The investigated system consisted of a 200 mm Si (001) front side metalized (FSM) taiko wafer, having a substrate thickness ranging from 100 µm to 400 µm, with a step height fixed to 450 µm. The FSM layer consisted of an Al layer of 4.5 µm thin. The system was subjected to a thermal load such that, getting cooled from a nominal temperature T to 25°C, the metal layer can develop a residual stress. To investigate the bifurcation, an asymmetry was induced in the system by applying a slight force on a point of the circumferential region perpendicularly to the substrate. The temperature investigated ranged from 30 °C to 170 °C. From this investigation, it results that also the bifurcation is mitigated by the taiko structure. Indeed, the bifurcation emerges at higher values of the stresses with respect to the case of flat wafers having the same size and thickness of the substrate. Moreover, the concept of equivalent thickness needs to be reformulated by taking into account of the bifurcation phenomenon. Indeed, from the warpage at the bifurcation point of the taiko wafer, we can determine an overall equivalent thickness of the taiko wafer.

This paper proposes an analytical model of the double-stator spoke-type permanent-magnet vernier machine (DSSTVM) using the subdomain model (SDM), which can be used to calculate the mag-netic field distribution and corresponding electromagnetic parameters of the DSSTVM. The whole field domain is divided into several subdomains according to the magnetic characteristics of each region, within which Laplace's and Poisson's equations are solved accordingly in terms of magnetic vector potential (MVP). Then, the magnetic flux density distribution, back electromotive force (EMF), and electromagnetic torque of the DSSTVM can be obtained correspondingly. Ultimately, finite element analysis (FEA) is adopted to validate the proposed analytical model's effectiveness for quickly predicting the no-load and on-load performances of the DSSTVM.

New or in-service truss bridges, with or without upper bracing systems, may display instability phenomena such as general lateral torsional buckling of the upper chord. The buckling of structural elements, particularly in the case of steel bridges, can be associated with the risk of collapse or temporary/permanent withdrawal from service. Buckling poses a significant danger as it often occurs at lower load values compared to those considered during the design phase. Additionally, this phenomenon can manifest suddenly, without prior warning, rendering intervention for its prevention impossible or futile. In contemporary times, most research and design calculation software offer the capability to establish preliminary values for buckling loads, even for highly intricate structures. This is typically achieved through linear eigenvalue buckling analyses, often followed by significantly more complex large displacement nonlinear analyses. However, interpreting the results for complex bridge structures can be challenging, and their accuracy is difficult to ascertain. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to introduce an original method for a more straightforward estimation of the buckling load of the upper chord in steel truss bridges. The method utilizes the theory of beams on an elastic foundation. The buckling load of the upper chord was determined using both the finite element method and the proposed methodology, yielding highly consistent results.

Thermoplastic composites are continuously replacing thermosetting composites in lightweight structures. However, the accomplished work on the fatigue behavior of thermoplastics is quite limited. In the present work, we propose a numerical modeling approach for simulating fatigue delamination growth and predicting the residual tensile strength of quasi-isotropic TC 1225 LM PAEK thermoplastic coupons. The approach is supported and validated by tension and fatigue (non-interrupted and interrupted) tests. Fatigue delamination growth is simulated using a mixed-mode fatigue crack growth model, which is based on the cohesive zone modeling method. All interfaces between the thermoplastic plies were modelled using cohesive elements. Quasi-static tension analyses on pristine and fatigued coupons were performed using a progressive damage model implementing a set of Hashin-type strain-based failure criteria and a damage mechanics-based material property degradation module. Using the fatigue model, delamination growth was predicted as a function of number of cycles at all interfaces. The results agree well with C-scan images taken on fatigued coupons during interruptions of fatigue tests. An unequal and unsymmetric delamination growth was predicted due to the quasi-isotropic lay-up. Moreover, the combined models capture the decrease in the residual tensile strength of the coupons. In the quasi-static tension analysis of the fatigued coupons, the driving failure mechanisms are the fast propagation of the pre-existing delamination and the severe matrix cracking.

Fabry-Pérto (FP) cavity is the essential component of ultra-stable laser (USL) for gravitational wave detection, which couples multi-physic (Optical/Thermal/Mechanics) fields and requires ultra-high precision. To satisfy the requirements of precise and efficient design, a multi-physic coupling optimization method for fixing cubic FP cavity based on data learning is proposed. A multi-physic model for the cubic FP cavity is established and the performance is obtained by finite element analysis. The key performance indices (V, wF, wF) and key design variables (d, l, F) are determined considering the features of the FP cavity. The 49 sets of data by orthogonal experiment are acquired for the establishment and comparison of different data learning models (NN, RSF, KRG). The result turns out that the neural network has the best performance. Based on NSGA-II, the Pareto optimal front is obtained and the optimal combination of design variables is finally determined as {5,32,250}. The performance after optimization has proven to be a great improvement, of which the displacement under the fixing force and vibration test are decreased by more than 60%. The optimization strategy can not only help the design of the FP cavity but also enlighten other optimization fields.

We present a modified characteristic finite element method that exhibits second-order spatial accuracy for solving convection-reaction-diffusion equations on surfaces. The temporal direction adopted backward-Euler method, while the spatial direction employed surface finite element method. In contrast to regular domains, it is observed that the point in the characteristic direction traverses the surface only once within a brief time. Thus, the good approximation of the solution in the characteristic direction holds significant importance for the numerical scheme. In this regard, Taylor expansion is employed to reconstruct the solution beyond the surface in the characteristic direction. The stability of our scheme is then proved. A comparison is made with an existing characteristic finite element method based on face mesh. Numerical examples are provided to validate the effectiveness of our proposed method.

New families of direct serendipity and direct mixed finite elements on general planar, strictly convex polygons were recently defined by the authors. The finite elements of index r are H1 and H(div) conforming, respectively, and approximate optimally to order r+1 while using the minimal number of degrees of freedom. The shape function space consists of the full set of polynomials defined directly on the element and augmented with a space of supplemental functions. The supplemental functions were constructed as rational functions, which can be difficult to integrate accurately using numerical quadrature rules when the index is high. This can result in a loss of accuracy in certain cases. In this work, we propose alternative ways to construct the supplemental functions on the element as continuous piecewise polynomials. One approach results in supplemental functions that are in Hp for any p≥1. We prove the optimal approximation property for these new finite elements. We also perform numerical tests on them, comparing results for the original supplemental functions and the various alternatives. The new piecewise polynomial supplements can be integrated accurately, and therefore show better robustness with respect to the underlying meshes used.

Graphyne is a material that has unique mechanical properties, but little is known about how these properties change when the material has holes. In this work, the effect of hole geometry, considering circular, triangle, and rhombus hole configurations, on the mechanical nonlinear response of γ-graphyne structures is studied. Graphyne, graphdiyne, graphyne-3, and graphyne-4 structures are under investigation. An efficient nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) method is adequately implemented under large deformations for this purpose. The study varied the size and shape of the holes to understand how these changes affect the nanostructure's mechanical response. The results indicate that the hole geometry significantly impacts the mechanical nonlinear response of γ-graphyne structures. The holes' size and shape affect the structures' elastic behavior, deformation, and strength. The findings can be used to optimize the design of γ-graphyne structures for specific mechanical applications. The study highlights the importance of considering the hole geometries in the design and fabrication of these materials.

Marine vessels operating on the Arctic Sea route are constantly prone to collisions and friction with ice. This study discusses the wear of the hull plate caused by the collision of ice against vessels operating in Arctic Sea routes. The abrasive wear of the hull due to ice impact was numerically assessed based on both the incident behavior of ice particles interacting with the flow around the hull and the wear loss of the hull surface caused by the contact force of ice particles. A multi-phase approach was adopted to account for the behavior of ice particles continuously affected by the fluid force around the hull. The fluid force acting on the ice floe was evaluated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the dynamic motion of the drift ice was evaluated using the discrete element method (DEM). The motion of the floating ice particles was updated in real time by iteratively coupling the fluid force and the motion of the ice floe at each time step of the numerical simulation. The results of the wear simulation models were presented in terms of the shape change of the hull surface due to wear. At first, the wear was evaluated for cases in which only the surface paint of the hull was damaged. Thereafter, a computation model considering the shape change of the hull surface experiencing long-term friction of ice particles was introduced. Finally, the numerical procedures to predict the abrasive wear of the hull surface by ice impact were discussed.

In order to reduce the risk of grid transient voltage instability brought about by the new energy and system dynamic loads and the increasing proportion of new energy access, this paper proposes a differentiated dynamic reactive power compensation configuration method for suppressing transient voltage dip instability. The method first establishes a dynamic reactive power device configuration index system based on a multi-binary table, and then establishes a differentiated dynamic reactive power compensation device configuration model based on the node instability risk characteristics by combining with the regional division of system transient voltage instability risk. The model takes the investment cost and suppression effect as the optimization objectives, and realizes differentiated dynamic reactive power compensation by flexibly adjusting the optimization weights of economic benefits and reactive power compensation effects in the configuration process; Compared with the traditional compensation methods, differentiated compensation can significantly improve the economic benefits of reactive power compensation configuration. Finally, taking the IEEE39 node test system as an example, the improved TLBO algorithm is used to solve the model, which verifies the accuracy and effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper.

This work aims to describe the dielectric behaviours of four main tissues in the human forearm using mathematical modelling, including fat, muscle, blood, and bone. Determining the electrical response of multiple tissues can help develop physiological monitoring of an organ or a body’s section by filtering out the impedance contributions from the surrounding tissues to blood flow-induced impedance variations. Multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (MF-BIA) was initially performed using the finite element method (FEM) with a 3D forearm model followed by a pilot study to characterise the response of actual forearm tissues from 1 kHz to 349 kHz. Both the simulation and experimental results were fitted to a single-dispersion Cole model (SDCM) and a multi-dispersion Cole model (MDCM) to determine the Cole parameters for each tissue. The correlation analysis and Bland-Altman plot indicated a good fit between raw and fitted impedance values using both SDCM and MDCM. Overall, MDCM exhibited better performance in fitting and estimation of the Cole parameters with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99 and 0.97, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.09 Ω and 0.14 Ω, and mean difference (mean±standard deviation) of 0.00±0.09 Ω and -0.03±0.14 Ω for the real part and imaginary part of impedance, respectively.

The ultrasonic vibration assisted pressing process can improve the fluidity, the uneven distribution of density and particle size of WC-Co powder. However, the microscopic mechanism of ultrasonic vibration on the powder remains unclear. In this paper, WC and Co particles are simulated by three-dimensional spherical models of two particle sizes with the aide of the secondary development of Python. At the same time, the forming process of powder at mesoscale is simulated in the virtue of the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. The influence of vibration amplitude on the fluidity, the filling density and the stress distribution of WC-Co powder is investigated when the ultrasonic vibration is applied to the conventional pressing process. From simulation results, the ultrasonic vibration amplitude has great influences on the density of the compact. With the increase of the ultrasonic amplitude, the compact density also increases gradually. At the initial stage of the compaction, the particles move violently under the action of ultrasonic vibration, the fluidity is obviously enhanced, the arch bridge effect between particles is destroyed, the fine particles quickly fill the pores between the large particles, which increase the density, and the residual stress in the billet decreases after the compaction. From the experimental results, the size distribution of the billet is more uniform, the elastic aftereffect is reduced, the dimensional instability is improved, and the density curves obtained by experiment and simulation are within a reasonable error range.

The inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is a model-based technique to compute the displacement (and then the strain) field of a structure from strain measurements and a geometrical discretization of the same. Different literature works exploit the error between the numerically reconstructed strains and the experimental measurements to perform damage identification in a Structural Health Monitoring framework. However, only damage detection and localization are performed, without attempting a proper damage size estimation. The latter could be based on machine learning techniques, however, an a priori definition of the damage conditions would be required. To overcome these limitations, the present work proposes a new approach in which the damage is systematically introduced in the iFEM model to minimize its discrepancy with respect to the physical structure. This is performed with a maximum likelihood estimation framework, where the most accurate damage scenario is selected among a series of different models. The proposed approach is experimentally verified on an aluminum plate subjected to fatigue crack propagation, which enables the creation of a Digital-Twin of the structure itself. The strain field fed to the iFEM routine is experimentally measured with an Optical Backscatter Reflectometry fiber and the methodology is validated with independent observations of lasers and the Digital Image Correlation.

In this article, we introduce the concept of soft intervals, soft ordering and sequences of soft real numbers, and some of their structural properties are studied. The notion of soft Lebesgue measure on the soft real numbers has been introduced. Also, a correspondence relationship has been established between the soft Lebesgue measure and the classical Lebesgue measure. Furthermore, we have studied some exciting results and relations between the soft Lebesgue measure and the Lebesgue measure of soft real sets.

The calculation of the collapse load of spherical domes is addressed using a semi-analytical approach under the hypotheses of small displacements and perfect plasticity. The procedure is based on the numerical approximation of the self-stress that represents the projection of the balance equilibrium null space on a finite dimensional manifold. The so obtained self-equilibrated stress span is superimposed to a finite element linear elastic solution to the prescribed loads yielding to the statically admissible set accordingly to Melan’s theorem. The compatibility of the stress with the constitutive law of the material has been enforced using linearized limit domain in terms of generalized stress, namely axial force and bending moment along the local spherical curvilinear coordinates. The procedure has been tested with reference to numerical and experimental data from the literature confirming the accuracy of the proposed method. The comparison with the literature confirms that the buckling load is much greater than the plastic collapse loads both calculated through the proposed procedure and reported in the quoted literature.

Cervical fusion has been a standard procedure for treating the abnormalities associated with the cervical spine. However, the reliability of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has become arguable due to its adverse effects on the biomechanics of adjacent segments. One of the drawbacks associated with ACDF is adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) which has served as the base for the development of dynamic stabilization systems (DSS) and total disc replacement (TDR) devices for cervical spine. However, the hybrid surgical technique has also gained popularity recently but their effect on the biomechanics of cervical spine is not well researched. Thus, the objective of this FE study was to draw the comparison among single, bi-level and hybrid surgery with DCI implant with traditional fusion. Reduction in range of motion (ROM) for all the implanted models was observed for all the motions except extension, compared to intact model. The maximum increase in ROM of 42% was observed at C5-C6 level in Hybrid-DCI model. The maximum increase in adjacent segment’s ROM of 8.7% was observed in multilevel fusion model. The maximum von Mises stress in the implant was highest for the multilevel DCI model. Our study also showed that the shape of DCI implant permits flexion/extension relatively more compared to lateral bending and axial rotation.

Mine waste rock and drainage pose lasting environmental, social, and economic threats to the mining industry, regulatory agencies, and society as a whole. Mine drainage can be alkaline, neutral, moderately or extremely acidic and contains significant levels of sulfate, dissolved iron, and frequently a variety of heavy metals and metalloids, such as cadmium, lead, arsenic, and selenium. In acid neutralization by carbonate and silicate minerals, a range of secondary minerals can form and possibly scavenge these potentially harmful elements. Apart from the extensively-studied microbial-facilitated sulfide oxidation, the diverse microbial communities present in mine rock and drainage may also participate in the formation, dissolution, and transformation of secondary minerals influencing the mobilization of these metals and metalloids. This article reviews major microbial-mediated geochemical processes occurring in mine rock piles that affect drainage chemistry, with a focus on the role of microorganisms in the formation, dissolution and transformation of secondary minerals. Understanding this is crucial for developing biologically-based measures to deal with contaminant release at the source, i.e., source control.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are of great interest in the field of materials science and engineering. Unlike conventional alloys, which contain a maximum of two base metals, this new category of materials consists of multi-principle elements and the possible number of alloy compositions, in case of HEAs, is outstandingly higher than that for conventional alloys. Here, a review on the high-entropy alloys, has been provided, on the issue whether the earliest definition of High- Entropy alloys, proposed in 2004^{[2, 4]}, is consistent with one of the four-component equiatomic Compositionally complex alloys exhibiting a “High-entropy” effect.

In this study, experimental work was carried out on reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) plates. This study aims to examine the effect of the reinforcement ratio on the flexural behavior of these beams and propose a new model for predicting the debonding moment. Six RC beams consisting of three control beams and three beams strengthened with CFRP plates were tested. The beams were simply supported and loaded with four-point bending. The test variable was the tensile reinforcement ratio (1%, 1.5%, and 2.5%). Analytical prediction using the fiber element method was also carried out to obtain the complete theoretical response of the beam due to flexural loads. The test results show that the reinforcement ratio affected the bending performance of RC beams with CFRP plates. Following this, the experimental data from 60 beam test results from published literature and this study were analyzed. From these data, it was found that the ratio of tensile reinforcement, the ratio of modulus of elasticity of concrete, the modulus of elasticity of the plate, and plate thickness all affect the value of debonding moment. A parametric study using fiber element and two-dimensional finite element method was also carried out to confirm the effect of these parameters on debonding failure. These parameters were then used to develop an equation to predict the debonding moment of RC beams strengthened with CFRP plates using simple statistical analysis. This analysis resulted in a simple model for predicting the debonding moment. Then the model is entered into a computer program, and the complete response of the cross-section due to debonding failure can be obtained.

The paper describes the Field Boundary Element Method applied to the fracture analysis of a 2D rectangular plate made of Functionally Graded Material to calculate Mode I Stress Intensity Factor. The object of the Field Boundary Element Method is the transversely isotropic plane plate. Its material presents an exponential variation of the elasticity tensor depending on a scalar function of position, i.e., the elastic tensor results from multiplying a scalar function by a constant taken as a reference. Several examples using a parametric representation of the structural response show the suitability of the method that constitutes a sight of Stress Intensity Factor evaluation of Functionally Graded Materials plane plates even in the case of more complex geometries.

A new two-dimensional nanomaterial – Titanium Carbide MXene (Ti₃C₂-MXene) – was reported in 2011. In this work, the microscale models of Ti₃C₂-MXene nanomaterial are considered with polymer matrix. The nanocomposites are modeled using nacre-mimetic brick-and-mortar assembly configurations due to enhanced mechanical properties and interlocking mechanism between the Ti₃C₂-MXene (brick) and polymer matrices (mortar). The polymer matrix material (Epoxy-resin) is modeled with elastic and viscoelastic behavior (Kelvin-Voigt Model). The Finite Element Method is used for numerical analysis of the microscale models with the multi-point constraint method to include Ti₃C₂-MXene fillers in the polymer matrix. Ti₃C₂-MXenes are considered as thick plate elements with transverse shear effects. The response of elastic and viscoelastic models of polymer matrix are studied. Finally, a tensile and compressive load is applied at the microscale and the effective load transfer due to nacre-mimetic configuration is discussed. This paper provides nacre-mimetic models to pre-design the nanocomposite for optimal performance with damage resistance and enhanced strength.

Background: Multifunctional nanoparticles are known for their wide range of biomedical applications. Controlling the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles is imperative for various applications, including therapeutic angiogenesis. The study was performed to evaluate the magnetic properties and their control mechanisms by the external magnetic field. Methods: A 100nm magnetic nanoparticle was placed in the magnetic field, and parametrically the magnet field strength and distance was evaluated. Various models of magnetic strength and disposition were evaluated. Magnetic flux density, force/weight, and magnetic gradient strength were the parameters evaluated in electromagnetic computational software. Results: The seven-coil method with three centrally placed coils as Halbach array, and each coil with a flux density of 7 Tesla, and with a coil dimension of 20cmx20cm (square model) of each coil showed a good magnetic strength and force/weight parameters in a distance of 15cm from the centrally placed coil. The particles were then evaluated for their motion characteristics in saline. It showed good displacement and acceleration properties. After that, the particles were theoretically assessed in a similar mathematical model after parametrically correcting the drag force. After application of high drag forces, the particles showed adequate motion characteristics. When the particle size was reduced further, the motion characteristics were preserved even with high drag forces. Conclusion: There is potential for a novel method of controlling multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles using high magnetic fields. Further studies are required to evaluate the motion characteristics of these particles in-vivo and invitro.

The formability and failure behavior of TRIP steel blanks were investigated through various stress states. The forming limit diagram (FLD) at fracture is constructed both experimentally and numerically. Numerical studies are performed to evaluate the applicability of different damage criteria in predicting the FLD as well as complex cross-die deep drawing process. The fracture surface and numerical results revealed that the material failed in a different mode for different strain path. Therefore, Tresca model which is based on shear stress accurately predicted the conditions where shear had the profound effect on the damage initiation, whereas Situ localized necking criterion was able to calculate the conditions which localization was dominant.

Long-term durability of the vacuum edge-seal plays a significant part in retrofitting triple vacuum glazing (TVG) to existing buildings in achieving towards zero-energy buildings (ZEB) target. Vacuum pressure decrement with respect to time between panes affect the thermal efficiency of TVG. This study reports a 3D finite element model, with validated mathematical methods and comparison, for the assessment of the influence of vacuum pressure diminution on the thermal transmittance (U value) of TVG. The centre-of-pane and total U values of TVG calculated to be 0.28 Wm⁻²K⁻¹ and 0.94 Wm⁻²K⁻¹ at the cavity vacuum pressure of 0.001 Pa. The results suggests that a rise in cavity pressure from 0.001 Pa to 100 kPa increases the centre-of-pane and total U values from 0.28 Wm⁻²K⁻¹ and 0.94 Wm⁻²K⁻¹ to 2.4 Wm⁻²K⁻¹ and 2.58 Wm⁻²K⁻¹, respectively. The temperature descent on the surfaces of TVG between hot and cold sides’ increases by decreasing the cavity vacuum pressure from 50 kPa to 0.001 Pa. To maintain the cavity vacuum pressure of 0.001 Pa for over 20 years of life span in the cavity of 10 mm wide edge sealed triple vacuum glazing, non-evaporable getters will maintain the cavity vacuum pressure that will enable the long-term durability to TVG.

Detection of early stage corrosion on slender steel members is crucial for preventing buckling failures of steel structures. An active photoacoustic fiber optic sensors (FOS) system has been reported for early stage steel corrosion detection of steel plates and rebars using surface ultrasonic waves. The objective of this paper is to investigate the surface corrosion/rust detection problem on steel rods using numerically simulated surface ultrasonic waves. The finite element method (FEM) is applied in simulating the propagation of ultrasonic waves on steel rod models. Transmission mode of damage detection is adopted, in which one source (transmitter) and one sensor (receiver) are considered. In this research, radial displacements at the receiver were simulated and analyzed by short-time Fourier transform (STFT) for detecting, locating, and quantifying a surface rust located between the transmitter and the receiver. From our time domain and frequency domain analyses, it is found that the presence, location, and dimensions (length, width, and depth) of surface rust can be estimated by ultrasonic waves propagating through the surface rust.