bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First estimate of distribution, abundance, and risk of encounter with aquaculture vessels for the rare Chilean dolphin in the entire Northern Chilean Patagonia
Authors: Bedriñana‐Romano Luis , Viddi Francisco A. , Artal Osvaldo , Pinilla Elías , Hucke‐Gaete Rodrigo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Assessing distribution and abundance patterns for rare species is challenging yet imperative, considering the extant, potentially hazardous, anthropogenic activities. In particular, the poorly studied Chilean dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) exhibits an extremely patchy distribution and low densities, co‐occurring with the intensive aquaculture industry in Southern Chile, among other anthropogenic activities.
The distribution and abundance patterns of Chilean dolphins were assessed in the entire Northern Chilean Patagonia. A hierarchical species distribution model was fitted to data from line transect surveys using distance sampling techniques and environmental variables derived from topographic features and oceanographic models. A second version of this model used a joint‐likelihood approach to incorporate presence–pseudoabsence data for improving parameter estimation. Spatial predictions arising from these models were used to evaluate the relative probability of a dolphin encountering vessels from the local, predominantly aquaculture fleet.
The results show that using a joint‐likelihood approach drastically reduced uncertainty in the parameters controlling the effect of covariates and in the total abundance estimates. This model estimated an overall low abundance (median 2,225.8; 95% CI 1,340–3,867) for this species in the region, and indicates their preference for shallow, sheltered bays and inner channels, near river mouths, where low salinity is expected. The highest probabilities of dolphin–vessel interactions were found on the eastern coast of Chiloe Big Island, coinciding with the largest number of aquaculture concessions in the area.
Considering that the overall population of the Chilean dolphin is expected to be in the low thousands, that suitable habitat for the species is highly restricted, and that the species is facing increasing anthropogenic impacts, with some areas undergoing or planning major expansions in development, the results provided here should be considered in management plans for extant marine protected areas, and in the evaluation of current International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and national conservation categories for the species.
Membership function‐dependent predictive control for interval type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system
Authors: Zheng Hua , Zou Yuanyuan , Li Shaoyuan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the problem of membership function‐dependent model predictive control (MFD‐MPC) of interval type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno (IT2 T‐S) fuzzy system is investigated. An online MFD‐MPC optimization problem is formulated to minimize an infinite horizon objective function subject to hard constraints on control input and system state. By using the variable dimension expansion method and dividing the operation domain of independent variables into several subdomains, a subregion‐based state feedback model predictive controller that offers more design flexibility is designed to stabilize the open‐loop fuzzy system. Based on descriptor system theory, the variable mismatching phenomenon between MFs and the coupling between plant, controller, and Lyapunov matrix are eliminated. Then, using the piecewise linear approximation technology, MFD sufficient conditions of low conservatism on guaranteeing recursive feasibility and the stability of IT2 closed‐loop fuzzy system are deduced by tightening terminal constraint set. Finally, a numerical example is provided to further explain the advance of the proposed method.
Nonlinear control strategies with maximum power point tracking for hybrid renewable energy conversion systems
Authors: Mansouri Adil , El Magri Abdelmounime , Lajouad Rachid , Giri Fouad , Watil Aziz 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of controlling and optimizing a hybrid renewable energy system, specifically consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) generator and a wind energy conversion system comprising a wind turbine and a permanent magnet synchronous machine. The primary control objectives involve maximizing power extraction from both the PV and wind turbine while ensuring efficient injection of the extracted energy into the electrical network and maintaining a suitable power factor. This study presents two key innovations that distinguish it from existing research. Firstly, it introduces a new hybrid PV/aerogenerator energy source that eliminates the need for a DC/DC converter in the PV structure. Secondly, unlike previous works that rely on various measurements such as wind speed, temperature, and irradiance, our approach only requires measurements of electrical variables. This advancement significantly reduces the number of sensors required and enhances the overall reliability of the system.
Measuring flexibility in autistic adults: Exploring the factor structure of the flexibility scale self report
Authors: Hollocks Matthew J. , McQuaid Goldie A. , Yerys Benjamin E. , Strang John F. , Anthony Laura G. , Kenworthy Lauren , Lee Nancy R. , Wallace Gregory L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCognitive flexibility differences are common for autistic individuals and have an impact on a range of clinical outcomes. However, there is currently a lack of well validated measurement tools to assess flexibility in adulthood. The Flexibility Scale was originally designed as a parent‐report measure of real‐world flexibility challenges in youth. The original Flexibility Scale provides a total score and five subscales: Routines and Rituals, Transitions and Change, Special Interests, Social Flexibility, and Generativity. In this study, we evaluate the factorial validity of the Flexibility Scale as a self‐report (Flexibility Scale Self Report) measure of cognitive flexibility, adapted from the original Flexibility Scale, for use by autistic adults. This study includes both a primary sample (n = 813; mean age = 40.3; 59% female) and an independently recruited replication sample (n = 120; mean age = 32.8; 74% female) of individuals who completed the Flexibility Scale Self Report. The analysis consisted of an initial confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the original Flexibility Scale structure, followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and factor optimization within a structural equation modeling framework to identify the optimal structure for the questionnaire in adults. The identified structure was then replicated through CFA in the replication sample. Our results indicate an alternative optimal scale structure from the original Flexibility Scale, which includes fewer items, and only three (Routines/Rituals, Transitions and Change, Special Interests) of the five subscales contributing to the flexibility total score. Comparisons revealed no structural differences within the scale based on sex assigned at birth. Here the Generativity and Social Flexibility scales are treated as independent but related scales. The implications for measurement of cognitive flexibility in clinical and research settings, as well as theoretical underpinnings are discussed.
Stress and well‐being in autistic adults: Exploring the moderating role of coping
Authors: Muniandy Melanie , Richdale Amanda L. , Lawson Lauren P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe wider stress literature points to negative associations between stress and well‐being. Similarly, the use of engagement coping strategies and disengagement coping strategies in the face of stress are related to improved and reduced well‐being respectively. However, in the autistic population stress and coping research is limited to date, and the extent to which coping may moderate the relationship between stress and well‐being is not known. Using data from an Australian online study, we explored the potential moderating (i.e. buffering or exacerbating) role of coping in the relationship between stress and well‐being in a sample of autistic adults (N = 86). Our findings indicated that increased stress was associated with lower well‐being. Further, moderation analyses showed that while both engagement coping (e.g. problem solving, positive appraisal) and disengagement coping (e.g., self‐distraction, being in denial) strategies had significant positive and negative direct effects on well‐being respectively; engagement coping also moderated the relationship between stress and well‐being, buffering the impact of stress on well‐being. Our results illustrate the different underlying mechanisms by which coping strategies may be associated with stress and well‐being. They also highlight the potential protective role of engagement coping strategies, which can be incorporated into the promotion and maintenance of well‐being in autistic adults.
Firms' sustainability engagement and sustainability‐related controversies
Authors: Kotzian Peter 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSustainability issues became ever more important for firms' business strategies. Not living up to public and stakeholders' expectations results in controversies damaging the firm's reputation. Firms integrate sustainability aspects – environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues – in their business strategies to satisfy stakeholders ranging from customers to investors. Substantial resources are invested to increase their sustainability engagement to avoid sustainability‐related controversies. However, the degree to which sustainability engagement is effective is an open issue, as the occurrence of sustainability‐related controversies has structural components, which are under the firms' control, but also random components. Using data on firms' sustainability engagement, this paper investigates to what degree firms can actually avoid controversies by engaging in sustainability and to what degree such controversies are caused by factors beyond the firm's control, like random events or the societal environment. Our findings indicate strong sustainability engagement to be a significant factor for avoiding controversies, albeit the magnitude of the effect is very limited. While controversies are not purely random events, they are driven strongly by factors beyond the firm's strategic control, like firm size and country of origin.
Utility of rapid atrial pacing before and after TAVR with balloon‐expandable valve in predicting permanent pacemaker implantation
Authors: Tan Bryan E‐Xin , Hashem Anas , Boppana Leela K. T. , Mohamed Mohamed S. , Abbas Syed Faiz , Faisaluddin Mohammed , Thakkar Samarthkumar , Ahmed Akbar K. , Hall Cameron , Abtahian Farhad , Rao Mohan , Bhatt Deepak L. , Depta Jeremiah P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐grade or complete atrioventricular block (AVB) requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a known complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Wenckebach AVB induced by rapid atrial pacing (RAP) after TAVR was previously demonstrated in an observational analysis to be an independent predictor for PPM. We sought to investigate the utility of both pre‐ and post‐TAVR RAP in predicting PPM implantation.MethodsIn a single‐center, prospective study, 421 patients underwent TAVR with balloon‐expandable valves (BEV) between April 2020 and August 2021. Intraprocedural RAP was performed in patients without a pre‐existing pacemaker, atrial fibrillation/flutter, or intraprocedural complete AVB to assess for RAP‐induced Wenckebach AVB. The primary outcome was PPM within 30 days after TAVR.ResultsRAP was performed in 253 patients, of whom 91.3% underwent post‐TAVR RAP and 61.2% underwent pre‐TAVR RAP. The overall PPM implantation rate at 30 days was 9.9%. Although there was a numerically higher rate of PPM at 30 days in patients with RAP‐induced Wenckebach AVB, it did not reach statistical significance (13.3% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.23). In a multivariable analysis, RAP‐induced Wenckebach was not an independent predictor for PPM implantation at 30 days after TAVR. PPM rates at 30 days were comparable in patients with or without pre‐TAVR pacing‐induced Wenckebach AVB (11.8% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.51) and post‐TAVR pacing‐induced Wenckebach AVB (10.2% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.25).ConclusionIn patients who underwent TAVR with BEV, there were no statistically significant differences in PPM implantation rates at 30 days regardless of the presence or absence of RAP‐induced Wenckebach AVB. Due to conflicting results between the present study and the prior observational analysis, future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to determine the role of RAP during TAVR as a risk‐stratification tool for significant AVB requiring PPM after TAVR.
Preloaded bolted connections with duroplastic gap filling materials
Authors: Makevičius Lukas , Stranghöner Natalie , Korbaj Anas , Werner Philipp , Kunde Carsten , Thelen Sebastian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn steel construction, bolted connections are preloaded either for load‐bearing capacity reasons or for serviceability reasons. Single and multi‐section connections of wind turbines, offshore plants, bridges etc. are typical application examples. Imperfections due to fabrication and assembly may lead to a gap formation and consequently pose a risk e.g. for the controlled application of the required preload level as well as for the prevention of cavity corrosion. Therefore, the formation of gaps must be kept to a minimum. In cases where packing plates cannot be used, gap filling materials might be an alternative for gap compensation.MM1018 of Diamant Polymer GmbH represents a two‐component reaction resin system based on epoxy resins. Within the framework of the German (ZIM) cooperation project “Bri‐San‐T ‐ DuroFüllSta”, systematic investigations into the use of MM1018 (liquid and pasty) in preloaded bolted connections were carried out. In addition to the determination of slip factors according to EN 1090 2, Annex G under consideration of various practical boundary conditions such as gap thickness, curing time, temperature and surface condition, also relaxation tests were carried out to determine possible preload losses over the service life of the structure. The presented contribution intends to provide an insight into the main experimental findings for the gap filling material MM1018.
Evaluation of Existing Methods for Predicting Tension Resistance of Gusset Plates with Short Edge Distances
Authors: Shin Yi‐Seop , Kim Hyung‐Joon 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study experimentally investigates the tension resistance of gusset plates with different shapes. The yielding and rupture strengths measured from tests were compared with those obtained from existing strength formula suggested by several researchers. The results showed that the existing method overestimated the tension resistance of specimens with short edge distance, which is attributed to the difference in geometries of the target specimens inducing different tensile behavior and stress distribution from gusset plate targeted by existing method. Based on the observations, the influence of the acting moment on the gusset plate should be considered in the prediction of the tension resistance of the gusset plate having a Whitmore section that is restricted to the shape of gusset plate due to short edge distance.
Seismic characterisation of aluminium fusible links in single‐storey steel buildings
Authors: Pasquali Sara , Tondini Nicola , Zanon Gabriele 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis work is part of the European RFCS “FISHWALL” project entitled “Fire and Seismic performances of hybrid fire walls in case of single‐storey industrial and commercial steel buildings”. The aim of the project is to design a hybrid firewall solution using sandwich panels for single‐storey buildings connected with the unprotected steel structure by means of fusible links, made of aluminium bolts. In this respect, the paper shows the results of preliminary numerical analyses performed on existing case studies of single‐storey steel buildings located in low and moderate seismicity zones and they were used: i) to estimate the seismic forces acting on the fusible links and ii) to subsequently design the specimens to be tested in the laboratory. In this respect, several finite elements models were developed in order to consider the widest range of configurations of the firewall with respect to the direction of the portal frame composing the steel buildings, i.e. firewall parallel and orthogonal to the portal frames. Based on the estimated forces, the design of the six different specimens was performed and it is thoroughly shown in the paper.
Modelling of column base plate connections with plate stiffeners and non‐proportional loading
Authors: Della Corte Gaetano , Cantisani Gaetano 
Published: September 2023

AbstractColumn base plate connections are used widely. Their design is currently codified by Eurocode 3, though with explicit consideration of only base plates without stiffeners and subjected to a proportional loading path. However, both new and existing steel structures might have stiffened base plates. Besides, there might be the need for analyzing the connection response for a non‐proportional loading path (e.g., increasing seismic loads and constant gravity loads). Therefore, the paper provides a contribution into the development of an analytical model for predicting the response of stiffened base plate connections subjected to a non‐proportional loading path. The paper deals with calculation of the connection rotational stiffness and moment resistance. The objective is pursued through finite element modelling and analysis. Then, the application of a proposed analytical model is shown and a comparison with the finite element analysis results is illustrated and discussed.
The Influence of Steel Variability on the Reliability of Welded Beam‐to‐Column Joints
Authors: Skejić Davor , Valčić Anđelo , Žuvelek Vlaho , Čudina Ivan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBeam‐to‐column joints have a significant impact on the reliability of load‐bearing steel frame structures. Proper characterisation of the joint behaviour affects the distribution of internal forces and bending moments in frame structural members and affects their reliability level. This article addresses the effect of the variability of steel mechanical properties on the overall behaviour and reliability of welded beam‐to‐column joints. Monte Carlo simulations and parametric numerical analyses were performed to investigate the influence of the variability of mechanical properties on the behaviour (failure modes and resistances) of the joint and to generate data for the reliability analysis. Reliability analyses were performed to calculate partial resistance factors (γM1) for welded steel joints using the procedure given in Annex D of EN 1990. The analyses included the FprEN 1993‐1‐1:2022 and JCSS probabilistic models for mechanical properties of steel and two approaches for determining joint plastic bending resistance. It was concluded that FprEN model gives more favourable values of γM1. It was also found that the approach for determining joint plastic bending resistance can have a large effect on the partial resistance factor γM1 and ultimately on the reliability of the joint.
Innovative One‐way Connections between I‐beams and CHS columns
Authors: Das Rajarshi , Kanyilmaz Alper , Madhouni Mouad , Degee Herve 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough stiffeners and gusset plates are often used in conventional I‐beam‐to‐CHS‐column connections for an efficient load transfer, they usually result in high welding quantities. Directly welding the beams to the column exposes the beams to premature flange fractures and the columns to severe local distortions. Both approaches therefore hinder the use of such connections in the industry. However, if designed efficiently, the CHS connections can offer a viable solution with an excellent structural behavior in tension, compression and bending in all directions. In this context, the present contribution proposes two new moment resisting one‐way connection configurations with I‐beams or steel plates passing through the CHS column, developed within the European research project LASTTS, with the aim of simplifying the fabrication process and increasing the structural performance of such joints with an effective reduction of the foretold drawbacks. The “passing‐through” system is developed using a laser cut & weld technology and avoids the localized damages, premature flange failures as well as the excessive usage of stiffening plates required by the conventional CHS connections. These connections are first designed based on a recently developed code‐like procedure and are then assessed through nonlinear finite element models ‐ primarily calibrated on experimental results to validate the modelling assumptions – in order to characterize the influence of the different parameters of the joints.
Geometric tolerances of welded connections with inelastic panel zones
Authors: Wen Ce , Skiadopoulos Andronikos , Lignos Dimitrios G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPrequalified beam‐to‐column connections in steel moment resisting frames usually concentrate inelastic deformations in the steel beam ends. As such, nonlinear geometric instabilities (i.e., local buckling) may occur in these regions at modest lateral drift demands, leading to potentially high residual deformations. Previous research has shown that welded connections featuring inelastic panel zones exhibit a stable hysteretic behaviour. In this case, residual deformations in steel beams are often not visually detectable after inelastic cyclic straining. This paper contrasts the residual deformations of steel beams as part of welded connections with elastic and inelastic panel zones through continuum finite element analyses. The employed finite element model is thoroughly validated with available test data. Besides the actual hysteretic response of the connections, the primary focus of the present work is on a number of geometric tolerance indicators, such as the web concavity, flange out‐of‐square and beam axial shortening. These are strongly correlated to the potential for reuse of structural steel members. The results suggest that connection designs featuring inelastic panel zones delay beam local buckling relative to their strong panel zone counterparts, achieving acceptable residual deformations even at lateral drift demands higher than 4% when considering the geometric tolerances of international standards.
System redundancy of steel I‐girder bridges and proposal of a system factor for load rating
Authors: Okui Yoshiaki , Denda Makoto , Kumaki Kazuki , Sakuma Satoshi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract3D nonlinear FE analyses of existing plate‐girder bridges were carried out to investigate system redundancy. A comparison of the ultimate live load factors between a whole bridge system (WBS) model and a single girder (SG) model shows that WBS's ultimate live load factor is larger than SG's factor. This difference in the ultimate load factors is interpreted as the system redundancy effect. A system factor to quantify the system redundancy has been proposed based on the nonlinear FE analysis results. The proposed system factor is defined as a factor to convert the ultimate live load factor and rating factor for load rating based on linear analysis into those based on nonlinear analysis. A case study to calculate the system factor for three existing bridges shows dependency of the system factor on the number of girders, composite/non‐composite girders, simple span/continuous span.