Constancy Of Rate Research Articles

Exact analytical solution of the equations for a quasiequilibrium two-phase domain: permeability and interdendritic spacing

This study is concerned with the theoretical description of a quasi-stationary process of directional crystallization of binary melts and solutions in the presence of a quasi-equilibrium two-phase region. The quasi-equilibrium process is ensured by the fact that the system supercooling is almost completely compensated by heat released during the phase transformation. Quasi-stationarity of the process determining constancy of the crystallization rate is ensured by given temperature gradients in the solid and liquid phases. The system of heat and mass transfer equations and boundary conditions to them under these assumptions is dependent on a single spatial variable in the reference frame moving with the crystallization rate relative to a laboratory coordinate system. Exact analytical solutions to the formulated problem in parametric form are obtained. The parameter of the solution is the solid phase fraction in a two-phase region. The distributions of temperature and impurity concentration in the solid, liquid and two-phase regions of the crystallizing system, the rate of solidification, and the spatial coordinate in the two-phase region depending on the solid phase fraction in it are found. An algebraic equation for the solid phase fraction at the interface between the solid material and the two-phase region is derived. Exact analytical solutions show that the impurity concentration in the two-phase layer increases as the solid phase fraction increases. Moreover, the solid phase fraction at the interface solid phase — two phase region and its thickness increase as the temperature gradient in the solid phase and the solidification rate increase. The developed theory allows us to determine analytically the permeability of the two-phase region and a characteristic interdendritic spacing in it. Analytical solutions show that the relative permeability in the two-phase region increases from a certain value at the interface with the solid phase to unity at the interface with the liquid phase. The selection theory of stable dendritic growth allows us to determine analytically a characteristic interdendritic distance in the two-phase layer that decreases as the temperature gradient in the solid phase increases. An increase of impurity in the molten phase gives a decrease in the interdendritic spacing within a two-phase region.

Implementation of an ionization chamber array for linear accelerator monthly dosimetry QA.

The IC Profiler (ICP) manufactured by Sun Nuclear Corporation (SNC) is an ionization chamber (IC) array used for linear accelerator dosimetry measurements. Previous work characterized response of the ICP under various conditions, but there is limited work of its implementation into monthly QA measurement procedures. This work quantifies ICP accuracy and variables that affect accuracy for beam output measurements, and demonstrates feasibility of using the ICP for all recommended monthly dosimetry measurements. A total of 1985 output measurements on six Varian TrueBeam and Edge linear accelerators were performed using three ICP with quad wedges (QWs) and were compared with conventional IC measurements. The accuracy of the ICP for beam output was characterized as the difference between the ICP and IC. Variables that affect ICP accuracy, including gain settings, calibrations, and template baselining as well as machine or energy-specific bias were investigated. Measurements of profile constancy, energy, dose rate constancy, wedge factors, and gating were performed. The initially observed mean output difference between the ICP and IC was 0.16% (0.61%). When gain settings were optimized, the output difference accuracy improved to -0.02% (0.38%). The output accuracy of the ICP was not dependent on array, dose, temperature and pressure calibrations, or template baselining. Statistically, ICP output accuracy was dependent on machine and beam energy, but clinically, all measurements fell within 0.5% of unity. ICP measurements of energy, dose rate constancy, and wedge factors matched passing results with conventional IC in water measurements. Gating and beam profile constancy measurements demonstrated good stability using the ICP. Finally, monthly dosimetry QA using ICP was completed in an average of 33 min compared to 66 min using the IC. This work demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of using the ICP, with specific considerations, as a measurement device for dosimetric linear accelerator monthly QA.

On the Issue of Fatigue Classification of Cement Composites

The abstract generalization of the specifics of fatigue degradation of cement composites due to structural and physical heterogeneity, ambiguity of energy and mechanical effects of induced changes, interdependence of impacts and response, etc., is presented, which together do not make it possible to use the methodology and principles of the limit state method for its assessment. A phenomenological approach to the design accounting of fatigue is proposed by introducing a normative classification of the resistance of composites to non-stationary influences. In the experimental part of the work, prismatic samples of two series were tested: concrete and fiber concrete with polypropylene fibers. All tests were carried out in automatic mode according to a specially developed program at the Instron 5989 test complex, in compliance with the constancy of the deformation rate of the samples of 0.04 mm/s. External influences are modeled by 50 load-unloading cycles with an amplitude of η=0.8 and zero asymmetry (ρ=0). Cyclic loading was completed by monotonous compression until complete destruction of the samples. The acceptability of the laws of the kinetic concept of strength and its criterion (failure time) for assessing fatigue durability is experimentally and analytically substantiated. The practical identity of the kinetics of resistance time and significant indicators of operational suitability is confirmed.

Half a Century of Controversy: The Neutralist/Selectionist Debate in Molecular Evolution.

The neutral and nearly neutral theories, introduced more than 50 yr ago, have raised and still raise passionate discussion regarding the forces governing molecular evolution and their relative importance. The debate, initially focused on the amount of within-species polymorphism and constancy of the substitution rate, has spread, matured, and now underlies a wide range of topics and questions. The neutralist/selectionist controversy has structured the field and influences the way molecular evolutionary scientists conceive their research.

Multi-institutional consensus on machine QA for isochronous cyclotron-based systems delivering ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) pencil beam scanning proton therapy in transmission mode.

The first clinical trials to assess the feasibility of FLASH radiotherapy in humans have started (FAST-01, FAST-02) and more trials are foreseen. To increase comparability between trials it is important to assure treatment quality and therefore establish a standard for machine quality assurance (QA). Currently, the AAPM TG-224 report is considered as the standard on machine QA for proton therapy, however, it was not intended to be used for ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) proton beams, which have gained interest due to the observation of the FLASH effect. The aim of this study is to find consensus on practical guidelines on machine QA for UHDR proton beams in transmission mode in terms of which QA is required, how they should be done, which detectors are suitable for UHDR machine QA, and what tolerance limits should be applied. A risk assessment to determine the gaps in the current standard for machine QA was performed by an international group of medical physicists. Based on that, practical guidelines on how to perform machine QA for UHDR proton beams were proposed. The risk assessment clearly identified the need for additional guidance on temporal dosimetry, addressing dose rate (constancy), dose spillage, and scanning speed. In addition, several minor changes from AAPM TG-224 were identified; define required dose rate levels, the use of clinically relevant dose levels, and the use of adapted beam settings to minimize activation of detector and phantom materials or to avoid saturation effects of specific detectors. The final report was created based on discussions and consensus. Consensus was reached on what QA is required for UHDR scanning proton beams in transmission mode for isochronous cyclotron-based systems and how they should be performed. However, the group discussions also showed that there is a lack of high temporal resolution detectors and sufficient QA data to set appropriate limits for some of the proposed QA procedures.

30 Reference Materials for the Measurement of Metals in Workplace Air

Abstract For the production of filters coated with metal oxides an aqueous metal salt solution is injected into a hydrogen/oxygen flame of a particle generator leading to the pyrolysis of the metal salts into nano-scaled metal oxide dust. The particles are introduced into a large sampling chamber (20 m³) via a dust tunnel (20 m). So far, the system was tested for Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Ni, Mn and In but it should be suitable with all metals obtainable as soluble metal salts. For sample generation an eight-fold sampling system was developed for the GSP sampler. The constancy of the flow rate is assured by critical orifices. Up to fourteen of these systems can be operated to produce 112 samples in parallel. Nevertheless, for the production of a reference material a significantly higher number of samples will be needed. To achieve this aim the environmental conditions of the dust generation have to be stabilized for consecutive runs. The major problem was the temperature rise of the dust channel during the particle generation due to the heat of the flame. An additional heater was installed to work at a constant temperature of 30 °C. Three consecutive filter series were manufactured. The achieved temperature constancy of 30± 0.5 °C makes it possible to combine the successive filter series. The loadings of the combined series were Cobalt: 3.25±0.058 µg/filter, Nickel: 13.78±0.23 µg/filter, Lead: 109.5±3.0, Copper: 9.65 ±0.18 µg/filter and Zinc: 32.66±0.72 µg/filter.

Vapor Overproduction Condition Monitoring in a Liquid–Vapor Ejector

We consider the influence of vapor content in the mixed flow leaving a liquid-vapor ejector on the energy efficiency of a vacuum unit. As shown by numerical studies of liquid-vapor ejectors, this issue is important as vapor overproduction, which accompanies the process of secondary flow ejection, directly impacts the efficiency of the working process of both the liquid-vapor ejector and the vacuum unit as a whole. The greater the degree of vapor overproduction, the greater the load on the vapor phase of the separator, which is part of the vacuum unit. In addition, the liquid phase must be returned to the cycle to ensure the constancy of the mass flow rate of the working fluid of the primary flow. Our numerical study results revealed the rational value of the degree of vapor overproduction at which the efficiency of the liquid–vapor ejector was maximized, and the amount of additional working fluid that needed to enter the cycle of the vacuum unit was minimal. Experimental condition monitoring studies on the liquid–vapor ejector were carried out on plane-parallel transparent models with different flow path geometries. Through experimental studies, we confirmed and adjusted the values of the achievable efficiency of the working process of a liquid–vapor ejector, depending on the degree of vapor overproduction. Using a comparative analysis of liquid–vapor ejectors with different flow path geometries, differences were revealed in their working processes, which consisted of the degree of completion of the mixing of the working media of primary and secondary flows. To determine the feasibility of using liquid–vapor ejectors with different flow path geometries, exergy analysis was performed, resulting in achievable efficiency indicators.

The performance of outgroup-free rooting under evolutionary radiations

Tree rooting implies a temporal dimension to phylogenies. Only after defining the position of the root node is that the ancestral-descendant relationship between branches can be fully deduced. Rooting has been usually carried out by employing evolutionarily close outgroup lineages, which is a drawback when these lineages are unavailable or unknown. Alternatively, outgroup-free rooting methods were proposed, which rely on the constancy of evolutionary rates to varying degrees. In this work we analyzed the performance of two of these methods, the midpoint rooting (MPR) and the minimal ancestor deviation (MAD), in rooting topologies evolved under challenging scenarios of fast evolutionary radiations derived from empirical data, characterized by short internal branches near the crown node. Considering all branch length combinations investigated, both methods exhibited average success rates below 50%, although MAD slightly outperformed MPR. Moreover, tree balance significantly impacted the relative performance of the methods. We found that, in four-taxa unrooted trees, the outcome of whether both methodologies will correctly root the tree can be roughly predicted by two simple dimensionless metrics: the coefficient of variation of the external branch lengths, and the ratio between the internal branch length to the total sum of branch lengths, which were employed to devise a general linear model that allowed calculating the probability of correct placing the root node for any four-taxa tree. We predicted that the performance of both outgroup-free rooting methods on loci representing the placental mammal radiation ranged between 50% and 75%.

Slip Rates Along the Laohushan Fault and Spatial Variation in Slip Rate Along the Haiyuan Fault Zone

AbstractThe spatial pattern of slip rates along the Haiyuan fault zone may reveal deformation process along the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. By applying the 3D_Fault_Offsets code, we reevaluated the displacements of offset markers displaced by the Laohushan fault, the central segment of the Haiyuan fault zone. We introduced the Bayesian Age Model approach to provide optimum age control for the preserved offset markers. Multiple offsets and ages constrain the late Pleistocene slip rate to 4.4–4.8 mm/yr. The spatial pattern of strike‐slip rates of the Haiyuan fault zone indicates that the Madongshan and Liupanshan could be the main uplifts that absorbed the left‐lateral motion along the Haiyuan fault zone, due to a restraining bend between the Haiyuan and Qishan‐Mazhao fault zones. Furthermore, uniform slip rates along the main segments and slip rates decreasing toward fault tips are widely observed along some intensively studied strike‐slip faults, such as the Altyn Tagh, Kunlun, Death Valley‐Fish Lake Valley, Denali, San Andreas and Alpine faults. The results suggest that the constancy or similarity of the slip rates along the strike is closely related to block rotation and internal deformation, and the slip rates of strike‐slip faults usually change at the fault tip area converting from horizontal to vertical motion. In addition, strike‐slip fault can also take slip off of the main fault and distribute it between multiple active parallel strands.

Organically modified montmorillonite as pH versatile carriers for delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid

This paper is aimed at developing innovative hybrid nanocomposites, further used as controlled release systems suited for the therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs). To this purpose, a layered silicate, i.e. montmorillonite (MMT), was investigated in terms of its potential to act as carrier in the drug delivery, whereas 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was used as model pharmaceutical drug. Prior to the encapsulation step, MMT was thermally treated and afterwards chemically modified with γ- methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTES) to endow it with organic moieties. Hence, an organophilization process was performed to strengthen the interactions between MMT and 5-ASA. Finally, the pursued formulations were developed by encapsulating 5-ASA within the MAPTES-modified MMT. In order to prove that both organophilization and encapsulation were carried out successfully, FTIR spectra, XRD patterns and TEM images were recorded. The encapsulation efficiencies and the release profiles of 5-ASA were investigated by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy in simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (pH = 6.8). It was found that calcined MMT followed by silylation yielded the most promising results in terms of 5-ASA encapsulation efficiency, low burst release and constancy of release rates at both pH studied values.

Relative Structural Complexity of Plate‐Boundary Fault Systems Controls Incremental Slip‐Rate Behavior of Major Strike‐Slip Faults

AbstractA comparison of published incremental fault slip rates from four major strike‐slip faults with the proximity and number of other active faults in the surrounding plate boundary systems shows that the behavior of the primary fault is correlated with the structural complexity of its tectonic setting. To do this, we characterize the relative structural complexity of the fault network surrounding a fault location of interest by defining the coefficient of complexity, which quantifies the density and displacement rates of the faults in the plate‐boundary network at specified radii around the site of interest. We show that the relative constancy of incremental slip rates measured along primary faults of the Alpine, San Andreas, North Anatolian, and Dead Sea fault systems reflects the proximity, number, and activity of their close neighbors. Specifically, faults that extend through more structurally complex plate boundary fault systems exhibit more irregular slip behavior than faults that pass through simpler settings. We suggest that these behaviors are likely a response to more complex stress interactions within more structurally complicated regional fault systems, as well as possible temporal changes in fault strength and/or kinematic interactions amongst mechanically complementary faults within a system that collectively accommodates overall relative plate motion. Our results provide a potential means for better evaluating the future behavior of large plate‐boundary faults in the absence of well‐documented incremental slip‐rate behavior, and may help improve the use of geological slip‐rate data in probabilistic seismic hazard assessments.

A framework for quantifying deviations from dynamic equilibrium theory

AbstractAimIn an age of increased anthropogenic changes, it is crucially important to understand how and why ecological communities change. Community assembly is governed by colonization and extinction processes, and the simplest model describing it is dynamic equilibrium (DE), which assumes that communities are shaped solely by stochastic colonization and extinction events. Deviations from this model can point to the role of species life histories, niches or human stressors acting on communities. Despite its potential to serve as a null model for community dynamics, there is currently no accepted methodology for identifying and measuring such deviations.InnovationHere we propose a new, easily applicable methodology for testing and quantifying deviations of empirically observed time series of community dynamics from the predictions and assumptions of the classical DE model, in which assemblages of independent species undergo stochastic colonization–extinction dynamics with constant rates. The methodology consists of a novel randomization‐based null model to generate synthetic time series (PARIS) and a set of statistics that quantify and test how different facets of community dynamics deviate from DE. These statistics are designed to test the assumptions of the theory, namely species independence and constancy of colonization and extinction rates, and the predictions of the theory regarding the magnitude of changes in species richness and composition.Main conclusionsTested against simulated data and a case study, the proposed methodology is shown to have good statistical properties: acceptable type I error rates, good statistical power and robustness against errors in the data. We discuss alternative methods and present guidelines for practical use of the methodology, hoping it will enhance the applicability of DE as a reference for studying changes in ecological communities.

Influence of operating time on the corrosion in single-phase and two-phase media

Modern foreign computer codes predict a linear growth in the pipeline wall thinning with time due to the process of flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC), i.e. erosion-corrosion wear (ECW). Linear time-thinning dependence and corrosion rate constancy are not however typical of the NPP piping operating conditions. And the associated excessive conservatism of the residual life estimates leads to increased economic costs of repeated inspections. In domestic software tools, EKI-02 and EKI-03, the influence of operating time are taken into account by introducing the respective coefficient into the Chexal-Horowitz model based on the yield of corrosion products into the coolant. The ECW intensity can be however reduced through improvements in operating conditions, preventive measures, improvements in water chemistry, etc., and the use of the dependences once obtained may turn out to be too conservative. Based on a large number of repeated measurements as well as on data from corrosion testers, it has been shown that the influence of time can be described by the function of a particular form, the coefficients of which differ for different units and component and subsystem types. This makes it possible to determine the ‘aging function’ based on inspection data, and then use it in a targeted way for particular components. It has been shown that such estimates are much less conservative.

Measures of excess dot{mathrm{V}} CO2 and recovery dot{mathrm{V}} CO2 as indices of performance fatigability during exercise: a pilot study

BackgroundThe severity of performance fatigability and the capacity to recover from activity are profoundly influenced by skeletal muscle energetics, specifically the ability to buffer fatigue-inducing ions produced from anaerobic metabolism. Mechanisms responsible for buffering these ions result in the production of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) that can be measured as expired CO2 ( dot{mathrm{V}} CO2) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of select assessment procedures for use in planning and carrying out interventional studies, which are larger interventional studies investigating the relationships between CO2 expiration, measured during and after both CPET and submaximal exercise testing, and performance fatigability.MethodsCross-sectional, pilot study design. Seven healthy subjects (30.7±5.1 years; 5 females) completed a peak CPET and constant work-rate test (CWRT) on separate days, each followed by a 10-min recovery then 10-min walk test. Oxygen consumption ( dot{mathrm{V}} O2) and dot{mathrm{V}} CO2 on- and off-kinetics (transition constant and oxidative response index), excess- dot{mathrm{V}} CO2, and performance fatigability severity scores (PFSS) were measured. Data were analyzed using regression analyses.ResultsAll subjects that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study completed all exercise testing sessions with no adverse events. All testing procedures were carried out successfully and outcome measures were obtained, as intended, without adverse events. Excess- dot{mathrm{V}} CO2 accounted for 61% of the variability in performance fatigability as measured by dot{mathrm{V}} O2 on-kinetic ORI (ml/s) (R2=0.614; y = 8.474x − 4.379, 95% CI [0.748, 16.200]) and 62% of the variability as measured by PFSS (R2=0.619; y = − 0.096x + 1.267, 95% CI [−0.183, −0.009]). During CPET, dot{mathrm{V}} CO2 -off ORI accounted for 70% (R2=0.695; y = 1.390x − 11.984, 95% CI [0.331, 2.449]) and dot{mathrm{V}} CO2 -off Kt for 73% of the variability in performance fatigability measured by dot{mathrm{V}} O2 on-kinetic ORI (ml/s) (R2=0.730; y = 1.818x − 13.639, 95% CI [0.548, 3.087]).ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that utilizing dot{mathrm{V}} CO2 measures may be a viable and useful addition or alternative to dot{mathrm{V}} O2 measures, warranting further study. While the current protocol appeared to be satisfactory, for obtaining select cardiopulmonary and performance fatigability measures as intended, modifications to the current protocol to consider in subsequent, larger studies may include use of an alternate mode or measure to enable control of work rate constancy during performance fatigability testing following initial CPET.

Validated tensile characterization of the strain rate dependence in soft materials

A major obstacle in the accurate measurement of the dynamic tensile response of soft materials is the issue of obtaining material response under simultaneous stress equilibrium, stress uniaxiality and constant strain rate. To resolve this issue, a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB)-based dynamic tension experiment is developed in this study, which has sufficient fidelity to ensure temporal and spatial accuracy of the stress state, to investigate soft materials under large deformations and intermediate dynamic strain rates (100-102 s−1). Cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer is chosen as a model material. By examining the evolution of full-field strain and strain rate measured using digital image correlation (DIC) and employing analytical criteria for quantifying stress equilibrium and deformation uniaxiality, it is demonstrated that the proposed test method yields a true steady-state and inertia-free stress-strain material response when all three conditions of equilibrium, uniaxiality and strain rate constancy are satisfied. Quasi-static experiments at 10−3-10−1 s−1 strain rate are also conducted for comparison. By analyzing the quasi-static and dynamic stress-strain plots and the variation of uniaxial moduli in the investigated range of strain rates, it is shown that the tensile response of PDMS points to limiting chain extensibility and exhibits a weak nonlinear strain rate sensitivity. Finally, a visco-hyperelastic model based on the Gent strain energy density function and a recently proposed viscous dissipation potential is employed to capture the experimentally obtained response. It is shown that all the features of the rate-dependent stress-strain response are modeled with good fitting accuracy.

Non-DC notional accounts: relaxing the trade-off between fairness and solvency of pay-as-you-go pension systems

AbstractExisting pay-as-you-go (PAYG) schemes based on notional accounts (NAs) have chosen the defined-contribution (DC) setting that forces the rate of interest credited to all individual accounts to change over time to ensure solvency. On the other hand, volatility of the rate of interest is the source of non-negligible disparities of individual internal rates of return (IRRs) both within and across generations. It is argued that these disparities represent a threat to the political appeal of PAYG DC systems, in particular in the present situation characterized by low growth rates of the contribution base. The paper uses a four-overlapping-generations model to prove that the DC setting is not a necessary ingredient of NAs and that their political appeal could be enhanced by extending their use to non-DC pension systems. In fact, redistributions can be avoided by crediting all individual accounts with a constant rate of interest while ensuring financial solvency by fine-tuning of the contribution rate to make the system's revenues grow at the same (constant) rate credited to all accounts. The proof requires constancy of the employment growth rate but not of average earnings. Changes in the employment growth rate produce small oscillations around perfect balance between contribution revenue and pension expenditure manageable with a small buffer fund.

Inferring Evolutionary Timescales without Independent Timing Information: An Assessment of "Universal" Insect Rates to Calibrate a Collembola (Hexapoda) Molecular Clock.

Previous estimates of nucleotide substitution rates are routinely applied as secondary or “universal” molecular clock calibrations for estimating evolutionary timescales in groups that lack independent timing information. A major limitation of this approach is that rates can vary considerably among taxonomic groups, but the assumption of rate constancy is rarely evaluated prior to using secondary rate calibrations. Here I evaluate whether an insect mitochondrial DNA clock is appropriate for estimating timescales in Collembola—a group of insect-like arthropods characterized by high levels of cryptic diversity. Relative rates of substitution in cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) were inferred via Bayesian analysis across a topologically constrained Hexapod phylogeny using a relaxed molecular clock model. Rates for Collembola did not differ significantly from the average rate or from the rates estimated for most other groups (25 of 30), suggesting that (1) their apparent cryptic diversity cannot be explained by accelerated rates of molecular evolution and (2) clocks calibrated using “universal” insect rates may be appropriate for estimating evolutionary timescales in this group. However, of the 31 groups investigated, 10 had rates that deviated significantly from the average (6 higher, 4 lower), underscoring the need for caution and careful consideration when applying secondary insect rate calibrations. Lastly, this study exemplifies a relatively simple approach for evaluating rate constancy within a taxonomic group to determine whether the use of secondary rates are appropriate for molecular clock calibrations.

Determining the stress concentration change with time in a viscoelastic orthotropic solid

The procedure for solving the plane problem of the linear theory of viscoelasticity by the finite element method is described. Based on the virtual work principle and the assumption of the constancy of the strain rate at small intervals of time, the matrix form of the equilibrium equations of the finite-element approximation of a body is written. The solution procedure is described for the constitutive relations in the Boltzmann—Volterra integral form. This integral is transformed into an incremental form on a time mesh, at each interval of which the problem is solved by the finite element method with unknown increments of displacements. The numerical procedure is constructed by ununiformly dividing the time interval, at which the study is conducted. In this case, the stiffness matrix requires recalculation at each time step. The relaxation functions of the moduli of a viscoelastic orthotropic material are described in the form of the Proni—Dirichlet series. The solution to the problem of determining the change over time of the stress concentration in a body with a round hole in a viscoelastic orthotropic plate is presented. To construct a numerical solution, the three moduli of orthotropic material were written using one exponent with the same relaxation time. For these initial data, an analytic expression for the viscoelastic components of the stiffness matrix of an orthotropic plate under plain stress conditions is constructed. Numerical examples are presented for several ratios of the hole radius to the size of the plate. These results are compared with the solution obtained for an infinite plate by inverse transformation by a numerical method of the well-known analytic elastic solution.

Does interest rate liberalisation affect the constancy of mean interest rates in China?

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of interest rate liberalisation on the constancy of mean interest rates in China to test the effect of financial reforms and provide strategies for future practices. Design/methodology/approach Bai and Perron’s (1998, 2003) methodology is used to test for structural breaks in the mean of different interest rates using Chinese data, and break dates are measured against the exact dates of the interest rate liberalisation. The performance of mean interest rates across the regimes defined by liberalisation dates is also investigated. Findings The main results show that interest rates generally increase (decrease) after deregulations on lending (deposit) rates, but these changes are not significant to induce a negative impact on the domestic economy. Instead, the infrequent but important shifts (structural breaks) in mean interest rates are caused by factors other than liberalisation such as economic shocks, inflationary expectation and liquidity crunch in China. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper provides unprecedented evidence on significant changes in interest rates attributable to the liberalisation within the Chinese context.

State-space approach to capital return in nonlinear growth processes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a capital return rate function for growth processes, and apply it to financial sustainability considerations in growing multiannual plants.Design/methodology/approachA partition function of change rate of capitalization is introduced, as well as that of capitalization itself, and the expected value of capital return rate is produced as the ratio of the two functions.FindingsFinancial sustainability significantly differs from maximum-yield sustainability, and does not depend on any external interest rate.Research limitations/implicationsIt is proposed that financial considerations should not be based on any arbitrary external interest. Neither should the shape of any yield function be neglected. Constancy of capital return rate in time is not assumed.Practical implicationsTwo forestry examples show that the capital return rate is sensitive to rotation time, and in particular to the level of initial investment. The proposed procedure can be applied in the absence of periodic boundary conditions in time.Originality/valueThe methodology has not been applied in this field previously.