bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Fractional Oxygen Extraction from Resting Quadriceps Muscle and Body Composition in Healthy Men
Authors: Yáñez-Sepúlveda Rodrigo , Olivares-Arancibia Jorge , Cortés-Roco Guillermo , Vasquez-Bonilla Aldo , Monsalves-Álvarez Matías , Alvear-Órdenes Ildefonso , Tuesta Marcelo
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to associate body composition with fractional oxygen extraction at rest in healthy adult men. Fourteen healthy adults (26.93 ± 2.49 years) from Chile participated. Body composition was assessed with octopole bioimpedance, and resting muscle oxygenation was evaluated in the vastus lateralis quadriceps with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a vascular occlusion test, analyzing the muscleVO2, resaturation velocity during reactive hyperemia via the muscle saturation index (%TSI), and the area above the curve of HHb (AACrep). It was observed that the total and segmented fat mass are associated with lower reoxygenation velocities during hyperemia (p = 0.008; β = 0.678: p = 0.002; β = 0.751), and that the total and segmented skeletal muscle mass are associated with higher reoxygenation velocities during hyperemia (p = 0.020; β = −0.614: p = 0.027; β = −0.587). It was also observed that the total and segmented fat mass were associated with a higher area above the curve of HHb (AACrep) during hyperemia (p = 0.007; β = 0.692: p = 0.037; β = 0.564), and that total and segmented skeletal muscle mass was associated with a lower area above the curve of HHb (AACrep) during hyperemia (p = 0.007; β = −0.703: p = 0.017; β = −0.632). We concluded that fat mass is associated with lower resaturation rates and lower resting fractional O2 extraction levels. In contrast, skeletal muscle mass is associated with higher resaturation rates and fractional O2 extraction during reactive hyperemia. The AACrep may be relevant in the evaluation of vascular adaptations to exercise and metabolic health.
Experimental Challenges and Modelling Approaches of Floating Wind Turbines
Authors: Hmedi Mohamad , Uzunoglu Emre , Zeng Chen , Gaspar J. F. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: October 2023

This paper reviews experimental methods for testing floating wind turbines. The techniques covered include early-stage and up-to-date approaches such as a porous disc method and hybrid model testing. First, the challenges induced by Froude and Reynolds similitudes and the importance of the various aerodynamic phenomena are discussed. The experimental methods are evaluated based on their cost, versatility, requirements, and limitations. The work primarily focuses on representing aerodynamic loads via hybrid and physical rotor testing, and a preliminary classification is proposed to facilitate the selection of the approaches. The work does not aim to identify an optimal method, but it provides insights into each method’s distinctive features, serving as a roadmap for selecting the most appropriate methodology based on the specific testing goals and level of accuracy. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive resource for testing the coupled hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance of floating wind turbines. The conclusions offer guidance for selecting an appropriate methodology based on the desired testing outcome.
Distribution of Living Benthic Foraminifera in the Baffin Bay and Nares Strait in the Summer and Fall Periods: Relation with Environmental Parameters
Authors: Racine Calypso , Bonnin Jérôme , Dessandier Pierre-Antoine , Giraudeau Jacques
Published: October 2023

Arctic climate warming leads to drastic changes in sea ice dynamics, hence impacting primary productivity but also the benthic communities. Therefore, to assess the response of living benthic foraminifera to contrasting Arctic environments, surface sediments from nine stations were collected during the summer of 2014 and fall of 2015 in the Baffin Bay and Nares Strait. Living standing stock are systematically low in the eastern and western Baffin Bay and much higher in the North Water Polynya and the Kane Basin located at the entrance and in the center of Nares Strait, respectively. High living benthic foraminiferal densities in the NOW reflect higher TOC while the highest density in the Kane Basin coincides with lower TOC but higher C/N and higher δ13Corg. The contribution of agglutinated species is on average very high for the whole study area and dominated by the species Adercotryma glomeratum, Lagenammina arenulata, and Reophax scorpiurus. Calcareous species, dominated by Nonionellina labradorica and Melonis barleeanus, are more abundant in the North Water Polynya and the Kane Basin. The very high living standing stock observed in the Kane Basin might be related to the northern position of the ice arch that summer during 2014 and therefore a particularly scarce sea ice cover might have allowed massive phytoplankton production during that season. In this study, the distribution of living benthic foraminifera is discussed according to several environmental parameters such as water masses, phytoplankton productivity, and organic matter fluxes.
Enhancing the Sealing Performance of Bolted Ball Joints by Gaskets: Numerical Simulation and Experiment
Authors: Du Wenfeng , Gu Jinchao , Sheng Guilin , Guo Guang , Zhao Yongrun , Liu Zhijian
Published: October 2023

With the increasing utilization of bolted ball joint steel mesh structures in offshore floating platforms and deep-sea fish cages, the issue of seawater infiltrating the joints and members through the installation gaps of the bolted ball joint, leading to subsequent corrosion, has become increasingly prominent. This article presents an innovative method to improve the sealing performance of bolted ball joints. The approach involves creating sealed surfaces within the contact gaps between the sleeve and connecting components by adding circular grooves and sealing washers to both ends of the sleeve. Subsequently, a two-dimensional finite element analysis model of the bolted ball joint with the sealing structure was created using SOLIDWORKS 2021 and ANSYS Workbench 2022 R1. The study analyzes the sealing gasket’s contact pressure at various compression levels and evaluates its performance with bubble tests for air tightness. Research results show a linear relationship between the contact pressure and compression rate, achieving sealing pressures of 2.91 MPa, 4.22 MPa, and 5.95 MPa at compression levels of 8%, 11%, and 14%, respectively. Experimental testing demonstrates that the improved bolted ball joint exhibits excellent sealing performance.
Plant-Associated Neoscytalidium dimidiatum—Taxonomy, Host Range, Epidemiology, Virulence, and Management Strategies: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Derviş Sibel , Özer Göksel
Published: October 2023

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, a plant- and human-associated fungus, has emerged as a substantial global ecological and agricultural threat aggravated by global warming. It inflicts various diseases, including canker, blight, dieback, leaf spot, root rot, and fruit rot, across a wide spectrum of fruit trees, field crops, shrubs, and arboreal species, with a host range spanning 46 plant families, 84 genera, and 126 species, primarily affecting eudicot angiosperms. Six genera are asymptomatic hosts. Neoscytalidium dimidiatum exhibits worldwide distribution, with the highest prevalence observed in Asia and North America, notably in Iran, Turkey, and California. Rising disease prevalence and severity, aggravated by climate change, particularly impact tropical arid places across 37 countries spanning all 7 continents. This comprehensive review encapsulates recent advancements in the understanding of N. dimidiatum, encompassing alterations in its taxonomic classification, host range, symptoms, geographic distribution, epidemiology, virulence, and strategies for effective management. This study also concentrates on comprehending the taxonomic relationships and intraspecific variations within N. dimidiatum, with a particular emphasis on N. oculus and N. hylocereum, proposing to consider these two species as synonymous with N. dimidiatum. Furthermore, this review identifies prospective research directions aimed at augmenting our fundamental understanding of host—N. dimidiatum interaction.
Dendritic Cells: Multifunctional Roles in Host Defenses to Cryptococcus Infections
Authors: Goughenour Kristie D. , Nair Ayesha S. , Xu Jintao , Olszewski Michal A. , Wozniak Karen L.
Published: October 2023

Fungal infections are an increasingly growing public health concern, and Cryptococcus is one of the most problematic fungal organisms causing substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. Clinically, this high incidence of cryptococcosis is most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, especially those who lack an adaptive T cell response, such as HIV/AIDS patients. However, patients with other underlying immunodeficiencies are also at an increased risk for cryptococcosis. The adaptive immune response, in particular the Th1/Th17 T-cell-mediated responses, to pulmonary Cryptococcus infections are required for host protection. Dendritic cells (DCs), encompassing multiple subsets identified to date, are recognized as the major professional antigen-presenting cell (APC) subset essential for the initiation and execution of T-cell immunity. Apart from their prominent role in orchestration of the adaptive arm of the immune defenses, DCs are fully armed cells from the innate immune system capable of the recognition, uptake, and killing of the fungal cells. Thus, DCs serve as a critical point for the endpoint outcomes of either fungal control or unrestrained fungal infection. Multiple studies have shown that DCs are required for anti-cryptococcal defense in the lungs. In addition, the role of DCs in Cryptococcus gattii infections is just starting to be elucidated. C. gattii has recently risen to prominence with multiple outbreaks in the US and Canada, demonstrating increased virulence in non-immunocompromised individuals. C. gattii infection fails to generate an inflammatory immune response or a protective Th1/Th17 T cell response, at least in part, through a lack of proper DC function. Here we summarize the multiple roles of DCs, including subsets of DCs in both mouse and human models, the roles of DCs during cryptococcal infection, and mechanisms by cryptococcal cells to attempt to undermine these host defenses.
Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis from Ovarian Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Koufopoulos Nektarios , Pouliakis Abraham , Boutas Ioannis , Samaras Menelaos G. , Kontogeorgi Adamantia , Dimas Dionysios , Sitara Kyparissia , Zacharatou Andriani , Zanelli Magda , Palicelli Andrea
Published: October 2023

Background: Axillary lymph node metastasis is a rare stage IV ovarian carcinoma manifestation. This manuscript aims to systematically review the literature regarding axillary lymph node metastasis from ovarian carcinoma. Methods: We searched three medical internet databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for relevant articles published until 22 July 2023. Cases describing supraclavicular or intramammary lymph node metastases and concurrent metastasis to the breast were excluded. Results: After applying eligibility/inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-one manuscripts describing twenty-five cases were included from the English literature. Data were collected and analyzed regarding demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, histopathological, and oncological characteristics. Conclusions: We analyzed the clinical and oncological characteristics of patients with axillary lymph node metastasis from ovarian carcinoma, presented either as an initial diagnosis of the disease or as a recurrent disease. The analysis we performed showed a significant difference only in the serum CA-125 level (p = 0.004) between the two groups. There was no observed difference in womens’ survival.
Therapeutic Targets and Personalized Medicine in Cardiac Disease
Authors: Vafiadaki Elizabeth , Turnbull Irene C. , Sanoudou Despina
Published: October 2023

Despite extensive research that has achieved notable advancements over the last decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with millions affected around the world [...]
The S/S Genotype of the 5-HTTLPR (Serotonin-Transporter-Linked Promoter Region) Variant of the SLC6A4 Gene Decreases the Risk of Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Ramírez-Armas Rebeca Mónica , Garza-Veloz Idalia , Olivas-Chávez Juan Carlos , Covarrubias-Carrillo Rosa Martha , Martínez-Vázquez Maria Calixta , Monárrez-Espino Joel , Ayala-Haro Anayantzin E. , Serrano-Amaya Claudia Vanessa , Delgado-Enciso Ivan , Rodriguez-Sanchez Iram Pablo , Martinez-Fierro Margarita L.
Published: October 2023

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a disorder characterized by hypertension in the second trimester of pregnancy that results from abnormal placentation affecting fetal development and maternal health. Previous studies have shown the role of serotonin (5-HT) that leads to poor placental perfusion, where S/S and S/L polymorphisms promote the solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) gene associated with the risk of developing changes in the microvasculature of the placenta. This study looked at the association between the gene variant 5-HTTLPR (serotonin-transporter-linked promoter region) of the SLC6A4 gene and the occurrence of PE. A total of 200 women were included: 100 cases (pregnant with PE) and 100 controls (pregnant without complications). Genotyping of the 5-HTTLPR variant was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Associations between the presence of the genetic variant of interest and PE and other clinical features were evaluated statistically. The frequencies of S/S, S/L, and L/L genotypes were 32%, 53%, and 15% for the cases and 55%, 25%, and 20% in the control group. Compared to the controls, the genotype frequencies S/S vs. S/L + L/L (recessive model) in the cases group were different (p = 0.002). The S/S genotype decreased the probability of PE (OR = 0.39, 95% IC: 0.22–0.69, p = 0.002) and PE with severity criteria (OR = 0.39, 95% IC: 0.17–0.91, p = 0.045). The 5-HTTLPR gene variant of the SLC6A4 gene modifies the risk of PE development among the studied population.
Side-to-Side Flipping Wedge Osteotomy: Virtual Surgical Planning Suggested an Innovative One-Stage Procedure for Aligning Both Knees in “Windswept Deformity”
Authors: Menozzi Grazia Chiara , Depaoli Alessandro , Ramella Marco , Alessandri Giulia , Frizziero Leonardo , Liverani Alfredo , Rocca Gino , Trisolino Giovanni
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: The adoption of Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) and 3D technologies is rapidly growing within the field of orthopedic surgery, opening the door to highly innovative and individually tailored surgical techniques. We present an innovative correction approach successfully used in a child affected by “windswept deformity” of the knees. (2) Methods: We report a case involving a child diagnosed with “windswept deformity” of the knees. This condition was successfully addressed through a one-stage bilateral osteotomy of the distal femur. Notably, the wedge removed from the valgus side was flipped and employed on the varus side to achieve the correction of both knees simultaneously. The surgical technique was entirely conceptualized, simulated, and planned in a virtual environment. Customized cutting guides and bony models were produced at an in-hospital 3D printing point of care and used during the operation. (3) Results: The surgery was carried out according to the VSP, resulting in favorable outcomes. We achieved good corrections of the angular deformity with an absolute difference from the planned correction of 2° on the right side and 1° on the left side. Moreover, this precision not only improved surgical outcomes but also reduced the procedure’s duration and overall cost, highlighting the efficiency of our approach. (4) Conclusions: The integration of VSP and 3D printing into the surgical treatment of rare limb anomalies not only deepens our understanding of these deformities but also opens the door to the development of innovative, personalized, and adaptable approaches for addressing these unique conditions.
Not So New Kid on the Block: Accounting and Valuation Aspects of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
Authors: Jayasuriya Dulani , Sims Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Aggregated trading volume in February 2023 across the leading six NFT marketplaces totalled USD 1.89 billion. This reflects a continuing positive trajectory, marked by a 91.9% month-on-month (MoM) growth from January 2023, where NFT trading volume amounted to USD 987.9 million. This study conducts a systematic review and textual analysis of industry and academic articles on NFTs primarily related to Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems where the NFT is treated as a tradable digital asset. The sample period spans 2012 to 30 June 2023, using an initial set of 5549 and a final set of 146 articles. In addition, the authors develop an NFT valuation framework, using Scopus bibliometrics data and public domain materials, that can aid in the fair valuation of NFTs and understanding their accounting implications. We further examine the accounting implications of NFTs in terms of international accounting standards, fair value recognition, taxation, auditing, and the metaverse. NFTs have the potential to become a cross-technology and cross-field topic, attracting interest from auditors, accountants, financial institutions, accounting professional bodies, regulators, governments, and investors.
The Potential Pro-Environmental Behavior Spillover Effects of Specialization in Environmentally Responsible Outdoor Recreation
Authors: Mateer Timothy J. , Melton Theresa N. , Miller Zachary D. , Lawhon Ben , Agans Jennifer P. , Lawson Danielle F. , Brasier Kathryn J. , Taff B. Derrick
Published: October 2023

Outdoor recreationists represent a key population to educate for pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Given that previous research has found a mixed relationship between outdoor recreation and PEB, this research merges several concepts to better understand the social psychological nuances of this relationship. Specifically, this study explores how specialization regarding environmentally responsible outdoor recreation is related to other PEBs through a behavioral spillover framework. A correlational structural equation model was utilized to test this framework within a merged population of individuals from the Leave No Trace organization and general United States citizens. The results suggested that traditional behavioral spillover dynamics held for private PEBs but not public PEBs. However, recreation specialization was significantly related to both PEB types. These results suggest that the current behavioral spillover theory may only explain the relationship between some PEBs. Furthermore, environmentally responsible outdoor recreation specialization may be a promising pathway toward a spillover into encouraging private and public PEBs.
Dynamic Evolution of High-Quality Economic Development Levels: Regional Differences and Distribution in West China
Authors: Mao Jinhuang , Wang Zhenyu , Ma Tianyang
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive and scientific system for measuring the quality of economic development will provide the basis for and guarantee high-quality economic development (HQED) in China. In this paper, we constructed an indicator-evaluating system for the high-quality development of the western region’s economy according to a new development concept and the relevant requirements of western development and measured the composite index and sub-dimension index of its HQED from 2000 to 2020 using the entropy method; revealed the regional differences and sources of western HQED using the Dagum Gini index (GI) decomposition method; and analyzed the evolution of HQED using kernel density estimation and the Markov probability transfer matrix. The study showed that western HQED was on the rise year by year, but there was a large gap between the 11 provinces, characterized by “high in the middle and low on the edge” values in general; inter-regional differences constituted the main source of overall differences; and western HQED showed “club convergence” in a steady state, with upward shifts more likely than downward shifts.
On the Nature of Verbal Non-Local Doubling in Patagonian Spanish
Authors: Silva Garcés José , Espinosa Gonzalo
Published: October 2023

The main objective in this study is to describe and offer an account of verbal non-local doubling in Patagonian Spanish (PatSp), an understudied non-standard variety of Spanish in Argentina. We focus on data in which there are duplicated verbs surrounding an XP that bears the nuclear accent of the phrase (XPNA). First, our analysis describes the prosodic, semantic, and morphosyntactic behaviour of the data gathered. Second, we present the problems and challenges that doubling phenomena in PatSp pose for approaches that have tried to explain similar data in other Spanish varieties and other languages, such as the copy theory or prosodic cloning. Third, this work explores a biclausal analysis of verbal non-local doubling in PatSp in which each duplicate originates in a different clause, CP1 and CP2. In this approach, duplicated verbs (V1 and V2, according to their linear distribution) are not derivationally related. We also argue that the XPNA moves to the left periphery of CP2. This movement would account for the three typical traits of verbal duplication in PatSp: the mandatory adjacency between the nuclear accent and V2, the non-locality between verbal duplicates, and the semantic value of mirativity.
Artificial Intelligence and Infectious Keratitis: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , Cheraqpour Kasra , Sadeghi Reza , Pezeshgi Saharnaz , Koganti Raghuram , Djalilian Ali R.
Published: October 2023

Infectious keratitis (IK), which is one of the most common and catastrophic ophthalmic emergencies, accounts for the leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide. Different pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, can cause IK. The diagnosis and etiology detection of IK pose specific challenges, and delayed or incorrect diagnosis can significantly worsen the outcome. Currently, this process is mainly performed based on slit–lamp findings, corneal smear and culture, tissue biopsy, PCR, and confocal microscopy. However, these diagnostic methods have their drawbacks, including experience dependency, tissue damage, cost, and time consumption. Diagnosis and etiology detection of IK can be especially challenging in rural areas or in countries with limited resources. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has opened new windows in medical fields such as ophthalmology. An increasing number of studies have utilized AI in the diagnosis of anterior segment diseases such as IK. Several studies have demonstrated that AI algorithms can diagnose and detect the etiology of IK accurately and fast, which can be valuable, especially in remote areas and in countries with limited resources. Herein, we provided a comprehensive update on the utility of AI in IK.
Microbial Ecosystems in Movile Cave: An Environment of Extreme Life
Authors: Aerts Joost W. , Sarbu Serban M. , Brad Traian , Ehrenfreund Pascale , Westerhoff Hans V.
Published: October 2023

Movile Cave, situated in Romania close to the Black Sea, constitutes a distinct and challenging environment for life. Its partially submerged ecosystem depends on chemolithotrophic processes for its energetics, which are fed by a continuous hypogenic inflow of mesothermal waters rich in reduced chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide and methane. We sampled a variety of cave sublocations over the course of three years. Furthermore, in a microcosm experiment, minerals were incubated in the cave waters for one year. Both endemic cave samples and extracts from the minerals were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The sequence data show specific community profiles in the different subenvironments, indicating that specialized prokaryotic communities inhabit the different zones in the cave. Already after one year, the different incubated minerals had been colonized by specific microbial communities, indicating that microbes in Movile Cave can adapt in a relatively short timescale to environmental opportunities in terms of energy and nutrients. Life can thrive, diversify and adapt in remote and isolated subterranean environments such as Movile Cave.
Navigating the Post-COVID-19 Immunological Era: Understanding Long COVID-19 and Immune Response
Authors: Mohan Aditi , Iyer Venkatesh Anand , Kumar Dharmender , Batra Lalit , Dahiya Praveen
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world unprecedentedly, with both positive and negative impacts. COVID-19 significantly impacted the immune system, and understanding the immunological consequences of COVID-19 is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively explore and provide insights into the immunological aspects of long COVID-19, a phenomenon where individuals continue to experience a range of symptoms and complications, even after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection has subsided. The immune system responds to the initial infection by producing various immune cells and molecules, including antibodies, T cells, and cytokines. However, in some patients, this immune response becomes dysregulated, leading to chronic inflammation and persistent symptoms. Long COVID-19 encompasses diverse persistent symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. In the post-COVID-19 immunological era, long COVID-19 and its impact on immune response have become a significant concern. Post-COVID-19 immune pathology, including autoimmunity and immune-mediated disorders, has also been reported in some patients. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of long COVID-19, its relationship to immunological responses, and the impact of post-COVID-19 immune pathology on patient outcomes. Additionally, the review addresses the current and potential treatments for long COVID-19, including immunomodulatory therapies, rehabilitation programs, and mental health support, all of which aim to improve the quality of life for individuals with long COVID-19. Understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and long COVID-19 is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and providing optimal care in the post-COVID-19 era.
Study on the Effect of Different Design Parameters of Sidewall Insert Rubber on the Mechanical Characteristics of Self-Supporting Run-Flat Tires
Authors: Lv Tian , Zang Liguo , Xue Cheng , Li Yaowei , Mao Yulin , Wang Xingyu
Published: October 2023

Self-supporting run-flat tires (SSRFTs) achieve good zero-pressure driving ability by reinforcing the sidewalls, and the structural shape of sidewall insert rubber (SIR) is critical in influencing the mechanical characteristics of SSRFTs. In this paper, an SSRFT contour model is established by combining the radial tire contour theory and the design elements of SIR. The influence of two design parameters (maximum width L and maximum thickness H) of SIR on the tire stiffness characteristics and the contact characteristics is analyzed in depth, and the accuracy of the model is verified by the tire mechanics bench test. The results show that the radial stiffness of SSRFTs is positively correlated with two design parameters; an increase in L affects the stress concentration at the end of SIR, while a change in H has a more drastic effect on the stress distribution of SIR, leading to a large change in both the location of the deformation of SIR and the maximum equivalent stress; under rated pressure conditions, when L is less than 100 mm, the overlap between SIR and the tread decreases, which in turn makes the contact characteristics of SSRFTs closer to that of a normal tire, and obtains better comfort and abrasion resistance; under zero-pressure conditions, the maximum contact stress of the tread is the smallest when the H is 8 mm, but when H is less than 6 mm, the contact characteristics appear to deteriorate uniformly, and the maximum contact stress continues to rise. The results of the research provide a reference value for the selection of the design parameters for SIR and the optimization of the dynamic performance of SSRFTs.
Seismic Behavior of Concrete Columns Reinforced with Weakly Bonded Ultra-High Strength Rebars and Confined by Steel Tubes
Authors: Luo Jing , Yuan Shiyu , Zhao Jun , Sun Yuping
Published: October 2023

The usage of weakly bonded ultra-high strength (WBUHS) rebars has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the resilience of concrete components due to their remarkable mechanical properties. To promote the application of WBUHS rebars, this paper presented an investigation on the seismic behavior of circular concrete columns reinforced with squarely arranged WBUHS rebars and externally confined by bolted steel tubes. Eight columns, including two reinforced with normal strength (NS) rebars and six reinforced with WBUHS rebars, were fabricated and tested under reversed cyclic lateral loading. Experimental results showed that the columns reinforced with WBUHS rebars exhibited remarkable drift-hardening capacity up to the drift of at least 5% as well as significantly reduced residual deformation even when subjected to relatively high axial compression with an axial load ratio of 0.33 in comparison to the traditional ductile columns reinforced with NS rebars. Notably, the precast columns reinforced with WBUHS rebars, with an embedment length of 20 times their diameter, behaved nearly identically in terms of resilience as cast-in-place columns. Additionally, a numerical analysis was performed to assess the hysteretic performance, and the analytical results, with consideration for the slippage of WBUHS rebars, were capable of capturing the hysteretic performance of test columns.
Influence of Pulsed Arc Parameters on the Tig Welding Process for the Stainless Steel Duplex UNS S31803
Authors: Generoso Vinicius Marques Alves , Souza Lucas Menezes de , Pereira Elaine Cristina , Monteiro Sergio N. , de Azevedo Afonso R. G.
Published: October 2023

The influence of parameters involved in the pulsed electric arc, used as an energy source in the tungsten inert gas (TIG)-mediated welding of Duplex UNS S31803 stainless steel, to attend the manufacture of flexible pipes for the extraction of oil and gas is presented. A fundamental part in the manufacturing process of flexible pipelines is the welding of these strips so that corresponding TIG welds will be subjected to the same process and work conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the same properties in the welded regions. Covering the effects of each parameter of the pulsed electric arc such as peak and base current as welds, cyclic ratio, and pulsation frequency is a desirable endeavor. The final objective is the mitigation of problems that have a great impact on production, such as weld breakage during the conformation of the strip in the process and test failures. With this, tensile, bending, and ferrite percentage tests were performed on 12 samples that qualified as satisfactory in the visual aspect. A minimum tensile strength of 734.57 MPa and a maximum of 775.77 MPa were obtained where all values found are above the tensile strength limit of the base material of 620 MPa. With the completion of the study, it is possible to understand not only the response of the process to each parameter but also the tendency when changing them. Moreover, it is possible to explore the possibility of guiding the changes to achieve results about the visual aspect and the mechanical properties of the welded material.
Review of the Mechanical Properties and Numerical Simulation of Composite Solid Propellants
Authors: Wang Jianru , Cao Peng , Wang Xiaoxu
Published: October 2023

Investigating the constitutive relationship and the damage failure mechanism of solid propellants is of significance for improving the safety, storage period and use efficiency of solid rocket motors. This paper focuses on the complex mechanical response behavior of composite solid propellants under loads and introduces experimental research on quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties. Limited by the accuracy of instruments and testing methods, the research progress of macroscopic constitutive models, mesoscopic mechanical models and microscopic molecular models is summarized from the perspective of numerical simulations based on model scale and modeling methods. This paper tracks the historical progress of key models and summarizes the main achievements and prospects in this field. The research in this paper has high scientific and theoretical significance and engineering application value. It can provide an important reference and guidance for the structural optimization and performance improvement of solid propellants and lay a solid foundation for the development of solid rocket motors.
Evaluation of Counter-Rotating Dual-Rotor Permanent-Magnet Flux-Switching Machine with Series and Parallel Stator Teeth
Authors: Ullah Wasiq , Khan Faisal , Akuru Udochukwu Bola , Khan Bakhtiar , Khalil Salar Ahmad
Published: October 2023

In this study, the focus is on the magnetic path formation and its effects on the performance of a counter-rotating dual-rotor permanent-magnet flux-switching machine (CR-DRPMFSM) for direct-drive counter-rotating wind power generation, based on different stator slot and rotor pole combinations. To fully exploit rotor-shaft bore and improve fault-tolerant design, as well as increase torque density, dual-rotor topologies with the capability for dual electrical and dual mechanical ports are investigated. Moreover, the direct-drive counter-rotating wind power generation technique offers a brushless topology, thus reducing maintenance cost and improving energy conversion efficiency compared to single-blade wind turbine systems. Using finite element analysis (FEA), the inherent magnetic coupling of the series and parallel paths shows varied impacts on the electromagnetic performance of four different CR-DRPMFSMs based on the slot/pole combinations (MI to MIV) considered in this study. The key electromagnetic performance indices, such as torque, cogging torque, torque ripple, power factor, and efficiency, show proportionate variation to the coupling level. A comparative analysis shows that MI exhibits higher average torque, lower torque ripples, and high efficiency, reaching 90% with a power factor of 0.6. As an optimal design, an MI test prototype is developed. The experimental test prototype validates the FEA results under no-load and on-load conditions.
High-Speed Design with Separated Tapering for Reducing Cogging Torque and Torque Ripple of a 3 kW Dry Vacuum Pump Motor for the ETCH Process
Authors: Choi Do-Hyeon , Yang In-Jun , Hong Min-Ki , Jung Dong-Hoon , Kim Won-Ho
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a design method to reduce cogging torque and torque ripple in the concentrated winding of IPMSMs (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors) used in motors for the semiconductor ETCH process. IPMSMs can utilize reluctance torque through the difference in inductance between the d axis and q axis, but they are at a disadvantage in terms of reducing cogging torque while tapering the rotor and stator to reduce torque ripple. In addition, the existing single tapering can push the permanent magnets into the rotor. If the rotor’s permanent magnets are embedded, the magnetic reluctance will increase, and the overall performance of the motor will decrease. However, an optimum design method was derived in which the magnets do not move during rotor tapering. This geometric design is an optimum design method that reduces cogging torque and torque ripple. This paper compares and analyzes four models, the concentrated winding model, distributed winding model, conventional tapering model, and separated tapering model, using 2D and 3D finite element analysis (FEA).
A Novel Fully Automatic Concept to Produce First Subset of Bowden Cables, Improving Productivity, Flexibility, and Safety
Authors: Eiras Eduardo , Silva Francisco J. G. , Campilho Raul D. S. G. , Sales-Contini Rita C. M. , Pedroso André F. V. , Sebbe Naiara P. V.
Published: October 2023

With a view to maintaining the competitiveness required by the market, the automotive industry strongly encourages its suppliers to develop new production methods and technologies capable of reducing the costs of produced products, ensuring the necessary quality, and increasing flexibility, with a view to responding more easily to the customization of the products that the market increasingly demands. The main goal of this work was to increase the flexibility and productivity of equipment capable of producing the first subset that constitutes the product commonly known as the Bowden cable. To this end, the design science research methodology was used, which was understood as the most effective in describing scientific work related to the improvement of existing systems. Bowden cables are cables that activate various devices in the car, such as opening doors, moving window glasses, and adjusting some car seats, among others. The work consisted of integrating several operations usually carried out for the manufacture of the referred subset, reducing logistics operations and manual work, increasing operator safety, and increasing the production rate and flexibility of the equipment, by reducing the setup time. For this purpose, new mechanical concepts were developed, and automation was applied, which resulted in a completely new concept, able to fulfill all the objectives initially set. It should be noted here that the new equipment allowed a production rate of 1140 p/h, when the initial objective was 1100 p/h; it requires an investment of only around EUR 55,000 (easy return on investment), occupies only 11.6 m2, and has reinforced safety systems to avoid workers’ injuries, an aspect that is very important in this type of equipment, where operators deal with cutting systems and high temperatures. The dissemination of this concept could help other researchers to easily find solutions to certain problems that they face in the development of modern equipment. The main contributions of this paper are the novel concepts created to overcome some process difficulties, which can be used for a wide range of other processing situations with similar difficulties. The solutions proposed allow a decrease in the cycle time, present high flexibility, save workshop space, and are affordable in terms of global cost.
Totally Goldie*-Supplemented Modules
Authors: Güroğlu Ayşe Tuğba
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we first consider the properties of the Goldie*-supplemented modules, and we study the properties of totally Goldie*-supplemented modules as a version of the Goldie*-supplemented modules. A module M is called Goldie*-supplemented module if, for every submodule U of M, there exists a supplement submodule S of M such that Uβ∗S. A module M is called a totally Goldie*-supplemented module if, for every submodule A of M, A is a Goldie*-supplemented module. We emphasize that if M is totally Goldie*-supplemented, then MU is totally Goldie*-supplemented for some small submodule U of M. In addition, M=A⊕B is totally Goldie*-supplemented if A and B are totally Goldie*-supplemented. Furthermore, we mention the connection between totally Goldie*-supplemented, totally supplemented, and Goldie*-supplemented.
Real-Time Management for an EV Hybrid Storage System Based on Fuzzy Control
Authors: Rimpas Dimitrios , Kaminaris Stavrοs D. , Piromalis Dimitrios D. , Vokas George
Published: October 2023

Following the European Climate Law of 2021 and the climate neutrality goal for zero-emission transportation by 2050, electric vehicles continue to gain market share, reaching 2.5 million vehicles in Q1 of 2023. Electric vehicles utilize an electric motor for propulsion powered by lithium batteries, which suffer from high temperatures caused by peak operation conditions and rapid charging, so hybridization with supercapacitors is implemented. In this paper, a fuzzy logic controller is employed based on a rule-based scheme and the Mamdani model to control the power distribution of the hybrid system, driven by the state of charge and duty cycle parameters. An active topology with one bi-directional DC-to-DC converter at each source is exploited in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, and five power states like acceleration and coasting are identified. Results show that the ideal duty cycle is within 0.40–0.50 as a universal value for all power states, which may vary depending on the available state of charge. Total efficiency is enhanced by 6%, sizing is increased by 22%, leading to a more compact layout, and battery life is extended by 20%. Future work includes testing with larger energy sources and the application of this management strategy in real-time operations.
The Metrization Problem in [0,1]-Topology
Authors: Chen Peng
Published: October 2023

This paper discusses the classification of fuzzy metrics based on their continuity conditions, dividing them into Erceg, Deng, Shi, and Chen metrics. It explores the relationships between these types of fuzzy metrics, concluding that a Deng metric in [0,1]-topology must also be Erceg, Chen, and Shi metrics. This paper also proves that the product of countably many Deng pseudo-metric spaces remains a Deng pseudo-metric space, and demonstrates some σ-locally finite properties of Deng metric space. Additionally, this paper constructs two interrelated mappings based on normal space and concludes that, if a [0,1]-topological space is T1 and regular, and its topology has a σ-locally finite base, then it is Deng-metrizable, and thus Erceg-, Shi-, and Chen-metrizable as well.
New Hybrid EC-Promethee Method with Multiple Iterations of Random Weight Ranges: Applied to the Choice of Policing Strategies
Authors: Basilio Marcio Pereira , Pereira Valdecy , Yigit Fatih
Published: October 2023

The decision-making process is part of everyday life for people and organizations. When modeling the solutions to problems, just as important as the choice of criteria and alternatives is the definition of the weights of the criteria. This study will present a new hybrid method for weighting criteria. The technique combines the ENTROPY and CRITIC methods with the PROMETHE method to create EC-PROMETHEE. The innovation consists of using a weight range per criterion. The construction of a weight range per criterion preserves the characteristics of each technique. Each weight range includes lower and upper limits, which combine to generate random numbers, producing “t” sets of weights per criterion, allowing “t” final rankings to be obtained. The alternatives receive a value corresponding to their position with each ranking generated. At the end of the process, they are ranked in descending order, thus obtaining the final ranking. The method was applied to the decision support problem of choosing policing strategies to reduce crime. The model used a decision matrix with twenty criteria and fourteen alternatives evaluated in seven different scenarios. The results obtained after 10,000 iterations proved consistent, allowing the decision maker to see how each alternative behaved according to the weights used. The practical implication observed concerning traditional models, where a single final ranking is generated for a single set of weights, is the reversal of positions after “t” iterations compared to a single iteration. The method allows managers to make decisions with reduced uncertainty, improving the quality of their decisions. In future research, we propose creating a web tool to make this method easier to use, and propose other tools are produced in Python and R.
Optimization of Curtain Wall Production Line Balance Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Jianhui , Xu Hanbin , Wu Wenqiang , Zhu Dachang , Xiao Zhongmin , Qin Guangxiang , Li Boji
Published: October 2023

In recent years, construction engineering technology has been developing rapidly, and the application of curtain walls inside modern buildings is also increasing. However, with the increasing number of curtain wall orders, most factories are facing challenges in the market due to low productivity caused by a low balance rate of curtain wall production lines. This paper is useful in improving the balance rate of the curtain wall production line; firstly, we use the improved genetic algorithm to obtain the optimal sequencing scheme of the curtain wall production line. Then, the optimization plan is validated through FLEXSIM simulation, and the results show that the device utilization rate of each workstation reaches 80%. Finally, this paper designs an intelligent production factory for curtain walls, and then builds an intelligent production line for curtain wall columns for experiments. The experimental results show that the workstation operation time has been reduced from 360 s to 300 s; the production line balance rate has increased from 57.04% to 91.60%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the modified genetic algorithm is valid in improving the balance rate of curtain wall production lines and raising the production efficiency of enterprises.
A Note on the Geometry of Certain Classes of Lichnerowicz Laplacians and Their Applications
Authors: Rovenski Vladimir , Stepanov Sergey , Mikeš Josef
Published: October 2023

In the present paper, we prove vanishing theorems for the null space of the Lichnerowicz Laplacian acting on symmetric two tensors on complete and closed Riemannian manifolds and further estimate its lowest eigenvalue on closed Riemannian manifolds. In addition, we give an application of the obtained results to the theory of infinitesimal Einstein deformations.
Passive Stabilization of Static Output Feedback of Disturbed Nonlinear Stochastic System
Authors: Huang Ping-Tzan , Sun Chein-Chung , Ku Cheung-Chieh , Yeh Yun-Chen
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the Static Output (SO) control issue of the disturbed nonlinear stochastic system, which achieves passivity. Through the application of fuzzy sets and the stochastic differential equation, a Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model with the terms of multiplicative noise and external disturbance can be constructed to describe the considered systems. Furthermore, the Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) concept is used to design a fuzzy controller exhibiting an SO feedback scheme structure. To attenuate the effect of external disturbance, the PDC-based SO fuzzy controller is designed to exhibit passivity. During the derivation of some sufficient conditions, a line-integral Lyapunov function is utilized to avoid the conservative term produced using the derivative membership function. Using converting technologies, a stability criterion belonging to Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) forms is proposed such that the derived conditions are convex hull problems and are solved through an optimization algorithm. Then, the proposed criterion is used to discuss the problem of SO controller design of ship fin stabilizing systems with added disturbance and noise.
Statistical Modeling of Shadows in SAR Imagery
Authors: Luo Xiaojun , Zhang Xiangyang , Bao Jiawen , Chang Ling , Xi Weixin
Published: October 2023

Shadows are a special distortion in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. They often hamper proper image understanding and target recognition but also offer useful information, and therefore, the statistical modeling of SAR image shadows is imperative. In this endeavor, we systematically deduced the statistical models of shadows in multimodal SAR images, including single-look intensity and amplitude images and multilook intensity and amplitude images in a real domain and complex domain, respectively. In particular, for the filtered SAR image shadow, we introduced the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution to characterize its statistics. We carried out an experiment on shadows in a real SAR image and conducted chi-square goodness-of-fit tests on the deduced models. Furthermore, we compared the deduced statistical models of shadows with state-of-the-art statistical models of SAR imagery. Finally, suggestions are given for selecting the optimal statistical model of shadows in multimodal SAR images.