Cross-section Design Research Articles

Impact of Industry 4.0 on firms' sustainable development in the GCC economies

Goal: This paper utilizes a practice-based view (PBV) and technology-organization-sustainable framework to create and evaluate a research model. The model examines how industry 4.0 (I4.0) affects sustainable development, focusing on the mediating role of 10R advanced manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, the study also analyzes the moderating influence of environment dynamism (ED). Sustainable development is assessed based on two key factors - financial performance (FP) and sustainable performance (SP). Design / Methodology / Approach: The data is collected by surveying upper management in the GCC manufacturing sector through questionnaires. A total of 232 responses were included in the primary analyses. Data analysis was carried out with the help of SPSS 25.0 and SmartPLS 3.2.8. The dependability and path analysis were established using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results show that I4.0 increases FP, whereas the I4.0-SP relationship is statistically insignificant. However, the I4.0-SP insignificant relationship is moderated by ED. Further, ED also moderates the relationship between I4.0 and 10R advanced manufacturing capabilities, as well as 10R advanced manufacturing capabilities and sustainable development (FP and SP). The 10R capabilities partially mediate the I4.0-FP relationship, whereas the study finds full mediation for the I4.0-SP association. Research limitations: The study employed Google forms to conveniently collect data from GCC industrial senior management using a cross-section design. Originality / Value: This study has identified a business model that impacts sustainable development by integrating I4.0 technologies, ED, and 10R. The study findings have significant implications for managers and policymakers.

Brooding, reflection, and anger rumination in late life suicidal behavior

BackgroundCurrent literature on age-specific risk factors for suicide in older adulthood is lacking. One risk factor for younger-life suicide, rumination, has not been extensively studied in older adults, but from prior research, may be more relevant to late-life vs. early life suicide. The current study investigated how multiple subtypes of rumination (i.e., brooding, reflection, and anger rumination) relate to suicidal ideation and recent suicidal behavior in late life. Methods378 participants aged 50–90 (mean age 63.4, SD 7.5) were recruited into a case-control study examining suicide in older adults. Participants were recruited into three groups: 1) depressed adults who had made a recent (past two years) suicide attempt, 2) those with depression but no suicide attempt, and 3) a healthy comparison group. Among depressed groups, we examined relationships between rumination types, trait anger, depression, and suicidal ideation. Then, we conducted logistic regression to test which variables were related to having made a suicide attempt in the past two years among those with current suicidal ideation. ResultsAll forms of rumination were related to depression. Brooding was related to ideation severity, but only depression severity related to presence of ideation. Anger rumination and ideation severity each contributed unique variance in their prediction of recent suicide attempts. LimitationsOur cross-section design does not allow for causal claims; future studies should consider using ecological momentary assessment approaches. ConclusionsTreatments to decrease rumination without an intense cognitive component should be considered for late-life patients.

Cross-section Design of Hollow Shafts to Improve Static and Vibration Characteristics of Rotating Shafts

Cross-section Design of Hollow Shafts to Improve Static and Vibration Characteristics of Rotating Shafts

A novel approach for the optimum cross-section design of thin-walled box section beams subject to oblique bending based on both adequate-strength and local stability conditions

This study presents a new analytical procedure developed for the optimum cross-section design of the thin-walled box sections subject to oblique bending. The box sections designed in this study have been assumed to be achieved by hollowing out the rectangular solid sections at different subtraction ratios including arbitrary, optimum, and maximum. The optimum subtraction ratio has been determined based on the adequate-strength condition while the maximum subtraction ratio has been determined taking into account both adequate-strength and local buckling conditions. The optimal design of the box sections for the arbitrary subtraction ratio has been attained by minimizing the maximum normal stress, taking into account the adequate-strength condition. Conversely, the cross-sections of the box profiles for the optimum and maximum subtraction ratios have been optimized by minimizing their cross-section area, accounting for the defined combined strength condition involving adequate- strength and local stability requirements. An equivalent box section design model that allows checking the local stability of the box sections possessing dissimilar wall segment thicknesses has been developed to perform the local buckling control on the designed optimum box sections with unequal wall thicknesses. The new local stability conditions have been defined relying on this developed equivalent box section design model. The analytical results, validated through numerical predictions obtained from linear elastic local buckling and post-buckling analyses performed using Abaqus software, have shown that the optimally designed box section achieves substantial material savings per unit length compared to its corresponding equivalent box section.

Numerical investigation and design methods of the local buckling of WAAM stainless steel circular hollow section stub columns

3D printing is an advanced technology that has been used in biomedical and automotive engineering, and has raised a significant response in civil engineering. Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), a metal 3D printing technology, has prospective applications in steel construction because it can fabricate large-scale structural members at an acceptable cost and manufacturing efficiency. Fundamental studies are still urgently needed to realize its engineering application. However, due to the irregular geometric features, limited studies on the structural performance of WAAM components, particularly the numerical studies, have been carried out. To this end, a numerical investigation on the local buckling of WAAM stainless steel circular hollow section (CHS) stub columns under axial compression has been conducted and presented herein. The finite element (FE) models were established and validated against the existing experimental research. Parametric studies were subsequently carried out to broaden the cross-sectional resistance data pool using the developed FE models. The applicability of the cross-section design provisions specified in EN 1993-1-4:2006 + A2:2020, ANSI/AISC 370-21 and the continuous strength method (CSM) for the design of WAAM CHS was evaluated according to the experimental and FE results. Furthermore, a modified design method with improved accuracy was suggested.

Financial Innovations and Profitability of Commercial Banks in Uganda

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between financial innovation and profitability of commercial Banks in Uganda. The study was prompted by the low profitability evidenced by some banks being closed down because of low profitability. The study adopted a cross-section and descriptive research design using Roscoe 1975 to get a sample size of 24 commercial banks. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the responses. Based on the goals of the study, the data was examined for validity and reliability, examined using SPSS, and the results were reported. The results showed that the profitability of commercial banks in Uganda had a positive and significant association with both process and product innovation, suggesting that improving one will benefit the other. However, product innovation was found to be a stronger predictor of profitability in commercial Banks in Uganda. With these findings, the study contributes to providing empirical evidence that financial innovation in commercial banks is highly influenced by commercial banks introducing and improving their products/services since it results in profitability. There is also a need to put much emphasis on Financial Innovations by continuously introducing and improving on the existing products/services. The Commercial Banks in Uganda should promote and appreciate Financial Innovations as they are vital not only in enhancing cost minimization, thus improving profitability

Cross-section design of the flow channels in membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer for CO2 reduction reaction through numerical simulations

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is widely considered to be the most promising type of electrolyzer for the practical application of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). In MEAs, a square-shaped cross-section in the flow channel is normally adopted, the configuration optimization of which could potentially enhance the performance of the electrolyzer. This paper describes the numerical simulation study on the impact of the flow-channel cross-section shapes in the MEA electrolyzer for CO2RR. The results show that wide flow channels with low heights are beneficial to the CO2RR by providing a uniform flow field of CO2, especially at high current densities. Moreover, the larger the electrolytic cell, the more significant the effect is. This study provides a theoretical basis for the design of high-performance MEA electrolyzers for CO2RR.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis and thermal mapping of different cross-sectional cathode channels in open-cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack

The Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of three novel cathode channels designs square, boot, and triangular for open cathode polymer electrolyte cathode fuel cell stacks are analyzed. Fundamental mechanisms such as oxygen reduction reaction, proton conductivity, bulk resistance of stack, capacitance and structure features of the porous carbon electrode etc. are investigated with the help of Nyquist/Bode plots and Randles circuit. Operational parameters including airflow rate, current, H2 gas condition (humidified and dry), and stack temperature are studied focused on understanding the trend of high and low frequency resistance. The minimum resistance and temperature mapping for cross-section designs at different operating conditions is utilized for parametric optimization. Overall, it is recommended to operate the stacks at minimum resistance obtained just before the peak power density and its corresponding temperature ∼40 °C. Finally, a data-driven hybrid model integrating EIS and artificial intelligence is presented with root mean square error of ∼0.98.

Calculation method for a steel-reinforced concrete bridge span structure with material separation along the neutral axis

Introduction. In steel-reinforced concrete spans, the strength of reinforced concrete is not fully used due to the twostage inclusion of the cross section in the work and the irrational distribution of materials in the section. To increase the efficiency of the materials used, it is proposed to combine the steel and reinforced concrete parts along the neutral axis of the cross section. With such a cross-section design, the steel will always be in the tension zone, and the concrete in the compression zone. It is possible to implement such a design by constructing a span in one stage from prefabricated steel-reinforced concrete blocks.Materials and methods. It is possible to implement the calculation method with the separation of the material along the neutral axis when organizing the installation of the span structure in one stage, assuming that the section of the span structure operates in the elastic stage and following the laws of structural mechanics. To cover the features of the calculation of split and continuous span structures, a cantilever-beam static scheme was adopted.Results. The presented results of analytical calculations make it possible to estimate the consumption of materials in the manufacture of the span. The steel consumption of the span under study is 6.12 t/lm, the reinforced concrete consumption is 6.54 m3/lm.Installation of the span. The installation of the span is described, considering the design features.Conclusions. The optimal static layout of the span structure has been determined. A method for calculating a steel-reinforced concrete span with material separation along the neutral axis has been developed. An analytical calculation was performed to select the geometric parameters of the cross sections of the span.

Cost-effectiveness of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in China: evidence from Shandong Peninsula

BackgroundRecently, the endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke has made significant progress in many aspects. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is usually recommended before endovascular treatment in clinical practice, but the value of the practice is controversial. The latest meta-analysis evaluation was that the effect of EVT versus EVT plus IVT did not differ significantly. The cost-effectiveness analysis of EVT plus IVT needs further analysis. This study assesses the health benefits and economic impact of EVT plus IVT in Shandong Peninsula of China.MethodWe followed a cross-section design using the Chinese-Shandong Peninsula public hospital database between 2013 and 2023. The real-world costs and health outcomes were collected through the Hospital Information System (HIS) and published references. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) from the perspective of Chinese healthcare using the complex decision model to compare the costs and effectiveness between EVT versus EVT + IVT. One-way and Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the economic evaluation model.ResultsEVT alone had a lower cost compared with EVT + IVT whether short-term or long-term. Until 99% dead of AIS patients, the ICER per additional QALY was RMB696399.30 over the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 3× gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in Shandong. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis of 3 months, 1 year and long-term horizons had a 97.90%, 97.43% and 96.89% probability of cost-effective treatment under the WTP threshold (1×GDP). The results of the one-way sensitivity analysis showed that direct treatment costs for EVT alone and EVT + IVT were all sensitive to ICER.ConclusionsEVT alone was more cost-effective treatment compared to EVT + IVT in the Northeast Coastal Area of China. The data of this study could be used as a reference in China, and the use of the evaluation in other regions should be carefully considered.

Reynolds number sensitivity of the vortex dynamics around a long-span rail-cum-road bridge girder with three separated boxes

The novel separated three-box girder is gradually adopted for very long-span cable-stayed bridges due to its excellent flutter stability. Due to its special design of cross section, it exhibits notable Reynolds number effects in the flow patterns and vortex dynamics when subject to incoming flow. To explore its Reynolds number sensitivity, this paper performs a three-dimensional large eddy simulation (LES) on the flow around a static long-span rail-cum-road bridge girder with three separated boxes at different Reynolds numbers. The overall centre height H of the bridge model is chosen as the characteristic length, and the investigated Reynolds number regime falls into the regime of 1e2≤Re≤2.8e4. Through the analysis of the flow characteristics of three distinct regions in the flow field(the windward leading edge region, the gap region and the wake region), a successive transition of the wake flow, gap flow, and leading edge shear flow is observed with increasing Reynolds number. The surrounding flow patterns are divided by different Reynolds number regimes as: laminar separation at the trailing edge (Re<5e2); simultaneous instability of the gap shear layer and the wake (5e2≤Re<1e3); restabilisation of the upstream gap shear layer (1e3≤Re<3e3); secondary instability of the upstream gap shear layer and transition of the wake (3e3≤Re<8e3); transition of the separated shear layer at the leading edge (8e3≤Re≤2.8e4). This paper reveals in detail the complex vortex dynamics in the surrounding flow field of the special cross section with three separated boxes.

The Comparison of Lifestyles, Mental Risks, and Physical Indices among Individuals with Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis, Patients with Schizophrenia, and the General Public.

(1) Background: Early interventions may effectively reduce the risk of mental disorders in individuals with ultra-high risk. Specifying the health needs of individuals with ultra-high risk is crucial before the implementation of successful early intervention. This study aimed to explore the differences in lifestyles, mental risks, and physical indices among individuals with ultra-high risk, patients with schizophrenia, and healthy subjects. (2) Methods: A cross-section design applying seven questionnaires with physical examinations for 144 participants aged 13-45 years old was conducted in this study. The questionnaires included one about personal data, four on mental risks, and two for lifestyles. (3) Results: The individuals with ultra-high risk scored similarly in many dimensions as the patients with schizophrenia, but they displayed lower positive symptoms, lower negative symptoms, lower prodromal symptoms, higher interpersonal deficits, lower nutrition intake, and higher levels of exercise than the patients with schizophrenia. Female individuals with ultra-high risk had lower self-esteem, higher positive symptoms, lower nutrition intake, and higher exercise levels than male ones. (4) Conclusions: The study pinpointed specific health needs with interpersonal deficits, nutrition intake, and physical activity for the individuals with ultra-high risk. Future interventions targeted on improving social function, dietary pattern, and exercise will be beneficial.

Strategies for capturing, managing, and sharing indigenous knowledge

Indigenous knowledge is considered the cornerstone and the survival of communities, societies, and economies. This study assessed the various sources, means, and strategies for accessing and sharing indigenous knowledge in local communities in Ghana. The pragmatism paradigm which highlights a practical point of view that knowledge is not fixed, but instead views research from different perspectives and realism on the ground was deployed in this study. The choice of pragmatism led to the deployment of the mixed research method in this research, thus combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods concurrently, survey research approach, and cross-section design. The study disclosed that indigenous knowledge which is mainly associated with traditional healers and birth attendants, farmers, religious leaders, clan heads, chief priests, chiefs, curators and information professionals, and opinion leaders, largely exists in oral form and is mainly orally and tacitly managed and shared. Coaching, mentorship, apprenticeship, training, and storytelling as strategies for managing and sharing indigenous knowledge usually take place at shrines, churches, palaces, etc. Other strategies deployed include socialization, durbars, poem recitals, festival celebrations, cultural displays, film shows, exhibitions and displays, and outreach services. These strategies remain informal and undocumented. Hence, verbally and tacitly kept, managed, and shared which makes some of the indigenous knowledge to be lost in the event of the death of knowledge experts and holders in the communities. This calls for the engagement of information professionals to facilitate the documentation and formalization of the strategies in the communities. From the study, information and knowledge workers must be engaged to facilitate the development of manuals and procedures to guide the documentation of indigenous knowledge capturing and sharing. Community leaders need to promote and support initiatives to facilitate the formalization and documentation of all strategies for knowledge capturing and sharing.

Synthesis and cross-section design of a new family of single-loop 7R deployable polygon mechanisms

In this paper, two design methods for different stages in the development of a single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) single-loop 7R deployable polygon mechanism (DGM) without overconstraints are presented, encompassing schematic synthesis and cross-section design methods for 7R DGMs. Firstly, two classes of revolute pair axes in DGMs are reviewed, detailing their value ranges and parameter definitions. A schematic synthesis method for single-DOF single-loop 7R DGMs is then proposed, followed by the development of a cross-section design method to enable desired cross-sections in these mechanisms. By applying these methods, three types of 7R DGMs were created and prototyped, with their folding sequences demonstrated and input singularity analysis conducted. Through the utilization of the presented design method, all single-DOF single-loop 7R DGMs can be designed. This work introduces a new family of DGMs and addresses the gap in the domain of general spatial single-DOF single-loop DGMs that are not overconstrained. It demonstrates the feasibility of designs whose expanded shapes form general planar polygons. This effort expands the variety and quantity of DGMs, paving the way for more innovative deployable network mechanisms.

Multi-level structural optimization of thin-walled sections in steel/aluminum vehicle body skeletons

A multi-level matching transformation and optimization design method for complex sections of thin-walled structures in steel/aluminum vehicle body skeleton was proposed. The problems of lengthy body performance numerical analysis and low optimization efficiency were solved by the rapid collaborative optimization of simplified cross-sections and performance of the body skeleton. A complex cross-sections shape library of thin-walled structures in steel/aluminum body skeleton and formulas for solving section mechanical properties were established, which overcame the difficulty of translating simplified cross-sections of thin-walled structures in steel/aluminum body skeleton to actual complex sections. A precise optimization method for complex cross-sections of thin-walled structure controlled by proportional vectors was established, which solved the defect that it was difficult to precisely control the arbitrary change of complex cross-section shape, and provided a new way for lightweight optimization design of complex cross-sections. The proposed method achieved the rapid collaborative design of steel/aluminum body thin-walled structure with complex cross-sections and body skeleton performance through multi-level progressive cross-section matching transformation and optimization. A body skeleton model with actual complex cross-sections was established, and compared with the initial simplified structure, the weight reduction ratio of the body skeleton was up to 6.9 %, and the performance indicators of the body skeleton fully met the design requirements, which verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Factors affecting financing of communal sanitation facilities by the public sector in Informal Settlements: A case of Nyalenda informal settlement, Kisumu City.

To close the current sanitation gap, public funding for sanitation has become increasingly insufficient, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. What is concerning in Kenya is not the large number of people who lack access to safe sanitation facilities, but the slow rate at which households can gain access to improved sanitation facilities. A sustainable financing strategy is required, one that will increase resource allocations to the sector, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of existing resources wherever they are found, and tap the potential of alternative financing mechanism. A critical review of policy documents like the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) shows that there is hardly any documentation on County sanitation plans. Once sanitation lacks in the CIDP, the county can hardly plan for the sector hence making the residents suffer. The study objectives are to examine different sanitation financing options for communal sanitation facilities in Nyalenda informal settlement, to assess factors affecting financing of communal sanitation facilities by public sector in Nyalenda informal settlement and to establish challenges of financing communal sanitation facilities in Nyalenda informal settlement. The study is a descriptive cross-section design. The study used closed and open-ended questionnaires and key informants’ interview in collection of data where n=400. The study established that the dominant communal sanitation financing option in Nyalenda informal settlement was personal contribution (56.0%), followed by NGO financing (40.3%), while the last was County Government financing (0.5%). Public-private partnerships played a crucial role in facilitating sustainable onsite financing for sanitation facilities as evidenced by majority of the respondents agreeing (35.75%). The study recommended the need for diverse financing sources, awareness of available options, and supportive policies to overcome financial challenges.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Comparative experimental analysis of local buckling in mild and high-strength steel (HSS) CHS subjected to various galvanization techniques

This article reports on an extensive experimental study on galvanized and ungalvanized cold-formed circular hollow sections (CFCHS). All samples were produced by cold-forming thermomechanically rolled steels (TM-steels) in S355, S550, S600, S700, and S960 with high-frequency induction welding (HFI). The test specimens were examined without galvanization, with a pre-galvanization and a post-galvanization. Hardness measurements and microstructural analysis were conducted on seven samples, while the mechanical behavior was examined through 82 tensile and 78 stub-column tests with corresponding imperfection measurements. Despite being classified as prone to local elastic buckling according to international standards, the S960 samples in this study did not exhibit such failure. This suggests that the classification by the codes was conservative. The effects of pre-galvanization on CHS have not been investigated so far, and current findings from literature regarding the impact of post-galvanization on load-bearing behavior suggest a severe capacity decrease for CFCHS in high steel grades. Contrary to previous findings, the current study reveals capacity-enhancing effects resulting from galvanization. Both galvanization types enhanced the stiffness and the cross-section capacity under compression. Galvanization induces changes in material properties, including yield and tensile strength, ductility, and the characteristics of the stress-strain curve. This study serves as a validation base for less conservative yet reliable approaches for the cross-section design of high-strength steel CHS and the utilization of beneficial effects due to galvanization.

Comparison of the specific energies of sinusoidal VCS cutter rings and CCS cutter rings in breaking rock-like materials based on the FEM.

Disc cutters are essential for full-section hard-rock tunnel boring machines. The performance of these devices directly affects tunnel engineering costs and duration. This paper proposes a sinusoidal variable cross-section (VCS) cutter ring and design method and establishes a digital model. Rock-like materials are simulated with a finite element model, and the model validity is verified via rock simulation mechanics tests. A disc cutter rolling rock simulation model for a linear cutting machine is also established, and simulation tests are performed for single- and three-cutter rolling using sinusoidal VCSs and constant cross-section (CCS) cutter models, respectively. The stress and energy changes for the cutters and rock-like material damage area were compared via simulation, confirming that some sinusoidal VCS cutter rings do less work on rock-like materials and cause larger crushing areas under the same engineering parameters; therefore, these cutter rings have smaller specific energies. The sinusoidal VCS cutter ring performance is 7% greater than that of CCS on average under single-cutter simulation, and the intermediate cutter performance of the intermediate cutter is 9% greater than that of CCS on average under three-cutter simulation. Thus, sinusoidal VCS cutter rings offer improved rock damage performance, and further research and application of this technology will improve the working efficiency of tunnel boring machines.

Performance evaluation of cathode channels with different cross-sections for open-cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack

This study proposes six different cross-sectional cathode flow field designs such as square, trapezoid, dome, boot, pentagon, and triangular constructing four cells open cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack with various parameters optimization and suitability for system level development. Parameters, including pressure drop, oxygen concentration, airflow rate, blower power, stack temperature, cooling rates, net power output, and stability are investigated with focus on understanding the trend, interconnected dependencies among the parameters, which collectively influence the overall performance of the cross-section designs. Overall, studies show that, boot cross-section design possessing the optimum pressure drop of 23.9 Pa, shows better performance compared to other cross-section designs due to better oxygen gas distribution, water retention/removal, heat removal/retention, and net power output. Conversely, for galvanostatic analysis done at a higher current value of 35 A, dome and square cross-section designs show highest and stable potential, along with balanced stack temperature.

Assessment of farmers’ knowledge on the foliar fertilizer use for improved cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) productivity in south-eastern Tanzania

Purposethe study aim was to evaluate the farmers' knowledge on fertilizer use in cashew by assessing their awareness on the fertilizers, extent of use, obtained benefits from use in cashew, limiting factors of use, availability and changes after use. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) is a recent topmost strategic crop in Tanzania. Through cashew, earnings of > $585 million were reached in 2017/18 season. Chlorosis, flower abortion and dropping of immature nuts hinder cashew production referring the decrease from 3200,000 Metric Tons (MT) in 2017/18 to less than 200,000 MT in 2021/2022. Farmers’ knowledge on fertilizer use in cashew is not precisely known. Methodsthrough cross-section design using questionnaires, purposive sampling of respondents was done. Four villages each from three agro-ecologies i. e, Makonde Plateau (MP), Tunduru Dissected Plains (TDP), and Masasi-Nachingwea Plains (MNP) were selected in South-eastern, Tanzania. About 480 households were interviewed. Resultsabout 75% of respondents were aware of foliage fertilizers while 45.4% agreed on their suitability for cashew. About 44.7%, 27.9%, and 27.4% of respondents use foliar fertilizers in TDP, MP, and MNP, respectively. Some respondents (3.7%) apply 1 L of foliage fertilizers per round acre−1 and 5.1% apply for 1–3 rounds, and some few (1%) apply up to 10 rounds season−1. Cashew farming experience and credit access negatively influenced foliar fertilizer uses; hence foliar fertilizer prices linearly reduced the extent of use. Conclusionlimited knowledge among the farmers on fertilizer use in cashew was a challenge. Therefore, farmers' training and detailed fertilizer use research are recommended.