Abstract To assess crashworthiness of vehicles, it is important to consider the inherent variability of physical crash tests in the virtual design, i.e., before the first physical tests, through robustness evaluations. For this, forward uncertainty propagation methods have to be established based on computational models of the vehicle for relevant load cases. In the context of occupant safety, the seating position of an anthropometric test device (ATD) and the seatbelt routing in the initial state are influential uncertain parameters for injury criteria. For this purpose, we propose a two-stage probabilistic modeling approach to incorporate these aleatoric uncertainties, based on test data, into the respective computational models for stochastic crash simulations. The ATD seating position is modeled using linear Gaussian Bayesian networks, and the seatbelt routing is represented by multitask Gaussian process models. This method enables the generation of physically consistent geometric variations that are automatically transferred into adapted finite-element models. The approach is applied in a generic frontal crash scenario with the THOR-50M ATD. The results highlight that variations in seatbelt routing affect chest compressions, while uncertainties in ATD seating position significantly influence lower body loading. The diagonal belt path is identified as the dominant factor for chest injury criteria, whereas the horizontal hip point location and correlated leg posture govern pelvis and femur loads. The findings underline the importance of probabilistic modeling geometric uncertainties in virtual robustness assessments of occupant protection systems.

We present an efficient calibration and programming methodology in the presence of imperfections and uncertainties for Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI)-based optical processors, utilizing the diagonal optical path properties. This approach enables direct phase monitoring of MZI phase shifters, inherently suppressing calibration errors caused by spurious scattered light originating from non-diagonal blocks and eliminating the need for computationally intensive calibration/programming schemes. We experimentally validate these properties using a 4 × 4 interferometric mesh fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator platform, demonstrating that the calibration remains unaffected by phase-setting uncertainties in preceding or succeeding blocks on a diagonal path. We also present a benchmarking procedure to assess testbed fidelity, which is further used to confirm the effectiveness of our approach by programming two random weight matrices, where fine-tuning via the diagonal path reduces the mean error of matrix-vector multiplication by 79% compared to an offline calibration method. These results highlight diagonal path properties as a practical and scalable solution for calibrating and programming reconfigurable multiport interferometers.

Abstract In 1967, Klarner proposed a problem concerning the existence of reflecting n-queens configurations. The problem considers the feasibility of placing n mutually nonattacking queens on the reflecting chessboard, an $n\times n$ chessboard with a $1\times n$ “reflecting strip” of squares added along one side of the board. A queen placed on the reflecting chessboard can attack the squares in the same row, column, and diagonal, with the additional feature that its diagonal path can be reflected via the reflecting strip. Klarner noted the equivalence of this problem to a number theory problem proposed by Slater, which asks: for which n is it possible to pair up the integers 1 through n with the integers $n+1$ through $2n$ such that no two of the sums or differences of the n pairs of integers are the same. We prove the existence of reflecting n-queens configurations for all sufficiently large n, thereby resolving both Slater’s and Klarner’s questions for all but a finite number of integers.

The emphasis on professionalism in public administration has highlighted the importance of city managers and their role in managing cities effectively. While there are various avenues for city managers to improve their professionalism, such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, there has been limited research on other organizations that facilitate professionalism. This paper focuses on the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) credentialing program. ICMA is a nationally recognized organization that helps dictate professional norms among city managers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the motivations of city managers who pursue additional credentials and to identify the types of city managers who are more likely to attain professional certification. I argue that the ambition of city managers, as measured through their career path, is related to their pursuit of professionalism. Specifically, city managers with a diagonal career path are more likely to attain additional professional certification compared to those with a ladder career path because it signals their promising ability to future employers, namely city councils. To test this hypothesis, this paper uses two datasets. The first dataset examines the career paths of city managers in California, Florida, and North Carolina from 2012 to 2023. The second dataset focuses on newly hired chief administrators from 2021 to 2023 across the United States, drawing data from the ICMA job advertising information. From these two datasets, I find that city managers with diagonal career paths are more likely to possess ICMA credentials than those with ladder career paths.

The dynamic nature of movement and muscle activation emphasizes the importance of a sound experimental design. To ensure that an experiment determines what we intend, the design must be carefully evaluated. Before analyzing data, it is imperative to limit the number of outliers, biases, and skewness. In the present study, a simple center-out experiment was performed by 16 healthy volunteers. The experiment included three load conditions, two preparatory delays, two perturbations, and four targets placed along a diagonal path on a 2D plane. While the participants performed the tasks, the activity of seven arm muscles were monitored using surface electromyography (EMG). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the study design, identify muscle synergies, and assess the effects of individual quirks. With PCA, we can identify the trials that trigger stretch reflexes and pinpoint muscle synergies. The posterior deltoid, triceps long head, and brachioradialis were engaged when targets were in the direction of muscle shortening and the perturbation was applied in the opposite direction. Similarly, the pectoralis and anterior deltoid were engaged when the targets were in the direction of muscle shortening and the perturbation was applied in the opposite direction. The stretch reflexes were not triggered when the perturbation brought the hand in the direction of, or into the target, except if the muscle was pre-loaded. The use of PCA was also proven valuable when evaluating participant performance. While individual quirks are to be expected, failure to perform trials as expected can adversely affect the study results.

Evaluation of stress path and load rate effects on rock strength using compression testing data for Stanstead Granite

The inclusion of D-regions within a reinforced-concrete member may affect largely the general behavior of the structure. Different techniques and approaches were proposed to control the behaviour of D-regions, such as the shear-friction approach and the STM model. Such proposals may not be applicable for all types of Dregions. The current work presents a nonlinear finite element model using the ANSYS software, that is adopted to study three types of D-regions, which are dapped ends, deep beams with openings and beams with loaded openings. The results revealed that the proposed FE model predicted adequately the effects of the inclusion of D-regions in RC beams. It is found that reducing the hanger or the nib reinforcement of a dapped end by 25% resulted in reducing capacity by 15% and 32%, respectively. Also, the results showed that for these deficiently reinforced dapped ends, reducing a/d ratio from 1.5 to 0.75 improved capacity by 23% and 36%. For the deficiently shearreinforced flanged deep beams, it was found that the inclusion of large openings within the shear span resulted in a capacity drop by (41-49) %. An enhancement of 23% was obtained when using stirrups of 12mm on both sides of the openings. Moreover, it is confirmed that the optimum location of the openings is under the diagonal path. Furthermore, it has been concluded that for loaded openings, the use of T-rolled sections within the bottom chord of the opening yielded an enhancement of 23% relative to the rhombus-shaped configuration. KEYWORDS: Dapped ends, T-deep beams with openings, Loaded openings, Hanger reinforcement.

The false smut disease of rice incited by Ustilaginoidea virens is a major constraint on rice production. The main aim of the present study was to ascertain the false smut disease severity in both delta and non-delta districts of Tamil Nadu through survey and surveillance and assess the correlation between the disease severity and wind velocity for the past three years, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Moreover, the present study addressed the disease distribution pattern of false smut diseases under field conditions. The results obtained from survey results revealed that the maximum disease severity was recorded in Nagapattinam district (Nagapattinam block) with 27.45% and the minimum disease severity was recorded in the district Theni (Bodinayakanur block) with 8% in 2021. Similarly in 2019 and 2020 maximum disease severity was recorded in the following districts Thanjavur district (Orathanadu block) with 19.91% and Thanjavur district (Peravurani block) with 18.54% and the minimum disease severity was recorded in the following districts Madurai district (Madurai north block) with 4.78% and Madurai district (Usilampatti block) with 4.78% respectively. The obtained R2 values through regression analysis were 0.70, 0.79 and 0.76 in the following years, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Besides the relationship between the false smut disease development, the pattern wind direction was also assessed. By assessing the false smut disease distribution pattern under field conditions, more disease distribution was observed around the surrounding area of the paddy field as well as the diagonal path of the field which clearly revealed that wind direction influences the disease development.

Wrenching Torque

Effect of the modified yarn path in ring spinning on the thermal comfort behavior of the cotton woven fabric has been investigated. The modified ring yarn is produced by changing the path of the yarn in the ring spinning process. The finding shows that it has a clear impact on the fabric geometrical properties and thermal comfort properties when path of the yarn is changed in ring spinning as left and right diagonal path. It is also observed that the air permeability of the fabric decreases with the right diagonal yarn path and thermal resistance of the fabric increases with the right diagonal yarn path. The fabric woven from the left diagonal yarn path shows higher water vapour permeability

Diagonal Node-based Path Planning and Path Smoothing for First Responders and Rescue Robots

Abstract The Internet of underwater things (IoUT) has become a promising and vibrant paradigm which mainly relies on the underwater acoustic wireless sensor networks (UASN). IoUT was first proposed to facilitate offshore real‐time monitoring and exploration of underwater environments. It is now becoming a key component for building and connecting the futuristic underwater smart cities. However, Acoustic waves used in underwater communication suffer from long propagation delays and high transmission energy requirements. Therefore, approaches for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) assisted data collection and cluster‐based routing were proposed to overcome these drawbacks. In this article, we present a smart genetic‐based AUV path planning algorithm for data collection to enhance the performance of UASN. In addition, we combine our smart data collection technique with a dynamic location‐unaware clustering algorithm to further reduce energy consumption with mobility consideration. Our simulation results showed that our genetic‐based technique achieves more than 145% increase in network lifetime and almost a 75% reduction in energy expenditure compared with traditional diagonal path selection technique. More simulations comparing our combined technique with a novel clustering technique showed that the network lifetime is twice as better, total energy consumption is nearly 30% less, and the delivery ratio is 15% more at low densities.

Spinning triangle is a critical area that influences the physical and mechanical properties of yarn. Previous researchers have done several works related to spinning triangle by modifying yarn path primarily considering only one side diagonal yarn path meaning that either left or right diagonal yarn path. The others used single yarn count and twist level on different variety of raw materials. This research was produced cotton ring yarns by varying count (36 Ne, 40 Ne) and twist level (1014 TPM, 1080 TPM) using right and left diagonal paths in Z-twist direction. The yarns were tested and it was observed that 25%, 0.34%, 37% and 25% reduction in hairiness, CVm%, thin place and thick place respectively with slight decreasing of tenacity in left diagonal path yarn. In right diagonal path yarn there is 3%, 16%, 59% and 14% increasing of yarn hairiness, CVm%, thin place and thick place respectively with 10% reduction of tenacity. Therefore, the left diagonal path has a significant improvement of ring spun yarn quality in terms of physical properties. On the other hand, the right diagonal path yarn were deteriorated all the physical and tensile properties of ring spun yarn. This is occurring due to the mismatching of right diagonal path with Z-twist direction.

Abstract An updated solder joint reliability (SJR) modeling methodology under thermal cycling (TC) is proposed and implemented for the diagonal solder crack path case as well as the SJR correlation of wafer-level package (WLP) and fan-out wafer-level package (FOWLP) data, which have the conventional solder failure mode around the under-bump metallization (UBM). First, two critical element layers near by the UBM layer and the printed circuit board (PCB) Cu pad are defined as the percentage of the total solder height in order to differentiate the critical element size around the UBM and the PCB Cu pad. Secondly, a crack path evaluation (CPE) method is developed for the gradual selection of the elements from the highest creep strain energy density (SED) value up to the predefined volume. The conventional solder crack path at the package interface or the diagonal solder crack path can be analyzed depending on the package technology because the critical solder elements are selected depending on the SED level and the failure path. The proposed SJR modeling method successfully demonstrates the diagonal solder crack path selection and further improves the SJR correlation of WLP and FOWLP.

ABSTRACT This study analyses the influence of modified yarn path on ring spinning like straight path, left diagonal path, and right diagonal path on the physical properties of the cotton fabrics like tensile strength, tear strength, and drape performance. The results show that the fabrics made with the left diagonal yarn path gives a better overall performance of the physical properties of the cotton fabrics followed by straight path and right diagonal yarn path.

ABSTRACT This study discusses the effect of modified yarn path in ring spinning such as straight path, left diagonal path and right diagonal path on moisture management properties of the cotton fabric like wetting time, absorption time, spreading area, spreading speed, accumulative one way transport index and overall moisture management capability. The results show that the fabric made with right diagonal yarn path exhibits better overall performance of the moisture management properties of the cotton fabric.

ABSTRACT The influence of air, oxygen and argon plasma treatment on the thermal comfort behavior of cotton woven fabric which is spun from modified yarn path in ring spinning has been investigated in this study. The cotton fabric samples were undergone different plasma treatment namely air, argon and oxygen. The fabric air permeability has tend to be decreased with the plasma treatment and the oxygen plasma-treated fabric has least air permeability. The untreated fabric shows higher air permeability followed by left diagonal yarn path, straight path and right diagonal yarn path. It was also observed thermal resistance and water vapor permeability of the fabric has increased with the plasma treatment and the oxygen plasma-treated fabric has higher thermal resistance and water vapor permeability. The untreated fabric shows lower thermal resistance and water vapor permeability followed by left diagonal yarn path, straight path and right diagonal yarn path.

A new class of compact microstrip bandpass filters in doublet topology based on a dual-mode loop microstrip resonator with controllable locations of input/output feeding lines is presented and researched. Filters with up to five poles are proposed and researched. Diagonal cross-coupling path in box-like topology can be introduced to produce a finite transmission zero (TZ) with controllable position. Some design examples are provided to illustrate the performances of the proposed two-, three-, four- and five-pole filters with controllable TZs. A three-pole and a five-pole filters were fabricated and measured. Good agreement is achieved between the simulated and the measured results.

Path planning is extensively used in different fields not only in robotics but also in games, manufacturing, auto‐motive applications, and so on. Robot path planning is one of the major research issues in the area of autonomous mobile robot. The critical step in path planning problem is to find the shortest path from the start position to a defined goal position through a known, unknown, or partially known environment. Hazardous events that may devastate some parts of the intended area convert those areas to untraversable areas. These events introduce topological constraints for the robot motion because of information discrepancy about the environment before and after the damage. In this study, the authors propose a novel method, FreeD∗, to find the shortest path by exploiting the benefits of D∗, Dijkstra, and artificial potential field (APF) algorithms. The generated path using D∗ is optimised using Dijkstra by combining D∗ sub‐paths into a single diagonal path if there is no known obstacle between them. Then, APF is used in unknown obstacle avoidance. The simulation results using Webots simulator demonstrate the effectiveness of FreeD∗ in avoiding unknown obstacles with shortest path.

Substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) bandpass filters in box-like topology based on combining single- and dual-mode cavities are presented. Two coupled TE101-mode-based cavities are coupled to one square-shaped dual-mode (modes TE102 and TE201) cavity to realize the box-like coupling scheme in which bypass and direct couplings can provide the diagonal cross-coupling path. Based on the characteristics of dual-mode SIW and multiple energy flow paths, the superior design flexibility in terms of TZ positioning has been realized and demonstrated. Finally, two asymmetrical response SIW filters with two lower TZs, a quasi-elliptic SIW filter with three TZs and a filter with linear-phase response are simulated, fabricated, and measured to demonstrate and verify the proposed structure.