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This work deals with fracture mechanisms in quasi-brittle materials, focusing on the characterization of the Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) of specimens under tensile load. Particularly, paper was used as model material. Experiments were conducted on notched and unnotched specimens. Based on an image analysis of these observations, a stochastic finite element model was developed, using both a nonlocal stress-based approach and a discretized random field modeling of the Young's modulus. The proposed methodology allowed characterizing the damage zone and the size of the FPZ, analyzing the influence of the mesostructure, composed of flocs (fiber aggregates where the basis weight is larger than the average one) and antiflocs (complement of flocs). The area of the active FPZ and the normalized stress drop were linked using a surface energy dissipated in the active FPZ. The stress drop, until limiting value, increased with the width of the active FPZ. Finally, a relationship between the surface energy and the nonlocal internal length was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport properties of gas diffusion layer (GDL) in proton exchange membrane fuel cell are important parameters in fuel cell modelling, and one method to measure them is to simulate the transport of each species at spatial resolutions of a few microns in a microstructure of the GDL. One issue in this method is the size of the microstructure as using an unnecessarily big sample could substantially increase the computational cost. Both carbon-paper and carbon-cloth GDLs are investigated and their microstructures are obtained using numerical generation and X-ray micro-tomography respectively at a resolution of 1.733 µm. For each reconstructed GDL, we use the orthorhombic lattice Boltzmann model to simulate fluid flow through some subsamples taken from it in both the in-plane and the through-plane directions; the results show that the permeability of all subsamples is anisotropic in that their permeability in the in-plane direction is higher than in the through-plane direction. For each GDL, we compare its permeability calculated using samples of different sizes and find its representative elementary volume (REV) – a volume above which the calculated permeability represents the average ability of the GDL to conduct fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some errors exist in the above paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coating blades are used in the paper industry to meter off the excess coating applied to the paper. They are essential in attaining high-quality coating films with minimum operating cost. During the coating process, the blades are worn down at the tip and are replaced when the coating quality degrades. The objectives of this study are to predict the wear rate of the blades and examine the hypothesis that the blades wear into a quasi-steady-state wear profile, despite both low- and high-angle particle impact. Experimental data and results from finite element simulations are presented for a series of blade materials and suspensions. The approach taken differs considerably from earlier studies, in that it treats blade wear as erosion from the action of the impacting slurry particles rather than abrasion, thus explaining the enhanced wear around the heel. The current approach relies on computer experiments to solve the equations for the liquid flow field, the individual particle motion, the substrate deformation and the eroded volume of the blade, rather than employing empirical relations between wear rates and average fluid velocity. The shear thinning behavior of the coating suspension was properly taken into account. To validate the calculations, blade samples from both a pilot and an off-machine coater were collected at a variety of time intervals. The blade samples aided not only in the establishment of the wear rates and the identification of the wear patterns, but also in the confirmation of the steady-state wear hypothesis that is correctly predicted by the simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the determinability of time related colour changes in prints made using ink that dries on matte coated paper with the offset printing technique and infrared method, has been investigated with artifical neural networks after analysis of the experimental and numerical methods. In the experimental part a ECI 2002 CMYK test scale is printed on a 135g/m2 matte coated. The prints obtained were measured with a spectrophotometer at certain intervals and by converting the reflection data obtained into the CIELAB colour description spectrum, time related changes in printed colours have been determined. In the empirical study however, colour changes in prints made on matte coated paper using inks that dry with the infrared method are modelled numerically. The average deviation has been found to be 0.4%. As a result, artificial neural networks can be used with the aim to digitally calculate time related colour changes in the offset printing system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new shell element has been proposed for geometrically non-linear, finite element analyses of axially moving paper web. Web instability problems of paper travelling in a printing system, such as wrinkling and fluttering, pose special challenges in the numerical analyses. For examples, these are finite bending stiffness (as opposed to membrane), orthotropy, and non-uniform distributions of mechanical and hygro-properties (in different length scales). The new formulation has accounted for paper transport velocity and paper bending stiffness based on a mixed Lagrangian–Eulerian description of the motion. A natural coordinate system has been employed in the analytical and finite element formulations. Benchmarking with different finite elements in various tests showed that the proposed element is indeed more stable and reliable for the chosen application than existing elements. The usability of the shell element has been successfully demonstrated by two example problems: wrinkling of stretched isotropic and orthotropic membranes, and the vibration of a web showing a speed-tensioning effect above a critical web transport velocity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article describes a new method for evaluation of radial crush strength of paper cores. Based on the theory of multilayered composites, a mathematical model has been developed to calculate the value of destructive force during radial crushing of spirally shaped paper cores whose layers are made of different materials. To start calculations, it is necessary to have geometry parameters of the cores, Young's modulus and SCT of an individual component layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The profiles of the edge of rectangular sheets of paper folded so as to join opposite edges were measured and compared with the profiles calculated with the theory of elasticity. I show how the calculation can be accomplished by using the aspect ratio of the loops as the only input parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper-based channel is a useful platform for the facile development of analytical devices implementing various chemical or biological reactions. To improve the analytical performance for various applications, it was necessary to analyze the detailed mixing characteristics within a paper-based channel. In this paper, we proposed a mathematical model to predict a concentration field created as a result of the imbibition of multiple fluids within a porous material. Interestingly, we found that the model exhibited a constant interdiffusion width within a paper-based channel even though the flow front velocity decreased over time. We were able to verify that our model accurately predicted the concentration field by comparing the experimental and numerical results for mixing in a 2 inlet-channel. Finally, we designed and fabricated paper-based channels to generate two (linear and non-linear) concentration gradients based on predictions made by the model. Both the experimental and numerical results were in good agreement, demonstrating that our model was accurate and useful for developing a paper-based analytical device utilizing the mixing characteristics of a sample and reagent flow system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The transport of electrons through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells has a significant impact on the optimal design and operation of PEM fuel cells and is directly affected by the anisotropic nature of the carbon paper material. In this study, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the GDL is used to numerically estimate the directional dependent effective electrical conductivity of the layer for various porosity values. The distribution of the fibers in the through-plane direction results in high electrical resistivity; hence, decreasing the overall effective electrical conductivity in this direction. This finding is in agreement with measured experimental data. Further, using the numerical results of this study, two mathematical expressions were proposed for the calculation of the effective electrical conductivity of the carbon paper GDL. Finally, the tortuosity factor was evaluated as 1.7 and 3.4 in the in- and through-plane directions, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanical response of three different structural core sandwich panels in out-of-plane compression and shear has been analyzed. Specific core shapes examined are arc-tangent, wavy trapezoidal and hemispherical. Unit cells consisting of representative elements of the core attached to face sheets were selected for analysis. Both face sheets and core were assumed made from paper. Finite element analysis employing large deformation and rotations and orthotropic elastic–plastic behavior was used. The results show that the arc-tangent and trapezoidal cores are prone to collapse by extensive bending and buckling, whereas the hemispherical core behaved more stably in compression and shear. Core sheets with a hemispherical shape were prepared from copy paper sheets in a specially designed forming machine. Sandwich test specimens were prepared from this core and tested in out-of-plane compression, and the load-displacement response was compared to predictions from finite element simulations. The experimental and finite element results were consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A coupled numerical multi-physics model is developed to study the generation and variation mechanisms of friction torque, including fluid lubricating, micro-contact, sliding and heat transfer among the friction components. The engagement experiment is conducted to verify the accuracy of numerical model and investigate the stability of friction torque. The results show that the most significant operating factor affecting the friction stability is the applied pressure, followed by the rotating speed and the ATF temperature. Simultaneously, the operating factors have great influence on the torque response, engagement time and temperature rise. Moreover, the growth model of friction torque can be divided into two categories: one is increasing linearly and the other is concave parabolic rising. Highlights • A coupled numerical multi-physics model is presented to study the generation and variation mechanisms of friction torque. • The bench test is conducted to verify the accuracy of numerical model and investigate the stability of the friction torque. • The most significant operating factor affecting the friction stability is the applied pressure, followed by the rotating speed and ATF temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates roll paper fire using laboratory-scale experiments, with emphasis on water transport on burning surfaces for sprinkler suppression. Freeburn, water transport and suppression experiments were conducted using different types of paper with various basis weight and water absorptivity. For fire suppression, the experimental results showed different water transport patterns that are sensitive to the burning surface conditions. This is in contrast to the water transport under no fire conditions in straight vertical rivulets exhibiting highly non-uniform distribution along the roll perimeter. For roll paper fire growth, both surface delamination and exfoliation play a crucial role, with the delamination length increasing either linearly or exponentially with time and the exfoliation rates strongly dependent on paper basis weight. Although the effects observed at the small scale in this work may have differences from those at large scales, the experimental results yield insights for better understanding of fire growth and suppression mechanisms and provide extensive data for numerical model development and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper brieffy overviews some recent and very fresh results on a rather new class of dynamic optimization problems governed by the so-called sweeping (Moreau) processes with controlled moving sets. Uncontrolled sweeping processes have been known in dynamical systems and applications starting from 1970s while control problems for them have drawn attention of mathematicians, applied scientists, and practitioners quite recently. We discuss here such problems and major results achieved in their theory and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new damage detection and localization technique based on the changes in vibration parameters using BAT and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. The finite element method is used to apply damage at specific element(s) of the considered beams. The damage is represented by a reduction in Young's modulus and the identification of damage is formulated as an optimization problem using objective function based on Modal Scale Factor and changes in natural frequencies. A procedure for detecting and locating damage of beam-like structures based on BAT algorithm is used. This approach presents a method that can be used to detect the single and multiple-damage positions and the rate of damage in structural elements with high accuracy after the first iteration. The results obtained using BAT algorithm are compared to those obtained using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm. By taking noise into account in the damage detection and localization problem, it is shown that our approach based on BAT algorithm can detect the damage locations with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical model based on the Fokker–Planck equation for studying the orientation of paper fibers in a suspension is presented. The model is implemented in a finite volume framework. The rotational operators are discretized on a triangulated half sphere and the spatial operators are discretized on a Cartesian octree grid, where internal walls are handled with immersed boundary methods. Transient solutions of the two dimensional fiber orientation distribution are computed in the entire fluid domain. This is in contrast to earlier approaches that either only compute along streamlines or one dimensional projected orientations. The fibers are assumed to have negligible inertia and thus to follow the fluid perfectly and to be evenly distributed. A head-box geometry relevant for paper forming is used to exemplify the usefulness of the method. The influence of translational and rotational diffusion is included in the presented method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin-walled tubular deployable composite boom (DCB) has gained significant attention due to its lightweight, simple structure and high packaging efficiency. The experimental and numerical simulation methods were employed in this paper to investigate the folding behavior of the DCB. Using T700/epoxy unidirectional reinforced prepreg as raw material, DCB specimens were prepared by the vacuum bag method. To complete the folding experiments of DCB specimens, a folding mechanism was designed and manufactured. Folding experiments of DCB specimens were conducted and folding moment versus rotational displacement curves were measured. In addition, a Finite Element Model (FEM) was established to predict the folding behavior of the DCB. Different failure criteria were considered in the numerical analysis, including the Tsai‐Hill criterion and maximum stress criterion. Prediction results using the FEM were compared with experimental results, and both sets of results were in good agreement. It is shown that the DCB can achieve the folding function without failure. The research results in this paper are of great significance to the practical engineering application of the DCB. [Display omitted] • Six tubular deployable composite boom specimens and a precise folding mechanism were designed and prepared. • Folding experiments were conducted to measure the folding moment and rotational displacement curves. • A finite element model for predicting the folding behavior of the tubular deployable composite boom was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generalization of the problem of writing on dirty paper is considered in which one transmitter sends a common message to multiple receivers. Each receiver experiences on its link an additive interference (in addition to the additive noise), which is known noncausally to the transmitter but not to any of the receivers. Applications range from wireless multiple-antenna multicasting to robust dirty paper coding. We develop results for memoryless channels in Gaussian and binary special cases. In most cases, we observe that the availability of side information at the transmitter increases capacity relative to systems without such side information, and that the lack of side information at the receivers decreases capacity relative to systems with such side information. For the noiseless binary case, we establish the capacity when there are two receivers. When there are many receivers, we show that the transmitter side information provides a vanishingly small benefit. When the interference is large and independent across the users, we show that time sharing is optimal. For the Gaussian case, we present a coding scheme and establish its optimality in the high signal-to-interference-plus-noise limit when there are two receivers. When the interference power is large and independent across all the receivers, we show that time-sharing is again optimal. Connections to the problem of robust dirty paper coding are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and efficient damage detection in long-term health monitoring for structures still encounters many difficulties due to the effect of environment. Furthermore, recorded big data requires efficient damage detection algorithm. In this study, an efficient and effective damage detection algorithm is proposed using transmissibility along with Mahalanobis distance and Hotelling T-square. A numerically simulated beam and an experimentally tested laboratory structure are used to validate the proposed algorithm. Results demonstrate good performance of the proposed technique in damage detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ahmad et al. (2015) consider a Transmuted Kumaraswamy distribution and study certain properties of their distribution. In the title of their paper they mention characterization of this distribution, but no characterizations are presented in the paper. In the present short note we establish certain characterizations of the Transmuted Kumaraswamy in three directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A finite element procedure, developed in order to account for the effect of high anisotropy at folding of coated papers, is presented. The anisotropic behaviour (with very low stiffness in the thickness direction) is modelled using stiff structural elements (trusses and beams). The numerical results indicate that high elastic anisotropy leads to lower strain levels at folding than reported in previous analyses where this effect was not accounted for. High plastic anisotropy, on the other hand, will contradict this result. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Folding of coated paper is examined numerically using the finite element method. Particular emphasis is put on the behaviour of field variables relevant for cracking of the coating layers. In the numerical analysis, the basepaper is modelled as an anisotropic elastic–plastic material (both elastic and plastic anisotropy is accounted for) while the constitutive behaviour of the coating layers are approximated by classical (Mises) elastoplasticity. The numerical results suggest, among other things, that particular forms of plastic anisotropy can substantially reduce the maximum strain levels in the coating. It is also shown that delamination buckling, in the present circumstances, will have a very small influence on the strain levels in the coating layer subjected to high tensile loading. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights • The problem concerns slip flow of carbon–water nanofluid. • Three non-dimensional parameters are wrong. • Some profiles are truncated and wrong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Strains, computed by the finite element method, are evaluated and compared to an experimentally determined strain field. The analyzed low-density paper has been designed to ensure bond–breakage as the dominating damage mechanism and the paper material is approximately in-plane isotropic. An optical non-contact displacement measuring system has been used in fracture tests to determine the strain field in the crack-tip region of a pre-fabricated crack. Additionally, acoustic emission monitored tensile tests have been conducted to determine onset and evolution of damage processes and thereby enabling calibration of required constitutive parameters. The results suggest that the investigated paper material can tolerate significantly higher strains than what is predicted by a classic elastic–plastic J 2-flow theory. Immediately before onset of the final fracture (i.e., localization), the experimental measured normal strain in the near-tip region is around 60% higher than the computed strain when using exclusively an elastic–plastic theory for the corresponding load while the strain computed utilizing a non-local damage theory is of the same order of magnitude as the experimentally measured strain. Hence, it seems essential to include a non-local continuum theory to describe strains in the near-tip region quantitatively correct for paper materials. It is demonstrated that path independence of the well-known J-integral does not prevail for this class of material models. Only for the special situation of a homogenous damage field in the crack-tip region may the stress and strain fields be described by the well-known HRR-solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Multiple evaluation methodologies used in retinal vessel segmentation identified. • Published scores in 100 papers categorized by the methodology they are based on. • The scores are numerically adjusted to eliminate the biases for comparability. • A new baseline ranking of segmentation techniques provided. • The comparison of incomparable scores is an ongoing phenomenon in the literature. [Display omitted] In the last 15 years, the segmentation of vessels in retinal images has become an intensively researched problem in medical imaging, with hundreds of algorithms published. One of the de facto benchmarking data sets of vessel segmentation techniques is the DRIVE data set. Since DRIVE contains a predefined split of training and test images, the published performance results of the various segmentation techniques should provide a reliable ranking of the algorithms. Including more than 100 papers in the study, we performed a detailed numerical analysis of the coherence of the published performance scores. We found inconsistencies in the reported scores related to the use of the field of view (FoV), which has a significant impact on the performance scores. We attempted to eliminate the biases using numerical techniques to provide a more realistic picture of the state of the art. Based on the results, we have formulated several findings, most notably: despite the well-defined test set of DRIVE, most rankings in published papers are based on non-comparable figures; in contrast to the near-perfect accuracy scores reported in the literature, the highest accuracy score achieved to date is 0.9582 in the FoV region, which is 1% higher than that of human annotators. The methods we have developed for identifying and eliminating the evaluation biases can be easily applied to other domains where similar problems may arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The next-generation seismic imaging algorithms will consider multiple scattering as indispensable information, being referred to as Full-Wavefield Migration. In addition, these algorithms will also include autonomous velocity updating in the migration process, being referred to as Joint Migration Inversion. Full-Wavefield Migration and Joint Migration Inversion address the industrial needs to improve images of very complex reservoirs as well as the industrial ambition to produce these images in a more automatic manner (automation in seismic processing). In this vision paper on seismic imaging, Full-Wavefield Migration and Joint Migration Inversion are formulated in terms of a closed-loop estimation algorithm that can be physically explained by an iterative double focusing process (full-wavefield common-focus-point technology). A critical module in this formulation is forward modelling, allowing feedback from migrated output to unmigrated input (closing the loop). For this purpose, a full-wavefield modelling module has been developed, which utilizes an operator description of complex geology. The full-wavefield modelling module is pre-eminently suited to function in the feedback path of a closed-loop migration algorithm. 'The Future of Seismic Imaging' is presented as a coherent trilogy, proposing the migration framework of the future in three consecutive parts. In Part I, it was shown that the proposed full-wavefield modelling module algorithm differs fundamentally from finite-difference modelling because velocities and densities need not be provided. Instead, an operator description of the subsurface is used. In addition, the concept of reverse modelling was introduced. In Part II, it is shown how the theory of Primary Wavefield Migration can be extended to Full-Wavefield Migration by correcting for angle-dependent transmission effects and by utilizing multiple scattering. The potential of the Full-Wavefield Migration algorithm is illustrated with numerical examples. A multidirectional migration strategy is proposed that navigates the Full-Wavefield Migration algorithm through the seismic data cube in different directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The next generation seismic imaging algorithms will consider multiple scattering as indispensable information, referred to as Full Wavefield Migration. In addition, these algorithms will also include autonomous velocity updating in the migration process, referred to as Joint Migration Inversion. Full wavefield migration and joint migration inversion address the industrial needs of improving images of very complex reservoirs as well as the industry ambition of producing these images in a more automatic manner ('automation in seismic processing'). In this vision paper on seismic imaging, full wavefield migration and joint migration inversion are formulated in terms of a closed-loop, estimation algorithm that can be physically explained by an iterative double focusing process (full wavefield Common-Focus-Point technology). A critical module in this formulation is forward modelling, allowing feedback from migrated output to unmigrated input ('closing the loop'). For this purpose a full wavefield modelling module has been developed that utilizes an operator description of complex geology. Full wavefield modelling module is pre-eminently suited to function in the feedback path of a closed-loop migration algorithm. 'The Future of Seismic Imaging' is presented as a coherent trilogy, proposing in three consecutive parts the migration framework of the future. In part I it was shown that the proposed full wavefield modelling module algorithm differs fundamentally from finite difference modelling, as velocities and densities need not be provided. Instead, full wavefield modelling module uses an operator description of the subsurface. In Part II it was shown how the theory of Primary Wavefield Migration can be extended to Full Wavefield Migration by correcting for elastic transmission effects and by utilizing multiple scattering. In Part III it is shown how the full wavefield migration technology can be extended to Joint Migration Inversion, allowing full wavefield migration of blended data without knowledge of the velocity. Velocities are part of the joint migration inversion output, being obtained by an operator-driven parametric inversion process. The potential of the proposed joint migration inversion algorithm is illustrated with numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this Authors’ Reply is to examine critically certain assertions by Logo in a Discussion and in two conference papers about a publication by Rozvany and Maute on a reliability based benchmark example [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents and comments on the main experimental and numerical techniques in the considered paper. Several inaccuracies and problems in methodology are described, for example, description of the failure time and description of the dynamic tensile strength of glass (critical curve). The process of wave propagation reflection and interaction together with geometrical dispersion in bars is shown to present some disadvantages in analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Some errors exist in the above paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is our great pleasure and honor to present this special issue ofHeat Transfer Engineeringto highlight some of the research works presented at the ASME-ATI-UIT 2015 Conference on Thermal Energy Systems: Production, Storage, Utilization, and the Environment that took place on May 17–20, 2015, in Napoli, Italy. The conference was organized under the auspices of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Associazione Termotecnica Italiana (ATI), and Unione Italiana di Termofluidodinamica (UIT). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The high fidelity generalized method of cells (HFGMC) has been originally developed by as a micromechanical method for periodic multi-phase composite media. A computational implementation of the HFGMC equations has been proposed by to enhance numerical efficiency, still with direct reference to the HFGMC formulation. Later, the same computational implementation is recast as a new method called “finite volume direct averaging micromechanics” (FVDAM), starting by . The current discussion paper has two aims. The first is to show that the FVDAM is not a new method and that it has the same assumptions and identical governing equations as those originally derived by the HFGMC. The only difference is in the solution procedure where intermediate dependent variables, in the form of average displacements at the interfaces, are used instead of directly solving for the unknown micro-variables; the coefficients of the displacement polynomials. Thus, renaming the HFGMC micromodel to FVDAM has not been justified. In fact, () have shown that the same reduction of variables can be achieved by a simple static condensation carried out at the global system of equations instead of introducing intermediate variables. The second aim of this paper is to address misrepresentations in a recent discussion paper by the FVDAM authors claiming, in part, that the HFGMC method using parametric geometry of the subcells should follow their formulation (termed parametric FVDAM). We show that the latter is limited to an incomplete quadratic expansion of the displacement and an approximation in the form of a priori constant Jacobian of the parametric mapping. However, the HFGMC with arbitrary cell geometry, (), has been formulated in a direct and general manner, i.e. retaining the full quadratic expansion of the displacement together with the complete Jacobian. Thus, the parametric FVDAM is a special case of the parametric HFGMC, i.e. when the Jacobian is sampled and evaluated only at one point, namely the origin of the parametric coordinate system. The intended new contribution of to refined micromechanics and progressive damage has been completely ignored by the FVDAM-discussion paper. Therefore, in order to maintain scientific clarity, it is strongly advocated to preserve the original name of the HFGMC method, regardless of the different computational implementations used for solving the governing equations for both orthogonal and parametric geometries of the subcells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Data from natural sources show counter-intuitive distribution patterns for the leading digits to the left of the decimal point and the digit 1 is observed more frequently than all other numbers. This pattern, which was first described by Newcomb and later confirmed by Benford, is used in financial and tax auditing to detect fraud. Deviations from the pattern indicate possible falsifications. Anesthesiology journals are affected not only by ghostwriting and plagiarism but also by counterfeiting. In the present study 20 publications in anesthesiology known to be falsified by an author were investigated for irregularities with respect to Benford's law using the χ-test and the Z-test. In the 20 retracted publications an average first-digit frequency of 243.1 (standard deviation SD ±118.2, range: 30-592) and an average second-digit frequency of 132.3 (SD ±72.2, range: 15-383) were found. The observed distribution of the first and second digits to the left of the decimal point differed significantly (p< 0.01) from the expected distribution described by Benford. Only the observed absolute frequencies for digits 3, 4 and 5 did not differ significantly from the expected values. In an analysis of each paper 17 out of 20 studies differed significantly from the expected value for the first digit and 18 out of 20 studies varied significantly from the expected value of the second digit. Only one paper did not vary significantly from expected values for the digits to the left of the decimal. For comparison, a meta-analysis using complex mathematical procedures was chosen as a control. The analysis showed a first-digit distribution consistent with the Benford distribution. Thus, the method used in the present study seems to be sensitive for detecting fraud. Additional statements of specificity cannot yet be made as this requires further analysis of data that is definitely not falsified. Future studies exploring conformity might help prevent falsified studies from being published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current researches on soil-pile interaction under combined action of axial and lateral loads are mainly focused on the short or middle-long piles in a homogeneous soil. The practice for design of piles subjected to both axial and lateral loads commonly considers the two loads separately. In this paper, a super-long pile group in stratified soils under both vertical and lateral loads and the pile-soil interaction with the pile cap in contact with ground are all simulated together by a three-dimensional nonlinear numerical model. The influence of lateral loading on the vertical pile stresses and bending moments is analyzed. In addition, the effect of vertical loading on the lateral pile response is also investigated. On the other hand, given the fact that the super-long pile group is relatively insufficient in resisting a large lateral load, the pile in shallow depth is sleeved to reduce the horizontal displacement. Using the sleeve, the lateral load is transferred onto the deeper soil mass. The results show that the sleeved super-long pile group proposed in this paper can reduce the horizontal displacement significantly and is feasible in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a model for the laminated composite plate problem based on the Reissner–Mindlin model and first-order lamination theory. The weak problem based on this model is solved with the finite element method using stabilized MITC (mixed interpolation of tensorial components) finite elements. Detailed a priori estimates are given for the mixed finite element formulation of the problem. Explicit bounds for the continuity and coercivity constants of the coupling terms are presented, thus refining earlier results. Furthermore, we present an application of the theory to the paper cockling problem and investigate the effect of boundary conditions on the small-scale deformation of the solution numerically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  A web is continuous, flexible materials such as paper, plastic film, metal foil, textiles, etc. Web wrinkle is a problem which plagues the process industries. Most webs are very thin and prone to buckle or wrinkle. The effects of wrinkling can range from compromised product quality to down time of a processing operation, leading to less profitability in the manufacturing operation. The web wrinkles which will be treated in this paper are those that can be affected by roller misalignment and friction characteristics between web and roller. In this paper, observation method is presented for paper-web wrinkling and the prediction model of wrinkling is proposed with experimental verifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Comment on the paper “A class of methods based on non-polynomial spline functions for the solution of a special fourth-order boundary-value problems with engineering applications” in Applied Mathematics and Computation 174 (2006) 1169–1180. The paper considered a class of two-point boundary-value problems of the form where f(x) and g(x) are continuous on [a, b], and A i and B i (i =1,2) are finite real constants. Here we correct some mistake in derivation of non-polynomial spline, boundary formulas, truncation errors, convergence analysis and computational experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study was performed to explore a new approach to systematization of the management of paper-based clinical pathways by developing a new system requiring little capital investment. A new system was developed and incorporated into an existing network at a hospital with a paper-based clinical pathway management system. The effectiveness of this new system was examined by comparing the management efficiency of clinical pathways before and after its introduction, and by comparison of the new system with other such systems currently in place at other medical institutions with regard to efficiency. In addition, the acceptability of the system for other medical institutions was examined by providing free access to the software on the Internet. The development costs of the new system were low. Although the new system has been in place for more than 3 years, no problems have yet been encountered in either the existing network system or in the management system itself. The new system allows the processing of statistics and analysis of circulation or variance automatically, neither of which were possible in the original paper-based system. We provided open access to the system as free software on the Internet, and it has since been downloaded by many medical institutions and enterprises in Japan. This system is very useful for institutions where it is difficult to introduce expensive new systems for systematic management of clinical pathways, such as electronic medical records, because of problems regarding capital or system management, and it may also be useful in other countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we will establish some new oscillation criteria for the second-order retarded differential equation of the formThe results obtained essentially improve and extend those of Džurina and Stavroulakis [Oscillation criteria for second-order delay differential equations, Appl. Math. Comput., 140 (2003) 445–453]. An open problem is proposed at the end of this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A model, using the finite element method (FEM), was developed for the analysis of the time and humidity-dependent stresses of paper webs at offset printing press conditions. The offset press was simplified to a flat thin moving web and its unit process steps were described by combinations of prescribed displacements, tractions and moisture ratios. Based on previous modelling and experimental findings, a convective hygro-viscoelastic model of the paper web was derived. The constitutive law and some of the boundary conditions were implemented as user-defined subroutines into commercial FEM software in a displacement-based framework. Some simulation examples were used to study the applicability of the proposed formulation in the analysis of web-fed offset printing at stationary conditions. The numerical stationary solutions converged rapidly and the model was robust for the investigated conditions. Incorporating effects from moisture, the numerical results show web tension profiles along the analysed model press comparable to those found by others from full-scale newsprint printing press trials. Effects of altered levels of the peripheral velocities of rollers, friction, web velocity, moisture and web properties on in-plane stresses and strains are presented. In order to exemplify the practical use of the model for runnability investigations, different analysed quantities obtained from the numerical solutions were related to web tension, web widening, misregister in multi-colour printing, sheet size analysis, conditions for web stability and traction conditions at drag rollers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The fundamentals of a new radiation model are described in this paper. The spatial and angular dependence of the radiation intensity are split in such a way that the radiation intensity is approximated by a linear combination of basis functions dependent only on the angular direction. The coefficients of the approximation are functions of the spatial coordinates. The spatial discretization is performed using the finite volume method and the angular discretization is based on the finite element method. This means that the basis functions are defined according to the criteria used in the finite element method. The step scheme was employed in the spatial discretization and bilinear basis functions were chosen for the angular discretization. The method may be applied to both grey and non-grey media, non-scattering and scattering media, simple and complex geometries. However, it is still in an early stage of development, and therefore it is applied in this paper to simple one-dimensional problems of radiative transfer in enclosures with grey, emitting-absorbing and scattering media. The results obtained show that the method gives good results for several benchmark problems with available analytical solutions, and converges to the exact solution as the grid is refined and the number of terms in the approximation increases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We show abstract versions for Banach couples of several limiting compact interpolation theorems established by Edmunds and Opic for couples of [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal point of this review is to provide a comparative display of qualitative and quantitative methodologies employed for the appraisal of interacting energy and climate policies, underlying their key features while presenting the most critical issues and limitations not addressed so far. Qualitative approaches provide a descriptive explanatory analysis of often non-quantifiable process in policy interactions, whereas modeling approaches provide numerical data estimating the extent of policy interaction impacts. Quantitative methods work best for narrowly specified policy combinations, while contextual implications and cause-impact effects are explained further via qualitative ones. In addition most evaluations so far adopt a rational view of policies and policy interactions leaving out a systemic evaluation of the institutionalism of interacting policies. Research analysis of energy and climate policy interactions is still young in comparison to the broad field of policy evaluation and impact assessment. However infants inherently tend to grow. Endeavors for a methodological framework that would allow for a systematic exchange of data between qualitative and quantitative approaches and would also include the relevance of the context as well as key casual relationships behind policy combinations, would provide the basis for further growth of knowledge in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent paper [1], a new scaling theory of electron localization was proposed. We show that numerical data for the quasi-one-dimensional Anderson model do not support predictions of this theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]