bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Reinforcement of a r.c. Building with External Steel Frameworks: The Case of the Primary School XXV April of Arcola (Italy)
Authors: Giresini Linda , Gioeli Alessandro , Sassu Mauro
Published: October 2013

The present work assesses the seismic restoration of a primary school in Arcola (Italy) made by a r.c. framework, built in the 60s and affected by high seismic vulnerability. The reinforcement is made by a set of four steel frameworks applied in the outside façades of the school. Results of cost-effectiveness and seismic safety were achieved, together with a quick and easy execution of the intervention.
Experimental Research on Influences on Mechanical Property of C50 Waterproof Concrete by Basalt Fiber
Authors: Wang Hai Liang , Guo Hai Yang , Yang Xin Lei , Ren Quan Chang , Dong Peng
Published: October 2013

The experiment discussed influences of basalt fiber with different adulterate amount to the compressive and fracture resistance properties of waterproof concrete C50. We also made comparison between experimental results and mechanical property of polypropylene fiber waterproof concrete. The experimental results demonstrated that the brittle failure character of waterproof concrete has been improved to some extent, and the compressive and fracture resistance strength of the test specimen has increased apparently after adulterating basalt fiber and polypropylene fiber. Furthermore, it is mainly unanimous of the influence regular patterns of basalt fiber and polypropylene fiber to waterproof concrete when adulterating the same amount.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Jet Penetrating into Disconnected Targets with Water Medium
Authors: Gao Hong Chao , Luo Xing Bai
Published: October 2013

Using the experimental method for water medium interval target how to affect the ability of the jet penetration degree is determined. In order to verify the target interval between target and target medium effect on the jet penetration, with a shaped charge respectively on the interval of air and water medium target penetration experiment, the experimental results show that water medium for jet penetration does exist more adverse effect than air. It is combined with numerical simulation and experimental results to revise penetration of traditional formula.
A Study of ITO Thin Films Fabricated by DC Magnetron Sputtering Method
Authors: Yang Xian Ming , Liu Lin , Lin Juan Xiu
Published: October 2013

With high optical transparency and electrical conductivity, ITO thin films were fabricated by DC magnetron sputtering. Based on orthogonal test table L18 (35), the effects of process parameters included water partial pressure, work pressure, substrate temperature, oxygen flow rate and sputtering power, on the optoelectronics properties of ITO thin films were investigated in detail(systematically). Calibration of sheet resistance transmittance, atomic force microscope, and X-ray diffraction were employed to characterize the ITO films.
Prediction of Welding Residual Stress by Using Thermo-Metallurgical-Mechanical Constitute Model
Authors: Sun Yu Jie , Lu Yu , Xu Jian , Shi Chun Ming
Published: October 2013

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of solid-state phase transformation on welding residual stress in high stress low alloy steel. In this study, based on commercial finite element software, a sequentially coupled thermal, metallurgical, mechanical plane strain finite element model is developed. The main effort is to develop a series of subroutines which consider the heat transfer from welding arc and numerical implementation of a thermo-metallurgical-mechanical constitute equation. The effectiveness of developed computational method is confirmed by a butt welding simulation. Simulation of butt welding demonstrates that the distribution pattern of longitudinal residual stresses perpendicular to weld centerline at the upper surface of weldment has two peak and transformation plasticity has significant effect on the evolution of residual stress.
Boundary Element Modeling of Crack Propagation Path in Brittle Matrix Composites Reinforced by Short Rectangular Particulates
Authors: Wang Chong , Santos Neto Almir Barros Da Silva
Published: October 2013

Interaction between a crack and a rectangular particulate in a single edge notched beam is simulated using a boundary element program of automatic crack extension. The stress intensity factors of the growing crack are obtained from the J-integral. Three crack extension paths: deflecting around the particulate, growing along the interface and penetrating into the particulate are achieved in terms of the mismatch state of mechanical characteristics of matrix and particulate. The toughening is also given by the ratio of stress intensity factors. The results reveal that as stress shielding occurs, large toughening is obtained when the crack is approaching to a stiff and strong particulate weakly bonded to a relatively soft matrix; inversely the soft particulate is functional to attract the crack tip toward it, and obvious toughening arises when the tip is within this soft particulate. The present work intends to help for the design of particulate reinforced composites.
Design and Researches on a Special Drillbit of Drilling Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Wu Bi Jin , Yan Guo Hong , Li You Sheng , Huang Zong Ming , Yang Xiao Fan
Published: October 2013

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics ( CFRP) is a typical difficult to machine material which is prone to disfigurements such as burrs, avulsion and delamination, and rapid tool wear, high processing cost. Aimed at the defect of Carbide Twist Drillbit (CTD) when drilling on CFRP, a new type of drillbit, which is called Drilling-Reaming Composite Drillbit (DRCD), was designed and used to drill holes on a plate of CFRP. Through experimental study and analysis, and compared with CTD, we found that drilling with DRCD have higher dimension accuracy and better surface quality when drilling on CFRP, and it has minor wear on its cutting edges and its tool life at least ten times that of CTD. So we draw conclusion that DRCD with high wear resistance and good stability is more suitable for drilling CFRP.
Identification of Liquor Brands Based on near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Lian Shun , Guo Chao , Wang Bao Quan
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the liquor brands were identified based on the near infrared spectroscopy method and the principal component analysis. 60 samples of 6 different brands liquor were measured by the spectrometer of USB4000. Then, in order to eliminate the noise caused by the external factors, the smoothing method and the multiplicative scatter correction method were used. After the preprocessing, we got the revised spectra of the 60 samples. The difference of the spectrum shape of different brands is not much enough to classify them. So the principal component analysis was applied for further analysis. The results showed that the first two principal components variance contribution rate had reached 99.06%, which can effectively represent the information of the spectrums after preprocessing. From the scatter plot of the two principal components, the 6 different brands of liquor were identified more accurate and easier than the spectra curves.
Central Node-A Novel Technology in Train Safety Communication System
Authors: Wang Xue Dong , Yang Chen Hui , Chang Zhen Chen , Hong Hai Feng
Published: October 2013

In modern subway train is moving automation, comfortable, high-speed in the direction of rapid development. Compared with the traditional subway columns, modern trains need more and more electronic technology to complete the train control equipment and frequent communication between devices will generate a large amount of data exchange. Central node system to be able to fast, secure and efficient data transmission and data processing, and developed for the subway train cycle data-oriented and high-cycle test data highly reliable real-time task scheduling technique is also important to deal with this system techniques.
The Transceiver Circuit Design of Digital Ultrasonic System
Authors: Zhang Xiao Feng , Xie Fo Chang , Yang Guo Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2013

This paper introduces the design process of the digital ultrasonic transmission circuit: echo receiving circuit and the echo signal regulate circuit. Among them, outside 500 V DC - DC module for high voltage power input, use non-tuned type circuit design ultrasonic transmission circuit ; Select high voltage fast recovery diode FR107 design echo receiving limiter circuit; Using ultra-high speed, low noise, low distortion of the integrated operational amplifier MAX4104ESA design preamplifier circuits and the band-pass filter circuits; Using linear decibels, low noise, wide bandwidth, high gain accuracy amplifier AD603 design echo amplifying circuit. The experimental results indicate that the basic realization of the ultrasonic transceiver circuit and echo signal conditioning functions.
Image Processing Using Discrete Wavelet Transform Based on OMAP3530
Authors: Zhong Zi Long , Ma Yi De , Nie Ming Ming , Li Yuan
Published: October 2013

The discrete wavelet transform is usually realized by FPGA or DSP. This paper presents fast and valid image processing using discrete wavelet transform based on OMAP3530 chip which developed by TI(Texas Instruments). We employ the ARM+DSP dual-core OMAP3530 processor as the kernel of image processing. Linux Embedded System runs in the ARM side, DSP/BIOS System service run in the DSP side correspondingly. And the software development environment totally built upon the DVSDK (Digital Video Software Development Kit) which is provided by TI official website. Discrete wavelet transform algorithm adopted CE (Codec Engine) tools, which are the core of DVSDK. Finally, the image processing algorithm is inserted into CE. When the application program is running on the ARM side, the specific image is being conducted by CE on the DSP side.
Design of Intelligent Teaching System Based on Data Mining Technology
Authors: Gao Wei Wei , Wang Jian Hua , Li Xiao Feng
Published: October 2013

Data mining technology into the teaching system, the biggest advantage is that the system can gather large amounts of data for analysis , digging out of the course content and teaching strategies presented useful information on the adjustment in order to build content-rich smart teaching platform . This paper mainly made use of data mining techniques to solve the data mining technology is introduced into the system in order to fully improve the system for students and student learning characteristics of the implementation of individualized teaching of intelligence, flexibility in learning mode , the number of users and courses content scalability , research and development of an online learning system . With these results the general software development technology applied to intelligent tutoring system for students to build an adaptive, personalized student-centered learning platform.
Preliminary Simulations of High Mobility IED Resistance Suspension with Casting Arms
Authors: Łopatka Marian Janusz , Muszyński Tomasz , Rubiec Arkadiusz , Sprawka Piotr
Published: October 2013

Currently led military operations (Iraq and Afganistan) have shown that one of the biggest threats for vehicles moving in convoys are Improvised Explosive Devices. On the basis of experiments, it was found that there are not such structures which are completely resistant to explosion. The paper describes the concept for arms of suspension system with specially reduced construction node which undergo a controlled destruction at the time of detonation. Designing the target elements requires tests in order to determine the service load for suspension system..
The Characteristics of the Matrix Game Sensitivity of the Safe Passing of Ships at Sea
Authors: Lisowski Józef
Published: October 2013

This paper describes application of elements of dynamic game theory for automation of the process of controlling moving objects, on an example of safe control of the own vessel in collision situations while passing encountered vessels. A method of determining safe game trajectory of the vessel has been presented in a form of a multi-stage matrix game of cooperating or non-cooperating objects of control. The method of dual linear programming has been used for the synthesis of the computer algorithm of control. The considerations have been illustrated with examples of a computer simulation, in Matlab/Simulink language, of safe trajectory of the vessel in a real situation at sea. Characteristics of sensitivity of the game control to the inaccuracy of information on the condition of the process and change of its parameters have been presented.
Analysis of Parameters of Traveling Wave Impact on the Speed of Biomimetic Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Morawski Marcin , Malec Marcin , Szymak Piotr , Trzmiel Adam
Published: October 2013

The paper is focused on presenting first steps in attempting to build model of the motion of the biomimetic underwater vehicle (BUV) based on experimental studies of traveling wave parameters on the robots speed. In the introduction the mechanical and electronic part of the fifth version of BUV called CyberFish is shortly presented as well as its enhanced motion principle based on traveling wave. The second paragraph covers experiment description and discusses its results.
Multiple Unmanned Engineering Machine Management System
Authors: Typiak Rafał
Published: October 2013

The article showcases a concept of using multiple Unmanned Engineering Machines (UEMs) for carrying out a single, complex engineering task. Major part of it focuses on the overall structure of the system and the way in allows to interact between the human-operator and the UEMs. Controlling a single machine requires a lot from the operator in terms of concentration and managing a lot of data. Having him simply command several different units would create the level of stress exponentially. That is why the paper presents a series of mechanisms which could take the unnecessary load from the operator during task execution. Lastly, it proposes a small scale execution scenario of proposed solutions using UEMs constructed by the Machine Building Faculty of the Military University of Technology (MUT).
Experimental Research on Directional Stability of Articulated Tractors
Authors: Bartnicki Adam , Dąbrowska Agnieszka , Łopatka Marian Janusz , Muszyński Tomasz
Published: October 2013

Articulated tractors are wide available on the construction equipment market and have a lot of unique advantages not accessible in case of Ackerman steering system or truck-mounted tools. The only unsolved problem is their poor directional stability which significantly limits the speed of operation and work efficiency. This paper investigates the phenomenon of directional stability loss and indicates main reasons for its appearance by means of experimental research. Moreover, conducted tests, acquired results and their analysis could be a basis for future works on stabilizing system supporting the driver of an articulated tractor or enabling operation in remote control mode.
Phenotypic traits and diversity of different leaf shape accessions of the wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.) in China
Authors: Yan Xuefei , Zhao Hongkun , Liu Xiaodong , Li Qiyun , Wang Yumin , Yuan Cuiping , Dong Yingshan
Published: October 2013

Yan, X., Zhao, H., Liu, X., Li, Q., Wang, Y., Yuan, C. and Dong, Y. 2014. Phenotypic traits and diversity of different leaf shape accessions of the wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.) in China. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 397–404. The phenotypic traits and diversity of different leaf shape groups of 6169 wild soybean accessions were investigated. The results included the following conclusions. First, the lanceolate leaf group had the highest genetic diversity. Second, the mean 100-seed weight was highest in the round leaf group (10.1 g); mean maturity time was longest in the eliptical leaf group (142 d); the ovate–round and linear leaf groups had higher mean protein content (45.7–46.1%); and the round leaf group had the highest oil content (16.3%). Finally, frequencies of white flower, high 100-seed weight and other traits in the round leaf group were disproportionately high; in contrast, linear leaf accessions were primarily characterized by purple flower and low 100-seed weight. Based on these results, we inferred that the lanceolate and linear leaves accessions tended to be wild types, while the round leaf group represented more recently evolved accessions. In addition, the accessions with eliptical, ovate–round and other leaves belonged to the intermediate evolutionary types. Our results also suggest that the abundant variation in leaf shape is an important indicator of level of genetic diversity and evolutionary status, which could facilitate the utilization of germplasm evaluation and classification for the wild soybean.
Time-course accumulation of flavonoids in hydroponically grown Achillea millefolium L.
Authors: Pedneault Karine , Dorais Martine , Léonhart Sébastien , Angers Paul , Gosselin André
Published: October 2013

Pedneault, K., Dorais, M., Léonhart, S., Angers, P. and Gosselin, A. 2014. Time-course accumulation of flavonoids in hydroponically grown Achillea millefolium L. Can. J. Plant. Sci. 94: 383–395. In recent decades, the use of plant-based medicines as health products has increased considerably all over the world. As greenhouse hydroponic culture allows standardized cultural methods to be used, it may be valuable for reducing the risks associated with harvesting medicinal plants from the wild, such as species dissemination, species misidentification, adulteration, and non-hygienic handling, while allowing the production of high yields of clean, standardized biomass year-round. To evaluate the potential of hydroponic culture for medicinal plant production, the present study investigated the accumulation patterns of apigenin, luteolin, apigenin glycosides, and the chlorogenic acid 5-caffeoylquinic acid in the plant organs of A. millefolium at five phenological stages from 35 to 102 d after sowing, and drew a comparison with outdoor-grown plants at 122 d after sowing. The results showed two flavonoid accumulation peaks: one at the early growth stage (35 d after sowing) and one at early flowering (87 d after sowing). At 87 d after sowing, most of the apigenin glycosides were concentrated in the roots (3.80% wt/wt, dry weight basis), whereas free apigenin and luteolin were located mainly in the flower heads (1.25 and 0.86% wt/wt, dry weight basis, respectively). Early flowering was the best harvesting stage for optimal flavonoid production in terms of active compounds per plant and kilograms of plant biomass per cultivated area. At 122 d after sowing (phenological stage 4), the outdoor-grown plants were nine times smaller than the early flowering plants (87 d after sowing) from the hydroponic system and had a root-tissue apigenin glycoside level that was five times lower than that of the hydroponically grown plants. In conclusion, the use of a hydroponic growing system reduced by 29% the time required to reach phenological stage 4, which corresponds to maximum plant bioactive concentration, in comparison with field production. Therefore, hydroponic culture represents an effective alternative to outdoor production and can result in standardized, high-quality medicinal plant biomass with potential flavonoid yields approximating 515 mg per plant.
Everyone Likes a Challenge: Getting Students' Attention with Interactive Games and Authentic Assignments
Authors: McDevitt Theresa
Published: October 2013

Most college students today have little trouble finding information through Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia. They find it more challenging when asked to locate, evaluate, and ethically use the highest quality and most appropriate resources, which might require them to look beyond the first few hits in a Google search. Academic librarians are spending more time designing and delivering instruction to help students develop these important information literacy skills. How can librarians design their classes to promote the learning of these higher-order mental processes? How can they capture the attention of their students and engage them in the learning process? Adding games, activities, and authentic or problem based assignments to existing instruction sessions may be the answer. This article will discuss how librarians at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Libraries have made instruction more engaging and effective by adding action to orientations and authenticity to assignments.
Courtney Louise Young, Penn State Librarian, elected President of ALA
Authors: Neyer Linda Susan
Published: October 2013

Courtney Louise Young, head librarian at the J. Clarence Kelly Library at Penn State Greater Allegheny, has been elected as 2014-15 president of the American Library Association (ALA).
North and South: Archivists Document Gettysburg's 150th
Authors: Wagner Robin
Published: October 2013

Cameras in hand, librarians and archivists set out to record the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Rather than passively wait for commemorative material to come to them, staff at Gettysburg took an active role in collecting the memorabilia from this historic occasion.
Open Source Opens Doors: Repurposing Library Software to Facilitate Faculty Research and Collaboration
Authors: Stump Sandra L. , Deegan Rosemary L.
Published: October 2013

Asked to convert a faculty-created Microsoft Word document of biblical references found within popular films into a searchable database for scholars, the Albright College library staff helped create a multi-access database called Bible in the Reel World. The database relied on student workers for inputting data, used MARC standard formatting for future portability, and encouraged interactive feedback, enabling scholars to submit comments and suggest additional films and references. Using the open source integrated library system Koha, MarcEdit software, and free record exporting from IMDb, library staff created a fully-searchable database for researchers and scholars to examine the use of scripture in popular film.
Table of Contents, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Fall 2013)
Authors: Reinsfelder Tom
Published: October 2013

Table of Contents, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Fall 2013)
PaLRaP, Act II
Authors: Barnett John , Reinsfelder Tom
Published: October 2013

And they said it could not be done! Welcome to Volume 1, Number 2, of Pennsylvania Libraries: Research & Practice (PaLRaP).
Las instituciones religiosas en la transformación normativa contemporánea en la sexualidad en Chile
Authors: Palma Irma
Published: October 2013

Este texto analiza la relación entre orientaciones normativas de las instituciones religiosas y las prácticas sexuales de los sujetos, más precisamente los efectos de la adscripción y la observancia en contexto de transformación tanto de las religiones como de sexualidad en la sociedad chilena contemporánea. Se analiza la Encuesta Nacional de Comportamiento Sexual, realizada en 1998 por la Comisión Nacional del SIDA, CONASIDA, con la colaboración de la Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA, ANRS, de Francia, con sujetos nacidos entre 1929 y 1978 (N= 5407). El análisis muestra los efectos de género producidos por la observancia, más intensos sobre las mujeres y diferenciados por lógicas de individualización entre católicas, y de subjetivación comunitaria, entre evangélicas; también muestra las transformaciones generacionales de la secularización y la reducción progresiva de los efectos de las instituciones religiosas sobre las prácticas de los sujetos.
Actuales políticas públicas para la desinstitucionalización y rehabilitación de personas psicóticas en Chile. Experiencia de la comunidad terapéutica de Peñalolén
Authors: Díaz Felipe , Erazo Javiera , Sandoval Carla
Published: October 2013

En el presente trabajo se revisan críticamente las políticas públicas del Estado chileno en los últimos años en relación a la salud mental, específicamente aquellas referidas a la desinstitucionalización y rehabilitación de personas psicóticasSe realiza una revisión del actual Plan Nacional de Salud Mental y Psiquiatría, haciendo énfasis en aquellos lineamientos orientados a una concepción biopsicosocial de las enfermedades mentales a través de tres ejes de discusión: familia, comunidad y red.Por último, se revisa una experiencia de tratamiento institucional de las psicosis que incorpora los aportes del psicoanálisis para pensar la psicosis y su tratamiento posible y en donde estos dos ejes se toman como puntos de trabajo: subjetividad y política.
Enhancing System Lifecycle Processes by Integrating Functional Safety Information from Practice into Design Requirements
Authors: Lintala Marja , Ovtcharova Jivka
Published: October 2013

To be able to find answers for challenging research questions about the universe, advanced machinery in major research institutions - e.g. accelerator complexes - is needed. In such expensive research facilities, which generate ionizing radiation, it is necessary to protect people, infrastructure and the environment from harm. To meet functional safety requirements, machinery shall fulfil high safety standards throughout its life. This paper aims to propose a methodology for preserving the functional safety of the equipment already in operation and the maintenance phase of the lifecycle. A methodology is proposed to enable better integration of information from practice into design requirements for modifications, such as upgrades and retrofits. The method is based on existing functional safety standards. The goal is to increase the operational time while preserving performance at the intended level.
A Four-Wheel-Rhombus-Arranged Mobility System for a New Lunar Robotic Rover
Authors: Wen Guilin , Ma Chuanshuai , Cheng Dong , Jin Qiutan , Chen Zhewu , Yang Xingfa , Yin Hanfeng , Zhou Jingyu
Published: October 2013

Different from traditional ground vehicles, planetary robotic rovers with limited weight and power need to travel in unfamiliar and extremely arduous environments. In this paper, a newly developed four-wheel-rhombus-arranged (FWRA) mobility system is presented as a lunar robotic rover with high mobility and a low-weight structure. The mobility system integrates independent active suspensions with a passive rotary link structure. The active suspension with swing arms improves the rover's capacity to escape from a trapped environment whereas the passive rotary link structure guarantees continuous contact between the four wheels and the terrain. The four-wheel-three-axis rhombus configuration of the mobility system gives a high degree of lightweight structure because it has a simple mechanism with the minimum number of wheels among wheeled rovers with three-axis off-road mobility. The performance evaluation of the lightweight nature of the structure, manoeuvrability and the mobility required in a planetary exploring environment are illustrated by theoretical analysis and partly shown by experiments on the developed rover prototype.
A Taxonomy for Heavy-Duty Telemanipulation Tasks Using Elemental Actions
Authors: Owen-Hill Alexander , Breñosa José , Ferre Manuel , Artigas Jordi , Aracil Rafael
Published: October 2013

In the maintenance of large scientific facilities, telemanipulation procedures can involve various subprocedures which in turn are made up of a sequence of subtasks. This work presents a taxonomy which describes a set of elemental actions for heavy-duty telemanipulation, along with an example of these actions in a standard maintenance subprocedure. As maintenance tasks are often very different at high-level, this generalized way of deconstructing tasks allows a highly adaptable approach to describe the sequence of any procedure, which can then be used for such applications as task monitoring, automation or detection of incomplete tasks. We describe in detail the properties of each elemental action and apply the taxonomy to an example subprocedure to show how the process can be generalizable. An automatic state-machine creation stage is shown, which would be used at the task scheduling stage to simplify calculations carried out during the moment-by-moment execution of the task.
Computing OpenSURF on OpenCL and General Purpose GPU
Authors: Yan Wanglong , Shi Xiaohua , Yan Xin , Wang Lina
Published: October 2013

Speeded-Up Robust Feature (SURF) algorithm is widely used for image feature detecting and matching in computer vision area. Open Computing Language (OpenCL) is a framework for writing programs that execute across heterogeneous platforms consisting of CPUs, GPUs, and other processors. This paper introduces how to implement an open-sourced SURF program, namely OpenSURF, on general purpose GPU by OpenCL, and discusses the optimizations in terms of the thread architectures and memory models in detail. Our final OpenCL implementation of OpenSURF is on average 37% and 64% faster than the OpenCV SURF v2.4.5 CUDA implementation on NVidia's GTX660 and GTX460SE GPUs, repectively. Our OpenCL program achieved real-time performance (>25 Frames Per Second) for almost all the input images with different sizes from 320*240 to 1024*768 on NVidia's GTX660 GPU, NVidia's GTX460SE GPU and AMD's Radeon HD 6850 GPU. Our OpenCL approach on NVidia's GTX660 GPU is more than 22.8 times faster than its original CPU version on Intel's Dual-Core E5400 2.7G on average.
Design, Development and Scaling Analysis of a Variable Stiffness Magnetic Torsion Spring
Authors: Sudano Angelo , Accoto Dino , Zollo Loredana , Guglielmelli Eugenio
Published: October 2013

In this paper we report on the design, modeling, experimental testing and scaling analysis of a novel MAgnetic Variable stiffnEess spRIng-Clutch (MAVERIC) device, which may be used as the elastic element of Variable Stiffness Actuators (VSAs). The device, comprising two co-axial diametrically magnetized hollow cylinders, has two degrees of freedom: a rotation of the two cylinders around the common axis and a relative translation along the same axis. For small rotations, the torque arising from the magnetic interaction of the two cylinders is almost linearly proportional to their relative rotation, as in mechanical torsion springs. In addition, the stiffness of the equivalent spring can be varied continuously from a maximum value down to exactly zero by changing the axial overlap of the two cylinders. In this way the proposed device can be used both as a clutch (i.e., perfectly compliant element) and as a variable stiffness torsion spring. A prototype, designed after magnetostatic FEM simulations, has been built and experimentally characterized. The developed MAVERIC has an experimentally determined maximum transmissible torque of 109.81mNm, while the calculated maximum stiffness is 110.2mNmrad−1. The amplitude of the torque-angle characteristic can be tuned linearly with a sensitivity of 12.63mNmmm−1 rad−1. Further simulations have been computed parameterizing the geometry and the number of pole pairs of the magnets. The maximum torque density reached for one pole pair is 47.21 · 103 Nm m−3, whereas for a fixed geometry similar to that of the developed prototype, the maximum torque is reached for seven pole pairs. Overall, compared to mechanical springs, MAVERIC has no fatigue or overloading issues. Compared to other magnetic couplers, torsion stiffness can be varied continuously from a maximum value down to exactly zero, when the device acts as a disengaged clutch, disconnecting the load from the actuator.
Project-service Solutions in the Yacht Industry: A Value-Chain Analysis
Authors: Aloini Davide , Dulmin Riccardo , Mininno Valeria , Ponticelli Simone
Published: October 2013

In recent years, the increased provision of bundled products and services has become an increasingly relevant economic trend for manufacturers in achieving competitive advantage. The project environment has not been left untouched by this economic trend, in particular throughout the delivery of integrated project-service solutions in all project life cycle stages. Innovative value offerings encompass a complex network of suppliers and subcontractors that is not stable and is arranged in a sporadic and unpredictable manner. Multiple case studies in the yacht industry were conducted to explore the configuration of project-service solutions. The research constitutes an original contribution to studies on servitization adoption in an industrial project context from an inter-organizational perspective. It emerged that SMEs reorganize themselves, in order to provide flexible on-demand solutions to customers, by including all the capabilities within their network. Newly arising professional roles are oriented to the implementation of smart networks and are focused on service infusion in order to provide increased customer value.
Objective and subjective cognitive outcomes one year after COVID‐19
Authors: Zamarian Laura , Rass Verena , Goettfried Elisabeth , Mayr Valentina , Carbone Federico , Kindl Philipp , Delazer Margarete , Djamshidian Atbin , Fanciulli Alessandra , Mahlknecht Philipp , Heim Beatrice , Peball Marina , Schiefecker Alois Josef , Seppi Klaus , Löffler‐Ragg Judith , Beer Ronny , Pfausler Bettina , Kiechl Stefan , Helbok Raimund
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate subjective cognitive, physical, and mental health symptoms as well as objective cognitive deficits in COVID‐19 patients 1 year after infection.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. Seventy‐four patients, who contracted a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 2020, underwent an in‐person neuropsychological assessment in 2021. This included standardized tests of memory, attention, and executive functions. In addition, participants also responded to scales on subjective attention deficits, mental health symptoms, and fatigue. Patients' scores were compared to published norms.

Results

Patients (N = 74) had a median age of 56 years (42% female). According to the initial disease severity, they were classified as mild (outpatients, 32%), moderate (hospitalized, non‐ICU‐admitted, 45%), or severe (ICU‐admitted, 23%). Hospitalized patients were more often affected than outpatients. In general, deficits were most common in attention (23%), followed by memory (15%) and executive functions (3%). Patients reported increased levels of fatigue (51%), anxiety (30%), distractibility in everyday situations (20%), and depression (15%). An additional analysis suggested an association between lower scores in an attention task and hyperferritinemia. As indicated by a hierarchical regression analysis, subjective distractibility was significantly predicted by current anxiety and fatigue symptoms but not by objective attention performance (final model, adj‐R
2 = 0.588, P < 0.001).

Interpretation

One year after infection, COVID‐19 patients can have frequent attention deficits and can complain about symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and distractibility. Anxiety and fatigue, more than objective cognitive deficits, have an impact on the patients' experienced impairments in everyday life.
Realization of Two‐Dimensional Intrinsic Polar Metal in a Buckled Honeycomb Binary Lattice
Authors: Wang Yihe , Li Dong , Duan Sisheng , Sun Shuo , Ding Yishui , Bussolotti Fabio , Sun Mingyue , Chen Mingxi , Wang Meng , Chen Lan , Wu Kehui , Goh Kuan Eng Johnson , Wee Andrew T. S. , Zhou Miao , Feng Baojie , Hua Chenqiang , Huang Yu Li , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

Structural topology and symmetry of a two‐dimensional (2D) network play pivotal roles in defining its electrical properties and functionalities. Here, a binary buckled honeycomb lattice with C3v symmetry, which naturally hosts topological Dirac fermions and out‐of‐plane polarity, is proposed. It is successfully achieved in a group IV‐V compound, namely monolayer SiP epitaxially grown on Ag(111) surface. Combining first‐principles calculations with angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy, the degeneration of the Dirac nodal lines to points due to the broken horizonal mirror symmetry is elucidated. More interesting, the SiP monolayer manifests metallic nature, which is mutually exclusive with polarity in conventional materials. It is further found that the out‐of‐plane polarity is strongly suppressed by the metallic substrate. This study not only represents a breakthrough of realizing intrinsic polarity in 2D metallic material via ingenious design but also provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay of many exotic low‐dimensional quantum phenomena.
Minimizing Interfacial Energy Loss and Volatilization of Formamidinium via Polymer‐Assisted D–A supramolecular Self‐Assembly Interface for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with 25.78% Efficiency
Authors: Tian Congcong , Sun Anxin , Zhuang Rongshan , Zheng Yiting , Wu Xueyun , Ouyang Beilin , Du Jiajun , Li Ziyi , Wu Xiling , Chen Jinling , Cai Jingyu , Hua Yong , Chen Chun‐Chao
Published: July 2024

2D perovskite passivation strategies effectively reduce defect‐assisted carrier nonradiative recombination losses on the perovskite surface. Nonetheless, severe energy losses are causing by carrier thermalization, interfacial nonradiative recombination, and conduction band offset still persist at heterojunction perovskite/PCBM interfaces, which limits further performance enhancement of inverted heterojunction PSCs. Here, 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (5FTPP) is introduced between 3D/2D perovskite heterojunction and PCBM. Compared to tetraphenylporphyrin without electron‐withdrawing fluoro‐substituents, 5FTPP can self‐assemble with PCBM at interface into donor–acceptor (D–A) complex with stronger supramolecular interaction and lower energy transfer losses. This rapid energy transfer from donor (5FTPP) to acceptor (PCBM) within femtosecond scale is demonstrated to enlarge hot carrier extraction rates and ranges, reducing thermalization losses. Furthermore, the incorporation of polystyrene derivative (PD) reinforces D–A interaction by inhibiting self‐π–π stacking of 5FTPP, while fine‐tuning conduction band offset and suppressing interfacial nonradiative recombination via Schottky barrier, dipole, and n‐doping. Notably, the multidentate anchoring of PD‐5FTPP with FA+, Pb2+, and I− mitigates the adverse effects of FA+ volatilization during thermal stress. Ultimately, devices with PD‐5FTPP achieve a power conversion efficiency of 25.78% (certified: 25.36%), maintaining over 90% of initial efficiency after 1000 h of continuous illumination at the maximum power point (65 °C) under ISOS‐L‐2 protocol.
Organophotocatalyzed C−Si Bond Fragmentation Using Silyl Ethers as Radical Precursors
Authors: Luguera Ruiz Adrián , Benazzi Valentina , Tucci Federico , Rizzo Francesca , Merli Daniele , Protti Stefano , Fagnoni Maurizio
Published: July 2024

In this work, silyl ethers of phenols and alcohols have been successfully prepared and tested as neutral carbon (silicon) centered radical precursors. The organophotocatalyzed oxidation (by the Fukuzumi catalyst) of these ethers caused the cleavage of a C−Si (or a Si−Si) bond for the release of the desired radical to be used for the forging of C(sp3) −C(sp3) (or C(sp3) −Si) bonds via a Giese reaction.
Tensile Behavior of Fullerene Nanosheets Utilizing Targeted Reactive Force Fields
Authors: Giannopoulos Georgios I. , Georgantzinos Stylianos K. , Ghavanloo Esmaeal
Published: July 2024

Fullerenes, as single crystals, present exceptional mechanical and physical properties due to their hollow spherical molecular structure consisting of carbon atoms connected by covalent bonds. The idea of linking these allotropes of carbon to create monolayer networks has now been accomplished experimentally. The question that remains to be answered is if these synthesized single‐layered nanosheets of fullerene present comparable properties with graphene monolayers. To answer this important question and to estimate the full tensile stress–strain behavior of quasi‐tetragonal as well as quasi‐hexagonal configurations of C60 planar networks, several Molecular Dynamics simulations are performed in this work by using a new REAXFF and the AIREBO‐M potential. Various mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, ultimate tensile strength, ultimate tensile strain, and fracture energy at failure of C60 monolayers of several sizes, are computed and compared with the results reported in the literature. Furthermore, a comprehensive discussion is made regarding the significant influence of the adopted potential on the numerical predictions of the elastic mechanical and fracture behavior of the fullerene nanosheets.
KDM3A Ablation Activates Endogenous Retrovirus Expression to Stimulate Antitumor Immunity in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zheng Jiabin , Feng Huolun , Lin Jiatong , Zhou Jianlong , Xi Zhihui , Zhang Yucheng , Ling Fa , Liu Yongfeng , Wang Junjiang , Hou Tieying , Xing Fan , Li Yong
Published: July 2024

The success of immunotherapy for cancer treatment is limited by the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME); Therefore, identifying novel targets to that can reverse this immunosuppressive TME and enhance immunotherapy efficacy is essential. In this study, enrichment analysis based on publicly available single‐cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from gastric cancer patients are conducted, and found that tumor‐intrinsic interferon (IFN) plays a central role in TME regulation. The results shows that KDM3A over‐expression suppresses the tumor‐intrinsic IFN response and inhibits KDM3A, either genomically or pharmacologically, which effectively promotes IFN responses by activating endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). KDM3A ablation reconfigures the dsRNA‐MAVS‐IFN axis by modulating H3K4me2, enhancing the infiltration and function of CD8 T cells, and simultaneously reducing the presence of regulatory T cells, resulting in a reshaped TME in vivo. In addition, combining anti‐PD1 therapy with KDM3A inhibition effectively inhibited tumor growth. In conclusions, this study highlights KDM3A as a potential target for TME remodeling and the enhancement of antitumor immunity in gastric cancer through the regulation of the ERV‐MAVS‐IFN axis.
Developing a Multifunctional Cathode for Photoassisted Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhao Fei , Yang Ke , Liu Yuxin , Li Juan , Li Chan , Xu Xinwu , He Yibo
Published: July 2024

Integration of solar cell and secondary battery cannot only promote solar energy application but also improve the electrochemical performance of battery. Lithium–sulfur battery (LSB) is an ideal candidate for photoassisted batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity. Unfortunately, the researches related the combination of solar energy and LSB are relatively lacking. Herein, a freestanding photoelectrode is developed for photoassisted lithium–sulfur battery (PALSB) by constructing a heterogeneous structured Au@N‐TiO2 on carbon cloths (Au@N‐TiO2/CC), which combines multiple advantages. The Au@N‐TiO2/CC photoelectrode can produce the photoelectrons to facilitate sulfur reduction during discharge process, while generating holes to accelerate sulfur evolution during charge process, improving the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Meanwhile, Au@N–TiO2/CC can work as an electrocatalyst to promote the conversion of intermediate polysulfides during charge/discharge process, mitigating induced side reactions. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, PALSB assembled with an Au@N‐TiO2/CC photoelectrode obtains ultrahigh specific capacity, excellent rate performance, and outstanding cycling performance. What is more, the Au@N‐TiO2/CC assembled PALSB can be directly charged under light illumination. This work not only expands the application of solar energy but also provides a new insight to develop advanced LSBs.
Stretchable, Self‐Healing, and Bioactive Hydrogel with High‐Functionality N,N′‐bis(acryloyl)cystamine Dynamically Bonded Ag@polydopamine Crosslinkers for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Shi Wei , Li Hui , Chen Jing , Ching Yern Chee , Chuah Cheng Hock , Xu Chengsheng , Liu Moran , Zhang Jinyong , Ching Kuan Yong , Liang Yongsheng , Li Guanglin , Tang Wei
Published: July 2024

Hydrogels present attractive opportunities as flexible sensors due to their soft nature and tunable physicochemical properties. Despite significant advances, practical application of hydrogel‐based sensor is limited by the lack of general routes to fabricate materials with combination of mechanical, conductive, and biological properties. Here, a multi‐functional hydrogel sensor is reported by in situ polymerizing of acrylamide (AM) with N,N′‐bis(acryloyl)cystamine (BA) dynamic crosslinked silver‐modified polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, namely PAM/BA‐Ag@PDA. Compared with traditional polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel, the BA‐Ag@PDA nanoparticles provide both high‐functionality crosslinks and multiple interactions within PAM networks, thereby endowing the optimized PAM/BA‐Ag@PDA hydrogel with significantly enhanced tensile/compressive strength (349.80 kPa at 383.57% tensile strain, 263.08 kPa at 90% compressive strain), lower hysteresis (5.2%), improved conductivity (2.51 S m−1) and excellent near‐infrared (NIR) light‐triggered self‐healing ability. As a strain sensor, the PAM/BA‐Ag@PDA hydrogel shows a good sensitivity (gauge factor of 1.86), rapid response time (138 ms), and high stability. Owing to abundant reactive groups in PDA, the PAM/BA‐Ag@PDA hydrogel exhibits inherent tissue adhesiveness and antioxidant, along with a synergistic antibacterial effect by PDA and Ag. Toward practical applications, the PAM/BA‐Ag@PDA hydrogel can conformally adhere to skin and monitor subtle activities and large‐scale movements with excellent reliability, demonstrating its promising applications as wearable sensors for healthcare.
Myokine secretion during moderate‐intensity physical activity: Dose–response of interleukin 6 to walking duration
Authors: Kistner Timothy M. , Tavormina Anna , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: July 2024

During vigorous physical activity, contracting muscles secrete a variety of immunomodulatory and metabolic factors called myokines that perform a variety of functions. Foremost among these is interleukin 6 (IL‐6), which increases fatty acid mobilization and stimulates anti‐inflammatory cytokine release. Despite being well characterized in vigorous exercise contexts, whether IL‐6 is secreted during moderate‐intensity activities such as walking is unclear. This is especially pertinent as regular walking is one of the oldest and most common forms of physical activity and comes with a variety of health benefits, which may be coordinated in part by IL‐6 signaling. To test the hypothesis that IL‐6 release occurs during evolutionarily normal physical activity contexts like long distance walking, we performed a dose–response experiment to test the effect of walking duration on IL‐6 secretion. Thirteen participants completed four moderate‐intensity walking trials (55% HRmax) of varying durations (30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h) in a randomized order with intervening washout periods of at least 1 week. Using a linear mixed effects model, we found that IL‐6 levels modestly increased during only the 2 h and 3 h walking trials. These results suggest that small frequent increases in IL‐6 signaling may be an important mechanism underlying the health benefits of regular walking. Furthermore, this finding raises the possibility that IL‐6 secretion is an adaptation to fuel physical activity, especially during periods of negative energy balance.