Connective Elements Research Articles

Reservoir closed-loop optimization method based on connection elements and data space inversion with variable controls

Reservoir simulation faces challenges in computational efficiency and uncertainty management for large-scale assets. This study presents an integrated framework combining the connection element method (CEM) and data space inversion with variable controls (DSIVC) for efficient history matching and optimized forecasting of reservoir performance. CEM reduces the computational cost of numerical simulation while retaining accuracy. DSIVC enables direct production forecasting after history matching without repeated model inversion. The CEM–DSIVC approach is applied to two reservoir cases. CEM efficiently constructs reservoir models honoring complex geology. DSIVC mathematically integrates production data to reduce uncertainty and parameter space. Without repeated forward simulation, optimized forecasts are obtained under different control strategies. Compared to conventional methods, CEM–DSIVC achieves reliable uncertainty quantification and optimized forecasting with significantly improved efficiency. This provides an effective solution to overcome limitations in simulating and managing uncertainty for large-scale reservoirs. The proposed approach leverages the complementary strengths of CEM and DSIVC, synergistically improving reservoir modeling, management, and decision-making. This integrated data-driven framework demonstrates strong potential as an advanced tool for efficient field development planning and optimization.

System Connector “Double Dovetail Tenon”—A Wood–Wood Based Alternative for Connecting CLT-Elements

In timber construction, there are still no standardized wall–ceiling system connectors made of wood for cross laminated timber construction (CLT). Based on experimental investigations of the bar-shaped dovetail connections, a wood–wood system connection was developed at the University of Innsbruck. First, the traditional dovetail connection for bar-shaped beam connections was investigated. The findings showed the high potential of force transmission in the flank area, especially for beam connections of the same height, where the height of the pre-timber is too small. To date, the load-bearing capacity of the flanks has not been taken into account in the calculation methods. To increase the force transmission paths in the base of the tenon, it was shaped in steps. This led to a load redistribution and thus delayed the failure of the connection. The knowledge gained formed the basis for an independent connecting element that resulted in the so-called “double dovetail”. The connector is a three-dimensional, statically effective double dovetail element. The wood system connector is made of block-glued laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and is manufactured in a CNC-milling process. The results of the tests showed the high performance potential of the LVL system connector, which can play an important role in future timber construction.

Infrastructural Reparations

Infrastructure has an inherently uneven capacity to connect and to provide for some people certain goods and particular flows of information, while at the same time disenfranchising and dehumanizing other people through the very processes of (dis)connecting elements of the urban condition. Infrastructural injustices shape times, time horizons and life cycles. There is a lack of synchronicity in the time horizons of durability, materiality, engineering and financialization of infrastructure versus the immediate needs of living people and communities – but there is also need for a longer time horizon that acknowledges the demand for historical reparations in addition to immediate needs. Reparative infrastructural justice insists on overturning the violence of the infrastructural dispositions that have long upheld White supremacy by dehumanizing Black, Brown and Indigenous people, and other people of colour. Those with no claims upon the state to provide the basics of life must go beyond repair or maintenance, to seek instead infrastructural reparations and reparative justice as material conditions for living in the wake of the racialized infrastructural colour line built upon histories of slavery, colonialism and climate disaster. This text reflects on some of the tactics of flexible, provisional, infrastructural reparations that have emerged in Haiti and Puerto Rico, where public infrastructure systems have drastically failed. In Haiti tactics of appropriation involved communities (and gangs) patching into fractured systems where there is little state provision. In Puerto Rico, disaster led to grassroots organizations calling for just recovery, but also blockchain entrepreneurs taking advantage of offshore opportunities to escape the state. Both cases demonstrate the precarity, power, opportunities and dangers hidden within decentralized systems in the face of splintered infrastructural systems.

The Impact of p70S6 Kinase-Dependent Phosphorylation of Gemin2 in UsnRNP Biogenesis.

The survival motor neuron (SMN) complex is a multi-megadalton complex involved in post-transcriptional gene expression in eukaryotes via promotion of the biogenesis of uridine-rich small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (UsnRNPs). The functional center of the complex is formed from the SMN/Gemin2 subunit. By binding the pentameric ring made up of the Sm proteins SmD1/D2/E/F/G and allowing for their transfer to a uridine-rich short nuclear RNA (UsnRNA), the Gemin2 protein in particular is crucial for the selectivity of the Sm core assembly. It is well established that post-translational modifications control UsnRNP biogenesis. In our work presented here, we emphasize the crucial role of Gemin2, showing that the phospho-status of Gemin2 influences the capacity of the SMN complex to condense in Cajal bodies (CBs) in vivo. Additionally, we define Gemin2 as a novel and particular binding partner and phosphorylation substrate of the mTOR pathway kinase ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70S6K). Experiments using size exclusion chromatography further demonstrated that the Gemin2 protein functions as a connecting element between the 6S complex and the SMN complex. As a result, p70S6K knockdown lowered the number of CBs, which in turn inhibited in vivo UsnRNP synthesis. In summary, these findings reveal a unique regulatory mechanism of UsnRNP biogenesis.

Tumor necrosis alpha (tnf-α) levels in the human gingival sulcus: rates and factors affecting its levels in healthy subjects

Background and objective: ​​ Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) provides an exceptional window for investigation of the periodontal condition in which levels of inflammatory mediators, which, as a consequence of the increased local destruction of connective tissue structural elements, are ideal markers of disease activity can be appreciated in the GCF. This study aimed to investigate the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the human gingival sulcus of healthy subjects and the influence of host factors such as age, sex, and tooth type used on pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: Eighty-seven patients, 54 (62.1%) female and 33 (37.9%) males (aged 12–34 years; mean 19.58±4.4 years), participated in this study. Each subject underwent a session on professional oral hygiene and received oral hygiene instructions. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sampling was conducted (baseline). GCF was collected from the central incisor, the lateral incisor, the Canine, the First premolar and the Second premolar in this study. The concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) present in the GCF was evaluated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), following manufacturers' recommendations. Differences in mean TNF-α concentrations (pg/ml) of the teeth selected for sample collection for each individual with variables that included age, sex, and tooth type for GCF samples, were determined. Results: In total, the mean ± SD of central incisor TNF-α was 31.88 ± 4.99 pg/ml, and ranged from 20.22 to 40.47 pg/ml; the variance in all individual values ​​was significantly distributed on the normal curve with t-test of 59 and p < 0.001. For males the TNF-α concentration (mean ± SD) of central incisor was 39.25 ± 7.26 pg/ml Vs. 40.98 ± 9.24 pg/ml for females. For the lateral incisor, Canine, First premolar and Second premolar: total, males and females; the mean ± SD of TNF-α level were roughly similar to that of the central incisor. A lower level of TNF-α was in <16 years (37.54 ± 9.5 pg/ml). These findings differ from those of the 16-25 years age group and 26-34 age group in which a significantly higher value was recorded (p=0.035). Conclusion: This study provides the upper limit of normal values ​​for TNF-α levels for people aged 12-34 years in the GCF. These upper limits of normal values ​​will guide dentists in Yemen when considering the diagnosis of periodontal disease, as well as its role during orthodontic tooth movement as they play an important role in the activities of Osteocytes, and will provide useful baseline data for future studies of interventions against periodontal disease; and the movement of teeth by orthodontic appliances, in Yemen. Also, this data can also be applied to neighboring Yemeni cities and neighboring countries.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN METHODS OF THE POST-INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

The actual problem of today - the restoration of the post-industrial environment in cities - is highlighted in this article. This is an important component of the socio-economic development of cities. The relevance of this study lies in the ecological rehabilitation of post-industrial territories by restoring their natural potential and improving the environment; elimination of sources of danger in abandoned industrial territories; providing “new life” to the post-industrial environment; increasing the artistic and aesthetic appeal of the studied objects; saving financial resources by reducing the cost of urban development, obtaining the necessary social and recreational facilities on the existing post-industrial base.
 Special emphasis is placed on the revitalization of territories with the possibility of creating landscape objects. The post-industrial environment is an excellent base for setting up places for recreation, communication, and entertainment. The potential of such areas and the means of landscape design, effective in their renewal, have been clarified. The methods of landscape design aimed at the formation of recreational space based on the preservation of cultural and historical and restoration of ecological and artistic and aesthetic values of the post-industrial object have been revealed. The leading concepts of this process with the corresponding methods of landscape design are highlighted: 1 – “Water is the key object of the renewed post-industrial environment”, 2 – “Terrain – the unique skeleton of the post-industrial landscape”, 3 – “Vegetation – the carrier of regional traditions of landscape art”, and 4 – “Small architectural forms – elements of identification and visual connection of the updated space with its industrial past”. 
 The formation of recreational “magnets of attraction” based on the post-industrial environment is a reality. It determines their investment attractiveness and promotes the most effective use and socio-economic development of the city as a whole. In addition, the use of the identified techniques can help in solving issues related to ecological rehabilitation and “new life” of the post-industrial environment, eliminating one of the sources of danger in the city, increasing its aesthetic appeal, as well as preserving financial resources.

Connectivity elements and mitigation measures in policy-relevant soil erosion models: A survey across Europe

The current use of soil erosion models in Europe was investigated through an exploratory survey of 46 model applications covering 18 European countries. This revealed novel information on erosion model applications, their parameterisation, incorporation of landscape elements and mitigation measures with implications for connectivity and their use in decision-making in Europe. The model application predictions were applied at national, regional, catchment or field scale. The majority of model applications used the USLE or versions thereof, but a range of semi-empirical, decision-tree and process-based models were also used. The majority of model applications were used for policy relevant purposes such as erosion risk assessment or mitigation measure implementation at a range of spatial scales. The analysis identified an evident prevalence towards the use of national or regional data sets and a highly varying parameterisation of model applications. Landscape elements and mitigation measures with effects on connectivity were implemented in most model applications, but not with a focus on modelling connectivity within the landscape. Altogether, the results demonstrate a need for improving connectivity modelling in diverse agricultural landscapes across multiple scales. Models should be chosen dependent on their ability to reflect erosion risk at different spatial scales. Albeit, harmonisation of data sets, parameterisation procedures and validation approaches is needed for certain modelling scenarios to ensure comparability of soil erosion risk assessment and suitable mitigation practices. Furthermore, we recommend that policy-relevant erosion risk maps should be verified by empirical data and thresholds derived from erosion risk maps should be adapted to regional conditions when used for policy guidelines. Hence, comparability, comprehensibility and regional adaptation are essential qualities of policy-relevant erosion maps.

Failure of topologically interlocked structures — a Level-Set-DEM approach

Topological Interlocking Structures (TIS) are assemblies of interlocking building blocks that hold together solely through contact and friction at the block interfaces and thus do not require any connective elements. This salient feature makes them highly energy-absorbent, resistant to crack propagation, geometrically versatile, and reusable. It also gives rise to failure mechanisms that, differently from ordinary structures, are governed by multiple contact interactions between blocks and frictional slip at their interfaces. Commonly-used modeling tools for structural analysis struggle to capture and quantify these unusual failure mechanisms. Here, we propose a different approach that is well-suited for modeling the complex failure of slab-like TIS. It is based on the Level-Set-Discrete-Element-Method, which was originally developed for granular mechanics applications. After introducing the basic assumptions and theoretical concepts underlying our model, we show that it accurately captures the slip-governed failure of slab-like TIS panels as observed in the literature, that it can closely estimate the force–displacement curves, and that it is can be used to explore important features governing the structural mechanics of TIS. The theoretical foundation, together with the results of this study, provide a proof-of-concept for our new approach and point to its potential to improve our ability to model and understand the behavior of interlocked structural forms.

“Third-State connections” in the proposal for an EU regulation on parenthood

Starting from the main features of the scope of application of the proposal for an EU regulation on parenthood, the paper follows a cross-cutting assessment with a view to determining whether, and how, the proposed instrument considers the elements of connection that a parent-child relationship may have, in a given case, with States that are not members of the EU. Some final considerations are then proposed on the possible policy grounds underlying the analysed provisions.

Қазақстандағы 1929–1931 жылдардағы қарулы қөтерілістер мен қөтерілісшілер қозғалыстарынын тарихы бойынша дерек ретінде Қазақ КСР МҚК-нің ақпаратына шолу

The article analyzes survey reports of the KGB of the Qazaq SSR on several armed uprisings of 1929–1931, which were prepared in 1963–1964 and are being stored in the Special State Archive of the KNB of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The goals and objectives of the study include, first, understanding the significance of the source chosen by the author for enriching ideas about the processes and phenomena that took place in Soviet Qazaqstan in the late 1920s and early 1930s. An analysis of references is presented, which contains information about the constituent parts of the history of peasant uprisings and their connecting elements. An assessment of the information potential of references is given. In addition, the reasons that led to the creation of review notes, their nature, purpose, content, formation procedure and source bases are identified.

Experimental investigation of steel beam-to-column end-plate joints under static and impact loading

Events like blasts, vehicle impacts, gas explosions, or terrorist attacks can induce dynamic structural responses. Traditional design practices focus on structures' static or quasi-static behavior, neglecting dynamic effects. However, the response of structural members and joints under dynamic loading can differ significantly from that under static loading. For instance, the mechanical properties of steel, such as yield strength and tensile strength, exhibit variations depending on the strain rate. Experimental impact load tests of members and connections are needed to validate FEM models, but a very limited number of such tests have been presented in the literature. This article presents experimental static and impact tests of double-sided extended steel bolted end-plate joints. The tests were carried out on three identical steel specimens of a beam-to-column system, with static tests on one specimen and impact tests on two other specimens. A free-falling concrete-steel package was used as the impact load, with varying values of its weight and the height of the fall. The structural responses of the joints and selected components were measured using advanced measuring equipment for experimental static and dynamic tests. In both static and impact tests, significant deformation of the connection elements, especially the column and end-plate, was observed. Moreover, local buckling appeared in the compression zone of the column web as well as fracture of the end plate below the lower flange of the beam. Based on the results of the deformation measurements, the actual strain rate and dynamic increase factor (DIF) were obtained.

Dynamic Analysis of a Large Deployable Space Truss Structure Considering Semi-Rigid Joints

Joints are widely used in large deployable structures but show semi-rigidity due to performance degradation and some nonlinear factors affecting the structure’s dynamic characteristics. This paper investigates the influence of semi-rigid joints on the characteristics of deployable structures in orbit. A virtual connection element of three DOFs is proposed to model the semi-rigid joints. The governing equations of semi-rigid joints are established and integrated into the dynamic equation of the structures. A series of numerical experiments are carried out to validate the proposed model’s accuracy and efficiency, and the deployable truss structures’ static and dynamic responses are analyzed. The results show that semi-rigid joints exacerbate the effects of an in-orbit microvibration on the stability of deployable truss structures. Semi-rigid joints lower the dominant frequencies of structures, leading to a ‘closely-spaced-frequencies’ phenomenon and altering the dynamic responses significantly. The effects of semi-rigid joints on deployable truss structures are long-term and can be used to establish a relationship model between structural performance and service life. Nonlinear effects vary with the external load and depend on the structures’ instantaneous status. These results indicate that semi-rigid joints significantly influence the characteristics of deployable structures, which must be considered in the design and analysis of high-precision in-orbit deployable structures.

A new simulation method for nanoparticles solution flooding based on connection element method

Nanotechnology is widely used in medicine, electronics, materials, and energy fields. An important aspect of nanotechnology is its application in enhancing oil and gas recovery. However, the oil displacement mechanism using nanotechnology is complicated. Generally, numerical simulation methods and experiments are used to provide a simple description of the oil displacement mechanism, leading to the current inability to accurately characterize the actual underlying mechanism. Based on the connection element method, this paper proposes a new characterization method for the numerical simulation of nanoparticle solution flooding in oil reservoirs, In this case, the reservoir is considered the interaction relationship between connecting elements, and the flow rate, and oil saturation on a single connecting element are calculated. The oil displacement mechanism of nanoparticle solution flooding is investigated by focusing on increasing viscosity, changing formation permeability, and fluid relative permeability. The oil displacement mechanism expressed in this model is considered when the nanoparticles are dissolved in the base fluid (water). Herein, a dual-media model of nanoparticle solution flooding is established to describe the fractured reservoirs. The model was validated by comparing with water flooding when the nanofluids concentration is close to zero. The results show that the fitting rate can reach 98%. The proposed model was also used in an actual reservoir, the fitting rates between the calculated oil rate and actual production of four typical production wells reached 81.4%, 84.5%, 86%, and 82%. The water content decreased from 13% to 11%, and cumulative production increased by 17% after the addition of nanoparticles.

Computationally efficient implementation of the Gauss–Newton method for solving the forward kinematics of redundant cable‐driven parallel robots

AbstractCable‐driven parallel robots (CDPRs) are parallel robots in which cables are used instead of rigid connecting elements. An important task here, as in other areas of robotics, are kinematic calculations. The state of the CDPR can be described either in Cartesian workspace coordinates as a pose or in the joint space via the cable lengths. The calculation of the cable lengths from a given platform pose is relatively simple for CDPRs. In contrast, the forward kinematics, that is, the calculation of the pose from the cable lengths, is complex due to the parallel topology and often cannot be solved analytically. In addition, CDPR systems are often designed redundantly, with more cables than Cartesian degrees of freedom. This redundancy causes that the solution of the forward kinematics can be considered as a fitting problem, where for measured cable lengths, the solution with minimum error norm is sought. In this paper, an approach based on the Gauss–Newton method is presented. It is described how a computationally efficient implementation is possible when using quaternions under consideration of the unit quaternion constraints.

Entrepreneurial Intentions in Crisis: Shaping Through the Triad of Influence - Government, Education, and Environment

Purpose: The COVID-19 outbreak’s effect on the world has been unparalleled, its consequences generated unpredictable behavioral changes in individuals’ perceptions, which can affect entrepreneurial activities. This paper aims to analyze the motivating factors, challenges, and youths' perspectives regarding factors that affect their intention to engage in entrepreneurial activities in Lebanon, a country dealing with one of the worst global economic and financial crises in the middle of the nineteenth century. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered from a valid sample of 992 university students as part of a quantitative approach to data collection that covered seven different districts in Lebanon. In order to analyze the contextual elements in connection to students’ intention to engage in entrepreneurial activity using planned behavior theory, a structural equation modelling was used. Findings: The results provide evidence that three experiences—attitude towards entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and social norms— have a direct impact on the likelihood of future entrepreneurial initiatives. Nevertheless, the desire of students to be entrepreneur was not directly impacted by the support provided from the university, government and business environment. Theoretical and Practical Implications: Theoretical and practical implications can be made from this study’s results. Theoretically this study adds to the literature by examining different factors that may have an impact on enterpreneurial intention of university students during time of crisis. Practically, results found provide suggestions to policymakers to reassess the current policies and programs in order to encourage positive intentions towards entrepreneurship among Lebanese university students. Originality/ value: The examination of factors affecting entrepreneurial intention of university students in Lebanon is a first of its kind, which could be implied for further investigation.

Directly Reusable Steel Column Base Connection ‐ Concept and Numerical investigation

AbstractConstruction industry as a whole should transform into designs that enable demountability and direct reuse of structural elements to achieve the circularity in construction. Currently, structural connections enabling direct reuse of components in construction are limited. Column base connections are one of the main load transfer units of a steel structure for the magnitude of the forces being transferred from the superstructure. This paper presents an interlocking type of column base connection that enables direct reuse of all associated structural components. The proposed interlocking connection transfers the force through the plate bearing and holding mechanisms and requires minimal number of bolts. In addition to the direct reuse and better load transfer approach, the new interlocking connection enhances and simplifies the mounting procedure that leads to increased productivity in construction. This article discusses the overall concept of the proposed interlocking connection, design philosophy and compares the failure modes with existing conventional bolted column base connections for various loading cases through finite element analyses. Main parameters investigated are the effects of bearing length of connector element and connector element thickness under uniaxial loading. A finite element model of the proposed interlocking connection is built through which the influential parameters are analysed.

Influence analysis of the connective elements failures on the road bridges steel reinforced superstructures service reliability

The paper considers the influence issues of connective elements failures, in particular flexible pin stops, on the road bridges steel reinforced superstructures service reliability. The authors have formulated possible criteria for the superstructure failure both for the first and the second groups of limit states, and also developed scenarios of connective elements exclusion from the structures operation, that are modeling the failure of individual connective elements in the operation process. For five finite element models of road bridges steel reinforced superstructures a numerical experiment on modeling of the connective elements exclusion from the operation of the structure was carried out. The calculation results for each scenario and for the partial scenario realization levels were analyzed in terms of possible superstructures failures as a whole. Numerical experiment results have shown that at the exclusion of a separate small group of connective elements increases the maximum stresses in the over-supported beams sections by up to 3 %, and further development of the connective elements disconnection scenario can lead to an increase in stresses by 20 %. It is concluded that for existing steel reinforced superstructures the risk of superstructures failure under normal operating conditions due to disconnection of connective elements is low, even in the case of almost unlikely complete disconnection of all connective elements. Nevertheless, the exclusion from operation of connective elements may be more critical in cases of abnormal bridge structure operation or in cases of significantly lower engineering reserves of the structure in terms of strength and stiffness.

Geometric feature extraction in manufacturing based on a knowledge graph

In times of global crises, the resilience of production chains is becoming increasingly important. If a supply chain is interrupted, a cost-effective solution must be established quickly. In the context of Industry 4.0, the concept of smart manufacturing offers a solution for fast and automated decision-making in production planning. The core idea of smart manufacturing is the digitalization of the product life cycle and the linking of individual phases of this cycle. Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) plays an important role as the connecting element between design and manufacturing. An important prerequisite for CAPP is the automated analysis of 3D models of components. The aim of this work is the development of an automatic feature recognition (AFR) -method to recognize geometric manufacturing features and their properties from 3D-models and then store them in a knowledge base. In that way, the result of the design can be automatically analysed and compared with manufacturing information afterwards in order to achieve an automated process planning. Geometric and topological information of a 3D model (STEP-AP242 format) generated by CAD systems is extracted by a Python-script developed and stored in an ontology-based knowledge base. The extracted product data is analysed using a Python-script to identify manufacturing features. To provide a comprehensive extensibility of the model, geometric features are defined according to a layered and hierarchical structure.

Design and analysis of steel‐concrete hybrid coupled walls with hinged base and corner components

AbstractThe seismic performance of hybrid coupled walls (HCWs) made of a single reinforced concrete (RC) wall connected to two steel side columns by means of steel links is studied in this article. Steel links are designed as dissipative elements while the RC wall and the steel side columns should remain elastic. Given that previous studies highlighted the difficulties in avoiding damage at the base of the RC wall due to the concentration of bending moment, the scheme with fixed base is modified in this study with the adoption of a hinged connection and vertical steel elements called corner components. A ductile design methodology is proposed and applied to the design of case studies with different building heights (three and six stories) and different base conditions (fixed base and hinged base with corner components). Moreover, the influence of uniform and variable distributions of links along the building height is assessed. Results of pushover analyses are presented to validate the design methodology and provide insight into the structural response of the proposed solution, showing the benefits of a hinged base with corner components.

Being alone, together: How does design shape social interactions and relationships of young adults in Singapore

Studying the social interactions and relationships of young adults in Singapore, this paper seeks to understand the issue of social disconnection and how design shapes them. Young adults face the challenge of navigating the complex lifestyle of a smart city while balancing their ever expanding and fluctuating social network. As such, it causes them to feel disconnected in their social interactions and relationships. By considering these questions: What does it mean to be connected? What is the role of product design in people’s relationships? Why do young adults feel disconnected in a technologically connected society? How can design establish a truly connected society? it will evaluate how products could be designed and created for genuine interactions and fulfilling relationships. From the surveys, interviews, observations, case studies and literature readings in this study, it reveals the social disconnection young adults face in a connected city, how they navigate in a technological environment, and how experiences are designed for connection. It also shows that design plays a vital role in tackling the social disconnection young adults face. Designing with a human-centric approach not only creates an opportunity for people to create meaningful relationships using technology, but also maintains the spontaneous and fluid elements of social connections through prompting interactions. Additionally, it has been found that design is only a platform where they can initiate these interactions and relationships, the decision to disconnect remain with the human user as much as devices have been designed to lead to certain decisions being made.