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The thermomechanical buckling of imperfect sandwich plates made of functionally graded material (FGM) is addressed analytically in this study. A novel hyperbolic four-variable integral shear deformation theory is used to arrive at the solution. Sandwich plates come in two varieties: the first with homogeneous core and FG face sheets and the second with the opposite. The displacement field is constructed using undetermined integrals in order to reduce the number of unknown variables which consequently reduces the calculation time unlike other similar theories. The proposed model does not require a shear correction factor and ensures the free-stress at the upper and lower surfaces of structure. The materials properties of the structure are computed via power-law function with considering the porosity effect which may appear during manufacturing due to the difference in solidification temperature of the constituents (ceramic/metal). Four types of geometric imperfection are examined with even, uneven, logarithmic uneven and linear uneven distributions. On the basis of the minimal total potential energy concept, the governing equations are developed. The Navier's method is used to solve these equations for simply supported plates. The results of simply supported FGM sandwich plates' critical buckling load and temperature increment are contrasted with the available solutions in the literature. Even, uneven, linear uneven and logarithmic uneven models of distribution are taken into consideration and studied in order to incorporate porosity in the FG face sheet and core. Investigation is conducted into the effects of layer thickness, porosity models, porosity coefficients and geometrical parameters on the thermomechanical buckling response of imperfect FG sandwich plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquefaction can significantly alter the ground response. However, no existing design spectrum accounts for the severity of soil liquefaction. This work aims to develop correction factors that can be used to adjust code-based design spectra to reflect the specific liquefaction susceptibility of a site. The correction factor is derived as the ratio of response spectra calculated by two types of 1D nonlinear site response analyses: effective stress analysis, which can model porewater pressure (PWP) generation, and total stress analysis. We considered seven real profiles and 200 motions in our analysis. Four combinations of soil nonlinear models and PWP generation models are also utilized to account for epistemic uncertainties. Results show that the response spectral ratio for liquefied sites typically falls below one for periods less than 1–2 s and rises above one for longer periods. Meanwhile, the response spectral ratio reflects the overall liquefaction susceptibility influenced by PWP, factor of safety, and liquefiable layer depth, while the liquefaction potential index (LPI) captures their complex interplay. Accordingly, we propose four LPI-dependent factors: three correction factors for peak ground acceleration, 0.2 s spectral acceleration (Sa), and 1.0 s Sa, and a long-period adjustment factor applicable for periods exceeding 1 s. The correction factors linearly decrease with increasing LPI, while the adjustment factor exhibits the opposite trend. A design spectrum for a liquefiable site can be readily constructed by adjusting the code-based design spectrum using the proposed correction factor, as illustrated in the example. This approach is applicable as long as LPI is available from a simplified liquefaction analysis or a liquefaction hazard map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubility data of spectinomycin dihydrochloride pentahydrate (SDP) in three binary solvents were determined over a temperature range of 278.15–318.15 K by the gravimetric method. Among the selected binary solvents, the solubility of SDP increased with the rise in temperature and initial methanol composition of binary solvents, and the general order of solubility of SDP under the same conditions was: (methanol + ethanol) > (methanol + n-propanol) > (methanol + i-propanol). Subsequently, solubility–temperature models including van't Hoff equation, λh equation, Yaws equation, and Apelblat equation; solubility–solvent composition models including general single model; solubility–temperature and solvent composition models including NRTL equation and modified Jouyban–Acree model were used to correlate the solubility data. Regarding the application of the NRTL equation in binary solvent systems, the influence of solvent composition on model parameters was first taken into account by introducing a solvent composition correction factor, thereby exhibiting an enhancement in fitting accuracy. To gain deeper insights into the dissolving behavior of SDP, molecular electrostatic potential surface, Hirshfeld surface analysis and the KAT-LSER model were applied to analyze the molecular interactions between SDP molecules and the solvent effects. Meanwhile, entire solubility data in three binary solvent systems at 298.15 K were associated as a function of solvent properties on the basis of KAT-LSER model. The results revealed that SDP primarily acts as hydrogen bond acceptors in solution, and polar interactions between SDP and solvent molecules can play a crucial role in promoting the dissolution of SDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dataset presents a 43 year-long reanalysis of pollen seasons for three major allergenic genera of trees in Europe: alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), and olive (Olea). Driven by the meteorological reanalysis ERA5, the atmospheric composition model SILAM predicted the flowering period and calculated the Europe-wide dispersion pattern of pollen for the years 1980–2022. The model applied an extended 4-dimensional variational data assimilation of in-situ observations of aerobiological networks in 34 European countries to reproduce the inter-annual variability and trends of pollen production and distribution. The control variable of the assimilation procedure was the total pollen release during each flowering season, implemented as an annual correction factor to the mean pollen production. The dataset was designed as an input to studies on climate-induced and anthropogenically driven changes in the European vegetation, biodiversity monitoring, bioaerosol modelling and assessment, as well as, in combination with intra-seasonal observations, for health-related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques are key in the study of porous reservoir rocks. They can provide valuable insight into the pore size distribution of the pore space of a given rock sample due to its dependence on the magnetic fluid/matrix interaction. The pore space is often studied at the μm scale through the use of micro-CT images, which are often composed of hundreds of millions of voxels, posing significant challenges to numerical simulations. In this paper, we present an image-based, fully explicit, and matrix-free finite element implementation for the simulation of NMR relaxation process that is capable of handling such large 3D problems in single GPUs. The chosen explicit time-integration scheme uses a lumped capacitance formulation and stabilization via hyperbolization, and it is capable of handling arbitrary time-step sizes with controllable error levels. The image-based representation of the pore space is used for a memory-efficient, matrix-free formulation of the time integration using massively parallel processes on a single GPU. In addition, we propose the substitution of a global digital roughness correction factor that depends on the porous space's geometry for a problem-independent local correction factor, based on nodal neighborhoods. We show that the numerical scheme converges with successive refinements as expected and that our local correction coefficient is capable of estimating the correct S/V parameter of several different classical geometries. We tested our formulation against an image-based Random Walk simulation of four digital rock core samples, achieving good agreement between them. We manage to simulate a giga-voxel image-based model on a personal use GPU (less than 10GB of memory use) in 33 min with our FEM implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation records in North Patagonia (Argentina) are scarce, which hinders climate research. This research aims to assess the performance of four novel local monthly datasets together with three commonly used global datasets for North Patagonia to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each one. First, four different local observed-interpolated datasets were built, two using the Angular Distance Weighted (ADW) method and two using ordinary Kriging. In addition, the global datasets CRU, ERA5-Land, and GPCC were evaluated. To assess the performance of the precipitation datasets, four metrics were used to evaluate the systematic errors (bias), the mean errors, the representation of time variations, and the representation of the probability density function. The ERA5-Land with a correction factor stands out as the best global dataset and it also presents the overall best representation of the probability density function (PDF). The built dataset with ADW using a precipitation index presents the overall best performance, especially in representing the time variations. Even though ADW presents an overall better performance, ERA5-Land with a correction factor presents a better performance in terms of errors in the southern region (south of 40°S). The novel dataset is freely available through the link provided in the conclusions section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal efficiency for the pelletizing process is intrinsically linked to the diameter and humidity of the iron ore pellets, so that the sensing of the granulometric range in the formation of the pellets becomes essential to the flow of the pelletizing process in the steel industry; this paper presents the assembly of a computer vision system for the detection and segmentation of pellets aiming at the automation of the granulometric measurement, following its formation in the pelletizing disk, using the instance segmentation method to verify whether the particle granulometric distribution (PSD) is adequate for "real-time" applications. The system calculates the normal distribution of the diameter in millimeters, evaluating the normal curve and the standard deviation of the segmented pellets, using a deep neural network based on the You Only Look At CoefficienTs (YOLACT) network, adding speed and precision in the granulometric analysis. In the sample sets, the need for adjustment factors inherent to the pelletizing process became evident. This led to the establishment of the computer vision system, termed the Volumetric Correction Factor (VCF) and Visual Overlay Factor (VOF). The VCF is utilized to estimate the volume of pellets within the pelletizing disk during operation, while the VOF adjusts the millimeter-per-pixel (mpp) ratio. The results of the measurement system proved to be efficient in real-time granulometric measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electro-hydraulic servo point load meter has been developed to address the limitations of existing point load meters, which cannot provide continuous and uniform loading. This new meter enables continuous and uniform loading with variable rates, thereby reducing the dispersion of test data and offering a technical solution for revising the current point load strength calculation formula. Experimental investigations were conducted to analyze the influence of loading rates (0.1 kN/s, 0.5 kN/s, 1.0 kN/s) on the existing point load strength correction method. Four types of rock samples, namely, fine-crystalline granite, coarse-crystalline granite, siltstone and marble, were utilized in the study. Each rock sample was tested at four different sizes: 203 mm3, 303 mm3, 403 mm3, 503 mm3. The objective was to examine how the loading rate affects the accuracy and effectiveness of the point load strength correction method. Initially, the correction index "m" from various domestic and foreign regulations was employed to calculate and analyze the test data, determining the appropriate correction index m, loading rate, and range of rock sample sizes. Subsequently, the relationship between the standard point load strength and uniaxial compressive strength was analyzed based on these findings. The research results indicate the following: (1) the larger the strength of the rock sample, the smaller the point load correction index m and all four rock samples demonstrated an increase in standard point load strength when solved using the four correction indices (m1, m2, m3, m4) with increasing loading rate. (2) With increasing sample size, the standard point load strength solved using correction indices m2, m3, m4 still exhibited a significant size effect, while the dimensional effect of the standard point load strength solved using m1 was not evident. (3) The conversion factors obtained through zero-intercept linear regression analysis for fine-crystalline granite, coarse-crystalline granite, siltstone, and marble were 16.45, 15.38, 15.17 and 14.83, respectively. These results indicate that the conversion factors for rocks with lower strength are smaller compared to those with higher strength. Highlights: The impact of four different rock samples with varying sizes on the existing point load strength correction method is analyzed under three loading rates. An investigation is conducted to determine the appropriate point load strength correction index for the four rock samples. The study identifies the optimal loading rate and size range for rock samples based on the modified correction index. The relationship between standard point load strength and uniaxial compressive strength is examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the results of the most common laboratory based indirect tension strength methods over the range of UCS strengths 0.1 MPa (cemented paste backfill) to 100 MPa (concrete). The accuracy of each of the methods is considered through a comparison with direct strength measurements completed on the same material. The results of 241 individual tests suggest that the use of indirect tension methods to determine tension strength for all geo-material strength ranges may provide misleading results unless a correction-factor is applied. Correction factors that relate splitting and flexure results to direct tension results are provided. The correction factors are based on the characteristic UCS of the material. A comparison of the traditional empirical relationship to derive tension from UCS is presented and an updated relationship is proposed that is relevant over the UCS strength range 0.1–100 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in the four-chamber plane offers comprehensive insight into the volumetrics of the heart. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model of time-resolved segmentation using the four-chamber cine. Methods: A fully automated deep learning algorithm was trained using retrospective multicentre and multivendor data of 814 subjects. Validation, reproducibility, and mortality prediction were evaluated on an independent cohort of 101 subjects. Results: The mean age of the validation cohort was 54 years, and 66 (65%) were males. Left and right heart parameters demonstrated strong correlations between automated and manual analysis, with a ρ of 0.91−0.98 and 0.89−0.98, respectively, with minimal bias. All AI four-chamber volumetrics in repeatability analysis demonstrated high correlation (ρ = 0.99−1.00) and no bias. Automated four-chamber analysis underestimated both left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes compared to ground-truth short-axis cine analysis. Two correction factors for LV and RV four-chamber analysis were proposed based on systematic bias. After applying the correction factors, a strong correlation and minimal bias for LV volumetrics were observed. During a mean follow-up period of 6.75 years, 16 patients died. On stepwise multivariable analysis, left atrial ejection fraction demonstrated an independent association with death in both manual (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.96, p = 0.003) and AI analyses (HR = 0.96, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Fully automated four-chamber CMR is feasible, reproducible, and has the same real-world prognostic value as manual analysis. LV volumes by four-chamber segmentation were comparable to short-axis volumetric assessment. Trials registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05114785. Relevance statement: Integrating fully automated AI in CMR promises to revolutionise clinical cardiac assessment, offering efficient, accurate, and prognostically valuable insights for improved patient care and outcomes. Key points: • Four-chamber cine sequences remain one of the most informative acquisitions in CMR examination. • This deep learning-based, time-resolved, fully automated four-chamber volumetric, functional, and deformation analysis solution. • LV and RV were underestimated by four-chamber analysis compared to ground truth short-axis segmentation. • Correction bias for both LV and RV volumes by four-chamber segmentation, minimises the systematic bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radiation field of a multi-dimensional plasma formation can be substantially asymmetrical. Often, the luminosity of such an object is determined using one-dimensional models with various correction factors to account for the nonsphericity. In this work, a model is presented for the determination of the luminosity of asymmetrical plasma formations based on consistent multi-dimensional radiation–hydrodynamics calculation on the example of the scenarios of supernovae with an equatorial disk. The simulations were compared with the observations of the supernova SN2009ip. The bolometric light curves were determined for the observation of this object in the disk plane and from the pole. A conclusion was made that it is impossible to describe the multi-dimensional structure of the radiation field within the framework of the one-dimensional model with correction factors and that, rather, a full three-dimensional simulation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the safety assessment of salicylate esters in cosmetics, we developed a metabolism factor based on in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) to provide a better estimation of the aggregate internal exposure to the common metabolite, salicylic acid. Optimal incubation conditions using human liver S9 were identified before measuring salicylic acid formation from 31 substances. Four control substances, not defined as salicylic esters but which could be mistaken as such due to their nomenclature, did not form salicylic acid. For the remaining substances, higher in vitro intrinsic clearance (CLint, in vitro) values generally correlated with lower LogP values. A "High-Throughput Pharmacokinetic" (HTPK) model was used to extrapolate CLint, in vitro values to human in vivo clearance and half-lives. The latter were used to calculate the percentage of substance metabolised to salicylic acid in 24 h in vivo following human exposure to the ester, i.e. the "metabolism factor". The IVIVE model correctly reproduced the observed elimination rate of 3 substances using in silico or in vitro input parameters. For other substances, in silico only-based predictions generally resulted in lower metabolism factors than when in vitro values for plasma binding and liver S9 CLint, in vitro were used. Therefore, in vitro data input provides the more conservative metabolism factors compared to those derived using on in silico input. In conclusion, these results indicate that not all substances contribute equally (or at all) to the systemic exposure to salicylic acid. Therefore, we propose a realistic metabolism correction factor by which the potential contribution of salicylate esters to the aggregate consumer exposure to salicylic acid from cosmetic use can be estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the advantage of strength enhancement without increasing the structural weight, stiffeners are commonly used in many engineering structures. However, during their service life, these stiffened structures are usually exposed to an extreme environment, which may cause damage. Most of the researchers have carried out the work to study the unreinforced plate's stability behaviour considering interlaminar skin debonding in the hygrothermal condition. However, in the current investigation, the buckling capacity of stiffened composite plates debonded at the contact of plate and stiffener under non-uniform edge loading in hygrothermal conditions is studied. The study is performed by developing a computationally efficient finite element formulation. In the present research, the plate and the flange of T-stiffener are formulated by adopting a 9-noded heterosis element preventing the shear locking. In contrast, a 3-noded isoparametric beam element is used to formulate the stiffener web by accommodating the torsion correction factor, considerably reducing the computational cost. In the current study, the debond is modelled by creating a dummy node, and further interpenetration of the nodes is prevented by introducing a fictitious spring in the debonded region. Due to the highly uneven stress variation, a dynamic approach is employed to estimate the buckling constant by utilizing two sets of boundary conditions. Three schemes of hygrothermally stable laminates (θ/(90-θ))s, (22.5/− 67.5)s, and (77.5/− 12.5)s are considered to identify the stiffened plate configuration with enhanced buckling capacity when subjected to various non-uniform loading patterns. Further, extensive parametric investigations are conducted on the obtained stiffened plate with improved performance under a hygrothermal environment by considering debond at the skin–stiffener interface. It is found that debonded plate's stability is substantially affected by moisture. On the other hand, depending on the stiffener position and hygrothermal load intensity, the stiffener's depth-to-width ratio substantially affects the debonded plate's stability. Therefore, this investigation can be considered as a benchmark study for the stability performance of the debonded reinforced composite panel, which partially reduces the 2-D problem to 1-D element, thereby improving the computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is an attempt to develop a simple and accurate finite element formulation for the transient analysis of size-dependent S functionally graded material (S-FGM) micro-folded plates based on first-order shear deformation theory and taking exact shear correction factor in conjunction with modified couple stress theory in the formulation. Two micromechanical models, viz. rule of mixture and local representative volume elements (LRVE), are used to estimate the temperature-dependent material property of the S-FGM micro-folded plate. The top layer of the S-FGM micro-folded plate is subjected to a thermal shock, whereas the bottom layer is maintained at ambient temperature. Parametric studies are performed to investigate the effect of the number of folds, crank angle, shear correction factor, temperature gradient, material length scale ratio and boundary conditions on transient analysis of S-FGM micro-folded plates subjected to thermal shock. It is observed from results that a maximum change of 6.4661% and 10.5623% in amplitude of the non-dimensional tip deflection of a double-folded Al2O3/Ti–6Al–4V S-FGM cantilever microplate is observed on employing exact value of shear correction factor of 0.8009 and on increasing the temperature gradient from 100 to 300 K, respectively, obtained using LRVE micromechanical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mechanical properties of a novel multi-layer Silane/Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) film based on Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Nanoindentation tests, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulations were employed. Multi-layer and single-layer film specimens, consisting of various formulations of silane and ITO, were fabricated on a plexiglass PMMA substrate. The elastic modulus and hardness of the silane, ITO, and PMMA substrate were determined using nanoindentation tests combined with the Continuous Stiffness Measurement (CSM). Moreover, the load-indentation depth curve obtained from the experiments was utilized to simulate the nanoindentation tests using the commercial finite element calculation software ABAQUS. The power hardening constitutive model was adopted for the film, and parameters were optimized using a MATLAB neural network. The simulation results for each film material agreed with the experimental findings. Furthermore, a correction factor α was proposed for calculating multi-layer film simulation parameters based on parameter analysis of the multi-layer film system. The degree of idealization for each multi-layer film test was characterized and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An HPLC-UV method with high sensitivity and good resolution, calculated by the principal component external standard method with correction factors and detailed methodological validation according to ICH guidelines, was developed for the accurate detection of impurities in three different extraction processes of rutin raw materials and their tablets, and the determination of impurity profiles by LC-MS/MS. In this study, nine impurities (>0.1%) were mainly isolated and identified, four of which were process impurities, and the other five were degradation products. The results of the correlation between impurity profiles and production processes showed that the impurity content of rutin tablets correlated positively with the impurity level of the raw materials used, which correlated significantly with the extraction process. The finished rutin under the alkali-dissolution and acid-sedimentation refining method had low purity and the highest impurity content. In contrast, the number of impurities and the total amount of impurities detected in rutin by the secondary recrystallization process with methanol washing were the lowest, and were mainly process impurities. This further indicates that generating degradation impurities could be avoided, and a suitable refining process could effectively reduce impurities. This study provides an essential basis for manufacturers to optimize the process parameters of rutin raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel integral higher shear deformation theory including the stretching effect is developed for the thermoelastic bending analysis of symmetric and non-symmetric functionally graded materials (FGM) sandwich plates with an arbitrary gradient. This integral theory has only five unknowns, which is even less than the other shear and normal deformation theories. The proposed model has a reduced number of equations and satisfies automatically the free surface conditions without using the shear correction factor. The present model has a new displacement field which introduces undetermined integral variables. Equations of motion are obtained by utilizing the virtual work principle and solved via Navier's procedure. The convergence of the proposed theoretical numerical model is performed to demonstrate the efficacy of the model. Moreover, several parametric examples are presented to show the thermoelastic bending response of the various symmetric P-FG sandwich plates with arbitrarily varying material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indirect Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion Experiments on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have achieved a burning plasma state with neutron yields exceeding 170 kJ, roughly 3 times the prior record and a necessary stage for igniting plasmas. The results are achieved despite multiple sources of degradations that lead to high variability in performance. Results shown here, for the first time, include an empirical correction factor for mode-2 asymmetry in the burning plasma regime in addition to previously determined corrections for radiative mix and mode-1. Analysis shows that including these three corrections alone accounts for the measured fusion performance variability in the two highest performing experimental campaigns on the NIF to within error. Here we quantify the performance sensitivity to mode-2 symmetry in the burning plasma regime and apply the results, in the form of an empirical correction to a 1D performance model. Furthermore, we find the sensitivity to mode-2 determined through a series of integrated 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations to be consistent with the experimentally determined sensitivity only when including alpha-heating. Recent improvements in the indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments include the achievement of burning plasma state. Here the authors report the scaling of neutron yield in a burning plasma of Deuterium-Tritium fusion reaction by including the mode-2 asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To unify the understanding of and improvements to management efficiency, the conceptual apparatus of information support for risk management of BP is clarified, and methods of analysis and assessment of risk in the information environment are explored, using the example of a metallurgical company. The development of economic and mathematical support in calculating a quantitative measure of risk is presented, and a matrix for calculating the correction weight coefficient Wi for the determination if this measure is proposed, which allows us to take into account the duration and importance of identified risk factors, rank risks, and make informed decisions based on a more complete and detailed assessment of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) catalyze dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into fatty acid hydroperoxides (FAHPs), which can be further transformed into a number of value-added compounds. LOXs have garnered interest as biocatalysts for various industrial applications. Therefore, a high-throughput LOX activity assay is essential to evaluate their performance under different conditions. This study aimed to enhance the suitability of the ferrous-oxidized xylenol orange (FOX) assay for screening LOX activity across a wide pH range with different PUFAs. The narrow linear detection range of the standard FOX assay restricts its utility in screening LOX activity. To address this, the concentration of perchloric acid in the xylenol orange reagent was adjusted. The modified assay exhibited a fivefold expansion in the linear detection range for hydroperoxides and accommodated samples with pH values ranging from 3 to 10. The assay could quantify various hydroperoxide species, indicating its applicability in assessing LOX substrate preferences. Due to sensitivity to pH, buffer types, and hydroperoxide species, the assay required calibration using the respective standard compound diluted in the same buffer as the measured sample. The use of correction factors is suggested when financial constraints limit the use of FAHP standard compounds in routine LOX substrate preference analysis. FAHP quantification by the modified FOX assay aligned well with results obtained using the commonly used conjugated diene method, while offering a quicker and broader sample pH range assessment. Thus, the modified FOX assay can be used as a reliable high-throughput screening method for determining LOX activity. Key points: • Modifying perchloric acid level in FOX reagent expands its linear detection range • The modified FOX assay is applicable for screening LOX activity in a wide pH range • The modified FOX assay effectively assesses substrate specificity of LOX [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper constructs a two-layer road data asset revenue allocation model based on a modified Shapley value approach. The first layer allocates revenue to three roles in the data value realization process: the original data collectors, the data processors, and the data product producers. It fully considers and appropriately adjusts the revenue allocation to each role based on data risk factors. The second layer determines the correction factors for different roles to distribute revenue among the participants within those roles. Finally, the revenue values of the participants within each role are synthesized to obtain a consolidated revenue distribution for each participant. Compared to the traditional Shapley value method, this model establishes a revenue allocation evaluation index system, uses entropy weighting and rough set theory to determine the weights, and adopts a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and numerical analysis to assess the degree of contribution of participants. It fully accounts for differences in both the qualitative and quantitative contributions of participants, enabling a fairer and more reasonable distribution of revenues. This study provides new perspectives and methodologies for the benefit distribution mechanism in road data assets, which aid in promoting the market-based use of road data assets, and it serves as an important reference for the application of data assetization in the road transportation industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, fog computing has emerged as a promising solution for low-latency and real-time applications. As a highly virtualized platform, fog computing provides computing and storage services at the network edge to meet users' needs for latency-sensitive applications. However, resource scheduling is crucial in meeting customer demands and improving service quality. If the resource scheduling problem for large-scale service requests cannot be effectively solved, it will reduce resource utilization and decrease user satisfaction. Therefore, we propose a resource scheduling model called Normalization Processing to find the optimal pheromone for achieving the lowest total cost. The optimal resource scheduling result can be achieved by changing the ant pheromone concentration in the simulated foraging process. We also propose a resource scheduling algorithm called New Genetic Ant Colony Optimization (NGACO) Algorithm that a combination of the improved genetic algorithm (GA) and the improved ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. The GA is improved by incorporating a randomized initialization strategy, while the ACO algorithm is enhanced with the use of niche technology. NGACO algorithm introduces a pheromone update method optimization of three operators and a pheromone correction factor in the pheromone update rule. It can update pheromone generation by roulette algorithm. The NGACO algorithm effectively improves the exploratory power of the algorithm while ensuring initial population diversity. Additionally, we introduce a penalty mechanism to handle constraints, while the niche technology addresses the optimization problem of multimodal functions. The experimental results show that the NGACO algorithm demonstrates excellent resource scheduling performance, with a 14.7%, 25%, and 12.8% reduction in makespan, economic cost, and total cost, respectively, compared to the ACO algorithm. Furthermore, the load balancing is 34.7% higher than the ACO algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a systematic analysis is made on H and He mirror nuclei. The elastic and inelastic scattering angular distributions of the H and He from Ne and Mg at 33 MeV are investigated within the double folding potential based on the Optical Model. The exchange effect related to nonlocality is taken into account in a form of a correction factor to the real potential and the resulted one is known as local equivalent double folding potential. The imaginary potential has taken to be Woods–Saxon volume shaped. The results are contrasted with each other as well as with the experimental data to give evidence about the importance of these studied items. Also, the reaction cross sections and nuclear deformation parameters are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study considers the free vibration analysis of a porous bi-directional (2D) functionally graded (FG) beam using a higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT). Methods: The material properties are described by an exponential function, and the effect of porosity on these properties is expressed as a product, which is a pioneering application in the analysis of porous 2D FG beams. The approach used in this study allows for the calculation of natural frequencies even for high porosity parameters. The problem considers three porosity distribution functions, one for an even case and two for uneven cases, and Lagrange's principle is used to derive the governing equations. A two-node finite element with eight degrees of freedom is used to solve the problem accurately and rapidly, even for short beams, without requiring any shear correction factors. Results: The normalized natural frequencies obtained in this study are validated by comparing them with those reported in two studies from the literature after convergence analysis. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of material properties, porosity, and boundary conditions on the normalized natural frequencies and mode shapes. Conclusion: The results suggest that reducing porosity or increasing the rigidity at the center of the beam could increase natural frequencies and reduce vibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of standard substances is a bottleneck for quality control in natural plants. In this study, a novel and accurate method for the determination of four gingerol components in ginger extracts was developed and validated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) combined with a single marker (ASM) using a new calculation of relative response factor (nRRF, fox). The contents of four analytes in ginger extracts were determined by the single marker of nonivamide used as the internal reference which did not exist in the sample and was similar to gingerol in structure and performance. The four analytes showed a good linear relationship within a certain concentration range, and the correlation coefficients (R) were all greater than 0.999. The LOD and LOQ obtained for each standard were 2.14–5.50 ng/mL and 7.15–18.35 ng/mL, respectively. The average recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 89.53 to 100.01% for ginger extract samples with relative standard deviations of 1.03 to 3.61%. The method was evaluated by a comparison of the quantitative results between the external standard method (ESM) and ASM. The results showed that no significant differences were found in the quantitative results of the four contents of essential oil extract of ginger from three different extraction methods determined by ESM and ASM. The sum contents of four analytes were highest in the sample obtained from subcritical extraction method. The proposed approach could serve as an accurate and convenient method in determining the gingerol components in the ginger extracts and its processed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanic eruptions are driven by magma rising through Earth's crust. The style of an eruption depends on intrinsic and extrinsic parameters and is commonly a dynamic process. Thorough and holistic investigation of the related products is key to understanding eruptive phenomena and assessment of volcano-specific hazards. Models of such phenomena are constrained by quantification of the dispersal, the grain size distribution, and pyroclast textures. Pyroclast texture may be described in part by measurements of density and porosity, which depend on pyroclast volume determination. Yet volume determination of irregularly shaped pyroclasts cannot be achieved with geometrical laws, instead necessitating the use of alternative methodologies. Here, we test three methodologies to quantify pyroclast volume on a set of clasts collected from the Minoan eruption deposits from Santorini, Greece. We compare (1) a manual method for obtaining the lengths of three orthogonal axes of the pyroclast with a caliper, (2) an optical method to measure the longest and shortest axes of the pyroclast via multiple photographs, and (3) an Archimedean buoyancy-based method. While the optical and manual methods provide almost identical values of pyroclast volume when tested under laboratory conditions, there is a discrepancy between these two methods and the Archimedean method, which produces an overestimation of ca. 13% in volume. This discrepancy has little impact on the subsequent assessment of porosity and density for which the natural variability of values is observed to be broader. We therefore propose using the manual approach in the field as a simple and fast, yet reliable, method to obtain large volumes of quantitative data on the texture of erupted products, and we also provide a correction factor for in-field volume assessment of rhyodacitic pumices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an innovative study to enhance the accuracy of lubrication oil evaporation measurement from the oil film through thermal and sensitivity analyses. The study employs a novel experimental configuration to examine the influence of temperature variations and oil film thickness on oil evaporation. The oil film's temperature is investigated comprehensively, applying experimental and theoretical approaches through different conditions. In order to enhance the accuracy of oil film temperature estimation, the study suggests introducing a correction factor accounting for the thermal properties of vapor during the multiphase liquid evaporation process. The findings indicate that small changes in the thickness of the oil film have no discernible effect on its temperature. In contrast, the evaporation characteristics of the oil film are notably influenced by the properties of its liquid and vapor phases. Incorporating the proposed correction factor (0.84) enhances the accuracy of the oil film temperature estimation equation. The findings presented in this study hold significant value for improving the accuracy of modeling considerations for the optimal configuration of piston rings in internal combustion engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An algorithm for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drive to improve the accuracy of maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control reflecting variations in the permanent magnet (PM) flux linkage is proposed in this paper. In IPMSM drives, reluctance and PM torque are generated, and both the efficiency and developed torque of IPMSM drives are directly affected by parameter variations. A stator flux linkage observer estimates PM flux linkage in real time, and a correction factor for torque error compensation is computed. The MTPA trajectory is formed into a two-dimensional look-up table (LUT), which is used to allow the MTPA trajectory to correct the torque error caused by parameter changes. In this paper, the proposed torque error compensation IPMSM control method is implemented and confirmed by simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress wave propagation is a method in dynamic explicit solvers to determine the stresses in every element of solid materials. The necking in this method at a nearly random location within the sample in the numerical model, is due to the interaction between stress wave propagation speed and material deformations speed. However, a crucial aspect of this approach is the selection of appropriate material properties to produce accurate results for the timing of the necking. To achieve this, the numerical analysis models should be provided with the improved flow curve data using different hardening behaviors for post necking. This study examines various correction techniques and their impact on the time of the necking. It concludes that an explicit solver can precisely identify the necking only if an appropriate correction method is employed. Furthermore, the correction factor also affects the mechanism of strain propagation and the mode of failure after necking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new higher-order finite element for the static analysis of two-directional functionally graded (2D FG) porous beams subjected to various boundary conditions based on parabolic shear deformation theory (PSDT) is presented. The main purpose of this study is to predict the deflections and stresses of 2D FG porous and non-porous beams with the help of the proposed finite element. Since a higher-order finite element with a third order polynomial is used, the deflections and stresses can be accurately and rapidly obtained even for short beams. In addition, the new higher-order element is free of shear locking phenomenon without requiring any shear correction factors. Three types of distribution functions were used for porosity in this study. To the author's knowledge, the sinusoidal uneven distribution function (FGP-3) is presented for the first time. The governing equations are derived by Lagrange's principle using a parabolic shear deformation theory that considers normal and shear deformations. According to a power-law rule, the material change in the beam volume in both directions is defined. The dimensionless maximum transverse deflections, normal stresses, and shear stresses are obtained for various boundary conditions, gradation exponents (px, pz) in the x- and z-directions, porosity coefficient (e), porosity distribution (FGP-1, FGP-2, FGP-3), and the slenderness (L/h). This study's new higher-order finite element gives results compatible with the literature and it can be used to accurately find the deflections and stresses for the 2D FG non-porous or porous beams subjected to various boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the accuracy of World Health Organization (WHO) growth standard in under-5 year Indian children, and identify a method to contextualize the WHO standard for India. Participants: Data of Healthy children, defined by WHO selection criteria, extracted from nationally representative Indian surveys (National Family Health Surveys, NFHS-3, NFHS-4, NFHS-5 and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey, CNNS). Design: Height for age z score (HAZ) and weight for age z score (WAZ) and weight for height z score (WHZ) distributions in healthy sample were compared against the standard normal. If deviant, age-specific correction factors for z scores were estimated by hierarchical linear mixed effects mean and variance polynomial models. A new term, excess mean risk of growth faltering (EMRGF), was introduced to describe growth faltering. Main outcome: Measure of deviation of HAZ, WAZ and WHZ from standard normal distribution. Correction of WHO growth standards for India leading to accurate prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting in Indian children using NFHS-5 data. Results: Data on 10,384 healthy under-5 year children were extracted, of which 5377 were boys. Across surveys and metrics, the mean z scores were significantly lower than zero (−0.52 to −0.79). HAZ and WHZ variability (1.16, 1.07) were significantly higher than 1. Derived age-specific corrections reduced the NFHS-5 prevalence of growth faltering by 50%. The national EMRGF (after applying the age-specific correction) for height for age was 15.5% (95%CI:15.3–15.8), and weight for age was 15.0% (95%CI:14.8–15.3), respectively, in NFHS-5. Conclusion: The WHO growth standards need contextual customization for accurate estimation of the burden of growth faltering in under-5 year children in India. When corrected, the burden of growth faltering is lower, by half or more, in all the three indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A zero-watermarking algorithm for color image based on lifting wavelet transform (LWT), singular value decomposition (SVD) and chaotic system is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the characteristics of a 5-D chaotic system are analyzed by phase diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectrums and bifurcation diagrams. The initial conditions of the chaotic system are changed by hash value calculated from the watermark image. Then, feature information of low-frequency region of color image is extracted by LWT, and the maximum singular value is obtained by improved SVD. Based on chaos correction factor, the feature matrix can be extracted and encrypted by SVD simultaneously. And the watermark image is composed of meaningful single watermark or combined watermark. Finally, zero-watermarking is generated by encryption and logical operation of feature matrix and watermark image. During authentication, the watermark image can be extracted from the color image and the registered zero-watermarking, and the copyright ownership can be determined according to the registration time. This algorithm can effectively protect image copyright without changing image and has good robustness. Experiments verify the effectiveness of the algorithm and its ability to resist filtering, compression, rotation, noise and clipping attacks, and the NC value of each attack is higher than 89%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As for any other nuclear medicine treatment, patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE should be given some radiation protection recommendations after being discharged to limit the dose received by family members and public. The restriction periods will depend on the remaining activity at the time of discharge, the washout rate and patients' personal conditions. The activity in patients' whole-body follows a bi-exponential behaviour. At the time of discharge only the first part of the time-activity curve is known. However, the second phase of the bi-exponential curve should be known to individualize the time of restrictions. The main purpose of this prospective study was to establish a simple method for calculating the restriction periods based on measurements taken before discharge. Methods: The whole-body time-activity curve was calculated for 20 patients from dose-rate measurements performed during the first week post-administration. An effective decay time T eff 6 , 24 was calculated from a mono-exponential fit performed with the 6 h and 24 h measurements and compared with the effective decay time T eff 24 , 48 , 168 obtained from the mono-exponential fit performed with the 24 h, 48 h and 168 h measurements. The differences between them were calculated and the 95th percentile of these differences was used as a correction factor for T eff 6 , 24 . A modified effective decay T eff , mod 6 , 24 was obtained by adding the correction factor to T eff 6 , 24 and the restriction periods for each patient was calculated. The whole body activity washout between the first and the fourth treatment cycles of 16 patients was also compared. Results: The comparison of the whole-body activity curves between the first and the fourth cycle of the treatment for 16 patients would indicate that the recommendations on radiation protection determined from the first cycle could reasonably be used for the remaining cycles in most patients. The values of T eff 6 , 24 and T eff 24 , 48 , 168 obtained for the 20 patients were significantly different. The 95th percentile of the differences between T eff 6 , 24 and T eff 24 , 48 , 168 was 46 h, which is thus the time to be added to T eff 6 , 24 so as to determine the restriction periods. Conclusions: The proposed method makes it possible to calculate the restriction periods for patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE before they leave the hospital in a conservative and individualized way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1924, the CIE published and standardized the photopic luminous efficiency function. Based on the standardized curve, luminous flux in lumens, luminance in cd/m 2 , and illuminance in lux are determined by an integral of the curve and the incident light spectra in photometers and are considered physical brightness. However, human brightness perception is not only weighted by this simple determination, but is a more complicated combination of all L-cones, M-cones, S-cones, rods and later ipRGCs, which was partly described by the equivalent brightness of Fotios et al. with the correction factor (S / V) 0.24 . Recently, new research has demonstrated the role of ipRGCs in human light perception. However, it is still unclear how these signal components of the human visual system are involved in the overall human brightness perception. In this work, human brightness perception under photopic conditions was investigated by visual experiments with 28 subjects under 25 different light spectra. In this way, the contributions of the signal components can be investigated. An optimization process was then performed on the resulting database. The results show that not only the L + M component, but also the S-cones and ipRGC play a role, although it is smaller. Thus, the visually scaled brightness model based on the database optimization was constructed using not only illuminance but also S-cones and ipRGC with R 2 of 0.9554 and RMSE of 4.7802. These results are much better than the brightness model after Fotios et al. using only S-cones ( R 2 = 0.8161, RMSE = 9.7123) and the traditional model without S-cones and ipRGC ( R 2 = 0.8121, RMSE = 9.8171). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to accurately determine the shock wave pressure in a free-field ammunition explosion for evaluating the ammunition damage power. In this study, finite element numerical simulations of different masses of TNT explosives were conducted using the explosive mechanics simulation software AUTODYN. The surface-reflection pressure and free-field shock wave pressure data were obtained under different measuring points. The evolution cloud chart of the shock wave pressure was analysed and the three-wave point track height change rule was investigated. The function mapping relationship between the surface-reflection pressure and free-field shock wave pressure was established by comprehensively considering the impact of the Mach reflection wave on shock wave pressure and the calculation accuracy of the function mapping model was verified using the measured data. The analysis results demonstrated that the sensor installation position should be higher than the three-wave point to obtain the free-field shock wave pressure data accurately. The accuracy of the function mapping model was established by introducing a correction factor η that is higher than 90.5%, which improves the accuracy of the peak value calculation of the existing free-field shock wave pressure and provides data and theoretical support for the damage power evaluation of ammunition and validation of test data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isospin-breaking (IB) effects are required for an evaluation of hadronic vacuum polarization at subpercent precision. While the dominant contributions arise from the e+e−→ π+π− channel, also IB in the subleading channels can become relevant for a detailed understanding, e.g., of the comparison to lattice QCD. Here, we provide such an analysis for e+e−→ 3π by extending our dispersive description of the process, including estimates of final-state radiation (FSR) and ρ–ω mixing. In particular, we develop a formalism to capture the leading infrared-enhanced effects in terms of a correction factor η3π that generalizes the analog treatment of virtual and final-state photons in the 2π case. The global fit to the e+e−→ 3π data base, subject to constraints from analyticity, unitarity, and the chiral anomaly, gives a μ 3 π ≤ 1.8 GeV = 45.91 53 × 10 − 10 for the total 3π contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, of which a μ FSR 3 π = 0.51 1 × 10 − 10 and a μ ρ − ω 3 π = − 2.68 70 × 10 − 10 can be ascribed to IB. We argue that the resulting cancellation with ρ–ω mixing in e+e−→ 2π can be understood from a narrow-resonance picture, and provide updated values for the vacuum-polarization-subtracted vector-meson parameters Mω = 782.70(3) MeV, Mϕ = 1019.21(2) MeV, Γω = 8.71(3) MeV, and Γϕ = 4.27(1) MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the Jeans gravitational instability for a mixture of baryonic and dark matter particles, in the post-Newtonian approximation. We adopt a kinetic model consisting of a coupled system of post-Newtonian collisionless Boltzmann equations, for each species, coupled to the post-Newtonian Poisson equations. We derive the stability criterion, accounting for both post-Newtonian corrections and the presence of dark matter. It is shown that both effects give rise to smaller Jeans masses, in comparison with the standard Jeans criterion, meaning that a smaller mass is needed to begin the gravitational collapse. Taking advantage of that, we confront the model with the observational stability of Bok globules, and show that the model correctly reproduces the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NRCS-CN method is widely used to estimate runoff depth. It is based on a key parameter called the Curve Number (CN), which is used to estimate the runoff coefficients of rainfall-runoff events. Since both storm and catchment characteristics for each event are dynamically variable, treating the CN of a basin as constant seems to be an unrealistic assumption. To take this variability into account, we have developed an empirical equation that estimates the event-based runoff coefficients using a correction factor obtained from the 24-h and maximum daily intensity of rainfall as well as from a minimum CN. The proposed CN method was tested in both calibration and validation stages using an event-based rainfall-runoff dataset from the Kuhsookhteh Watershed, Iran. The results showed good performance for both the calibration and validation datasets, with NS = 0.75 and R2 = 0.77 for the calibration set, and acceptable with NS = 0.6 and R2 = 0.61 for validation set. This study also highlights a variable threshold in form of the slope intercept equation which its initial abstraction could be seen as a descriptor of the loss component. The results for storm events with multiple continuous rainfalls show that the basin infiltration capacity reaches its minimal value and excess rainfall is expected to be controlled by the interaction between potential retention and λ. The obtained runoff coefficient from this methodology was encouraging however such relations for long rainy events should be tested in more catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditions for the applicability of the dispersionless theory of long waves for reproducing dispersive tsunami waves are analyzed. The dispersive destruction distance is proposed for use as a quantitative criterion, a value that is uniquely determined by the wavelength that dominates in the spectrum of the initial elevation of the water surface in the tsunami source and by correction factor The physical meaning of value is the fraction of the wavelength by which the dispersive wave packet lags behind the long-wave front when propagating over a distance equal to the dispersive destruction distance. Using the model residual displacement of the bottom surface, the geometrical parameters of which vary randomly, under the assumption of the instantaneous generation of waves and taking into account the smoothing effect of the water layer, the Monte Carlo method establishes a relationship between the accuracy of wave reproduction by the dispersionless model and the value Using the coefficient scale, criteria previously proposed by other authors are ranked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear sigma models on de Sitter background have proved a useful prototype for quantum gravity in summing the large logarithms which arise from loop corrections. We consider a model whose evolution is described, at leading logarithm order, by the trace of the coincident, doubly differentiated scalar propagator. An analytic approximation for this quantity on an arbitrary expansion history is applied to generalize the resummed de Sitter result to any cosmological background which has experienced primordial inflation. In addition to analytic expressions, we present explicit numerical results for the evolution in a plausible expansion history. The large scales of primordial inflation are transmitted to late times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the predictive value of baseline digitally measured exposure root surface area (ERSA) on the effectiveness of modified coronally advanced tunnel and de-epithelialized gingival grafting (MCAT + DGG) technique for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs). Materials and methods: A total of 96 gingival recessions (48 RT1 and 48 RT2) from 30 subjects were included. ERSA was measured on the digital model obtained by intraoral scanner. Generalized linear model was used to analyze the possible correlation of ERSA, Cairo recession type (RT), gingival biotype, keratinized gingival width (KTW), tooth type, and cervical step-like morphology on the mean root coverage (MRC) and complete root coverage (CRC) at 1-year after MCAT + DGG. The predictive accuracy of CRC is tested using receiver-operator characteristic curves. Results: At 1-year postoperatively, the MRC for RT1 was 95.14 ± 10.25%, which was significantly higher than 78.42 ± 22.57% for RT2 (p < 0.001). ERSA (OR:1.342, p < 0.001), KTW (OR:1.902, p = 0.028) and lower incisors (OR:15.716, p = 0.008) were independent risk factors for predicting MRC. ERSA and MRC showed significant negative correlation in RT2(r = -0.558, p < 0.001), but not in RT1(r = 0.220, p = 0.882). Meanwhile, ERSA (OR:1.232, p = 0.005) and Cairo RT (OR:3.740, p = 0.040) were independent risk factors for predicting CRC. For RT2, the area under curve was 0.848 and 0.898 for ERSA without or with other correction factors, respectively. Conclusions: Digitally measured ERSA may provide strong predictive values for RT1 and RT2 defects treated with MCAT + DGG. Clinical relevance: This study demonstrates that digitally measured ERSA is a valid outcome predictor for root coverage surgery, especially applicable for predicting RT2 MAGRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sampling adjustment factor (SAF) can correct the underestimation of fixed time interval maxima (F-Maxima) relative to maxima of moving time windows (M-Maxima) as a direct consequence of temporal discretization of time series. Radar data can help to understand the significance of using moving window aggregation rather than fixed window. Here, we investigate SAFs for two gridded radar quantitative precipitation estimates from the German Meteorological Service (RADKLIM-RW and RADKLIM-YW, DWD 2018) with different temporal resolutions (5 min and hourly) and a spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km from 2001 to 2016. For each grid cell's time series within Germany, the overall maximum intensities per chosen duration were derived with (1) moving and (2) fixed window aggregation. Correction factors (SAF) from fixed to moving window were retrieved. The findings of this study partly match previous findings, more for the 5-min product than for the hourly product. No clear dependency on topography or season could be derived from the analysis. It showed that high SAF are usually related to high(er) actual rainfall values. The study emphasises the probabilistic nature of the rainfall maxima correction and shows that it is important to not only consider average SAFs, but also take an in-depth look at the distribution when correcting maxima. As a consequence, design precipitation as used, e.g., in context of flash or urban floods could profit from spatially adjusted or uniform scaling, depending on the characteristics found in the spatial distribution of the SAFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A real coaxial HPGe detector, and two lanthanide scintillation detectors have been modeled and characterized by means of Monte Carlo simulation, as part of a project to develop new techniques instrumentation to be used for the primary standardization of high intensity gamma source facilities. The simulation of 152Eu spectra with MCNP 6.2 was used to characterize the detectors in full energy peak efficiency, and coincidence-summing corrections. The 152Eu source, has a complex decay, one by electron conversion, and second beta decay (-β), and in return the spectrum of 152Eu has a lot of peaks affected by the True Coincidence Summing, so any experimental or simulated data needs correction for this effect either during the simulations or after. For post processing of gamma-ray spectra, we used EFFTRAN and GESPECOR software for corrections factors for HPGe, LaBr3(Ce), LaCl3(Ce) detectors. This work also made a comparison on how the two software's will perform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to establish the variation between results in mass fractions due to software implementation, as measured by the k0-method for INAA, the IAEA has organized a software intercomparison. A complete set of test spectra and associated information was assembled. Efficiency curves, neutron spectrum parameters, correction factors and mass fractions were calculated with the participating programs (k0-IPEN, k0-INRIM, k0-DALAT, k0-IAEA and KayWin) using identical peak areas. In this paper, we report on the observed discrepancies, causes, remedies and future software developments. The test data, as well as intermediate results and observed mass fractions of the certified reference material BCR-320R "channel sediment" are available through the IAEA on request. The variations in concentrations attributed to differences between the programs were initially found to be 5.6 and 7.9%, for certified and uncertified concentrations, respectively. After the certified concentrations had been made available to the participants and they had been allowed to improve their programs, the variations found were 2.7 and 3.4%, respectively. The main identified remaining causes of variation are differences in the procedures used for detector efficiency characterisation and neutron spectrum parameter determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement error in polygenic indices (PGIs) attenuates the estimation of their effects in regression models. We analyze and compare two approaches addressing this attenuation bias: Obviously Related Instrumental Variables (ORIV) and the PGI Repository Correction (PGI-RC). Through simulations, we show that the PGI-RC performs slightly better than ORIV, unless the prediction sample is very small (N < 1000) or when there is considerable assortative mating. Within families, ORIV is the best choice since the PGI-RC correction factor is generally not available. We verify the empirical validity of the simulations by predicting educational attainment and height in a sample of siblings from the UK Biobank. We show that applying ORIV between families increases the standardized effect of the PGI by 12% (height) and by 22% (educational attainment) compared to a meta-analysis-based PGI, yet estimates remain slightly below the PGI-RC estimates. Furthermore, within-family ORIV regression provides the tightest lower bound for the direct genetic effect, increasing the lower bound for the standardized direct genetic effect on educational attainment from 0.14 to 0.18 (+29%), and for height from 0.54 to 0.61 (+13%) compared to a meta-analysis-based PGI. Measurement error in polygenic indices attenuates their power to predict complex traits. Here, the authors compare two approaches addressing this attenuation bias and provide guidance on which approach to apply in various scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a cancer treatment option that combines preferential uptake of a boron compound in tumors and irradiation with thermal neutrons. For treatment planning, the boron concentration in different tissues must be considered. Neutron autoradiography using nuclear track detectors (NTD) can be applied to study both the concentration and microdistribution of boron in tissue samples. Histological sections are obtained from frozen tissue by cryosectioning. When the samples reach room temperature, they undergo an evaporation process, which leads to an increase in the boron concentration. To take this effect into account, certain correction factors (evaporation coefficients, CEv) must be applied. With this aim, a protocol was established to register and analyze mass variation of tissue sections, measured with a semimicro scale. Values of ambient temperature, pressure, and humidity were simultaneously recorded. Reproducible results of evaporation curves and CEv values were obtained for different tissue samples, which allowed the systematization of the procedure. This study could contribute to a more precise determination of boron concentration in tissue samples through the neutron autoradiography technique, which is of great relevance to make dosimetric calculations in BNCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a coarse-grained polymer model in order to investigate the origin of a recently discovered negative energy-related contribution to the elastic modulus G(T) of rubber-like gels. From this model, we are able to compute an exact expression for the free energy of the system, which allows us to evaluate a stress–strain relationship that displays a non-trivial dependence on the temperature T. We validate our approach through comparisons between the theoretical results and the experimental data obtained for tetra-PEG hydrogels, which indicate that, although simple, the present model works well to describe the experiments. Importantly, our approach unveiled aspects of the experimental analysis which turned out to be different from the conventional entropic and energetic analysis broadly used in the literature. Also, in contrast to the linear dependence predicted by the traditional, i.e., purely entropic, models, our results suggest that the general expression of the elastic modulus should be of the form G (T) ∝ k B T w (T) , with w(T) being a temperature-dependent correction factor that could be related to the interaction between the chains in the network and the solvent. Accordingly, the correction factor allows the expression found for the elastic modulus to describe both rubber and rubber-like gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first observation of the B s 0 → D∗+D∗− decay and the measurement of its branching ratio relative to the B0→ D∗+D∗− decay are presented. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb−1 of proton-proton collisions recorded by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV between 2011 and 2018. The decay is observed with more than 10 standard deviations and the time-integrated ratio of branching fractions is determined to be B B s 0 → D ∗ + D ∗ − B B 0 → D ∗ + D ∗ − = 0.269 ± 0.032 ± 0.011 ± 0.008 , where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third due to the uncertainty of the fragmentation fraction ratio fs/fd. The B s 0 → D*+D*− branching fraction is calculated to be B B s 0 → D ∗ + D ∗ − = 2.15 ± 0.26 ± 0.09 ± 0.06 ± 0.16 × 10 − 4 , where the fourth uncertainty is due to the B0→ D*+D*− branching fraction. These results are calculated using the average B s 0 meson lifetime in simulation. Correction factors are reported for scenarios where either a purely heavy or a purely light B s 0 eigenstate is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) has been applied to retrieve accurate Rayleigh scattering cross-sections, σ Rayl. for a set of atmospheric gases at ~ 408 nm. Step pressure changes and pressure ramps were used in three different but similar optical cavities to measure light extinction by N2, O2, Ar, CO, CO2, N2O, CH4 and synthetic air (SA). The experimentally determined σ Rayl. were compared with σ Rayl. values calculated for these atmospheric gases using knowledge of extrapolated literature values of the refractive index (n) and King correction factors measured in different spectral regions. The difference between measured and calculated σ Rayl. using the most recently published dispersion relationship for N2O and CH4 is ~ 0.6%. This confirms the improved accuracy of the new dispersion relationship. The calculated and measured σ Rayl. agreed on average within 0.6%, 2.4%, 1.2%, 2.2%, and 1.5% for the gases CO2, N2 O2, SA, and Ar at ~ 408 nm. However, for CO, the difference is 4.1%, i.e. more than twice the error. This implies that improved knowledge of the dispersion relationship for CO, and thus the refractive index and King correction factors, would be of value to calculate σ Rayl. in the blue spectral region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the acidic treatment of microalgal biomass (Chlorella vulgaris) for recovery of reducing sugars aiming bioethanol application was investigated using the severity factor approach (acid-combined severity factor (CSF)) which was applied considering different temperatures (110–130 °C), residence times (0–60 min), and acid concentrations (0–5% v/v) and the process transient times (heating and cooling). A suitable kinetic model was evaluated, developed, and applied, and it can be shown that the severity factor theory can be revised and extended using a n order kinetics for biomass solubilization and m order reaction for acid application and considering the transient times (heating and cooling contributions) for microalgal biomass hydrolysis. n and m for Chlorella vulgaris biomass were 3.63 and 1.42, approximately. Activation energy for microalgal biomass was 41.19 kJ/mol. An exponential function was suitable to provide the contribution of the heating and cooling process during the hydrolysis of microalgal biomass with R2 between 0.98 and 0.99. A correction factor (Δln (H.C)) of 1.285 ± 0.175 and 1.928 ± 0.182 for the data obtained at 120 and 130 °C in relation to those at 110 °C, respectively, showed a lower dispersion and better adjustment of the experimental data to the simulated curve when all points are plotted together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]