The paper aims in assessing risks of mandible fractures consequent to impacts or sport accidents. The role of the structural stiffness of mandible, related to disocclusion state, is evaluated through numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM). It has been assumed that the quasi-static stress field, due to distributed forces developed during accidents, could explain the common types of mandibular fractures. Geometric model of adolescent mandible was built, upon the basis of medical imaging, in CAD software with distinction between cortical layer and inner spongy bone. The finite element model of disoccluded mandible was next created. Mandibular condyles were supposed jammed in the maxillary fossae. The total force of 700 N, simulating an impact on mandible, has been sequentially applied in three distinct areas: centrally, at canine zone and at the mandibular angle. Clinically most frequent fractures of mandible were recognized through the analysis of maximal principal stress and maximal principal strain fields. Mandibular fracture during accidents can be analyzed at satisfactory level using linear quasi-static FE models for designing protections in sport and transport. The proposed approach can be improved by introducing more realistic interactions between condylar processes and fossae.

The notion of the three-phase (line) tension remains one of the most disputable notions in the surface science. A very broad range of its values has been reported. Experts even do not agree on the sign of the line tension. The polymer-chain-like model of the three-phase (triple) line enables the rough estimation of the entropic input into the value of the line tension, estimated as Γ_en≅(k_B T)/d_m ≅〖10〗^(-11) N, where d_m is the diameter of the liquid molecule. The introducing of the polymer-chain-like model of the triple line is justified by the “water string” model of the liquid state, predicting strong orientation effects for liquid molecules located in the vicinity of hydrophobic moieties. The estimated value of the entropic input into the line tension is close to experimental findings, reported by various groups.

A proper transmission of the orientation between surface and underground workings, by means of vertical shafts, is an important challenge in the mining industry, especially when the mine exceeds 200 meters deep. In fact, this study is developed in a mine located to 700 meters deep. Likewise, this paper assesses the accuracy of this operation, in a case study, using the two shafts plumbing and gyroscope methods in order to compare and analyse the planimetric displacement of the base line due to different source of errors in each one. Upsides and downsides of both methods are analysed in the paper. Some disadvantages in each method have been reduced thanks to the technological progress, especially in the two shaft plumbing method. The different sources of error that affect the measures are thoroughly analysed in the study with the aim to compensate them and achieve the required precision for an underground infrastructure. Mine ventilation has been found as one of the most important sources of error in the plumbing method due to intake and return airflow. In this direction, the paper unfolds some measures to reduce the ventilation influence and details a compensation method to reduce ventilation errors.

The human androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand inducible transcription factor harboring an amino terminal domain (AR-NTD) hosting the ligand independent activation function. AR-NTD is intrinsically disordered and display aggregation properties conferred by the presence of a poly-glutamine (polyQ) sequence of 22 residues. The length of the polyQ sequence, as well as the presence of adjacent sequence motifs modulate this aggregation property. AR-NTD contains also a conserved sequence motif KELCKAVSVSM that displays an intrinsic property to form amyloid fibrils under mild oxidative conditions of its conserved cysteine residue. As peptide sequences with intrinsic ability to oligomerize are reported to have an impact on the aggregation of polyQ tract, we determined the effect of the KELCKAVSVSM on the polyQ stretch in the context of the AR NTD, using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Here, we present evidence for a crosstalk between the amyloidogenic properties of the KELCKAVSVSM motif and the polyQ stretch at the AR NTD.

NACA 0015 and NACA 4415 aerofoil are most common four digits and broadly used aerodynamic shape. Both of the shapes are extensively used for various kind of applications including turbine blade, aircraft wing and so on. NACA 0015 is symmetrical and NACA 4415 is unsymmetrical in shape. Consequently, they have big one-of-a-kind in aerodynamic traits at the side of widespread differences of their utility and performance. Both of them undergo the same fluid principle while applied in any fluid medium giving dissimilar outcomes in aerodynamics behavior. On this work, experimental and numerical investigation of each NACA 0015 and NACA 4415 is done to decide their performance. For this purpose, aerofoil section is tested for a prevalence range attack of angle (AOA). The study addresses the performance of NACA 0015 and NACA 4415 and evaluates the dynamics of flow separation, lift, drag, pressure and velocity contour and so on. This additionally enables to layout new optimistic aerofoil, which is critical to enhance the efficiency and performance of an aircraft in terms of lift enhancement and drag reduction.

Purpose: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently published quality standards for assessment of fall risk and preventing further falls. According to the standards, multifactorial fall risk assessments should include: identification of falls history; analysis of gait, balance, mobility and muscle strength, among other factors. Despite being based on subjective analysis or simple timing and not being multifactorial, physiotherapists and physicians quite often use these tests as reference scales to differentiate between lower and higher risk of falling. Instrumented TUG has been recently reported to provide important additional information to the overall score. Objective: To explore a case-based approach of fall risk assessment to identify the most relevant and informative risk factors that in combination could better define a person risk profile. Materials and Methods: A multifactorial assessment of fall risk through questionnaires, standard functional tests, tests instrumented with inertial sensors, and force platforms has been studied within a group aged 55-80 years old. Different fall risk factors and fall risk assessment methods were analyzed in a case-based descriptive study. Results & Discussion: Subjects at higher risk of falling were identified based on their detailed profiles. A set of features were obtained from the instrumented standard tests differing significantly between subjects presenting higher or lower fall risk. Therefore, instrumenting conventional tests with wearables containing inertial sensors and force platforms gives more detailed and quantitative insights. This information can be used to better define and tailor fall prevention exercises and to improve the follow-up of the evolution of the subject.

Can physical objects be in time-symmetry? Physical objects can only exist in a medium that has physical attributes, which means this medium is a type of energy. Is time energy? This article will show that time is not energy and there is no possibility that physical objects could be in time-symmetry. Physical objects only can be in symmetry in the time-invariant space in which they exist. In this perspective time measured with clocks is the result of the observer’s measurement in the time-invariant space. The time-symmetry model is flawed.

Capacity Expansion Models (CEMs) are optimization models used for long-term energy planning on national to continental scale. They are typically computationally demanding, thus in need of simplification, where one such simplification is to reduce the temporal representation. This paper investigates how using representative periods to reduce the temporal representation in CEMs distorts results compared to a benchmark model of a full chronological year. The test model is a generic CEM applied to Europe, equipped with a novel formulation for storage in model versions with reduced temporal representation. We test the performance of reduced models at penetration levels of wind and solar of 90%. Three measures for accuracy are used: (i) system cost, (ii) total capacity mix and (iii) regional capacity. We find that: (i) the system cost is well represented (~5% deviation from benchmark) with as few as ten representative days, (ii) the capacity mix is in general fairly well (~20% deviation) represented with 50 or more representative days, and (iii) the regional capacity mix displays large deviations (>50%) from benchmark for as many as 250 representative days. We conclude that modelers should be aware of the error margins when presenting results on these three aspects.

Today, due to recent developments in technology, children devote plenty of time for screen viewing. However, its harmful effects are not yet clear. The purpose of present study was to examine the associations among screen viewing and sleep duration, and body mass index (BMI) in under-five years old children. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 322 under-five healthy children that were selected using multistage stratified cluster sampling method in 2017. The data that were gathered by time-use diary method were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Spearman correlation tests, multiple linear regression analysis, one-way ANCOVA, two-way ANCOVA. There was a negative correlation between screen time and sleep duration (rs = -0.42, p = 0.00), positive correlation between screen time and BMI (rs = 0.38, p = 0.00) and sleep duration negatively correlated with BMI (rs = -0.22, p = 0.00). screen viewing was a predictive factor for both sleep duration (β = -0.26, p = 0.00) and BMI (β = -0.26, p = 0.00). screen viewing had a significant impact on sleep duration (4, 314) = 5.02, P = 0.001) and BMI (F (4, 314) = 1.16, P=0.298). Results of this study indicated that screen viewing is related to sleep duration and BMI in under-five children. furthermore, screen time has an impact on sleep duration and BMI scores of children. findings of our study suggest that sleep duration negatively is associated with BMI in under-five-year-old children.

The load cell is an indispensable component of many engineering machinery and industrial automation for measuring and sensing force and torque. This paper describes the design and analysis of the strain gauge load cell, from the conceptional design stage to shape optimization (based on the finite element method (FEM) technique) and calibration, providing ample load capacity with low-cost material (aluminum 6061) and highly accurate force measurement. The amplifier circuit of the half Wheatstone bridge configuration with two strain gauges has been implemented experimentally with an actual load cell prototype. The calibration test was conducted to evaluate the load cell characteristics and derive the governing equation for sensing the unknown load depending on the measured output voltage. The measured sensitivity of the load cell is approximately 15 mV/N and 446.8 µV/V at a maximum applied load of 30 kg. The findings are supported by FEM results and experiments with an acceptable percentage of errors, which revealed an overall error of 6% in the worst situation. Therefore, the proposed load cell meets the design considerations for axial force measurement for the laboratory test bench, which has a light weight of 20 g and a maximum axial force capacity of 300 N with good sensor characteristics.

According to the requirement of 20kg load of casting barrel, we design a three-dimensional model of the robot and analyze the three stages of liquid level change in the casting barrel during the casting process. Through the analysis, it is determined that the time and angle function is an implicit function, and it is impossible to find the analytical expression of time about angle. The kinetic function of the casting barrel is simulated by MATLAB, and it is found that the function image has mutation points, and when the original function is fitted and approximated by fifth-degree polynomial interpolation, the fifth-degree polynomial function image of the time versus the angular acceleration has a large amplitude of oscillation, especially the mutation points. A PID algorithm based on the discretization of the time and acceleration function is introduced for correction, and the results show that this method effectively reduces the oscillation amplitude of the image and improves the coincidence with the original function.

Graph visualization has evolved significantly over time, offering various methods to effectively represent complex data structures. This study introduces a novel force-directed algorithm for 3D data visualization, specifically tailored for commonly used datasets in linked data visualization. Leveraging the power of graph theory and methods, the algorithm aims to address the challenge of creating visually appealing and easily interpretable visualizations, which often necessitate advanced user interaction. By utilizing 3D space and the Unity Engine, the research successfully visualizes data and develops interactive visualizations, overcoming limitations of basic force-directed implementations. The main contribution of presented research is in the force-directed algorithm with springs and controlled placement as a visualization technique that combines the use of springs and attractive forces to stabilize a graph in a 3D environment. The combination of these two techniques also helps prevent the formation of a single large cluster within the graph, enhancing the overall visualization quality.

Barrier coverage is a fundamental application in wireless sensor networks, which is widely used to protect a region through intruder detection for smart city. In this paper, we study a new branch of barrier coverage, named warning barrier coverage (WBC). Different from the classic barrier coverage, WBC has the inverse protect direction, which protects unexpected visitors by warning them away from the region enclosed by sensor barriers. The WBC holds a promising prospect in many danger keep out applications for smart city. For example, a WBC can enclose the debris area in the sea and alarm any approaching ships in order to avoid their damaging propellers. One special feature of WBC is that the target region is usually dangerous and its boundary is previously unknown. Hence, the scattered mobile nodes need to detect the boundary and form the barrier coverage themselves. It is challenging to form these distributed sensor nodes into a barrier because a node can sense only the local information and there is no global information of the unknown region or other nodes. To this end, we propose a novel solution AutoBar for mobile sensor nodes to automatically form a WBC for smart city. To pursue the high coverage quality, we theoretically derive the optimal distribution pattern of sensor nodes using convex theory. Based on the analysis, we design a fully distributed algorithm that enables nodes to collaboratively move towards the optimal distribution pattern. In addition, AutoBar is able to reorganize the barrier even any node is broken. To validate the feasibility of AutoBar, we develop the prototype of the specialized mobile node, which consists of two kinds of sensors: one for boundary detection and another for visitor detection. Based on the prototype, we conduct extensive real trace driven simulations in various smart city scenarios. Performance results demonstrate that AutoBar outperforms the existing barrier coverage strategies in terms of coverage quality, formation duration, and communication overhead.

Evidence of the efficacy and safety of colorectal stent placement for palliation remains insufficient. This single-arm, prospective, multicenter study with WallFlex enteral colonic stent included 200 consecutive patients with malignant large bowl obstruction in the palliation cohort. The technical and clinical success, as well as stent patency and complications as short-term (≤ 7 days) and long-term (> 7days) outcomes, of high axial force self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement was evaluated. The technical and clinical success rates were 98.5% and 94.5%, respectively. Non recurrent colorectal obstruction at 1 year was 63.9%, and 71.2% of the patients remained free of recurrent colorectal obstruction until death or the last follow-up. Fifty-six patients (28.0 %) received chemotherapy and five patients were administered bevacizumab after stent placement. The overall complication rate was 47%, including four (2.0%) early-onset and ten (5.0%) late-onset perforations, mostly due to stent-edge injury. Only the use of a long SEMS was a risk factor for perforation. In conclusion, endoscopic colorectal stenting using high axial force SEMS is an effective and safe procedure for palliation in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. However, care should be taken to avoid perforation at the stent edge when using a long SEMS.

The aim of this study is to study the effect of aging in different media (deionized water and artificial saliva) on the force/torque generation by thermoplastic orthodontic aligners. Ten thermoformed aligners made of Essix ACE® thermoplastic sheets were aged in deionized water and in artificial saliva over two weeks at 37 C, five in each medium. The force/torque generated on upper second premolar (Tooth 25) of a resin model was measured at day 0 (before aging), 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14, using a biomechanical test set-up. The results showed that the thermocycling of aligners has no significant impact on their force/torque decay. No significant differences were also found in force/torque between the aligners stored in deionized water nor artificial saliva. The vertical extrusion-intrusion forces were measured in the range of 1.4 to 4.6 N, the horizontal oro-vestibular forces were 1.3 to 2.5 N, while the torques on mesio-distal rotation were 5.4 to 41.7 Nmm. It could be concluded that the influence of saliva on the mechanical properties can be classified as insignificant, and no significant difference between artificial aging in deionized water or artificial saliva was observed.

Observation of parity-violating effects in chiral molecules is a long-standing challenge of the molecular spectroscopy community. In the microwave regime, the difference in transition frequencies between enantiomers is predicted to be below the mHz level, which is considerably beyond current experimental capabilities. The most promising future efforts combine vibrational spectroscopy, buffer gas cooling, and carefully chosen molecular candidates with large predicted parity-violating shifts. Here, we demonstrate for the first time high-precision differential microwave spectroscopy, achieving sub-Hz precision by coupling a cryogenic buffer gas cell with a tunable microwave Fabry-Perot cavity. We report statistically limited sub-Hz precision of (0.08±0.72) Hz, observed between enantiopure samples of (R)-1,2-propanediol and (S)-1,2-propanediol at frequencies near 15 GHz. We confirm highly repeatable spectroscopic measurements compared to traditional pulsed-jet methods, opening up new capabilities in probing subtle molecular structural effects at the 10−10 level and providing a platform for exploring sources of systematic error in parity-violation searches. We discuss dominant systematic effects at this level and propose possible extensions of the technique for higher precision.

In this paper we give the improved and new analytical and semi-analytical expression for calcu-lating the magnetic vector potential, magnetic field, magnetic force, mutual inductance, torque, and stiffness between two inclined current-carrying arc segments in air. The expressions are ob-tained either in the analytical form over the incomplete elliptic integrals of the first and the sec-ond time or by the single numerical integration of some elliptical integrals of the first and the second kind. The validity of the presented formulas is proved from the special cases when the inclined circular loops are treated. We mention that all formulas are obtain by the integral ap-proach except the stiffness which is found by the derivative of the magnetic force.

Unpaid family caregivers might suffer losses in income as a result of care provision. Here we used data from the baseline survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study to assess the relationship between hours of weekly caregiving provided to grandchildren/parents/parents-in-law and individual’s monthly employment income. Our study sample comprised 3,718 middle-aged Chinese adults who were of working age (45-60 years). For women and men separately, we used a likelihood-based method to determine a caregiving threshold in a two-stage Heckman selection procedure. Instrumental variables were used to rule out the endogeneity of caregiving hours. Our analysis revealed a negative association between caregiving and income for women that depended on a caregiving threshold of 63-hours per week. There was an absence of caregiving-income relationship among men. These results offer new insights into the opportunity costs of unpaid caregiving and support tailored policies to protect the financial well-being of female caregivers.

It is desirable to upgrade previous evolutionary theories, which have remained incomplete and controversial for decades. Here we employ the concept of carbon-based entities (CBEs), which include methane, amino acids, proteins, organisms, and other entities containing relatively many carbon atoms. We deduce the driving force, mechanisms, steps, modes, tempos of CBE evolution, through integration of biology, physics, and chemistry using logics for complex issues. We hence establish the Carbon-Based Evolutionary Theory (CBET). The CBET suggests that evolution is the increase in hierarchy, diversity, fitness of CBEs under natural selection and driven by thermodynamics due to the chemical effect of the thermodynamic features of the Earth on CBEs. It provides better explanations for life origin, macroevolution events, natural selection, sympatric speciation, and evolution tempos than previous evolutionary theories. It reveals the evolutionary basis of multiple important social notions, including diversity, collaboration, altruism, obeying rules, and proper increase in freedom. It refutes some wrong notions in thermodynamics, including negative entropy (negentropy) and that biological order is equal to thermodynamic order, which have misled many people. The CBET is supported by its deduction and application. It could be a rare bridge linking laws of thermodynamics, evolution of life, and development of human society, and could have great significance in various sciences.

We consider the quantum thermodynamic origin of the gravitational force of matter by applying the spacetime entanglement entropy and the Unruh effect originating from vacuum quantum fluctuations. By analyzing both the local thermal equilibrium and quasi-static processes of a system, we may get both the magnitude and direction of Newton's gravitational force in our theoretical model. Our work shows the possibility that the elusive Unruh effect has already shown its manifestation through gravitational force.

There is increasing use of wood-based composites in industry not only because of the shortage of solid wood, but above all for their better properties such as: strength, aesthetic appearance, etc. compared to wood. Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is a wood-based composite that is widely used in the furniture industry. The goal of the research conducted was to determine the effect of the type of coating on the drill cutting blades on the value of thrust force (F_t), cutting torque (M_c), cutting tool temperature (T) and surface roughness of the hole in drilling MDF panels. In the tests three types of carbide drills (HW) were used: not coated, TiAlN coated and ZrN coated. The measurement of both the thrust force and the cutting torque was carried out using an industrial piezoelectric sensor. The temperature of the cutting tool in the drilling process was measured using an industrial temperature measurement system using a K-type thermocouple. It was found that the value of the maximum temperature of the tool in the drilling process depends not only on the cutting speed and feed rate, but also on the type of coating of the cutting tool. The value of both the cutting torque and the thrust force is significantly influenced by the value of the feed rate and the type of drill coating. The effect of varying plate density on the surface roughness of the hole and the variation of the value of the thrust force is also discussed. The results of the investigations were statistically analysed using a multi-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The seasonally adjusted civilian labor force participation rate, the sum of employed and unemployed persons as a percentage of the civilian non-institutional population, is analysed in the general to specific modelling framework with a saturating set of step indicators from January 1977 through June 2018. The results indicate that, ceteris paribus, the rise in the ratio of women to men in the labor force in addition to positive demographic movements can largely account for the rise in the labor force participation rate up to January 2000. Subsequently, the aging population helps to explain the decline. Recessions play a transitory role.

The present study provides molecular insight into the mechanisms underlying energy dissipation and lubrication of a smooth contact lubricated by an ionic liquid. We have performed normal and lateral force measurements with a surface forces apparatus and by colloidal probe atomic force microscopy on following model systems: 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium bis-(trifluoro-methylsulfonyl)imide, in dry state and in equilibrium with ambient (humid) air; the surface was either bare mica or functionalized with a polymer brush. The velocity-dependence of the friction force reveals two different regimes of lubrication, boundary-film lubrication, with distinct characteristics for each model system, and fluid-film lubrication above a transition velocity V*. The underlying mechanisms of energy dissipation are evaluated with molecular models for stress-activated slip and flow, respectively. The stress-activated slip assumes that two boundary layers (composed of ions/water strongly adsorbed to the surface) slide pass each; the bond dynamics and the strength of the interaction at the slip plane dictate the change in friction -decreasing, increasing or remaining constant- with velocity in the boundary-film lubrication regime. Above a transition velocity V*, friction monotonically increases with velocity in the three model systems. Here, layers of ions slide past each (“flow”) under a shear stress and friction depends on a shear-activation volume that is significantly affected by confinement. The proposed friction model provides a molecular perspective of the lubrication of smooth contacts by ionic liquids and allows identifying the physical parameters that control friction.

Automobile proving ground is important for the research of vehicles which is used for the vehicle dynamics, durability testing, braking testing, etc. However, the roads in automobile proving ground will inevitably be damaged with the extension of the service life. In most previous researches, equipment similar to laser cross-section was used to detect pavement quality, the principle of which was to reflect pavement quality by detecting road surface roughness. This method ignores the elastic deformation of the roads itself when the vehicle is traveling on it and hardly compensate for the amendment. Therefore, this article presents a new method based on force sensor to reduce the impact of elastic deformation such as wheel tyre deformation, pavement deformation, and wheel rim deformation. In which, force sensors mounted on the wheels collect the three-dimensional dynamic load of the wheel.The presented method has been tested with two sets of cobblestone road load data, and the results show that The　incentives imposed by the test vehicle on the target road are 88.3%, 91.0%, and 92.05% of the incentives imposed by the test vehicle on the standard road in three dimensions, respectively. It is clear that the proposed method has strong potential effectiveness to be applied for lose detection of the special road application.

The use of haptic devices in rehabilitation of impaired limbs has become rather popular, given the proven effectiveness in promoting recovery. In a standard framework, such devices are used in rehabilitation centers, where patients interact with virtual tasks, presented on a screen. To track their sessions, kinematic/dynamic parameters or performance scores are recorded. However, as Internet access is now available at almost every home, and in order to reduce the hospitalization time of the patient, the idea of doing rehabilitation at home is gaining wide consent. Medical care programs can be synchronized with the home rehabilitation device; patient data can be sent to the central server that could redirect to the therapist laptop (tele-healthcare). The controversial issue is that the recorded data do not actually represent the clinical conditions of the patients according to the medical assessment scales, forcing them to frequently undergo clinical tests at the hospital. To respond to this demand, we propose the use of a bilateral master/slave haptic system that could allow the clinician, who interacts with the master, to assess remotely and in real time the clinical conditions of the patient that uses the home rehabilitation device as the slave. In this paper, we describe a proof of concept to highlight the main issues of such an application, limited to one degree of freedom, and to the measure of the stiffness and range of motion of the hand.

In this paper, the concept of absolute airspace is further elaborated, and the time transform effect, the frequency transform relation of clock timing, and the principle of Doppler effect of special relativistic light are analyzed and demonstrated. Based on the concept of absolute airspace, a new and accurate Doppler effect relation of light (electromagnetic wave) is proposed. It is proved that there is a synchronous relationship between the time shift effect and the frequency change of the timing inside the clock. When the light (electromagnetic wave) source is in motion, the Doppler effect includes two physical mechanisms: the frequency change caused by time transformation effect and the frequency change caused by relative motion. When the light source is in motion, the Doppler effect of the light there are some differences in different directions due to the rotation of the earth. The relation of Doppler effect of special relativistic light is only a highly approximate relation, and its theoretical basis, special relativity, is flawed in principle.

Effects and interactions of incubation time and chick preplacement holding time on mortality at placement, utilization of yolk sac, crop filling rate, early feeding–drinking behavior and broiler live performance were investigated. Ross 308 broiler hatching eggs from a 39-week-old flock were set in two identical setters in a commercial hatchery,with setting time 12 hours earlier in one machine. At the end of incubation, chicks were removed from the hatchers at the same time. Thus, incubation times were either 504 h (normal incubation time (NIT) treatment) or 516 h (longer incubation time (LIT) treatment). After pull time, chicks from each incubation time group were subjected to either 6, 24, 48, 60 or 72 h preplacement holding times. At placement, chicks were given access to feed and water. In total, 19,200 chicks were randomly assigned to a total of 10 subtreatment groups (2 incubation times × 5 preplacement holding times). Therefore, a total of 1,920 chicks were used in each subtreatment group for the grow-out period in a commercial broiler house. An interaction was found between incubation time and preplacement holding time for residual yolk sac (RYS) weight (g, %) (p < 0.001). RYS weight was greater at pull time and at 6 and 24 h of preplacement holding time in the NIT treatment compared to the LIT treatment, while differences were no longer evident at 48–72 h. The lowest percentage of chicks with full crops and eating activity was observed in the shortest preplacement holding time (6 h) group at 3 h after placement. As expected, the initial BW at placement clearly decreased with increasing duration after the pull time (p < 0.05) with the highest and lowest weights were found in the 6 and 72 h holding time treatments respectively. This BW difference was still evident at 35 d after placement and chicks held for the longest period after the pull time (72 h) showed the lowest BW (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the 6 and 60 h preplacement holding times. Mortality during the first 7 d after placement increased only when the preplacement holding time was extended to 72 h (p = 0.031). Similar to the 7 d results, chicks held for 72 h exhibited higher 0-35 day mortality compared to those held for 6 or 24 h (p = 0.028). Neither BW nor mortality was affected by incubation time treatment at 35 d after placement (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that there were no significant differences in average BW and mortality, up to and including a 60-h holding time under thermal comfort conditions, but a 72-h preplacement holding time resulted in final BW and mortality being negatively affected. In addition, LIT tended to have a beneficial effect on BW and mortality compared to NIT when the preplacement holding time was shorter (6–24 h) but had a negative effect for extended holding times (48–72 h).

On the basis of the findings of this paper, the theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity can be expressed in a comprehensive theory. The events were surveyed length of the time, in the Euclidean six-dimensional space-time (R6=x1+x2+x3+t1+t2+t3). Previous studies have not studied the relationship between the origin of matter's inherent properties, fundamental constants, and quantum mechanics phenomenon with space-time geometry. This theory prediction the with certainty obtained probabilistic results of quantum mechanics. This prediction is on the basis of metric resulting from the Eccentricity of the Ellipse due to the object density, in the length of time. The cause and nature of dark matter and dark energy are the findings of this article.

Noise model selection criteria has a significant impact on identifying the stochastic noise proper-ties of any GNSS daily coordinate time series. The low-frequency random walk noise existing in these time series could lead to overestimation of the tectonic rate, so it is of great significance to accurately detect the random walk component. This study focuses on noise model estimation cri-terion (BIC_tp) derived from the AIC and the BIC by introducing 2π factors. It is more sensitive to abnormal steps (random jumps). Using observation data from 72 GNSS stations from 1992 to 2022 and simulated data, four combined noise models are used to explore the impacts of time se-ries lengths (ranging from2 to 24 years) and data loss (between 2% and 30%) on noise models and velocity estimation. The results show that as the time length increased, the selected optimal noise model, and the estimated uncertainty of the tectonic trend with different data gap, gradually con-verge. When the time length is short (less than 8 years), it could lead to the FNRWWN, FNWN, and PLWN models being mistakenly estimated as GGMWN models, thereby affecting the accura-cy of determining the station velocity parameters. When the time length is 12 years, the RW noise component is more probably detected, As the time length increases, the impact of RW on velocity uncertainty is weakened. Finally, we conclude that for a time series with a minimum time length of 12 years, both the selection of the optimal stochastic noise model and the estimation of the ve-locity parameters are reliable.

The gelation time tg necessary for a solution of functional (associating) molecules to reach its gel point after a temperature jump, or a sudden concentration change, is theoretically calculated as a function of the concentration and temperature for the molecules carrying the number f of functional groups. Quite generally, tg is given by the product of the relaxation time tR and a thermodynamic factor Q. For pairwise cross-linking, and cross-linking with a fixed multiplicity k, precise values of tg are derived. For cross-linking with variable multiplicity, kinetic equation of stepwise association is derived for the reactivity pk of the functional groups, on the basis of which tg and tR are estimated. The thermodynamic factor Q is shown to generate a singularity of logarithmic divergence as the temperature (concentration) approaches the equilibrium gel point, while the relaxation time tR changes continuously across it. The retardation effect on the gelation time due to the reversibility of the cross-linking is explicitly calculated for some specific models of cross-linking. For a micellar cross-linking covering a wide range of the multiplicity, as seen in hydrophobically-modified water-soluble polymers, tR is shown to obey a formula similar to the Aniansson-Wall law.

We are using the book “Towards Quantum Gravity with an article by Claus Kiefer as to a quantum gravity interpretation of the density matrix in the early universe. The density matrix we are using is a one loop approximation, with inflaton value and potential terms, like V(phi) using the Padmanabhan values one can expect if the scale factor is a ~ a(Initial) times t ^ gamma , from early times . In doing so, we isolate out presuming a very small initial time step candidates initial time values which are from a polynomial for time values due to the Kiefer Density value.

In this paper, we study the Parisian time of a reflected Brownian motion with drift on a finite collection of rays. We derive the Laplace transform of the Parisian time using a recursive method, and provide an exact simulation algorithm to sample from the distribution of the Parisian time. The paper is motivated by the settlement delay in the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system. Both the central bank and the participating banks in the system are concerned about the liquidity risk, and are interested in the first time that the duration of settlement delay exceeds a predefined limit, we reduce this problem to the calculation of the Parisian time. The Parisian time is also crucial in the pricing of Parisian type options; to this end, we will compare our results with the existing literature.

Future cyber-physical systems may extend over broad geographical areas, like cities or regions, thus requiring the deployment of large real-time networks. A strategy to guarantee predictable communication over such networks is to synthesize an offline time-triggered communication schedule. However, this synthesis problem is computationally hard (NP-complete), and existing approaches do not scale satisfactorily to the required network sizes. This article presents a segmented offline synthesis method which substantially reduces this limitation, being able to generate time-triggered schedules for large hybrid (wired and wireless) networks. We also present a series of algorithms and optimizations that increase the performance and compactness of the obtained schedules while solving some of the problems inherent to segmented approaches. We evaluate our approach on a set of realistic large-size multi-hop networks, significantly larger than those considered in the existing literature. The results show that our segmentation reduces the synthesis time up to two orders of magnitude.

In Newtonian mechanics, time as well as space are perceived as absolute entities. In 2 Einstein’s special relativity, time is frame dependent. Time is also affected by gravitational field 3 and as the field varies in space, time also varies throughout space. In the present article, a 4 thermodynamic-based time is investigated. The entity is called "irreversibility", which is generated 5 when availability (also known as exergy) is destroyed. Since each thermodynamic system may 6 generate different amount of irreversibility, this quantity is system dependent. The time’s arrow is 7 automatically satisfied, since irreversibility generation always proceeds in one direction (toward 8 future). We have demonstrated that, like common time, irreversibility is frame dependent, and 9 affected by gravity in the similar manner as the common time. For this reason, we propose to 10 assign the entity irreversibility of the system as thermodynamic time. A possible application of the 11 thermodynamic time is an interpretation and managing of the aging of biological systems. The 12 metabolic efficiency is related to the irreversibility of the chemical processes and affect the aging of 13 the system. Our sensation of time-flow may be attributed to the flow of availability and destruction 14 of it through the living system. It is shown by other authors that entropy generation (equivalent to 15 irreversibility) is a parameter for the human life span. Since the thermodynamic time is based on a 16 concept of thermodynamics that is universal, further applications to other subjects, such as biological 17 clock, telomere, and cosmology are possible.

With the great development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), travel time prediction has attracted the attentions of many researchers and a large number of prediction methods have been developed. However, as an unavoidable topic, the predictability of travel time series is the basic premise for travel time prediction has received less attention than the methodology. Based on the analysis of the complexity of travel time series, this paper defines travel time predictability to express the probability of correct travel time prediction and proposes an entropy-based method to measure the upper bound of travel time predictability. Multiscale entropy is employed to quantify the complexity of travel time series, and the relationships between entropy and the upper bound of travel time predictability are presented. Empirical studies are made with vehicle trajectory data in an express road section. The effectiveness of time scales, tolerance, and series length to entropy and travel time predictability are analysis, and some valuable suggestions about the accuracy of travel time predictability are discussed. Finally, the comparisons between travel time predictability and actual prediction results from two prediction models, ARIMA and BPNN, are conducted. Experimental results demonstrate the validity and reliability of the proposed travel time predictability.

We explore the field equations in a 4-d complex space-time, in the same way, that general relativity does for our usual 4-d real space-time, forming this way, a new "general relativity" in C⁴ space-time, free of sources. Afterwards, by embedding our usual 4-d real space-time in C⁴ space-time, we describe geometrically the energy-momentum tensor T_μν as the lost geometric information of this embedding. We further give possible explanation of dark eld and dark energy.

A new method for short circuit fault location is proposed based on instantaneous signal measurement and its derivatives, and is based on the retardation phenomena. The difference between the times in which a signal is registered in two detectors is used to locate the fault. Although a description of faults in terms of a lumped circuit is useful for elucidating the methods for detecting the fault. This description will not suffice to describe the fault signal propagation hence a distributed models is needed which is given in terms of the telegraph equations. Those equations are used to derive a transmission line transfer function, and an exact analytical description of the short circuit signal propagating in the transmission line is obtained. The analytical solution was verified both by numerical simulations and experimentally.

How to build an optimal model where three terms “time, causality, and entropy” will be interrelated in a most correct way? This task has a semantic and physical aspect. We give in this article the solution that is based only on elementary perception. In physics, we experience time with our senses as the duration of material change running in space. This fact is the standpoint for our model where causality is only a principle, it is not a physical actuality and entropy runs only in space and not in time. Time is merely a duration of entropy increasing and is entering existence when measured by the observer.

Taking into account the growing interest in microalgae to be used as raw material for biodiesel production, this research is aimed at analyzing the rheological behaviour of microalgae suspensions (Chlorella sp) at different culture times under eight different conditions (temperature, salinity and CO₂, NO₃ and PO₄ levels) in order to estimate the energy demands of each step, with the purpose of optimizing a continuous feed tubular bioreactor construction. For each condition, it was calculated the biomass and oil yields, so as to correlate these results with rheological parameters. The suspension results indicated that the microalgae Chlorella sp is a non-Newtonian material with dilatant characteristics; the processing time hardly exerted an influence on the rheograms of the suspension of the microalgae Chlorella sp, except for the simultaneous conditions of low salinity and low CO₂ content; NO₃ and PO₄ contents and the amount of supplements influenced the rheological parameters of the suspension of the microalgae Chlorella sp, when in low concentration of CO₂ and low salinity levels.

An exposition is undertaken to reveal the significant impact of the time-dependent root parameter, on the stability of Pointwise Stationary Fluid Flow Approximation (PSFFA) model of the non-stationary queueing system. This opens new grounds to stability analysis of non-stationary queueing systems. Potential PSFFA applications of IoT are highlighted.

As urban populations continue to grow, efficient traffic management becomes paramount in reducing congestion, enhancing air quality, and improving overall quality of life. This study addresses the critical issue of intersection efficiency through the implementation of smart green time allocation strategies at a signalized intersection equipped with two LiDAR sensors. This research aims to investigate optimal green time allocations provided by two LiDAR sensors and analyze the LiDAR results by microsimulation in AIMSUN. The research first introduces the concept of LiDAR-equipped signalized intersections and their potential to enhance traffic control precision. Two LiDAR sensors are strategically placed at the intersection of Marlboro Pike and Brooks Dr. in Coral Hills, MD, USA to capture real-time data on vehicle and pedestrian movements. The data are then processed to generate accurate and dynamic traffic profiles, ensuring the responsiveness of the green time allocation system to varying traffic conditions.The heart of this study lies in the integration of AIMSUN microsimulation with LiDAR data. Through meticulous modeling and simulation, the research explores the optimal green allocation at morning, mid-day, and afternoon peak hours’ scenarios to comprehensively assess the impact of LiDAR-enabled dynamic signal control. The findings demonstrate that smart green time allocation, informed by real-time LiDAR data and implemented through AIMSUN microsimulation, significantly enhances intersection efficiency. By adapting signal timings to real-time traffic demands, congestion, travel times, and emissions are reduced. Furthermore, this research highlighted that the optimal green time allocation in morning, mid-day, and afternoon peak hour intervals can improve the delay time by 55.3%, 59.7%, and 55.6%, respectively.In conclusion, this paper sheds light on the potential of LiDAR technology to transform intersection management. Through a case study involving two LiDAR sensors and AIMSUN microsimulation, it reveals the tangible benefits of dynamic signal control in enhancing intersection efficiency and creating more sustainable urban environments. These findings are pivotal in advancing the discourse on modern urban traffic management and promoting data-driven solutions for the challenges of today's cities.

Traffic signal control plays a key role in managing urban traffic flow, enhancing safety, and minimizing congestion and conflicts. Effective green time allocation is a critical element of this control process. This research explores the utilization of LiDAR sensor technology in the optimization of green time allocation for one phase of a traffic signal at a signalized intersection. LiDAR sensors provide precise and real-time data on vehicle presence and traffic patterns, enabling a data-driven approach to traffic signal control. The study begins with an analysis of the limitations of traditional traffic signal control strategies, which often rely on fixed-time plans or rudimentary vehicle detection systems. These approaches can lead to suboptimal green time allocation, resulting in inefficient traffic management and increased vehicle delays.The integration of LiDAR sensors provides detailed information on vehicle queues, arrival rates, and vehicle types. The research presents a practical framework for green time allocation optimization, considering factors such as intersection geometry, traffic volumes, and signal coordination. An intelligent control algorithm was developed that uses LiDAR data to determine the optimal green time for a specific phase, thereby reducing unnecessary waiting times and enhancing intersection efficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed LiDAR-based green time allocation strategy is demonstrated through extensive field tests. The results indicate significant improvements in intersection throughput, reduced delays, and enhanced traffic safety. In conclusion, this research highlights the transformative potential of LiDAR sensor technology in traffic signal control, specifically in the context of optimizing green time allocation. The findings support the notion that adaptive and data-driven strategies, when integrated with LiDAR sensors, can contribute to more efficient, sustainable, and safe urban traffic management. This research aims to provide valuable insights for transportation engineers, policymakers, and researchers seeking innovative solutions for modern urban traffic control.

The alteration of natural land cover to impervious surfaces during development increases stormwater runoff. Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) are used to manage water quantity and enhance water quality by restoring the hydrologic cycle altered by development. Often, SCMs have an outflow pipe to handle overflows or to manage the release of water detained when infiltration is not possible. Traditionally, these are static controls (e.g. a small orifice is used to restrict the volume of outflow), however, these systems can be improved by instituting real-time controls (RTC). RTC improve the functionality of SCMs by dynamically controlling outflows to adjust to environmental conditions. A major impediment to the widespread implementation of RTC is the high cost of installation and operation. This study utilized machine learning methods to develop a forecasting approach for the implementation of low-cost RTC that were implemented on a programmable gate of the outlet structure of a multi-stage basin in southeastern Pennsylvania. The goals were to decrease the peak flow exiting the basin during rain events, increase the volume of water detained, decrease the number of overtopping events, maintain healthy vegetation in the basin, and protect the downstream vegetation from erosion. Multiple popular data science algorithms were evaluated including multiple linear regression and long short-term memory. These algorithms were used with a dataset, which consisted of four years of historical sensor data, collected in 5-minute intervals, to train models to predict water levels to optimize operations. The accuracy of 30 models with three different methods of handling missing values were compared. A long short-term memory model configured with a 30-minute lead time produced the best results. Having an approximate same lag time of 30 minutes for the contributing drainage area of the SCM provided a sufficient RTC functioning period to improve the performance of the outlet structure.

Time series data are significant and are derived from temporal data, which involve real numbers representing values collected regularly over time. Time series have a great impact on many types of data. However, time series have anomalies. We introduce hybrid algorithm named novel matrix profile (NMP) to solve the all-pairs similarity search problem for time series data. The proposed NMP inherits the features from two state-of-the art algorithms: similarity time-series automatic multivariate prediction (STAMP), and short text online microblogging protocol (STOMP). The proposed algorithm caches the output in an easy-to-access fashion for single- and multidimensional data. The proposed NMP algorithm can be used on large data sets and generates approximate solutions of high quality in a reasonable time. The proposed NMP can also handle several data mining tasks. It is implemented on a Python platform. To determine its effectiveness, it is compared with the state-of-the-art matrix profile algorithms i.e., STAMP and STOMP. The results confirm that the proposed NMP provides higher accuracy than the compared algorithms.

The futures market plays a significant role in hedging and speculating by investors. Although various models and instruments are developed for real-time trading, it is difficult to realize profit by processing and trading a vast amount of real-time data. This study proposes a real-time index futures trading strategy that uses the pattern of KOSPI 200 index futures time series data. We construct a pattern matching trading system (PMTS) based on a dynamic time warping algorithm that recognizes patterns of market data movement in the morning and determines the afternoon's clearing strategy. We adopt 13 and 27 representative patterns and conduct simulations with various ranges of parameters to find optimal ones. Our experimental results show that the PMTS provides stable and effective trading strategies with relatively low trading frequencies. Investor communities that have sustained financial markets are able to make more efficient investments by using the PMTS. In this sense, the system developed in this paper is a sustainable investment technique and helps financial markets achieve efficient sustainability.

Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling propagators, including numerical integrators for stochastic dynamics, are central to the calculation of thermodynamic quantities and determination of structure for molecular systems. Efficiency is paramount, and to a great extent, this is determined by the integrated autocorrelation time (IAcT). This quantity varies depending on the observable that is being estimated. It is suggested that it is the maximum of the IAcT over all observables that is the relevant metric. Reviewed here is a method for estimating this quantity. For reversible propagators (which are those that satisfy detailed balance), the maximum IAcT is determined by the spectral gap in the forward transfer operator, but for irreversible propagators, the maximum IAcT can be far less than or greater than what might be inferred from the spectral gap. This is consistent with recent theoretical results (not to mention past practical experience) suggesting that irreversible propagators generally perform better if not much better than reversible ones. Typical irreversible propagators involve a parameter controlling the mix of ballistic and diffusive movement. To gain insight into the effect of the damping parameter for Langevin dynamics, its optimal value is obtained here for a multidimensional quadratic potential energy function.

The exact solutions in the wave form are derived for the time fractional KdV and the time fractional Burgers' equations in conformable fractional derivative sense. The fractional variable change using the fundamental properties of the conformable derivative reduces both equations to some nonlinear ODEs. The predicted solution is assumed to be a finite series form of a function satisfying a particular first-order ODE whose solution contains an exponential function in the denominator. The solutions are represented in the explicit forms and illustrated by some choices of the parameters for various fractional orders of the equations.

The paper presents the prediction of hydrodynamic characteristics of different rudder -plane configurations behind a submarine in deep water through the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes method in Ansys Fluent Solver. The hydrodynamic force and moment acting on the Cross-plane, X-plane, and Y-plane rudder configurations are analyzed for estimating hydrodynamic coefficientsfor predicting the advantages of each configuration to control the ship. The obtained results show that X-force of the X-plane rudder configuration is larger than the force acting on the Cross-plane rudder and Y-plane rudder configurations. However, Y-force, and Z-force of the X-plane rudder configuration are significantly greater than the Y-force of the left configurations. The same tendency can be seen in the moment of the X-plane rudder about the y-axis and z-axis. The roll moment induced by the Y-plane and Cross-plane rudder configurations is significantly larger than the case of the X-plane rudder configuration.

Aiming at the development of the application of massive and heterogeneous LEO constellations, the influence of typical perturbation forces on the orbit prediction of LEO satellites at different altitudes is analyzed. Firstly, the main perturbation force model of LEO satellites is introduced. Then experiments for analyzing the influence of orbit prediction on LEO satellites at different altitudes are designed. Finally, the influence of typical perturbation forces on the orbit prediction under different prediction durations by numerical analysis is assessed systematically, and the orbit prediction of LEO satellites with different non-spherical gravitational field orders, ocean tide orders and atmospheric density models were compared and calculated. The research results show that different orders of non-spherical gravitational fields should be considered when the altitude of satellites is different, the reasonable gravitational field orders for LEO satellites at 500km, 1000km, 1500km and 2000km under 1-hour forecast time are 140x140, 80x80, 60x60 and 40x40 orders, the reasonable orders of ocean tide perturbation for 1500km and 2000km satellites are 20x20 orders. Under the 24-hour forecast time, atmospheric resistance has a great influence on the precision of LEO satellites at orbit altitude below 1,000km. The forecast deviation of the LEO satellites orbit at 500km reaches 8751.576m. The difference of orbit precision between different atmospheric density models is in the meter level. The orbit deviation by the Standard Atmosphere 1976 and NRLMSISE 2000 atmospheric models respectively reaches 25.494m. Relevant conclusions provide support for the optimization and selection of dynamical models in high precision orbit determination and fast orbit prediction of LEO satellites.

In mining machines with friction discs, but also in multi-rope traction elevators, it is necessary to distribute the applied tensile load, generated by the weight of the cage and counterweight, evenly in all cross-sections of the load-bearing ropes. Hydraulic devices used for this purpose can operate on the principle of Pascal's law. The article presents a structural design, a 3D model and an implemented solution of a laboratory device capable of simulating a practical method of evenly distributing the total weight of the load into partial tensile forces of the same size acting on a selected number of load-bearing ropes. The laboratory equipment uses two pairs of three steel cables of finite length for the simulations. During the experimental measurements, tensile forces derived from the tractive force of the piston rods, pushed into the bodies of the hydraulic cylinders by the pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied through the pipeline under the pistons of the hydraulic cylinders, were detected. The resulting amount of hydraulic oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit influenced by different values of the hydraulic oil pressures in the hydraulic cylinders and by the pressure in the supply pipe was experimentally studied on the laboratory equipment. Simulations were also carried out in order to detect the hydraulic oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit caused by the change in the different magnitudes of the tensile forces in the ropes From the experiments carried out, it follows that with the appropriate choice of hydraulic elements and the design of the hydraulic circuit, the weight of the load, acting as the total pulling force in the ropes, can be evenly distributed (with a deviation of up to 5%) to all cross-sections of the load-bearing ropes. If the exact values of the hydraulic oil volumes under the pistons of all hydraulic cylinders are not known, it is not possible to calculate the pressure values in the hydraulic circuit when the valves of the hydraulic pipes are gradually opened.

(1) Background: This text emphasizes concerns regarding the safety of Spanish police officers at-tributed to inadequate training, employing biomechanics for the analysis and mitigation of risks during Use of Force training. The elevated global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders under-scores the imperative for effective occupational health measures. The study concentrates on evalu-ating injury risks in novice police officers during Use of Force training. (2) Research method: The movements of police officers were captured using a Rokoko Smartsuit Pro equipped with 19 sen-sors. The Biomechanics of Bodies software processed the data, providing REBA and Marras risk scores. Statistical tests were conducted, and Operational Tactical Procedures (OTP) were inte-grated into police training. A diverse group of officers participated, categorized by training level and equipped with the Rokoko Smartsuit. (3) Results: The study evaluates police force training us-ing REBA and Marras methods. REBA scores indicate a moderate to high injury risk, suggesting effective technique design. ANOVA reveals no significant differences between training levels. Marras analysis, characterized by non-normal distribution, unveils varied risk perceptions among groups via the Kruskal-Wallis test. (4) Conclusions: The analysis of both the REBA and Marras methods implies the effectiveness of the OTP technique in reducing injury risks across dif-ferent training levels. The ANOVA test indicates no significant differences in REBA Maximum Scores between the groups. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test for Marras Probability of high-risk values suggests distinctions in medians between training levels. The combined analysis visually illustrates variations in membership regions between expert, intermediate, and novice groups.

Star copolymer films were studied for confirming the role of film morphology in antimicrobial activity previously reported. With this scope, films of a two-branches copolymer, namely m-PEG-(MMA-ran-DMAEMA)2, containing ≈ 40 % in mol of non-quaternized 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, were produced by using spin-coating, drop-casting and casting deposition techniques, thus obtaining ultra-thin, thin and thick films, respectively. The morphology is generally flat for thin and thick films, but it becomes substrate dependent for ultra-thin films where the film planarization effect is not efficient. Mechanical properties of such films were investigated by Force Volume Maps in both air and liquid. In air, ultra-thin films are in the substrate-dominated zone and thus the elastic modulus E is overestimated, while E reaches its bulk value for thin and thick films. In liquid (water), E follows an exponential decay for all films with a minimum soaked time t0 of 0.37 and 2.65 h for ultra-thin and thin and thick films, respectively. After this time, E saturates to a value in average 92 % smaller than that measured in air due to films swelling. Such results confirm the role of morphology envisaged in literature, suggesting also an additional role of mechanical properties in the antimicrobial activity.

Porous structures and micropatterning surfaces play a crucial role in the development of highly sensitive force sensors. However, achieving these two conductive architectures typically requires complex materials synthesis and expensive manufacturing processes. In this study, we introduce a novel conductive composite film featuring a porous/micropyramid hybrid conductive architecture, which is achieved through a straightforward process of materials mixing and one-step screen printing. By utilizing a deep eutectic solvent in the ink component, micropores are induced in the printed composite, while the mesh of the screen mask acts as a template, resulting in a micropyramid film surface. We have successfully realized highly sensitive flexible force sensors with multifunctional capabilities for perceiving normal force and shear force.

This study aims to explore predictors of the foreign investment from China coming into Rwanda. One of the components of Rwanda’s economy is the investment it receives from other countries. In order to achieve these objectives, the study gathers econometric secondary data from 2007 to 2020 quarterly which were availably provided by National Statistics of China, World Bank, UNCTAD, National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and the National bank of Rwanda. From literature and based on the availability of data, market size, trade openness, infrastructure, and human capital were measured as predictors of Chinese FDI. The data is analyzed using linear regression in Stata. The finding of the study showed that variables have a positive effect on FDI from China, and it found that though FDI had an effect on overall economy of Rwanda, the effect was not statistically significant. The study suggested that Rwanda’s policy on foreign investment should aim to attract and encourage Chinese investment to increase the economy of Rwanda. To encourage more FDI, the Rwandan government can offer Chinese investors greater ownership, locational, and internalization benefits. It also should continue to strengthen economic policy transparency since it lowers transaction costs and hence improves incentives for foreign investment.

The elastic wave equation with the seismic tensorial force is solved in a homogeneous and isotropic medium (the Earth). Spherical-shell waves are obtained, which are associated to the primary P and S seismic waves. It is shown that these waves produce secondary waves with sources on the plane surface of a half-space, which have the form of abrupt walls with a long tail, propagating in the interior and on the surface of the half-space. These secondary waves are associated to the seismic mainshock. The results, previously reported, are re-derived by using Fourier transformations and specific regularization procedures. The relevance of this seismic motion for the ground motion, the seismographs' recordings and the effect of the inhomogeneities in the medium are discussed.

The safe and efficient mining of coal seams with low porosity, low permeability and high inhomogeneity under complex geological conditions is a major challenge, among which the permeability of coal seams is crucial for coal mine gas extraction. The development of coal seam permeability enhancement technology can help coal mines to produce safely and efficiently, and the extracted coal bed methane can be utilized as a green energy. In order to study the effect of freezing and thawing on the evolution of mechanical and permeability properties of coal, triaxial permeability tests were carried out on low-permeability coal under two kinds of surrounding pressures. At the same time, dry, saturated and freeze-thaw coal were set up for comparison, and the effects of water and freeze-thaw were separated from each other. The triaxial mechanics and percolation laws of dry, saturated and freeze-thaw coal rocks were obtained, and the mechanism of the influence of freeze-thaw on the permeability evolution law of coal was revealed. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the gas extraction technology of low permeability coal seams with increased permeability.

The pinning force density FpJc,B=Jc×B (where Jc is the critical current density and B is the applied magnetic field) is one of the main parameters that characterize the resilience of a superconductor to carry a dissipative-free transport current in an applied magnetic field. Kramer (1973 J. Appl. Phys. 44 1360), and Dew-Hughes (1974 Phil. Mag. 30 293) proposed a widely used scaling law for the pinning force density amplitude: FpB=Fp,max×p+qp+qppqq×BBc2p×1-BBc2q, where Fp,max, Bc2, p, and q are free-fitting parameters. Since the late 1970-s till now, several research groups have reported experimental data on the dependence of Fp,max on the average grain size, d, in Nb3Sn-based conductors. Godeke (2006 Supercond. Sci. Techn. 19 R68) proposed that the dependence obeys the law Fp,maxd=A×ln1d+B. However, this scaling law has several problems, for instance, the logarithm is taken from a non-dimensionless variable, and Fp,maxd<0 for large grain sizes, and Fp,maxd→∞ for d→0. Here, we reanalysed the full inventory of publicly available Fp,maxd data for Nb3Sn conductors and found that the dependence can be described by Fp,maxd=Fp,max0×exp-dδ law, where the characteristic length, δ, varies within a remarkably narrow range, that is, δ=175±13 nm, for samples fabricated by different technologies. The interpretation of the result is based on the idea that the in-field supercurrent flows within a thin surface layer (thickness of δ) near the grain boundary surfaces (similar to London’s law, where the self-field supercurrent flows within a thin surface layer with a thickness of the London penetration depth, λ, and the surface is a superconductor-vacuum surface). An alternative interpretation is that δ represents the characteristic length of the exponential decay flux pinning potential from the dominant defects in Nb3Sn superconductors, which are grain boundaries.

(1) Background: Within the scope of prevention studies, many researchers have indicated the need to enhance knee proprioception. Kinesiology tape is one product that claims to enhance proprioception, however, its use has not been well researched in the healthy population before. The aim of the study was to investigate if kinesiology tape application on the quadriceps muscle enhances proprioception. (2) Methods: Twelve healthy and physically active volunteers (M=7, F=5, mean age= 20.75 ± 2.14, mean BMI=22.25 ±2.34) participated in the study. With computerized, custom-built isokinetic dynamometer, we recorded perceived joint position angles (small and large angles). For force sense, we recorded maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and differences in torques (Nm) via force matching tasks both with vision and without vision on left leg. The absolute errors for joint position sense measurements and for force matching tasks and differences in MVIC both in untaped and taped conditions for left legs of all subjects were recorded. (3) Results: Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that no significant interaction existed among small and large angle groups in both the conditions nor any main condition effect was observed in both the groups. (p>0.05). Similarly, no differences were accounted in force matching tasks between the taped and un-taped with vision and without vision (p=0.52 and 0.38 respectively.) Statistically insignificant increments were observed in mean torque post application. (p=0.67) (4) Conclusions: Present study suggests that immediate kinesiology tape application on quadriceps muscle offers no benefits on proprioception in terms of joint position sense and force sense hence other preventive measures to strengthen the proprioceptive system should be relied upon.

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of artificial aging by thermocycling and mechanical loading on force/torque delivery by thermoplastic orthodontic aligners. Ten thermoformed aligners made of Zendura™ thermoplastic polyurethane sheets were aged over two weeks in deionized water by thermocycling alone (n=5) and by both thermocycling and mechanical loading (n=5). The force/torque generated on upper second premolar (Tooth 25) of a plastic model was measured before aging (as control), and after 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 days of aging, using a biomechanical set-up. Before aging, the extrusion-intrusion forces were in the range of 2.4 to 3.0 N, the oro-vestibular forces were 1.8 to 2.0 N, and the torques on mesio-distal rotation were 13.6 to 40.0 Nmm. Pure thermocycling had no significant effect on the force decay of the aligners. However, there was a significant decrease in force/torque after 2 days of aging for both thermocycling and mechanical loading aging group, which is no longer significant over 14 days of aging. In conclusion, artificial aging of aligners in deionized water with thermocycling and mechanical loading results in a significant decrease in force/torque generation. However, the mechanical loading of aligners has a greater impact than thermocycling alone.

Lipid mesophases are being intensively studied as potential candidates for drug-delivery purposes. Extensive experimental characterization has unveiled a wide palette of release features depending on the nature of the host lipids and of the guest molecule, as well as on the environmental conditions. However, only few simulation works have addressed the matter, which hampers a solid rationalization of the richness of outcomes observed in experiments. Particularly, to date there are no theoretical works addressing the impact of hydropathy on the transport of a molecule within lipid mesophases, despite the significant fraction of hydrophobic molecules among currently-available drugs. Similarly, the high heterogeneity of water mobility in the nanoscopic channels within lipid mesophases has also been neglected. To fill this gap, we introduce here a minimal model to account for these features in a lamellar geometry, and systematically study the role played by hydropathy and water-mobility heterogeneity by Brownian-dynamics simulations. We unveil a fine interplay between the presence of free-energy barriers, the affinity of the drug for the lipids, and the reduced mobility of water in determining the net molecular transport. More in general, our work is an instance of how multiscale simulations can be fruitfully employed to assist experiments in release systems based on lipid mesophases.

Although pollination is one of the most crucial biological processes that ensures plant reproduction, its mechanisms are poorly understood. Especially in insect-mediated pollination, a pollen undergoes several attachment and detachment cycles when being transfered from anther to insect and from insect to stigma. The influence of the surface properties of pollen, insect and floral surfaces on the adhesion forces that mediate pollen transfer are poorly studied. Here, we investigate the adhesive properties of Hypochaeris radicata pollen and their dependence on pollen ageing by quantifying the pull-off forces from glass slides using centrifugation and atomic force microscopy. We found that the properties of the pollenkitt – the viscous, lipid liquid on the surface of most pollen grains – influences the forces necessary to detach a pollen from hydrophilic surfaces. Our results show that aged H. radicata pollen form weaker adhesions to hydrophilic glass than fresh ones. On the other hand, when a pollen grain ages in contact with glass, the adhesion between the two surfaces increases over time. This study shows for the first time the pollen ageing effect on the pollination mechanism.

This study assesses the impact of globalization on female participation in the labor force (FPLF). The increased globalization in the last several decades has created various economic opportunities for enterprises and individuals worldwide at an unprecedented rate. As a result, it has helped improve the quality of life for many men and women. In this process, the issue of women’s economic participation has been a critical topic for discussion worldwide. In that context, the objective of the paper is to determine if FPLF is influenced by a country’s participation in foreign markets through foreign direct investment (FDI) – a proxy for globalization. The paper uses a panel dataset obtained from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators database for 99 countries from 2001 to 2018. We then use system Generalized Method of Moments (system GMM) to estimate a dynamic panel model with appropriate specification tests. The results show that the positive effects of FDI on FPLF are more robust for low- and middle-income countries than high-income countries. We also find that results may be sensitive to outlier observations. Our results explain the seemingly inconclusive results within existing literatures and suggest that low- and middle-income countries should particularly focus on sectors that generate FDI as they stand to yield the greatest benefits with regards to female economic empowerment.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) adopts a modular multidomain structure that mediates antigen recognition and effector functions, such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity. IgG molecules are self-assembled into a hexameric ring on antigen-containing membranes, recruiting the complement component, C1q. To provide deeper insights into the initial step of the complement pathway, we report a high-speed atomic force microscopy study for quantitative visualization of the interaction between IgG and the C1 complex composed of C1q, C1r, and C1s. Results showed that C1q in the C1 complex is restricted regarding internal motion and has a stronger binding affinity for on-membrane IgG assemblages than C1q alone, presumably because of smaller conformational entropy loss upon binding. Furthermore, we visualized a 1:1 stoichiometric interaction between C1/C1q and an IgG variant that lacks the entire CH1 domain in the absence of antigen. In addition to the canonical C1q-binding site on Fc, their interactions are mediated through a secondary site on the CL domain that is cryptic in the presence of the CH1 domain. Our findings offer clues for novel-modality therapeutic antibodies.

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) is a widespread technique for imaging magnetic structures with a resolution of some 10 nanometers. MFM can be calibrated to obtain quantitative (qMFM) spatially resolved magnetization data in units of A/m by determining the calibrated point spread function of the instrument, its instrument calibration function (ICF), from a measurement of a well-known reference sample. Beyond quantifying the MFM data, a deconvolution of the MFM image data with the ICF also corrects the smearing caused by the finite width of the MFM tip stray field distribution. However, the quality of the calibration depends critically on the calculability of the magnetization distribution of the reference sample. Here, we discuss a Ti/Pt/Co multilayer stack which shows a stripe domain pattern as a suitable reference material. A precise control of the fabrication process combined with a characterization of the sample micromagnetic parameters allows to reliably calculate the sample’s magnetic stray field, proven by a very good agreement between micromagnetic simulations and qMFM measurements. A calibrated qMFM measurement using the Ti/Pt/Co stack as a reference sample is shown and validated and the application area for quantitative MFM measurements calibrated with the Ti/Pt/Co stack is discussed.

The emergence of existing and novel vector-borne disease pathogens is highly unpredictable because there are so many possible causal factors of sociological, ecological, biological, behavioral and political origin. Traditional data-driven forecasting tools have limited use in circumstances featuring low-probability crises for which trend data is unreliable and non-predictive. Commercial and security sectors have been quick to adopt various forms of wargames to address this gap and provide intelligent insights on possible outcomes in the short, mid and long term future. The lack of commitment and action against vector-borne diseases by governments and local authorities requires a new approach that presents risk in terms of potential actions, possible outcomes and resulting consequences.

Understanding the ionic channel network of proton exchange membranes, which dictate fuel cell performance, is crucial when developing proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, itis difficult to characterize due to complicated nano structure and differing changes to their structure with different amounts of water uptake. Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) can map surface charge distribution as nano special resolution by measuring the electrostatic force between a vibrating conductive tip and a charged surface under an applied voltage, . In this study, the ionic channel network of a proton exchange membrane is analyzed using EFM. A mathematical approximation model of the ionic channel network is first derived, to explain changes in force gradient on the surface using EFM. The phase lag of dry and wet Nafion under stepwise changes to bias voltage is then measured. Based on the model, variations in the ionic channel network of Nafion with different amounts of water uptake are analyzed numerically. The mean surface charge density of both membranes, which is connected with the ionic channel network, is calculated using the model. The results show that the difference between the mean surface charge of the dry and wet membranes is consistent with the variation in their proton conductivity.

The energy E takes the place of the gravitational mass m_G to produce gravity [1]. We wonder whether the inertial mass m_i in the inertial force is also replaced by E. The experiments to measure the inertial force and weight of a carrier are presented. Now we can test the principle of equivalence and study foundations of physics in condensed matter.

Inertial focusing conditions of fluorescent polystyrene spherical particles are studied at the pointwise level along their pathlines. This is accomplished by an algorithm that calculates a de-gree of spreading function of the particles' trajectories taking streaklines images as raw data. Different confinement ratios of the particles and flow rates are studied and the results are pre-sented in state diagrams showing the focusing degree of the particles in terms of their position within a curve of an asymmetric serpentine and the applied flow rate. In addition, together with numerical simulation results, we present empirical evidence that the preferred trajectories of inertially focused spheres are contained within Dean vortices' centerlines. We speculate about the existence of a new force, never postulated before, to explain this fact.

A single photon inside a gravitational field defined by the accelerates $g$ is found to have a gravitational mass given by $m_g=(\hbar/2c^3)g$, where $\hbar$ is the reduced Planck's constant, and $c$ is the speed of light in vacuum. This force is equivalent to the curvature force introduced by Einstein's general relativity. These photons behave like the radiation emitted by a black hole. A black hole emitting such a radiation develops an entropy that is found to increase linearly with black hole mass, and inversely with the photon mass. Based on this, the entropy of a solar black hole emitting photons of mass $\sim 10^{-33}eV$ amounts to $\sim 10^{77}\,k_B$. The created photons could be seen as resulting from quantum fluctuation during an uncertainty time given by $\Delta t=c/g$. The gravitational force on the photon is that of an entropic nature, and varies inversely with the square of the entropy. The power of the massive photon radiation is found to be analogous to Larmor power of an accelerating charge.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of left intraparietal sulcus (IPS) inhibition by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on grip force modulation (GFM) for both hands during a unimanual task. Methods: GFM induced by manual action-verb listening was evaluated for each hand in a unimanual task, and the motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded for both left and right hemispheres prior to and following the left IPS inhibition. Left IPS inhibition was obtained by rTMS (5 min of 1.0 Hz, 60% of maximal stimulator output) of the international 10–20 system P3 point. Seven healthy right-handed subjects were evaluated. Results: One-way repeated measures ANOVA found that MEP amplitude and duration increased following IPS inhibition in the left hemisphere and did not change in the right hemisphere. Language-induced modulation did not change in the left hemisphere, while it was significantly attenuated in the right hemisphere. Since IPS inhibition increased the left primary motor cortex (M1) excitability, the maintenance of language-induced modulation intensity suggests it was also attenuated. Conclusion: Left IPS inhibition increased left M1 excitability without changing right M1 excitability, while attenuating the language-induced GFM for both the left and right hands.

There is a confusion in the original design concept for the tensioning of longitudinally connected reinforcement of CRTSII slab ballastless track. In order to clarify the effect of tension value of longitudinal reinforcement on mechanical characteristics of ballastless track, a three dimensional finite element model considering the nonlinear interaction between the track slab and CA mortar of CRTSII slab ballastless track was established. The mechanical characteristics of the track structure under longitudinal tension load and temperature gradient load of the longitudinal joint were calculated. A method of applying pre-stress to post-pouring concrete was proposed according to the concept of pre-stress loss of pretensioning pre-stressed concrete, reasonable tensile force value was proposed after the crack width and the reinforcement stress of the ballastless track in the operation stage were checked and calculated according to the concrete design principle. When the tension force is greater than 300 kN, it’s harmful to the bonding between the slab and mortar layer, which is prone to interlayer damage. In order to adding pre-stress to concrete of wide joints to ensure the longitudinal stability of ballastless track and the reinforcement stress and crack width to meet the design requirements. It is suggested that the tension force value should be 230 kN, and the temperature difference between reinforcement and concrete should be 30 °C before the initial curdle of wide joint concrete.

We demonstrate for the first time efficient mechanical to electrical energy conversion using InGaN/GaN nanowires (NWs). Using an atomic force microscope equipped with a modified Resiscope module, we analyse the piezoelectric energy generation of GaN NWs and demonstrate an important enhancement when integrating in their volume a thick In-rich InGaN insertion. The piezoelectric response of InGaN/GaN NWs can be tuned as a function of the InGaN insertion thickness and position in the NW volume. The energy harvesting is favoured by the presence of a PtSi/GaN Schottky diode which allows to efficiently collect the piezo-charges generated by InGaN/GaN NWs. Average output voltages up to 330 ± 70 mV and a maximum value of 470 mV per NW has been measured for nanostructures integrating 70 nm-thick InGaN insertion capped with a thin GaN top layer. This latter value establishes an increase of about 35% of the piezo-conversion capacity in comparison with binary p-doped GaN NWs. By considering these output signals, we estimate a maximum power density generated by one layer of dense InGaN/GaN-based NW of about 3.3 W/cm². These results settle the new state-of-the-art for piezo-generation from GaN-based NWs and offer a promising perspective for extending the performances of the piezoelectric sources.

Increasing of the imaging rate of conventional atomic force microscopy (AFM) is almost impossible without impairing of the imaging quality, since the probe tip tends to lose contact with the sample. We propose to apply the additional nonlinear force on the upper surface of a cantilever, which will help to keep the tip and surface in contact. In practice this force can be produced by the precisely regulated airflow. Such an improvement affects the AFM system dynamics, which were evaluated using a mathematical model presented in this paper. The model defines the relationships between the additional nonlinear force, the pressure of the applied air stream and the initial air gap between the upper surface of the cantilever and the end of the air duct. It was found that the nonlinear force created by the stream of compressed air (aerodynamic force) prevents the contact loss caused by the high scanning speed or higher surface roughness, and at the same time has minimal influence on the interaction force, thus maintaining stable contact between the probe and the surface. This improvement allows to effectively increase the scanning speed by at least 10 times using a soft (spring constant of 0.2 N/m) cantilever by applying the air pressure of 40 Pa. If a stiff cantilever (spring constant of 40 N/m) is used, the potential of accuracy improvement reaches 92 times. This method is suitable for use with different types of AFM sensors and can be implemented practically without essential changes in AFM sensor design.

The continuous flowing spacetime forms a spacetime group G, one of its fundamental groups is the Poincare group PO(1,3), and the matter and interaction fields are representations of its intrinsic spacetime group. As a kind of quantized space-time unit, space-time group elements generate both space-time manifolds and matter. Matter and fields are aggregates of the quantum space-time within them and determine their type: the Lorentz group SO(1,3) represents a rotating spacetime corresponding to visible matter and the translation group P^1,3 represents a translational spacetime corresponding to dark matter and dark energy. The aggregation mode of space-time degrees of freedom in matter reveals that charge conjugation symmetry is the inverse symmetry of internal time of charged particles, and the external parity breaking of neutrinos is also due to their internal spatial aggregation mode.

The Sine-Gordon expansion method is implemented to construct exact solutions some conformable time fractional equations in Regularized Long Wave(RLW)-class. Compatible wave transform reduces the governing equation to classical ordinary differential equation. The homogeneous balance procedure gives the order of the predicted polynomial-type solution that is inspired from well-known Sine-Gordon equation. The substitution of this solution follows the previous step. Equating the coefficients of the powers of predicted solution leads a system of algebraic equations. The solution of resultant system for coefficients gives the necessary relations among the parameters and the coefficients to be able construct the solutions. Some solutions are simulated for some particular choices of parameters.

Background: Digital health significantly affects healthcare delivery. Moreover, empirical studies on the utilization of telehealth in Dubai are limited. Accordingly, this study examines the utilization of telehealth services in Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facilities and the factors associated with telehealth appointment completion and turnaround time. Methods: This cross-sectional study examines patients who used telehealth services in DHA from 2020 through 2021 using 241,822 records. A binary logistic regression model was constructed to investigate the association between appointment turnaround time as a dependent variable and patient and visit characteristics as independent variables. Results: Of the total scheduled telehealth visits, more than three-quarter (78.55%) were completed. Older patients, non-Emiratis, patients who had their visits in 2020, patients who had video visits, and those who sought family medicine as a specialty had a shorter turn-around time to receive their appointment. Conclusions: This study identifies several characteristics associated with the turn-around time. Moreover, technological improvements focusing on specialties that can readily be addressed through telehealth and further research in this domain will improve service provision and support building an evidence base.

The principal aim of a spectral observer is twofold: the reconstruction of a signal of time via state estimation and the decomposition of such a signal into the frequencies that make it up. A spectral observer can be catalogued as an online algorithm for time-frequency analysis because is a method that can compute on the fly the Fourier transform (FT) of a signal, without having the entire signal available from the start. In this regard, this paper presents a novel spectral observer with an adjustable constant gain for reconstructing a given signal by means of the recursive identification of the coefficients of a Fourier series. The reconstruction or estimation of a signal in the context of this work means to find the coefficients of a linear combination of sines a cosines that fits a signal such that it can be reproduced. The design procedure of the spectral observer is presented along with the following applications: (1) the reconstruction of a simple periodical signal, (2) the approximation of both a square and a triangular signal, (3) the edge detection in signals by using the Fourier coefficients, (4) the fitting of the historical Bitcoin market data from 2014-12-01 to 2018-01-08 and (5) the estimation of a input force acting upon a Duffing oscillator. To round out this paper, we present a detailed discussion about the results of the applications as well as a comparative analysis of the proposed spectral observer vis-à-vis the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), which is a well-known method for time-frequency analysis.

Thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa (FXa) are key enzymes at the junction of the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways and are the most attractive pharmacological targets for the development of novel anticoagulants. Twenty non-amidino N²-thiophencarbonyl- and N²-tosyl anthranilamides 1-20 and six amidino N²-thiophencarbonyl- and N²-tosylanthranilamides 21-26 were synthesized and evaluated prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) using human plasma at concentration 30 μg/mL in vitro. From these results, compounds 5, 9, and 21-23 were selected to study the further antithrombotic activity. The anticoagulant properties of 5, 9, and 21-23 significantly exhibited a concentration-dependent prolongation of in vitro PT and aPTT, in vivo bleeding time, and ex vivo clotting time. These compounds concentration-dependently inhibited the activities of thrombin and FXa and inhibited the generation of thrombin and FXa in human endothelial cells. In addition, data showed that 5, 9, and 21-23 significantly inhibited thrombin catalyzed fibrin polymerization and mouse platelet aggregation and inhibited platelet aggregation induced U46619 in vitro and ex vivo. N-(3'-Amidinophenyl)-2-((thiophen-2''-yl)carbonyl amino)benzamide (21) was most active.

The exact solutions of some conformable time fractional PDEs are presented explicitly. The modified Kudryashov method is applied to construct the solutions to the conformable time fractional Regularized Long Wave-Burgers (RLW-Burgers, potential Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) and clannish random walker's parabolic (CRWP) equations. Initially, the predicted solution in the finite series of a rational form of an exponential function is substituted to the ODE generated from the conformable time fractional PDE by using wave transformation. The coefficients used in the finite series are determined by solving the algebraic system derived from the coefficients of the powers of the predicted solution.

Intraoperative load sensors have been developed with the aim of balancing the soft tissue in the knee during Total Knee Replacements (TKRs). Literature has shown success in soft tissue bal-ancing however, concerns regarding the accuracy of these sensors remain. For this reason, pre-vious research has attempted to create robust sensors for intraoperative use. The design of the sensor in this research has aimed to address the concerns outlined in the literature to create a new and novel smart-sensor for soft-tissue balancing. This new intraoperative load sensor included design features to increase accuracy while artificial intelligence allowed for comprehensive sensing across the entirety of the sensor, providing unparalleled insight during the operation. Notably, the sensor was designed to withstand loads of at least 450 N, ensuring robust perfor-mance of the sensor. To optimize the design process while minimizing cost, Finite Element Analysis was employed. This approach ensured the design features fulfilled their function while maintaining structural integrity to withstand loads. Moreover, the novelty of using training data from simulated data will reduce the iterative process of the labor-intensive collection of training data for the artificial intelligence while reducing human error associated with it. Results from the evaluation demonstrated the ability of this design to successfully bridge the current gap in the market by fulfilling all essential design criteria established within the literature. This innovative smart-sensing tool will in turn enhance patient outcomes and alleviate financial burdens to pa-tients and the healthcare systems by reducing the need for early revision surgeries associated with improper joint tension.

This work introduces a neuromorphic sensor based on force-sensing resistors (FSR) and spiking neurons for robotic systems. The proposed sensor integrates the FSR in the schematic of spiking neuron in order to make the sensor to generate spikes with frequency that depends on the applied force. The performance of the proposed sensor is evaluated for the control of a SMA-actuated ro-botic finger by monitoring the force during steady state when the finger pushes on a tweezers. For comparison purposes, we performed similar evaluation when the SNN receives input from a widely used compression load cell (CLC). The results show that the proposed FSR based neuro-morphic sensor has very good sensitivity to low forces and the function between the spiking rate and the applied force is continuous with good variation range. However, when compared to the CLC, the proposed sensor has lower linearity of the response, but it benefits from two orders of magnitude lower power consumption. These aspects imply that the neuromorphic sensor based on FSR are useful for bioinspired control of humanoid robotics representing a low power and low cost alternative the widely used sensors.

Abstract: Understanding the reliability and sensitivity of jump testing is essential to determine the neuromuscular progress of athletes and make informed decisions. This study aimed to assess the reliability and sensitivity of countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) tests metrics in female volleyball players. Sixteen semi-professional female volleyball players participated in the study. Intrasession and intersession reliability of CMJ and DJ metrics were evaluated using a randomized cross-over design. Dual force platform was used to collect data, and several dependent variables were calculated using forward dynamics. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV) and minimum difference (MD) were calculated. The third attempt presented the highest values for both test, and changes in jump strategy in DJ. CMJ is consistent across sessions, while DJ also shows intersession differences (p<0.05) in 11 out of 15 variables. Most CMJ variables exhibit excellent reliability while DJ variables have lower reliability and higher variability. Concentric and eccentric impulses for DJ showed excellent reliability. Most CMJ variables showed excellent reliability and variability, DJ had lower reliability, higher variability, and lower sensitivity. These findings provide valuable information when assessing athletes' performance and highlight the reliability, sensitivity, and variability in jump performance for CMJ and DJ tests.

A friction loss model for brake testing platform is constructed to revise the braking force test results, which can largely improve the accuracy of automotive brake performance testing. Specifically, the influence of tire pressure, vehicle axle load, placement angle and vehicle speed on the friction loss is tested and analyzed on a wheelbase adjustable automotive anti-force brake testing platform. The friction loss model for the platform is constructed based on the defined relative slip and placement angle, which is validated through actual tests on four types of vehicles. The results showed that the maximum relative error between the values of the model calculated simulation and the measured was 2.2%, indicating the friction loss model is valid and can provide a basis for revising the braking force of automotive brake. Meanwhile, the maximum braking force increases from 3982 N to 4772 N, increased by 19.8%, when the placement angle increased from 36.9° to 47.0°. Accordingly, in order to improve the accuracy of detection results of the automotive anti-force rolling brake testing platform, the friction loss caused by the change in the placement angle should be revised, and then braking rate of the vehicle should be judged according to GB 7258-2017 and GB 38900-2020.

The healthy function of the vestibular system (VS) is of vital importance for individuals to carry out their daily activities independently and safely. This study carries out Tsallis entropy (TE)-based analysis on insole force sensor data in order to extract features to differentiate between healthy and VS-diseased individuals. Using a specifically developed algorithm, we detrend the acquired data to examine the fluctuation around the trend curve in order to consider the individual’s walking habit and thus increase the accuracy in diagnosis. It is observed that the TE-value increases for diseased people as an indicator of the problem of maintaining balance. As one of the main contributions of this study, in contrast to studies in the literature that focus on gait dynamics requiring extensive walking time, we directly process the instantaneous pressure values, enabling to reduce the data acquisition period significantly. The extracted feature set is then inputted into fundamental classification algorithms, with the Support-Vector-Machine (SVM) demonstrating the highest performance, achieving an average accuracy of 95%. This study constitutes a significant step of a large project aiming to identify specific VS disease together with its stage. The performance achieved in this study provides a strong motivation to further explore this topic.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the horizontal force and contribution of shoulder horizontal adductor and elbow extensor muscles activity during wide and narrow grip bench press (BP) in various conditions, such as resistance trained/non-trained, concentric/eccentric and muscle fatigue/non-fatigue.　We measured the horizontal force on the bar and the electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity of pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TB) during 10RM BP with wide grip (81cm) and narrow grip (40cm)　in 7　resistance trained men and 7 non-trained men. The all-reps average of the horizontal to vertical force ratio both in resistance trained and non-trained subjects was about 30% outward for the wide grip, and about 10% inward for the narrow grip. The EMG contribution ratio PM/TB shows no significant differences between narrow and wide grip in all evaluated conditions except in non-trained subjects muscle fatigue eccentric phase. Both resistance trained and non-trained subjects did not push the bar straight upward, and the EMG PM/TB was almost unchanged by hand width. The direction adjustment of the force on the bar that achieves almost the same muscle activity degree of the shoulder and elbow joints might be optimal BP kinetics.

The structural stability of γ-boron is investigated using Raman spectra under high pressures up to 126 GPa at ambient temperature. The pressure dependence of all the Raman-active modes of the γ-boron is reported. We also observe amusing changes within the B3g and B1g Raman-active vibrational modes, which results in the phenomenon of merging first and then separating of the Raman peaks. In addition to the Raman measurements, the changes in crystal structure and force constants are calculated to reasonably explain the discrepancy between the two Raman modes in response to pressure. The results of the continuous shifts for all Raman modes with increasing pressure indicate that γ-boron remains stable below this pressure value, with no changes in either symmetry or structure.

In this paper, we discussed the motion of neutral and charged particles in Schwarzschild black hole immersed in an electromagnetic universe (SEBH). The SEBH represents a mass M coupled to an external electromagnetic field that was derived from the metric of colliding electromagnetic waves with double polarization. Our study examine how the external electromagnetic field affects the trajectory of neutral and charged particles. First, the trajectories of both photon and test particle are studied. Then, the exact solutions for the trajectories are obtained in terms of the Jacobi-elliptic integrals for all possible energy and angular momentum of test particle and photon. We have also discussed the motion of charged particle and obtained the radius of the innermost circular orbit (ISCO). It is especially interesting when the charge sign is positive since this creates a conflict between gravitational (attraction force) and electric (repulsion force). Furthermore, we discuss the Lyapunov exponent and the effective force influencing particles in SEBH spacetime.

Food processing and consumption involves multiple contacts between biological fluids and solid materials of processing devices of which steel is one of the most common. Due to complexity of these interactions, it is difficult to identify the main control factors in the formation of undesirable deposits on the device surfaces that may affect safety and efficiency of the processes. Mechanistic understanding of biomolecule-metal interactions involving food proteins could improve management of these pertinent industrial processes and consumer safety in food industry and beyond. In this work, we perform a multiscale study of formation of protein corona on iron surfaces and nanoparticles in contact with cow milk proteins. By calculating the binding energies of proteins with the substrate we quantify the adsorption strength and rank proteins by the adsorption affinity. We use a multiscale method involving all-atom and coarse-grained simulations as well as generation of 3D structures of the proteins for this purpose. Finally, using the adsorption energy results, we predict the composition of protein corona on iron nanoparticles and flat surfaces via a competitive adsorption model.

Minimal rotating thermodynamic systems are addressed. Particle m placed into the rotating symmetrical double-well potential (bowl), providing binary logical system is considered. The condition providing the transfer of the particle from one frictionless half-well to another, and in this way possibility to record 1 bit of information is derived. The procedure of recording turns out to be irreversible; it is impossible to return the particle to its initial state under rotation about the same axis. The same rotating double-well system exerted to the thermal noise is considered. Minimal rotating thermal engine built of the rotating chamber, movable partition and the particle confined within the chamber is treated. Rotation of the system displaces the partition; thus, enabling erasing of one bit information. Erasing of 1 bit of information is due to the inertia (centrifugal force) acting on the partition. Isothermal expansion of the “minimal gas” expectedly gives rise to the Landauer bound. Compression of the “gas” with the rotation around the same axis is impossible and demands the additional axis of rotation. The interrelation between the possibility of recording/erasing information and the symmetry of the system is considered.

To define and evaluate the areas of consideration concerning in identifying the critical factors that top universities in Nueva Ecija, Philippines can be used for triangulating the courses of actions that can be applied to improve the current practices of universities towards its combat to the COVID–19 disease is the primary objective of this study. The researchers used a descriptive design of methodology by using questionnaire–checklist to scientifically describe the situation, problems, phenomenon, or program, or provide information about certain issues related to the virus outbreak. The respondents of the study were faculty and staff of five established universities in Nueva Ecija, Philippines wherein the researchers employed a non–probability sampling technique to be logically assumed as the representative of the entire population. The results of the study shown that the top universities in Nueva Ecija have made efforts to ensure the safety of university workers by complying with the Inter–Agency Task Force (IATF) protocols. It can be inferred, in reality, that there are some areas that must be improved especially when it comes to ensuring the welfare of the personnel who are still reporting to work even in this time of the pandemic. The researchers suggested an enhancement plan that can be adapted by these universities to resolve the concerns of the faculty and staff especially in reducing the spread of the virus without sacrificing the day–to–day transactions of the academic institutions.

There is an accelerating requirement for ocean sensing where autonomous vehicles can play an essential role in assisting engineers, researchers, and scientists with environmental monitoring and collecting oceanographic data. This paper is performed to develop a rigid sail for the autonomous sailing drone. Our study aims to numerically analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of curvy twin sail and compare it with wing sail. Because racing regulations limit the sail shape, only the two-dimensional geometry was open for an optimization. Therefore, this study’s first objective was to identify the aerodynamic performance of such curvy twin sails. Simultaneously, a secondary objective was to estimate the effect of the sail’s spacing and shapes. A viscous Navier-Stokes flow solver is used for the numerical aerodynamic analysis. The 2D aerodynamic investigation is a preliminary evaluation. The results have shown that the curvy twin sail designs have improved lift, drag, and driving force coefficient compared to the wing sails. The spacing between the port and starboard sails of curvy twin sail is an important parameter. The spacing is 0.035L, 0.07L, and 0.14L shows the lift coefficient reduction because of dramatically stall effect, while flow separation is improved with spacing is 0.21L, 0.28L, and 0.35L. Significantly, the spacing 0.28L shows the maximum high pressure at the lower area and the small low pressure area at leading edges, so the highest lift is generated.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has the characteristics of large-scale deployment, flexible networking, and wide application. It is an important part of the wireless communication networks. However, due to limited energy supply, the development of WSN is greatly restricted. Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks (WRSNs) transform the distributed energy around the environment into usable electricity through energy collection technology. In this work, a joint optimization strategy is proposed to improve the energy management efficiency for WRSNs. The joint optimization strategy is divided into two phases. In the first phase, we design an Annulus Virtual Force based Particle Swarm Optimization (AVFPSO) algorithm for area coverage planing. It adopts the multi-parameter joint optimization method to improve the efficiency of the algorithm. In the second phase, a Queuing Game-based Energy Supply (QGES) algorithm is designed for energy scheduling. It converts energy supply and consumption into network service. By solving the game equilibrium of the model, the optimal energy distribution strategy can be obtained. The simulation results show that our scheme improves the efficiency of coverage and energy, and extends the lifetime of WSN.

Background and objectives: The language-induced grip force modulation (GFM) can be used to better understand the link between the language and motor functions as an expression of the embodied language. However, the contribution of each brain hemisphere to the language-induced GFM is still unclear. Using six different action verbs as stimuli, this study evaluated the GFM of the left hand in unimanual task to characterize the left- and right-hemisphere contributions. Materials and Methods: The left-hand GFM of 20 healthy consistent right-handers subjects was evaluated using the verbs “to write”, “to hold”, “to pull”(left-lateralized central processing actions), “to draw”, “to tie”, and “to drive” (bi-hemispheric central processing actions) as linguistic stimuli. The time between the word onset and the first interval of statistical significance regarding the baseline (RT) was also measured. Results: The six verbs produced language-induced GFM. The modulation intensity was similar for the six verbs, but the RT was variable. The verbs “to draw”, “to tie”, and “to drive”, whose central processing of the described action is bihemispheric showed a longer Rt compared to the other verbs. Conclusions: The possibility that an action is performed by the left-hand does not interfere with the occurrence of GFM when this action verb is employed as linguistic stimulus. Therefore, the language-induced GFM seems mainly rely on the left hemisphere, and the engagement of the right hemisphere seems to slow down the increase in the GFM intensity.

The description of protein disordered states is important for understanding protein folding mechanisms and their functions. In this short review, we briefly describe a simulation approach to modeling disordered protein interactions and unfolded states of globular proteins. It is based on the CABS coarse-grained protein model that uses a Monte Carlo (MC) sampling scheme and a knowledge-based statistical force field. We review several case studies showing that description of protein disordered states resulting from CABS simulations is consistent with experimental data. The case studies comprise investigations of protein-peptide binding and protein folding processes. The CABS model has been recently made available as the simulation engine of multiscale modeling tools enabling studies of protein-peptide docking and protein flexibility. Those tools offer customization of the modeling process, driving the conformational search using distance restraints, reconstruction of selected models to all-atom resolution and studies of large protein systems in a reasonable computational time. Therefore, CABS can be combined in integrative modeling pipelines incorporating experimental data and other modeling tools of various resolution.

Coating of suitable materials having thickness of few atoms to several microns on a substrate is of great interest to the scientific community. Hard coatings develop under the significant composition of suitable-natured atoms where their force-energy behaviors when in certain transition state favour binding. In the binding mechanism of suitable atoms, electron belonging to outer ring filled state of gas-atom undertakes another clamp of energy knot belonging to outer ring unfilled state of solid-atom. Set process conditions develop the binding of different-natured atoms when processing their suitable composition in a system. Atoms of different nature develop structure in the form of hard coating by locating their ground points between the original ones. Here, gas-natured atoms increase the potential energy under decreasing levitational force of electrons, whereas, solid-natured atoms decrease the potential energy under decreasing gravitational force of electrons. In TiN coating, Ti–Ti atoms bind under the difference of expansion of their lattices, called nets of energy knots, where one atom just lands on the already landed atom. An adhered N-atom to a Ti-atom forms its position among four Ti-atoms where N-atom occupies the interstitial site of Ti-atoms. Two oppositely working force-energy behavior atoms deposit in the form of coating at substrate surface as per set conditions of the process. The rate of ejecting (or dissociating) solid-natured atoms depend on the nature of their source (target), process parameters and processing technique. In random arc-based vapor deposition system, depositing differently natured atoms at substrate surface depends on the input power. In addition to intrinsic nature of atoms, different properties and characteristics of coatings emerge as per engaged forces under their involved energy. The present study sets new trends in the field of coatings involving the diversified class of materials and their counterparts.

The Review examines studies aimed at the organization of energy (non-mechanical) control of high-speed flow/flight using spatially multi-component plasma structures and combined energy deposition. The Review covers selected works on experimental obtaining and numerical modeling multi-component plasma structures and use of sets of actuators based on the plasma of such a spatially type for the purposes of control of shock wave/bow shock wave – energy source interaction, as well as control of shock wave – boundary layer interaction. A series of works on repetitive multiple laser pulse plasma structures is also analyzed from the point of view of examining shock wave/bow shock wave boundary layer interaction. Self-sustained theoretical models for laser dual-pulse, multi-mode laser pulses and self-sustained glow discharge are also considered. Separate sections are devoted to high-speed flow control using combined physical phenomena and numerical prediction of flow control possibilities using thermal longitudinally layered plasma structures. The wide possibilities for organization and applying spatially multi-component structured plasma for the purposes of high-speed flow control are demonstrated.

The 3GPP release 16 integrates TSN functionality into 5G and standardizes various options for TSN time synchronization over 5G such as transparent mode and bridge mode. The time domains for the TSN network and the 5G network are kept separate with an option to synchronize either of the networks to the other. The TSN time synchronization over 5G is possible either by using the IEEE 1588 generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP) based on UDP/IP multicast or via IEEE 802.1AS based on Ethernet PDUs. The INET and Simu5G simulation frameworks, which are both based on the OMNeT++ discrete event simulator, are widely used for simulating TSN and 5G networks. The INET framework comprises the 802.1AS based time synchronization mechanism and Simu5G provides the 5G user plane carrying IP PDUs. We modified the 802.1AS based synchronization model of INET so that it works over UDP/IP. With that it is possible to synchronize TSN slaves (connected to 5G UEs), across a 5G network, with a TSN master clock, present within a TSN network, that is connected to the 5G core network. Our simulation results show that 500 microseconds synchronization accuracy can be achieved with the corrected asymmetric propagation delay of uplink and downlink between the gNodeB (gNB) and the User Equipment (UE). Futhermore, the synchronization accuracy can be improved if the delay difference between uplink and downlink is known.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the normative values of muscles’ contractile properties, lateral symmetry, and the impact of aging on muscle contractility in gymnastics. Materials and Methods: A survey of 81 athletes from different disciplines was undertaken: MAG (n = 26), WAG (n = 28), and RG (n = 27). The athletes’ average age was 15.41 ± 5.03 years. We try to establish the normative values for contraction time (muscle pairs) in gymnastics for Slovenian athletes for ten skeletal muscles. Results: Athletes’ age affects contractility in a negative way. Differences between the duration of contractility and age were found in all disciplines: m. BF (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), m. TB (r = 0.37, p < 0.013), m. ES (r = 0.17, p < 0.025), m. VL (r = 0.36, p < 0.00) and m. VM (r = 0.40, p < 0.000) at a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Conclusions: A comparison between the left and right sides shows little asymmetry in WAG and that the occurrence of injuries is in the middle range. In RG we see a bigger deviation, which could trigger the emergence of pain or injury in m. BF (13%) and m. GL (14.5%), but in MAG the deviation is greater in m. BB (12%), m. BF (11%) and m. GM (13%).

The anomaly detection task is very important in computer science. And there are a lot of anomaly detection methods. Different from some thresholding methods, some unsupervised methods could make us get more accurate and faster result, which is the object of the project. In this paper, I tried to use EWMA and some other methods in two datasets: Webank time consuming indicators dataset and AIOps Challenge dataset. The paper consists nine parts: background of the project, related work, description of algorithms, implementation details, experimental setup and data sets used, experimental results and discussion, future directions, reference and meeting notes.

There is a long standing ‘two times problem’ in that a satisfactory reconciliation between the time of physics and that of psychology has not been realized. A partial solution to the past/present/future phenomenon has been successfully given by the Hartle information gathering and processing system (IGUS) view. That model IGUS robot is enhanced here for the entire ‘two times problem’ to deal with not only the temporal experiences of the flow of time but also those of manifest time. A dualistic robot is proposed which has a veridical system of temporal experiences that are compatible with various spacetime cosmologies. It also has an illusory system of corresponding temporal experiences. This dualistic IGUS robot was made possible by discovering temporal experience within the brain that correspond to those of physics. The dualistic theory suggests that the veridical system, as a result of evolution, begets the illusory system to enhance behavioral adaptation. Thus, there is just one fundamental physical time which the brain does, indeed, possess and then enhances with illusory counterparts. Therefore, there should no longer be a need to reify illusory temporal experiences as modern spacetime cosmologies tend to do. Physical time already resides within human time.