bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of bearing coefficient in cold‐formed stainless steel bolted connection
Authors: Sobrinho Kelvin , da Silva André T. , Rodrigues Monique C. , Henriques José A. , Lima Luciano R. , da Vellasco Pedro C. G.
Published: September 2021

The connections play an important role in the overall behaviour of the structures. Therefore an adequate structural design taking into account both safe and economic criterion is necessary. The structural design of stainless steel bolted connections using actual codes can provide inadequate design capacity mainly due to the use of similar rules based on analogies from mild carbon structures. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the structural response of stainless bolted connections considering the steel grade austenitic 304. Experimental and numerical analyses have been carried out considering bolted connection under bearing failure. In details, the study cases were subjected to two shear planes with thin‐plate and thick‐plate. In these cases, the occurrence of curling failures is possible. A detailed study involving the geometric parameters adopted by design equations of bolted stainless steel connections was made. The outcomes showed a reduction of the ultimate capacity characterised by out‐plane deformation. In addition, the current codes led to significant difference when compared to both experimental and numerical results.
Analysis of pallet rack beam members through a nonlinear GBT formulation with sectional constraints
Authors: Bonada Jordi , Casafont Miquel , Roure Francesc , Pastor Maria Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Thin‐walled open cross‐sections are commonly used in steel storage pallet rack structures. In some cases, open sections are employed as beam members. These beam members usually have weld spots along their length in order to reduce the distortional deformation under a flexural load. On the other hand, beam members are typically connected to columns by means of claws, which typically exhibit a nonlinear moment ‐ rotation relationship. These two characteristic should be taken into account in order to properly reproduce their structural response.

In this paper, the Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) is used to perform a geometrical nonlinear analysis of a pallet rack beam members taking weld spots and the beam‐to‐column connection behavior into account. The influence of the number and location of weld spots, as well as the beam‐to‐column connection behavior, in the distortional deformation of a beam member is evaluated by means of GBT nonlinear analyses. The results show that the use of a small number of weld spots could be enough to minimize the beam distortional deformation. Moreover, the stiffness of the beam‐to‐column connection also has influence on the beam distortional deformation. Finally, GBT results are successfully compared with shell finite element analyses.
Design of Built‐up Nested Cold‐formed Steel Channel Compression Members
Authors: Vy Son Tung , Mahendran Mahen
Published: September 2021

Recently, the use of built‐up cold‐formed steel (CFS) members in the form of nested channel (NC) compression members is becoming more popular in CFS construction. For NC compression members, the current CFS design standards have been shown to be inadequate, provide over‐conservative predictions, and include some cumbersome design rules relating to maximum allowable screw spacing and end fastener groups. New design guidelines have been proposed by some recent research studies, however, they are based on different assumptions and provide varying capacity predictions.

This study has investigated (1) the design guidelines in the current design standards and past research studies, and (2) the effects of screw spacing as well as end fastener groups on the compression behaviour and capacity of NC members. It included a series of compression tests on short, intermediate and slender single channel and NC members, followed by developing validated finite element models and undertaking parametric studies. The results show that: (1) the compression capacity of NC members can be greater than twice that of their individual members, (2) the design rules on the maximum allowable screw spacing and end fastener groups are over‐conservative, and are mostly unnecessary, (3) the design rules in the current standards and past research studies are not suitable for predicting the compression capacities of the investigated NC members, and (4) proposed design guidelines based on the Direct Strength Method in the current CFS design standards can provide reliable predictions for the compression capacities of NC members.
Innovative shear transfer system for Concrete Filled Steel Tubes (CFST) in columns
Authors: Soltanalipour Milad , Ferrer Miquel , Albareda Albert , Marimon Frederic , Casafont Miquel , Iglesias Gorka
Published: September 2021

The common failure mode of composite steel‐concrete structural elements, such as composite columns, generally occurs due to the relative slipping or separation of the steel sheet and the concrete. This leads to materials overspending and low resistance. In the case of beam‐to‐column joints, the most common solution used in composite construction is introducing a perpendicular gusset plate, which is complex in terms of execution. On the other hand, there is no efficient solution for shear transferring along the whole length of the column to prevent slip under bending. The UPC patent improves very significantly the shear transferring between steel and concrete, enough to achieve the permanent connection in many cases, by means of generating a series of many crown‐shaped breakages produced by punching in the profiling stage, not only in the joints but also in the whole length. When the concrete sets, the said breakages embedded therein have the function of resisting shearing forces generated between both materials. It has been successfully applied to composite slabs and, in terms of composite columns, it is also a disruptive innovation to solve the current shear transfer limitation. Besides, this innovative system is easy to be massively produced avoiding the complexities of the conventional beam‐to‐column joints and reducing the construction costs, especially in high‐rise buildings. The aim of this paper is to present this new technology for connecting steel sheet and concrete in CFST columns.
Behavior of downstand simply supported steel‐concrete composite beam applying friction based demountable shear connection
Authors: Fodor Jovan , Schäfer Markus
Published: September 2021

In order to improve sustainability of composite structures and promote the principles of circular economy in construction industry, novel demountable shear connector based on the frictional behavior was developed within the framework of Work package 2 of parent project ECON4SD (Eco Construction for Sustainable Development) at the University of Luxembourg.

The demountable composite floor system is composed out of modular concrete one‐way solid slabs with equidistantly embedded Halfen HTA‐CE rail channels, double symmetric steel I section and demountable connector device assembly based on HV high strength structural bolts for preloading that provides the demountable shear connection.

In this paper trilinear behavior model is proposed for the force‐slip behavior of aforementioned connector device complying to the results of the push test experimental campaign and the results of FEA simulations. Afterwards, parametric study is performed on the range of simply supported composite beams in propped and unpropped condition under uniformly distributed load applying the aforementioned shear connection validating the predictability of the composite beam bending behavior in accordance with the rules of EN 1994‐1‐1.
Laser Cut passing‐through Open‐to‐CHS Beam‐to‐Column Connections
Authors: Das Rajarshi , Kanyilmaz Alper , Degee Herve
Published: September 2021

Although Circular Hollow Sections (CHS) have always demonstrated their excellent properties in resisting high compression, tension as well as bending in all directions, thanks to their inherent shape and geometry, the existing open ‐to‐CHS connections used in the current industry (conventional connections) generally require a substantial amount of stiffeners or gusset plates due to their construction method i.e. direct welding or diaphragm connections. As a result, huge welding quantities are required which further complicates the fabrication procedure. Furthermore, due to a direct connection, the CHS column becomes prone to localized distortions. In order to minimize the aforementioned drawbacks, a “passing‐through” approach was proposed and investigated in the EU‐RFCS research project LASTEICON where connecting elements (i.e. one or more steel plates or a piece of I‐profile) pass through the CHS column through Laser Cut slots made in the column and the primary beams (namely the “main” I‐beams) are connected to both ends of the passing through elements (named as “through‐members”). The applied shear force, and if relevant the applied moment, is effectively transferred by the “through‐member” to the CHS column, whereas, the CHS column contributes significantly in resisting it through its large flexural and shear capacity. The present article summarizes the most interesting results obtained based on the experimentally validated numerical simulations for the different types of LASTEICON connections. Thanks to the superior fabrication quality and versatility offered by the laser cutting technology, different types of connection configurations were developed within the project. This article introduces a few of these possibilities: (1) Two‐way steel moment resisting connections, (2) Asymmetric steel connections, (3) Four‐way steel connections, and (4) Composite connections.
Resistance prediction of laminates, fillet‐welded and full penetration‐welded bolted T‐stub connections
Authors: Aquino Giovani Jesus Berrospi , Alatrista Gustavo Alberto Neira , Miranda Walter Guillermo Loaiza , Aparcana Carlos Alberto Juárez , Miranda Jorge Hernán Alencastre , de Cisneros Fonfría Juan José Jiménez
Published: September 2021

Bolted end plate connections are usually considered an optimal alternative in rigid‐frame steel design because they have competitive costs and good structural behaviour. The characterization of this type of connection is defined by the moment‐curvature relationship in terms of strength, stiffness and ductility, and the method of components is the analytical procedure proposed by the Eurocode standard to predict the rotational behaviour. The T‐stub is the component that idealizes the transfer of tensile forces in components of the column flange and the endplate in bending components and is composed by one T‐shape element made of a web in tension joined to a flange in bending. The connection between the web and the flange can be set continuously (in rolled profiles) or welded, and the type of welding procedure considered, fillet or by full penetration, depends on the type of loads that the connection is submitted. e.g., in the case of dynamically loaded structures, in machinery supports or structures emplaced on seismic zones, is recommended the use of full penetration to avoid a premature failure by fatigue.

This paper exposes the study results of the influence of the three types of connections between the web and the flange in T‐stub connections. Monotonic loading tests, applied by a universal test machine and analysed by the Digital Image Correlation technique, have been performed at laboratories of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Results, represented by Force‐displacement characteristics curves and strains and stresses fields, are compared with the evaluation of analytical formulae, and the results of a FEM model developed to analyse the component. The conclusions are that the type of connections between the web and the flange greatly influences the T‐stub behaviour. Currently, the bibliography defines specific values for the variable m (defined as the equivalent distance from the centre of a fastener to the plastic hinge form near to the web face) for cases of laminated or fillet welded T‐stub connections. However, there is no prescription to analyse the structural behaviour of T‐stub welded by full penetration. We recommend a deeper study for this typology of connections to propose additional values in future versions of the Eurocodes.
Experimental study of various stiffened openings
Authors: DURIF Sébastien , BOUCHAIR Abdelhamid , AL‐DAFAFEA Taher
Published: September 2021

Openings in the web of steel beams have a growing use in steel and composite structures. However, in some cases, the presence of large web openings reduces significantly the beam strength, especially in areas of high shear or when a local force is being applied at the location of an opening. As a consequence, steel manufacturers often need to weld stiffeners to reinforce the openings. The actual European design rules do not provide design guidelines for those stiffeners. However, previous design codes, such as the ENV version of the Eurocode, propose some limitations. An example of limitation is to not consider the stiffener additional section in the bending strength of the opening member in the case of a single sided stiffening configuration. However, it could be observed that this kind of limitation can be very conservative. Thus, two experimental test campaigns have been led in order evaluate the behavior of openings with stiffeners. Different stiffening configurations have been tested and evaluated regarding the opening member deflection, strain distribution and strength. The first campaign consists of testing a beam with a rectangular opening in three points bending. Those tests allow the observation of the Vierendeel mechanism and its reinforcement provided by various stiffening configurations. The second test campaign is dedicated to the study of openings loaded directly on the upper member. Those tests allow the comparison of the mechanical behavior between various opening shapes and stiffening configurations under local load.
Numerical and analytical study of intermediate web‐post buckling
Authors: DURIF Sébastien , BOUCHAIR Abdelhamid , LOPES Nuno
Published: September 2021

In the case of two adjacent large web openings, the beam may fail by the plastification or the buckling of the intermediate web part known as the web‐post failure. Various analytical approaches have been developed to define the failure load of the intermediate web‐post which can be a key point in the design of beams with web openings. The authors led numerical studies on rectangular openings. Those studies allowed to observe that in a majority of cases, the web‐post reaches a total plastic strength. Furthermore, it allowed to observe that the loss of the web‐post did not lead to the beam failure. The beams generally failed by the formation of a Vierendeel mechanism of an enlarged or elongated opening. As a consequence, the authors propose an alternative approach for the definition of the web‐post buckling strength, considering the web‐post failure load based on lateral buckling failure and on the additional strength provided by the formation of a plastic mechanism.
Improvement of fatigue strength in heavy steel constructions through arc brazing
Authors: Gericke Andreas , Drebenstedt Karl , Kuhlmann Ulrike , Henkel Knuth‐Michael
Published: September 2021

The possibility of arc brazing of non‐loaded attachments with the filler material CuAl7 instead of welding on cyclically stressed steel constructions was investigated. The notch effect under cyclic loading was significantly reduced for non‐loaded arc brazed plates on base material of S355 and therefore the fatigue strength improved. The specimens did not show sensitivity to changes of the thickness and size of the non‐loaded arc brazed plates during fatigue testing. Furthermore, no negative thickness effect by increasing the thickness of the base material was observed. Microstructural analysis showed that the dimension of the heat affected zone was reduced through reduced heat input and that liquid metal penetration (LMP) occurs in the base metal, which has no negative effect on fatigue strength. Measurements of residual stresses in the weld / braze toe area showed that tensile residual stresses have not significantly been reduced, which can be attributed to comparable reactional forces of the copper alloy during cooling through a higher coefficient of thermal expansion. Numerical analysis showed that compared to a welded detail, the stress concentrations on the weld toe of the arc brazed fillets drop significantly due to the lower Young's Modulus of the alloy. The static testing of the load bearing capacity of arc brazed attachments showed that high tensile and shear stresses, which are comparable to the strength of the base metal, can be reached before fracture.
Material testing and analysis of WAAM stainless steel
Authors: Kyvelou Pinelopi , Slack Harry , Buchanan Craig , Wadee M. Ahmer , Gardner Leroy
Published: September 2021

Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a method of 3D printing that enables large structural elements to be built, with reasonable printing times and costs, making it well suited to applications in the construction industry. There is currently, however, limited information relating to the structural performance of WAAM material. Uncertainties include the basic mechanical properties, the degree of anisotropy and the influence of the as‐built geometry. Towards addressing this knowledge gap, a comprehensive series of tensile tests on coupons cut from WAAM stainless steel sheets was conducted and the results are presented and analysed herein. As‐built and machined coupons were tested to investigate the influence of the as‐built geometrical irregularity on the stress‐strain characteristics, while material anisotropy was explored by testing coupons produced at 0°, 45° and 90° to the printing layer orientation. Advanced non‐contact measurement techniques were employed to determine the geometric properties and deformation fields of the test specimens, while sophisticated analysis methods were used for post processing the resulting test data. The underlying material stress‐strain response, as determined from the tensile tests on the machined coupons, revealed a significant degree of anisotropy while the effective mechanical properties of the as‐built material were shown to be strongly dependent on the level of geometric variability arising from the printing process.
Characterisation of the anisotropic response of wire and arc additively manufactured stainless steel
Authors: Hadjipantelis Nicolas , Weber Ben , Gardner Leroy
Published: September 2021

In contrast to conventional structural steel and stainless steel, wire and arc additively manufactured (WAAM) material can exhibit a strongly anisotropic response. To investigate the degree of anisotropy in WAAM sheet material, data obtained from tensile tests on machined and as‐built stainless steel coupons are utilised. The WAAM material was tested in three different loading directions relative to the deposition direction and the response was captured using digital image correlation; a summary of the key results is presented. In the elastic range, the observed mechanical response is characterised using an orthotropic plane stress material model, which requires the definition of two Young's moduli, the Poisson's ratio and the shear modulus. Good agreement between the test results and the theoretical predictions based on the orthotropic material model is demonstrated. In the inelastic range, to describe the anisotropic yielding of the material, the well‐known Hill's criterion utilising the 0.2% proof stresses is employed. Overall, the elastic and inelastic properties of the studied material are shown to vary significantly with the direction of loading.
A Damage‐Controlled Behavior Factor (EC8) for Seismic Design of Steel Irregular Space MRFs
Authors: Tzimas Angelos S. , Skalomenos Konstantinos A. , Beskos Dimitri E.
Published: September 2021

A main aspect to consider in seismic design of building structures according to EC8 is the selection of the behavior factor, q, which is directly related to the energy dissipation capacity of the structure. The prescribed values of q (1) are referred only to one limit state; (2) depend on the structural system and on the ductility class; (3) are constant; and (4) are not directly related to structural and non‐structural demands. Based on the literature, the inelastic seismic response of irregular building structures cannot be always estimated with safety by utilizing the methods of current seismic design codes. In this work, a preliminary performance‐based seismic design method which incorporates deformation‐controlled q factors, to better control the structural and non‐structural damage, is developed for space steel moment resisting frames irregular in plan view and in elevation within the framework of hybrid force/displacement (HFD) seismic design method. A large seismic response databank is generated on the basis of 88 space irregular MRFs, subjected to 42 pairs of ordinary ground motions, to develop the necessary empirical equations employed by the HFD. A realistic design example serves to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method over the seismic design procedure of EC8.
Patch load resistance of longitudinally stiffened steel plate girders: A parametric study
Authors: Kovacevic Sasa , Ceranic Aleksandar , Markovic Nenad
Published: September 2021

In this paper, an in‐depth nonlinear finite element analysis is carried out on longitudinally unstiffened and stiffened welded I‐steel plate girders subjected to patch loading. The most realistic load case is during the incremental launching of multi‐span steel and composite bridges over temporary or permanent supports. Bridge plate girders are usually reinforced by longitudinal and transverse stiffeners in order to prevent web panel buckling and to increase the bending and shear strength. The current European design standard EN 1993‐1‐5 also requires a stability control check for concentrated transverse forces (patch loading) since it can be a decisive design criterion. By using longitudinal stiffeners for flexural and shear resistance, the patch loading carrying capacity can be increased as well. Previous experimental studies showed that the EN1993‐1‐5 patch loading resistance model significantly underestimates the ultimate strength of longitudinally stiffened plate girders. The paper is primarily dealing with numerical research of the post‐buckling behavior and ultimate strength of longitudinally stiffened I‐steel plate girders reinforced by one longitudinal stiffener. The main objective of the present work is to investigate the influence of different geometrical parameters, including patch load length, web panel aspect ratio, and initial geometrical imperfections, on the ultimate strength of longitudinally stiffened plate girders. We showed in this study that for all the considered initial geometrical imperfections, the patch load resistance increases as the patch load length is increased. The lowest ultimate strength of longitudinally stiffened plate girders was determined for initial geometrical imperfections that resembled the deformed shape at collapse (collapse‐affine imperfections). The web panel aspect ratio also influenced the patch load resistance and lower ultimate strengths were returned for bigger web panel aspect ratios. Finally, further research recommendations are presented.
Experimental investigations of the flexural‐torsional buckling resistance: Steel rolled I‐section beam‐columns under moment gradient
Authors: Gizejowski Marian A. , Kozlowski Aleksander , Stachura Zbigniew
Published: September 2021

Beam‐columns of uniform rolled or equivalent welded sections are the member types most commonly used in steel skeletal structures. EN1993‐1‐1 [1] provides two design procedures of such members, one based on the interaction equations for the section resistance and the member buckling resistance, and the other one based on the so‐called General Method (GM) that tends to follow that of Ayrton‐Perry's procedure used for extreme cases of compression without bending and bending without compression. Above cited design procedures yield similar results when the beam‐column is predominantly under bending but sometimes results being away from each other when the beam‐column is predominantly under compression. Recently, a novel version of GM has been proposed [2], providing a tool of more rational design that yields the results from Eurocode 3 interaction equation procedure in both extreme cases. The proposed procedure is based on the Euclidean norm of dimensionless action effects and evaluation of Maquoi‐Rondal imperfection factor interpolated between those for compression without bending and bending without compression. This analytical procedure was verified with a wide range of advanced numerical simulations incorporating geometrical and material imperfections (residual stresses). In order to validate the accuracy of the proposed procedure, an experimental study on the buckling resistance of rolled I‐section beam‐columns was carried out the results of which are presented in this paper. Firstly, an overview of the experimental programme carried out on subframe specimens is given and then followed by the summary of measurements of deformations as well as global load vs. displacement characteristics for selected specimens. Finally, an assessment of the beam‐column buckling resistance, experimental vs. predicted by Eurocode 3 interaction equations procedure, is presented and conclusions with regard to the preliminary validation exercise are drawn.
Principles and Design Strategies for Ultra‐efficient Production Systems in the Process Industry
Authors: Schutzbach Maximilian , Full Johannes , Kiemel Steffen , Waltersmann Lara , Sielaff Lennard , Miehe Robert , Sauer Alexander
Published: September 2021

A sustainable design of production systems, both within and beyond company boundaries, is essential for the future viability of the process industry. In this context, the concept of ultra‐efficiency has recently been developed, aiming at achieving holistic improvements in the fields of action energy and material efficiency, emission reduction, organization, human and staff, with the goal of establishing a positive impact factory. In this paper, the concept developed mainly for the discrete manufacturing industry is transferred to the process industry. It is put into the scientific sub context and elementary approaches, methods and strategies for factory planning and design of production processes in the process industry are summarized.
Management and outcome across the spectrum of high‐risk patients with myocardial infarction according to the thrmobolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk‐score for secondary prevention
Authors: Grinberg Tzlil , Bental Tamir , Hammer Yoav , Assali Abid , Vaknin‐Assa Hana , Wiessman Maya , Perl Leor , Kornowski Ran , Eisen Alon
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients with myocardial infarction (MI) are at increased risk for recurrent cardiovascular events, yet some patients, such as the elderly and those with prior comorbidities, are particularly at the highest risk. Whether these patients benefit from contemporary management is not fully elucidated.

Methods

Included were consecutive patients with MI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a large tertiary medical center. Patients were stratified according to the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score for secondary prevention (TRS2°P) to high (TRS2°P = 3), very high (TRS2°P = 4), or extremely high‐risk (TRS2°P = 5–9). Excluded were low and intermediate‐risk patients (TRS2°P < 3). Outcomes included 30‐day/1‐year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 1‐year mortality. Temporal trends were examined in the early (2004–2010) and late (2011–2016) time‐periods.

Results

Among 2053 patients, 50% were high‐risk, 30% very high‐risk and 20% extremely high‐risk. Extremely high‐risk patients were older (age 74 ± 10 year) and had significant comorbidities (chronic kidney disease 68%, prior CABG 40%, heart failure 78%, peripheral artery disease 29%). Drug‐eluting stents and potent antiplatelets were more commonly used over time in all risk‐strata. Over time, 30‐day MACE rates have decreased, mainly attributed to the very high (11.3% to 5.1%, p = .006) and extremely high‐risk groups (15.9% to 8.0%, p = .016), but not the high‐risk group, with similar quantitative results for 1‐year MACE. The rates of 1‐year mortality remained unchanged in either group.

Conclusion

Within a particularly high‐risk cohort of MI patients who underwent PCI, the implementation of guideline‐recommended therapies has improved over time, with the highest‐risk groups demonstrating the greatest benefit in outcomes.
Inside the ESG ratings: (Dis)agreement and performance
Authors: Billio Monica , Costola Michele , Hristova Iva , Latino Carmelo , Pelizzon Loriana
Published: September 2021

We analyze the ESG rating criteria used by prominent agencies and show that there is a lack of a commonality in the definition of ESG (i) characteristics, (ii) attributes and (iii) standards in defining E, S and G components. We provide evidence that heterogeneity in rating criteria can lead agencies to have opposite opinions on the same evaluated companies and that agreement across those providers is substantially low. Those alternative definitions of ESG also affect sustainable investments leading to the identification of different investment universes and consequently to the creation of different benchmarks. This implies that in the asset management industry it is extremely difficult to measure the ability of a fund manager if financial performances are strongly conditioned by the chosen ESG benchmark. Finally, we find that the disagreement in the scores provided by the rating agencies disperses the effect of preferences of ESG investors on asset prices, to the point that even when there is agreement, it has no impact on financial performances.
Fabricating a Repairable, Recyclable, Imine‐based Dynamic Covalent Thermosetting Resin with Excellent Water Resistance by Introducing Dynamic Covalent Oxime Bonds
Authors: Li Guanglong , Zhang Xuhui , Yang Shuobing , Li Ting , Wang Yang , Chen Mingqing , Dong Weifu
Published: September 2021

The sustainable production of adaptive, recyclable and imine‐based dynamic covalent thermosetting resins (DCTRs) presents an opportunity for polymer scientists to address the prevalent environmental and energy concerns associated with current petroleum‐based plastics. However, the imine‐based DCTRs easily decompose in the presence of water, which can weaken the mechanical properties in imine‐based polymers. In this study, we designed oxime–imine DCTRs that are stable in the presence of water and exhibit good mechanical properties. In the presence of one kind of amino group catalyst, the oxime–imine DCTRs could be completely recycled. Additionally, these well‐designed oxime‐imine DCTRs have good mechanical properties, high glass transition temperatures (166 °C), and good thermal stabilities. Taken together, this work offers a sustainable solution for the design and manufacture of high‐value degradable materials intended for applications in which recyclability and reusability are indispensable.
SAR‐MARKOV: An energy efficient optimal routing method for WSN
Authors: Ram Garsukuti Mohan , Ilavarasan Egambaram
Published: September 2021

In most wireless sensor network (WSN) applications, energy efficiency is a major issue and also choosing an energy efficient routing is crucial for maximizing the network lifetime. In this paper, an energy efficient optimal routing method is presented for WSN based on SAR‐MARKOV model. Initially, nodes in the network are effectively clustered utilizing k‐means clustering in terms of energy, message size, and packet size to obtain the most reliable model of clustering. Afterwards, a Search and Rescue (SAR) optimization approach is utilized for optimal cluster head selection which works based on the SAR behavior of humans to optimize the constraints. After the selection of cluster head, the Markov model provides an accurate prediction of the shortest path to achieve energy efficient optimal routing. This work is implemented in NS2 platform. The experimental results of the presented approach provide improved performance than the different existing routing techniques in terms of throughput, packet loss ratio, packet delivery ratio, network lifetime, jitter, energy consumption, time complexity, end‐to‐end delay, and bit error rate.
Design and testing of selective inactivators against an antifungal enzyme target
Authors: Friday Samantha N. , Cheng Daniel W. , Zagler Sebastian G. , Zanella Brady S. , Dietz Jordan D. , Calbat Christopher N. , Roach Logan T. , Bagnal Cindy , Faile Ian S. , Halkides Christopher J. , Viola Ronald E.
Published: September 2021

Systemic infections from fungal organisms are becoming increasingly difficult to treat as drug resistance continues to emerge. To substantially expand the antifungal drug landscape new compounds must be identified and developed with novel modes of action against previously untested drug targets. Most drugs block the activity of their targets through reversible, noncovalent interactions. However, a significant number of drugs form irreversible, covalent bonds with their selected targets. While more challenging to develop, these irreversible inactivators offer some significant advantages as novel antifungal agents. Vinyl sulfones contain a potentially reactive functional group that could function as a selective enzyme inactivator, and members of this class of compounds are now being developed as inactivators against an antifungal drug target. The enzyme aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH) catalyzes a key step in an essential microbial pathway and is essential for the survival of every microorganism examined. A series of vinyl sulfones have been designed, guided by molecular modeling and docking studies to enhance their affinity for fungal ASADHs. These newly synthesized compounds have been examined against this target enzyme from the pathogenic fungal organism Candida albicans. Vinyl sulfones containing complementary structural elements inhibit this enzyme with inhibition constants in the low‐micromolar range. These inhibitors have also led to the rapid and irreversible inactivation of this enzyme, and show some initial selectivity when compared to the inactivation of a bacterial ASADH. The best inactivators will serve as lead compounds for the development of potent and selective antifungal agents.
Ferrocene‐Based Phosphenium Ion with Intramolecular Phosphine Coordination
Authors: Zhang Tianqing , Lee Vladimir Ya. , Morisako Shogo , Aoyagi Shinobu , Sasamori Takahiro
Published: September 2021

A bis(ferrocenyl)phosphenium ion with intramolecular phosphine‐coordination, incorporated within [2]ferrocenophane framework, was synthesized as an air‐stable compound. Although it can be thought as a phosphino‐phosphonium derivative, considering the potential rotation of the cyclopentadienyl group of the ferrocene moiety, the isolated compound should be a masked phosphenium ion with intramolecular phosphine coordination. The redox behavior of the isolated phosphine‐coordinated phosphenium ion has been revealed by CV measurements and the theoretical calculations, suggesting its oxidation at the ferrocenyl moieties and reduction at the phosphorus center consecutively giving the corresponding phosphinyl radical and phosphide ion.
Predicting gully erosion using landform evolution models: Insights from mining landforms
Authors: Hancock Greg R. , Willgoose Garry R.
Published: September 2021

Incision as a result of fluvial erosion is an important process to model when simulating landform evolution. For gullies, it is apparent that coupled with the processes that cause incision there must be a range of processes that stop incision. Once started, rills and gullies will grow infinitely without a reduction in support area and/or being arrested by deposition and armouring. Some of these processes have been well studied under the heading of inter‐rill erosion. Other limiting processes are related to the shape of the landform and how downstream deposition areas are linked geomorphically to the upstream gullies. Armouring is also an important process that reduces gully incision and extension, where the gully erodes to bedrock and the resistant base limits further development. Post‐mining landscapes are new surfaces with new materials and provide the opportunity to examine gully initiation, extension and stabilization. The work presented here has largely been driven by the mining industry, where there has been a need to assess erosion over hazardous wastes like mine tailings and low‐level nuclear waste. We demonstrate the usefulness of computer‐based landscape evolution models and the more recent soilscape models (that include both surface and subsurface processes) to understand both fluvial and diffusive processes as well as armouring in a digital elevation model framework (as well as landscape evolution). Landscape evolution models provide insights into complex non‐linear systems such as gullies. A key need is that of field data to parameterize and validate the models. It is argued that current models have more capability than field data available for parameterization and importantly the validation of model outputs.
System change evaluation: Insights from The Rippel Foundation and its ReThink Health initiative
Authors: Gates Emily F. , Fils‐Aime Francisca
Published: September 2021

This chapter explores evaluation about and for system change within a case study of The Rippel Foundation's ReThink Health initiative. Their work involves field building to understand and shift what constrains current systems influencing health and well‐being and place‐based efforts to change systems carried out with regionally focused stewards. Guiding questions addressed how ReThink Health envisions, supports, and evaluates system change. Data included document review and group and individual interviews with staff members followed by iterative cycles of descriptive pattern coding and analysis. Seven, interrelated findings depict system change as (1) reframing problems and (2) cultivating stewardship supported by (3) adapted and new tools. Additionally, evaluation (4) fuels learning, (5) uses a developmental theory of system change, (6) assesses changes to system conditions, and (7) seeks to continuously develop value. Authors identify considerations for others engaged in system change evaluation.
Block coordinate descent algorithm improves variable selection and estimation in error‐in‐variables regression
Authors: Escribe Célia , Lu Tianyuan , Keller‐Baruch Julyan , Forgetta Vincenzo , Xiao Bowei , Richards J. Brent , Bhatnagar Sahir , Oualkacha Karim , Greenwood Celia M. T.
Published: September 2021

Medical research increasingly includes high‐dimensional regression modeling with a need for error‐in‐variables methods. The Convex Conditioned Lasso (CoCoLasso) utilizes a reformulated Lasso objective function and an error‐corrected cross‐validation to enable error‐in‐variables regression, but requires heavy computations. Here, we develop a Block coordinate Descent Convex Conditioned Lasso (BDCoCoLasso) algorithm for modeling high‐dimensional data that are only partially corrupted by measurement error. This algorithm separately optimizes the estimation of the uncorrupted and corrupted features in an iterative manner to reduce computational cost, with a specially calibrated formulation of cross‐validation error. Through simulations, we show that the BDCoCoLasso algorithm successfully copes with much larger feature sets than CoCoLasso, and as expected, outperforms the naïve Lasso with enhanced estimation accuracy and consistency, as the intensity and complexity of measurement errors increase. Also, a new smoothly clipped absolute deviation penalization option is added that may be appropriate for some data sets. We apply the BDCoCoLasso algorithm to data selected from the UK Biobank. We develop and showcase the utility of covariate‐adjusted genetic risk scores for body mass index, bone mineral density, and lifespan. We demonstrate that by leveraging more information than the naïve Lasso in partially corrupted data, the BDCoCoLasso may achieve higher prediction accuracy. These innovations, together with an R package, BDCoCoLasso, make error‐in‐variables adjustments more accessible for high‐dimensional data sets. We posit the BDCoCoLasso algorithm has the potential to be widely applied in various fields, including genomics‐facilitated personalized medicine research.
Does fairness narrow the gap? Effect of procedural justice on MNE attention disparity
Authors: Weng David H. , Cheng Hsiang‐Lin
Published: September 2021

Research Summary

Earlier studies have suggested that multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries may receive unequal attention from headquarters, but have not yet thoroughly examined either this issue or potential mechanisms that may ameliorate the situation. Our study contends that procedural justice helps bridge an MNE's attention gap as perceived by subsidiaries. We further posit that this proposed effect would be moderated by several contextual factors including subsidiary capability, subsidiary initiative, MNE internationalization, and MNE scope. An assembled sample of MNEs headquartered in Taiwan supports our predictions. These findings have important implications for both the attention‐based view of the firm and headquarters–subsidiary relationships.

Managerial Summary

MNEs often allocate unequal attention among their overseas subsidiaries. Yet the means of addressing this potential attention disparity remains underexplored. We contend that developing a set of fair, transparent, and unbiased procedures within an MNE can help address this issue. Results based on a sample of MNEs based in Taiwan support this argument. These analyses also suggest that the effect of procedural justice would be weakened when subsidiaries are more capable and demonstrate greater initiative. In contrast, the impact of procedural justice will be strengthened for highly internationalized MNEs. Our findings offer crucial practical implications for MNEs to allocate attention among and manage their subsidiaries.
The treatment of disabled individuals in small, medium‐sized, and large firms
Authors: Bacon Nick , Hoque Kim
Published: September 2021

Integrating literature on small firm informality and organizational growth and development into Stone and Colella's model of the workplace treatment of disabled individuals, we assess prior claims that disability employment outcomes are better in large firms than in small and medium‐sized firms. Drawing on the principle of equifinality, we propose disability employment outcomes (workforce disability prevalence and disability gaps in contentment and job satisfaction) will not vary by firm size, given both the formalized approach of large firms (disability equality practices, HR specialists, and union recognition), and the more informal approach of small firms (greater job autonomy, a stronger fairness culture, better work‐life balance, and single‐site operations with closer personal relationships) may have benefits for disabled people. Analyzing nationally representative matched employer–employee data, we show that, as anticipated, formalized approaches are more prevalent in large firms (and to an extent medium‐sized firms) and informal approaches are more prevalent in small firms, and disability employment outcomes do not vary by firm size. However, this appears to reflect the ineffectiveness (rather than effectiveness) of characteristics and practices associated with both large firm formality and small firm informality, with both being weakly associated with better disability employment outcomes.
Creativity Paradigms and Game Design Research: A Transdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Chiapello Laureline
Published: September 2021

Using a transdisciplinary approach, this paper shows how creativity studies and game design research can complement each other and open new research avenues. In order to study the role of creativity in game designers’ practice, we first touch on the epistemological foundations of creativity studies and game design research. After presenting these disciplines’ epistemological underpinnings, we conduct a qualitative content analysis of game design literature, using Vlad Petre Glăveanu’s “creativity paradigms” as our analytical framework. According to these paradigms, the results show that creative game designers are still largely depicted in the literature as either geniuses or skillful individuals, while cultural and social aspects of creativity are overlooked despite their importance in current game design practice. All in all, an epistemological reflection is necessary to bridge the gap between creativity studies and game design studies. We conclude that a pragmatist approach is a promising avenue to bring forward a comprehensive view of creativity in game design practice. Finally, in order to establish theories suited for a wide array of disciplines, this paper also advocates for more transdisciplinarity in creativity research.
Sudden Onset, Fixed Dystonia and Acute Peripheral Trauma as Diagnostic Clues for Functional Dystonia
Authors: Ercoli Tommaso , Defazio Giovanni , Geroin Christian , Marcuzzo Enrico , Fabbrini Giovanni , Bono Francesco , Mechelli Alessandro , Ceravolo Roberto , Romito Luigi Michele , Albanese Alberto , Pisani Antonio , Zibetti Maurizio , Altavista Maria Concetta , Maderna Luca , Petracca Martina , Girlanda Paolo , Mascia Marcello Mario , Berardelli Alfredo , Tinazzi Michele ,   for the Italian Registry of Functional Motor Disorders Study Group,   the Italian Registry of Adult Dystonia Study Group
Published: September 2021

Background

The differentiation of functional dystonia from idiopathic dystonia may be clinically challenging.

Objective

To identify clinical features suggestive of functional dystonia to guide physicians to distinguish functional dystonia from idiopathic dystonia.

Methods

Patient data were extracted from the Italian Registry of Functional Motor Disorders and the Italian Registry of Adult Dystonia. Patients with functional and idiopathic dystonia were followed up at the same clinical sites, and they were similar in age and sex.

Results

We identified 113 patients with functional dystonia and 125 with idiopathic dystonia. Sudden onset of dystonia, evidence of fixed dystonia, and acute peripheral trauma before dystonia onset were more frequent in the functional dystonia group. No study variable alone achieved satisfactory sensitivity and specificity, whereas a combination of variables yielded 85% sensitivity and 98% specificity. A diagnostic algorithm was developed to reduce the risk of misclassifying functional dystonia.

Conclusion

Our findings extend the current diagnostic approach to functional dystonia by showing that clinical information about symptom onset, fixed dystonia, and history of peripheral trauma may provide key clues in the diagnosis of functional dystonia.