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This article introduces WingSegment, a MATLAB app‐designed tool employing a hybrid approach of computer vision and graph theory for precise insect wing image segmentation. WingSegment detects cells, junctions, Pterostigma, and venation patterns, measuring geometric features and generating Voronoi patterns. The tool utilizes region‐growing, thinning, and Dijkstra's algorithms for boundary detection, junction identification, and vein path extraction. It provides histograms and box plots of geometric features, facilitating comprehensive wing analysis. WingSegment's efficiency is validated through comparisons with established tools and manual measurements, demonstrating accurate results. The tool further enables exporting detected boundaries as FreeCAD macro files for 3D modeling and printing, supporting finite element analysis. Beyond advancing insect wing morphology understanding, WingSegment holds broader implications for diverse planar structures, including leaves and geocells. This tool not only enhances automated geometric analysis and 3D model generation in insect wing studies but also contributes to the broader advancement of analysis, 3D printing, and modeling technologies across various planar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent epidemic, and the emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) presents a global healthcare threat. While some new agents have been successfully introduced, innovative technologies to evaluate emerging anti-TB compounds are required to inform transformative approaches. Mtb is an obligate human pathogen, and consequently utilizing models that are consistent with human disease is likely to be critical. We have developed a human 3-dimensional (3-D) cell culture model that reflects human disease gene expression patterns and causes Mtb to become pyrazinamide sensitive in vitro. Here, we identify key differences in virulence between the standard laboratory strain, Mtb H37Rv, and clinical isolates. We demonstrate that Mtb H37Rv is attenuated in the 3-D system, more susceptible to antibiotics and hyperinflammatory compared to clinical isolates. Prolonged in vitro culture of a clinical strain leads to attenuation. We then characterise antibiotic sensitivity of multi-drug-resistant Mtb within the 3-D model and define relative bactericidal activity. Finally, we demonstrate that verapamil increases efficacy of bedaquiline and delamanid antibiotic therapy. Taken together, our findings suggest that studying virulent clinical strains in an advanced cell culture system is a powerful adjunct to established methodologies to evaluate new interventions for TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gaussian‐shaped, three‐dimensional (3DG‐k) wake model is proposed considering the shear wind effect. The model defines the wake radius rw to be equal to twice the Gaussian standard deviation σ and establishes a link with the expansion coefficient k of the physical wake boundary to describe the wake boundary. Garrad Hassan (GH) wind tunnel test data, Shiren wind farm measurement data, Nibe wind farm measurement data, and Vestas V80‐2MW wind turbine computational data by large eddy simulation method are used to validate the accuracy of the 3DG‐k, Jensen, 3D Gaussian (3DG), and 3D cosine (3D‐C) models. Results show that the 3DG‐k model exhibits higher accuracy for the four cases compared to other models. Due to its simplicity and universality, the model can be used for layout optimization and wake control of wind farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research / Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu is the property of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research / Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu is the property of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Future space missions dedicated to measuring CO2 on a global scale can make advantageous use of the O2 band at 1.27 μm to retrieve the air column. The 1.27 μm band is close to the CO2 absorption bands at 1.6 and 2.0 μm, which allows a better transfer of the aerosol properties than with the usual O2 band at 0.76 μm. However, the 1.27 μm band is polluted by the spontaneous dayglow of the excited state O2 (1∆), which must be removed from the observed signal. We investigate here our quantitative understanding of the O2(1∆) dayglow with a chemistry‐transport model. We show that the previously reported −13% deficit in O2(1∆) dayglow calculated with the same model is essentially due a −20% to −30% ozone deficit between 45 and 60 km. We find that this ozone deficit is due to excessively high temperatures (+15 K) of the meteorological analyses used to drive the model in the mesosphere. The use of lower analyzed temperatures (ERA5), in better agreement with the observations, slows down the hydrogen‐catalyzed and Chapman ozone loss cycles. This effect leads to an almost total elimination of the ozone and O2(1∆) deficits in the lower mesosphere. Once integrated vertically to simulate a nadir measurement, the deficit in modeled O2(1∆) brightness is reduced to −4.2 ± 2.8%. This illustrates the need for accurate mesospheric temperatures for a priori estimations of the O2(1∆) brightness in algorithms using the 1.27 μm band. Plain Language Summary: Future space missions dedicated to measuring CO2 in the atmosphere can make advantageous use of the O2 absorption band at 1.27 μm. Indeed, the 1.27 μm band is close to the wavelengths where CO2 absorbs the solar radiation, which allows more precise calculations. However, the 1.27 μm band is polluted by the spontaneous infrared emission of O2 in its excited state called O2(1∆), which occurs in the upper atmosphere and must be removed from the observed signal. We investigate here our understanding of the O2(1∆) emission with a chemistry‐transport model. When compared to observations, there is a −13% deficit in O2(1∆) in our model. We find that this deficit is due to excessively high temperatures (+15 K) used in the calculations. The use of temperatures more in line with the observations slows down the ozone‐destroying chemical cycles, which leads to an almost total elimination of the O2(1∆) deficit. Once integrated vertically to simulate a satellite measurement, the deficit in modeled O2(1∆) brightness is reduced to −4.2 ± 2.8%. This illustrates the need for accurate temperatures in the middle atmosphere for a reliable prediction of the O2(1∆) emission occurring in the 1.27 μm band. Key Points: Three‐dimensional simulations of the O2(1∆) dayglow at 1.27 μm are compared to satellite dataThe model and observations show that O3 and O2(1∆) near the stratopause and in the lower mesosphere are anti‐correlated with temperatureThe O2(1∆) brightness at 1.27 μm calculated with reanalyzed temperatures is on average −4.2 ± 2.8% lower than the observations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to explore an extra-articular screw placement strategy in Stoppa approach. Radiographic data of patients who underwent pelvic computed tomography from January 2016 to June 2017 were imported into Materiaise's interactive medical image control system software for three-dimensional reconstruction. Superior and lower margins of acetabulum and ipsilateral pelvic brim could be observed simultaneously through inlet-obturator view. A horizontal line from superior acetabular margin intersected pelvic brim at point "A" and another vertical line from lower margin intersected pelvic brim at point "B" were drawn, respectively. Lengths form sacroiliac joint to "A" (a), "A" to "B" (b), and "B" to pubic symphysis (c) were measured. Patients were divided into four groups depending on gender and side difference of measured hemi-pelvis: male left, male right, female left, and female right. Lengths of adjacent holes (d) and spanning different holes (e) of different plates were also measured. Mean lengths of a, b, c in four groups were 40.94 ± 1.85 mm, 40.09 ± 1.93 mm, 41.78 ± 3.62 mm, and 39.77 ± 2.23 mm (P = 0.078); 40.65 ± 1.58 mm, 41.48 ± 1.64 mm, 40.40 ± 1.96 mm, and 40.66 ± 1.70 mm (P = 0.265); 57.03 ± 3.41 mm, 57.51 ± 3.71 mm, 57.84 ± 4.40 mm, and 59.84 ± 4.35 mm (P = 0.165), respectively. Mean d length of different plates was 12.23 mm. Average lengths spanning 1, 2, 3 and 4 holes were 19.33 mm, 31.58 mm, 43.80 mm, and 55.93 mm. Our data showed that zones a and c could be safely inserted three and four screws. Penetration into hip joint could be avoided when vacant 3-hole drilling was conducted in zone b. Fracture line in zone b could serve as a landmark for screw placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transpedicular procedure has been widely used in spinal surgery. The determination of the best entry point is the key to perform a successful transpedicular procedure. Various techniques have been used to determine this point, but the results are variable. This study was carried out to determine the posterior endpoint of the lumbar pedicle central axis on the standard anterior–posterior (AP) fluoroscopic images. Computer-aided design technology was used to determine the pedicle central axis and the posterior endpoint of the pedicle central axis on the posterior aspect of the vertebra. The standard AP fluoroscopic image of the lumbar vertebral models by three-dimensional printing was achieved. The endpoint projection on the AP fluoroscopic image was determined in reference to the pedicle cortex projection by the measurements of the angle and distance on the established X–Y coordinate system of the radiologic image. The projection of posterior endpoint of the lumbar pedicle central axis were found to be superior to the X-axis of the established X–Y coordinate system and was located on the pedicle cortex projection on the standard AP fluoroscopic image of the vertebra. The projection point was distributed in different sectors in the coordinate system. It was located superior to the X-axis by 18° to 26° at L1, while they were located superior to the X-axis by 12° to 14° at L2 to L5. The projections of posterior endpoints of the lumbar pedicle central axis were located in different positions on the standard AP fluoroscopic image of the vertebra. The determination method of the projection point was helpful for selecting an entry point for a transpedicular procedure with a fluoroscopic technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the weak structure and main seepage channel of rock mass, the discrete fracture network (DFN) has a significant influence on the physical and mechanical properties of rock mass. In this paper, based on the rectangular joint model, two algorithms are proposed to realize the precise modeling of the DFN in any polyhedron. First, the equivalence of DFN modeling with the rectangular joint model and the elliptical joint model is theoretically deduced. On this basis, the chain splicing algorithm suitable for the rectangular joint model is proposed, which can generate the DFN model according to the actual distribution of joint spacing, trace, and bridge length. Aiming at the concave boundary in the model domain, the segmentation‐stitching operation is put forward, and the continuity of the joint when passing through the interface is ensured. Finally, the effectiveness of the above algorithm is verified by several simple cases, and the relationship between the size of the geometrical representative elementary volume (REV) and discontinuity parameters is discussed. The results show that when the mean values of the joint distribution parameters are the same, even if the distribution rules are different, the number of joints generated in the same spatial region is approximately equal. The size of the geometrical REV is independent of the spacing and bridge length and is approximately three to five times the mean of the trace. The relevant algorithms and conclusions in this paper can be used as the basis for subsequent rock mass stability analysis and seepage calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three-dimensional modeling of a pulsating heat pipe is carried out, and the effect of physical and geometrical parameters such as filling ratio (FR), transverse distance (Z), and the number of loops (N) on its performance is investigated. In this study, it is assumed that the heat pipe is embedded in the microchannel heat sink, and its boundary condition is the thermal condition in the microchannel heat sink. The volume of fluid (VOF) multiphase flow model is used in the current numerical analysis. For the PHP, four different filling ratios (FR = 40, 50, 60, 70%), four transverse distances (Z = 2, 5, 8, 18 mm), and four numbers of loops (N = 1, 2, 3, 4) are considered, and the results will be compared with each other. It is shown that PHP with FR = 60% has the best performance. Also, comparing different values of transverse distance, Z = 18 mm has the lowest thermal resistance. The results show that by embedding a 4-loop PHP, the thermal resistance of MCHS decrease from 0.0268 to 0.0221 K/W, which indicates a 21.27% increase in the thermal performance of the microchannel heat sink compared to the basic design (without PHP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave heating is an emerging alternative pretreatment method for road maintenance in cold seasons. The thermal behavior of asphalt pavement under microwave heating is mainly determined by the complex permittivity of the asphalt mixture. In this study, an innovative approach for calculating the complex permittivity of an asphalt mixture based on a three-dimensional meso-scale heterogeneous structure was proposed. A series of experiments was conducted to verify the accuracy of this approach. The effect of porosity, void size, moisture content and aggregate gradation on the complex permittivity for an asphalt mixture were computationally analyzed based on the validated approach. Moreover, the applicability of commonly used classical dielectric models was analyzed. The classical Lichtenecker–Rother (LR) dielectric model was modified on the basis of simulation data for various conditions. The results showed that the real part of the complex permittivity decreased with the increase in porosity. Some sudden change in the imaginary part of the complex permittivity was observed within the frequency range from 2.6 GHz to 3.9 GHz. A larger air void size would lead to a larger frequency at which sudden change occurs. The real part and imaginary part of the complex permittivity tend to be smaller when more coarse aggregates are replaced with fine aggregates. Both the real part and the imaginary part of the complex permittivity increase with higher moisture content due to the stronger dielectric property of water. Each 1% increase in moisture content would lead to about a 3~4% increase in the real part of the complex permittivity. The determination coefficients R2 for the real part and the imaginary part of the complex permittivity fitted by the modified Brown model were the maximum values, which were 0.922 and 0.980, respectively. The method presented in this study is useful for transportation agencies to optimize microwave heating during winter maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider in this paper numerical approximation and simulation of a two-species Keller-Segel model. The model enjoys an energy dissipation law, mass conservation and bound or positivity preserving for the population density of two species. We construct a class of very efficient numerical schemes based on the generalized scalar auxiliary variable with relaxation which preserve unconditionally the essential properties of the model at the discrete level. We conduct a sequence of numerical tests to validate the properties of these schemes, and to study the blow-up phenomena of the model in a three-dimensional domain in parabolic-elliptic form and parabolic-parabolic form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several productive petroleum fields in the North Western Desert (WD) of Egypt, which received extensive investigations regarding their petroleum potential. However, a few studies tackled the Matruh Oil Field, which contains the oil prolific Early Cretaceous Alam El-Bueib Formation (AEB Fm) reservoir. The reservoir intervals of the AEB Fm show substantial lithological variations across the basin. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the vertical and lateral distributions in terms of their lithological and petrophysical properties. To achieve this objective, wireline logs of four wells and 20-2D seismic lines were used to construct a depth-structure contour map for the studied part of the field. This map was used to build the field's structure model and to identify the fault patterns in the basin through several seismic lines. Analyses of well logs data and lithology were used to estimate the petrophysical properties of AEB sandstone units AEB-1, AEB-3A, AEB-3C, and AEB-6. Results show that the AEB-6 Unit is the most promising hydrocarbon-bearing unit. It has a net pay of 20–160 feet, a shale volume of 5–20%, an effective porosity of 14–20%, and a hydrocarbon saturation of 70–88%. The structure-depth maps indicate a number of normal faults with two principal NE-SW and NW–SE trends, which probably act as structural traps in the Matruh Oil Field. The constructed structure-depth maps and calculated petrophysical parameters were used to build a three-dimensional reservoir model. A blind well was used to validate the accuracy and reliability of the facies, porosity, and saturation models for the AEB Fm units, ensuring a good match between log-derived data and built models. The AEB Fm shows regional heterogeneous variations in its petrophysical characteristics. It exhibits unconventional reservoir characteristics in a N–S direction and conventional reservoir characteristics in an E–W direction. This observed heterogeneity shows the need to carry out further investigations to comprehensively assess the hydrocarbon potential of AEB Fm in different areas of the Matruh Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the maximum contact pressure as the objective function for, the optimal design model of the offshore flange connector was established to analyze the impact of the flange cone's angle and the curvature radius of the lenticular gasket's contact surface on the sealing performance of the connector. An optimized three-dimensional model of the offshore flange connector was constructed using the MATLAB software's fmincon function to obtain the optimal size of the cone angle and curvature radius. The maximum contact pressure and maximum equivalent stress values of the nonoptimized and optimized offshore flange connectors under the cross combination of two design pressures and six operating temperatures were analyzed by Workbench software, and the sealing performance of the non-optimized and optimized offshore flange connectors was compared according to the sealing judgment basis. The results show that compared with the previously studied offshore flange connector, the sealing structure of optimized offshore flange exhibits maximum increase in contact pressure increase but maximum decrease in equivalent stress. Under actual operating circumstances, the optimized offshore flange connection performs better in sealing and is less prone to breakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) is a medical device designed for the examination of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Three-dimensional models based on WCE images can assist in diagnostics by effectively detecting pathology. These 3D models provide gastroenterologists with improved visualization, particularly in areas of specific interest. However, the constraints of WCE, such as lack of controllability, and requiring expensive equipment for operation, which is often unavailable, pose significant challenges when it comes to conducting comprehensive experiments aimed at evaluating the quality of 3D reconstruction from WCE images. In this paper, we employ a single-image-based 3D reconstruction method on an artificial colon captured with an endoscope that behaves like WCE. The shape from shading (SFS) algorithm can reconstruct the 3D shape using a single image. Therefore, it has been employed to reconstruct the 3D shapes of the colon images. The camera of the endoscope has also been subjected to comprehensive geometric and radiometric calibration. Experiments are conducted on well-defined primitive objects to assess the method's robustness and accuracy. This evaluation involves comparing the reconstructed 3D shapes of primitives with ground truth data, quantified through measurements of root-mean-square error and maximum error. Afterward, the same methodology is applied to recover the geometry of the colon. The results demonstrate that our approach is capable of reconstructing the geometry of the colon captured with a camera with an unknown imaging pipeline and significant noise in the images. The same procedure is applied on WCE images for the purpose of 3D reconstruction. Preliminary results are subsequently generated to illustrate the applicability of our method for reconstructing 3D models from WCE images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model based on a three-dimensional fractal function is developed and used in conjunction with experiments to analyze the evolutionary pattern of sealing performance during the start-up process of dynamic pressure seals, and the influence of end-face microscopic features on the evolution law is discussed. It is found that the opening state of the seal is divided into three stages: the non-opened stage, transition stage, and full-opened stage. The isotropic dimensions of the cavities have a coupling effect on the leakage, and they diminish as the speed increases. In order to enhance the sealing performance during start-up, it is suggested that the seal faces have a fractal dimension of 2.4 to 2.6, and a characteristic factor of less than 1 × 10−9 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower generators withstand multiple forces from diverse sources during operation. To ensure their stability and safe performance, numerical tools are developed to characterize their dynamic properties. Traditionally, generators are assumed to be rigid in rotordynamic analyses. However, the measurements in power stations challenge this assumption. This article proposes a novel approach to modeling hydropower generators with floating rotor rims using a three-dimensional (3-D) Finite Element Method, aiming to study their dynamic performance and properties, including natural frequencies, the modes of vibrations, and expansion due to centrifugal and electromagnetic forces, with the goal of improving the reliability of modern designs. Both this approach and employing a two-dimensional (2-D) model using curved beams result in similar in-plane natural frequencies and the expansion of the rotor rim due to centrifugal forces. However, the 3-D model can be used to calculate the out-of-plane natural frequencies and modes, to model the dynamics of complex geometries, and to perform stress evaluation and fatigue analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, there have been discussions about the possibility of air pollution affecting the process of rain formation. In this study, we have developed a simplified model that represents the atmospheric dynamics and cloud microphysics to explore the impact of pollution on rain formation. We used an existing three-dimensional minimal model consisting of five equations, for which we added a simple bulk parametrization that represents the role of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in cloud formation processes. We conducted numerical tests using two CCN profiles, with either one or two accumulation layers and modified their abundance to explore the effects of different CCN concentrations and distributions. We conducted four numerical tests corresponding to the two aforementioned profiles with polluted and low-polluted scenarios. The numerical simulations suggested that a layer with high CCN concentration close to the surface tends to suppress precipitation, while the same concentration distributed over two layers tends to enhance the efficiency of rain formation. The simulations also showed that CCN particles far from the surface produced higher cloud tops and longer events, consistent with previous research. Although the model includes a stable representation of precipitating turbulent convection with bulk cloud microphysics, we expect its simplicity and conservation properties to allow for deeper theoretical analyses that can help us better understand the physical processes involved in the studied phenomenon. We hope this model will serve as a tool to explore different aerosol-related scenarios within the context of minimal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragonflies show impressive flight performance due to their unique tandem flapping wing configuration. While previous studies focused on forewing-hindwing interference in dragonfly-like flapping wings, few have explored the role of asymmetric pitching angle in tandem flapping wings. This paper compares the aerodynamic performance of asymmetric dragonfly-like wings with symmetric hummingbird-like wings, both arranged in tandem. Using a three-dimensional numerical model, we analyzed wing configurations with single/tandem wings, advance ratios (J) from 0 to 0.45, and forewing-hindwing phase differences (ϕ) from 0 ° to 180 ° at a Reynolds number of 7000. Results show that asymmetric flapping wings exhibit higher vertical force and flight efficiency in both single and tandem wing configurations. Increasing the phase difference (ϕ) improves flight efficiency with minimal loss of vertical force in the asymmetric flapping mode, while the symmetrical flapping mode significantly reduces vertical force at a 180 ° phase difference. Additionally, symmetric tandem flapping wings unexpectedly gain extra vertical force during in-phase flapping. This study uncovers the flow characteristics of dragonfly-like tandem flapping wings, providing a theoretical basis for the design of tandem flapping wing robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In line with current trends and challenges in the field of cultural heritage, the research presented here is the result of the V.I.T.A. project: an initiative on digital cultural heritage that involves museum operators in the digitization and development of digital applications for various works of art and ethnographic elements from the Civic Museums of Ascoli Piceno. The project includes the entire digitization workflow, ranging from three-dimensional modeling to immersive virtual experiences for museums. The work testifies to a fruitful collaboration between universities and cultural institutions, which has led the Marche museum to become a virtuous example in the field of digital transformation of heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost‐effective computing capabilities have paved the road for the use of numerical modelling to develop advanced methods and applications of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR). Realistic synthetic data and the corresponding modelling techniques, respectively, should consider all subsurface and above‐ground aspects that influence GPR wave propagation and the characteristics of recorded signals. Critical aspects that can be realized in modern GPR modelling tools include heterogeneous and frequency‐dependent material properties, complex structures and interface geometries as well as three‐dimensional antenna models, including the interaction between the antenna and the subsurface. However, realistic noise related to the electronic components of a GPR system or ambient electromagnetic noise is often not considered, or simplified by assuming a white Gaussian noise model which is added to the modelled data. We present an approach to include realistic noise scenarios as typically observed in GPR field data into the flow of modelling synthetic GPR data. In our approach, we extract the noise from recorded GPR traces and add it to the modelled GPR data via a convolution‐based process. We illustrate our methodology using a modelling exercise, where we contaminate a synthetic two‐dimensional GPR dataset with frequency‐dependent noise recorded in an urban environment. Comparing our noise‐contaminated synthetic data with field data recorded in a similar environment illustrates that our method allows the generation of synthetic GPR with realistic noise characteristics and further highlights the limitations of assuming pure white Gaussian noise models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When pipe defects are generated above the T-type support structure location, it is difficult to distinguish the reflection signals caused by the weld bead at the support structure from the reflection echoes of pipe defects. Therefore, in order to effectively detect pipe defects, a waveform subtraction method with a circumferential shear horizontal (CSH) guided wave is proposed, which is generated by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). First, a CSH0 guided wave mode with a center frequency of 500 kHz is selected to establish a three-dimensional model with and without pipe defects above the support structure. Following this, the influence of different widths of support structures on the echo signal is compared. Moreover, simulation and experimental results are used to compare the influence of different welding qualities on the detection results. Finally, the waveform subtraction method is used to process the simulation and experimental signals, and the influence of pipe defects with different lengths and depths is discussed. The results show that the non-through crack defect of 5 mm × 1 mm (length × depth) can be detected. The results show that this method can effectively detect the cracks by eliminating the influence of the weld echo, which provides a new concept for the detection of the defect above the support structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoMorph is a new mass‐flux convection parametrization under development at the Met Office designed for use within the Unified Model and its successor model, LFRic. Use of a three‐dimensional idealised model enables controlled tests of the performance of the scheme across different regimes. This includes the interaction between the physical parametrizations and the resolved dynamics, allowing study of the emergent organisation of convection on the resolved scale. A selection of well‐known cases is revisited here, with the purpose of documenting the extent to which CoMorph captures a range of important, but challenging, behaviour such as the diurnal cycle and sensitivity to tropospheric moisture. Simulations using CoMorph‐A, a new physics package, that has been demonstrated to perform well at numerical weather prediction (NWP) and climate scales, are compared against the current global atmosphere configuration and high‐resolution results. In addition to an entirely new convection scheme, the package of changes includes significant changes to the cloud, microphysics, and boundary‐layer parametrizations. Recognising that CoMorph‐A is the first version of a scheme that will continue to be substantially developed and to obtain good performance, compromises in tuning have had to be made. These idealised tests therefore show what works well in this configuration, and what areas will require further work. As such, it is quite a demanding testbed and could be viewed as some of the equipment required for a "convective playground". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of multilayered shallow water equations has developed from a consideration of immiscible layers as a vertical mesh to the layer bounds as imaginary extremes for vertical integration of the flow equations. In the current work, a quasi three‐dimensional flow model has been developed with the consideration of the spatiotemporal flexibility/variability of the pervious vertical discretization/layer ratios. Thus, in principle, vertical layering offers a nonuniform grid with a temporal variation. The system of equations thus formulated comprises a conservative part and the appended source/sink terms. These source/sink terms pertain to the inter‐layer interactions such as mass/momenta transfer and interfacial stress, which have been treated in a novel implicit form alongwith the subgrid‐scale eddy‐viscosity for interlayer shear. They are integrated into the system through different physical considerations so as to arrive at a well‐balanced numerical scheme in a regular finite volume grid. The model has been validated through the standard test‐cases highlighting the conservation properties and the model's adaptability to uniform and nonuniform vertical meshes alongwith the spatiotemporal transitions of layer ratios, with a specific interest in limiting cases of wet/dry fronts. The increase in layer ratios tends to nearly replicate the full‐scale model results in experimental scenarios at a lesser computational overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent destructive landslide tsunamis, such as the 2018 Anak Krakatau event, were fresh reminders for developing validated three-dimensional numerical tools to accurately model landslide tsunamis and to predict their hazards. In this study, we perform Three-dimensional physical modelling of waves generated by subaerial solid-block landslides, and use the data to validate two numerical models: the commercial software FLOW-3D HYDRO and the open-source OpenFOAM package. These models are key representatives of the primary types of modelling tools—commercial and open-source—utilized by scientists and engineers in the field. This research is among a few studies on 3D physical and numerical models for landslide-generated waves, and it is the first time that the aforementioned two models are systematically compared. We show that the two models accurately reproduce the physical experiments and give similar performances in modelling landslide-generated waves. However, they apply different approaches, mechanisms and calibrations to deliver the tasks. It is found that the results of the two models are deviated by approximately 10% from one another. This guide helps engineers and scientists implement, calibrate, and validate these models for landslide-generated waves. The validity of this research is confined to solid-block subaerial landslides and their impact in the near-field zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image processing using traditional photogrammetric methods is a labor‐intensive process. The collection of photogrammetry images during aerial surveys is expanding rapidly, creating new challenges to analyze images promptly and efficiently, while reducing human error during processing. Computer vision‐assisted photogrammetry, a field of artificial intelligence (AI), can automate image processing, greatly enhancing the efficiency of photogrammetry. Here, we present a practical and efficient program capable of automatically extracting the fine‐scale photogrammetry of East Asian finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri). Our results indicated that computer vision‐assisted photogrammetry could achieve the same accuracy as traditional photogrammetry, and the results of the comparisons were validated against the direct measurements. Three‐dimensional (3D) models using computer vision‐assisted photogrammetric morphometrics generated trustworthy body volume estimates. We also explored the one image‐based 3D modeling technique, which is less accurate, but still useful when only one image of the animal is available. Although several limitations exist in the current program, improvements could be made to narrow the virtual‐reality gap when more images are available for machine learning and training. We recommend this program for analyzing images of marine mammals possessing a similar morphological contour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban three-dimensional modeling involves digitizing geographical elements such as urban ground and architecture, profoundly impacting urban management, planning, and development. In recent years, such models have demonstrated various advantages, but traditional challenges in acquiring comprehensive geographical information persist. The emergence of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) oblique photography offers a viable solution, enabling cost-effective acquisition of geographical information and facilitating the construction of three-dimensional urban models. However, UAV-based 3D reconstruction encounters certain issues.Conventional 3D reconstruction typically begins with data collection, involving two-dimensional images or point cloud data acquisition using imagery or LiDAR technology. Subsequent steps include data preprocessing, feature extraction and matching, surface model construction, texture mapping, rendering, and generating three-dimensional models. However, traditional methods exhibit limitations and drawbacks, such as inadequate adaptation to complex scenes, increased computational demands for large-scale scenes, and difficulties with dynamic scenes.Deep learning-based 3D reconstruction methods, like MVSNet, employ deep neural networks to infer scene depth information from multiple-view images, yielding high-quality 3D reconstruction results. However, they rely heavily on prior datasets and auxiliary information, limiting generalization.Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) combine neural networks with volumetric rendering techniques, excelling in reconstructing objects with high precision and detail, handling dynamic scenes, and addressing areas with sparse viewpoints. However, NeRF's input requires sparse point clouds, commonly obtained using COLMAP, which has limitations. To address these limitations, using NeRF with global Structure-from-Motion (SfM) has emerged as a promising solution. This simultaneous processing of the entire dataset estimates camera trajectories and scene structure from shared features and information among multiple images, resulting in more accurate sparse point clouds and significantly improving image quality. Experimental validation using open-source and self-generated datasets demonstrates that this algorithm markedly enhances surface texture quality compared to traditional 3D reconstruction and NeRF with incremental SfM. In summary, this algorithm enhances 3D reconstruction efficacy and exhibits superior robustness, scalability, and accuracy compared to conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective chip formation process is significant for an efficient metal-cutting process. Long continuous chips can lead to scratches on the machined surface, increasing the risk to operator safety and stability of the machining process. The use of chip grooves on cutting inserts allows for control of the chip formation and breaking process during machining. The shape of the rake surface and the design of the chip groove also affect the efficiency of the machining process. The article presents the use of 3D imaging to analyze changes in the selected chip groove shapes depending on the cutting depth ap = 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 mm and the angular location of the cutting insert relative to the machined surface of the workpiece (i.e., major cutting-edge angle K = 60° and K = 90°). The analysis methodology was based on the use of 3D image registration and surface shape modeling. In the analysis based on the 3D imaging presented, the novelty was the adaptation of methods typically used to map and model the terrain surface, which have not been used previously in cutting processes. The evaluation of the shape of the chip groove surface was carried out using, e.g., watershed maps and 3D surface maps. The obtained results indicated a significant influence of the cutting depth and major cutting-edge angle on the surface shape, profile, and length of the chip former; chip groove volume; and the theoretical contact area of the formed chip with the cutting insert. It was observed that for small depths of cut, i.e., ap < 0.25 mm, the chip-curling process may be difficult due to the flattened shape of the rake surface. In addition, the influence of the convexity of the rake surface of the cutting insert on the chip formation process was demonstrated. The results of the experimental research that verified the conclusions are presented. The developed results may be useful in the process of selecting the parameters and conditions of the metal finishing through use of tools with a shaped rake surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive approach for single sensor placement optimization in two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. A traditional exhaustive search technique and a novel method called recursive exhaustive search are used to place a sensor in a way that maximizes the area coverage metric. Exhaustive search provides a baseline by methodically evaluating all potential placements, while recursive exhaustive search innovates by segmenting the search process into more manageable, recursive steps. Our findings highlight the significant impact of two key parameters, the number of evaluations and the rasterization value, on the achieved coverage and computation time. The results show that the right choice of parameters can significantly reduce the computational effort without compromising the quality of the solution. This underlines the critical need for a balanced approach that considers both computational complexity and placement efficacy. We show that exhaustive search is not feasible for three-dimensional environment models and propose to establish a modified exhaustive search method as a ground truth for the single sensor placement problem. We then explore nature-inspired genetic algorithms and the impact of the number of evaluations of the optimization function for these algorithms on both accuracy and computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid tumors often contain genetically different populations of cancer cells, stromal cells, various structural and soluble proteins, and other soluble signaling molecules. The American Cancer society estimated 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer deaths in the United States in 2023. A major barrier against successful treatment of cancer patients is drug resistance. Gain of stem cell-like states by cancer cells under drug pressure or due to interactions with the tumor microenvironment is a major mechanism that renders therapies ineffective. Identifying approaches to target cancer stem cells is expected to improve treatment outcomes for patients. Most of our understanding of drug resistance and the role of cancer stemness is from monolayer cell cultures. Recent advances in cell culture technologies have enabled developing sophisticated three-dimensional tumor models that facilitate mechanistic studies of cancer drug resistance. This review summarizes the role of cancer stemness in drug resistance and highlights the various tumor models that are used to discover the underlying mechanisms and test potentially novel therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we applied two kinds of knowledge-driven methods, one using the fuzzy logic and another using geometric average to evaluate 3D mineral prospectivity for Sansong district, Yongyu apatite deposit, in the Phyongnam Basin, DPR Korea. Based on the ore geology studies of apatite deposits and the available spatial datasets in the study area, we used four independent evidential maps for 3D apatite deposit prospectivity modeling. They include (1) carbonatite, (2) biotite gneiss, (3) granitic gneiss, and (4) P2O5 values from the borehole data. The evidential factors were modeled into 3D space, and 3D P2O5 values from the borehole data were transformed into continuous values of the [0, 1] range using logistic sigmoid. In 3D MPM just as 2D MPM, it is very economic and efficient to simultaneously apply the fuzzy logic and geometric average methods for mineral prospectivity modeling of the study area because two predictive models can use the same fuzzification methodology based on fuzzy membership function. Our strategy is to fuzzify the evidential maps before applying the geometric average as well as in the fuzzy logic. The results for the two predictive models were validated by the prediction efficiency method. The results demonstrated that most of the validation data were distributed in voxels with high prospectivity values. Although the validation results were slightly worse than those in 2D MPM case study, our case studies suggested that both predictive models and their modeling results are useful for evaluating 3D prospectivity of apatite deposits in Sansong district, Yongyu apatite deposit, DPR Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional bistable and monostable stochastic resonance (SR) methods exhibit certain limitations in their capacity to enhance and extract incipient characteristics. Firstly, the inherent potential function structure, characterized by a singular stable-state paradigm, proves inadequate in accommodating the heterogeneous and multifaceted condition monitoring signals. Secondly, the interconnected dynamic characteristics of the mechanical signals remain unaccounted for. Furthermore, conventional SR methods persist in utilizing a fixed constant as the critical system parameter, thereby neglecting the synergistic interaction among monitoring signals, potential function structures, and scale factors. Owing to the rich dynamic characteristics of the three-dimensional multi-stable coupled periodic potential SR system, it demonstrates superior noise utilization compared to monostable and bistable systems. In view of this, the present formulates a three-dimensional spatial model employing a coupled periodic potential model with nonlinear coupling. Subsequently, a pioneering method for diagnosing rolling bearing faults is introduced, utilizing the framework of three-dimensional multi-stable coupled periodic potential-induced SR. Simulation and experimental results illustrate that this approach effectively enhances and extracts the subtle fault characteristics of rolling bearings, ensuring a clear distinction between the spectral peak at the bearing fault characteristic frequency and the spectral peak originating from the interference noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to take an initial step to determine and interpret the extents to which biophysical wound dressing properties impact mechanotransduction within a wound tissue. Current experimental techniques make it challenging to investigate many of the complexities of the wound healing process. Thus, the purpose of this study is to begin with computational models and theoretical descriptions that propose predictions and explanations of the role of various mechanical wound dressing characteristics on mechanotransduction in wound tissues. Three‐dimensional models of wound tissue and wound dressings have been developed to analyze how von Mises stresses are distributed within the tissue models. Our results show that shorter ellipsoid dressings lead to highest stresses within the wound tissue where dressing's thickness and stiffness don't show a significant impact. When using a rectangular dressing, shorter, softer, thinner ones lead to high stress transmission to a wound tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure the safety of grain storage and explore the mechanisms of water and heat transfer during the drying process of grain piles, this paper takes wheat as the research object, uses a thermal conductivity analyzer to measure the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of wheat, and obtains a linear relationship between the heat constant and water content of wheat. COMSOL software was used to establish a three-dimensional model of ventilation drying and heat and mass transfer of bulk grain piles based on discrete continuum media, which simulated the temperature and humidity changes during the drying process of the grain pile. The model was verified by a thin layer drying experiment. The results show that the simulated values of temperature and water content obtained by the wet heat transfer model are in good agreement with the experimental values, and the maximum errors are 2.14 % and 5.68 % respectively. During the drying process, the grain temperature of wheat at the bottom of the grain pile increased rapidly, compared with that at the top of the grain pile, and the temperature of the wheat at the center was higher than that at the edge. At the end of drying, the moisture content from highest to lowest was top edge > top center > bottom edge > bottom center. Therefore, the model can be used to further study the changes of grain pile temperature gradient and water gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine environment, contains plentiful renewable resources, e.g. macroalgae with unique polysaccharides, motivating search for enzymes from marine microorganisms to explore conversion possibilities of the polysaccharides. In this study, the first GH17 glucanosyltransglycosylase, Ml GH17B, from a marine bacterium (Muricauda lutaonensis), was characterized. The enzyme was moderately thermostable with Tm at 64.4 °C and 73.2 °C, but an activity optimum at 20 °C, indicating temperature sensitive active site interactions. Ml GH17B uses β-1,3 laminari-oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 4 or higher as donors. Two glucose moieties (bound in the aglycone +1 and +2 subsites) are cleaved off from the reducing end of the donor while the remaining part (bound in the glycone subsites) is transferred to an incoming β-1,3 glucan acceptor, making a β-1,6-linkage, thereby synthesizing branched or kinked oligosaccharides. Synthesized oligosaccharides up to DP26 were detected by mass spectrometry analysis, showing that repeated transfer reactions occurred, resulting in several β-1,6-linked branches. The modeled structure revealed an active site comprising five subsites: three glycone (−3, −2 and −1) and two aglycone (+1 and +2) subsites, with significant conservation of substrate interactions compared to the only crystallized 1,3-β-glucanosyltransferase from GH17 (Rm Bgt17A from the compost thriving fungus Rhizomucor miehei), suggesting a common catalytic mechanism, despite different phylogenetic origin, growth environment, and natural substrate. Both enzymes lacked the subdomain extending the aglycone subsites, found in GH17 endo-β-glucanases from plants, but this extension was also missing in bacterial endoglucanases (modeled here), showing that this feature does not distinguish transglycosylation from hydrolysis, but may rather relate to phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air DTH (Down-The-Hole) hammer percussion drilling (vibration percussion drilling) has proven to be a highly efficient geothermal drilling technique, and percussion fractures near the wellbore benefit geothermal energy development in many ways (such as hydraulic fracturing, perforation, etc.). However, no research has been done on the mechanism of fracture-increasing and permeation-increasing in granite pore walls by air DTH hammer percussion drilling. This article: (1) using an air drilling test device, an air DTH hammer whole bit impact rock fragmentation test was conducted on granite in an atmospheric environment; (2) dyeing experiments, CT scanning, and 3D reconstruction modeling were used to characterize and identify wellbore cracks; (3) research the strength, porosity, and permeability changes of granite wellbore through mechanical and permeability testing experiments; and (4) numerical simulation of impact stress waves using particle flow code (PFC) 6.0 software to demonstrate the rationality of impact experimental results. The results show that the air DTH hammer impact can induce micro-cracks in the wellbore, and the distribution of cracks is regionalized, mainly due to the attenuation of the impact stress wave. The numerical results are consistent with the experimental results. The average strength of granite decreased by 16.5%, the average porosity increased by 9.5%, the average permeability increased by 63.3%, the porosity increased from 0.0025% to 0.03%, and the porosity increased by about 12 times under the air DTH Hammer percussion drilling. The above results provide the theoretical basis and experimental proof for the ability of air DTH hammer drilling to produce wellbore cracks and improve wellbore permeability. The presented experimental results can be a useful reference for building numerical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper elucidates an approach that utilizes generative artificial intelligence (AI) to develop alternative architectural design options based on local identity. The advancement of AI technologies has increasingly piqued the interest of the architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management industry. Notably, the topic of "visualization" has gained prominence as a means for enhancing communication related to a project, especially in the early phases of design. This study aims to enhance the ease of obtaining design images during initial phases of design by drawing from multiple texts and images. It develops an additional training model to generate various design alternatives that resonate with the identity of the locale through the application of generative AI to the façade design of buildings. The identity of a locality in cities and regions is the capacity for the cities and regions to be identified and recognized as a specific area. Among the various visual elements of urban and regional landscapes, the front face of buildings may play a significant role in people's aesthetic perception and overall impression of the local environment. The research proposes an approach that transcends the conventional employment of three-dimensional modeling and rendering tools by readily deriving design alternatives that consider this local identity in commercial building remodeling. This approach allows for financial and temporal efficiency in the design communication phase of the initial architectural design process. The implementation and utilization of the proposed approach's supplementary training model in this study proceeds as follows: (i) image data are collected from the target area using open-source street-view resources and preprocessed for conversion to a trainable format; (ii) textual data are prepared for pairing with preprocessed image data; (iii) additional training and outcome testing are performed using varied text prompts and images; and (iv) the ability to generate building façade images that reflect the identity of the collected locale by using the additional trained model is determined, as evidenced by the findings of the proposed application method study. This enables the generation of design alternatives that integrate regional styles and diverse design requirements for buildings. The training model implemented in this study can be leveraged through weight adjustments and prompt engineering to generate a greater number of design reference images, among other diverse approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that the flow characteristics of pressure waves in hydraulic experiments show two types of reflected waves: those with the same type pressure vibration trend and those with the opposite vibration trend, with the pressure amplitude equal to that of the original wave. Reflection characteristics in a simulation must be consistent with those found experimentally. To determine reasonable boundary conditions (BCs), the focus of this work was the simulation of pressure wave reflection under five combinations of BCs using computational fluid dynamics. Three three-dimensional simulation models were developed based on the k–ε turbulence model. Reflection characteristics were obtained under the different BCs. The results showed that the pressure boundary in the pipe simulated the reflected waves correctly. The reservoir was found to be more accurate than the pressure boundary, which reflected the slight fluctuation in the reflected wave. Both the wall boundary and the velocity boundary could be used to simulate valve operation. However, if intercepting part of the pipeline, the reflected wave showed phase advance and pressure amplitude attenuation compared with that at the same position in the original pipeline. This study is helpful for setting reasonable BCs in pressure wave simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine tumors are a heterogeneous cluster of malignancies that originate from cells that can secrete hormones. Examples include, but are not limited to, thyroid cancer, adrenocortical carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. Many endocrine tumors are relatively slow to proliferate, and as such, they often do not respond well to common antiproliferative chemotherapies. Therefore, increasing attention has been given to targeted therapies and immunotherapies in these diseases. However, in contrast to other cancers, many endocrine tumors are relatively rare, and as a result, less is understood about their biology, including specific targets for intervention. Our limited understanding of such tumors is in part due to a limitation in model systems that accurately recapitulate and enable mechanistic exploration of these tumors. While mouse models and 2D cell cultures exist for some endocrine tumors, these models often may not accurately model nuances of human endocrine tumors. Mice differ from human endocrine physiology and 2D cell cultures fail to recapitulate the heterogeneity and 3D architectures of in vivo tumors. To complement these traditional cancer models, bioengineered 3D tumor models, such as organoids and tumor-on-a-chip systems, have advanced rapidly in the past decade. However, these technologies have only recently been applied to most endocrine tumors. In this review we provide descriptions of these platforms, focusing on thyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine tumors and how they have been and are being applied in the context of endocrine tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a bounded smooth domain Ω ⊂ R 3 and with a positive parameter χ > 0 , this paper is devoted to investigating the global boundedness and asymptotic behavior of solutions to a immune chemotaxis system. By establishing the uniform boundedness of L ∞ -norm for immune cells and the uniform boundedness of L q -norm with q ∈ (3 , ∞) for the chemokines gradient, it is possible to identify a smallness condition on chemosensitivity χ that ensures global existence of classical solution to the model in a three-dimensional bounded domain. Moreover, to get exponential decay rate the smallness of (‖ M 0 ‖ L ∞ , ‖ A 0 ‖ L ∞) is pivotal, we shall see that the system still admits an energy type inequality, and an analysis thereof will show that any nontrivial solution approaches exponentially fast with respect to the topology in L ∞ (Ω) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Already a multibillion-dollar global industry, shrimp aquaculture, is growing all the time. The intensive method, which is the most common method in shrimp aquaculture, remains commercially challenged due to the expenditures associated with environmental pollution abatement. Although the comprehensive understanding of this intricate aquaculture environment has been advanced using mathematical modeling, recent attempts to improve the model's structure have not yielded enough results. This work upgraded the previous method to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic ecosystem model with the effects of shrimps being replaced by approximation equations for the environmental assessment of a shrimp aquaculture pond in Kyushu District, Japan. Our approach was successful, as demonstrated by the high consistency of the simulation results when compared to observation data and the previous results. Additionally, we first revealed the impacts of stratification and confirmed the notable daily variation in the water quality. Our case study offers significant practical information on the characteristics of intensive shrimp aquaculture, implications for long-term sustainable operations, and future research priorities on local-scale ecosystem modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technology of Augmented Reality is taking on an increasingly important role in the digital (and green) transformation of industry, including shipbuilding. Upgraded to the three-dimensional ship model in the form and content of a Digital Twin, (industrial) Augmented Reality contributes to the activities of sale and marketing, development, and design, as well as production and maintenance. Recognizing its leading potential in creating the configuration of Shipyard 4.0, research on the further applicability of Augmented Reality in shipbuilding processes, with an emphasis on outfitting activities, was initiated in collaboration between industry and universities. This paper describes the course of the research, i.e., the development of an Augmented Reality application supportive of the shipbuilding process. The authors emphasize the possibility of achieving savings in shipbuilding project realization by implementing the Augmented Reality application according to the conducted proof of concept, thus contributing to shipbuilding system competitiveness improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate electron tunneling between quantum dots and molecules to propose a quantum sensor. This sensor consists of double quantum dots (DQD) with energy levels specifically tailored to mirror those of the target analyte. By analyzing the spectral distribution of electron localizations in the DQD system, we can delineate the analyte's spectrum and deduce its composition by comparing it with a reference sample. To understand electron tunneling dynamics within the DQD/analyte complex, we performed three-dimensional computational modeling applying the effective potential approach to the InAs/GaAs heterostructure. In this modeling, we mimicked the analyte spectrum by utilizing a quantum well characterized by a quasi-discrete spectrum. Our calculations reveal the inherent potential of utilizing this method as a highly sensitive and selective sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study consisting of two stages is carried out to better interpret the damage processes occurring in fibre metal laminate (FML) composite samples. At the first stage, a three-dimensional geometric-data-based model of FML composites is created using the finite element method and used to predict the flexural strength properties according to the ASTM D3039M standard. At the second stage, 7075-T6 Al matrix FML composite samples with 0.0% epoxy, 0.2% graphene, 0.2% SiO2, and 0.2% clay nanoparticles' addition are prepared in the laboratory environment in line with the numerical model, and their flexural strength properties are examined. As a result of the experiments, it is observed that the addition of 0.2% SiO2 nanoparticles improves the flexural strength properties of 7075-T6 Al matrix FML composite samples by 50.2% in comparison with such properties of composites prepared with epoxy resin. This value is the highest bending-strength value among sample groups with the same ratio. As a result of the studies, it is observed that there is a 5% difference between the flexural-test results for the FML composite samples made according to the ASTM D3039M standard and the simulation results made within the ANSYS program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 3D geological modeling methods based on section, cross-section data is an important data source for constructing 3D geological modeling in complex areas. The efficiency and quality of cross-section data compilation-adjustment will directly affect the time and quality of subsequent regional 3D geological model construction. However, current compilation-adjustment methods for cross-section are inefficient and difficult to effectively control their quality. Therefore, in this paper, a cross-section compilation-adjustment method based on 2D-3D linkage is proposed. It deeply integrates the virtual borehole geological structure (VBGS), 2D-3D linkage strategy, and structural geological feature information into the inspection-adjustment process of geologic bodies (faults, strata, rock masses, and ore bodies) structural abnormality (GSA) and elevation consistency at intersections. A complete cross-section compilation and quality control process can be realized by regional structural stratigraphic framework construction, GSA high efficiency analysis and adjustment, elevation errors quick positioning and adjustment at intersections. This new method solves the problem of inconsistency between the complex geological structures and the real structural geological characteristics and overcomes the defects of local fitting abnormality (depressions or sharp protrusions) of geological interfaces caused by elevation errors at intersections. Software tool is developed based on QuantyView 2D/3D GIS platform, and 73 cross-section data of a 1:50,000 modeling area in western Guizhou, China, is taken as an example for practical application verification. Results show that the proposed new method significantly improves the inspection-adjustment efficiency of GSA and elevation errors at intersections. What's more, quality of cross-sections compilation-adjustment has been effectively controlled, which provides reliable data sources for constructing high quality regional 3D geological models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper simulates the launching dynamics of the Terminal-guidance projectile considering the barrel thermo-chemical erosion wear and mechanical wear. A thermochemical erosive material degradation model that considers the rise in friction temperature is first introduced. Moreover, the wear state of barrel rifling at different periods is calculated using the erosion wear model. A three-dimensional model of the worn barrel is established, and the coupled barrel– terminal-guidance projectile launch dynamics are simulated for different wear periods. Finally, the projectile's bore overload and attitude are analyzed to explore the effect of barrel wear on launch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the static characteristics of non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) and spoke design parameters using the finite element (FE) method. A three-dimensional FE model of the NPT was established. The influence of different ranges of stress and strain on the calculation accuracy of the Neo-Hookean and Yeoh constitutive models was analyzed. Subsequently, the main design parameters—spoke thickness, spoke number, and arc curvature—were selected according to the geometric characteristics of the spokes. The effects of these three parameters on the vertical stiffness, maximum spoke stress, overall maximum stress, and maximum and average contact pressures were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis methods. The range and variance analysis results indicated that the spoke thickness, spoke number, and arc curvature had a significant effect on the vertical stiffness. Finally, the relationship between the vertical stiffness and product of the spoke thickness and number was obtained using a nonlinear fitting method. When the arc curvature of the spoke was less than 5 m−1, the errors between the calculated and simulated vertical stiffness did not exceed 5%. This observation can be used to facilitate the rapid design of spoke parameters under different load capacity requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Ectodermal dysplasia (ED)—a genetic disorder—is characterized by severe tooth deficiency. We compared the mandibular volume and the sagittal and horizontal mandibular widths between patients with ED (ED group) and individuals without tooth deficiency (control group) using three-dimensional modeling. We hypothesized that the mandibular volume differs in ED cases owing to congenital tooth deficiency. Materials and Methods: We used previously obtained cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 13 patients with ED. The control group data comprised retrospective CBCT images of patients of similar age and sex with a skeletal relationship of class 1. Further, using the three-dimensional image analysis software, the tooth crowns were separated from the mandible, the mandible was reconstructed and the gonion-to-gonion distance in the mandible was marked, the distance to the menton point was measured, and the distance between the two condyles was measured and compared with the control group. Results: Overall, 46.2% and 53.8% of the participants were men and women, respectively. In the ED group, the mean age of the participants was 15.46 (range, 6–24) years, and the mean number of mandibular teeth was 4.62. Notably, the edentulous mandible volume of the ED group (27.020 mm3) was statistically significantly smaller than that of the control group (49.213 mm3) (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the marked points. For data analysis, the Shapiro–Wilk test, independent samples t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used. Conclusions: It has been considered that mandible volume does not develop in ED cases because of missing teeth. Modern practices, such as the CBCT technique and three-dimensional software, may be effective in identifying the true morphologic features, especially in patients with genetic syndromes affecting the maxillofacial structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]