In this paper, the deformation behavior of S32750 duplex stainless steel during low cycle fatigue was studied by controlling number of cycles. The microstructure of the specimens under different cycles was characterized by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Microhardness of two phases was measured by a digital microhardness instrument. The results showed that the microhardness of ferrite increases significantly after the first 4000 cycles, while the austenite shows a higher strain hardening rate after fatigue fracture, and the microhardness of ferrite and austenite increases by 23 HV and 87 HV, respectively. Two-phase kernel average misorientation (KAM) diagram showed that the continuous accumulation of plastic deformation easily leads to the initiation of cracks inside the austenite and at the phase boundaries. The evolution of dislocation morphology in two phases was obviously different. With the increase of cycle number, the dislocation in ferrite gradually transforms from dislocation bundles and dislocation array to sub-grain structure, while the dislocation in austenite gradually develops from dipole array to ordered Taylor lattice network structure.

Experimental quantification of retention factors related to post-fire strength as well as post-fire ductility of intentionally selected stainless steel grades applied in construction is the objective of research presented here. These steel grades are characterized by a two-phase austenitic-ferritic microstructure of the duplex type. In this context two mutually corresponding chromium-nickel-molybdenum steel grades have been subjected to analysis, namely X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 steel belonging to the standard duplex group (DSS 22% Cr) and X2CrMnNiN21-5-1 steel belonging to the lean duplex group (LDSS). The similarities and differences in the mechanical properties exhibited by these steel grades after effective cooling, following more or less prolonged simulated fire action conforming to several development scenarios, have been identified and indicated. The resistance of given steel grade to permanent structural changes induced by the heating program proved to be the critical factor determining these properties and resulting in many cases in increased susceptibility to brittle fracture.

Silicon carbide single crystal (SiC) has been widely used in the field of power devices, while it is difficult to fabricate ultra-flat surface by traditional manufacturing technologies due to its difficult-to-machine property. This paper investigates the interaction process during femtosecond laser ablation of crystalline silicon carbide based on the two-temperature model simulation and experimental study. The findings reveal that parameters such as laser pulse energy, scanning interval, and defocus amount exert significant influence on ablation depth, roughness, and surface morphology. The femtosecond laser proves effective in removing surface defects from cut SiC substrates, albeit resulting in increased surface roughness. However, subsequent polishing treatment of the laser-ablated silicon carbide surface can mitigate this roughness, underscoring the feasibility of laser surface ablation for silicon carbide single crystals.

It is important to realize the transformation behavior of wüstite because it greatly affects the final structure of the oxide layer and the surface quality of the steel products. In the present study, the transformation behaviors of the wüstite layer are examined under nearly-oxygen-free conditions, to simulate the cooling processes after the hot rolled strip is coiled. As the single phase wüstite was prepared at 950˚C, the 460˚C transformed oxide layer was composed of a mixture of iron and magnetite formed through eutectoid reactions. For the 750˚C-fabricated wüstite, only magnetite was observed after transformation, without iron precipitates and residual wüstite. It is speculated that the unusual transformation behavior of the low-temperature-made wüstite results from the pseudo-structural intermediate phase transformation between wüstite and magnetite. This pseudo-structure is a pre-transformed wüstite and of various concentration of ferrous ion, which is determined by the fabrication conditions. During the hot strip mill process, the so-called wet scale, wüstite, is produced continuously from finish mill to laminar flow sections and ended at 570˚C. Consequently, the final eutectoid transformation below 570˚C is dominantly controlled by the surface temperature ranged from 750˚C to 950˚C for low carbon steel.

The corrosion morphology in grade 2205 duplex stainless steel wire has been studied to understand the nature of pitting and the causes of the ferrite phase's selective corrosion in acidic NaCl solution. It is shown that the corrosion mechanism is always pitting, which either manifests lacy cover perforation or densely-arrayed selective cavities developing on the ferrite phase. Pits with a lacy metal cover form in concentrated chloride solutions, whereas the ferrite phase's selective corrosion develops in diluted electrolytes, showing dependency on the chloride-ion concentration. The pit perforation is probabilistic and occurs on both austenite and ferrite grains. The lacy metal covers collapse in concentrated solutions but remain intact in diluted electrolytes. The collapse of the lacy metal cover happens due to hydrogen embrittlement. Pit evolution is deterministic and occurs selectively in the ferrite phase in light chloride solutions.

Duplex and Super Duplex Stainless Steels are very prone to secondary phases formation related to ferrite decomposition at high temperatures. In the present paper the results on secondary phase precipitation in a 2510 Duplex Stainless Steel, heat treated in the temperature range 850-1050 °C for 3-30 minutes are presented. The precipitation starts at grain boundaries with a consistent ferrite transformation for very short times. The noses of the TTP curves are at 1000 °C for σ-phase and at 900 °C for χ-phase, respectively. The precipitation sequence involves a partial transformation of χ into σ, as previously evidenced in 2205 and 2507 grades. Furthermore, the experimental data were compared to the results of Thermo-Calc calculations.

Prestrained at 5% and 15% duplex stainless steel UNS S32750 specimens have been subjected to electropulsing treatments with current density of 100 A/mm2 and 200 A/mm2 and 100 and 500 pulses for each current density value. Corrosion tests, X-ray diffraction, microhardness and residual stresses were collected before and after the electropulsing treatments. Tensile tests were performed after the electropulsing treatments in order to compare the mechanical response to the reference tensile tests performed before the pulsing treatments. Increase in fracture strain was observed after the pulsing treatment in comparison to the reference tensile tests. A decrease in microhardness was also observed after the electropulsing treatments for both degrees of prestrain. Electropulsing treatment almost eliminates the work-hardened state in the 5% prestrained specimens while partially recovered the 15% prestrained material increasing both uniform and fracture strain. The bulk temperature of the samples remained the same for all the duration of the treatments. The effect are to be addressed to a combined effect of the increase in atomic flux due to the electrical current and local joule heating in correspondence of crystal defects. Electropulsing treatment applied to metallic alloys is a promising technique to reduce the work hardening state without the need of annealing treatments in a dedicated furnace.

The precipitate phases often play an important influence on the corrosion resistance of 2205 Duplex stainless steel (DSS). In the presented paper, the microstructure and corrosion resistance in the hot-rolled and cold-rolled 2205 DSS aging for different time at 850 °C was investigated by XRD, SEM and potentiodynamic polarization. It has been found that the Chi(χ) phase and Sigm(σ) phase were precipitated in turn after aging treatment of hot-rolled and cold-rolled materials, but the precipitate amount in cold-rolled material is much more than that of hot-rolled samples. The corrosion resistance of the solution-annealed cold-rolled material is similar to the hot-rolled material, but the corrosion resistance of cold-rolled material with precipitate is weaker than that of hot-rolled material after aging treatment. Pitting initiates preferentially in the Cr-depleted region from σ phase in aged hot-rolled 2205, and severe selective corrosion occurs on sigma/ferrite interfaces aged for a long aged lime. However, the initiation of pitting corrosion may take place at the phase boundary, defect and martensite in the aged cold-rolled 2205. The σ phase is further selectively dissolved by electrochemical method to investigate the difference of microstructure and corrosion behavior in hot-rolled and cold-rolled 2205 duplex stainless steel.

The present paper describes a study case of the failure investigation of Duplex stainless steel (UNS S31803) on the tube and tube sheet section of a shell and tube heat exchanger BEM TEMA type with seawater as the cooling medium. Although UNS S31803 offers high strength, high resistance to chloride-induced SCC, and high resistance to pitting attack in chloride environments, in this study case, the heat exchanger experienced some material degradation; 26 tubes were leaked and plugged on both sides, and scales plugged 76 tubes. The examination in this study case revealed the formation of biofilm inside the tubes, XRD examination revealed that the film contained aragonite (CaCO3), and by using microstructural examination on the inner surface of the tube, the austenite grains were preferentially attacked by crevice corrosion. In this case, the failure was caused by crevice corrosion, and crevice corrosion was enhanced by microbiological-induced corrosion (MIC). Recommendations to avoid similar failures are also suggested in this paper.

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing of metals is gaining popularity due to its flexibility in fabricating parts with highly complex designs, as well as simplifying manufacturing steps and optimizing process times. In this investigation, 17-4 PH stainless steel was additively manufactured using Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), followed by functionalization through a DUPLEX treatment. This treatment involved a plasma-assisted nitriding process, followed by deposition of an arc-PVD c-Al0.7Cr0.3N hard coating. The microstructural modifications resulting from plasma nitriding (such as the formation of Fe2,3N and Fe4N, and the αN or expanded martensite phases), and the surface improvements with the c-Al0.7Cr0.3N coating on the 3D-printed 17-4 PH steel, are evaluated in comparison to conventionally manufactured 17-4 PH steel. These microstructural characteristics are correlated with the mechanical response of the treated surfaces. As a result of the plasma nitriding process, the hardness of the 3D-printed 17-4 PH SS increased by approximately 260%. The wear, measured through dynamic and static scratch-testing, was reduced by approximately 31%. This improvement was attributed to the modification of adhesive failure mechanisms, leading to a reduction in wear volume, improved coating adhesion, and enhanced scratch resistance.

Hyper duplex stainless steels, HDSS, are a new alloy group of duplex stainless steels with the highest corrosion resistance and mechanical properties among the existing modern stainless steel. Due to the addition of extra high content of alloying elements, e.g. Cr, Ni, Mo, etc., the crystallization behavior of the δ-ferrite from the liquid is of vital importance for controlling the steel properties. In this work, the effect of cooling rate (i.e. 4°C/min and 150 °C/min) on the growth process of δ-ferrite in S33207 during the solidification process was investigated using high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy (HT-CLSM) in combination with electron microscopes and thermodynamic calculation. The results showed that the solidification mode of S33207 steel was a ferrite-austenite type (FA mode). L→δ transformation occurred at a certain degree of supercooling, and merging occurred during the growth of δ phase dendrites. Similar microstructures were observed after solidification under these two different cooling rates. The variation of area fraction of δ ferrite at the free surface and temperature as well as time during solidification of S33207 steels were calculated at different cooling rates of 4 °C/min and 150 °C/min, respectively. The current HT-CLSM study provides in-situ experimental evidence to confirm that a low cooling rate favored the growth of primary δ-ferrite, whereas a high cooling rate favored the nucleation of primary δ-ferrite during the solidification process. The post-microstructure as well as composition evolution is also briefly investigated. This work shed light on the real time insights for the crystallization behavior of hyper duplex stainless steels during solidification, which aims to contribute to the process control of manufacturing of this steel grade.

Aiming to diminish the defects caused by high-speed pulsed GMAW welding, such as non-penetration, non-fusion, humping and undercut, the paper proposed an improved twin-wire double-pulsed high-speed welding process by introducing the impact of additional shielding gas on the welding pool and the effects of different shielding gas flowrates on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded seam was investigated. The 2205 duplex stainless steel plate was used as the base material for the butt welding test, and the welded seams were subjected to tensile test, metallographic analysis, hardness analysis, and nondestructive testing. The results indicate that as the flowrate of additional shielding gas increases in the range of 8 L/min~16 L/min, the width of the welded seam increases and the height of reinforcement decreases gradually. However, a grooved seam with a lower middle region and higher sides will appear when the gas flowrate becomes excessively large. The test results indicate that the jet impact force is relatively moderate when the flowrate of the additional shielding gas is 12 L/min and thus, is optimal for the welded seam.

Fungal infection of grape berries (Vitis vinifera) by Botrytis cinerea frequently coincides with harvest, impacting both the yield and quality of grape and wine products. A rapid and non-destructive method for identifying B. cinerea infection in grapes at an early stage prior to harvest is critical to manage loss. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) crystal was applied as an absorbent material for volatile extraction from B. cinerea-infected and healthy grapes in a vineyard followed by thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The performance of ZIF-8 to absorb and trap targeted volatiles was evaluated with a standard solution of compounds and with a whole bunch of grapes enclosed in a glass container to maintain standard sampling conditions. Results from sampling methods were then correlated to B. cinerea infection in grapes as measured and determined by Genus specific antigen quantification. Trace levels of targeted compounds reported as markers of grape B. cinerea infection were successfully detected with in-field sampling. Peak area counts for volatiles 3-octanone, 1-octen-3-one, 3-octanol, and 1-octen-3-ol extracted using ZIF-8 were significantly higher than values achieved using Tenax®-TA from field testing and demonstrated good correlation with B. cinerea infection severities determined by B. cinerea antigen detection.

Super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) is used for manufacturing large valves and pipes in offshore plants because of its excellent strength and corrosion resistance. Large valves and pipes are manufactured by forging after casting, and the outside and inside microstructures are different owing to the difference in the cooling rate caused by the thermal conductivity. This microstructural variation causes cracks during solution annealing, which breaks the materials. To study toe corrosion resistance of the SDSS forged material, the microstructure was conducted based on the difference in the cooling rate between the inside and outside of the cast SDSS. To analyze the effects of the secondary phase fraction before solution annealing on the solution and corrosion resistance, the corrosion resistance with and without solution annealing was measured using the potentiodynamic polarization test and critical temperature test after the precipitation of the secondary phase. In the potentiodynamic polarization test, the secondary phase decreased the activation polarization and increased the corrosion rate. The critical pitting temperature exhibited the effect of the secondary phase.

3D printing is a non-traditional additive manufacturing process. It is different from the traditional subtractive manufacturing process. It offers exceptional rapid prototyping capabilities and results that traditional subtractive manufacturing methods cannot attain, especially in applications involving curved or intricately shaped components. Despite its advantages, metal 3D printing will face porosity, warpage, and surface roughness issues. These issues will affect the future practical application of the parts indirectly, for example, the structural strength and the parts assembly ca-pability. Therefore, this study compares the qualities of the warpage, weight, and surface rough-ness after milling and grinding processes under the same materials (316L stainless steel) between general rolled steel and 3D additive steel. Experimental results show that 3D printing parts are approximately 13% to 14% lighter than the general rolled steel. The surface roughness performance of 3D printing steel is better than general rolled steel under the same material after milling or grinding processing. The hardness of the 3D printing steel is better than that of the gen-eral rolled steel. The research verifies that 3D additive manufacturing can use surface processing to optimize surface performance and achieve the functions of lightness and hardness.

This study addresses the critical need for standardizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plans (BEPs) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector. By analyzing 36 BEP documents from international organizations, we identify key elements and propose a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing digital transformation and collaboration in complex construction projects. This research employs scientometric analysis to map the evolution of BEP standards and integrates empirical data from industry surveys to validate the proposed framework. Our findings highlight the benefits of standardized BEPs in reducing inefficiencies and improving project outcomes, thereby providing a significant contribution to the field of BIM implementation.

Recent analyses of cosmic microwave background surveys have revealed hints that there may be a non-trivial running of the running of the spectral index. If future experiments were to confirm these hints, it would prove a powerful discriminator of inflationary models, ruling out simple single field models. We discuss how isocurvature perturbations in multi-field models can be invoked to generate large runnings in a non-standard hierarchy, and find that a minimal model capable of practically realising this would be a two-field model with a non-canonical kinetic structure. We also consider alternative scenarios such as variable speed of light models and canonical quantum gravity effects and their implications for runnings of the spectral index.

At present, farmland abandonment（FA）is a severe phenomenon in China, imposing a serious restriction on agricultural production. In this context, it is of great significance to explore the logical relationship between high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) and FA to optimize land resource allocation and guarantee national food security. Based on 838 samples of farmers in the main rice production area of the Yangtze River Basin in China, this paper employs the Tobit model, the mediating effect model, and the moderated mediating effect model to analyze the impact of HSFC on FA at the micro level. The results show that (1) HSFC inhibits FA, and FA proportion decreases by 1.14% for every 1% increase in HSFC proportion, and the robustness test and endogeneity treatment also yield consistent conclusions. (2) Agricultural socialization services (ASS) play a positive mediating role in the influence path. HSFC promotes farmers' purchase of ASS, which in turn inhibits FA. (3) The agricultural labor transfer distance (ALTD) plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between HSFC and FA. The farther the distance, the more likely HSFC can promote farmers' purchase of ASS and inhibit FA. The results provide enlightenment on how to precisely implement HSFC policy, that is, to inhibit FA by improving the construction of high-standard farmland and the post-construction management as well as protection system. Moreover, this study helps guiding the development of ASS and optimizing the institutional environment for agricultural labor transfer, creating conditions for agricultural scale management.

Longitudinal cutting is a most common process in steel structure manufacturing, and the man-hours of the process provide an important basis for enterprises to generate production schedules.However, currently the man-hours in factories are mainly estimated by experts, and the accuracy of this method is relatively low.In this study,we propose a system that predicts man-hours with history data in the manufacturing process and that can be applied in practical structural steel fabrication.The system addresses the data inconsistency problem by one-hot encoding and data normalization techniques,Pearson correlation coefficient for feature selection,and the Random Forest Regression(RFR) for prediction.Compared with the other three Machine Learning(ML) algorithms, the Random Forest algorithm has the best performance.The results demonstrate that the proposed system outperforms the conventional approach and has better forecast accuracy, so that it is suitable for man-hours prediction.

This paper introduces an innovative approach that enables automated and precise prediction of the steel's chemical composition based on the desired Jominy curve. The microstructure, and in fact the presence of martensite, is decisive for the hardness of the steel, so the study considered the occurrence of this phase at particular distances from the quenched-end of the Jominy sample. Steels for quenching and tempering and case hardening were investigated. With representative collected dataset of hardness values from quenched-end of Jominy specimen, microstructure and chemical composition of steels, the complex regression model was made using supervised artificial neural networks. The balance between cost and required hardenability can be achieved through optimizing the chemical composition of steel. This model of designing steel with required hardenability can be of great benefit in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing industry. The model is verified experimentally.

This paper presents the design and measurement of an IEEE 802.11ad standard compatible RF transceiver for 60GHz wireless communication system. In addition to the traditional half-duplex (HD) mode, this work supports full-duplex (FD) operation to deliver better channel utilization and faster response time for the system. The isolation between the transmitter and receiver from the architecture design to system integration for FD operation has been fully considered. A digital self-interference cancellation (DSIC) is implemented in MATLAB to verify the FD performance. The super-heterodyne architecture with an intermediate frequency (IF) of 12GHz is designed to suppress the image frequencies without using extra filters. A flexible phase-locked loop (PLL) synthesizer provides a local oscillator (LO) frequency with a 2kHz resolution. Other than the time division duplex (TDD) mode used in the conventional 60GHz system, a wide bandwidth baseband digital variable gain amplifier (DVGA) with a 3dB bandwidth of more than 4GHz also supports frequency division duplex (FDD) operation. The transceiver chip is fabricated in Tower Jazz 0.18µm SiGe BiCMOS process. With on-board antenna, the transceiver covers all four channels in 802.11ad standard with MCS-12 (7.04Gbps under 1.76GSym/s and 16-QAM) under 1.5m. In the proposed system design, the RF frontend based self-interference (SI) suppression from the local transmitter to receiver LNA is around 54dB. To achieve a practical FD application, the SI is further suppressed with the help of digital SI compensation. The measured power consumption for transmitter and receiver configuration is 194mW and 231mW, respectively, in HD mode and 398mW for FDD or FD operation mode.

In the field of quality control, the critical challenge of analyzing microdefects in steel filament holds significant importance. This is particularly vital as steel filaments serve as reinforced fibers in the use and applications within various component manufacturing industries. This paper addresses the crucial requirement of identifying and investigating microdefects on steel filaments. Eddy current signals are used for the identification of microdefects, and an in-depth investigation is conducted. The core objective is to establish the relationship between the depth of defects and the signals detected through the eddy current sensing principle. The threshold of eddy current instrument was set at 10%, corresponding to a created depth of 20 µm, to identify defective specimens. A total of 30 defective samples were analyzed, and the phase angles between the experimental and theoretical results were compared. The depths of defects ranged from 20 to 60 µm, with one sample having a depth exceeding 75 µm. The calculated threshold of 10.18% closely aligns with the set threshold of 10%, with a difference of only 1.77%. The resulting root mean square error (RMSE) was found to be 10.53 degrees, equivalent to 3.49 µm for the difference in depth and phase between measured results and estimated results. This underscores the methodology's accuracy and its applicability across diverse manufacturing industries.

This paper presents the deformation of the joined sheet after the clinch-riveting process. The DX51D steel sheet with zinc coating was used. The samples to be joined with clinch riveting technology had a thickness of 1±0.05 mm and 1.5±0.1 mm. The sheet deformation was measured before and after the joining process. The rivet was pressed in the sheets with the same dimension between the rivet axis and three sheet edges: 20, 30 and 40 mm. For fixed segments of the die, from the rivet side close to the rivet, the sheet deformation was greater than that of the area with movable segments. The movement of die sliding element caused more sheet material to flow in the space between the fixed part of the die and movable segments. Hence, the sheet deformation in these places was smaller than for the die fixed element – sheet material was less compressed. For sheets thickness 1.5 mm and width 20 mm, the bulk of the sheet was observed. For a sheets width of 20 mm, it was observed that the deformation of the upper and lower sheets in the area of the rivet is greater than for sheets width of 30 or 40 mm.

A proposed low-temperature forging method aims to enhance stainless steel bearings by creating a martensitic subsurface layer, significantly boosting bearing fatigue life due to increased surface hardness. This technique induces beneficial residual stresses, particularly in axial bearings, streamlining their construction and improving machine elements. Challenges persist, especially with radial bearings, but simplicity in axial bearing forging promotes compact, resource-efficient facility construction. Future research will focus on applying this technique to axial bearing washers, potentially replicating success in other bearing components. Despite the energy ex-penditure for cooling during forging, the substantial increase in bearing fatigue life offsets this, enhancing overall longevity and reliability of critical machine components. Integration of this forging technique into bearing fabrication appears seamless, offering a promising trade-off be-tween energy use and enhanced performance.

Agricultural activities are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon emissions from agricultural land use (CEALU) have become a hot issue across the world. However, few scholars explored the impact of agricultural land policies on carbon emissions, such as the High-standard farmland construction(HSFC) in China.Thus，by relying on provincial panel data for China for the period 2005-2017, the effect of the high-standard basic farmland construction policy on carbon emissions from agricultural land use per unit area and its regional differences were quantitatively analyzed using the difference-in-difference (DID) model. The results showed that: 1) China's CEALU per unit area presented a fluctuating upward trend during the period 2005-2017, from 392.58 kg/ha to 457.72 kg/ha, with an average annual growth rate of 1.31%. 2) The high-standard farmland construction(HSFC) policy produced a significant carbon emission reduction effect in agricultural land use, and reduced the CEALU per unit area by 10.80% on average. With the promotion of this policy, its carbon emission reduction effect in agricultural land use presented an overall increasing trend. 3) The carbon emission reduction effect of the high-standard farmland construction policy in agricultural land use was significant in central China, but non-significant in eastern China and western China.

In steel structures, oblique thin steel plates serve as panel zones in structures spanning large spaces (e.g., warehouses and gymnasiums). Considerable research has been conducted on the shear buckling of panels due to seismic loads acting on a structure. Conversely, under snow or wind loads, the panel zone may experience compressive and tensile stresses simultaneously from two directions. Considering the economic preference for thin steel plates, evaluating the elastic critical local buckling stresses in the panel zone under biaxial normal stress may provide essential information to structural engineers. In this study, an elastic buckling analysis based on the energy method is performed to clarify the impact of panel geometry and boundary conditions on the elastic local buckling stresses of oblique panel zones. As confirmed, the buckling stresses derived from the energy method could simulate the local buckling stresses with accuracy comparable to that of finite element analysis, and an engineer-friendly design formula was proposed. Finally, we determined the correlation of the buckling stresses under biaxial stresses and presented a method for evaluating this correlation. Engineers can utilize the provided design equations to more efficiently and accurately calculate buckling loads, facilitating safer and more economical design of structures with oblique plates.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry challenges battery joining technologies by requiring higher energy density both by mass and volume. Improving the energy density via new battery chemistry would be the holy grail but is seriously hindered and progresses slowly. In the meantime, alternative ways, such as implementing more efficient cell packaging by minimizing the electrical resistance of joints are of primary focus. In this paper we discuss the challenges associated with the electrical characterisation of laser soldered joints in general, and the minimization of their resistive losses, in particular. In order to assess the impact of the joint resistance on the overall resistance of the sample, the alteration in resistance was monitored as a function of voltage probe distance and modelled by finite element simulation. The experimental measurements showed two different regimes: one far from of the joint area and another in its vicinity and within the joints cross section. The presented results confirm the importance of the thickness of the filler material, the effective and the total soldered area, and the area and the position of the voids within the total soldered area in determining the electrical resistance of joints.

The hemodynamic consequences of the aortic stenosis (AS) on supraortic trunks may have a po-tential role in the diagnosis of concomitant internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis by dampening blood flow velocity. To investigate the effect of AS on ICA blood flow we evaluated carotid and vertebral blood flow velocity indexes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implanta-tion (TAVI). Eighty-five patients admitted for endovascular treatment of a severe AS underwent supra-aortic Duplex ultrasound (DUS) examination prior and after TAVI to be enrolled in the study. Patients with other cardiac impairments that could configure a confounding factor were excluded. Pa-tients with symptomatic or severe ICA stenosis defined according to NASCET criteria were ex-cluded. Forty-five patients of a median age of 80 years met the study inclusion criteria. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the assessed supraortic arteries increased after TAVI: respectively common ca-rotid artery (CCA) 64 ± 17 cm/s vs 78 ± 23 cm/s, p= 0,01; ICA 68 ± 23 cm/s vs 96 ± 35 cm/s, p= 0,01; vertebral artery (VA) 45 ± 14 cm/s vs 52 ± 15 cm/s, p=0,03. Similarly, the end diastolic velocity (EDV) increased after TAVI: respectively CCA 13 ± 6 cm/s vs 15 ± 7 cm/s, p=ns; ICA 20 ± 9 cm/s vs 24 ± 9 cm/s, p= 0,01; VA 9 ± 4 cm/s vs 11 ± 4 cm/s, p=0,01. Consistently, the mean acceleration time (AC) decreased after TAVI: respectively CCA 0,17 ± 0,05 s vs 0,12 ± 0,05 s, p= 0.01; ICA 0,1 8 ± 0,05 s vs 0,12 ± 0,04 s, p= 0,01; VA 0,16 ± 0,05 s vs 0,11 ± 0,05 s, p=0,02. Severe AS significantly affects supra-aortic arteries blood flow as assessed by duplex, by de-creasing both PSV and EDV and increasing AC. This study suggests that carotid ultrasound cri-teria to assess ICA stenosis severity should be re-evaluated in larger multicenter studies to vali-date their predictive values in patients with concomitant AS.

As paradigm of complex behavior, Self-organized Criticality (SOC) reflects the ability of nonequilibrium dynamical systems to self-adjust into metastable states that are scale independent. The goal of this report is to tentatively show that the hierarchy of Standard Model masses and mixing angles follows from the universal scaling attributes of SOC.

The properties of the charged dark matters are discussed in terms of the new three-dimensional quantized space model. Because of the graviton evaporations, the very small Coulomb’s constant (k(dd)) of 10 ⁻⁴⁸ k and large gravitation constant (G_N(dd)) of 10⁶ G_N for the charged dark matters at the present time are expected. The tentative values of G and k are used for the explanation purpose. Therefore, F_c(mm) > F_g(dd) > F_g(mm) > F_g(dm) > F_c(dd) > F_c(dm) = F_c(lq) = 0 for the proton-like particle. Also, the gravitation constant has been changed with increasing of the time because of the graviton evaporation. In the present work, the B1, B2 and B3 bastons with the condition of k(mm) = k >> k(dd) > k(dm) = 0 are explained as the good candidates of the dark matters. Also, the particle creation, dark matters and dark energy could be deeply associated with the changing gravitation constants (G). It is expected that the changing process of the gravitation constant between the matters from G_N(mm) ≈ 10³⁶ G_N to G_N(mm) = G_N happened mostly near the inflation period. Therefore, during most of the universe evolution the gravitation constant could be taken as G_N(mm) = G_N. And the effective charges and effective rest masses of the particles are defined in terms of the fixed Coulomb’s constant (k) and fixed gravitation constant (G_N). Then, the effective charge of the B1 dark matter with EC = −2/3 e is (EC)_eff = −2/3·10⁻²⁴ e. It is concluded that the photons, gravitons and dark matters are the first particles created since the big bang. The particles can be created from the decay of the matter universe and the pair production of the particle and anti-particle with decreasing of the gravitation constant (G_N(mm)). Also, the weak force, strong force and dark matter force bosons are created from the interactions of the elementary particles with the T fluctuations of the vacuum energy.

Relationship between the results of penile duplex doppler ultrasound (PDDU) and response to vardenafil was investigated in patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED). Data of 148 patients with ED were analysed retrospectively. Patients who did not respond to therapy were classified as Group I (n = 32), those responded partially were classified as Group II (n = 40) and complete responders were classified as Group III (n = 76). Age, comorbid diseases, vascular and penile pathology were compared among the three groups. While diabetes mellitus (DM) and dyslipedimia positivity adversely affect the response to treatment, the presence of hypertension (HT), peyronie's disease and priapism increase the therapeutic response to the treatment (p < 0.05). Arterial insufficiency was present in 20(30.3%), 25(37,9%) and 21(31.8%) of the patients in Group I, Group II and Group III, respectively (p = 0.001). Venous insufficiency was observed in 3(14.3%) patients in Group I and in 8(85.7%) patients in Group III (p = 0.001). Arterial/venous insufficiency was seen in 9(30%), 14(46.7%) and 7(23.3%) of the patients in Group I, Group II and Group III, respectively (p = 0.001). Response rate to treatment was highest in normal patients according to PDDU, followed by patients with venous insuffiency. Besides, it was found that DM decreased the response to treatment, whereas response was increased in cases with HT, priapism and Peyronie’s disease.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010 calls for the Nearly Zero Energy Standard for new buildings from 2021 onwards: Buildings using “almost no energy” are powered by renewable sources or energy produced by the building itself. For residential buildings, this ambitious new standard has already been reached. But for other building types this goal is still far away. The potential of these buildings to meet a Nearly Zero Energy Standard was investigated by analyzing ten case studies representing non-residential buildings with different uses. The analysis shows that the primary characteristics common to critical building types are a dense building context with a very high degree of technical installation (such as hospital, research and laboratory buildings). The large primary energy demand of these types of buildings cannot be compensated by building and property-related energy generation including off-site renewables. If the future Nearly Zero Energy Standard were to be defined with lower requirements because of this, the state related properties of Bavaria suggest that the real potential energy savings available in at least 85% of all new buildings would be insufficiently exploited. Therefore, it would be useful to instead individualize the legal energy verification process for new buildings to distinguish critical building types such as laboratories and hospitals.

The awareness of the vulnerability of existing structures under both seismic and energy viewpoints highlight the need to develop integrated retrofit solutions combining the structural and thermal performances. In this perspective, the study explores the efficacy of the Resisto 5.9 Tube system, a seismic coat that improves the seismic behaviour of masonry and reinforced concrete (RC) structures, also enhancing their energy performances, thanks to the thermal coat integrated in the basic steel system. The research involves the application of a design procedure specifically developed for this retrofit system from the seismic perspective. Once all the system elements are designed, non-linear static analyses are performed with a Finite Element software comparing the building’s seismic performances before and after the application of Resisto 5.9 Tube. The results demonstrate a significant increase in seismic safety coefficient, proving that this intervention type can be useful to obtain the seismic upgrading of existing RC buildings.

The oil and gas industry in Nigeria, a vital contributor to the nation's economy, has long been associated with significant environmental challenges. Pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions have raised global concerns about sustainability and corporate responsibility. This empirical study explores the relationship between environmental accounting practices and the financial performance of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. We investigated eight oil and gas companies that are publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market (NGX) as of January 17, 2022, from 2011 to 2022. The study employs Driscoll-Kraay standard errors and reveals that environmental accounting had significant effects on returns on assets, earnings per share, and liquidity ratio. The study revealed that the implementation of environmental accounting practices had diverse effects on the performance of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The findings encourage policymakers and stakeholders in the sector to utilise the insights and design more effective regulations and incentives that promote environmental corporate responsibility. Also, valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with adopting environmental accounting practices, and influencing the decision-making processes of corporate stakeholders were provided to ensure sustainability in terms of improved financial performance of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

This work argues the mass term in the neutrino wavefunction propagator is due to entanglement with its associated origins. The implication being that neutrino flavor is conserved in weak processes and shared among all particles emanating from the last interaction with a nucleon. In so doing, the neutrino mass propagator is real but not ascribed to the neutrino outside of entanglement. The proposed theory will be readily testable in that reactor and solar neutrinos will oscillate but both muon decay neutrinos and accelerator neutrinos created by pure lepton interactions will not oscillate..

Concrete being one of the most frequently used construction materials in the field of construction. The use of concrete has increased with the passage of time as the more and more construction activities are taking place around the globe. Different materials have been added in to the concrete mix to provide the concrete more strength and make it more durable and long lasting. This paper looks into a detailed comparison of concrete strength when casted with in the presence of carbon fibers, steel fibers and glass fibers. The compressive strength for cubes and cylinder with carbon fibers is the highest as compare to steel fibers as well as glass fibers. The compressive strength of concrete is measured on 3 day, 7 day, 14 day and 28 day strength. The compressive strength of cube on 28th day strength is 37.52 MPa for carbon fiber steel, for steel fiber it is 34.22 MPa and with glass fiber the strength is 29.335 MPa whereas the compressive strength of cylinder with carbon fibers the 34.88 MPa, with steel fiber it is 34.22 MPa and with glass fiber the strength is 27.447 MPa. For the cubes the maximum difference between different fibers inducted concrete sample is 28% approximately and for cylinder it is 27%, respectively. On the other hand, the tensile strength of concrete was also gained with the carbon fiber. It was determined that carbon fiber provided about 16% and 12.8% tensile strength higher than glass and steel fibers respectively.

The research presented in the article is devoted to the study of the influence of phase compounds on the friability of the Fe-Si-Mn-Al complex alloy. The urgency of the problem lies in the development of technology for producing a non-scatterable alloy from manganese-containing ores and high-ash coals. The main goal of the work is to determine the range of alloy compositions and the resulting phases that affect the dispersibility of the alloy, which is critically important for its industrial implementation. Research methods include thermodynamic diagram analysis (TDA) using data on the standard enthalpy of formation of intermetallic compounds, as well as experimental tests in an ore-thermal electric furnace with a capacity of 200 kV*A. The results show that Fe-Si-Mn-Al complex alloys form a variety of silicide and aluminide phases, including intermetallic compounds and ternary systems, which is critical for understanding and controlling their physicochemical properties. When smelting a complex alloy, the content of leboite (Fe3Si7) in the Fe-Si-Mn-Al system plays a significant role. The development of smelting technology will be aimed at avoiding the FeSi2-Fe3Si7-F2(FeAl3Si2)-Mn11Si19 tetrahedron area. This approach to controlling the composition of a complex alloy is critical to ensuring its consistent friability properties in industrial applications. Thus, this work represents an important step in understanding the physical properties and stability of Fe-Si-Mn-Al complex alloys, which have potential for widespread use in metallurgical and other industrial applications.

In the decarbonization of the steel, cement, and chemical industry in Germany, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role. The utilization of green hydrogen in the production processes of said industries requires organizations to modify their business model, requiring sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). Numerous tools and frameworks that support organizations in the process of SBMI have been proposed in the literature in recent years. However, the applicability of these tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that intend to utilize green hydrogen to produce their goods remains unexplored. By conducting a systematic literature review on tools and frameworks for SBMI, a literature and practice review to identify and analyze existing green hydrogen projects of steel, cement, and chemical companies, and an evaluation of the identified tools and frameworks in an evaluation matrix, this paper aims to assess the suitability of SBMI tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that plan to use green hydrogen to produce their goods. Based on the evaluation, the Cambridge Business Model Innovation Process (CBMIP) was identified as the most suitable SBMI framework.

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of producing laminated edible films manufactured using the following proteins; gelatin (G), whey protein isolate (WPI), and polysaccharide; sodium alginate (SA), and to evaluate their physical properties. Additionally, films’ preparation employing these ingredients was optimized through the addition of corn oil (O), Overall, 8-types of laminated films (G-SA, G-WPI, SA-WPI, SA-G-WPI, GO-SAO, GO-WPIO, SAO-WPIO, SAO-GO-WPIO were developed in this study. The properties of the prepared films were characterized through the measurement of; tensile strength (TS), elongation at break point (EB), puncture resistance (PR), tear strength (TT), water vapour permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP). The microstructure of cross-sections of laminated films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties of films were dramatically enhanced through the addition of film layers. GO-SAO laminate showed the best barrier properties to water vapour (22.6 ± 4.04 g mm/kPa d m2) and oxygen (18.2 ± 8.70 cm3 mm/kPa d m2). SAO-GO-WPIO laminate film was the strongest of all laminated films tested, having the highest TS of 55.77 MPa, PR of 41.36 N and TT of 27.32 N. SA-G-WPI film possessed the highest elasticity with an EB value of 17.4%.

The paper presents the problem of damage detection in steel girders. Static displacements at the selected point of the structure play the role of measured variables. Structural response signal decomposition is performed according to the Mallat pyramid algorithm, which is used to perform the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). This procedure allows us to quite well determine the location of structural damage. The geometry and the placement of any defective part of the structure may have a random character. It can be assumed that the random processes occurring in the broadly understood structure mechanics are Gaussian in nature. The first four probabilistic moments are estimated using three approaches independent: semi-analytical (SAM), perturbative (SPT), and Monte-Carlo simulations (MCS). The semi-analytical random approach seems to be the most optimal due to the necessary computation time. The incorporation of the mathematical stochastic apparatus into the classical (deterministic) analysis of the statics of the structure makes it possible to estimate the reliability measures of the analyzed girder.

The new slide roller burnishing (SRB) method has been developed to produce mirror-like surfaces. Unlike conventional roller burnishing (RB), SRB is implemented through a unique device that allows the axes of the deforming roller and the rotary workpiece to cross resulting in a relative sliding velocity that can be controlled (in magnitude and direction) by varying the crossing angle. In the present work, the effect of SRB on the fatigue behavior of AISI 316 steel fatigue specimens was investigated by comparing with a conventional RB using the basic correlation in surface engineering: finishing–surface integrity (SI)–operating behavior. To obtain a more representative picture of the comparison, we implemented each method (RB and SRB) with two combinations of governing factors: (A) a radius of the roller toroidal surface of 3 mm, a burnishing force of 250 N and feed rate of 0.05 mm/rev (RB-A and SRB-A) and (B) a radius of the roller toroidal surface of 4 mm, a burnishing force of 550 N and feed rate of 0.11 mm/rev (RB-B and SRB- B). Both SRB-A (crossing angle of –45°) and SRB-B (crossing angle of –30°) achieved mirror-finish surfaces. SRB-B lead to the greatest fatigue strength and, thus, the longest fatigue life among all tested processes. SRB-B created the deepest zone (&gt;0.5 mm) with residual compressive macro-stresses and a clearly defined modified surface layer, whose thickness of more than 20 m is about twice that created by the other three processes.

The Lagrangian formalism is developed for the population dynamics of interacting species that are described by several well-known models. The formalism is based on standard Lagrangians, which represent differences between the physical kinetic and potential energy-like terms. A method to derive these Lagrangians is presented and applied to selected theoretical models of the population dynamics. The role of the derived Lagrangians and the energy-like terms in the population dynamics is investigated, and it is shown that the obtained standard Lagrangians can be used to study oscillatory behavior of the models and the period of their oscillations, which may have ecological and environmental implications. These and other physical and biological insights gained from the derived standard Lagrangians are discussed.

The evolution of integrable classical systems leads to conserved quantities and vanishing Poisson brackets. In contrast, such invariants do not exist in the dynamics of non-integrable systems, which include (but are not limited to) deterministic models with long-term chaotic behavior. The object of this review is to briefly survey the mathematical background of nonintegrability and its role in the physics unfolding well-above the Standard Model (SM) scale.

We present a brief history of the construction of models of the universe, followed by calculations of quantitative characteristics of basic geometric and kinematic properties of the Standard Cosmological Model ($\Lambda$CDM). Using the Friedmann equations of uniform space, we derive equations characterizing a $\Lambda$CDM model that describes a universe corresponding to current observational data. The equations take into account the effects of radiation and ultra-relativistic neutrinos. It is shown that the universe at very early and late stages can be described to sufficient accuracy by simple formulas. Certain important moments of cosmic evolution are determined: the times when densities of the gravitational components of the universe become equal, when they contribute equally to the gravitational force, when the accelerating expansion of space begins, and several others. The dependences of different distances on redshift and the scale factor of space are derived. The distance to the sphere that expands with the speed of light (the Hubble distance), and its current and future acceleration, are found. Concepts of a horizon, second inflation, and second horizon are discussed. We consider the remote future of the universe and the opportunity, in principle, of connection with extraterrestrial civilizations.

The core of risk aggregation in the Solvency II Standard Formula is the so-called square root formula. We argue that it should be seen as a means for the aggregation of different risks to an overall risk rather than being associated with variance-covariance based risk analysis. Considering the Solvency II Standard Formula from the viewpoint of linear geometry, we immediately find that it defines a norm and therefore provides a homogeneous and sub-additive tool for risk aggregation. Hence Euler's Principle for the reallocation of risk capital applies and yields explicit formulas for capital allocation in the framework given by the Solvency II Standard Formula. This gives rise to the definition of diversification functions, which we define as monotone, subadditive, and homogeneous functions on a convex cone. Diversification functions constitute a class of models for the study of the aggregation of risk, and diversification. The aggregation of risk measures using a diversification function preserves the respective properties of these risk measures. Examples of diversification functions are given by seminorms, which are monotone on the convex cone of non-negative vectors. Each L^p norm has this property, and any scalar product given by a non-negative positive semidefinite matrix does as well. In particular, the Standard Formula is a diversification function and hence a risk measure that preserves homogeneity, subadditivity, and convexity.

The main foundations of the standard $\Lambda $CDM model of cosmology are that: 1) The redshifts of the galaxies are due to the expansion of the Universe plus peculiar motions; 2) The cosmic microwave background radiation and its anisotropies derive from the high energy primordial Universe when matter and radiation became decoupled; 3) The abundance pattern of the light elements is explained in terms of primordial nucleosynthesis; and 4) The formation and evolution of galaxies can be explained only in terms of gravitation within a inflation+dark matter+dark energy scenario. Numerous tests have been carried out on these ideas and, although the standard model works pretty well in fitting many observations, there are also many data that present apparent caveats to be understood with it. In this paper, I offer a review of these tests and problems, as well as some examples of alternative models.

Topological defects such as magnetic monopoles that may have formed during cosmological phase transitions in the early universe. The Kibble mechanisms govern the formation of this defects and their abundance is influenced by the correlation length and the temperature-dependent Higgs mass. The Magnetic monopoles are particularly interested but their excessive production poses the monopole problem which is challenge to the standard model. Many solutions including symmetry breaking patterns and thermal pair production have been proposed to mitigate the monopole problem. Detecting monopoles would offer valuable insights into high-energy physics and the early universe. Detection of (even) a single monopole could revolutionize our current knowledge of the universe.

This brief work tenets that inflationary genesis can be obtained within the standard model based on only a few general assumptions. These are that the origin began at a singularity of Planck length and that all quantum transitions take place within Planck time units. From these, the subsequent effects from the Pauli Exclusion Principle (PEP) and the uncertainty principle can then give rise to an inflationary origin.

We study the localization of gravity through the matching point between non-inertial frames and local inertial frames. This localization of gravity lead to an emergence of a timeless state of the universe in a mathematically consistent way. We find a geometric interpretation of the speed of light and mass. The experimental evidence of the timeless state of the universe is the quantum entanglement and internal symmetries that are independent of time. Since the spin measurement is the manifestation of quantum entanglement measurement. Therefore, the spin of quantum particles is correlated with the relative gravitational red-shift at two different points. The same can be applied to all types of internal symmetries that are independent of time. Therefore gravity represents all measurements independent of time including quantum entanglement. We conclude that the gravity is the global $SU(3)\times SU(2)\times U(1)$ symmetry that produces gauge fields such as Electromagnetism, weak and strong nuclear force through localization with their internal symmetries correlated with the varying of relative gravitational red-shift . We also introduce a gravitational or geometric interpretation of spin-0, spin-1 and spin-1/2 states. We answered the question why do we measure matter and not anti-matter. We Introduce a solution for the Cosmological Constant Problem Value.

A novel sunscreen containing Acacia catechu, remarkable local herb, was investigated for efficacy and standardized in this research. The developed sunscreens were evaluated Sun Protection Factor (SPF), stability, skin allergy or irritation and the satisfaction. The highest SPF of A. catechu sunscreen with synthetic sunscreen agents was 30.344. While, the highest SPF of the A. catechu sunscreen without synthetic sunscreen agents was 24.381. The stability testing with the different conditions was found that the sunscreen products in the usual storage, had been stabilized even without preservative. For irritation testing, there was no skin allergy and irritation from 20 volunteers. Besides, results of the satisfaction evaluation for texture, consistency, sensory and odor after using the sunscreens, were high for all of the evaluation aspects. Obviously, the results in this research revealed that A. catechu was applicable for being a great candidate in a sunscreen product. Additionally, A. catechu sunscreen could prevent the adverse effects of UV radiation and artificial preservatives due to the UV absorption properties and antimicrobial properties of A. catechu.

In this study, an alternative method to conventional production methods involving thin section copper permanent mould casting (rapid solidification), hot rolling and heat treatment processes to manufacture AISI DC 53 cold work tool steel, has been investigated. In this new method, solidification of the AISI DC 53 was done in the thin section copper mould instead of traditional ingot casting. After solidification, thin slabs obtained was homogenized to 1150 ^oC and hold at this temperature for one hour and then hot rolling was be applied. During hot rolling process, about % 30 reduction in thickness of slab was obtained. After hot rolling, heat treatment (austenitizing, quenching and tempering) have been applied to thin slab. The samples have been taken as cast, as rolled and as heat treated (austenitized and tempered) and the microstructural analysis, hardness tests, retained austenite quantity measurement by XRD method have been performed. The heat treatment and tests have been performed for a commercially available AISI DC 53 which is manufactured by thick section ingot casting and rolling. Hardness values of the AISI DC 53 steels produced by traditional route is in the range of 52-54 HRC after austenitization at 1025 ^oC for one hour and quenched in compressed air and tempered twice at 525 ^oC for 120 mins. On contrary the permanent mould cast AISI DC 53 after homogenization at 1150 ^oC and immediately hot rolling then air cooling and austenitized at 1025 ^oC for one hour then quenched by compressed air and tempered twice at 525 ^oC for 120 mins have hardness valeus in the range of 55-57 HRC. Experiments have revealed that the properties of new rapid solidified steel in permanent copper mould are better than the commercially available steel and have a more refined microstructure than commercially produces alternative. Therefore, the new proposed method can be used as an alternative manufacturing method for cold-work tool steels.

In the realm of metal steel and iron manufacturing, there is a constant drive to optimize production efficiency and enhance the quality of the final products. This abstract explores a paradigm shift in this industry through the utilization of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a powerful tool for achieving these goals .The study focuses on various critical aspects of the manufacturing process. Firstly, it delves into three-phase processes such as slag and gas entrainment in liquid steel, which have a significant impact on the overall product quality. Understanding and optimizing these processes is crucial to ensure the desired chemical composition and physical properties of the final metal.The abstract investigates the role of CFD in vacuum degassing, a process that plays a pivotal role in removing impurities, such as hydrogen and oxygen, from the liquid steel. By leveraging CFD to simulate and analyze the fluid flow patterns, researchers and engineers can design more efficient vacuum degassing systems, leading to improved product purity and reduced waste.Another crucial aspect explored in this abstract is the alloy melt and mixing process. By employing CFD simulations, researchers can gain insights into the movement of different alloy components and optimize their distribution within the melt. This aids in achieving the desired alloy composition, ensuring uniformity, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the final product.In addition, the study delves into the movement and flotation of inclusions, which are unwanted impurities present in the metal. CFD can be utilized to model and analyze the behavior of these inclusions, enabling engineers to design efficient strategies for their removal, thereby enhancing the purity and integrity of the final product.Moreover, the abstract considers the impact of melt temperature losses, which can occur during different stages of the manufacturing process. By employing CFD, it becomes possible to understand and mitigate these temperature losses, leading to improved energy efficiency and better control over the manufacturing parameters.Part 1 of this abstract critically evaluates the use of CFD in iron making, analyzing its benefits and limitations. It highlights how CFD can aid in process optimization, improving the understanding of complex phenomena involved in iron making, and ultimately leading to enhanced production efficiency.Part 2 focuses on the application of CFD in steel making and steel operation. It explores the fluid flow dynamics during different stages of steel production, including refining, casting, and rolling. By leveraging CFD, engineers can optimize these processes, leading to improved product quality, reduced defects, and increased productivity.This abstract demonstrates the transformative potential of Computational Fluid Dynamics in metal, steel, and iron manufacturing. By utilizing CFD as a tool to model and analyze complex fluid flow phenomena, researchers and engineers can revolutionize the production process, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring high-quality end products.

The goal of this study was to develop a rapid diagnostic kit for rheumatic disease and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) screening. A novel rapid vertical flow assay (VFA) was engineered and used to assay anti-nuclear (ANA) and anti-dsDNA (αDNA) autoantibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and healthy controls (HC). Observer scores and absolute signal intensities from the VFA were validated by ELISA. The rapid ten minute point of care VFA test engineered demonstrated a limit of detection of 0.5 IU/ml for ANA and αDNA autoantibodies in human plasma with inter-operator CV of 19% for ANA and 12% for αDNA. Storage stability was verified over a three-month period. When testing anti-dsDNA and ANA levels in 22 SLE and 18 HC serum samples, the duplex VFA revealed 95% sensitivity, 72% specificity and 84% accuracy in discriminating disease groups, comparable to the gold standard, ELISA. The rapid αDNA/ANA duplex VFA can potentially be used in primary care clinics for evaluating patients or at-risk subjects for rheumatic diseases and for planning follow-up testing. Given its low cost, ease and rapid turnaround, it can also be used to assess SLE prevalence estimates.

The skyrocketing growth in the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices will certainly pose a huge traffic demand for fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks and beyond. In-band full-duplex (IBFD), which is theoretically expected to double the spectral efficiency of a half-duplex (HD) wireless channel and to connect more devices, has been considered as a promising technology to accelerate the development of IoT. To exploit the full potential of IBFD, the key challenge is how to handle network interference (including self-interference, co-channel interference and multiuser interference) more effectively. In this paper, we propose a simple yet efficient user grouping method, where a base station (BS) serves strong downlink users and weak uplink users and vice versa in different frequency bands, mitigating severe network interference. We aim to maximize a minimum rate among all users subject to bandwidth and power constraints, which is formulated as a highly nonconvex optimization problem. By leveraging inner approximation framework, we develop a very efficient iterative algorithm to solve this problem, which guarantees at least a local optimal solution. Numerical results are provided to show not only the benefit of using full-duplex raido at BS, but also the advantage of the proposed user grouping method.

Cooperative Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) with Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer (SWIPT) communication can effectively improve the spectrum efficiency and energy efficiency of the wireless networks with extend coverage. An important design issue is to incentivize a relaying center user to participate in the cooperative process and achieve a win-win situation to both the BS and the center user. Some private information of the center users are hidden from the BS in the networks. We apply a contract theory-based incentive mechanism under such asymmetric information scenario to incentives center user to join the cooperative communication to maximize the BS profit utility and to guarantee the center user’s expect payoff. A match theory-based Gale-Shapley algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal strategy with low computation complexity. Simulation results indicated the network performance of our proposed cooperative transmission is much better than the conventional NOMA transmission and the benefit utility of the BS with the stable match strategy is nearly close to the complete channel state information multi-users scenario while the center users get the satisfied expect payoffs.

Modular steel buildings (MSBs) interlocking inter-module connections (IMCs) have piqued researchers’ interest. However, the existing literature has not yet studied the optimisation of its plate thicknesses. This paper, therefore, focuses on optimising interlocking (IMCs) plate thickness in (MSBs), leveraging previous experimental and numerical simulation methodologies. Various numerical models for four MSBs interlocking (IMCs) with plate thicknesses (4 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm) were developed under compression loading conditions. The study’s novelty lay in its comprehensive parametric analysis, which evaluated the slip phenomenon in (MSBs) connections and introduced a slip prediction model validated against empirical data. Further innovative machine learning approach was utilised to predict slip values based on applied force through a random forest regression model trained using the 'Treebagger' function. Sensitivity analysis and comparisons with alternative methods were utilised to underscore the reliability and applicability of the findings. The results showed that 11.03 mm was the optimal plate thickness for interlocking (IMCs) in modular steel buildings, with up to 8.08% reduced material costs. Increasing plate thickness boosts its deformation resistance by up to 50.75%. ‘TreeBagger’ random forest for anomaly detection and machine learning improves slip prediction up to 7% at higher force levels.

The ASEAN Community-based Tourism (CBT) Standard has been adopted by 10 ASEAN member states in 2016 in order to collectively promote ASEAN as a competitive community-based tourism destination. Among the ASEAN member states, Lao PDR (Laos), has a unique CBT development experience through collaboration with various international development agencies. Such history has brought about issues when ASEAN CBT Standard was implemented at to provincial and district levels in Laos, including concerns of related communities on the Standard being not easily applicable considering the state of tourism development. While the application of the regional standard is a significant issue to the tourism industries in the Member States, however, there has been a lack of studies regarding the dynamics of implementation of regional tourism standards at the national level. In order to fill the research gap, this study utilized in-depth interviews with seven executives with significant experiences from the government, international development agency, international organization, and the private sector. Interviewees projected a diversity of perspectives on enabling factors and challenges in implementing ASEAN Community-based Tourism Standard at the national level focusing on Laos, which showed the complexity of CBT dynamics. The results also revealed how regional standards can be further recognized and promoted to the key stakeholders of Laos, better accepted and utilized by end users, and possibly better customized according to the local circumstances. Findings of this study evidence that collaboration among key stakeholders and the expected role of these stakeholders are critical when implementing ASEAN CBT Standard.

This study introduces and demonstrates a comprehensive, accurate, unbiased approach to robust quantitative comparison of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) appropriate for establishing substantial equivalence (or lack thereof) between tobacco products. The approach is demonstrated across a family of thirteen pen- and pod-style ENDS products. Methods employed consist of formulating a robust emissions surface regression model, quantifying the empirical accuracy of the model as applied to each product, evaluating relationships between product design characteristics and maximum emissions characteristics, and presenting results in formats useful to researchers, regulators, and consumers. Results provide a response surface to characterize emissions (total particulate matter and constituents thereof) from each ENDS appropriate for use in a computer model and for conducting quantitative exposure comparisons between products. Results demonstrate that emissions vary as a function of puff duration, flow rate, E-Liquid composition, and device operating power. Further, results indicate that regulating design characteristics of ENDS devices and consumables may not achieve desired public health outcomes; it is more effective to regulate maximum permissible emissions directly. Three emissions outcome measures (yield per puff, mass concentration and constituent mass ratio) are recommended for adoption as standard quantities for reporting by manufacturers and research laboratories. The approach provides a means of (a) quantifying and comparing maximal emissions from ENDS products spanning their entire operating envelope, (b) comparative evaluation of ENDS devices and consumable design characteristics, and (c) establishing comparative equivalence of maximal emissions from ENDS. A consumer-oriented product emissions dashboard is proposed for comparative evaluation of ENDS exposure potential. Maximum achievable power dissipated in the coil of ENDS is identified as a potentially effective regulatory parameter.

Although various atmospheric corrosion simulation models have been developed that give good results, industrial environments are still challenging. This paper aims to investigate the effect industrial atmospheres in Bor on the mechanical properties of structural steel S235JR and to create a constitutive model and also laboratory experimental conditions that will give the best results as an accelerated corrosion test. Atmospheric corrosion tests lasted six months, using sites close to the Electrolytic Refining Plant and Sulphuric Acid Plant, as well as air quality monitoring stations at a remote location in the city of Bor. The laboratory experiments included a salt chamber test lasting 120 h and 240 h and immersing the specimen in the electrolyte from the Electrolytic Refining Plant for 30 days. The results were compared with the standard specimens stored in the laboratory. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) method was used to identify the composition of corrosion products. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was applied to analyze the fracture surfaces of the specimens. The use of the Complete Gurson Model (CGM) described the tensile characteristics of the corroded specimens. The study has shown that an enhanced acceleration model and conditions could be developed using numerical analysis of the test results.

: Early and accurate detection of infectious diseases is a key step for surveillance, epidemiology, and control, notably timely disease diagnosis, patient management and follow-up. In this study, we aimed to develop hand-held ultra-fast duplex PCR assays coupled to amplicon detection by lateral flow (LF) immunoassay to deliver a rapid, and simple molecular diagnostic test for con-comitant detection and identification of the main Leishmania parasites encountered in Tunisia and the Old World. We selected two DNA targets to amplify L. major/L. tropica and L. infantum/L. tropica group of species DNAs, respectively. We optimized the experimental conditions of a du-plex ultra-fast PCR. The amplification is performed by a portable Palm convection PCR machine within 18 min and the products are detected by a LF cassette within 10 minutes. The test allows the identification of the infecting species according to the position and number of test lines re-vealed. Tested on a selection of DNAs of representative Leishmania strains of the three studied species (N=37), the ultra-fast duplex PCR-LF showed consistent, stable, and reproducible results. The analytical limit of detection of the test was 0.4pg for L. major, 4pg for L. infantum and 40pg for L. tropica.

Paper presents proposition of possible extension of The Standard Model Classification of Particles and Fields in way to include gravitation into it.

We use Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) to probe Beyond Standard Model physics in the neutrino sector. Recently the abundances of primordially produced light elements D and He-4 were determined from observations with better accuracy. The good agreement between the theoretically predicted abundances of primordially produced and derived from observations light elements allows to update the BBN constraints on Beyond Standard Models (BSM) physics. We provide numerical analysis of several BSM models of BBN and obtain precise cosmological constraints and indications for new neutrino physics. Namely, we derive more stringent BBN constraints on electron neutrino-sterile neutrino oscillations corresponding to 1% uncertainty of the observational determination of the primordial He-4. The cosmological constraints are obtained both for the case of zero and non-zero initial population of the sterle neutrino state. Then in a degenerate BBN model with neutrino νe↔νs oscillations we analyze the change of the cosmological constraints in case lepton asymmetry L is big enough to suppress oscillations. We obtain constraints on the lepton asymmetry L . We discuss a possible solution to the dark radiation problem in degenerate BBN models with νe↔νs oscillations in case L is large enough to suppress neutrino oscillations during BBN epoch. Interestingly, the required value of L for solving DR problem is close to L indicated by EMPRESS experiment and close to the value of lepton asymmetry necessary to relax Hubble tension.

This note will be a brief account of an unknown vectorial mathematical current in SM4 Field based on disintegrating the Lagrangian of quarks in SM4 into four parts. It is shown that the current breaks while interacting with the quarks and makes the quarks to not interact with fourth-generation quarks. This note also shows that gauge bosons are produced while these currents symmetry break and provides the service as mediators.

Combining modern thermodynamics theory branches, including finite time thermodynamics or entropy generation minimization, constructal theory and entransy theory, with metallurgical process engineering, this paper provides a new exploration on generalized thermodynamic optimization theory for iron and steel production processes. The theoretical core is to thermodynamically optimize performances of elemental packages, working procedure modules, functional subsystems, and whole process of iron and steel production processes with real finite-resource and/or finite-size constraints with various irreversibilities toward saving energy, decreasing consumption, reducing emission and increasing yield, and to achieve the comprehensive coordination among the material flow, energy flow and environment of the hierarchical process systems. A series of application cases of the theory are reviewed. It can provide a new angle of view for the iron and steel production processes from thermodynamics, and can also provide some guidelines for other process industries.

The Standard Genetic Code (SGC) exists in every organism known on Earth. SGC evolution via early unique codon assignment, then later wobble, yields coding resembling the near-universal code. Below, later wobble also creates an optimal route to accurate codon assignment. This assignment time matches a previous mean time for ordered codes, exhibiting ≥ 90% of SGC order. Accurate evolution is also accessible, sufficiently frequent to appear in populations of 10³ to 10⁴ codes. SGC-like coding capacity, code order and assignments therefore arise together, in one attainable evolutionary intermediate. Examples, which plausibly resemble coding at evolutionary domain separation, are characterized.

This study investigates the fatigue behavior of cold-finished mild steel subjected to electrochemical hydrogen charging under controlled conditions. Samples were hydrogenated at constant time in a fixed electrolyte pH after which they underwent fatigue testing under constant loading condition with fixed frequency. The primary objective was to assess the impact of varying hydrogen permeation levels on the number of cycles to failure. The experimental results revealed a complex relationship between hydrogen concentration and fatigue life. Initially, as hydrogen permeation increased, the number of cycles to failure substantially decreased, demonstrating a detrimental effect of diffused hydrogen on fatigue resistance of samples. This decline in fatigue life was attributed to hydrogen embrittlement (HE) and hydrogen-enhanced decohesion (HEDE) phenomena, which collectively facilitate crack initiation and propagation. However, at high hydrogen concentrations, an unexpected increase in number of cycles to failure was observed suggesting the existence of a threshold hydrogen concentration beyond which the fatigue mechanisms may be altered, potentially due to saturation of hydrogen-related defects and mechanisms such as Hydrogen Enhance Localized Plasticity (HELP). The insights gained from this research have significant implications for the material's application in hydrogen-rich environments, such as those encountered in the energy and transportation industries.

In this work the author utilizes the quantum geometrization of spacetime for describing the gravitational interaction within the framework of quantum theory. This approach allows for the development of an equation of gravity that is mathematically connected to the fermion and boson fields. This achievement is accomplished by incorporating two fundamental principles: covariance of the quantum field equations and the principle of least action. By considering these principles, a theory is established that enables the calculation of gravitational corrections to Quantum Electrodynamics, and potentially, to the standard model of particle physics as well. The theory also provides an explanation for two phenomena: the existence of a cosmological pressure density similar to quintessence, that is compatible with the small value of the observed cosmological constant, and the breaking of matter-antimatter symmetry at high energies offering insights into why there is an imbalance between the two in the early universe. In the cosmological modeling of the theory, there exists a proposal to account for the formation of supermassive black holes that are accompanied by their own surrounding galaxies, without relying on the process of mass accretion. The model, in accordance with recent observations conducted by the James Webb Space Telescope, supports the notion that galactic configurations were established relatively early in the history of the universe, shortly after the occurrence of the Big Bang.

Typhoid fever is a major public health burden which causes substantial global morbidity and mortality due to lack of decisive diagnostic protocols. The capacity of commonly use diagnostic test to validate the absence of typhoid fever is controversial. This study explores to evaluate new techniques for typhoid diagnosis and proposed a harmonised suitable standardized composite reference to be adopted. Published peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed, MEDLINE and Google scholar were reviewed for hospital-based studies. This study reveals new typhoid diagnostic techniques such as proteomics, serology, Rapid Diagnostic tests (RDTs), transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics. 34.4% of the studies use prospective study design. The study result establishes that, Widal test has a moderate diagnostic accuracy with average percentage sensitivity (52.9%), specificity (54%), positive predictive value (PPV) (56.8%) as well as negative predictive value (NPV) (55.6%) when compared with 29.4%, 28%, 29.5%, and 27.8% of Typhidot respectively. The findings showed a statistically significant difference on the sensitivity between Widal and Typhidot t (40) = 2.639, p = 0.012 at p<0.05 using independent sample t-test. When there is no perfect reference standard that has an optimal diagnostic accuracy, the need for a harmonised suitable standardized composite reference is essential. Hence, this study recommends that, peripheral blood culture with established sensitivity of 60% and Widal test with average sensitivity of 52.9% be adopted as a consensus composite reference standard for typhoid fever diagnosis in other to improve confidence in prevalence estimates.

herein, we have compared the performance of SVM and MLP in emotion recognition using speech and song channels of the RAVDESS dataset. We have undertaken a journey to extract various audio features, identify optimal scaling strategy and hyperparameter for our models. To increase sample size, we have performed audio data augmentation and addressed data imbalance using SMOTE. Our data indicate that optimised SVM outperforms MLP with an accuracy of 82 compared to 75%. Following data augmentation, the performance of both algorithms was identical at ~79%, however, overfitting was evident for the SVM. Our final exploration indicated that the performance of both SVM and MLP were similar in which both resulted in lower accuracy for the speech channel compared to the song channel. Our findings suggest that both SVM and MLP are powerful classifiers for emotion recognition in a vocal-dependent manner.

In the present work, the charged B1, B2 and B3 bastons with the condition of k(mm) = k >> k(dd) > k(dm) = k(lq) = 0 are explained as the good candidates of the dark matters. The proposed rest mass (26.12 eV/c²) of the B1 dark matter is indirectly confirmed from the supernova 1987A data. The missing neutrinos are newly explained by using the dark matters and lepton charge force. The neutrino excess anomaly of the MinibooNE data is explained by the B1 dark matter scattering within the Cherenkov detectors. And the rest masses of 1.4 TeV/c² and 42.7 GeV/c² are assigned to the Le particle and the B2 dark matter, respectively, from the cosmic ray observations. In the present work, the Q1 baryon decays are used to explain the anti-Helium cosmic ray events. Because of the graviton evaporation and photon confinement, the very small Coulomb’s constant (k(dd)) of 10^x-54k and gravitation constant (G_N(dd)) of 10^xG_N for the charged dark matters at the present time are proposed. The x value can have the positive, zero or negative value around zero. Therefore, F_c(mm) > F_g(dd) (?) F_g(mm) > F_g(dm) > F_c(dd) > F_c(dm) = F_c(lq) = 0 for the proton-like particle.

The possibility of increasing wear resistance of the CP-Ti surface using a duplex surface treat-ment combining plasma electrolytic nitrocarburizing in a solution of ammonia, acetone and ammonium chloride and subsequent plasma electrolytic polishing is shown. Morphology and surface roughness, structure and microhardness of the modified layer were studied. The correla-tion of weight wear with hardness of diffusion layer at a low processing temperature and thick-ness of oxide layer is established – the largest decrease in weight wear occurs after nitrocarbu-rizing at 750 °C for 5 min (by 4.3 times). The possibility of an additional increase in wear re-sistance by subsequent polishing of the nitrocarburized CP-Ti surface at a voltage of 275–300 V for 3–5 min in chloride and fluoride electrolytes and 5–10 min in a sulfate electrolyte was re-vealed. Under these conditions, the hardened layer is preserved when the porous outer oxide layer is removed. According to the microtopology of the friction tracks, the wear mechanism is estimated as fatigue in dry friction and plastic contact.

It was recently studied how to achieve the optimal degrees of freedom (DoF) in a multi-antenna full-duplex system with partial channel state information (CSI). In this paper, we revisit the DoF of a multiple-antenna full-duplex system using opportunistic transmission under the partial CSI, in which a full-duplex base station having M transmit antennas and M receive antennas supports a set of half-duplex mobile stations (MSs) having a single antenna each. Assuming no self-interference, we present a new hybrid opportunistic scheduling method that achieves the optimal sum DoF under an improved user scaling law. It is shown that the optimal sum DoF of 2M is asymptotically achievable provided that the number of MSs scales faster than SNR^M, where SNR denotes the signal-to-noise ratio. This result reveals that in our full-duplex system, better performance on the user scaling law can be obtained without extra CSI, compared to the prior work that showed the required user scaling condition (i.e., the minimum number of MSs for guaranteeing the optimal DoF) of SNR^2M−1.

The emergence of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in the past decade has challenged our imagination to discover new, innovative and disruptive solutions to problems in domains ranging from finance and healthcare to supply chain and smart cities. However, the enormous energy consumption that has been observed in some of the most successful DLT applications raises the question of their long term sustainability. This article reviews the standardization efforts of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to provide guidelines to regulators and policy makers for making informed decisions on the applicability and sustainability of DLT architectures from the point of view of energy consumption.

Contactless charging is evolving fast in many domains and applications such as the electrical vehicles (EV). The principle consists of transferring energy between two systems without having any electrical connection between them. This power transfer can be realized by emitting a magnetic field for Inductive Power Transfer (IPT). In the automotive domain, the application of contactless charging to supply power to the vehicle while driving is one of the solutions envisaged to solve the limited autonomy range of EV and reduced its cost but the system must comply with existing standards (e.g., allocated frequency range and radiated electromagnetic emissions), as summarized in this paper.

This paper presents the experimental campaign conducted near the Condoroma dam at 4075 m a.s.l. in an experimental setup consisting of a series of standard profile spillways with a vertical upstream face of up to five different dimensionless heights (P/Hd). The experimental results indicate that for all P/Hd ratios studied, the discharge coefficients adjusted to the Condoroma altitude are lower than those reported by classical formulations used in conventional spillway design. As a result, a generalized equation is proposed to estimate the discharge coefficient for standard spillways located in dams at similar elevations above sea level.

CO₂ emissions have been identified as the main driver for climate change, with devastating consequences for the global natural environment. The steel industry is responsible for ca. 8%-11% of global CO₂ emissions, due to high fossil-fuel and energy consumption. The onus is therefore on industry to remedy the environmental damage caused and to decarbonise production. This desk research report follows a two-tiered route: 1) exploring the Bio Steel Cycle; 2) proposing a seven-step strategy to overcome the challenges within the iron and steel industry. The true levels of CO₂ emissions in the steelmaking process, during the blast-furnace/basic-oxygen-furnace operation, will be detailed first, at 4.61t of CO₂ emissions/t of steel produced. The manuscript proposes a solution for reduced carbon emissions steelmaking with the Bio Steel Cycle components and detail on how to reach net-zero carbon emissions steel production. The 7-step-implementation-strategy as a potential solution to achieve net and true zero carbon emissions steel production in the short to medium-term. The findings of this are pointing towards the conclusion that CO₂ emissions seem to have been under-reported and under-estimated in the past, but the emission can be addressed if the correct scenarios for net-zero steel manufacturing are implemented by 2050.

Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) consists of short hooked steel fibres randomly distributed and oriented within the cementitious matrix. The contribution of fibre in bridging cracks to provide the stress transfer required relies upon the orientation of the fibre in the concrete. Bridging fibre aligned with a crack are less effective than those inclined to it. Therefore, understanding the pull-out behaviour of misaligned fibre is a key factor to quantify and optimize the design of SFRC in the structural applications. In the laboratory a single oriented fibre embedded in a solid cylinder of concrete is subjected to a pull-out test where the axis of a tensile force is aligned with the axis of the cylinder. Based upon the observed behaviour this paper presents a new analytical bounding approach to capture the pull-out response of misaligned hooked-end steel fibre embedded in a concrete matrix. The analysis is based upon a transversely isotropic condition assumed for the plasticity that occurs in the cold drawn fibre. The model accounts for the influence of fibre diameter and the combined strengths of the steel and concrete. The model predictions have also been compared with other experimental results published in the literature. The results showed that the model can predict pull-out loads reasonably for different fibre orientations between bounds of failure derived from the strengths of the two constituents. A critical orientation is observed at maximum strength. Therein, an understanding of the pull-out behaviour of misaligned, hooked-end fibres is necessary to optimize the strength of concrete from this method of reinforcement.

In the present work, the charged dark matters of B1, B2 and B3 bastons are explained as the right-handed partners of the left-handed neutrinos. The new Higgs mechanism of SU(2)_DM×SU(2)_Weak×SU(2)_Strong including electromagnetic and gravitational forces is applied. And the rest masses of the elementary particles depend on their charge configurations. The left-handed neutrinos have only the lepton charges (LC) and the right-handed dark matters have only the electric charges (EC). This explains the fact that the rest masses of the left-handed neutrinos are so small, and the rest masses of the right-handed dark matters are relatively very large. The proposed rest mass (26.12 eV/c²) of the B1 dark matter is indirectly confirmed from the supernova 1987A data. The missing neutrinos are newly explained by using the dark matters and lepton charge force. The neutrino excess anomaly of the MinibooNE data is explained by the B1 dark matter scattering within the Cherenkov detectors. The quark mixing and neutrino mixing are not required in the present model. It is shown that our matter universe and its partner antimatter universe can be created from the big bang in the point of view of time -, charge -, space -, and quantum state – symmetric universe evolution.

A number of experiments suggest that the elementary particles are non-local entities. A dissipative self-organization, that treats particles as open systems may provide a better understanding of the underlying phenomena than conservative models. The proposed toy model is such an attempt. We found that self-gravitation (although accompanied by self-diffusion) may not only be compatible with the quantum phenomena but is perhaps the major reason for the existence of quantum fields. According to the proposed model, fields/particles (resemble those of the Standard Model) emerge from a dynamic self-organized medium (which we associate with vacuum dust) from competition between self-gravitation and self-diffusion. These forces produce turbulence in the form of vortices (which we call vacuum cells) that serve as the building blocks for fields and particles. Field/particle features and symmetries are based on their internal (intracellular) dynamics and vortex synchronization (intercellular dynamics). This model allows for rough estimations of relative field coupling strengths, the quantity of charges and flavors, the probabilities of quark transmutations, the dimensionality and the topologies of phase spaces, and other Standard Model parameters that came not from the theory but rather determined by experiment.

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a commonly used laser powder bed technique where the final properties are influenced by many different powder related properties, such as particle size distribution, chemical composition and flowability. In applications where high hardness, wear resistance, strength and good heat properties are required, high speed steels (HSS) are widely used today. HSS has high carbon content and are therefore considered as unweldable. The rapidly growing implementation of AM technologies has led to a growing range of new applications and demands for new alloys and properties. The interest in being able to manufacture HSS by SLM without cracking is therefore increasing. In SLM, it is possible to preheat the base plate to a few hundred degrees Celsius which has been used for HSS and proved successful due to reduced thermal gradients. In this study, the properties of SLM produced high speed steel PEARL Micro®2012 with a carbon content of 0.61 wt.-% have been investigated and compared to those of a forged and rolled PM-HIP counterpart ASP®2012.

The tribological performance of metalwork steel tools is of vital importance in both cold and hot working processes. One solution for improving metal tool life is the application of coatings. This paper investigates the effect of CrAlSiN thin-film PVD-deposition on the tribological behaviour of tool steel K340. The sliding wear performance of the coated K340 steel is analysed in relation to both the uncoated K340 steel and a range of tool steels dedicated to hot- and cold-working, such as X155CrVMo12-1, X37CrMoV5-1, X40CrMoV5-1, 40CrMnMo7 and 90MnCrV8. The investigated tool steels were heat-treated, while K340 was subjected to thermochemical treatment and then coated with a CrAlSiN hard film (K340/CrAlSiN). The hardness, chemical composition, phase structure and microstructure of steels K340 and K340/CrAlSiN are examined. Tribological tests were conducted using the ball-on-disc tester in compliance with the ASTM G99 standard. The tests were performed under dry unidirectional sliding conditions, using an Al2O3 ball as a counterbody. The wear factor and coefficient of friction are estimated and analysed with respect to hardness and alloying composition of the materials under study. SEM observations are made to identify the sliding wear mechanisms of the analysed tool steels and PVD-coated K340 steel. In contrast to the harsh abrasive-adhesive wear mechanism observed for uncoated tool steels, the abrasive wear dominates in case of the AlCrSiN. The deposited thin film effectively prevents the K304 substrate from harsh wear severe degradation. Moreover, thanks to the deposited coating, the K304/CrAlSiN sample has a COF of 0.529 and a wear factor of K=5.68×10−7 m3 N−1 m−1, while the COF of the reference tool steels ranges from 0.702 to 0.885 and their wear factor ranges from 1.68×10−5 m3 N−1 m−1 to 3.67×10−5 m3 N−1 m−1. The CrAlSiN deposition reduces the wear of the K340 steel and improves its sliding properties, which makes it a promising method for prolonging the service life of metalwork tools.

Here, applying the theory of the generalization of the Boltzmann constant in curved space-time, we will model the mechanism by which elementary particles are formed. We will determine the relationship between gravity and each of the elementary particles that form the standard model following analogies to that of stellar bodies. In order to achieve our goal, we will propose new models for photons, quarks and gluons; with this, we will demonstrate why there are stable and unstable elementary particles; why the first family of elementary particles forms hadrons and why the second and third families cannot form hadrons; why the fermions comply with the Pauli exclusion principle and why the bosons do not comply with the Pauli exclusion principle, etc. Finally, we will analyse the generalization of the ADS/CFT correspondence and propose a theory of everything (T.O.E.).

By modifying the basic definition of cosmic red shift, considering ‘speed of light’ as an absolute cosmic expansion rate and adopting ‘Planck mass’ as the basic seed of the observed large scale universe, it is certainly possible to review and revise the basic picture of ‘standard cosmology’ and in near future, a perfect model of ‘white hole cosmology’ can be developed. In this context we have developed five assumptions. First three assumptions are based on ‘time reversed’ black holes and seem to be well connected with General theory of relativity as well as Quantum mechanics. 4^th and 5^th assumptions are helpful in understanding current galactic dark matter and flat rotation speeds. It may be noted that, considering our first three assumptions and considering the Planck Legacy 2018 data’s enhanced lensing amplitude in cosmic microwave background power spectra - conceptually, a closed universe having a positive curvature seems to be a best fit for the observed universe. With reference to our recent publication [26], for clarity on the subject, in this short communication, we make an attempt to review and explain our proposed assumptions at fundamental level. Our aim is to see that, professional and non-professional cosmologists must understand the basics of workable quantum cosmology.

Abnormal filamentous aggregates formed by tangled tau protein turn out to be classic amyloid fibrils, meeting all criteria defined under the fuzzy oil drop model in the context of amyloid characterization. The model recognizes amyloids as linear structures where local hydrophobicity minima and maxima propagate in an alternating manner along the fibril’s long axis. This distribution of hydrophobicity differs greatly from the classic monocentric hydrophobic core observed in globular proteins. Rather than becoming a globule, the amyloid instead forms a ribbonlike (or cylindrical) structure, which can be thought of as a distorted spherical micelle, which in limit form appears to be the ribbon-like micelle.

This paper proposes a novel economic theory - Economic dynamics, which is the first in a series of articles on the economic dynamics. This paper is divided into four sections. Section 1 discusses the methodology and significance of the economic dynamics. The application of the standard model of theoretical physics as a new conceptual and modeling reference framework for the economic dynamics is an inevitable step beyond the Newtonian mechanics framework. Section 2 briefly outlines the content of the economic dynamics and its standard model, including market dynamics and its quantum electrodynamics model, both sharing the U(1) symmetry group; the sub-economic dynamics and its quantum chromodynamics model, both sharing the SU(3) symmetry group; the economic externality dynamics and its isospin dynamics model, both sharing the SU(2) symmetry group; and the ordinary rationality mechanism and its Higgs mechanism model, both causing spontaneous symmetry breaking. Additionally, through analysis of Pareto efficiency, it outlines economic gravity and its general relativity model. Section 3 provides three necessary foundational theoretical preparations for the economic dynamics, detailing scientific observation theory, economic rationality theory, and monetary pecuniary theory. Scientific observation theory first introduces the concept of observational directionality for empirical sciences, providing a shared orthogonal frame for cross-disciplinary observation, termed the orthogonality principle. By introducing the concept of observational disturbance degree, it distinguishes between high disturbance quadrants and low disturbance quadrants, corresponding to different mathematical paths, termed the diagonal rule. Quantum physics, higher-order cognition, and economic forward observation all fall within the high interference area, belonging to von Neumann's "yes-no" type of measurements, and are suitable for the same mathematical description. Economic rationality Theory, within the decision theory framework, defines three types of rationality theories: Economic rationality (or economic rational man), bounded rationality, and ordinary rationality, and defines the position of each rationality theory in the gauge field theory model of market dynamics. Economic rationality is a personified description of perfect competitive markets, the former being the global gauge potential, while the latter is the global gauge field strength. Bounded rationality describes specific market participants, the former being the local gauge potential, while the latter's market performance is the local gauge field strength. Ordinary rationality is the market ground state, possessing the properties of the Higgs field and the functions of the Higgs mechanism, causing spontaneous symmetry breaking in the market. The monetary pecuniary theory first argues for its light-like nature, thereby establishing a special relativity model of monetary peculiarity. This is a necessary condition for applying the gauge field theory model in market dynamics. Within the special relativity framework, using absolute prices (absolute time), a geometrized global money cone (light cone) can be constructed. Using intrinsic prices (proper time), individualized local wealth cones and poverty cones can be constructed, reflecting individual differences among market participants.

In this paper, polyurethane concrete (PUC) is used as wire embedding material to form a new polyurethane concrete- prestressed steel wire (PUC-PSW) reinforcement method. The lightweight and high-strength PUC materials not only bond and anchor the prestressed steel wire (PSW), but also passively participate in the structural force. The problems caused by using mortar or composite mortar as the embedding material are avoided. Twelve reinforced concrete T-beams were tested for PUC-PSW flexural reinforcement. It consists of 1 unreinforced beam, 4 PSW reinforced beams, and 7 PUC-PSW reinforced beams. The wire embedding material, wire anchorage form, PUC material depth, amount of wire, and loading type were used as variables. The test results show that PUC-PSW reinforcement can obviously enhance the flexural load and ultimate load of the reinforced beams compared with PSW reinforcement. The ability of PUC-PSW reinforcement to limit crack development is better than that of PSW reinforcement beam, especially after the main beam steel yield. The strength, stiffness and crack limiting ability of the reinforced beam increase with the PUC thickness of the reinforced layer.

The present paper discusses the importance of economic externality and the economic phenomena involved. Section 1 draws on the framework of weak force theory in physics, we propose a new approach of dynamic analysis for economic externality. From a mesoscopic (intermediate scale) perspective, no distinction is made between the macro-demand and individual micro-buyers nor between the macro-supply and individual micro-sellers. Section 2 applies the isospin modeling method to construct two economic isospin models. One is between the achieving impulse and the fear-of-failure impulse, under the effect of economic externality. The other is between the market behavior and market residues, namely, market aftertaste. Section 3 discusses the microstructural properties of the market, including Dirac's equation and the market, Dirac -matrix notation, and the chirality and spin structure of market components. Section 4 discusses the helical structural characteristics of supply chains, including CPT theorems, Penrose zigzag helical processes, and several modeling directions of economic externality and buyer-seller interactions (weak interactions). Section 5 discusses the economic externality and the electroweak model, including extensive externality, externality mediations with Weinberg rotations, and economic analysis using lepton weak currents, including the analysis of lepton neutral weak currents. Finally, Section 6 provides a general discussion on the standard model of economic dynamics.

A good approximation for the distribution of an estimate, is vital for statistical inference. Here we give Edgeworth expansions for the conditional density and the conditional distribution of any multivariate standard estimate.

Machine Learning (ML) has proved its capabilities in different scientific and industrial fields, but it needs to be further investigated in the construction industry for practical utilization. One of the use cases of ML is delegating the structural calculation process. In this study, to discuss ML’s capabilities in performing the work of a structural designer, calculations of concrete sections based on ACI (American Concrete Institute) as a case study were selected. At first, all manual design steps and standard considerations for a concrete beam section were coded parametrically in MATLAB. After comparing with structural design references to prove the accuracy of codes in calculating shear and bending capacities, the parametric results were used as initial data (Look−up table) for training the ML operators. Regarding different types of ML techniques and as a comparison between them, in the next steps, all essential codes for Fuzzy Logic (FL), Neural Network (NN) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) were coded in the same platform. The performance of the three coded ML operators to replace (delegate) standard calculations compared to direct calculations was individually investigated and displayed through parametric examples. After initial examples, the influences of the number of parameters and size of the Look−up table on the accuracy of each operator were discussed. The study concluded that although all three operators can delegate the standard calculation, the precision of the results differs considerably. In case of the desirable size of the Look−up table, ANFIS operators can represent the standard calculations with a different number of parameters and entirely high precision.

In this work, cobalt doped ZnO nanorod arrays with anticorrosion function were successfully prepared on FTO substrate by a simple aqueous solution method. XRD and EDS results indicate the doped Co2+ has successfully incorporated into the ZnO crystal lattice. Photocurrent density and open circuit potential (OCP) results indicate the photocathodic protection performance for 316 stainless steel (316 SS) and Q235 carbon steel in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution under 300 W Xe lamp enhanced with the increase of cobalt concentration, and the photoanode with 15% Co/Zn ratio has the optimal photocathodic protection effect. The mechanism of enhancement may be result from the narrowed band gap, the lower recombination rate of photogenerated electron-holes, the intermediate impurity level and the split of the hypo-outer shell of cobalt ions.

The corrosion inhibition behavior of cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) on mild steel (MS) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution was examined using the weight loss method and potentiodynamic polarization method. The experimented MS surface was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Corrosion rate and corrosion efficiency was calsulated via weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization methods where the corrosion rate in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ , 0.000192 M, and 0.0077 M of CPC solution was 12.09×10^-3, 8.23×10^-3, 6.63×10^-5 (mm/Year), respectively and the inhibition efficiency of 94.42% and 98.54%. FESEM studies demonstrated the corrosion attack on MS surface. Also, the EDX showed the presence of nitrogen of CPC. Thus, CPC acts as an important corrosion inhibitor.

Non-standard Lagrangians do not display any discernible energy-like terms, yet they give the same equations of motion as standard Lagrangians, which have easily identifiable energy-like terms. A new method to derive non-standard Lagrangians for second-order nonlinear differential equations with damping is developed and the limitations of this method are explored. It is shown that the limitations do not exist only for those nonlinear dynamical systems that can be converted into linear ones. The obtained results are applied to selected population dynamics models for which non-standard Lagrangians and their corresponding null Lagrangians and gauge functions are derived, and their roles in the population dynamics are discussed.

Background. Minimally invasive surgery via right mini-thoracotomy has become the standard of care for the treatment of mitral valve disease worldwide, particularly at high volume centers. In recent years, the spectrum of indications has progressively shifted and extended to fragile and higher risk patients, also addressing more complex mitral valve disease and ultimately including patients with native or prosthetic infective endocarditis. The rationale for the adoption of the minimally invasive approach is to minimize the surgical trauma, promote an earlier postoperative recovery and reduce the incidence of surgical wound infection and other nosocomial infections. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the early and late outcome in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for mitral valve infective endocarditis. Methods. Prospectically collected data regarding minimally invasive surgery in patients with mitral valve infective endocarditis were entered into a dedicated database for the period between January 2007 and December 2022 and retrospectively analyzed. All comers during the study period underwent a preoperative evaluation based upon clinical history and anatomy for the allocation to the most appropriate surgical strategy. Selection for the mini-thoracotomy approach was primarily driven by a thorough transthoracic and especially transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation, coupled with total body and vascular imaging. Results. During the study period, 92 patients underwent right mini-thoracotomy to treat native (80/92, 87%) or prosthetic (12/92, 13%) mitral valve endocarditis at our institution, representing 5% of the patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral surgery. Twenty-six (28%) patients had undergone previous cardiac operations, whereas 18 (20%) presented preoperatively with complications related to endocarditis, most commonly systemic embolization. Sixty-nine and 23 patients, respectively, underwent early surgery (75%) or were operated on after the completion of targeted antibiotic treatment (25%). A conservative procedure was feasible in 16/80 (20%) patients with native valve endocarditis. Conversion to standard sternotomy was necessary in a single case (1.1%). No cases of intraoperative iatrogenic aortic dissection were reported. Four patients died perioperatively, accounting for a thirty-day mortality of 4.4%. Causes of death were refractory heart or multiorgan failure and/or septic shock. New onset stroke was observed postoperatively in one case (1.1%). Overall actuarial survival rate at 1 and 5 years after operation was 90.8% and 80.4%, whereas freedom from mitral valve reoperation at 1 and 5 years was 96.3% and 93.2%, respectively. Conclusions. The present study shows good early and long-term results in higher-risk patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for mitral valve infective endocarditis. Total body, vascular and echocardiographic screening represent the key points to select the optimal approach and allow the extension of indications for minimally invasive surgery to sicker patients, including active endocarditis and sepsis.

Traditional painting artefacts study and documentation face the limitations of well-known recording tools and methods, such as handwritten or digital descriptions, scaled 2D drawings in situ, measurements with calipers, rulers or tape measures, sketches, tracings, as well as conventional or technical photographs. This paper advocates Close-Range Photogrammetry (SfM-MVS) and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) for recording vital morphological and 2.5D geometric features of painted surfaces with high accuracy. These digital tools, widely accessible due to increased computing power, enhance art observation, material study and conservation assessment. Despite specialized alternatives like 3D laser scanners, the focus here is on the cost-effective SfM-MVS and RTI, which offer advanced pixel colour accuracy. The ability to reproduce photorealistic textures proves essential for accurate documentation of painted artefacts. The paper showcases promising results from applying these methods to a mural from the Palace of Tiryns, justifying their fundamental role in an integrated scientific art study methodology.

The sub-economic dynamics studies the relationship between people's economic impulses and market behavior. Using Bourbaki structuralism as a philosophical consideration and quantum chromodynamics as a conceptual and modeling method, sub-economic dynamics theory is constructed. In this theory, we discuss the deep structure of the free market and analyze the errors in Mises' anthropological arguments. Sub-economic dynamics is the psychological basis of market dynamics. Guided by the preface, this paper is divided into six sections: (1) The Free Market and Impulse Flavor Charge, including topics such as the fate of the free market, the food chain and psychology, and the flavor charge of economic impulses; (2) The Nature of Economic Impulses, including topics such as the flavor and generation of impulses and counter-impulses, and the bound state of impulses and fractional market charges; (3) Freud's Color Charge Space and Spin, including topics such as the Pauli exclusion rule and color charge, and Freud's personality theory; (4) Consciousness and Gluons; (5) Gauge Transformations and SU(3) Symmetry Group; and (6) General Discussion.

Glioblastoma (GBM) presents a significant public health challenge as the deadliest and most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite standard-of-care treatment, which includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, mortality rates are high, underscoring the critical need for advancing GBM therapy. Over the past two decades, numerous clinical trials have been performed, yet only a small fraction demonstrated benefit, raising concerns about the predictability of current preclinical models. Traditionally, preclinical studies utilize treatment-naïve tumors, failing to model the clinical scenario where patients undergo standard-of-care treatment prior to recurrence. Recurrent GBM generally exhibits distinct molecular alterations influenced by treatment selection pressures. In this review, we discuss the impact of treatment - surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy - on GBM. We also provide a summary of treatments used in preclinical models, advocating for their integration to enhance the translation of novel strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes in GBM.

The current study aims to first, isolate H. pylori in cultures from gastric biopsy samples and test their susceptibility. Secondly, we aim to assess the efficacy of the standard triple therapy from patients coming of the western central region of Colombia. Patients with H. pylori positive re-ceived standard triple therapy with PPI [40 mg b.i.d.], clarithromycin [500 mg b.i.d.], amoxicillin [1g b.i.d.] for 14 days. Thereafter, antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was assessed by E-Test. From 94 patients enrolled, 67 were positive for H. pylori by histology or culture. Resistance to metronidazole, levofloxacin, rifampicin, clarithromycin and amoxicillin was 81, 26.2, 23.9, 19 and 9.5%, respectively. No resistance was found for tetracycline. 54 patients received standard triple therapy, 48 attended follow-ups testing and of them, 30 had resistance test reports. Overall eradication rate was 81.2%, 4 patients underwent second-line management and only one patient remained H. pylori positive by urea breath test during the follow-up [six weeks]. Eradication was significantly higher in patients with clarithromycin susceptible than in resistant strains [95.6% vs. 42.8% p= 0.001]. The updated percentages of resistance to clarithromycin in this geographical area have increased, so this value must be considered when choosing the treatment regimen.

Patients in intensive care unit often lose a considerable fraction of their gut microbiome due to exposure of broad-spectrum antibiotics and other reasons. Dysbiosis often results in prolonged diarrhea and increase occurrence of multi-drug resistant pathogens in the colon with clinical consequences not yet well understood. Restoring the microbioma by faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is a plausible therapeutic possibility, so far only documented in case reports and case series using very heterogeneous methodologies. Before FMT in critically ill can be tested in randomised controlled trials, there is a burning need to describe a standardized operating procedure (SOP) of the whole process, respecting the specifics of critically ill population, such as the risk of disrubted intestinal barrier and time critical nature of the procedure. We describe the SOP that has been developed for experimental use in critically ill patients by a multidisciplinary team of intensivists, gastroenterologist and microbiologist based on feedback from regulatory authority (State Institue of Drug Control of the Czech Republic). The hallmarks of these SOPs are multi-donor freshly frozen transplantate quaranteeded for 3 months consisting of 7 aliqutes from 7 unrelated healthy donors, and administered by rectal tube. In this paper we discuss the rationale for this SOP and the process of its development in details and release the full proposed SOP is in the form of online appendix.

Many models with structures of matter associated with a structure of extra spatial dimensions have been proposed in recent decades. On employing a further generalisation from the local 4-dimensional spacetime form to a general form for proper time, we describe how matter fields resembling the Standard Model of particle physics can be accommodated far more directly than with a higher-dimensional spacetime theory. The successful identification of key features of visible matter in this non-spatial sector of extra dimensions in turn motivates seeking a candidate for dark matter residing in the original extra spatial dimension sector, and provides a close guide for the explicit form this invisible matter might take. We describe how such Standard Model and dark matter sectors in different extra-dimensional branches of generalised proper time are gravitationally connected through their common root in the local 4-dimensional spacetime and consider further possible mutual interactions and implications in comparison with existing dark matter models. A yet further possible branch of generalised proper time can be connected with dark energy models, hence in principle accounting for all three major components of cosmological structure within this framework.

Ensembles of Species Distribution Models (SDMs) represent the geographic ranges of pathogen vectors by combining alternative analytical approaches and merging information on vector occurrences with more extensive environmental data. Biased collection data impact SDMs, regardless of the target species but no studies have compared the differences in the distributions predicted by the ensemble models when different sampling frameworks are used for the same species. We compared Ensemble SDMs for two important Ixodid tick vectors, Amblyomma americanum and Ixodes scapularis in mainland Florida, USA, when inputs were either convenience samples of ticks, or collections obtained using the standard protocols promulgated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Ensemble SDMs for the convenience samples and standard surveys showed only a slight agreement (Kappa = 0.060, A. americanum; 0.053, I. scapularis). Convenience sample SDMs indicated A. americanum and I. scapularis should be absent from 34.5% and 30.9% of the state where standard surveys predicted the highest likelihood of occurrence of the respective vectors. Ensemble models from standard surveys predicted 81.4% and 72.5% (A. americanum and I. scapularis) of convenience sample sites. Omission errors by standard survey SDMs, of the convenience collections, frequently were associated with adjacency to at least one SDM or errors in geocoding algorithms that failed to correctly locate convenience samples. These geocoding errors emphasize commonly overlooked needs to explicitly evaluate and improve data quality for vector survey data used in spatial models.