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Highlights This study investigates the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites, specifically in the context of lightweight hydrogen storage pressure vessels manufactured by the filament winding process. The filament winding technique often introduces variability in fiber orientation and porosity which can lead to inconsistencies in mechanical properties. By investigating the influence of dynamic loading over a range of strain rates, from quasi‐static to 100 s−1, this research aims to understand the effects of different fiber orientations (±15° and ±30°) and multilayer structures on the performance of these composites. Using a custom‐designed Interrupted Dynamic Tensile Test (IDTT) apparatus, we investigated how damage mechanisms evolve during rapid tensile deformation. The results showed that porosity has a significant impact on mechanical performance, particularly at high strain rates, where cracks initiate at pores and propagate via fiber/matrix decohesion and fiber breakage. These microstructural defects contribute to mesoscopic failure mechanisms such as transverse cracking and micro‐delamination between composite layers. The mechanical properties were found to be strain rate sensitive, with visco‐damage phenomena playing a critical role in determining the damage evolution under dynamic loading. These findings provide important insights into the design and optimization of hydrogen storage vessels, highlighting the importance of controlling porosity and understanding the response of the composite to varying strain rates for improved durability and performance. Comprehensive analysis of dynamic loading. Influence of fiber orientation and porosity on mechanical integrity. Visco‐damage and failure mechanisms under high strain rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the seismic behaviour of a special mixed reinforced concrete-steel structure that supports an oil refinery reactor. The structure is 64.90 m tall and consists of three parts: (a) a reinforced concrete frame basement; (b) a steel braced frame that supports the oil reactor and (c) the steel reactor itself. A three-dimensional model of the structure is created to perform static non-linear (pushover) analyses in order to obtain the capacity curves and understand the overall inelastic behavior of the structure. The results of the pushover analyses reveal that the structure exhibits similar inelastic behavior in both horizontal directions and satisfies the capacity design principles. The structure exhibits limited ductility considering the fact that has been designed with a behavior factor of q = 1.5 and primary damages are expected mainly in concrete members. Subsequently, dynamic non-linear time-history (NLTH) analyses are performed utilizing the three translational components of three seismic motions recorded during past earthquakes. These results involve: (i) the maximum values for displacements, accelerations and base shears; (ii) the maximum stresses at critical points of the oil refining reactor and (iii) the formation of plastic hinges at columns, beams and braces of the structure. Contrary to pushover analyses, NLTH analyses revealed the development of plastic hinges, hence seismic damage, that do not follow the desirable formation pattern. Moreover, the accelerations and displacements observed are expected to cause failure of the piping and mechanical equipment, while local failure of the high-stress areas of the shell of the reactor may be possible. Localized strengthening might be necessary to avoid repair works and downtime after such seismic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reveals the specifics of criminal liability for intentional destruction or damage to someone else's property provided for in Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The problematic issues of the composition of the criminal offense of intentional destruction or damage to someone else's property are analyzed, the difference between this composition and the intentional destruction or damage to property that has special features (objects of the electric power industry, nature reserve fund, archaeological heritage, weapons, military supplies, official documents, military property, etc.). Intentional destruction or damage to someone else's property, which has special features to be qualified according to the special norms provided for by articles: 113, 1941, 252, 258, 292, 298, 338, 357, 360, 378, 399, 411, 437, 433, 438 of the Criminal Code, is proposed. of Ukraine. On the basis of the analysis of judicial practice, it was proposed that in the case of using an explosive device, for the intentional destruction or damage of someone else's property, such actions of the perpetrator must be additionally qualified under Part 1 of Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The imperfection of the provisions of the current criminal legislation in terms of the formulation of the qualifying signs of intentional destruction or damage to property was revealed. It has been established that the current legislation of Ukraine on criminal responsibility does not include the concept of a generally dangerous method, arson, explosion, the content of the death of people, serious consequences is not disclosed. The concept of a generally dangerous method and its varieties is proposed. The concept of a generally dangerous method and its varieties is proposed. A generally dangerous method of intentional destruction or damage to property is a method that causes property, non-property, physical damage to an individual or legal entity or creates a real danger of causing such damage to two or more people. In order to avoid unnecessary differentiation of criminal law norms, it is proposed to exclude from the Criminal Code of Ukraine articles 347, 3471, 352, and part 2 of Art. 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine to add the sign of intentional destruction or damage to someone else's property in connection with the person's performance of official powers or professional duties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is indicated that an important feature of the injured person, which allows to distinguish him from other persons, is related to the infliction of damage. The etymological and semantic analysis of the term «victim» shows that damage is an integral feature of a victim. The article examines the possibility and expediency of recognizing a person as a victim in the criminal law field in the event of a threat to cause harm to him. Provisions of the current Criminal Code of Ukraine, the project of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine, national judicial practice are taken into account. It is argued that in context of the injured person, term damage is understood in two meanings: 1) narrowly (includes only real damage); 2) in a broad sense (includes both damage and the danger/threat of causing it, as well as the threat). At the same time, attributing the threat as an independent action to a type of harm, as suggested by authors of the draft Criminal Code of Ukraine, seems debatable, because in such a case the term «threat» will denote both an action and a consequence. It is also worth paying attention to whether there is a need to use both the term «threat» and the term «danger» in the draft Criminal Code of Ukraine. It has been established that the term «threat» in the context of the definition of the victim means both actual moral or other types of harm to him, as well as the thre at/danger of his task. It has been proven that victim in a certain composition of a criminal offense can be characterized not only by harm in its narrow sense, but also by threat or danger of its occurrence, that is, harm in the broad sense, as well as the threat of harm. The threat in the context of the criminal-legal understanding of victim is important, first of all, if there is no implementation. In case of the implementation of a threat, which is provided as an independent crime and is a stage of a single criminal activity, united by a single intention and aimed at causing damage to the same object, qualification under the article providing for responsibility for the threat is not required, and therefore and there is no need to establish the victim of the threat. If a threat is a way of committing an act, then the victim is determined in the context of act in general, taking into account the threat as a way of committi ng it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscles are crucial for balance and walking, activities which depend specifically on the lower extremity muscles. Therefore, the evaluation of stroke induced atrophy and paralysis is essential; however, determining the extent of damage in the days after its occurrence remains challenging. In this study, we evaluated ischemic stroke-induced soleus muscle damage in gerbils using synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT), comparing a control group (n = 3), animals 7 days after stroke (7 d, n = 3), and animals 14 days after stroke (14 d, n = 3). The left muscle was paralyzed, whereas the right muscle was not. Subsequently, we quantified the assessment by segmenting the soleus muscle based on the extracellular space/matrix and fiber region to determine the degree of damage. The muscle fiber-to-extracellular space/matrix ratio were significantly damaged due to paralysis on the left side (control vs. 14 d, P = 0.040). Muscle area was significantly different at 14 d between the left and right sides (P = 0.010). Additionally, the left local fascicle surface area, thickness, global pennation angle, and local fascicle angle were significantly different between the control and 14 d groups (P = 0.002, P = 0.007, P = 0.005, and P = 0.014 respectively). These findings underscore the potential of post-stroke animal studies in improving rehabilitation treatment for the central nervous system by assessing the degree of muscle recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-built automatic platform was built to evaluate the thermal shock performances of Cansas-III SiC fibers at 1200 °C in air up to 500 cycles, the corresponding oxidation and damage mechanisms were then revealed. The results showed that oxide scale was formed during thermal shock with a thickness of about 1 μm, the core was not oxidized via its protection. The fiber roughness increased before 100 cycles due to the decomposition of the amorphous SiC x O y phase, and then decreased as the formation of oxide scale. Within Cansas-III SiC fibers, structural defects of free carbon increased as the increasing I D /I G values, in addition, the TO peak shifted to the left, which both demonstrated that the relative movements occurred among SiC grains and residual stresses were then emerged. To clarify the axis and radial cracking of the oxide scale, a modified formulation considering nonzero shear strain components was then proposed to calculate the related residual stresses. The peeling and cracking of the oxide scale was ascribed to the residual stresses of GPa level among SiC grains and the thermal expansion mismatch between the oxide scale and the core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of decreasing the accuracy of quantitative prediction of damage of fruits resulting in the size difference of fruits, the spectral correction method based on the size difference of fruits was adopted. To provide richer theoretical knowledge for the quality detection of fruits and the design of damage reduction programs in reality. First, the undamaged spectra of the group of apples with better performance of the model were selected as the reference spectra by analyzing and comparing the modeling results of the prediction models of mechanical parameters with the single fruit diameter groups. The spectral correction coefficient was calculated with the formulas, and the damage spectra of three groups of apples were size‐corrected by this coefficient to build the mechanical parameter models. Finally, the corrected spectra were screened for characteristic wavelengths by competitive adaptive reweighting and uninformative variable elimination algorithms. The results of study showed that the correlation coefficients of the prediction set of the models were improved by 2.1%–13% and the root mean square errors were reduced by 16%–51% with the spectrally corrected models compared with the precorrection models. Therefore, the size correction method can be used to eliminate the effect of size difference on the mechanical parameter models to improve the applicability of the quantitative damage prediction models, and it can provide the theoretical guidance to design the loss‐reducing protective measures and the agricultural mechanized operation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halyomorpha halys is an invasive stink bug, native to east Asia, responsible for extensive economic loss in numerous crops. Since several factors can influence the severity of the recorded injury level, we performed field and semi‐field experiments in commercial apple orchards to monitor their interaction. To establish how position (both in the orchard and on the canopy), management and cultivar interact in determining pre‐harvest injury levels, more than 100,000 apples, distributed over 106 orchard blocks, were examined in the field. Apples located higher in the canopy, on edge rows and in orchards with organic management had a higher number of external injuries and such factors were more relevant when occurring in combination, and on mid and late‐season cultivars. Exclusion cages were used to assess if the injury severity changed with the apple growth stage and with the life stage of H. halys, exposing Red delicious apples to adults and nymphs for 48 hours, from May to July. Early‐season injuries did not evolve in distinct depressions nor in wide areas with necrotic tissue. Later in season, the injury severity was higher and similar for adults and older nymphs (fourth and fifth instars), with the development of depressions externally and necrotic tissue internally. Thus, even a low number of individuals could cause severe damage, over a short exposure period, when it happened near full maturation. The combined results offer new insights to support the development of informed and sustainable control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual stresses are known to exist within the microstructure of crystalline materials as a result of material formation processes. Research has proven their existence and implications, and engineering applications have been derived for glass and metal materials. In the rock engineering field, limited research has been published on the topic in recent decades. Literature on residual stress in rock is presented regarding the formation mechanisms, magnitudes, and observed implications. Numerical modelling techniques, such as Grain-Based Modelling, can be used to gain insight into residual stresses in rock. Micromechanical numerical models were created using RS2’s Voronoi network to study rock simulations that include residual stress. Using a simplified modelling sequence, a residual stress field (microstresses) was created within a hypothetical rock mineral structure and three main scenarios were simulated. The first explores a potential relationship between residual stress and compression test crack closure strain. Secondly, the possibility of sample damage due to residual stress redistribution and the influence of residual stresses on the propagation of a slot cut was investigated. Finally, the anticipated displacements around a circular excavation in a rock block containing residual stresses were examined. The numerical investigations suggest that residual stress may have real and non-negligible influence on rock behaviour. This includes the effects of crack opening/closure, sample damage, and rock displacements that are not currently accounted for with implications for rock engineering projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and incidence of multimorbidity and its association with the SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) among patients with SLE. Methods Using prevalent and incident population–based cohorts of patients with SLE and their matched comparators, we assessed 57 chronic conditions. Chronic conditions were categorized as SDI-related or SDI-unrelated. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions. The prevalence of multimorbidity for both cohorts was compared using logistic regression. Cox models were used to examine the development of multimorbidity after SLE incidence. Results The prevalent cohort included 449 patients with established SLE on 1 January 2015. They were three times more likely to have multimorbidity compared with non-SLE comparators [odds ratio (OR) 2.98, 95% CI 2.18–4.11]. The incident cohort included 270 patients with new-onset SLE. At SLE incidence, patients with SLE were more likely to have multimorbidity than comparators (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.59–3.27). After incidence, the risk of developing multimorbidity was 2-fold higher among patients with SLE than among comparators [hazard ratio (HR) 2.11, 95% CI 1.59–2.80]. The development of multimorbidity was higher in patients with SLE based on SDI-related conditions (HR 2.91, 95% CI 2.17–3.88) than on SDI-unrelated conditions (HR 1.73, 95% CI, 1.32–2.26). Conclusion Patients with SLE had a higher burden of multimorbidity, even before the onset of the disease. The risk disparity continued after SLE classification and was also seen in a prevalent SLE cohort. Multimorbidity was driven both by SDI-related and unrelated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term stability and safety of underground engineering greatly depend on a thorough understanding of the creep characteristics of fractured rock. This paper discusses the potential application of the damage evolution equation and the fractional derivative operator for describing the creep characteristics of fractured rock. By considering the initial damage of the original fracture and the internal damage induced by external loads, coupled damage evolution equations are proposed to account for different failure mechanisms. The introduction of damage and fractional calculus into basic mechanical elements allows for the deduction of creep constitutive relationships for both viscoelastic and viscoplastic bodies. A range of fractional-order damaged creep models is developed based on the Burgers model and the Nishihara model. Parameter sensitivity analysis shows that the inclusion of the damage evolution equation in the creep model is crucial for accurately capturing the accelerated creep deformation characteristics of rock, with the fractional derivative order primarily affecting the steady creep strain rate. By fitting the creep experimental data of fractured Beishan granite, it is evident that the damaged Nishihara model [H-N(D)/H(D)-N(D)/St. V model], which considers only the damage effect, and the fractional damaged Burgers model [H-N(A)-N(D)/H(D) model], which accounts for both the damage effect and the fractional operator, exhibit significant advantages in characterizing the entire process of creep deformation in fractured granite. Highlights: Coupled damage evolution equations for fractured rock with different inclination angles are proposed to account for different failure mechanisms. Fractional order damaged creep models are developed by incorporating damage equations and fractional calculus into basic mechanical elements. The inclusion of the damage in the creep model is crucial for capturing the accelerated creep deformation characteristics of the rock. The fractional derivative order mainly affects the steady state creep strain rate. The validity and applicability of the model are verified by fitting the experimental data of fractured granite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damages in composite structures are typically repaired using external bonded patches. In this work, the damage tolerance within external patches is studied using double strap joint (DSJ) with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) specimens. The damage tolerance in this work refers to bond-line manufacturing-related defects such as debond or dry area. Both intact and pre-cracked DSJ specimens are numerically analysed using experiments for comparisons. DSJ specimens' adherends were CFRP laminates with AS4/3501–6 plies and bonded using adhesive film FM 300–2. The pre-cracked specimens are monitored during experiments using high-speed digital image correlation to visualize damage propagation. The unsymmetric pre-crack influences in a clear way as shown by experiments. The numerical analyses reveal the effect of failure mechanisms on final failure and the maximum force during a test. The included parametric sensitivity analysis is performed using statistical methods. The normally distributed parameters are sampled using separate distributions for each analysed interface and fracture mode. UNCLASSIFIED Based on Foreground Information under EDA Contract No B.PRJ.RT.670 covering the Ad Hoc Project entitled "PATCHBOND II". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring systems and protocols for assessment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) in children and adults are lacking. Therefore, we will perform a scoping review of the literature to collate and evaluate the existing semi-quantitative and quantitative MRI scoring systems and protocols for the assessment and monitoring of skeletal muscle involvement in patients with IIMs. The aim is to compile evidence-based information that will facilitate the future development of a universal standardized MRI scoring system for both research and clinical applications in IIM. A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane) will be undertaken to identify relevant articles published between January 2000 and October 2023. Data will be synthesized narratively. This scoping review seeks to comprehensively summarize and evaluate the evidence on the scanning protocols and scoring systems used in the assessment of diagnosis, disease activity, and damage using skeletal muscle MRI in IIMs. The results will allow the development of consensus recommendations for clinical practice and enable the standardization of research methods for the MRI assessment of skeletal muscle changes in patients with IIMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering materials in constructed systems in service exhibit complex patterns, including structural damage, environmental artifacts, and artificial anomalies. In recent years, machine vision methods have been extensively studied, most of which train models using regular grey or color images in the visible bands and label at pixel levels with a large volume of data. The authors propose using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for structural material condition assessment in this work. Compared with visible images, the research challenge is that HSI pixels with high-dimensional spectral profiles are beyond human perceptive capabilities with hidden discriminative power. Learning from labeled and unlabeled data is one direct approach to unlocking this power. A deep neural network-enabled spatial-spectral feature extraction and a semisupervised learning architecture were developed in this work. A human-in-the-loop (HITL) framework was comparatively studied with three incremental training-data configuration schemes. The paper concludes with the following empirical findings: (1) fully supervised learning determines the baseline of the detection performance; (2) an extensive range of ratio values exists between the unlabeled and the labeled data for incremental semisupervised learning, and a 1∶1 ratio can be taken as a conservative and operational ratio; and (3) with parametric semisupervised learning with equal labeled and unlabeled data participation, the proposed HITL operational workflow can be implemented as a practical approach for HSI-based structural material and damage detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike the hydrodynamic model used in the current popular numerical simulation of buried gas pipeline leakage, this paper adopts the Darcy equation of underground seepage, mass balance equation, and equation of state of gas to establish a buried gas pipeline leakage model. Geometrically, the established model is a soil cylinder with the ground as the top surface and the vertical line through the pipeline leakage point as the axis. Due to the axial symmetry, the three-dimensional buried pipeline leakage model is expressed as a two-dimensional mathematical problem. A series of key concepts about the hydrodynamic model of buried pipeline leakage and its solution are presented. A comprehensive description of the physical process (pressure and flow rate) of buried gas pipeline leakage is provided through numerical examples. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the relevant structural parameters of the model and relations of leakage flow rate with related factors of leakage. By providing a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of buried gas pipeline leakage, this paper proposes a flow rate formula and an estimation formula of leak orifice equivalent diameter of leaking buried pipelines, and provides a theoretical and data processing framework for experimental study of buried gas pipeline leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and montmorillonite (MMT) simultaneously into a polymer can significantly enhance its properties. Meanwhile, choosing the best technique to homogeneously disperse these nanohybrid particles in polymers, without agglomerates, is still a challenge. In this study, a hybrid MMT/MWCNT, prepared by lyophilization process, is introduced in polylactide (PLA). Morphology of the resulting nanocomposites displays synergistic relationships of the MMT/MWCNT, facilitating dispersion in PLA. The analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specific particle densities of PLA0.5hyb, PLA1.0hyb, and PLA2.0hyb shows values of 77, 64, and 35 µm⁻2, respectively. This suggests that MMT platelets are significantly more exfoliated in PLA0.5hyb compared to the other nanocomposites. It also indicates that filler aggregation increases as the MMT/MWCNT concentration increases. Compared to neat PLA, elastic modulus of nanocomposites increased by up to 46 %, demonstrating the reinforcing effect of MMT/MWCNT hybrid nanofillers. The nanocomposites exhibit viscosity, plasticity and damage phenomena, which are significantly decreased because of the MMT/MWCNT incorporation, compared to neat PLA. Furthermore, the viscoelastic properties, analyzed by dynamic thermal-mechanical analysis, record about 27 % increase in the storage modulus of the nanocomposites compared to PLA, indicating the effectiveness of the hybrid MMT/MWCNT in increasing the resistance of PLA/MMT/MWCNT nanocomposite against thermomechanical aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the twenty-first century, the seismic design of buildings seems to have become a fully recognized topic. There are guidelines and standards which should be taken into account by designers in seismic areas. Designers using modern international guidelines have ascertained that the behavior of structures is not as expected. New challenges in the construction industry result in the construction of structures with new, unusual shapes. These are structures that do not meet the assumptions of safe construction in seismic areas. Contemporary buildings are also characterized by their irregular distribution of structural elements. Such solutions are not beneficial from the point of view of seismic engineering and can lead to reduced dynamic resistance and damage in such structures. In this paper, a five-storey, irregular-shaped reinforced concrete (RC) building model was subjected to different earthquakes with varying magnitudes, PGA (peak ground acceleration) and PGV (peak ground velocity) values, and durations of the intense shock phase. Once the model was verified using previous in situ measurements, the building model was subjected to five earthquakes. A numerical nonlinear analysis of the building was performed using a verified FEA (finite element analysis) model in the time domain through non-linear time history analysis with the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method. The building's dynamic properties were measured using various methods of excitation. The model was influenced, among others, by two far-field representative events caused by the last earthquake in Turkey, which resulted in strong ground motion. The analysis results identified the locations of structural damage and allowed for the assessment of the structure's dynamic resistance. The results of the calculations prove that the duration of the intensive phase of extortion is one of the reasons for building damage in earthquake-prone areas. Building damage occurs with earthquakes that are characterized by an intensive phase of excitation with a long duration and high values of velocity in the earthquake components. The article highlights the inadequate dynamic resistance of the building, leading to excessive displacements and unfavorable structural solutions. Damage to buildings at this earthquake intensity caused damage to the load-bearing structure, which was not designed for such intensities. This paper is a research report with a specific case study of medium-rise irregular RC buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the concept of circumstances that mitigate the responsibility of the guilty person and are taken into account by the court during the implementation of the restorative justice procedure. The content of the circumstance that mitigates the responsibility of the guilty person has been clarified, namely compensation for the damage caused and the damage caused, which in the process of releasing a person from criminal responsibility is the main prerequisite for the release provided for in Art. 46 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. It was established that the voluntary action of the guilty party is related to the compensation of the damage caused and the damage caused is not only a circumstance that mitigates the punishment, but also a prerequisite for release from criminal liability in the order of reconciliation between the guilty party and the victim. A comparative legal analysis of national and foreign criminal legislation was carried out, which regulates the application of circumstances mitigating punishment and responsibility, which made it possible to identify the common and distinctive features of the consideration of mitigating circumstances by the court, both in the case of exemption from punishment and exemption from criminal responsibility. The author's approach is proposed to take into account such a circumstance that mitigates the punishment, such as voluntary compensation for the damage caused or elimination of the damage caused when applying to the convicted person exemption from punishment in accordance with Art. 81 and 82 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. At the same time, it is emphasized that the Criminal Code of Ukraine does not contain an exhaustive list of circumstances mitigating and aggravating criminal responsibility, it is considered necessary to make a clear distinction between mitigating and aggravating circumstances, which are used to individualize punishment and differentiate criminal responsibility. It has been established that by their legal nature, mitigating and aggravating circumstances must be distinguished from the same (similar) main, privileged and qualified elements of a criminal offense provided for by the Special Part of the Criminal Code of Ukraine [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the concept of circumstances that mitigate the responsibility of the guilty person and are taken into account by the court during the implementation of the restorative justice procedure. The content of the circumstance that mitigates the responsibility of the guilty person has been clarified, namely compensation for the damage caused and the damage caused, which in the process of releasing a person from criminal responsibility is the main prerequisite for the release provided for in Art. 46 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. It was established that the voluntary action of the guilty party is related to the compensation of the damage caused and the damage caused is not only a circumstance that mitigates the punishment, but also a prerequisite for release from criminal liability in the order of reconciliation between the guilty party and the victim. A comparative legal analysis of national and foreign criminal legislation was carried out, which regulates the application of circumstances mitigating punishment and responsibility, which made it possible to identify the common and distinctive features of the consideration of mitigating circumstances by the court, both in the case of exemption from punishment and exemption from criminal responsibility. The author's approach is proposed to take into account such a circumstance that mitigates the punishment, such as voluntary compensation for the damage caused or elimination of the damage caused when applying to the convicted person exemption from punishment in accordance with Art. 81 and 82 ofthe Criminal Code of Ukraine. At the same time, it is emphasized that the Criminal Code of Ukraine does not contain an exhaustive list of circumstances mitigating and aggravating criminal responsibility, it is considered necessary to make a clear distinction between mitigating and aggravating circumstances, which are used to individualize punishment and differentiate criminal responsibility. It has been established that by their legal nature, mitigating and aggravating circumstances must be distinguished from the same (similar) main, privileged and qualified elements of a criminal offense provided for by the Special Part of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced concrete (RC) construction stands as one of the most prevalent engineering endeavors, underscoring the importance of routine structural health assessments. Numerous factors, including overloading, design deficiencies, and fatigue, pose risks to RC structures by inducing cracks in various components. These damages significantly compromise the strength of RC constructions, necessitating vigilant monitoring to avert catastrophic structural failures. Structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques primarily aim to detect such damages. Leveraging piezoelectric (PZT) principles, the electromechanical impedance (EMI) methodology emerges as a promising SHM approach. EMI relies on variations in responses recorded through the electromechanical interaction between PZT and the structure to identify structural damages. Admittance signatures, comprising conductance (G) and susceptance (B), serve as indicators of structural condition, with deviations in the plot of G across a frequency range signaling structural deterioration. PZT transducers, either embedded within the structure or surface bonded, facilitate damage monitoring. This study aims to assess the damage detection capabilities of surface bonded PZT and embedded concrete vibrational sensors (CVS) in grade M25 RC beams. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) serves as the damage index, derived from variations in signatures recorded at different load levels. Experimental testing, conducted on nine RC beam specimens using a universal testing machine (UTM), yielded reliable results for comparison. Comparative analysis between surface bonded PZT and embedded CVS evaluated their performance in detecting structural anomalies under various load levels using RMSD values. Baseline conductance signatures revealed a lower amplitude for CVS due to inherent damping effects within the concrete material. Additionally, CVS consistently displayed lower RMSD values than PZT across different load levels, indicating lesser sensitivity to surface cracks and defects owing to its embedded position within the concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital functionality relies not only on the building's structural robustness but also on the seismic performance of its Nonstructural elements, Systems, and Contents (NSC). The objective of this study is to characterize the earthquake‐induced damage to the medical equipment deployed in the full‐scale, five‐story concrete building tested at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 2012 when subjected to Design (DE) and Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) levels of demand with Fixed‐to‐the‐Base (FB) support condition. The experimental equipment displacement responses are extracted using the Camera Projection Technique (CPT). Then, sophisticated rolling and sliding models, including instantaneous motion tracking and impact detection are developed to reproduce the equipment behavior obtained from CPT. It was found that CPT was capable of extracting the observed responses and identifying impacts despite the severity of the shaking as long as no significant uplift of the equipment occurred. In addition, both numerical models were capable of reproducing the equipment's displacement trajectories, rotations about the vertical axis (yaw), and impacts as long as no interlocking of the equipment's parts occurred. Moreover, a case study of a partially equipped Emergency Room (ER) was set up to demonstrate that even for low‐intensity motions, the damage to equipment may be significant. Finally, the impact acceleration (a⃗imp$\vec{a}_{imp}$) is proposed as a proxy indicator of damage to medical equipment; however, more functionality tests accompanied by detailed pre‐ and post‐inspections are needed to define robust damage limit states and performance objectives for medical equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase separation was observed in silica glass following low‐temperature heat treatment in high water vapor pressure through the formation of bubbles. Although the 6 day diffusion treatment in saturated water vapor pressure at 250°C does not normally cause phase separation, the reactive fracture surface and subsurface damage caused by polishing with cerium oxide (CeO2) allowed for an increase in water absorption during treatment and heterogeneous nucleation of the bubbles at damaged sites. The sub‐surface damage, characteristic of blunt contact damage, was only revealed when the polished sample was etched. The formation of bubbles and polishing damage were observed in two silica glasses—one containing chlorine impurities and the other containing OH impurities. Raman spectra collected after fracture or polishing and water diffusion treatment demonstrated an increase in the abundance of –OH species including silanol (SiOH) groups and an evolution in the glass structure in the bubble regions compared with the bubble‐free regions. These results indicate an increase in the reactivity between water and glass fracture surfaces relative to the bulk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights A thermodynamically‐based fractional viscoelastic‐viscoplastic‐damage constitutive model combined with continuous damage mechanics (CDM) theory was established, in order to describe the rate‐dependent nonlinear behavior of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs). The fractional Helmholtz free energy consists of four contributions: viscoelastic (VE), viscoplastic (VP), hardening and damage, in which the VE and VP parts are constructed by fractional Zener and Scott‐Blair (SB) element forms respectively. The constitutive equation is obtained through Helmholtz free energy for the fractional Zener model, and plastic flow and hardening evolution law are all derived in the process. The ductile damage, coupled to both VE and VP free energy parts, is introduced through fractional damage energy release rates to model the degradation of material properties. The corresponding strain energy release rate and dissipation contributions are also derived. The fractional implicit time integration algorithms of proposed model are presented. The model is applied to validate tests of FRPCs under various loading conditions. The model validation and comparison are presented by simulating experimental data and existing models in the literature. And the corresponding evolution of dissipated energy is discussed to further valid the characterization ability of the model. A thermodynamical fractional constitutive model was developed for FRPCs. The Helmholtz free‐energy potential for fractional Zener model is adopted. The physical significance of fractional order parameters is explored. Fractional implicit integration algorithm of proposed model is implemented. The validation and comparison of the model are presented under various loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Prolonged remission on low-dose glucocorticoids (GC) is a main goal in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study is to assess whether GC ≤ 5 mg/d increases the risk of damage accrual in patients with SLE in prolonged remission. Methods: Observational study of routine clinical care data of the inception Lupus Cruces-Bordeaux cohort. Only patients in DORIS remission during five consecutive yearly visits were included. The endpoint was damage accrual during the 5-year follow-up, either global or specific damage: GC-induced, cardiovascular (CV), lupus and other. Patients no longer on GC therapy by year 5 (GC5-Off) were compared with those who continued GC therapy (GC5-On). Comparisons were made by Cox and Poisson regressions, which were adjusted with propensity score (PE) in order to control for confounding by indication. Results: 132 patients were included, 56 in the GC5-On and 76 in the GC5-Off groups. All patients were on GC ≤ 5 mg/d for the whole follow-up, the mean prednisone dose in the GC5-On group being 2.96 mg/d during the whole study period and 2.6 mg/d during the 5th year. Fourteen patients (10.6%) accrued damage. More patients in the GC5-On group accrued global damage, 16% vs. 7% in the GC5-Off group, p = 0.08, mainly at CV domains (7% vs. 1%, respectively, p = 0.16). In the PS-adjusted Cox and Poisson regressions, the GC5-On group was not significantly associated with global (p = 0.39) or CV damage accrual (p = 0.62), nor with the absolute (p = 0.40) or CV-restricted final SDI scores (p = 0.63). The C-index of the propensity score model was 0.79. Conclusions: Maintaining doses of prednisone < 5 mg/d in lupus patients in prolonged remission is not associated with an increased risk of damage accrual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to predict the damage and fracture behavior of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced metal laminates (TFMLs) under ballistic impact loadings. A dynamic metal constitutive model has been employed and implemented in Abaqus/Explicit through a vectorized user material subroutine (VUMAT). The effects of the Lode angle, temperature, and strain rate are considered in the strength model, while the effects of stress triaxiality, Lode angle, temperature, and strain rate are taken into account in the failure criteria. To assess the validity and superiority of the proposed model, the numerically predicted responses of polypropylene fiber-reinforced metal laminates subjected to varying impact energies were systematically compared with corresponding experimental results. Additionally, a comparative analysis was performed between the numerical simulation results predicted by the present model and those obtained using other constitutive models, such as the Johnson–Cook (JC) constitutive model and the elastoplastic constitutive model. Furthermore, the effect of projectile types on the ballistic performance of TFMLs have been systematically investigated. The findings demonstrate that the failure pattern predicted by the current model closely aligns with the experimental observations, while both the Johnson–Cook (JC) constitutive model and the elastoplastic constitutive model were unable to accurately replicate the experimentally observed failure behavior. This study also reveals that the projectile's nose shape plays a significant role in influencing the perforation behavior of TFMLs, affecting both the residual velocity and damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antimalarials (AMs) are old drugs with a wide range of beneficial effects in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) beyond the control of activity. The most recent debate is focused on defining the optimal doses to assure the best benefit/risk ratio. Areas covered: We have reviewed the pharmacological basis underlying the various therapeutic effects of AMs and the beneficial and toxic effects of HCQ, also discussing the role of mepacrine not only as a substitute in cases of maculopathy, but also as a very effective therapy combined with HCQ. We searched PubMed and Embase for articles published in English at any time. We used the terms "hydroxychloroquine" or "mepacrine" or "chloroquine" or "antimalarials", "pharmacokinetics", "efficacy", "remission", "toxicity", "adherence". We reviewed original research articles, large observational studies, systematic reviews, and expert consensus statements. Additionally, studies were identified through the assessment of the reference lists of the evaluated manuscripts. Expert opinion: We advocate for the widespread use of HCQ at stable doses of 200 mg/d (≤4 mg/kg/d for most patients) and also for the early combination therapy with mepacrine to assure a good control of SLE activity, and also a durable and safe use of these essential drugs for the management of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Hydrogen‐fueled vehicles, recognized for their environmental benefits as they emit only water vapor, represent a sustainable alternative to traditional cars. This paper investigates the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites used to manufacture lightweight hydrogen storage pressure vessels through the filament winding process. This fabrication technique, while common, often results in variable fiber orientations and porosity content that affect the mechanical properties of the composite structures. Our study uses tubes made from carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin with different angular fiber orientations (±15° and ±30°) and multilayer structures to analyze how these variations impact the mechanical properties and damage behavior of the composites. A series of tests, including physical–chemical characterizations, porosity measurements, and multiscale mechanical assessments such as tensile and loading‐unloading analysis have been conducted. The results demonstrate that porosity, measured in the range of 5%–7%, significantly impacts mechanical performance. Moreover, a 40% decrease in Young's modulus was observed between the ±15° and ±30° fiber orientations, and a 65% reduction was noted for the multilayer structure. Microscopically, the presence of porosity initiates cracks and leads to fiber/matrix decohesion and fiber breakage. Mesoscopically, these defects can merge to form transverse cracks and micro‐delaminations between layers, highlighting the complex behaviors of these composites under loading. This information is critical for improving the design and durability of hydrogen storage systems. Porosity, measured in the range of 5%–7%, significantly affects mechanical performance, reducing Young's modulus by up to 40% between ±15° and ±30° fiber orientations and by 65% in multilayer structures. Fiber/matrix decohesion and crack initiation due to porosity lead to the formation of transverse cracks and micro‐delaminations between layers, affecting the durability of the composite. Optimizing fiber orientation and reducing porosity are critical to improving the mechanical performance and long‐term durability of hydrogen storage vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its capacity to achieve nanometre-scale machining and lithography, a focused ion beam (FIB) is an extended tool for semiconductor device fabrication and development, in particular, for diamond-based devices. However, some technological steps are still not fully optimized for its use. Indeed, ion implantation seems to affect the crystalline structure and electrical properties of diamond. For this study, a boron-doped ([B] ∼ 1017 atoms·cm−3) diamond layer grown by chemical vapour deposition was irradiated using Ga+ by FIB, with 1 nA current and 5, 20, and 30 keV of acceleration voltage. The Ga+ implanted diamond layer has been analysed through cathodoluminescence (CL) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)-related techniques. The beam penetration depth has been simulated by Monte Carlo calculations of both Ga+ (FIB) and e− (CL) beams at different energies. The comparative CL analysis of the layer as-grown and after implantation revealed peaks related to defects, such as A band, H3 centre, and defects present in the green band region. The STEM studies for the 30 keV implanted sample showed that the diamond lattice is affected by the damage, evidencing amorphisation in the layer with a sp2/sp3 ratio of 1.37, estimated by electron energy loss spectroscopy. Therefore, this study highlights the effects of the Ga+ implantation on the optical and structural characteristics of diamond, using different methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new PD-FEM (peridynamics-finite element method) hybrid model method was proposed for solving thermal-mechanical coupling problems. Its solution region was divided into peridynamics and finite element subregions. The hybrid bonds introduced to mixed these two subregions were composed of finite element nodes and peridynamics material points. The hybrid model was used to simulate damage behavior of alumina ceramic plates under thermal shock loads. Calculation results showed that the cracks initiation and propagation obtained by the hybrid model were in good agreement with experiment results, which validated the accuracy and availability of the hybrid model. The PD-FEM hybrid model inherits the advantage of peridynamics in dealing with discontinuous problems. Because the finite element method is introduced, the model significantly improves the efficiency of studying thermal-mechanical coupling problems using peridynamics method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are significant global disasters, but their impact in developing countries is greater due to the lower shock tolerance, many subsistence farmers, land fragmentation, poor adaptation strategies, and low technical capacity, which worsen food security and livelihoods. Therefore, accurate and timely monitoring of flooded crop areas is crucial for both disaster impact assessments and adaptation strategies. However, most existing methods for monitoring flooded crops using remote sensing focus solely on estimating the flood damage, neglecting the need for adaptation decisions. To address these issues, we have developed an approach to mapping flooded rice fields using Earth observation and machine learning. This approach integrates high-resolution multispectral satellite images with Sentinel-1 data. We have demonstrated the reliability and applicability of this approach by using a manually labelled dataset related to a devastating flood event in north-western Nigeria. Additionally, we have developed a land suitability model to evaluate potential areas for paddy rice cultivation. Our crop extent and land use/land cover classifications achieved an overall accuracy of between 93% and 95%, while our flood mapping achieved an overall accuracy of 99%. Our findings indicate that the flood event caused damage to almost 60% of the paddy rice fields. Based on the land suitability assessment, our results indicate that more land is suitable for cultivation during natural floods than is currently being used. We propose several recommendations as adaptation measures for stakeholders to improve livelihoods and mitigate flood disasters. This study highlights the importance of integrating multispectral and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for flood crop mapping using machine learning. Decision-makers will benefit from the flood crop mapping framework developed in this study in a number of spatial planning applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital crop with enormous economic and nutritional importance in Nepal and worldwide. The yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a monophagous severe pest that poses a substantial threat to rice crops, causing significant yield losses by its larva feeding on stems and tillers. This review covers the life cycle, distribution, damage, and management and control strategies of YSB. YSB primarily targets rice plants, causing symptoms like dead hearts and whiteheads. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are crucial for effective YSB control. Cultural practices include selecting resistant rice varieties, using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) incorporated transgenic rice plants, synchronizing planting to reduce generations, and promoting natural enemies by conserving their habitats. Mechanical methods involve pheromone and light traps to disrupt mating and reduce adult populations. Biological control methods utilize natural predators like beetles and spiders and parasitoids such as Cotesia flavipes and Trichogramma spp. In contrast, chemical control involves targeted insecticide application when pest populations reach economic threshold levels that is when 5–10% dead hearts are seen. The article emphasizes the importance of IPM techniques in reducing YSB infestation and fostering sustainable rice production. These approaches not only help to lower the YSB population but also contribute to environmental preservation and long-term agricultural viability. As rice is a staple food for millions, effective management of YSB becomes crucial for guaranteeing food security and livelihoods across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete containing brick particles (RACB), compressive strength tests were conducted on RACBs with different water/cement ratios and recycled fine aggregate substitution rates. The changes in compressive strength, elastic modulus and peak strain of RACB were analysed as a function of the proportion of substituted recycled fine aggregate, and a stress–strain equation was established. A damage model was established using ultrasonic non-destructive testing technology to reveal the damage mechanism of RACB. Results show that the basic mechanical properties of RACB are best when the replacement proportion of recycled fine aggregate (r) is 30%. The model parameter a of the stress–strain curve equation is consistent with the change of elastic modulus with r. The model parameter b has a quadratic function relationship with r, reflecting the brittleness of RACB. The initial damage of RACB is relatively large, and cracks penetrate the recycled coarse aggregate, leading to specimen failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the impact of plasma-facing units (PFUs) damage on subsequent plasma operation is an important issue for ITER. This is one of the topic addressed by the operation of dedicated PFUs in WEST. From the start of WEST in 2017, few ITER grade divertor PFUs were tested in the lower divertor for short plasma exposure (experimental campaigns C1–C5). A PFU is an assembly of tungsten blocks on CuCrZr tube via pure copper interlayer. Since 2022, WEST operates with a lower divertor fully equipped with ITER grade PFUs (experimental campaign C6–C7) with long duration plasma exposure capabilities. To test the ageing of the ITER-grade PFUs on an accelerated basis, well controlled damage was implemented on purpose with electron beam loading on the plasma facing surface of two different PFUs (pre-damage#1 and #2 featuring different level of damage). Damage tackled in this study is induced by the loading with numerous transient heat loading events to mimic the ELM impact on the ITER grade PFU. This paper presents the damage before and after WEST plasma exposure and shows the tungsten sources and temperature of the block measured during the operation. On damaged area, surface roughening is heterogeneous. With WEST campaigns (C3, C4 and C7) respectively ended in (2018, 2019 and 2023) a global smoothing of the pre-damaged surfaces, in particular those located in the high loaded erosion area, is observed. No evolution of the crack is observed in the electron beam loaded area, while new cracking are observed on non pre-damaged area on the tungsten top surfaces in highly loaded areas (outer strike point) after significant plasma duration and cumulated energy (first observation in C4 and tends to be confirmed with preliminary observations after the C7 campaign). Smoothing is less pronounced after the 2018 campaign, which may be due to the related short plasma duration. The surface smoothing of blocks also depends on their poloidal position. For PFU which has no shaping, toroidal positioning within a block has no influence on the surface smoothing. After 2019 and 2023 campaigns, equivalent relative smoothing is obtained (between 19 and 32%). For the explored plasma conditions, damage has no influence on the maximum brightness of W. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the relationship was considered between the structure and cyclic loading resistance of a layered composite consisting of PEI (PEEK) plate/PEI (PEEK) film/PEI-impregnated carbon-fiber fabric prepreg/PEI (PEEK) film/PEI (PEEK) plate by analyzing the time variation in the parameters of mechanical hysteresis loops calculated using digital image correlation. It was shown that the polyetherimide-based layered composite has low fatigue life under cyclic loading (0.8 of the yield strength), resulting from incompatible deformation between the PEI plates and the prepreg due to a layer interface formed by low-melting TecaPEI film. In the PEEK layered composite, the layer interface was formed by neat PEEK energy director and therefore had a little amount of defects, due to which the load was well transferred from the PEEK plates to the middle reinforcement layer. As a result, the fatigue life at a load level of 0.8 of the yield strength corresponded to high-cycle fatigue (more than 86000 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin tissue is a kind of complex biological material abundant with fibers. A new constitutive model, relating macroscopic responses with microstructural fiber configuration alteration, is developed to investigate the stress softening behaviors of skin tissue observed during cyclic loading–unloading tests. Two influential factors are introduced to describe the impact of fiber configuration change and stretch-induced damage. The present model achieves good agreement between predicted stress distribution of human skin and corresponding ex vivo experimental data obtained from the literature, affirming its capability to effectively capture the characteristic softening behaviors of human skin under cyclic loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims It is uncertain whether ulcerative colitis leads to accumulated bowel damage on cross-sectional image. We aimed to characterise bowel damage in patients with ulcerative colitis using magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and to determine its relation with duration of disease and the impact on patients' quality of life. Methods In this prospective study, patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] in endoscopic remission underwent MRI without bowel cleansing, and completed quality-of-life questionnaires. Participants' magnetic resonance findings were analysed considering normal values and thresholds determined in controls with no history of inflammatory bowel disease [ n =40], and in patients with Crohn's disease with no history of colonic involvement [ n  = 12]. Subjects with UC were stratified according to disease duration [< 7 years vs 7‒14 years vs > 14 years]. Results We analysed 41 subjects with ulcerative colitis [20 women; Mayo endoscopic subscore 0 in 38 [92.7%] and 1 in three [7.3%]]. Paired segment-by-segment comparison of magnetic resonance findings in colonic segments documented as being affected by ulcerative colitis versus controls showed that patients with ulcerative colitis had decreased cross-sectional area [ p  ≤ 0.0034] and perimeter [ p  ≤ 0.0005] and increased wall thickness [ p  = 0.026] in all segments. Colon damage, defined as wall thickness ≥ 3 mm, was seen in 22 [53.7%] patients. Colon damage was not associated with disease duration or quality of life. Conclusions Morphological abnormalities in the colon were highly prevalent in patients with ulcerative colitis in the absence of inflammation. Structural bowel damage was not associated with disease duration or quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 1886 MW 7.3 Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake, three railroads emanating from the city were exposed to severe shaking. Expansion joints in segmented railroad tracks are designed to allow railroad infrastructure to withstand a few parts in 10,000 of thermoelastic strain. We show that, in 1886, transient contractions exceeding this limiting value buckled rails, and transient extensions pulled rails apart. Calculated values for dynamic strain in the meizoseismal region are in reasonable agreement with those anticipated from the relation between strain and moment magnitude proposed by Barbour et al. (2021) and exceed estimated tectonic strain released by the earthquake by an order of magnitude. Almost all of the documented disturbances of railroad lines, including evidence for shortening of the rails, can thus be ascribed to the effects of dynamic strain changes, not static strain. Little or no damage to railroads was reported outside the estimated 10-4 dynamic strain contour. The correspondence between10-3 and 2 × 10-4 contours of dynamic strain and Mercalli intensity 9 and 8, anticipated from the dependence of each quantity on peak ground velocity, suggests it may be possible to use railroad damage to quantitatively estimate shaking intensity. At one location, near Rantowles, -20 km west of Charleston, a photograph of buckled track taken one day after the earthquake has been cited as evidence for shallow dextral slip and has long focused a search for a causal fault in this region. Photogrammetric analysis reveals that the buckle was caused by transient contraction of <10 cm with no dextral offset. Our results further weaken the evidence for faulting in the swamps and forests south of the Ashley River in 1886, hitherto motivated by the photograph and limited macroseismic evidence for high-intensity shaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local site characterization and regional tectonic environment are crucial when designing earthquake-resistant bridges. Insufficient understanding of these factors can lead to significant seismic damages and low resilience of bridge components. In this study, the seismic loss and resilience of bridges located in soft soil are examined based on proposed fragility functions at both the individual element and system levels. The effects of aging and construction quality are also taken into account to evaluate the seismic performance of bridges. The findings of this study revealed that bridges in soil class D are the most vulnerable in all seismic and structural integrity scenarios. Bridges with inadequate seismic design may not have the necessary flexibility to absorb and dissipate seismic energy. The findings of this study can also contribute to evaluating transportation network functionality and decision-making procedures within a designated framework for disaggregation in any earthquake scenario [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-based emissions from land conversions are often overlooked in climate planning. The objectives of this study were to use quantitative data on soil-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the state of Georgia (GA) (USA) to examine context-specific (temporal, biophysical, economic, and social) climate planning and legal options to deal with these emissions. Currently, 30% of the land in GA has experienced anthropogenic land degradation (LD) primarily due to agriculture (64%). All seven soil orders were subject to various degrees of anthropogenic LD. Increases in overall LD between 2001 and 2021 indicate a lack of land degradation neutrality (LDN) in GA. Besides agricultural LD, there was also LD caused by increased development through urbanization, with 15,197.1 km2 developed, causing midpoint losses of 1.2 × 1011 kg of total soil carbon (TSC) with a corresponding midpoint social cost from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (SC-CO2) of USD $20.4B (where B = billion = 109, $ = U.S. dollars (USD)). Most developments occurred in the Metro Atlanta and Coastal Economic Development Regions, which indicates reverse climate change adaptation (RCCA). Soil consumption from developments is an important issue because it limits future soil or forest carbon (C) sequestration potential in these areas. Soil-based emissions should be included in GA's carbon footprint. Understanding the geospatial and temporal context of land conversion decisions, as well as the social and economic costs, could be used to create incentives for land management that limit soil-based GHG emissions in a local context with implications for relevant United Nations (UN) initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanisms that drive muscle adaptations after eccentric exercise training are multifaceted and likely impacted by age. Previous studies have reported that many genes and proteins respond differently in young and older muscles following training. Keratin 18 (Krt18), a cytoskeletal protein involved in force transduction and organization, was found to be upregulated after muscles performed repeated bouts of eccentric contractions, with higher levels observed in young muscle compared with older muscle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if Krt18 mediates skeletal muscle adaptations following eccentric exercise training. The anterior crural muscles of Krt18 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to either a single bout or repeated bouts of eccentric contractions, with isometric torque assessed across the initial and final bouts. Functionally, Krt18 KO and WT mice did not differ prior to performing any eccentric contractions (P ≥ 0.100). Muscle strength (tetanic isometric torques) and the ability to adapt to eccentric exercise training were also consistent across strains at all time points (P ≥ 0.169). Stated differently, immediate strength deficits and the recovery of strength following a single bout or multiple bouts of eccentric contractions were similar between Krt18 KO and WT mice. In summary, the absence of Krt18 does not impede the muscle's ability to adapt to repeated eccentric contractions, suggesting it is not essential for exercise-induced remodeling. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The molecular processes that underlie the changes in skeletal muscle following eccentric exercise training are complex and involve multiple factors. Our findings indicate that Krt18 may not play a significant role in muscle adaptations following eccentric exercise training, likely due to its low expression in skeletal muscle. These results underscore the complexity of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to muscle plasticity and highlight the need for further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the energy dynamics of sandstone subjected to failure in conditions typical of deep underground construction. Research was conducted using both standard triaxial compression and cyclic loading–unloading techniques at six distinct confining pressures, with the objective of elucidating the deformation and failure processes of rock materials. The tests demonstrated that, regardless of the stress path, sandstone primarily fails through shear under different confining pressures, which also reduces the formation of secondary cracks. The energy transformation observed during cyclic loading and unloading processes exhibits a distinctive peak-like distribution, marked by an inflection point that indicates changes in energy distribution. In the initial stages of the loading cycle, the energy profile of the rock increases, characterized by a condition in which the energy stored elastically exceeds the energy dissipated. Nevertheless, subsequent to reaching peak stress, there is a rapid transmutation of elastic strain energy into other forms, culminating in a pronounced elevation in the ratio of dissipated energy, which ultimately achieves a state of equilibrium influenced by the confining pressures. The study introduces the energy consumption ratio (Ke) as a metric for assessing rock damage accumulation and stability, noting a critical pattern where Ke decreases and then spikes at the rock's failure point, with K = 1 identified as the critical threshold for failure. This comprehensive analysis illuminates the intricate relationship between energy distribution patterns and the stability of rock structures, thereby enhancing our understanding of failure mechanisms from an energetic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of triaxiality on the evolution of damage in Al-2024 aluminum cylindrical specimens is studied in this work. Uncoupled and coupled damage models, all of them explicitly dependent on triaxiality, are assessed and compared. These models are characterized by tensile tests on cylindrical specimens without notches, to obtain the material parameters for each model. The capability of each model to predict fracture when different positive triaxial conditions evolve is then evaluated through tensile tests on notched cylindrical specimens. In particular, the damage index, evaluated at the fracture strain level, is compared with the experimental results validating the models. Moreover, the triaxiality evolution in the different specimens is studied in order to assess its effect on damage, demonstrating that the fracture strain decreases at greater triaxiality values. Observations through scanning electron microscopy confirm this pattern; i.e., an increase in triaxiality reveals a shift in the fracture mechanism from a more ductile condition in the original specimens to a more brittle one as the notch radius decreases. In addition, bilinear damage evolution is proposed to describe the physical behavior of the material when the Lemaitre coupled model is considered. In such a case, special attention must be devoted to the material characterization since coupling between hardening material parameters and damage affects the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Data-driven calibration techniques, consisting of theory-guided feed-forward neural networks with long short-term memory, have previously been developed to find suitable input parameters for the finite element simulation of progressive damage in fibre-reinforced composites subjected to compact tension and compact compression tests. The results of these machine learning-assisted calibration approaches are assessed in a range of virtual open-hole strength tests under tensile and compressive loadings as well as in low velocity impact tests. It is demonstrated that the calibrated material models with bi-linear softening are able to simulate the structural response qualitatively and quantitatively with a maximum error of 9 % with regards to experimentally measured open-hole strength values. Furthermore, the highly efficient models enable the virtual analysis of size effects as well as accurate force simulations in quasi-isotropic laminates under impact loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]