bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on characteristic strength of Geopolymer Aggregate Concrete
Authors: George Geena , Asha K
Published: October 2022

The stone quarrying activities to meet the demand for infrastructure development, which in turn impacts on the soil and water resources, affect the hydro-geological and hydrological regimes. Due to the increase in urbanisation and industrialization, a large quantity of industrial waste is produced in developing as well as developed countries, and the unscientific disposal of this industrial waste is creating huge environmental problems. In this study, an attempt is made to incorporate both the problems and to find an alternative for natural aggregates with industrial by-products fly ash and GGBS for manufacturing artificial aggregates by adopting the geo-polymerization technique. The characteristic strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength of geopolymer aggregate (GPA) concrete for varying percentage replacements, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for natural coarse aggregates, have been studied and compared with normal concrete. Based on the test results, geopolymer aggregates could be considered as an alternate source for natural aggregates. The 28-day compressive test results showed that for 75% and 100% replacement, GPA3 concrete has been conducted with XRD analysis and SEM analysis on the microstructure of geopolymer aggregates manufactured with varying mix ratios of source materials and curing periods of X-Ray diffractograms and patterns. exhibit the formation of N-A-S-H and C-A-S-H compounds, which indicates the geopolymer formed has similar chemical compositions as natural rocks.
Strength Properties of Concrete Having Marble Dust Powder, Calcium Hydroxide and Sodium Silicate
Authors: Balaji S , SaiMadupu LNK
Published: October 2022

Marble dust powder is a by product of the marble industry, which produces it. Environmental contamination occurs when marble dust powder is thrown away. Concrete using MDP was tested for strength after it was mixed in as a cement substitute to see how well it held up. It is possible to replace up to 10% of concrete with MDP and still have the same degree of strength. Higher amounts of replacement (20%, 30%, 40%, 50%) result in lower compressive strength. Compressive strength of marble dust concrete may be increased by 30 percent by adding calcium hydroxide (C) and sodium silicate (S). Tensile strength is little impacted by MDP. When MDP is added, the flexural strength decreases significantly.
Nonlinear Analysis of a RC Structure for Different Damping Models
Authors: Anjana Aishwarya M , Srujana N
Published: October 2022

Damping is an important property of the structure as it helps in the dissipation of vibratory energy which is generally caused by the dynamic loads acting on the structure. Limiting the response amplitudes that are caused due to imposed vibrations is always challenging for the structure’s stability and safety. Three types damping models; viscous damping, structural damping and coulomb friction damping are proposed so far in the literature. Among these models viscous damping is highlighted due to the fact of high energy dissipation in the structure. In the present analysis, comparison of these three damping models in a G+5 RCC structure with respect to the energy dissipation by considering strain energy. The structure is analysed for the response amplitudes for the different damping models. The damping coefficient present in the structure is identified using linear time history analysis. Non-linear time history analysis is performed using time stepping methods to assess the response amplitudes of the structure. Using the non- linear responses, the amount of energy dissipated in each model and the loss factors are estimated. Also, the energy dissipations in the structure are compared for two different ground motions. Viscous damping model is found to be the suitable model in reducing effect of vibrations coming to the structure. For the structure having viscous damping model, frequency response curves of response amplification and phase angle are plotted. Therefore, non-linear behaviour of the structure can be estimated to some extent.
Effect of bio-cementation process on sandy soil
Authors: Kumar Bojja Vinod , Charpe Anuja , Krishnamurthy N R , Raut Ashwin
Published: October 2022

Microorganisms are used in microbial geo-technology to amend the stability and bearing capacity of soil. In this research, bio-cementation process is induced in sand by using the microbial solution, calcium hydroxide and urea to enhance the physical features of the soil. Stabilization of buildings built on sandy soils using cementitious materials is an effective technique utilized all over the world to boost bearing capacity. The microbial solution was prepared using different natural elements and the sandy soil is cured in the solution for different intervals. The effects of mechanical properties of the sandy soil were observed. The parameters like California bearing ratio, direct shear strength and water permeability test were tested. Considerable improvement was observed in the various properties of sandy soil.
Evaluation of Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundation Resting on Cohesionless Soil Using Different Methods: A Case Study of Vizag City
Authors: Kamani Saikiran , Ramya Krishna V.
Published: October 2022

The foundation is the part of a building that rests on the ground. The net safe bearing capacity (qns
) is a significant factor in foundation design. There are several ways published in previous studies to determine the net safe bearing capacity, however choosing the best method governs the stability of the structure when it is loaded beyond its capacity. The emphasis of this concern is investigated and presented in this paper by comparing the net safe bearing capacity of shallow foundations determined by three distinct approaches. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) on cohesion-less soil was carried out in several regions of Vizag to assess penetration resistance of the soil. The findings of this test were subjected to possible corrections, which eliminated the possibility of overestimating the resistance to penetration. Teng’s, Terzaghi’s, and the IS code approach were used to calculate net safe bearing capacity (qns
) using these test parameters. According to the final results of this study, the net safe bearing capacity of Terzaghi’s and IS code methods were 1.2 times and 2 times higher than the Teng’s method. As a result, the IS code method overstated the net safe bearing capacity by two folds, which may potentially cause the structure to fail and increase the structure’s economy. As a result of these findings, Teng’s method was reported to be the best approach for determining the net safe bearing capacity of cohesion-less soils.
Stabilizing Expansive Soil with Industrial Waste of Coir and Terrasil
Authors: Aswari S B , Prasada Raju G V R
Published: October 2022

Black cotton soils either swell or shrink on seasonal variation of water content. Soil swells if it absorbs water and shrinks once the water evaporates. Constructions on expansive soil pose several difficulties such as settlements, cracks in the superstructures, low strength, and high volume change. Different stabilization techniques have been used to alter the properties of soil. Stabilizing black cotton soil with industry waste is an economical way to enhance the soil for construction purposes. This study discusses the use of coir and terrasil chemical to improve the subgrade properties of expansive soil. Experiments are conducted on black cotton soil with and without admixtures. Various combinations of coir (0.25%, 0. 5% and 0.75%) and terrasil (0.04%, 0.06% and 0.08%) have been mixed with the soil, and the optimum proportion have arrived. The addition of soil blended with optimum percentages of coir (0.75%) and terrasil (0.06%) gave better strength characteristics to the subgrade. This combination reduces the construction cost and enhances durability. IS code methods are used, to obtained Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) 28%, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) 18.25kN/m2, and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) 197.36 kPa. Adding these admixtures reduces the plasticity property of the original soil and finally, it modifies as less plastic material and offers more strength.
Comprehensive Study for Engineering usage of Sustainable Concrete using Recycled Coarse Aggregates, Crumb Rubber and Steel Fibers
Authors: Nagaraja Kandagal , PraveenGannavaram Venkat , Kavali Maneesha , Naidu Katta Narender , Sadhvika Palle
Published: October 2022

As per records of Transparency Market Research, yearly construction waste is expected to reach 2.20 billion tons by the year 2025. With such a large volume of construction and demolition trash, the 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) play a vital role in waste management. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), C&D garbage rose by 220 percent in metropolitan cities from 1990 to 2018. The present study focuses on usage of substitution by recycled coarse aggregate with natural coarse aggregates on the outskirts of major metropolitan centers, as well as crumb rubber, a waste created by tire waste disposal, to make the concrete more inexpensive and eco-friendlier. The study also supports the usage of crumb rubber waste that can be safely used for hydraulic structures with less load, such as weir structures or smaller check dams, while a 50 percent replacement of recycled coarse aggregate with natural coarse aggregate had the same strength as normal concrete, which is useful in sustainable concrete practices and can help reduce the generation of C & D waste. In this study, the concrete made up of using recycled aggregate is also mixed with steel fibers to enhance its workability.
A prospective view on biodegradable lubricants for hybrid and electric vehicles
Authors: Bradu C I , Ianuş G
Published: October 2022

The most suggestive outlining between the vehicles powered by the electric motor (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) consists in the battery power supplied to the electric motor and unilaterally fulfilling the traction characteristic, while HEVs can only minimize dependence on fossil fuels. The main difference between electric motors and combustion engines in terms of emissions, carbon footprint, and sustainability is that electric motors eliminate the possibility of contamination of oil by soot. In addition, global insights about current Hybrid and EV lubrication involves new specialized lubricants to overcome challenges of electrical compatibility and the short persistence in the environment - known as biodegradability. Biogenic or recycled lubricants have fallen under the incidence of a very high cost for the automotive industry, in contrast to achieving tough performance and efficiency. Nowadays, eco-sustainability proposes future improvement trends. Lubricants from vegetable and animal sources are relevant, coupled with the numerous possibilities of formulating lubricants from sustainable raw materials or the emergence of stable esters from vegetable oil. Renewable lubricants currently have other applications, such as transmission and engine oils in agricultural technologies or construction machinery. Furthermore, in terms of HEV and EV requirements, it is developed an environment that encourages smart technical applications, and which will increase the possibility that alternatives to crude oil can be develop.
Calculating the film thickness for the rapeseed oil in order to evaluate functioning regime
Authors: Guglea D , Georgescu C , Deleanu L
Published: October 2022

The lubricating film, generated between two surfaces in relative motion, may have theoretical thicknesses between 10-10 m and 10-5 m. This paper presents a model for calculating the minimum film thickness depending on load, sliding speed and temperature for rapeseed oil working as lubricant in a point contact and a method of designing maps of lubrication regimes for a punctual contact. The results are useful in introducing this vegetal oil in actual applications. data for viscosity-temperature dependence of the rapeseed oil are taken from literature and for the same regime parameters tests are reported on the four-ball tester. The results pointed out the sensitivity of rapeseed oil to regime parameters (load and sliding speed), but also to temperature. Calculations are done for temperatures measured in actual functioning of the four-ball tester lubricated with rapeseed oil.
Considerations concerning the power loss in a gear system
Authors: Ilieş A , Bucur M , Cananau S , Mirica R F , Gabroveanu S
Published: October 2022

The goal of the research is to assess the power losses in a gearbox with helical gears. In addition, the effects of each component of the total power loss in a gear transmission system are investigated. The study shows the important influence of the gear meshing power loss and discuss some aspects concerning the calculus formula. Also, the coefficient of friction is computed and the efficiency of the gear meshing system and the bearing rolling pair. Results are compared to a numerical results obtained by other researchers.
Fractal dimension in tribology – an overview
Authors: Lăpuşteanu A , Agop M , Paleu V
Published: October 2022

Friction and wear in tribological systems are phenomena that can be interpreted on a macroscopic scale. The emergence of micro and nano-sized systems requires the treatment of tribological phenomena through the concept of fractals. Thus, to perceive the tribological phenomena occurring in a macro-system, it is fundamental to think about them at the micro-scale and nano-scale, that center, for case, on the level of hardness and atomic composition. This article realizes a survey of the main concepts about treating the tribological issues in terms of fractals. It is clear that the continuous change of the micro and nano topography of the friction surfaces during the dynamic functioning of various mechanisms and the tribological processes taking place can be treated using the fractals and chaos theory. To this end, it is concluded that all the existing theories in tribology should be adapted to include fractal dimension and fractal roughness.
The evaluation of the influence of tilting on static performances of a novel elastohydrostatic thrust bearing
Authors: Marinescu A , Coadă Ş , Moses E
Published: October 2022

In a previous body of work, the authors have studied theoretically and experimentally the effects of compliance in a novel elastohydrostatic (EHS) thrust bearing. It was observed that the results obtained during the experimental work performed on the bearing were higher than the ones predicted with a numerical application. It was supposed that the upper pad of the bearing is misaligned during its operation. Thus, the current paper targets to analyse the influence of tilting on static performances for the aforementioned bearing. In order to assess the effects of misalignment, a comparison between the experimental and numerical results obtained through a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation was performed. The results were also compared with analytical ones found in the literature.
Literature review of reinforced cementitious composites with carbon nanotubes in the field of historical building restoration
Authors: Basalic E , Entuc I S , Nejneru C , Bădărău G , Paraschiv P , Ştirbu I , Cimpoeşu N
Published: October 2022

This review paper presents a brief assessment of the literature on reinforced cementitious composites with CNT (carbon nanotubes) in the field of historical building restoration. This work increases the basic knowledge of nanoscale reinforcing processes by linking microscopic events with cementitious composite macro-performance. Recent studies have shown that cement-based binders and mortars, micro-reinforced with CNT or graphene fibers, develop superior mechanical properties at maturity. classic recipes, demonstrating the ability of CNT and graphene fibers to metamorphose cement-based binders, to assign them new areas of expertise. The ability of graphene to work in the same microstructure with mortars and, why not concrete, indicates the direction and vector of development of the cement-based structural and closure sector, and why not, perhaps, based on future studies, of new directions of evolution of this segment. In this paper, we try to establish the bases on which the foundation will find its next stage of scientific research, regarding the cooperation of nanomaterials based on graphene fibers and CNT with different types and classes of cements.
Influence of technological parameters on the behaviour in operation of the asphalt milling equipment
Authors: Dumitru T , Ilincă C , Tănase M
Published: October 2022

Within the work will be studied, in particular, the aspects related to the mechanical stresses that manifest themselves at the level of the cutter teeth used to strip the worn asphalt clothing. Studies in the field have focused on the interaction between the teeth of the milling drum and the asphalt clothing. The literature provides information and results focused, especially, on the aspects related to the way in which the dislocation of the asphalt concrete components occurs (the mixture of aggregates and filler / bitumen in solid state) under the action of the milling tooth. The authors present a method of simulating (using the combination of FEM-DEM numerical methods) of the cutting process by which it is ensured the highlighting of the developed tensions at the level of the active part of the tooth. In this way, it is attempted to bring to the fore the operating conditions specific to the milling equipment and to identify how they influence the interaction between the asphalt and the active part of the cutter teeth.
Instrumentation and preliminary evaluation of a drop tower tester for low and medium impact energy
Authors: Nechita I R , Turtoi P , Cicone T , Puică C
Published: October 2022

Soft, porous structures imbibed with liquids have good impact attenuation properties. Literature survey reveals a continuous need for new impact tests to assess impact response for the newly developed soft, porous materials. This paper presents a versatile drop tower tester which is based on an impactor that slides inside a transparent tube. The test rig is equipped with high-speed transducers (force and acceleration) and a laser system used to measure the deformation of the experimental cell. A high-speed camera records subtle details of the impact that are not are visible with the naked eye. Preliminary experiments made on dry and imbibed soft fibrous tridimensional textile have shown good repeatability during impact. The experiments presented validate the experimental procedure, based on the analysis of the contact force-displacement curve, acceleration, and impact force-transmitted force. The obtained results demonstrate that true impact response is described with high resolution.
About dynamics of a workpiece in a transportation mechanism from a robotized system
Authors: Buium F , Leohchi D
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes an approach for kinematic parameters study of a solid body subjected to relative motion into an inertial transportation mechanism which deserves a robotized system. Kinematics of this complex mechanism may be difficult consequently of 0/3/3 structural group presence. The approach presented in paper avoids mentioned inconvenient, making an interesting observation: the complex mechanism as a whole can be thought as an equivalent mechanism, also complex but easier regarding kinematic calculations. This situation is possible for certain dimensional reports of links lengths only, and this new mechanism consists from two four bar linkages connected each another, so that driven link of first is driving link for another. The discussed solid body stands on a sitting plane tied of the connecting rod from second of the four bar above mentioned linkages. The purpose of this study is to describe the horizontal movement of the solid body, taking into account dynamical considerations.
Structural changes of GFRP composite material after immersion in liquid nitrogen and normal water
Authors: Morăraş C , Husaru D E
Published: October 2022

Composite materials are specially created today, with the best micro and macrostructural compositions. This type of material provides certain characteristics of composition, manufacture and design and provides some important advantages over traditional materials such as rigidity, mechanical strength, low weight, resistance to fatigue, impact and wear and a low manufacturing cost. In recent years, such materials have been produced and used in various fields such as the automotive industry, naval, railway, medical, sports, etc. The paper presents the results of the variations in the tensile curves of the GFRP composite material reinforced with fiberglass, used wind turbine blades construction. Tensile tests were carried out for determination of mechanical properties on four samples with aim of increasing the service life and to investigate the flaws during operation. One sample was immersed for 4 days in liquid nitrogen at an initial temperature of -70°C, the second sample was immersed in regular water for 7 days and the two other samples were dry. All sample having reinforcement at [0 ° / 90 °]. To establish the elastic properties of the material on the specimen immersed in liquid nitrogen and on the dry specimen a T-type rosette was mounted.
The study of the influence of speed regimes on smoke emissions for a diesel injection car
Authors: Burciu S M , Coman G
Published: October 2022

Because the air pollution is a serious environmental problem, this study aims to identify the smoke emissions level of different driving regimes for diesel-powered vehicles that run on roads in urban and extra-urban areas. For the experimental determinations we used a car within the Euro 3 pollution norm, because according to the statistics of the National Institute of Statistics, in 2020 the number of Euro 3 and Euro 4 cars in Romania represents 54% of the total of 7,3 million registered cars and only 1,7 million Euro 5 and Euro 6 are registered. The study has been performed in laboratory conditions and simulates various driving modes. To simulate the load regimes on horizontal roads, chassis dynamometer V-Tech Dyno VT-2/B1 was used, equipment that is in the Thermal Systems and Automotives Department. This work investigates the effects of vehicle speed and fuel consumption on smoke emissions and at the same time makes recommendations concerning the optimal operating regimes of diesel cars to reduce the level of smoke pollution.
A theoretical study on hydrogen - diesel fuel dual fuelled diesel engine operation
Authors: Cernat A , Pana C , Negurescu N , Nutu C
Published: October 2022

Alternative fuels use can improve the performance of diesel engine [1], [2], [3].The use of hydrogen to fuel diesel engine [4], [5] maybe a good solution to which can be applied for the future diesel engines of years 2030-2050, with benefits on reduction of the pollution gases and of the CO2 emission exhaust. Good combustion properties of the hydrogen define this fuel as an adequate alternative fuel for diesel engines, but special fuelling method must be assured in order to ensure the normal engine operation. The paper presents an analysis of the theoretical results obtained from in-cylinder process modelling developed for a single cylinder diesel engine fueled with diesel fuel and hydrogen at the speed of 900 rev/min. Mechanical operation of the engine for hydrogen-diesel fuelling is analysed based on pressure diagrams, heat release rate diagrams for a 20% amount of hydrogen. For hydrogen fuelling the maximum pressure variates with almost 2% and the maximum temperature with 2.3% which influence the heat release rate comparative to classic fuelling. The influences of combustion process are related with the influence of the hydrogen cyclic dose on vaporization and mixture forming processes. Dual fuelling, with hydrogen and diesel fuel, may influence the level of the pollutant emissions or CO2.
Comparison between two measurement methods for airflow in circular ventilation ducts
Authors: Adîncu D A , Popescu A , Atanasiu M
Published: October 2022

People spend 90% of their lives indoors and only 10% outdoors. To ensure a proper ambient indoors heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are installed. In particular, ventilation is very important in order to provide enough fresh air, but also to extract pollutants, hence to ensure a good indoor life quality. Reliable evaluation of air velocity in ventilation ducts is one of the most challenging measurements to be carried out in commissioning and operating the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The present study shows a comparison of the experimental results obtained by using two different methods for measurement of the air velocity in circular ventilation ducts.
Power control of a wind turbine using an electrohydraulically controlled active pitch control mechanism
Authors: Chiriţă A P , Şefu Ş , Baciu I M , Rădoi R , Popescu A M
Published: October 2022

The paper presents the numerical simulation of a horizontal axis wind turbine and the electrohydraulic system that maintains the constant frequency of the alternating current generator regardless of its load or the variation of the wind speed. As a starting point, the turbine parameters such as speed, torque and power were determined in relation to the angle of attack of the blades. In order to keep the frequency of the alternating current generator constant, the solution that adjusts the angle of attack of the blades was chosen using the active pitch control mechanism. This mechanism is controlled by a PID type controller, by controlling a proportional directional control valve that feeds the 3 orbital hydraulic motors, which are coupled in series so that the angle of the three blades is identical.
Safety analysis of thermal equipment and piping systems in the CANDU nuclear power plant subjected to thermal shocks
Authors: Lozonschi L T , Panaite C E
Published: October 2022

Due to the complexity of nuclear power plants and the risks of damage that may occur during their existence, it is necessary to pay more attention to the safety features. An important influence is the operational temperature of thermal equipment and pipes, especially within the primary circuit, as the coolant is radioactive and in case of damage would cause natural disasters. An assessment of thermal reliability of nuclear power plant equipment and systems is necessary for optimization in the design stage. High thermal shocks with severe and sudden drop in coolant temperature represent a high potential for damage, especially in propagation of existing cracks, under stress due to high pressures. On the other hand, vibrations produced by variable fluid flow conditions or of mechanical origin may induce vibratory fatigue, which combined with thermal fatigue may influence the system’s safety. This study aims to develop computational models for thermal fatigue in pipelines in nuclear power plants, highlighting pressurized thermal shock analysis, temperature distribution diagram along the wall thickness, stress distribution diagram by wall thickness, factor distribution diagram stress intensity, critical crack size diagram, critical reference temperature of nil ductility transition (RTNDT) diagram. Evaluation of these diagrams were performed using the calculation programs Nuclear Piping Integrity Expert System (NPIES) and Reactor Vessel Integrity Evaluation System (RVIES).
Air-to-water heat pumps’ seasonal performance for heating in 16 Greek locations with climate data of the last decade
Authors: Mouzeviris G , Lagouvardos K , Papakostas K T
Published: October 2022

Heat pumps (HPs) are attracting lately increasing attention due to their features to meet the sustainability criteria. Air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs) have gained prominent success because they can be put in place of oil or gas boilers in heating systems. AWHPs energy consumption and their contribution to the reduction of heating systems gas emissions is strongly related to the seasonal coefficient of performance for heating (SCOP), which is affected by various factors with the most decisive to be the ambient temperature. The SCOP is crucial for the energy labelling of HPs and the estimation of operation costs in every location. The aim of this paper is to estimate and compare the SCOP of various AWHPs models installed in buildings at 16 different Greek locations, in the 4 climate zones of Greece, by using hourly temperature data of the last decade (2010-2019) which were recorded in a network of automatic weather stations across Greece. Numerical results show that the climate plays a key role in the calculation of the seasonal efficiency of AWHPs but also highlight the importance of using different temperature data for each location, even if they are in the same climate zone, in order to obtain accurate results.
Growth of nonpolar a-plane AlGaN epilayer on Al-composition graded-AlGaN buffer layer and characterization of its surface morphology and crystalline quality
Authors: Nasir Abbas , Xu Bin , Ali Irshad , akbar Jehan
Published: October 2022

Metal-organic chemical vapor deposition was successfully used to grow un-doped nonpolar a-plane AlGaN on an r-plane sapphire substrate. High-resolution x-ray (HR-XRD), atomic force microscopy, Polarization Indirect Microscopic Imaging, and Hall effect measurement were used to investigate the effect of the nonpolar a-plane AlGaN layer on the graded AlGaN buffer layer. The results reveal that inserting the AlGaN-graded layer improves the crystalline quality and morphology of the surface. The root means the square value was less than 1.47 nm, while the background electron concentration was

−
3.9
×

10

17

cm

−
3

.

In addition, the HR-XRD full width at half maximum indicates improved crystalline quality.
Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of unaged and hygrothermally aged discontinuous Bouligand structured CFRP composites
Authors: Nwambu Chidume , Robert Colin , Alam Parvez
Published: October 2022

A dynamic mechanical thermal analyser operating in the single cantilever mode was used to examine the dynamic mechanical properties of unaged and hygrothermally aged discontinuous asymmetric helicoidal (Bouligand) carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites as a function of fibre architecture. The discontinuous Bouligand was manufactured using two major pitch angles as independent variables: 90° and 120° and from each major pitch angle, minor interply pitch angles were used as independent variables ranging 5°–25°. The composites were tested as either dry unaged specimens or following hygrothermal ageing in seawater at the constant temperatures of 40 °C and 60 °C for over 2000 h. We find that the viscoelastic properties E′ and E″ are adversely affected by both hygrothermal aging and the minor pitch angle, but not the major pitch angle. Higher hygrothermal ageing temperatures and increasing minor pitch angles are found to decrease the energy absorption and dissipation capacities of discontinuous Bouligand structured CFRP composites. The tan-δ curves also indicate that hygrothermal ageing increases the heterogeneity of discontinuous Bouligand structured composites, with separate viscoelastic phases and glass transition temperatures.
On a class of Finsler gradient Ricci solitons
Authors: Mo Xiaohuan , Zhu Hongmei , Zhu Ling
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we study a class of Finsler measure spaces whose weighted Ricci curvature satisfies

R
i
c

∞

=
c

F

2

{\mathbf {Ric}}_{\infty }=cF^{2}

. This class contains all gradient Ricci solitons and Finsler Gaussian shrinking solitons. Thus Finsler measure spaces in this class are called Finsler gradient Ricci solitons. For a Randers measure space, we find sufficient and necessary conditions for this space to be a Finsler gradient Ricci soliton. In particular, we show that Randers-Finsler gradient Ricci solitons must have isotropic

S
S

-curvature. Finally, we give an equivalent condition for a Randers measure space to be a Finsler gradient Ricci soliton of constant

S
S

-curvature.
Bi-Lipschitz embeddings of quasiconformal trees
Authors: David Guy , Eriksson-Bique Sylvester , Vellis Vyron
Published: October 2022

A quasiconformal tree is a doubling metric tree in which the diameter of each arc is bounded above by a fixed multiple of the distance between its endpoints. In this paper we show that every quasiconformal tree bi-Lipschitz embeds in some Euclidean space, with the ambient dimension and the bi-Lipschitz constant depending only on the doubling and bounded turning constants of the tree. This answers Question 1.6 of David and Vellis [Illinois J. Math. 66 (2022), pp. 189–244].
A note on decay property of nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Fan Chenjie , Zhao Zehua
Published: October 2022

In this note, we show the existence of a special solution

u
u

to defocusing cubic NLS in

3
d

3d

, which lives in

H

s

H^{s}

for all

s
>
0

s>0

, but scatters to a linear solution in a very slow way. We prove for this

u
u

, for all

ϵ
>
0

\epsilon >0

, one has
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sup Underscript t greater-than 0 Endscripts t Superscript epsilon Baseline double-vertical-bar u left-parenthesis t right-parenthesis minus e Superscript i t normal upper Delta Baseline u Superscript plus Baseline double-vertical-bar Subscript ModifyingAbove upper H With dot Sub Superscript 1 slash 2 Baseline equals normal infinity">

sup

t
>
0

t

ϵ

‖
u
(
t
)
−

e

i
t
Δ

u

+

‖

H
˙

1

/

2

=
∞

\sup _{t>0}t^{\epsilon }\|u(t)-e^{it\Delta }u^{+}\|_{\dot {H}^{1/2}}=\infty

. Note that such a slow asymptotic convergence is impossible if one further pose the initial data of

u
(
0
)

u(0)

be in

L

1

L^{1}

. We expect that similar construction hold the for other NLS models. It can been seen the slow convergence is caused by the fact that there are delayed backward scattering profile in the initial data, we also illustrate why

L

1

L^{1}

condition of initial data will get rid of this phenomena.
Rethinking self-reliance and economic inclusion of refugees through a distributive lens: A case study from Uganda
Authors: Omata Naohiko
Published: October 2022

This article examines trends in Uganda’s refugee protection model based on self-reliance and economic inclusion. It does this through a lens of distribution. While self-reliance and economic inclusion are increasingly centralised in the international refugee regime as tools of empowerment that benefit both refugees and their hosts, policymakers largely fail to consider the distribution and availability of local resources in promoting these ideas. Between 2013 and 2018, Uganda experienced a steep rise in the number of refugees within the country. Notwithstanding the global celebration of the Ugandan refugee policy, the empirical data demonstrate an increasingly demanding situation for refugees’ economic lives and ensuing difficulties in pursuing self-reliance. Implementing the Ugandan model without distributive thinking risks detrimental effects even for neighbouring host populations, who are also resource poor. Based on the perspectives of both refugees and host people, the article advances a debate about the efficacy of Uganda’s self-reliance and inclusion policies and concludes by pointing to the risks of framing the current Ugandan model as a ‘success’ for Africa’s refugee protection.
IX—In Defence of Individual Rationality
Authors: Borg Emma
Published: October 2022

Common-sense (or folk) psychology holds that (generally) we do what we do for the reasons we have. This common-sense approach is embodied in claims like ‘I went to the kitchen because I wanted a drink’ and ‘She took a coat because she thought it might rain and hoped to stay dry’. However, the veracity of these common-sense psychological explanations has been challenged by experimental evidence (primarily from behavioural economics and social psychology) which appears to show that individuals are systematically irrational—that often we do not do what we do because of the reasons we have. Recently, some of the same experimental evidence has also been used to level a somewhat different challenge at the common-sense view, arguing that the overarching aim of reasoning is not to deliver better or more reason-governed decisions for individual reasoners, but to improve group decision making or to protect an individual’s sense of self. This paper explores the range of challenges that experimental work has been taken to raise for the common-sense approach and suggests some potential responses. Overall, I argue that the experimental evidence surveyed should not lead us to a rejection of individual rationality.
Biomedical evidence engineering for data-driven discovery
Authors: Zhao Sendong , Wang Aobo , Qin Bing , Wang Fei
Published: October 2022

Motivation

With the rapid development of precision medicine, a large amount of health data (such as electronic health records, gene sequencing, medical images, etc.) has been produced. It encourages more and more interest in data-driven insight discovery from these data. A reasonable way to verify the derived insights is by checking evidence from biomedical literature. However, manual verification is inefficient and not scalable. Therefore, an intelligent technique is necessary to solve this problem.

Results

This article introduces a framework for biomedical evidence engineering, addressing this problem more effectively. The framework consists of a biomedical literature retrieval module and an evidence extraction module. The retrieval module ensembles several methods and achieves state-of-the-art performance in biomedical literature retrieval. A BERT-based evidence extraction model is proposed to extract evidence from literature in response to queries. Moreover, we create a dataset with 1 million examples of biomedical evidence, 10 000 of which are manually annotated.

Availability and implementation

Datasets are available at https://github.com/SendongZhao.
P-043 A RETROSPECTIVE OUTCOME REVIEW OF THE USE OF EGIS ACELLULAR DERMAL MATRIX DURING ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Shaw A , Avrova A , Ramesh A , Mann T , Venkatasubramanian A , Moinuddin Z , Van Dellen D
Published: October 2022

Aim

We aimed to demonstrate the relative safety profile of an established non-crosslinked porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) during abdominal wall reconstruction.

Material & Methods

Individual real-world safety data on specific mesh products are often lacking. With recent media scrutiny over the use of mesh, we sought to quantify outcomes and demonstrate the safety of a specific ADM (reference 1). A retrospective casenote-based outcome analysis was performed on patients who underwent mesh augmentation during abdominal wall reconstruction from two NHS institutions. Both elective and emergency patients were included from January 2018 to December 2021.

Results

Fifty-five patients were included in the study across two NHS specialist hernia centres. We identified a mean wound infection rate of 14.2% (range 2–22%) with a median follow up of 9 months (range 3–18 months). Hernia recurrence rate was 10.4% (range 5–22%). We found 7 patients (12%) developed a seroma, 1 of whom required seroma aspiration. Only 4 patients (7%) had post-operative dehiscence requiring further intervention, all of whom had Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) Grade 3 or 4 wounds pre-operatively.

Conclusions

Our data supports the continued use of a widely available ADM for abdominal wall reconstruction in both elective and emergency cases, highlighting its positive relative safety profile.
P-073 THE MODIFIED SUBLAY TECHNIQUE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MAJOR SUBCOSTAL INCISIONAL HERNIA: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP RESULTS OF 41 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Zuvela M , Galun D , Bogdanovic A , Bidzic N , Zivanovic M , Zuvela M , Zuvela M
Published: October 2022

Aim

To present the concept of original technique in the management of major incisional subcostal hernias bassed on sublay position of large haevy-weight polypropylene mesh between the two myofascial layers in the anterolateral abdominal wall.

Material and methods

Between January 2010 and May 2022, 41 consecutive patients underwent the modified sublay technique for major incisional subcostal hernia (minimal defect surface100 cm2 or minimal defect width or height 10 cm). The operative technique is: a) hernia sac dissetion and reposition into the abdominal cavity; b) rectus muscle and rectus muscle stump dissection from posterior rectus sheath, rectus muscle atachement dissection from thoracic wall and external oblique muscle dissection from internal oblique muscle around hernia defect at the side of the hernia defect; c) separate posterior and anterior rectus sheaths reconstruction at the midline; d) reconstruction of the posterior miofascial layer suturing internal oblique/transversal muscle and posterior rectus sheaths; e) large haevy-weight polypropilene mesh placement between posterior and anterior miofascial layer; e) reconstruction of the anterior miofascial layer by suturing external oblique muscle and anterior rectus sheaths.

Results

A median (range) hernia defect surface was 160 (100–500) cm2. A median operative time was 120 (90–330) minutes. The morbidity rate was 19.5%. A median (range) postoperative hospital stay was 7 (2–24) days. After the median follow-up of 50 (1–124) months, two patients (4,9%) developed recurrent hernia.

Conclusions

The modified sublay technique using large heavyweight polypropylene mesh provides good results in the management of major subcostal abdominal wall defects.
Successful visualization of pulmonary embolism using fluoroscopic video analysis in a patient with iodine contrast allergy: a case report
Authors: Hijikata Sadahiro , Sakurai Kaoru , Takahashi Yoshihide , Azegami Koji
Published: October 2022

Background

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE). However, a history of iodine contrast allergy presents a dilemma in the management of patients with PE. As an alternative approach, X-ray fluoroscopic video analysis has been recently reported to be useful in diagnosing PE.

Case summary

A 78-year-old man with dyspnoea of 1-month duration visited our hospital. His oxygen saturation was 89%, and echocardiography demonstrated right heart strain. We could not perform contrast-enhanced CT because the patient had a history of contrast allergy and refused to undergo premedicated contrast CT with anti-histamine and/or corticosteroid. Therefore, a video analysis of pulmonary circulation using dynamic chest X-ray (DCR) was performed. The reconstructed pseudo-colour video showed defects of pulmonary circulation in both lung areas. We diagnosed PE and started anticoagulant therapy. Multiple segmental defects were also observed in pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy on Day 3, which confirmed the diagnosis of PE. He was discharged on Day 9, and an improvement of the pulmonary circulation as assessed with DCR was observed. He had no symptoms at the last follow-up visit at 1 year after discharge.

Discussion

We describe the successful visualization of PE using DCR in a patient with iodine contrast allergy.
Discovery and characterization of a new class of O-linking oligosaccharyltransferases from the Moraxellaceae family
Authors: Knoot Cory J , Wantuch Paeton L , Robinson Lloyd S , Rosen David A , Scott Nichollas E , Harding Christian M
Published: October 2022

Bacterial protein glycosylation is commonly mediated by oligosaccharyltransferases (OTases) that transfer oligosaccharides en bloc from preassembled lipid-linked precursors to acceptor proteins. Natively, O-linking OTases usually transfer a single repeat unit of the O-antigen or capsular polysaccharide to the side chains of serine or threonine on acceptor proteins. Three major families of bacterial O-linking OTases have been described: PglL, PglS, and TfpO. TfpO is limited to transferring short oligosaccharides both in its native context and when heterologously expressed in glycoengineered Escherichia coli. On the other hand, PglL and PglS can transfer long-chain polysaccharides when expressed in glycoengineered E. coli. Herein, we describe the discovery and functional characterization of a novel family of bacterial O-linking OTases termed TfpM from Moraxellaceae bacteria. TfpM proteins are similar in size and sequence to TfpO enzymes but can transfer long-chain polysaccharides to acceptor proteins. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that TfpM proteins cluster in distinct clades from known bacterial OTases. Using a representative TfpM enzyme from Moraxella osloensis, we determined that TfpM glycosylates a C-terminal threonine of its cognate pilin-like protein and identified the minimal sequon required for glycosylation. We further demonstrated that TfpM has broad substrate tolerance and can transfer diverse glycans including those with glucose, galactose, or 2-N-acetyl sugars at the reducing end. Last, we find that a TfpM-derived bioconjugate is immunogenic and elicits serotype-specific polysaccharide IgG responses in mice. The glycan substrate promiscuity of TfpM and identification of the minimal TfpM sequon renders this enzyme a valuable additional tool for expanding the glycoengineering toolbox.
Anatomy of Traditional Specialities Guaranteed: Analysis of the Functioning, Limitations and (Possible) Future of the Forgotten EU Quality Scheme
Authors: Zappalaglio Andrea
Published: October 2022

This article focuses on traditional specialities guaranteed (TSGs), the least researched of the EU quality schemes that also include the better known protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI). Firstly, this contribution presents a historical account of the evolution of this quality label. Secondly, it illustrates the results of the first empirical analysis of the contents of the Single Documents for all the TSGs registered, thus providing an unprecedented view of their nature. Thirdly, it divides TSGs into six categories, which will be called ‘profiles’, in order to provide a nuanced picture of what is protected by this quality scheme and how. Finally, this work reflects on why this label has always been essentially unsuccessful in terms of number of registrations, and what could be done to revive it. It concludes that, because of the residual nature of TSGs compared with PDOs/PGIs, it is highly unlikely that TSGs will acquire more importance as market-related labels. Hence, from this point of view, discontinuing them might lead to a simplification and clarification of the EU quality schemes. However, the fact that they are residual does not mean that they are superfluous. They may nonetheless play a meaningful role as tools aimed at connecting the names of traditional products with their original recipes, thus contributing to the preservation of relevant pieces of European gastronomic heritage that would otherwise be denied any form of recognition and protection.