bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion beam assisted electron beam vacuum deposition of antireflective SiO2coating on MgAl2O4spinel
Authors: Meng Xiaomin , Peng Bo , Yao Longjiao , Wang Yadong , Feng Shuang , Ge Qi , Shaker Majid
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the electron beam vacuum coating method was used to coat a SiO2film on an MgAl2O4spinel substrate. The thickness of the coating was aimed to be 925 nm based on the physics of the antireflection coatings. Atomic force microscope images revealed that the coated silica was 880 nm thick, which is close to the aimed theoretical thickness and had 2.11 nm roughness. It could enhance the transparency of the spinel substrate by being coated on it. The infrared transmittance of the sample coated with SiO2film in the range of 3700 nm‐4800 nm was measured by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and reached 92.5% to 78.5%, which was about 2%–4% higher than that of MgAl2O4spinel. In addition, it was discovered that the bonding force between the coating and the substrate is determined to be about 200 MPa. The results of this study can be used for further precise design and production of antireflection coatings on the transparent materials that need more transparency.
Consumers' willingness to pay for corporate social responsibility: Theory and evidence
Authors: Narayanan Sajith , Singh Guru Ashish
Published: February 2023

In an era when consumers believe that businesses should engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR), it is vital to understand how it affects consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for the goods and services offered by such businesses. There is a need for an in‐depth study into the relationship between CSR and WTP, and to identify the mediators and the moderators affecting this relationship. To investigate this, we conducted a systematic literature review based on a preliminary search result of 116 unique articles indexed on this topic in four bibliographic databases—Scopus, Google Scholar, Dimensions and Web of Science—published over the previous seven decades. The findings confirm the overall positive effect of CSR on WTP. This study also reveals the indirect effect between CSR and WTP, mediated by variables like Brand Trust, Brand Loyalty, Brand Love, Customer Satisfaction, Brand Attitude, Purchase Intention and Brand Equity. The relationship is impacted by moderators, including demographics, cause‐based aspects, company characteristics, personal aspects and types of products. The theory explaining the evidence of each of these aspects provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between CSR and WTP, and the intervening variables. Based on these, a conceptual framework of this relationship involving all the variables is developed. The Theory, Context and Method (TCM) framework is employed to identify gaps and systematically make recommendations for future research. The findings of this study will aid marketers in developing pricing strategies based on a thorough understanding of consumer behaviour in terms of CSR perceptions. Scholars can use this study's conceptual framework to examine previously unexplored relationships. As the literature on CSR and its influence on consumers' purchase behaviour grows, this comprehensive systematic literature review on the effects of CSR on WTP fills an important gap.
Iron deficiency in nonanaemic COPD patients—Could Low haemoglobin density and Microcytic anaemia factor be usefull?
Authors: Trtica Marko , Milenković Branislava , Janković Jelena , Janjić Sanja Dimić , Pantić Vesna Dopuđa , Dopsaj Violeta
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Erythrocyte indices LHD and Maf are complementary parameters to complete blood count and have been shown as reliable iron deficiency markers in different clinical settings. The aim of the study was to assess diagnostic performances of LHD and Maf in detecting iron deficiency in nonanaemic stable COPD patients.

Methods

A total of 93 nonanaemic stable COPD patients were classified as either iron deficient (ID, N = 15) or non‐iron deficient (non‐ID, N = 78). Iron deficiency was defined as a ferritin level < 100 μg/L with a transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20%. A complete blood count, including LHD and Maf as well as other relevant inflammation and iron status parameters were obtained for all participants.

Results

Both LHD and Maf have shown significant differences between the ID and non‐ID group with p = .003 and p = .007 respectively. The AUC for LHD was .744 (95% CI: .626–.863, p = .003) with the best cut‐off of 5.85 and sensitivity of 80% (95% CI: 76.0–84.0) and specificity of 61.5% (95% CI: 58.4–64.6). The AUC for Maf was .707 with optimal cut‐off value 12.65 and sensitivity of 83.3% (95% CI: 79.1–87.5) and specificity of 60.0% (95% CI: 57.0–63.0). Furthermore, LHD performance was not affected by vitamin B12 status.

Conclusion

LHD and Maf are useful for iron deficiency diagnosis in stable COPD patients. LHD was shown to be resistant to vitamin B12 deficiency, which is of substantial importance in specific patient subpopulations. Both parameters are not technology‐dependant and do not require additional sample and/or reagent volume, which makes them cost‐effective and convenient for everyday use.
The prospects of judicial social work for incapacitated older adults: Evidence on how Chinese social workers may contribute
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Guo Junjie , Gao Siyu , Wang Yucong , Liu Qi , Liu Jinnan , Zhou Xiaochun
Published: February 2023

With the increasing aging of the Chinese population, the issue of safeguarding the welfare of older adults has emerged in social governance. Currently, the primary strategy to address this issue is the guardianship system, which is plagued with various challenges in judicial practice. Through two consecutive and contingent studies, for the first time, this research investigated the status quo of China's guardianship disputes involving older adult wards, analysed the missing role of social workers during the civil litigation process of these disputes, and identified the subtypes of disputes to which judicial social work could contribute. In the first study, 12 members of a district court of Shanghai who have dealt with such disputes were interviewed to explore the potential roles of social workers. Findings highlight the prospects of social workers serving as assessors and conveners during court hearings, supervisors and moderators after the court hearing, and facilitators and carers throughout the litigation process. In the second study, 16 cases of guardianship disputes involving incapacitated older adult wards were extracted from this court through systematic sampling and processed with crisp‐set qualitative comparative analysis. Findings reveal the types of cases in which social workers should intervene. This article advocates for involving professionally trained social workers in China's civil court setting to safeguard incapacitated older adults' welfare further.
Postoperative symptom management perceptions and coping experiences of individuals with prostate cancer
Authors: Kazımoğlu Hatem , Ulutaşdemir Nilgün , Kulakaç Nurşen , Uzun Sevda
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to examine in depth the perceptions of postoperative symptom management and coping experiences of individuals with prostate cancer.

Material‐Method

The study was conducted with 15 individuals with prostate cancer using a phenomenological research design, which is a qualitative research design. Interviews were conducted via the WhatsApp application.

Results

The data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. In the data analysis, two categories, five main themes, and 15 sub‐themes emerged. In the category of symptom management perception, there are themes of pain management processes, the use of complementary and alternative therapies and practices to cope with symptoms and improve quality of life. In the category of coping experiences, the themes of individual coping, interpersonal relations, and productivity were obtained.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that individuals with prostate cancer have difficulty in symptom management in the postoperative coping process, but they managed them effectively with the support of their spouse, family, and health care professionals.
ASPP2 suppresses tumour growth and stemness characteristics in HCC by inhibiting Warburg effect via WNT/β‐catenin/HK2 axis
Authors: Liang Beibei , Jiang Yuan , Song Shaohua , Jing Wei , Yang Hao , Zhao Li , Chen Ya , Tang Qiqi , Li Xuhui , Zhang Lisha , Bao Haili , Huang Gang , Zhao Jian
Published: February 2023

Abnormal energy metabolism is one of the characteristics of tumours. In the last few years, more and more attention is being paid to the role and regulation of tumour aerobic glycolysis. Cancer cells display enhanced aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, whereby tumour cells absorb glucose to produce a large amount of lactic acid and energy under aerobic conditions to favour tumour proliferation and metastasis. In this study, we report that the haploinsufficient tumour suppressor ASPP2, can inhibit HCC growth and stemness characteristics by regulating the Warburg effect through the WNT/β‐catenin pathway. we performed glucose uptake, lactate production, pyruvate production, ECAR and OCR assays to verify ASPP2 can inhibit glycolysis in HCC cells. The expression of ASPP2 and HK2 was significantly inversely correlated in 80 HCC tissues. Our study reveals downregulation of ASPP2 can promote the aerobic glycolysis metabolism pathway, increasing HCC proliferation, glycolysis metabolism, stemness and drug resistance. This ASPP2‐induced inhibition of glycolysis metabolism depends on the WNT/β‐catenin pathway. ASPP2‐regulated Warburg effect is associated with tumour progression and provides prognostic value. and suggest that may be promising as a new therapeutic strategy in HCC.
Quality of life and nurse–patient interaction among NH residents: Loneliness is detrimental, while nurse–patient interaction is fundamental
Authors: Kuven Britt Moene , Drageset Jorunn , Haugan Gørill
Published: February 2023

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the association between perceived nurse–patient interaction and quality‐of‐life among nursing home residents, adjusted for loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Background

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are known to residents of nursing homes along with cognitive impairment, physical inactivity and low quality‐of‐life. Anxiety, depression and loneliness are found detrimental to NH residents' quality‐of‐life. The nurse–patient relationship is important for patient's well‐being, both in terms of illness and symptom management.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Data were collected in 2017 and 2018 from 188 residents in 27 nursing homes resided in two large urban municipalities in Middle and Western Norway. The inclusion criteria were: (1) local authority's decision of long‐term NH care; (2) residential stay 3 months or longer; (3) informed consent competency recognised by responsible doctor and nurse; (4) capable of being interviewed, and (5) aged 65 years or older. This article is executed in accordance with STROBE statement.

Results

Adjusting for age, sex, anxiety, depression and loneliness, perceived nurse–patient interaction was statistically significant to quality‐of‐life. While anxiety and depression showed insignificant estimates, loneliness demonstrated a significant relation with quality‐of‐life. Nurse–patient interaction and loneliness explained together 25% of the variation in quality‐of‐life.

Conclusion

This study suggests that loneliness is frequent as well as more detrimental to quality‐of‐life among nursing home residents compared to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the present results show that the nurse–patient interaction represents an essential health‐promoting resource for Quality‐of‐life in this population.

Relevance to clinical practice

Staff nurses need to exercise their awareness of loneliness to meet residents' needs. Nursing educations should provide knowledge about nurse–patient interaction, and students as well as staff nurses in NHs should be trained, for instance by simulation, to use the nurse–patient interaction as a health‐promoting resource. Finally, loneliness represents a bigger challenge than depression and anxiety; accordingly, building nurses that are capable of meeting patients' needs and facilitate care that counteracts loneliness is highly warranted
Digital planning for two‐implant‐supported overdenture and bone reduction guide using cone‐beam computed tomography: Simple features for predictable outcomes
Authors: Meneghetti Priscila Ceolin , Sabri Hamoun , Dastouri Ebrahim , Pereira Rafael Martins Afonso , Teixeira Wendel , Wang Hom‐Lay , Mendonça Gustavo
Published: February 2023

The two‐implant‐supported mandibular overdenture is considered a reliable treatment option to restore masticatory function. Digital planning has been shown to improve the precision and accuracy of the surgical procedure. The outcomes are indeed pertinent to the ideal three‐dimentional positioning of the implant placement. Recently, the uses of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scan have improved greatly the workflow of digital planning; however, the sophisticated technology caused confusion among clinicians. The purpose of this case series was to exhibit the efficacy of a bone‐supported guide in applying simultaneous implant placement and bone reduction, solely based on CBCT data. The bone reduction can therefore be determined accordingly, by adding windows to the guide, allowing the clinician to decide the amount of bone reduction as well as the location for implant placement. This novel surgical guide would not only fit properly on the bone but also provide the benefits of less‐invasive surgery and the opportunity to place implants parallel. The  digital workflow described not only simplifies the fabrication process but also yields predictable surgical outcomes.
How do hospitalised children die? The context of death and end‐of‐life decision‐making
Authors: Serrano‐Pejenaute Idoya , Carmona‐Nunez Anabel , Zorrilla‐Sarriegui Ainhoa , Martin‐Irazabal Garazi , Lopez‐Bayon Julio , Sanchez‐Echaniz Jesus , Astigarraga Itziar
Published: February 2023

Aim

The decrease in childhood mortality, the growing clinical complexity and the greater technification of intensive care units have changed the circumstances of death of paediatric patients. The aim of this study is to describe the context of death and end‐of‐life decision‐making.

Methods

Single‐centre, retrospective, observational study of deaths in inpatients or home hospitalised children under 18 years old between 2011 and 2021. Demographic data, pathological history and circumstances of death were obtained from the medical record. The whole study period was divided into two halves for the analysis of the temporal trends.

Results

A total of 358 patients died, 63.2% under the age of 1 year old; 86.9% had underlying life‐limiting illnesses and 73.2% died in the intensive care unit, with no differences between the two time periods. Death at home was significantly higher in the second study period (3.8% vs. 9%). A total of 20.1% died during advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Life‐sustaining treatment was withheld or withdrawn in 53.6%, with no differences between the time courses. Life‐sustaining treatment was withheld mainly in patients with neurological, metabolic and oncological conditions, and less frequently in patients with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases or who were previously healthy. Most patients coded as palliative care (PC) or followed up by PC teams had an advance care plan (ACP) recorded, while in the others it was infrequent. PC coding, following by PC teams and ACP recording increased in the last years of the study.

Conclusions

Death of children in our setting usually occurs in relation to complex underlying pathology and after the decision of withdrawing or withholding life‐sustaining treatment. In this context, PC and ACP acquire greater importance. In our study, PC involvement resulted in better documentation of ACP and PC coding.
Correlates of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the general adult population of China: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hamilton Elizabeth Mova , Rassam Wadie , Yan Yan , Singh Avjit , Ng Sarah Yoon Ai , Zhang Jiabi , Lv Jun , Islam Nazrul , Malouf Reem , Yang Ling , Millwood Iona Y. , Chen Zhengming
Published: February 2023

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant public health issue in China. Understanding factors associated with chronic HBV is important to enable targeted screening and education and to improve early diagnosis and prevention of disease progression. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to identify and describe correlates of chronic HBV among Chinese adults. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and grey literature up to 25 June 2020. Eligible papers included observational studies in adults of the general population in China that reported factors associated with chronic HBV, measured by Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Meta‐analysis was performed using fixed‐effect models of HBsAg prevalence among factors, and of adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for chronic HBV associated with each factor. Overall 39 articles were included, covering 22 factors, including a range of sociodemographic, behavioural and medical factors. In meta‐analysis of eligible studies, a range of factors were significantly associated with higher HBsAg prevalence, including middle age, male sex, being married, rural residence, lower education, smoking, having a HBsAg positive household contact, family history of HBV, history of surgery or blood transfusion. The adjusted ORs varied, from 1.11 (95% CI 1.05–1.18) for smoking to 5.13 (95% CI 4.99–5.26) for having a HBsAg positive household contact. In Chinese adults, a range of factors are associated with chronic HBV infection, which may help inform targeted screening in the general population.
Conformation of the anterior segment in human myopia
Authors: Buckhurst Hetal , Gilmartin Bernard , Cubbidge Robert , Logan Nicola S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Topography of the in vivo anterior segment is of relevance in understanding its role in myopia and in the development of ocular surgical procedures. Using 3D magnetic resonance (MR) images of the human eye, regional variations in surface area (SA) and bulbosity of four anterior segment regions were investigated in association with refractive status (Rx), axial length (AL) and total ocular volume (OV).

Methods

T2‐weighted ocular MR images from 43 adults aged 18–40 years (mean ± SD; 28.65 ± 6.20) comprising 20 non‐myopes (≥−0.50) 0.57 ± 1.38 and 23 myopes (<−0.50) −6.37 ± 4.23 MSE (D) were collected. 2D representations of each quadrant (superior‐temporal [ST], superior‐nasal [SN], inferior‐temporal [IT] and inferior‐nasal [IN]) of the anterior section (3.5–9 mm) were fitted with second‐order polynomials. Polynomials were integrated and rotated about the x‐axis to generate SA; dividing the SA by 4 provided relative quadrantial SA. The x2 coefficient provides indices of bulbosity. OV was derived from the 3D MRI scans. Rx and AL were measured using cycloplegic autorefraction and the Zeiss IOLMaster, respectively. One‐ and two‐way repeated‐measures ANCOVAs tested differences in SA and bulbosity for Rx, gender, ethnicity and age. Pearson's correlation coefficient tested the relationship between MRI‐derived metrics and biometry.

Results

Significant differences in SA were observed between quadrants (p < 0.001) with differences between ST versus IN, IN versus IT and SN versus IT. An interaction effect (p = 0.01) for Rx suggested smaller temporal (ST and IT) and larger nasal (SN and IN) SA in myopes. AL and myopic Rx were negative correlated (p < 0.05) with SA at IN, SN and IT. OV was significantly associated with SA at ST. Bulbosity showed no regional differences nor an effect of AL or Rx.

Conclusion

Significant regional variation in SA exists across the anterior segment that is modulated by Rx and AL. It is unclear whether these structural characteristics are a precursor or consequence of myopia and may warrant investigation when developing biomechanical interventions.
Native lagomorphs prolong legacy effects limiting restoration of imperiled shrub‐steppe communities
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Bates Jon D. , Svejcar Lauren
Published: February 2023

Over the last +150 years, increases in woody vegetation in drylands and associated declines in herbaceous vegetation have led to widespread interest in reversing this trend. However, the effects of native, noncharismatic herbivores, such as lagomorphs, on these efforts are largely unknown. For 11 years post‐treatment, we quantified the effects of native lagomorphs on restoration efforts in sagebrush (Artemisia L.) communities exhibiting legacy effects of past management, including depleted understories and overabundant sagebrush. Reducing sagebrush and seeding perennial grasses was necessary to attain substantial increases in large perennial grass cover and density, but this outcome was realized only with lagomorph exclusion. A small native bunchgrass and perennial forb cover and density increased in all treatments with lagomorph exclusion. This suggests that lagomorphs contribute to the persistence of a depleted understory in areas with increased woody vegetation. In areas where sagebrush was reduced, the cover and density of sagebrush was greater with lagomorph exclusion. This suggests that lagomorphs could hinder sagebrush recovery after disturbances that reduce or eliminate sagebrush. Lagomorph herbivory had a substantial effect on vegetation dynamics and affected the outcome of restoration efforts in these dryland systems. This could reduce livestock forage and alter habitat of wildlife species, potentially affecting their conservation. Lagomorphs and other noncharismatic, native herbivores may facilitate the persistence of depleted understories in areas where woody plants have increased. Results of this study suggests that the potential effects of lagomorph and other native herbivores should be considered and addressed in management, restoration, and conservation plans.
Would regional competition pressure affect audit quality? Evidence from a spatial distribution of the audit market
Authors: Chen Wanyi , Hu Ning , Sun Zhengjie , Zhang Yiling
Published: February 2023

This study finds that the greater the pressure of regional competition, the more likely auditors are to issue aggressive audit reports that could damage audit quality. This phenomenon exists mainly in the increasing number of small audit offices in the same region. However, the increasing number of local Big 6 audit offices positively impacts audit quality. Furthermore, individual interviews and penalties on auditors by government agencies can effectively mitigate the negative impact of regional competition pressure on audit quality. This study expands the literature on how audit market competition affects audit quality and provides insights into regulation‐setters.
Asthma and cardiovascular disease: A bidirectional association?
Authors: Adrish Muhammad , Hanania Nicola A.
Published: February 2023

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“Safe air” to breathe: Time for action?
Authors: Marks Guy B.
Published: February 2023

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Aretino Jesuited: an English Translation of the Sette Salmi in Seventeenth‐Century Douai
Authors: Keener Andrew S.
Published: February 2023

This article offers the first focused analysis of John Hawkins's 1635 English rendering of Pietro Aretino's Parafrasi sopra i sette salmi della penitenza di David, situating the translation within its Catholic and translingual context. Nearly a century after Thomas Wyatt's versified treatment of the Sette Salmi, a sequence of seven Psalms framed within the narrative of a penitent King David, this prose version appeared in Douai, a city known for its English Catholic university. I analyse this translation's discursive and bibliographical elements in relation to the dynamic book trade supplying England's Catholics with religious texts, and with particular emphasis on the ways Hawkins's rendering dresses the Sette Salmi in the rhetoric of imaginative contemplation for devotional purposes. ‘Contemplate on the subiect following’, he urges in a preface to the reader; in his English treatments of the paraphrases' prologues, meanwhile, the translator embroiders the text with emphases on both ‘phantasy’ and heightened suffering. Though Hawkins never names Aretino explicitly, this translation takes part in a transnational effort to revisit the Sette Salmi and to rehabilitate an author known commonly in the Anglophone world, if not more widely in Europe, as the ‘scourge of princes’ and author of the scandalous Ragionamenti.
Aretino's Urban Gardens
Authors: Turner James Grantham
Published: February 2023

‘Petrus Arretinus vir acerrimi iudicii’ – Pietro Aretino, a man of most acute mind – went down in history as an intimate of Agostino Chigi (1466–1520), the great banker and patron of the arts. In his letters and drama, Aretino frequently evokes the golden years he spent as a protégé and household member. He recalls his brief but formative residence at Chigi's Villa Farnesina (ca. 1516–1520) as a time of freedom and creativity, when allegedly he gained the friendship and respect of the major artists who worked there. This article will review Aretino's literary evocations of the Chigi environment, especially its green spaces and gardens. In contrast to his famous portrait of Venice, Aretino's cityscape of remembered Rome gives us an ecology of the urban garden. As well as the published letters and the Cortigiana, it will draw on the Ragionamenti, dialogues that observe Roman life through the characters of marginalized and disreputable women.
The impact of monitor choice on insurer loss reserves
Authors: Bisco Jill , McCullough Kathleen , Montesinos Yufa Hugo Moises , Tice Sirmans Eleanor
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the association between monitoring and earnings management by property‐casualty insurers. Prior literature has evaluated the impact of auditors and actuaries on insurer reserving. We extend this work by considering the nonrandom nature of monitor assignment. We model the insurer decisions regarding choice of auditor and actuary jointly using a Heckman selection model. Consistent with prior literature, we account for potential loss reserving incentives that may confound these decisions. We find that the use of internal actuaries is significantly related to higher reserve errors, but this is reduced, but not fully offset, when the internal actuary is an officer of the insurer. We find lower reserve error for auditors from a Big N firm. However, the use of an auditor and actuary from the same Big N firm is significantly related to higher reserve errors.
Factors of production, productivity, institutions, and development: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Nakabashi Luciano , Pereira Ana Elisa
Published: February 2023

The economic growth and development literature emphasizes that investment in technology and physical and human capital is essential for achieving higher levels of development. Political and economic institutions are also relevant in this process. With a sample of 5,503 Brazilian municipalities, this study carries out a development accounting exercise and measures the effects of institutional quality on per capita gross domestic product (GDP), physical capital intensity, human capital stock, and productivity. The empirical results indicate that institutional quality affects GDP per capita mainly through human capital accumulation and total factor productivity.
Are Catholics a nation? The problem of defining nationalism
Authors: Aguirresarobe Asier H.
Published: February 2023

For all their interest as social phenomena, nations and nationalism have proven to be difficult terms to define, which has resulted in a lack of consensus among scholars working on these subjects. In this paper, it is my intention to expose the deep chasm that engulfs our present knowledge about what nations are. My method for achieving this goal comprises a critical engagement with the most popular definitions of nations and nationalism based upon a single hypothetical premise: that the Holy See of the Catholic Church, with its seat in Vatican City, is a nation‐state which represents a purported Catholic nation. The results of this study suggest that current approaches to the definition of nations and nationalism – be they based on alleged objective criteria, voluntary association, political organization, communal imagination, or organizational patterns – are generally incapable of dismissing the claim of Catholics to nationhood. Despite this fact, certain elements sketched within some of these definitions might hold the key to developing more precise and usable definitions of these two concepts in the future.
From thin objects to thin concepts?
Authors: Carrara Massimiliano , De Florio Ciro , Poggiolesi Francesca
Published: February 2023

In this short paper we consider Linnebo's thin/thick dichotomy: first, we show that it does not overlap with the very common one between abstract/concrete objects; second, on the basis of some difficulties with the distinction, we propose, as a possible way out, to move from thin/thick objects to thin/thick concepts.
Development of a Passive Reactor Shutdown Device to Prevent Core Disruptive Accidents in Fast Reactors: A Study on Device Specifications
Authors: Morita Koji , Liu Wei , Arima Tatsumi , Arita Yuji , Sato Isamu , Matsuura Haruaki , Sekio Yoshihiro , Sagara Hiroshi , Kawashima Masatoshi
Published: February 2023

A new subassembly type passive reactor shutdown device is proposed to expand the diversity and robustness of core disruptive accident prevention measures for sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs). The device contains pins with a fuel material that is in a solid state during normal operation but melts and fluidizes during an unprotected loss of flow (ULOF) or unprotected transient overpower (UTOP) accident. By rapidly transferring the liquefied device fuel into the lower plenum region of the pins via gravitation alone, the device passively provides high negative reactivity to the core. This study evaluated the nuclear and thermal properties of the device subassembly with metallic fuel to determine the device specifications for proper device operation during ULOF and UTOP accidents. The results of the transient analysis of the ULOF initiating phase in a 750-MWel-class mixed-oxide-fueled SFR core confirmed that a conventional homogeneous core maintains stable cooling of the core before coolant boiling in the driver fuel subassemblies. In contrast, the negative reactivity required to terminate the event by device operation was slightly higher in the low sodium void reactivity core than in the conventional homogeneous core.
Estimation of Wiebe Function Parameters for Syngas and Anode Off-Gas Combustion in Spark-Ignition Engines
Authors: Yang Ruinan , Ran Zhongan , Assanis Dimitris
Published: February 2023

Wiebe functions, analytical equations that estimate the fuel mass fraction burned (MFB) during combustion, have been effective at describing spark-ignition (SI) engine combustion using gasoline fuels. This study explores if the same methodology can be extended for SI combustion with syngas, a gaseous fuel mixture composed of H2, CO, and CO2, and anode-off gas; the latter is an exhaust gas mixture emitted from the anode of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, containing H2, CO, H2O, and CO2. For this study, anode off-gas is treated as a syngas fuel diluted with CO2 and vaporized water. Combustion experiments were run on a single-cylinder, research engine using syngas and anode-off gas as fuels. One single Wiebe function and three double Wiebe functions were fitted and compared with the MFB profile calculated from the experimental data. It was determined that the SI combustion process of both the syngas and the anode-off gas could be estimated using a governing Wiebe function. While the detailed double Wiebe function had the highest accuracy, a reduced double Wiebe function is capable of achieving comparable accuracy. On the other hand, a single Wiebe function is not able to fully capture the combustion process of a SI engine using syngas and anode off-gas.
Computational Analysis of Fractional Liénard's Equation With Exponential Memory
Authors: Singh Jagdev , Alshehri Ahmed M. , Sushila  , Kumar Devendra
Published: February 2023

The fractional model of Liénard's equations is very useful in the study of oscillating circuits. The main aim of this article is to investigate a fractional extension of Liénard's equation by using a fractional operator with exponential kernel. A user friendly analytical algorithm is suggested to obtain the solutions of fractional model of Liénard's equation. The considered computational technique is a combination of q-homotopy analysis method and an integral transform approach. The outcomes of the investigation presented in graphical and tabular forms, which reveal that the suggested computational scheme is very accurate and useful for handling such type of fractional order nonlinear mathematical models.
Asymmetric Zipper-Coupled Tubes and Smooth Sheet Attachments in the Design of Deployable Space-Filling Mechanisms
Authors: Webb Dylan C. , Reynolds Elissa , Halverson Denise M. , Howell Larry L.
Published: February 2023

Zipper-coupled tubes are a unique structure consisting of two tubes with zig-zag walls that, when coupled in a zipper fashion, resist compression in the normal direction. A wider application of zipper-coupled tubes, however, is precluded by their angular form. By focusing on a subset of zipper-coupled tubes with parallel and coplanar creases constructed by repeating asymmetric degree-four vertex cells, we design a smooth sheet attachment that lies flat when the asymmetric zipper-coupled tubes are fully deployed, increasing the utility of the otherwise jagged tubes. Furthermore, we provide an explicit mathematical model of the motion of the resulting mechanism, thereby demonstrating its rigid-foldability.
Parameter Optimization of Foldable Flapping-Wing Mechanism for Maximum Lift
Authors: Yang Hyeon-Ho , Lee Sang-Gil , Addo-Akoto Reynolds , Han Jae-Hung
Published: February 2023

A lot of flapping-wing mechanisms have been proposed to mimic the flight characteristics of biological flyers. However, it is difficult to find studies that consider the unsteady aerodynamics in the design of the flapping-wing mechanisms. This paper presents a systematic approach to optimize the design parameters of a foldable flapping-wing mechanism (FFWM) with a proper aerodynamics model. For the kinematic model, the eight design parameters are defined to determine the reference configuration of the FFWM. The geometrical constraints of each design parameter are derived, and the kinematic analysis is conducted using the plane vector analysis method. The aerodynamic simulation using an unsteady vortex lattice method is performed to compute the aerodynamic loads induced by the flapping motion. An optimization problem is formulated to search for the optimal design parameters that maximize the average lift force considering the required power corresponding to the aerodynamic torques. The parameter optimization problem is solved for three different length ratios of the outer wing to the inner wing using a genetic algorithm. The optimization results show that increasing the outer wing length can cause a significant loss in the required power. The optimal design parameters found by the proposed approach allow the FFWM to generate maximum lift force with appropriate consideration of the required power.
Study on Heat Resistance of PLA Based Biodegradable Injection Molded Components
Authors: Yang Can , Chen Ruifeng , Xie Jianzhong , Ding Zuguang , Shu Yang , Yin Xiao-Hong
Published: February 2023

With the increasingly serious problem of white pollution, biodegradable substitutes that can replace the existing plastic materials are in urgent need. In the present work, thermal shock experiments were carried out to investigate the heat resistance of injection molded F6510 products under specific humidity/temperature conditions. Specifically, two groups of experiments were designed at a constant humidity of 90%. For single-point temperature (SPT) experiments, the testing temperature was varied from 30°C to 75 °C with an interval of 5/10 °C, and for the thermal cycle (TC) experiments, samples underwent 60 °C -(-20 °C)-60 °C thermal cycles. The SPT experiments showed that samples began to deform at 45 °C, with 0.05mm increase in length, and 0.02mm decrease in both width and height, and the shape variation increases with enhanced temperature. Meanwhile, TC experiment samples showed obvious shrinkage during the nine-day testing period, with a maximal size variation of 0.44mm for the length. In addition, DSC results showed a higher crystallinity degree for the inner layer of samples. This is due to the slower cooling rate of the inner layer, facilitating polymer molecular chain migration and thus the crystal nucleus growing, which was supported by Moldex3D simulation analyses. Double melting peaks appeared in the heating stage of DSC test, indicating the formation of both α and α’ crystal forms, which has been verified by both thermal shock experiments and DSC tests. The findings of this work indicate that the crystallinity, crystal form, and thus the products’ heat resistance of F6510 can be improved by reasonably controlling injection molding parameters such as the mold temperature and cooling time.
Challenges of Using High-Speed Film From Historical Sled Impact Acceleration Tests in the Analysis of Head Flail Kinematics
Authors: Olszko Ardyn , Abraczinskas Alicia M. , McGovern Shannon M. , Robinette Allison M. , Vasquez Kimberly B. , Chancey Valeta C. , Brozoski Frederick T.
Published: February 2023

This work presents some of the challenges and solutions identified when using a historical collection of high-speed film from human research volunteer and anthropomorphic test device sled tests to define corridors for head flail kinematics. Challenges were related to film “jitter” and a lack of information about timing, test setups, and camera position. The challenges were addressed for a set of 939 tests using digitized high-speed film and minimal additional information for calculating head displacement, scaling, and translating to the seat origin. The method produced realistic head displacement data from tracked phototarget data. For the scaling method, the expanded uncertainty of measuring the phototarget size ranged from ±2.6 to ±3.7 pixels at a 95% confidence level. For the seat origin translation method, the average difference between calculated and actual seat origins was 6.6±5.0 cm. The methods implemented in this work can inform future work leveraging tracked kinematic data from this and other historical biodynamics datasets, especially large datasets that require batch processing.
Computer Vision and Machine Learning to Create an Advanced Pick-and-Place Robotic Operation Using Industry 4.0 Trends
Authors: Guerra-Zubiaga David , Franklin Angelicia , Escobar-Escobar Diego , Lemley Timothey , Hariri Neeyaz , Plattel Jeremy , Ham Chan
Published: February 2023

This paper explores integrating several Industry 4.0 trends within a Kawasaki Robot and Vanderlande intelligent manufacturing execution system located at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in the United States of America. Several of the key Industry 4.0 trends that will be discussed within this paper include, but are not limited to, the following topics: Machine Learning (ML), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Cloud Manufacturing (CM). Several researchers explored these Industry 4.0 trends in manufacturing operations, but very few of them researched intelligent robotics grippers using MES and implementing advanced computer vision technologies. This research scopes in this direction. The research novelty contribution relies on exploring advanced intelligent robotic grippers while providing some scenarios to understand the next generation of automation systems according to Industry 4.0 trends by implementing both computer vision (CV) and machine learning (ML) aspects through an MES.
Forming Quality Analysis of Mg-Al Composite Pipes of Multi-Pass Power Spinning
Authors: Zheng Jiabin , Shu Xuedao , Chen Siyuan , Lu Qinying
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the effect of pass ratio on the forming quality of magnesium-aluminum composite pipes formed by multi-pass spinning. Established by NX software, the finite element simulation model of 7075 aluminum alloy-ZM21 magnesium alloy composite pipes was imported into Simufact. Forming software for simulation analysis. Based on previous research, the appropriate spinning parameters were selected. When the total reduction is constant, the ratios of three different reductions are studied and the final stress-strain results are obtained by finite element software simulation. By analyzing the straightness, cylindricity, and wall thickness of magnesium-aluminum composite pipes, the influence law of different pass reduction ratios on the surface quality of composite pipes is obtained. By analyzing the stress distribution of the magnesium-aluminum composite pipes interface, the influence law of different pass reduction ratios on the interface bonding strength of composite pipes is obtained.

The final results show that compared with the initial pass, the contact stress on the surface of the magnesium-aluminum pipes in the subsequent pass is much greater than that in the initial pass. In the subsequent passes, the contact stress of the final pass has little difference. When the final pass reduction decreases, the cylindricity and straightness of the composite pipes decrease, so the surface quality of the composite pipes depends on the final pass reduction. Therefore, in the actual production process, the intermediate pass reduction can be increased and the final pass reduction can be appropriately reduced. These results provide technical guidance for the selection and optimization design of the reduction ratio of multipass spinning of magnesium-aluminum bimetallic composite pipes.
Technical Cost Methodology Applied to the Design of Gas Turbine Components
Authors: Checcacci Emanuele , Martinelli Irene , Ragni Giacomo
Published: February 2023

Design of new architectures and systems is a fundamental task in each design stage of complex products such as gas turbines and requires everyday more and more an immediate focus on cost.

Due to high variability of worldwide conditions (pandemics, international scenarios, raw material costs fluctuations), it is exceedingly difficult to provide to design engineers a reliable estimation of final commercial cost of each component, while it would be a fundamental enabler to guarantee high competitivity to new products.

Based on that, the aim of this paper is to analyze Technical Cost that can be addressed directly with design choices, and which shall be formally distinguished by other types of cost definitions (economical, commercial…).

A case study of a rotor wheel is presented to demonstrate the value of the proposed approach in the development of Technical Cost models from raw material to final machining. The aim is to design production processes based on its Technical Cost, guiding engineering choices at each stage of program definition, from conceptual to detailed. With this method, the engineering department can control and guide Technical Costs, being the owner of all design choices and can support procurement in the overall effort of economic and commercial cost optimization.
Energy Efficiency Condition-Based Maintenance Methodology for Computer Room Air Conditioners
Authors: Fajardo Juan , Ramírez-León Hermes , Barreto Deibys , Rico Carlos , Cardona Camilo
Published: February 2023

A Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) system has been modeled and simulated to set up a Condition-based maintenance strategy oriented on the equipment’s energy efficiency performance (MCEE). The modeling was performed using ASPEN HYSYS based on actual performance conditions of a CRAC system in the Caribbean Colombia area. The condition-based was simulated based on a fouling model increase in the evaporator and condenser, decreasing the heat transfer process and increasing the heat loss. A 2-year fouling increase model was performed to obtain an economic-technical cost-function parameter and develop a cost-effective cleaning schedule for the evaporator and condenser. The results show a 5% COP decrease due to a fouling increase. The maintenance schedule for cleaning this system is cost-effective on the 310th day. Furthermore, a Critical Matrix of the CRAC performance is developed based on energy efficiency and a cost function.
Overview of the Base Model for the Parametric Sensitivity Studies Specific to Performance Assessments of U-Mo Fuel Plates
Authors: Ozaltun Hakan , Roh Hee Seok , Mohamed Walid
Published: February 2023

This paper provides an overview of the base model specifically developed to perform parametric sensitivity studies on the U-10Mo monolithic fuel system. U-Mo monolithic fuels are being considered for the conversion of test reactors into high-performance research reactors that operate using proliferation-resistant, low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuels. These plate-type fuels contain a high-density, low-enrichment fuel sandwiched between zirconium diffusion barriers and encapsulated in aluminum claddings. All U.S. high-performance research reactors have released the designs of their LEU monolithic fuel reactor cores. These designs include nearly 50 distinct fuel plate geometries with different operational parameters. Consequently, a single generic plate geometry representing all the extreme points in this design matrix is unrealistic. To evaluate the performance for various parameters, a set of sensitivity studies was performed. These studies considered various input parameters (i.e., geometric, operational, and material property-related). The results revealed valuable information about plate performance and the sensitivity of this performance to various modeling inputs. To establish a reference state for comparing these result, base model featuring representative irradiation conditions was developed. To capture in-reactor behavior accurately, incorporation of representative constitutive models capable of evolving properties with respect to temperature, irradiation time, and burnup was needed. The behavioral models considered burnup-dependent properties, swelling, creep, and degradation. This paper introduces the base model created for the parametric sensitivity studies. The detailed description of the procedure includes the model geometry, model discretization, thermo-mechanical coupling, material properties and behavioral models. This paper also provides selected results and assesses the performance of the base model.