bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamical formulation of Wigner–Dunkl quantum mechanics
Authors: Rosyid M. F.
Published: October 2023

The hydrodynamical form of Wigner–Dunkl quantum mechanics has been formulated. The main step to get such formulation was to derive a pair of Madelung-like equations (called Madelung–Wigner–Dunkl equations) from the Schrödinger equation appearing in Wigner–Dunkl quantum mechanics. Some aspects of both equations contained in the pair, i.e. the inhomogeneous continuity equation and the quantum Hamilton–Jacobi equation, have been investigated and discussed. With certain assumption, the relation between the expectation value of the quantum potential appearing in the quantum Hamilton–Jacobi equation and the so-called Fisher information has been derived. Then an uncertainty relation between momentum and position which may be tighter than the standard uncertainty relation has been derived by using Cramér–Rao inequality and Fisher information.
A MODIFIED MAY–HOLLING–TANNER MODEL: THE ROLE OF DYNAMIC ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES ON SPECIES’ SURVIVAL
Authors: SINGH ANURAJ , TRIPATHI DEEPAK , KANG YUN
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the dynamical behavior of the modified May–Holling–Tanner model in the presence of dynamic alternative resources. We study the role of dynamic alternative resources on the survival of the species when there is prey rarity. Detailed mathematical analysis and numerical evaluations, including the situation of ecosystem collapsing, have been presented to discuss the coexistence of species’, stability, occurrence of different bifurcations (saddle-node, transcritical, and Hopf) in three cases in the presence of prey and alternative resources, in the absence of prey and in the absence of alternative resources. It has been obtained that the multiple coexisting states and their stability are outcomes of variations in predation rate for alternative resources. Also, the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation, and transcritical bifurcation are due to variations in the parameters of dynamic alternative resources. The impact of dynamic alternative resources on species’ density reveals the fact that if the predation rate for alternative resources increases, then the prey biomass increases (under some restrictions), and variations in the predator’s biomass widely depend upon the quality of food items. This study also points out that the survival of predators is possible in the absence of prey. In the theme of ecological balance, this study suggests some theoretical points of view for the eco-managers.
Tight Toughness, Isolated Toughness and Binding Number Bounds for the Star-Path Factor
Authors: Yao Yifan , Liang Jinxia , Li Yue , Ma Rongrong
Published: October 2023

For a set [Formula: see text] of connected graphs, a spanning subgraph [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text]-factor if each component of [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to a member of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, some sufficient conditions with regard to tight toughness, isolated toughness and binding number bounds to guarantee the existence of the [Formula: see text]-factor and [Formula: see text]-factor for any graph are obtained.
Sharp Bounds and Precise Values for the Ni-Chromatic Number of Graphs
Authors: Yu Yangfan , Sun Yuefang
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a connected undirected graph. A vertex coloring [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-vertex coloring if for each vertex [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], the number of different colors assigned to [Formula: see text] is at most [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-chromatic number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the maximum number of colors which are used in an [Formula: see text]-vertex coloring of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we provide sharp bounds for [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] in terms of its vertex cover number, maximum degree and diameter, respectively. We also determine precise values for [Formula: see text] in some cases.
On the Monitoring-Edge-Geodetic Numbers of Line Graphs
Authors: Bao Gemaji , Yang Chenxu , Ma Zhiqiang , Ji Zhen , Xu Xin , Qin Peiyao
Published: October 2023

For a vertex set [Formula: see text], we say that [Formula: see text] is a monitoring-edge-geodetic set (MEG-set for short) of graph [Formula: see text], that is, some vertices of [Formula: see text] can monitor an edge of the graph, if and only if we can remove that edge would change the distance between some pair of vertices in the set. The monitoring-edge-geodetic number [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] is defined as the minimum cardinality of a monitoring-edge-geodetic set of [Formula: see text]. The line graph [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the graph whose vertices are in one-to-one correspondence with the edges of [Formula: see text], that is, if two vertices are adjacent in [Formula: see text] if and only if the corresponding edges have a common vertex in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the relation between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and prove that [Formula: see text]. Next, we have determined the exact values for a MEG-set of some special graphs and their line graphs. For a graph [Formula: see text] and its line graph [Formula: see text], we prove that [Formula: see text] can be arbitrarily large.
Steric effect on the photoreaction of chromium(III) porphyrin complexes with imidazole ligands
Authors: Maeda Mari , Nakayama Kaiki , Uehara Daiki , Hoshino Mikio , Inamo Masahiko
Published: October 2023

The steric effect in the photoreaction and ligand substitution reaction of axially coordinated imidazole ligands in chromium(III) porphyrin complexes was investigated in toluene. Imidazole ligands that have various alkyl substituents at the carbon atom [Formula: see text] to the coordinating nitrogen atom were used. The quantum yield of the photodissociation reaction of the axial imidazole ligand shows a remarkable steric effect. Reflecting the steric bulkiness, the magnitude of the quantum yield is isopropyl > ethyl > methyl > (H). The steric effect also appears in the thermal ligand substitution reactions. The mechanism of the steric effect on reactivity will be discussed in terms of the steric hindrance between the porphyrin ligand and the alkyl substituents of imidazole.
The Impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War on the Bilateral Trade in the Region: Evidence from a Panel Gravity Model
Authors: Korkmaz Özge , Karacan Semih
Published: October 2023

This study aims to investigate the regional impact of the sanctions imposed by the West on the Russian Federation. To this end, we used two samples to estimate the determinants of bilateral trade. The first dataset belongs to ex-Soviet countries between 1992 and 2019, and the second dataset expands it with bilateral trade data relating to China, Iran and Turkey. The results reveal that there are structural differences between the two samples regarding the determinants of the bilateral trade flows and sanctions that have spillover effects in the region. We also projected our findings to the recent events.

JEL Codes: C33, F13, F14
Untouchability, caste, and the electorate: Revisiting legacies of the Poona Pact in Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Sadia
Published: October 2023

Soon after partition, Pakistan proposed separate electorates for religious minorities, including the Scheduled Castes (SC), with hopes of establishing an Islamic democracy. This article analyses the Pakistani state’s efforts to give distinct electorates to SC, which resulted in the retention of caste as a constitutional category, primarily among ‘Hindus’. It also looks on East Pakistani politicians' unwillingness to bridge political divides in the early years of Pakistan's history. By drawing on fresh archival sources, this exploration sheds insight on the shift/transformation in East Pakistan’s conceptualisation of the nation immediately following the partition. It argues that the colonial classifications of majority, minority, caste and SC were maintained by the post-colonial state for nation-building programmes and power politics. East Pakistani leaders, on the other hand, repudiated this continuity as they sought to oppose West Pakistan's political dominance. This article also demonstrates that there is a historical discontinuity between the post-partition and the contemporary politics of the Scheduled Castes in Pakistan.
Disturbance-observer-based discrete-time sliding mode predictive control for overhead cranes with matched and unmatched disturbances
Authors: Shi Rong , Ouyang Huimin
Published: October 2023

In actual working environments, underactuated overhead cranes are susceptible to the adverse effects of the mechanical friction, uncertain parameters, and other disturbances. In particular, if the payload is disturbed (i.e. the unmatched disturbance), unpredictable swings would occur. Therefore, a discrete time sliding mode predictive control for overhead cranes based on a disturbance observer is proposed. Specifically, to eliminate uncertain disturbances, we propose a disturbance observer to estimate and compensate the disturbance to the input channel. Then, a new discrete sliding mode control law is obtained by adding the disturbance error estimator to the discrete sliding mode surface. In order to reduce the chattering inherent in the sliding mode, we integrate the discrete sliding mode law into the model predictive control, and use the rolling optimization and feedback correction of the predictive control, and finally output the optimal control law to act on the system. This control method can not only further improve the control accuracy, but also has sufficient robustness. Simulation and robustness experiments under various conditions verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Sequence prediction with different dimensions based on two novel deep echo state network models
Authors: Sun Jingyu , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Chen Guanhua , Liu Shengyu
Published: October 2023

The echo state network (ESN) is a typical reservoir computation model, which was first proposed by Jaeger et al. It was widely used in various fields and achieved excellent results for a long time, especially in time series prediction. In recent years, there are few improvements to the ESN structure, and the more famous is the deep echo state network (DESN) model. However, a DESN will cause the loss of input data. How to effectively optimize the structure of ESN and how to scientifically add input data to deep echo are urgent problems to be solved. In this paper, we propose multi-reservoir ESN models based on how the input data participate in the system. Then, we use complex nonlinear chaotic systems with different dimensions to test our model. Finally, we compare it with the traditional model and the recently proposed model, and then find that our models have better predictive performance.
Olanzapine-Samidorphan for Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gupta Dhyuti , Singh Alok
Published: October 2023

Background and Objective:

United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recently approved a novel combination of olanzapine-samidorphan (OLZSAM) for managing olanzapine-associated adverse events (weight gain) in adult patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. To opine about the safety and efficacy of OLZSAM, authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to convene justifiable evidence.

Methods:

A thorough literature search was performed through the databases Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov, from inception to September 2022, with the keywords: ‘olanzapine and samidorphan’ and schizophrenia; and “ALKS3831” and “lybalvi.” Clinical trials published in English that analyzed the efficacy and safety of OLZSAM were included. The significant outcomes included in this study were change from baseline (CFB) in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at the end of the study, the proportion of patients with weight gain at the end of the study, the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event, and the incidence of drug discontinuation due to adverse events.

Results:

The change in PANSS score at the end of the study was comparable among groups receiving OLZSAM and olanzapine alone: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.04; 95% CI = -0.09 to 0.17; p = 0.57. The OLZSAM group reported less incidence of weight gain: risk ratio (RR) = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.62–1.34; p = 0.63, and any adverse event: RR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.90–1.09; p = 0.81. Drug discontinuation incidence was higher in the OLZSAM group: RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.84–1.79; p = 0.30.

Conclusions:

The combination OLZSAM showed comparable efficacy to olanzapine alone in schizophrenia patients, with relatively less incidence of weight gain and adverse events; however, the drug discontinuation due to adverse events was more in the OLZSAM group.
Accurate prediction method for a microstructure profile based on the force–displacement coupled servo model
Authors: Fu Siyuan , Yang Hong , Jiang Zhong , Sun Shouli , Duan Fang
Published: October 2023

Microstructures of specified shapes have been widely applied in electronics, communication, optics, avionics, medical science, and the automotive field. The ultraprecision single-point diamond turning lathe is a core instrument used in microstructure preparation. As a key technical indicator of an ultraprecision lathe, the servo control accuracy of a system directly affects the machining accuracy of the lathe. Because the profile error of microstructures machined by the slow tool servo of the ultraprecision lathe is at the micrometer level, any disturbance reduces the accuracy of parts machining. This paper proposes a tracking error prediction model based on the force–displacement coupled servo model to study the mechanism of action for the cutting force disturbance on a servo control system. The repeated positioning error of an ultraprecision lathe’s linear axis is added to the force–displacement coupled servo model to propose a more practical profile error prediction model and analyze the effect of the cutting force on the part profile. The experimental results indicate that the force–displacement coupled servo tracking error and profile error prediction model proposed in this paper is more accurate than the existing tracking error modeling method without cutting force disturbance. In addition, this paper analyzes how the cutting force in ultraprecision machining affects the servo system and part profile, which provides a reference for subsequent ultraprecision lathe error analysis and improved machining accuracy.
The comparison of the FRF curvature technique and FRF mutation coefficient technique on the identification effect of beam structure damage location
Authors: Guo Tieneng , Zhou Cheng , Peng Liwei , Meng Lingjun
Published: October 2023

Improving the rigidity of machine tools for identifying the weak links of structural stiffness is one of the important issues in mechanical engineering. In this paper, a new weak index is proposed on a cantilever structure of the machine tool to identify the weak stiffness link. The weak index is a frequency parameter obtained via the vibration test method. In this method, the FRF coefficient of variation technique is proposed based on the FRF curvature method. The change of weak index is used to identify the weak link in the structural stiffness. The element stiffness weakening method that employs numerical examples of a cantilever beam and an elastic support beam is used to simulate the weak links of the stiffness. Compared with the FRF curvature ratio (FRF_CR) method, the FRF mutation coefficient is improved in the same frequency range. Moreover, the FRF_MCR indicator has more frequency points than the FRF_CR indicator in the same frequency range.
Effect of geometrical parameters on compression performance and energy absorption of pyramidal thin-walled tube core sandwich panel
Authors: Parsa Ako , Yazdani Mojtaba , Belingardi Giovanni
Published: October 2023

Sandwich panels with pyramidal cores made of thin-walled tubes absorb energy very well, but their main limitation is the complexity of producing such a structure. This study utilized a novel self-interlocking assembly technique to fabricate the lattice core, significantly reducing fabrication time and material requirements. Experimental tests and finite element analyses were performed to investigate the effect of geometrical parameters on the out-of-plane characteristics of sandwich panels with pyramidal thin-walled tube cores and relative densities ranging from 1.39% to 3.96%. Finite element predictions for deformation mechanisms, compressive strength, and energy absorption match experimental results. The results reveal that the proposed approach for producing the nodes worked successfully, with no brazed nodes breaking. The amount of energy absorbed per unit of mass reduces by 22% and 27%, respectively, when the slenderness is increased from 3 to 5 and subsequently from 5 to 7. In addition, when the angle of the tubes is increased from 50° to 55°, it makes them 23% stronger and absorbs 13% more energy per unit mass. Regarding strength and energy absorption per unit volume, pyramidal thin-walled tube cores are better than traditional lightweight sandwich panels, especially at lower relative densities.
Structural improvement of propeller impellers of high-temperature and high-pressure reactor based on TRIZ theory
Authors: Wang Zhehao , Luo Hongbo , Chen Ling , Li Yanyan , Qin Botao
Published: October 2023

With the rapid development of science and technology, exploration and study of extreme environments have advanced significantly. Consequently, the demand for equipment designed to operate under these conditions has increased. This paper proposes an innovative design method for stirring impeller structures based on the Teoriya Resheniya Izobreatatelskikh Zadatch (TRIZ) theory. By analyzing the interaction between components during the stirring process, we establish a TRIZ conflict resolution-based model for the innovative design process of stirring impeller structures. Our innovative design process is model-led, based on the TRIZ conflict resolution theory. This process improves existing stirrer structures to design a new type of stirrer with an ultra-thin multi-cross-shaped hole structure. We compare our proposed structural model to an existing stirrer using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for numerical simulation. The effect of different thicknesses, numbers of holes, radii, and shapes of the frame stirrer on the flow field values was analyzed. The results indicate that reducing the stirrer thickness, increasing the number of holes, and perforating the stirring impeller can enhance its stirring capacity. Changing the opening radius and adding special-shaped holes to the stirring impeller can also modify its stirring capacity. Ultimately, the proposed frame stirrer with an ultra-thin multi-cross-shaped hole structure increases the maximum turbulence kinetic energy by 14.6% and the maximum speed by 32.9% compared to the existing stirrer. Studying the feasibility of this innovative model and design method can provide new ideas for designing high-temperature and high-pressure reactor impellers in extreme environments.
Study on wear behavior and mechanism of 6007 Si3N4 full-ceramic ball bearing under different load conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Zhu Xinming , Guo Jiancheng , Meng Weiying , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the effects of various load conditions on the wear characteristics of Si3N4 full-ceramic ball bearings in response to 6007 Si3N4 full-ceramic ball bearing operation-related wear problems. Using an ABLT-1A tester, the wear behavior of 6007 Si3N4 ceramic ball bearings was investigated under loads of 100, 500, and 800 N, with a rotation speed of 6000 r/min and a duration of 12,000 min. The test load, and the 100 and 500 N radial loads had an equilibrium temperature difference of about 1.91°C, while the 500 and 800 N radial loads exhibited an equilibrium temperature difference of about 2.35°C. Each group’s temperature rate difference is evident. Bearing internal clearance increased by 35.7%, 50.34%, and 56.1%, respectively, and the fault frequencies of the bearing elements appeared within the vibration signal. The surface roughness of each component of the bearing increased with the increase in the test load, while a large number of plow grooves and spalling appeared on the surface, and severe cage wear was observed. Results show that when load, temperature, clearance, runout, and frequency domain amplitude increased, the following were observed: development of rolling body surface spalling and a large area of wear spot; raceway surface crater along the direction of movement of the fur-row; obvious scratches were observed on the cage surface in the pocket hole edge melting phenomenon; the cage became the bearing system’s "weak link.” The test results are a reference value for the wear behavior of Si3N4 full-ceramic ball bearings under this test load.
A self-powered angle measurement sensor based on triboelectric nanogenerators for slope deformation monitoring and landslides pre-warning
Authors: Wu Chuan , Huang He , Liu Jinrun , Wen Guojun
Published: October 2023

The inclination angle is an important factor for slope deformation monitoring. This paper introduces a self-powered pendulum inclination sensor (PI-TENG) based on triboelectric nanogenerator, which can effectively monitor slope deformation. PI-TENG adopts raster-sliding mode as the main structure. The fabricated PI-TENG, based on a raster-sliding working mode, using the linear relationship between the rotation angle of the monitoring object and the number of output pulses to establish an intuitive rotation signal mapping, which can realize self-powered monitoring of the rotation direction and angle not being affected by the environment (such as temperature and humidity). The corresponding minimum resolution of PI-TENG is 3° and can be further improved by increasing the number of Nylon grids on the stator. Importantly, the sensor has a simple structure and low price, and can realize self-powered monitoring without additional power supply. This work provides new ideas for monitoring slope deformation and early warning of landslides.
Solar cell micro crack detection technique using electromechanical impedance and finite element analysis
Authors: Beroual Sabir , Hrairi Meftah , Yatim Norfazrina M , Dawood Mohd Sultan IS
Published: October 2023

Electromechanical impedance (EMI) is one of the modern techniques employed in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM) and has witnessed a great expansion in many domains due to its ability to ensure continuous monitoring and high reliability with a lower cost. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of EMI in monitoring and detecting pre-existing cracks in the silicon layer of the photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. Indeed, a detailed finite element analysis (FEA) on the effect of piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patch shape on the EMI of crystalline-silicon (c-Si) layer of the PV solar cells were performed. The typical structure (c-Si + PZT) of different scenarios were stimulated by giving a lower voltage and high frequency as input data to extract the EMI signature as an explainable output result. Different models were investigated based on PZT patch types and crack position in the silicon layer. The results indicate that the EMI technique is effective in detecting crack, even in its incipient stage. The analysis suggests using a higher frequency range (350–650 kHz) for characterizing damage with an invisible depth due to the higher sensitivity of the EMI technique in this specific frequency.
Evaluation of the influence of process parameters on crystallinity and tensile strength of 3D printed PEEK parts
Authors: Triminì Valentina , Varetti Sara , Percoco Gianluca , Corvaglia Stefano Giuseppe , Gallo Nicola , Scavo Ignazio
Published: October 2023

The Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process of polyether(ether ketone), PEEK, is a challenging task due to its high melting point and viscosity that imply the need of high temperature of printing and the optimization of many process parameters. In the present work, the influence of printing speed, nozzle and chamber temperature on both crystalline and mechanical tensile characteristics was evaluated. The results showed the possibility to control the 3D-printed PEEK structural properties on which the tensile performances strongly depend. In particular, it was found that the chamber temperature is the parameter that most influences the specimens crystallinity degree which determines their actual tensile behavior. The higher the degree of crystallinity, the stiffer the material is. Furthermore, the printing speed and nozzle temperature play a key role in reducing voids inside the printed parts, thereby increasing tensile strength. In this work, the best tensile performance and the higher degree of crystallinity were obtained by keeping the chamber temperature of 160°C, the nozzle temperature of 450°C and the printing speed of 1500 mm/min. Thus, according to the final application of the printed parts, a careful choice of these parameters is needed.
Design and analysis of an exponentially tapered piezoelectric energy harvester under nonlinear rotational indirect magnetic excitation
Authors: Jafari Ali Asghar , Fakhari Golpayegani Iman
Published: October 2023

Piezoelectric energy harvesting from rotational motions currently receives attention as a clean and permanent energy source. However, because of low output power, optimizing and improving the efficiency of this strategy through different methods is of great importance. This study investigates a new high-efficiency piezoelectric energy harvester under rotational indirect magnetic excitation using frequency up-conversion. The studied piezoelectric energy harvester is composed of an exponentially tapered cantilever beam with a piezoelectric layer, excited magnets, a tip mass, an octagonal disk attached to the rotating shaft, and exciting magnets on the disk. The potential energy and nonlinear magnetic force are determined and substituted into an electromechanically coupled governing equation after derivation. Numerical methods are applied to solve the governing equations due to their nonlinear nature and periodic oscillations. The tip mass varies to maintain a constant natural frequency and cancel out the effect of concurrent variations of the natural frequency and tapering parameter. Verification of the theoretical model is performed by the finite element and experiment methods. The effects of some parameters, such as the tapering parameter, total resistance of the circuit, number of magnets, and rotational speed, on the output voltage and power densities are evaluated. Results show a fourfold increase in output power density when comparing exponentially tapered width to constant width. Finally, frequency response curves are plotted and analyzed to examine the effect of shaft rotational speed, subharmonics, and bandwidth. The most important result extracted from the frequency response diagram is the increase in the number of subharmonics and the observation of 2 ω/5 and 2 ω/7 subharmonic components in the frequency response of the harvester with exponentially tapered width.
Optimization and ANFIS-based modeling of two step FSSW process parameters on tensile strength for triple-sheet joining of aluminum alloy
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Maurya Manish , Sharma Tripti , Kumar Ajay , Jambhale Sachin , Shankar Ravi , Mishra Deepika , Nitu
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a potential technique is used to weld three sheets of AA 6082 through a two-step friction stir spot welding (TSFSSW). The optimal settings of the process parameters, namely, the rotational speed of the tool, dwell time, and plunge depth during welding have been analyzed. Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array and ANOVA method is used to get proper material flow, appropriate heat conduction and the stir zone expansion, which helps in preparing sound joint. Microstructural tool analysis and fractography are performed by employing optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The tool was analyzed before and after use for heat effect along with the observation of the fracture behavior of the joint. To analyze the residual stresses developed in the joint, the XRD analysis is also carried out. The maximum tensile strength of 94.51 MPa was obtained under optimal parameters of the rotational speed of 1200 rpm, dwell time of 10 s, and plunge depth of 2.9 mm. The results of the ANFIS model revealed that a minor difference between experimental and model values (95.62) confirms the validation of the experiment. The resulting experimental findings of the ANFIS model were compared with other similar work done by researchers previously.
Optimization of SiC-based shear thickening fluids behavior using a mathematical approach
Authors: Sofuğlu Mehmet Alper , Sağır Müjgan
Published: October 2023

The study focuses on an optimization study motivated by the increasing significance of shear-thickening fluids (STFs). We investigated the effects of parameters like additive surface area, additive ratio, and suspension temperature on outputs such as viscosity, thickening ratio, critical shear rate and thickening period of STFs using SiC as the additive. Enhancing STFs with SiC betters their stability and mechanical properties, ideal for industrial and defense applications. Our methodology has two steps. In the first step we developed a regression equation for each output by using some experimental data, then as the second step, each regression equation is used as an objective function and mathematical models are developed where the constraints represent the lower and upper bounds of the related inputs such as the surface area, amount of additive and, the surface area. Therefore, we want to obtain the best value of each input for each objective. The model’s results vary depending on the specific data and parameters used. This is a pioneering study employing both regression equations and mathematical models for this analysis.
Influence of hydrothermal ageing on CFRP single lap bonded joint pre-treated by laser texturing
Authors: Parodo Gianluca , Polini Wilma , Sorrentino Luca , Turchetta Sandro , Corrado Andrea
Published: October 2023

In this work, the influence of hydrothermal ageing on performances of CFRP single lap bonded joints subjected to two types of pre-treatments was investigated. The first is a degreasing pre-treatment, while the second if a laser texturing pre-treatment through a CO2 laser system. The study considered the influence of an aggressive environment on geometrical deviations and mechanical performances of the bonded joints. Measurements showed that adherends were more susceptible to water uptake after ageing, allowing an increase in laminate thickness of about 2.5%. Lap shear tests were carried out and a decrease in obtained mechanical performances was observed only for the degreased specimens, confirming the effectiveness of the adopted laser texturing to reduce ageing effects. Moreover, the proposed laser texturing pre-treatment for bonding is a sustainable process too because reduces the volume of the removed material efficiently with reduced costs.
The Effect of Bring Your Own Bag on Pro-environmental Behaviour: Towards a Comprehensive Conceptual Framework
Authors: Geetha Rajendran , Padmavathy Chandrasekaran
Published: October 2023

The consumption of single-use plastics has been increasing each year. This has become a global concern and many governments have initiated sustainable policies to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics to protect the eco-system. A few countries have banned the sale of plastic bags and thereby there is a reduction in the usage of plastics. This study develops a comprehensive framework by extending the theory of planned behaviour. Specifically, this study investigates the effects of connectedness to nature and retailers’ incentives on attitudes towards the environment. This study also tests the effects of attitude, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norm on intention to bring your own bag (BYOB), and also examines the impact of intention to BYOB on pro-environmental behaviour. Data was collected from India. This study applied structural equation modelling with a sample of 505 to test the relationships. The study results show that retailers’ incentives do not affect attitudes towards the environment and subjective norms do not have a significant relationship with intention to BYOB. This study provides important implications for the retailers and policymakers.
‘Afghanistan Factor’ in India–Russia Relationship
Authors: Sharma Raj Kumar
Published: October 2023

Afghanistan has been an important factor in India–Russia ties. There was not much cooperation between them before 1979. However, in later years, the two countries had an intelligence-sharing mechanism along with Afghanistan in order to deal with their common security challenges which had close links with security situation in Afghanistan. In the 1990s, India–Russia supported their mutual fight against terrorism as Taliban-controlled Afghanistan became a common security challenge. In the current context, both countries have established institutional mechanisms to coordinate their Afghanistan policies. Their engagement with Taliban is ‘conditional’ while the two countries would continue to share intelligence and coordinate their respective Afghanistan policies since they still face similar security challenges from Afghanistan.
How social media users become misinformed: The roles of news-finds-me perception and misinformation exposure in COVID-19 misperception
Authors: Lee Taeyoung , Johnson Thomas , Jia Chenyan , Lacasa-Mas Ivan
Published: October 2023

This study explores the role of the news-finds-me (NFM) perception—the belief that people can be well-informed without actively seeking news due to their social networks—in fostering social media users’ inaccurate beliefs about COVID-19. Findings from a US national survey ( N = 1003) suggest that NFM perception is positively associated with belief in COVID-19 misinformation and mediates the positive relationship between social media use and false beliefs when NFM is measured as a single-dimensional construct. However, the sub-dimensions of NFM have distinct implications: The reliance on peers and not seeking but feeling informed dimensions work in the same manner as when NFM is treated as a single-dimensional construct, whereas reliance on algorithmic news negatively predicts belief in misinformation and negatively mediates the aforementioned relationship. We also found the mediating role of exposure to misinformation in the relationship between social media use and false beliefs. Implications from these findings are discussed.
An enhanced topological analysis for Lamb waves based SHM methods
Authors: Lejeune Arthur , Hascoët Nicolas , Rébillat Marc , Monteiro Eric , Mechbal Nazih
Published: October 2023

Topological data analysis (TDA) is a powerful and promising tool for data analysis, but yet not exploited enough. It is a multidimensional method which can extract the topological features contained in a given dataset. An original TDA-based method allowing to monitor the health of structures when equipped with piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) is introduced here. Using a Lamb wave based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) approach, it is shown that with specific pre-processing of the measured time-series data, the TDA (persistent homology) for damage detection and classification can be greatly improved. The TDA tool is first applied directly in a traditional manner in order to use homology classes to assess damage. After that, another method based on slicing the temporal data is developed to improve the persistence homology perception and to leverage topological descriptors to discriminate different damages. The dataset used to apply both methods comes from experimental campaigns performed on aeronautical composite plates with embedded PZTs where different damage types have been investigated such as delamination, impacts and stiffness reduction. The proposed approach enables to consider a priori physical information and provides a better way to classify damages than the traditional TDA approach. In summary, this article demonstrates that manipulating the topological the features of PZTs time-series signals using TDA provides an efficient mean to separate and classify the damage natures and opens the way for further developments on the use of TDA in SHM.
Significance of Koo-Kleinstreuer-Li model for thermal enhancement in nanofluid under magnetic field and thermal radiation factors using LSM
Authors: Adnan  , Nadeem Aneesa , Mahmoud Haitham A , Ali Aatif , Eldin Sayed M
Published: October 2023

Investigation of thermal transport in nanofluid flow squeezed inside a channel formed by two sheets with zero slope is common in industrial and engineering applications. The heat transmission could be affected by various physical constraints which reduce the machine efficiency for desired products. Therefore, this attempt clearly focus on the development of new nanofluid thermal transport model using the significance effects of Koo-Kleinstreuer-Li correlation which used for the estimation of nanofluid thermal conductivity, impacts of magnetic field, internal heating species, and thermal radiations. Then, the LSM (Least Square Method) is magnificently implemented and obtained the physical results for multiple ranges of parameters. It is noticed that when the squeezed parameter varied in the ranges of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], the fluid loss their velocity and more reduction is occurred about [Formula: see text]. However, outward movement of the plate lead to quick declines in the velocity. Further, when the Hartmann number increased for [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] then the fluid moves slowly and stronger magnetic field resists its motion. Moreover, the Eckert and Radiation numbers boosted the fluid temperature by keeping the feasible nanoparticles concentration in the range of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text].
Impartial third and disinterested judgment: Kojève and Arendt’s cosmopolitan phenomenologies of human rights as a response to Schmitt
Authors: Ovcharuk Bogdan
Published: October 2023

This article proposes that Hannah Arendt and Alexandre Kojève’s responses to Carl Schmitt’s theory of sovereignty, when combined, provide a historical and normative basis for a cosmopolitan view on human rights. I argue that by systematically merging Kojève’s theory of the “disinterested and impartial third” and Arendt’s theory of “disinterested judgment,” legal institutions, economic redistribution, and intersubjective normativity can be combined to create a robust response to Schmitt’s theory of sovereignty. To demonstrate this, I examine their efforts to resolve the contradiction between universal rights and national sovereignty from a phenomenological standpoint. Arendt’s idea of the “common world” is analyzed, showing how it upholds the idea of a non-sovereign public realm as a normative source of human rights but fails to consider the institutional and economic factors required for their realization. I then explore Kojève’s theory of impartial international legal institutions and his critique of economic colonialism to confront these factors. Additionally, Arendt’s theory of disinterested judgment is shown to address the limitations of Kojève’s phenomenological view of disinterestedness. This convergence between Kojève and Arendt provides a comprehensive response to the practical challenges of Arendt’s theory, while also highlighting the importance of “world opinion” in transforming sovereignty.
Validity of the self-administered comorbidity questionnaire in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: van Linschoten Reinier Cornelis Anthonius , Huberts Anouk Sjoukje , van Leeuwen Nikki , Hazelzet Jan Antonius , van der Woude Janneke , West Rachel Louise , van Noord Desirée , de Jonge V. , Wolfhagen F. H. J. , Bodelier A. G. L. , Hoekstra J. , van der Woude C. J. , de Vries A. C. , West R. L. , van Noord D. , van Linschoten R. C. A. , Visser E. , Verweij K. E. , Kubben F. J. G. M. , Holster I.L. , Fitzpatrick C. E. , Robbers K. , Vermeulen H. G. , van der Wiel S. K. , Jansen S. V.
Published: October 2023

Background:

The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement has selected the self-administered comorbidity questionnaire (SCQ) to adjust case-mix when comparing outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment between healthcare providers. However, the SCQ has not been validated for use in IBD patients.

Objectives:

We assessed the validity of the SCQ for measuring comorbidities in IBD patients.

Design:

Cohort study.

Methods:

We assessed the criterion validity of the SCQ for IBD patients by comparing patient-reported and clinician-reported comorbidities (as noted in the electronic health record) of the 13 diseases of the SCQ using Cohen’s kappa. Construct validity was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient between the SCQ and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), clinician-reported SCQ, quality of life, IBD-related healthcare and productivity costs, prevalence of disability, and IBD disease activity. We assessed responsiveness by correlating changes in the SCQ with changes in healthcare costs, productivity costs, quality of life, and disease activity after 15 months.

Results:

We included 613 patients. At least fair agreement (κ > 0.20) was found for most comorbidities, but the agreement was slight (κ < 0.20) for stomach disease [κ = 0.19, 95% CI (−0.03; 0.41)], blood disease [κ = 0.02, 95% CI (−0.06; 0.11)], and back pain [κ = 0.18, 95% CI (0.11; 0.25)]. Correlations were found between the SCQ and the clinician-reported SCQ [ρ = 0.60, 95% CI (0.55; 0.66)], CCI [ρ = 0.39, 95% CI (0.31; 0.45)], the prevalence of disability [ρ = 0.23, 95% CI (0.15; 0.32)], and quality of life [ρ = −0.30, 95% CI (−0.37; −0.22)], but not between the SCQ and healthcare or productivity costs or disease activity (|ρ| ⩽ 0.2). A change in the SCQ after 15 months was not correlated with a change in any of the outcomes.

Conclusion:

The SCQ is a valid tool for measuring comorbidity in IBD patients, but face and content validity should be improved before being used to correct case-mix differences.
Assessment of risk factors for acute graft-versus-host disease post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective study based on a proportional odds model using a nonlinear mixed-effects model
Authors: Xue Ling , Song Lin , Yu Xun , Yang Xiao , Xia Fan , Ding Xiaoliang , Huang Chenrong , Wu Depei , Miao Liyan
Published: October 2023

Background:

Acute graft- versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the risk factors for the incidence of aGVHD in patients post-HSCT.

Design:

This was a retrospective study.

Methods:

A total of 407 patients were enrolled. The patients’ data were recorded from the medical records. The exposure of cyclosporine was estimated based on a population pharmacokinetics model. The occurrence of aGVHD was clinically graded and staged in severity from grades I to IV. A proportional odds model that estimated the cumulative probabilities of aGVHD was used to analyze the data using a nonlinear mixed-effects model. Then, the model parameters and plausibility were evaluated by bootstrap and visual predictive checks.

Results:

The typical probabilities were 18.9% and 17.9% for grade II and grades III–IV, respectively. The incidence of grade II and grade III–IV aGVHD for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplo sibling donor patients was higher than that for HLA-matched donor patients. The incidence of grade II and grade III–IV aGVHD decreased with increasing early cyclosporine trough concentration; however, cyclosporine exposure was not associated with the incidence of aGVHD.

Conclusion:

HLA matching and early cyclosporine trough concentration were important factors for the occurrence of aGVHD.
An organotypic oral mucosal infection model to study host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Gould Samantha J , Foey Andrew D , Salih Vehid M
Published: October 2023

Early in vitro oral mucosal infection models (OMMs) failed to consider the suitability of the model environment to represent the host immune response. Denture stomatitis (DS) is mediated by Candida albicans, but the role of Staphylococcus aureus remains uncertain. A collagen hydrogel-based OMM containing HaCaT and HGF cell types was developed, characterised and employed to study of tissue invasion and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in response to pathogens. Models formed a robust epithelium. Despite their inflammatory baseline, 24-h infection with C. albicans, and/or S. aureus led to tissue invasion, and significantly upregulated IL-6 and IL-8 production by OMMs when compared to the unstimulated control. No significant difference in IL-6 or IL-8 production by OMMs was observed between single and dual infections. These attributes indicate that this newly developed OMM is suitable for the study of DS and could be implemented for the wider study of oral infection.
Effectiveness of silver-magnesium oxide-water hybrid nanofluid in Couette channel
Authors: Balla Chandra Shekar , Ali Khasim , Rajashekhar Reddy Yendlapally
Published: October 2023

The present article numerically investigates the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Couette flow containing novel (Ag + MgO)-water hybrid nanofluid (HNF). The nanoparticles of silver (Ag) and magnesium oxide (MgO) are supplemented to base fluid water. The top wall is kept in uniform motion while the bottom wall of channel set stationary and stretchable. An external magnetic field is applied perpendicular to lower plate. The governed nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) are solved employing finite difference method (FDM). The effects of hybrid nanofluid and nanofluid (NF) are compared for the significant parameters and presented graphically. The results illustrate that (Ag + MgO)-water HNF exhibits significant influence over Ag-water NF on velocity and temperature in the Couette channel.
Breaking Hegemony of Traditional Political Parties: A Study of Shifting Dalits’ Support Base in Punjab
Authors: Singh Nirmal
Published: October 2023

The present study is an analysis of Dalits’ shifting support base among major political parties in Punjab, namely Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and specifically Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2022 Punjab Assembly election. With an established presence in the State, the AAP could present itself as a new alternative. The AAP defeated all the traditional/mainstream political parties in the recent Assembly election to put an end to the deeply entrenched family (SAD-Badal) and dynastic rule (Congress). The present research paper is an effort to find out the causes behind the shifting Dalit support base. The AAP’s success was a clear message from the people of Punjab that they were fed up with the power circle of traditional parties that were in agreement with each other to rule the State by turns. Paper argues that Dalits are likely to vote for the parties that have a chance to come to power as in 2022 Punjab Assembly Election, Dalit support base has widely shifted to AAP. The study was qualitative and conducted in the Doaba region of Punjab. It is an analysis of the interactions with 300 respondents of the targeted SCs population and 30 leaders from the major political parties in Punjab.