Compelling Combination Research Articles

Scintillator-SiPM detector for tracking and energy deposition measurements

An innovative particle detector that offers a compelling combination of cost-effectiveness and high accuracy is introduced. The detector features plastic scintillators paired with a sparse arrangement of SiPMs, strategically positioned within a unique opto-mechanical framework. This configuration delivers precise measurements of spatial impact position and energy deposition of impinging particles. The manuscript describes the detector’s physical model complemented by an analytical representation. These calculations underpin a numerical algorithm, facilitating the estimation of particle impingement position and energy deposition. The results of the numerical calculations are compared with the output of GEANT4 simulations and evaluated by rigorous laboratory testing. An array of these detectors, intended for deployment in a spaceborne experiment, underwent detailed design, manufacturing, and testing. Their performance and alignment with the physical model were validated through meticulously conducted ground-based laboratory experiments, conclusively affirming the detector’s properties.

8411 Ectopic ACTH-dependent Cyclical Cushing’s Syndrome- the Art of Hide-and-seek

Abstract Disclosure: H. Mon: None. A. Kapoor: None. S. Qureshi: None. M. Martineau: None. K. Meeran: None. Case report: A 72-years-old lady was admitted with hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia with metabolic alkalosis with background hypertension, type2 diabetes, osteoporosis and right-sided breast cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy 3years ago. She was previously seen in Endocrinology Clinic for similar episode and deemed not having Cushing’s or Conn’s syndrome on workup. During this admission, although there was no obvious Cushingoid appearance, there was refractory hypokalaemia. On further exploration, there were previous admissions with similar episodes in UK and in her home country, within the same year, a few months apart. Therefore, endocrinology workup was conducted for suspected cyclical Cushing’s syndrome. It demonstrated raised 24-hour urinary free cortisol of 5643 nmol/24hour (reference range 0-164 nmol/24hours), unsuppressed low dose dexamethasone suppression test with cortisol level of 800 nmol/L and increased ACTH level of 429 ng/L. MRI (pituitary) showed no pituitary lesion with probable empty sella and CSF filled. However, CT (thorax) showed enlarging lesion (previously from 1cm to 1.6cm) in the left lower lobe, concerning lung metastasis or primary lung malignancy. PET scan showed left lower lobe nodule having low-grade activity with likelihood of indolent malignancy and appearances of physiologic adrenal hyperplasia. Management: Given persistently high cortisol levels during admission with ongoing hyperglycaemia and refractory hypokalaemia, metyrapone was started and titrated accordingly. Her clinical condition including potassium and cortisol levels effectively responded to metyrapone. Gallium scan was booked for detail localization with ongoing lung MDT (multidisciplinary team meeting) and neuroendocrine tumour MDT.However, after starting metyrapone, she had type 1 respiratory failure, not responding to initial antibiotics. After excluding other possible respiratory aetiologies, empirical treatment for Pneumocystosis pneumonia (PCP) was initiated, after which blood test for Beta-D-glucan was found out to be significantly raised, supporting the presumptive diagnosis. Conclusion: Our case highlighted the following interesting points 1. diagnostic challenges, due to the fluctuating nature of cyclical Cushing’s syndrome, presenting with recurrent hypokalaemia. 2. the interesting nature of likely ACTH-dependent cyclical Cushing’s syndrome, progressing into florid Cushing’s syndrome, with efficacy to metyrapone 3. rare and compelling combination of 3 conditions of Cyclical Cushing’s syndrome, being ectopic ACTH-dependent and complicated by Pneumocystosis pneumonia (PCP). Presentation: 6/1/2024

Dynamic Condensation for Efficient Band-Structure Calculations of 2D Periodic Structures

Efficient band-structure calculations are essential for understanding the mechanical behaviors of periodic materials, with significant implications in material design and phononic engineering. This paper introduces the application of the improved reduced system (IRS) technique to expedite elastic band-structure calculations. The IRS, a dynamic condensation method, partitions the unit cell degrees of freedom (DOFs) into primary and secondary sets. A strategic selection of primary DOFs retains a subset of interior DOFs alongside all exterior DOFs while truncating the remaining interior DOFs. The integration of IRS with the Craig–Bampton method for additional reduction and the imposition of Bloch boundary conditions yields a notable decrease in computational overhead. Additionally, for structures with a high number of interior DOFs, a substructuring scheme can be implemented to further enhance efficiency. This approach offers a compelling combination of accuracy and expedited computation, making it applicable across diverse periodic materials.

Mechanical property enhancement of flax fibers via supercritical fluid treatment

The desire for lightweight, carbon-negative materials has been increasing in recent years, particularly as the transportation sector reduces its global carbon footprint. Natural fibers, such as flax fiber and their composites, offer a compelling combination of properties including low density, high specific strength, and carbon negativity. However, because of the low modulus and high variability in performance, natural fibers can’t compete with glass fibers as structural reinforcements in polymer composites. In this study, flax technical fibers were treated in supercritical CO2 (scCO2), and the effects of this treatment on the morphology and properties of flax fibers are reported. Treatment in scCO2 successfully resulted in higher fiber modulus and strength by 33% and 40%, respectively. Fiber porosity was reduced by 50% and morphological changes to the fibers were observed. Specifically, fiber lumen collapsed during treatment and micro/mesoporosity was reduced by 27%. Treated flax fibers were used to create 30 vol% unidirectional flax-epoxy composites. ScCO2 treatment raised composite modulus and strength by 33% and 25%, respectively. Because of the dependence between technical fiber size and mechanical properties, the relationship between fiber modulus and fiber size were created and applied to the rule-of-mixtures. This relationship were found to be viable representations of the fiber performance within each composite. Overall, the treatment developed in this study has the potential to significantly improve natural fiber properties, enabling their consideration for use in lightweight, semi-structural composites.

Water-mediated chelation dynamics of dicarboxylic acid functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles for β-nucleation enhancement in isotactic polypropylene composites

ABSTRACT Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is the most prominent form of polypropylene, and β-phase is the most resistant to impact compared to the crystalline forms. However, β-phase is the least frequently obtained under conventional operating conditions. TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with dicarboxylic acids as nucleating agents to promote β-crystal formation in iPP. The effects of three dicarboxylic acids – glutaric, pimelic, and azelaic – were characterized on TiO2-modified surfaces. Additionally, the interactions between TiO2 and water molecules, crucial for the formation of chelating or bridging linkages, were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. For pimelic and azelaic acids at the polymer processing temperature, the carboxyl group band disappeared, suggesting a transition of the acid-calcium union from a bridging to a chelating linkage due to the presence of water molecules. These molecules help maintain the stability of the chains during processing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed a higher content of β-crystalline structures in iPP when modified with pimelic and azelaic acids. The research indicates that water molecules, desorbed during manufacturing, facilitate the chelating form, thereby enhancing β-nucleation and improving the surface properties of iPP composites. These β-nucleated PP composites represent a promising material solution for medical device applications, offering a compelling combination of enhanced properties and cost-effectiveness.

Advancements in Coordination Chemistry and Trends in the Chemical Industry: Applications and Implications

Abstract: Metal foams offer a compelling combination of properties, including low density, sound absorption, high compressive strength, and stiffness. This project focuses on the damping behavior of aluminum foams for applications in automobiles and various industries. Aluminum foams excel in being lightweight, exhibiting high compressive strength, and offering excellent stiffness. However, their wear resistance is a limitation. To address this and enhance durability, a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating is applied to the surface. The complex geometry and surface of aluminum foams pose a challenge for the coating process. Therefore, the project employs the well-established cataphoretic deposition technique, an electro-chemical process. This research investigates the potential of carbon-coated aluminum foam for vibration mitigation in automobiles and industrial applications by analyzing its damping properties and improved wear resistance through the DLC coating

Green power solutions: Advancements in eco‐friendly cellulose‐derived composite battery separators—Material properties and processing techniques

AbstractBatteries play a crucial role in our daily lives, with separators being a key component influencing their functionality. The separators based on petrochemical for example polythene and polypropylene have been long favored for their chemical and thermal stability, their drawbacks in terms of sustainability, eco‐efficiency, and associated environmental risks are undeniable. In pursuit of sustainable development, there is a growing demand for biopolymer composite separators that offer a compelling combination of low cost, high mechanical and thermal stability, biodegradability, and renewability. Among these alternatives, cellulose‐derived separators have garnered significant attention from the scientific community. This review delivers a brief overview of cellulose's chemical structure, their types, delving into the intricate interplay of various electrodes and electrolytic solutions. The focus is then directed towards exploring diverse preparatory methods for cellulose‐derived separators, along with highlighting the promising factors associated with their adoption. Special attention is given to cellulose composite separators and the challenges they present.Highlights Cellulose‐based composite separators in LIB/SIB batteries are discussed. Preparatory methods for eco‐friendly cellulose‐derived composite battery separators. Prominent affecting factors of separator performance have been elaborated. Special attention to the challenges cellulose composite separators present.

Highly Stable MOF‐Type Lead Halide Luminescent Ferroelectrics

AbstractLead halide molecular ferroelectrics represent an important class of luminescent ferroelectrics, distinguished by their high chemical and structural tunability, excellent processability and distinctive luminescent characteristics. However, their inherent instability, prone to decomposition upon exposure to moisture and light, hinders their broader ferroelectric applications. Herein, for the first time, we present a series of isoreticular metal–organic framework (MOF)‐type lead halide luminescent ferroelectrics, demonstrating exceptional robustness under ambient conditions for at least 15 months and even when subjected to aqueous boiling conditions. Unlike conventional metal‐oxo secondary building units (SBUs) in MOFs adopting highly centrosymmetric structure with limited structural distortion, our lead halide‐based MOFs occupy structurally deformable [Pb2X]+ (X=Cl−/Br−/I−) SBUs that facilitate a c‐axis‐biased displacement of Pb2+ centers and substantially contribute to thermoinducible structural transformation. Importantly, this class of MOF‐type lead halide ferroelectrics undergo ferroelectric‐to‐paraelectric phase transitions with remarkably high Curie temperature of up to 505 K, superior to most of molecular ferroelectrics. Moreover, the covalent bonding between phosphorescent organic component and the light‐harvesting inorganic component achieves efficient spin‐orbit coupling and intersystem crossing, resulting in long‐lived afterglow emission. The compelling combination of high stability, ferroelectricity and afterglow emission exhibited by lead halide MOFs opens up many potential opportunities in energy‐conversion applications.

Highly Stable MOF-Type Lead Halide Luminescent Ferroelectrics.

Lead halide molecular ferroelectrics represent an important class of luminescent ferroelectrics, distinguished by their high chemical and structural tunability, excellent processability and distinctive luminescent characteristics. However, their inherent instability, prone to decomposition upon exposure to moisture and light, hinders their broader ferroelectric applications. Herein, for the first time, we present a series of isoreticular metal-organic framework (MOF)-type lead halide luminescent ferroelectrics, demonstrating exceptional robustness under ambient conditions for at least 15 months and even when subjected to aqueous boiling conditions. Unlike conventional metal-oxo secondary building units (SBUs) in MOFs adopting highly centrosymmetric structure with limited structural distortion, our lead halide-based MOFs occupy structurally deformable [Pb2X]+ (X=Cl-/Br-/I-) SBUs that facilitate a c-axis-biased displacement of Pb2+ centers and substantially contribute to thermoinducible structural transformation. Importantly, this class of MOF-type lead halide ferroelectrics undergo ferroelectric-to-paraelectric phase transitions with remarkably high Curie temperature of up to 505 K, superior to most of molecular ferroelectrics. Moreover, the covalent bonding between phosphorescent organic component and the light-harvesting inorganic component achieves efficient spin-orbit coupling and intersystem crossing, resulting in long-lived afterglow emission. The compelling combination of high stability, ferroelectricity and afterglow emission exhibited by lead halide MOFs opens up many potential opportunities in energy-conversion applications.

Sodium Triflate Water-in-Salt Electrolytes in Advanced Battery Applications: A First-Principles-Based Molecular Dynamics Study.

Offering a compelling combination of safety and cost-effectiveness, water-in-salt (WiS) electrolytes have emerged as promising frontiers in energy storage technology. Still, there is a strong demand for research and development efforts to make these electrolytes ripe for commercialization. Here, we present a first-principles-based molecular dynamics (MD) study addressing in detail the properties of a sodium triflate WiS electrolyte for Na-ion batteries. We have developed a workflow based on a machine learning (ML) potential derived from ab initio MD simulations. As ML potentials are typically restricted to the interpolation of the data points of the training set and have hardly any predictive properties, we subsequently optimize a classical force field based on physics principles to ensure broad applicability and high performance. Performing and analyzing detailed MD simulations, we identify several very promising properties of the sodium triflate as a WiS electrolyte but also indicate some potential stability challenges associated with its use as a battery electrolyte.

Reprocessable, Highly Transparent Ionic Conductive Elastomers Based on β-Amino Ester Chemistry for Sensing Devices.

Ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs) exhibit a compelling combination of ionic conductivity and elastic properties, rendering them excellent candidates for stretchable electronics, particularly in applications like sensing devices. Despite their appeal, a significant challenge lies in the reprocessing of ICEs without compromising their performance. To address this issue, we propose a strategy that leverages covalent adaptable networks (CANs) for the preparation of ICEs. Specifically, β-amino ester bonds as dynamic motifs are incorporated into a poly(ethylene oxide) network containing lithium bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide (LiTFSI) salt. LiTFSI-containing β-amino ester networks (LBAEs) exhibit superb transparency (94%), thermal stability (>280 °C), and modest conductivity (0.00576 mS·cm-1 at 20 °C), and some LBAEs maintain operational capability across a wide temperature range (-20 to 100 °C). By regulating the lithium salt content, the mechanical properties, conductivities, and viscoelastic behaviors can be tailored. Benefiting from these features, LBAEs have been successfully applied in sensing devices for monitoring human motion (e.g., finger bending, swallowing, and clenching). Notably, even after four reprocessing cycles, LBAEs demonstrate structural integrity and maintain their operational capability. This novel approach represents a promising solution to the reprocessing challenges associated with flexible conductive devices, demonstrating the successful integration of CANs and ICEs.

An Investigation of the Tribological and Mechanical Properties of the Hybrid Mg Nanocomposites Manufactured by Mechanical Alloy

This work explores the impact of fly ash and nanoparticle reinforcements (TiO2 , hBN, B4 C) on the mechanical and tribological properties of magnesium nanocomposites produced via mechanical alloying. The investigation revealed that incorporating these reinforcements increased the compressive strength and microhardness of the composites compared to pure Mg. Notably, the Mg-fly ash + B4 C composite exhibited the highest microhardness (50.74 HV), representing a 71.3% increase. Tribological analysis demonstrated that the Mg-fly ash composite and Mg-fly ash + TiO2 composite displayed slightly lower friction coefficients than pure Mg. The Mg-fly ash + hBN composite exhibited the lowest friction coefficient due to the lubricating nature of hBN. In contrast, the Mg-fly ash + B4 C composite showed the highest friction coefficient due to its inherently rough surface. These findings suggest that the developed hybrid magnesium nanocomposites offer a compelling combination of enhanced mechanical properties and tunable tribological behavior, making them suitable for applications demanding both wear resistance and reduced friction.

Metamaterial-based vibration control for offshore wind turbines operating under multiple hazard excitation forces

Wind energy holds growing investment perspectives due to its renewable and sustainable energy production potential. The harvesting capability of wind turbines is directly related to their size. Therefore, those wind energy generators still encounter challenges related to excessive vibrations aggravated by environmental factors, compromising energy generation and resulting in fatigue damage and downtime. Various vibration control strategies have been explored to address these issues, with passive control emerging as a preferred choice due to its ease of manufacture, cost-effectiveness, and simple installation. Nevertheless, the limitations of these controls lie in their substantial size and weight associated with optimal installation positions for achieving a good performance. Recently, mechanical metamaterials have demonstrated tremendous advancements in efficiency regarding band isolation and vibration mitigation, coupled with enhanced manufacturing possibilities. Hence, this paper proposes a novel approach to control the vibration of wind turbines employing mechanical metamaterials in their design. A spectral approach is used to model the metamaterial turbine and its interaction with external excitations, such as wind, waves, and blade rotation. The numerical results show the efficiency of the metamaterial turbine by its tunable stopband features and vibration amplitude reduction under multiple hazard excitations, emphasising its superior suppressing vibrations compared to conventional tuned mass damper. Thus, the proposed wind turbine metastructures offer a compelling combination of effective vibration attenuation while reducing dynamic resonators’ overall stiffness, mass, and size. The outcome advances wind turbine design and energy technology for reliable wind energy production.

Low-cost paper-based sensors modified with curcumin for the detection of ochratoxin a in beverages

Detection of mycotoxins in food is essential due to their potential harm to human and animal health. However, developing affordable and rapid methods for their detection, particularly with the necessary selectivity to differentiate between various mycotoxins, remains a challenge. Herein, we present low-cost paper-based sensing platforms modified with curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, for the electrochemical and optical detection of ochratoxin A (OTA). By exploiting the fluorescence quenching effect of OTA on curcumin through Förster energy transfer, we successfully conducted optical detection with LODs of 0.09 ng mL−1 and a linear range of 0.5 to 15 ng mL−1. Additionally, by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a portable instrument, we detected OTA with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.045 ng mL−1. These sensitivity levels meet the requirements established by food regulatory agencies for monitoring food quality in relation to OTA contamination. Our curcumin-modified paper-based sensors offer a compelling combination of simplicity in manufacturing and cost-effectiveness, underscoring their potential for routine food quality monitoring, especially concerning ochratoxin A.

Epigenetic Cooperativity as a Therapeutic Vulnerability in Cancer.

NUT carcinoma (NC) is one of the most common types of undifferentiated carcinomas affecting young adults with a dismal prognosis. NUT carcinomas often involve chromosomal translocations, leading to the production of BRD4-NUT fusion protein that generates large domains of hyperactive chromatin and activates oncogenic gene expression. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) bromodomain inhibitors offer a direct means to block BRD4-mediated gene activation but have shown limited clinical efficacy in patients. In this issue of Cancer Research, Huang and colleagues report an unexpected discovery of a synthetic lethal NC dependency on Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated gene repression, including EZH2, the catalytic subunit of PRC2. EZH2 is highly expressed in NC patient tumors and a specific inhibitor of its methyltransferase activity, tazemetostat, exhibits potent antitumor cell activity. While the repressed and activated chromatin domains in NC cells are distinct, the resultant gene expression changes exhibit convergent features, including dysregulation of CDKN2A and the E2F-RB1 axis. As a result, combined treatment of NC tumors with tazemetostat and the BET inhibitor mivebresib produces marked antitumor therapeutic synergy in vitro and in vivo, associated with enhanced suppression of RB1 function through convergent remodeling of NC gene expression. This study advances epigenetic cooperativity as a distinct mode of gene expression dysregulation in NC and nominates a compelling combination epigenetic strategy for investigation in clinical trials for patients. See related article by Huang et al., p. 3956.

Diabetology and Nanotechnology: A Compelling Combination

Abstract:: The convergence of diabetology and nanotechnology has emerged as a promising synergy with the potential to revolutionize the management and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes, a complex metabolic disorder affecting millions worldwide, necessitates innovative approaches to enhance monitoring, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. Nanotechnology, a burgeoning field that manipulates materials at the nanoscale, offers unprecedented opportunities to address the challenges posed by diabetes. This abstract explores the multifaceted interface between diabetology and nanotechnology, highlighting key areas of integration. Nanotechnology has paved the way for the development of advanced glucose monitoring systems with enhanced accuracy, sensitivity, and patient convenience. Miniaturized biosensors and implantable devices equipped with nanoscale materials enable continuous and real-time glucose monitoring, empowering individuals with diabetes to make timely and informed decisions about their dietary and insulin management. Furthermore, nanotechnology has facilitated breakthroughs in targeted drug delivery, addressing the limitations of conventional therapies in diabetes treatment. Nano-sized drug carriers can improve bioavailability, enable controlled release, and enhance the selectivity of therapeutic agents, minimizing side effects and optimizing treatment outcomes. Moreover, nanoengineered materials have opened avenues for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, offering the potential to restore damaged pancreatic islets and insulin-producing cells. The amalgamation of diabetology and nanotechnology also holds promise for early disease detection and prevention. Nanoscale diagnostic tools, such as biomarker-based nanoprobes and lab-onchip devices, offer rapid and accurate detection of diabetes-related biomolecules, enabling timely interventions and reducing the risk of complications. However, this compelling combination also presents challenges that warrant careful consideration. Safety, biocompatibility, regulatory approval, and ethical implications are crucial factors that demand meticulous evaluation during the translation of nanotechnology-based solutions into clinical practice. In conclusion, the integration of diabetology and nanotechnology represents a transformative paradigm that has the potential to reshape the landscape of diabetes management. By harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials, researchers and clinicians are poised to usher in an era of personalized and precise diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies for diabetes mellitus. As advancements in nanotechnology continue to unfold, the journey towards realizing the full potential of this compelling combination remains an exciting frontier in medical science.

Examining Legal Difficulties and Potential Benefits of Social Businesses

Objective: A compelling combination of profit-driven corporations with socially impactful efforts, the concept of social businesses has arisen in recent years. Both the legal hurdles that social enterprises must overcome and the intriguing opportunities they present are explored in this in-depth analysis. The research elucidates the complex nature of social businesses by highlighting the importance of this hybrid model (HM) in tackling urgent societal concerns. Sustainable development and inclusive growth are two goals that social firms can help achieve by exploring the nexus of profit-making and social responsibility. Further, obstacles to their smooth functioning and expansion are uncovered through an in-depth examination of the difficulties they confront, especially in the legal sphere.
 
 Method: The present research proposes a dynamic legal collaborative framework (DLCF) for adaptive compliance, which would involve the creation of flexible legal frameworks to balance competing economic and social goals. Using this innovative strategy, social enterprises may ensure their continued financial health while achieving the positive social impact they set out to achieve. The proposed method also emphasizes the significance of cooperation between lawyers, business people, and policymakers in creating a hospitable legal framework.
 
 Result: Healthcare, education, environmental protection, and poverty reduction represent few of the areas that could benefit from the results of this research. For further evaluation of the proposed method's viability in addressing legal hurdles and maximizing social benefit, a simulation analysis is carried out. Using hypothetical situations, researchers can examine the advantages and disadvantages of various legal approaches and make more informed decisions.
 
 Conclusion: This research highlights the significance of cooperation between legal, entrepreneurial, and regulatory parties in creating the future of socially responsible business.

Balancing-oriented hydropower operation makes the clean energy transition more affordable and simultaneously boosts water security

Reservoir hydropower offers a compelling combination of stability and flexibility services for modern water and power grids. However, its operating flexibility is poorly characterized in energy system planning, missing opportunities to cost-effectively uptake variable renewable energy (VRE) for a clean energy transition. In this study, we have developed a fully coupled reservoir operation and energy expansion model to quantify the economic and environmental benefits attained from adaptive hydropower operation in a high VRE future. Our case study of the China Southern Power Grid reveals that, in a 2050 net-zero grid, simply adapting hydropower operations to balance VRE can reduce 2018–2050 total system costs by 7% (that is, US$28.2 billion) and simultaneously save 123.8 km3 of water each year (that is, more than three times the reservoir capacity of the Three Gorges Dam). These vast, yet overlooked, cost- and water-saving potentials highlight the importance of incorporating balancing-oriented hydropower operation into future pathways to jointly decarbonize and secure power and water grids.

Experimental and numerical analysis of single-strap adhesive joints combining thin-walled steel and fast-growing natural timber

Fast-growing forests are widespread distribution, but the relevant timber products are limited by insufficient strength and low reliability in the architectural structure. In recent years, the combination of rapidly growing timber and thin-walled steel to enhance structural performance has attracted attention, and connection performance is critical in ensuring a compelling combination. In addition, adhesive technology has potential applications due to its high efficiency and lightweight. Nevertheless, in light construction, the adhesion behavior between thin-walled steel and largethickness timber with relatively low mechanical properties has yet to be effectively studied and revealed. This study investigates the bonding properties of thin-walled steel and fast-growing timber single-strap joints by numerical and experimental methods. The SS joints' shear strength and failure modes were obtained by tensile tests, considering different adhesive and overlap lengths. In addition, stress analysis was performed using the finite element method (FEM) combined with the cohesive zone model (CZM) to explore critical issues such as damage variables, peak stresses, etc. Furthermore, the parameters such as overlap, the thickness of adherends, and edge distance were investigated. As a result, it is concluded that the bond of thin-walled steel-fast-growing timber is a special non-balanced connection. The study indicates that shear stress distribution is steeper than other strap joints. The other difference is that the right end in overlapping areas may experience higher peel stress than the left ends, which might delaminate the timber. Yielding phenomena may also occur at such weak timber ends along the normal direction. The bearing capacity of these joints is susceptible to the difference in stiffness between timber and steel. Joint performance can be enhanced by increasing the timber thickness and overlap length appropriately. The summary obtained from this paper can be a reference for applying adhesive in thin-walled steel-fast-growing timber composite structure systems.

Myth and History in Celtic and Scandinavian Traditions

Myth and History in Celtic and Scandinavian Traditions