Initial Element Research Articles

Minimal surface-guided higher-order mesh generation for CAD models

This paper presents a novel method for generating higher-order meshes for CAD surfaces by leveraging minimal surface theory to improve element shapes. We explore the concept of higher-order mesh distortion through deformation gradients and introduce an energy function designed to minimize the surface area of these meshes, providing a theoretical justification for its effectiveness in untangling. The process of mesh generation starts with segmenting CAD surfaces into linear elements, followed by the insertion of higher-order nodes within these elements. These nodes are then projected onto the CAD surface to form the initial higher-order elements. By optimizing energy functions related to minimal surfaces and the projection distances, we achieve high-quality, geometrically accurate higher-order surface meshes. Our method has been validated on complex geometries, showcasing its potential in creating effective higher-order meshes for industrial CAD models.

Selected issues of hydropneumatic suspension design for a high-speed tracked vehicle.

The effective operation of high-speed tracked vehicles in a combat vehicle configuration depends primarily on the correct identification of the expected operating conditions, already in the design or modernisation phase. This applies to both terrain, meteorological and climatic conditions. This approach considers the most unfavourable driving conditions and the level of dynamic loads acting on the vehicle hull, crew and equipment when making calculations. The dominant source of dynamic loads is movement at high speed on unpaved roads, off-road and when overcoming natural and artificial terrain obstacles of a predetermined or random nature. An important system responsible for the safety and reliability of this type of vehicle is the suspension. An appropriate design of the suspension parameters allows to reduce the negative dynamic loads (research hypothesis). The aim of the research was to develop a preliminary project of an initial suspension element – a hydropneumatic spring for a high-speed tracked vehicle - that allows minimising dynamic loads. The study used both theoretical and empirical research methods, including analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, comparison and inference. The paper presents selected issues from the suspension design process for a high-speed tracked vehicle equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension. The problem was solved in three stages. In the first stage, the design of the hydropneumatic suspension unit, placed in the control arm, was made and the basic parameters were selected. In the second, the spring characteristic of the hydropneumatic unit was determined on the example of a hypothetical vehicle with assumed tactical and technical parameters. In the third stage, the strength of the control arm structure, under the heaviest load conditions, was checked using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The results obtained showed that the advantages of the hydropneumatic suspension, such as: progressive spring characteristics, improved vibration damping, possibility of introducing a semi-active or active suspension system, modularity of the structure and ease of maintenance and repair, make it more and more widely used in modern high-speed tracked vehicles.

Neural networks based surrogate modeling for efficient uncertainty quantification and calibration of MEMS accelerometers

This paper addresses the computational challenges inherent in the stochastic characterization and uncertainty quantification of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) capacitive accelerometers. Traditional methods, such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, are often constrained by the computational intensity required for high-fidelity (e.g., finite element) simulations. To overcome these limitations, we propose to use supervised learning-based surrogate models, specifically artificial neural networks, to effectively approximate the response of MEMS capacitive accelerometers. Our approach involves training the surrogate models with data derived from initial high-fidelity finite element analyses (FEA), providing rich datasets to be generated in an offline phase. The surrogate models replicate the FEA accuracy in predicting the behavior of the accelerometer under a wide range of fabrication parameters, thereby reducing the online computational cost without compromising accuracy. This enables extensive and efficient stochastic analyses of complex MEMS devices, offering a flexible framework for their characterization. A key application of our framework is demonstrated in estimating the sensitivity of an accelerometer, accounting for unknown mechanical offsets, over-etching, and thickness variations. We employ an MCMC approach to estimate the posterior distribution of the device’s unknown fabrication parameters, informed by its response to transient voltage signals. The integration of surrogate models for mapping fabrication parameters to device responses, and subsequently to sensitivity measures, greatly enhances both backward and forward uncertainty quantification, yielding accurate results while significantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the characterization process. This process allows for the reconstruction of device sensitivity using only voltage signals, without the need for direct mechanical acceleration stimuli.

The crack propagation behaviors, microstructure and mechanical properties of T-welded joints for TIGW with crystal plasticity model and XFEM

In view of the significant impact of welding defects on the fracture behaviors involving the strength, stress concentration and bearing capacity of welded joint, etc., the propagation behaviors and mechanical properties of welded joints with porosity and micro crack are deeply investigated using a multiscale method. In this work, a crack nucleation and propagation model based on crystal plasticity theory, combined with the extended finite element method (XFEM), is established for the T-welded joint. The maximum slip on the predominant slip system method is applied to predict the crack propagation path of pores and micro cracks in the weld zone (WZ), and the effect of crystal orientation on crack growth is explored. Then, a continuous model is used to analyze the micro and macro fracture behaviors near the weld under tensile load, combined with the maximum principal stress method. The WZ and heat affected zone (HAZ) are observed using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to study the microstructure evolution. Considering grain boundaries, the image information of crystal morphology is processed through binary image analysis for FE modeling. The local mechanical properties testing is carried out using micro-specimens of HAZ and WZ to calibrate the crystal plastic parameters. The results show that the resolved shear stress of the predominant slip system of crack initiation and propagation elements is increased by pore and crack defects. The fracture positions of tensile specimens through numerical simulation are in good agreement with the macroscopic experimental results. It will provide an analysis basis for preventing fracture failure and improving the service performance of thin-walled structures in future.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion-Related Curricular Elements in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education: A Delphi Study.

The purpose of this Delphi study was to determine whether experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the field of physical therapy could achieve consensus on the key JEDI-related curricular content topics to be included in entry-level physical therapist education. Inequities exist at all levels of health care for historically underserved populations, including referrals, access, and quality of physical therapy services. The physical therapy field is facing challenges and opportunities in how to best prepare providers to address individual, community, and population health inequities. There is a lack of consensus in physical therapist education regarding essential curricular content related to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism. Eighty-four experts in JEDI in the physical therapy profession were invited through email to participate in the Delphi process. A Delphi survey brought together 39 identified experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of physical therapy to reach consensus on key JEDI-related curricular topics in physical therapist education. In the first-round survey, participants answered an open-ended question: "What JEDI-related curricular content should be included in entry-level physical therapist education?" The work team coded these free-text responses to populate an initial list of curricular elements. Over 2 subsequent rounds of surveys, the experts came to a consensus on which curricular elements should be addressed within physical therapist education. Nineteen experts completed all survey rounds. In round I, coding of the expert group's responses generated 61 initial JEDI-related curricular elements. By round III, the group refined the list to 43 curricular elements; 41 of the 43 (95%) elements garnered 94% or higher consensus. The expert group deemed 30 of the elements "entry-level" content and 13 as more "advanced practice" topics. Experts had a strong consensus on key JEDI-related curricular elements that physical therapist education programs should include to best prepare providers to improve the health of society. Future scholarship will explore recommendations for how physical therapist education programs might prioritize and implement JEDI-related content.

Japanese Compound Verbs 「〜dasu」「〜deru」「〜komu」: Exploring Meaning and Illustrated Pedagogy for Japanese Learners

Research on the use of compound verbs in learning the Japanese language becomes crucial as previous studies have not fully addressed aspects related to the necessity of categorizing compound verbs clearly and accurately with a simple understanding. Although Satou (2002) divides verbs based on morphophonology, the research remains incomplete without considering morphosemantic aspects. Therefore, doubts arise regarding the result of combining the two verbs, whether the Verbs Group 1 ‘Godan Doushi’ (V1), referred to as the initial verb element 'zenkouyouso', or the Verbs Group 2 ‘Ichidan Doushi’ (V2), referred to as the final verb element 'gokouyouso', still adhere to the status of the final verb as a jidoushi or tadoushi. Kageyama's (1993) study on the meaning and usage of compound verbs [-dasu] is divided into two groups, indicating a change of place 'ichihenka' and aspect 'aspekuto,' observed in Japanese sentences. The concepts of compound verbs developed by Satou (2002) and Kageyama (2016) are combined eclectically in this research, aiming to obtain accurate data. The results of this analysis may not be well understood without additional support. Therefore, the analysis is presented with the illustrations of compound verbs 「〜dasu」「〜deru」「〜komu」, which are drawn based on example sentences. This research aims to categorize the meanings of compound verbs in Japanese and illustrate them in pictures. Thus, Japanese language learners will optimally understand the use of those verbs based on both the inherent meaning of verbs and sentence structure.

On analysing fragments: the case of No?

Abstract This paper addresses the analysis of sentence fragments, specifically the English negative polar response item no. Two main types of synchronic analysis have been proposed for present-day English – one in which yes and no are syntactically inert particles which substitute for a clause, the other in which they are the initial element of an elided clause. Using diachronic data from 15th- to 17th-century English, we argue that the emergence of a novel other-speaker question pattern involving no demonstrates that speakers of early English analysed interrogative polar no as the initial element of a clause with TP-ellipsis. This novel pattern has received little attention in the literature, yet this grammatical innovation is interesting because its emergence demonstrates how diachronic change can be used as a diagnostic for underlying grammatical structure.

Machine learning ensemble model prediction of northward shift in potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida) distribution under climate change conditions

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) are a significant threat to potato production, having caused substantial damage in many countries. Predicting the future distribution of PCN species is crucial to implementing effective biosecurity strategies, especially given the impact of climate change on pest species invasion and distribution. Machine learning (ML), specifically ensemble models, has emerged as a powerful tool in predicting species distributions due to its ability to learn and make predictions based on complex data sets. Thus, this research utilised advanced machine learning techniques to predict the distribution of PCN species under climate change conditions, providing the initial element for invasion risk assessment. We first used Global Climate Models to generate homogeneous climate predictors to mitigate the variation among predictors. Then, five machine learning models were employed to build two groups of ensembles, single-algorithm ensembles (ESA) and multi-algorithm ensembles (EMA), and compared their performances. In this research, the EMA did not always perform better than the ESA, and the ESA of Artificial Neural Network gave the highest performance while being cost-effective. Prediction results indicated that the distribution range of PCNs would shift northward with a decrease in tropical zones and an increase in northern latitudes. However, the total area of suitable regions will not change significantly, occupying 16–20% of the total land surface (18% under current conditions). This research alerts policymakers and practitioners to the risk of PCNs’ incursion into new regions. Additionally, this ML process offers the capability to track changes in the distribution of various species and provides scientifically grounded evidence for formulating long-term biosecurity plans for their control.

Preparation and properties of especially pure Ge-Sb-As-S glasses for IR optics

The novel multi-stage method for preparation of especially pure GexAsySbzS100-x-y-z (x = 10–13; y = 20–23; z = 4–6) glasses is presented. The method includes the stages of deep purification of initial elements using different chemical getters, transport reactions and vacuum distillation. The glass samples with compositions close to stoichiometric ones and a low content of gas-forming impurities are synthesized; their structure, optical, thermal and magneto-optical properties are investigated. The studied characteristics of the samples meet the requirements for their use in the IR optics and are relevant for multifunctional applications.

The evolution of cultural diversity in Pama-Nyungan Australia

Explaining the processes that produce cultural diversity has long been a focus of anthropological study. Whilst linguistic diversity has frequently been shown to be associated with population splitting during migrations, much less is known about the influence of migration patterns on other forms of culture. Here we compare variation between different cultural types to understand whether their diversity might also be a consequence of historic population change. For our case study, we developed a dataset of 90 cultural traits recorded across around 100 societies in Pama-Nyungan Australia focusing on three cultural forms important in Australian life: adolescent initiation, mortuary practice and rock art motifs. Trait diversity was analysed using phylogenetic methods and compared with language diversity since previous studies have suggested an association between Pama-Nyungan language evolution and population dispersal. We were able to demonstrate a strong association between the phylogenetic history of language and initiation ritual but not between language and mortuary ritual or rock motifs. The finding suggests population migration may have had a significant influence on initiation ritual diversity. It also lends support to the idea, as suggested by some authors, that the development of complex initiation practices may have played an active role in the dispersal of Pama-Nyungan speakers throughout the Australian continent. Our study results suggest that the type of phylogenetic comparative approach applied here can make an important contribution to the reconstruction of deep cultural history over long timescales.

A Comparative Study to assess the Treatment Cost of Ayurvedic Medicine (Ginger and Castor Oil) and Modern Medicine (DMARDs) in Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Ama and Vata are the initial elements in the pathophysiology of Tridosha, whereas Amavata is a result of their vitiation. The expense of treatment is a major factor in the economic burden of RA for both the patient and the health and social care systems. Objective: a. To assess the socio-demographic conditions of the patients of Amavata. b. To compare the cost of a one-month treatment of ginger and castor oil with DMARD in the management of Amavata. Methodology: Total 72 patients of RA Fulfilling the inclusion criteria and having symptoms of RA were enrolled for this Interventional study. Patients were treated in two different groups- Group A- 36 clinically diagnosed and registered patients of Amavata were treated by DMARD Group B- 36 clinically diagnosed and registered patients of Amavata were treated with ginger and castor oil. After the completion of the study, total 62 patients came after one month of treatment, so we included 62 patients in this study. 32 patients in group A and 30 patients in group B Results: The average direct cost of treatment of RA patients in 2024 was estimated as Rs. 2669.17 ($31.96)/month in group A (DMARD Group) and Rs. 1386.69 ($16.62) in group B (Ginger and Castor oil). Major part of total direct costs was covered by medicines (Rs. 1583) in group A and Laboratory cost (Rs. 600) in group B. The ratio of one-month cost of DMARD and Ayurvedic medicine (ginger and castor oil) was 12:1. Discussion: The cost of Ayurvedic medicine was very low in comparison to DMARD. Ayurvedic Medicine ginger and castor oil were easily available, safe, effective and cheap.

Analysis of methods for determining the correction of the quadrant elevation angle in units equipped with DANA 152 mm self-propelled howitzers

This paper presents a procedure for determining the angle of quadrant elevation of the barrel tube axis, with particular emphasis on methods for calculating the elevation correction based on the target and firing position elevation difference for units equipped with the DANA 152 mm self-propelled howitzer. The paper considers methods for determining the quadrant elevation angle correction using both the initial and final elements of the projectile’s trajectory. The paper includes a comparison of the results of determining the angle of quadrant elevation calculated using different methods. Additionally, it addresses the problem of determining the quadrant elevation angle correction for the DANA 152 mm self-propelled howitzer during high-angle fire.

The Use of Bilinear Cohesive Zone Model to Study the Fracture of Mode I in Adhesive Joints

Adhesively bonded joints can be numericallysimulated using the Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) concepts.CZM are widely used for the strength prediction of adhesivejoints. The critical strain energy release rate and criticalinterface strength are the parameters which must be knownwhen cohesive elements in ABAQUS software are used. Theformulation of the cohesive finite elements is based on theCZM approach with the bilinear traction-separation law. Inthis work, the parameters of two industrial adhesivesHuntsman Araldite 2015 and resin LY3505/XB3405 forbonding of epoxy composites are identified. DoubleCantilever Beam (DCB) test data was used for theidentification. Finally, cohesive parameters are identifiedcomparing numerically simulated load-displacement curveswith experimental data retrieved from literature.Parametric study is performed to evaluate the variation ofinput parameters like initial stiffness, element size, peakstress and energy release rate ‘G’. From the numericalevaluation, it was noted that CZM simulation relies largelyon element size and peak cohesive strength.

Consensus on intake questionnaire data elements in the development of an aerodigestive registry

ObjectiveTo define the essential elements of the intake questionnaire that will be a part of a larger multicenter registry for aerodigestive patients. MethodsA modified Delphi method was utilized to obtain consensus on the data elements that should warrant inclusion in the final research database. Patient questionnaires from the eight participating institutions were reviewed and individual elements were aggregated into 14 categories. ResultsA total of 198 initial elements were voted on for inclusion. The categories included demographics, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, ear nose and throat symptoms, feeding, birth history, medical history, surgical history, family history, social history, medications prior to evaluation, devices used prior to evaluation, prior diagnostic evaluations, and prior evaluation by aerodigestive team members. 83 of the 198 elements met consensus for inclusion in the final registry for an inclusion rate of 41.9 %. Three separate rounds of ranking were required to obtain consensus. ConclusionThe aerodigestive registry is an important initiative that will help foster research and help guide future management. The intake questionnaire of the registry is a critical component of this project, and the consensus obtained during this study should help create a streamlined and efficient registry that will help all aerodigestive patients on a national level.

Analysis of crack propagation and life estimation of spiral bevel gears with root cracks

Abstract In order to study the effect of tooth root cracks on the fatigue life of spiral bevel gears, a certain spiral bevel gear was taken as the research object, and the mechanism of tooth root fatigue cracks was analyzed based on crack propagation theory; By combining the extended finite element method and the level set method, an initial crack propagation finite element model is established. The crack location of the gear teeth is determined through static analysis of the gear pair, and the influence of alternating loads on the initiation and propagation life of tooth surface cracks is studied. The analysis results indicate that the number of load cycles required for each crack propagation after its first occurrence gradually decreases; The crack propagation path of gear cracks under fatigue load is consistent with the actual tooth surface fracture surface; Realize life estimation from crack propagation to fracture failure.

Initial stress approach-based finite element analysis for viscoelastic materials under generalized Maxwell model

Initial stress approach-based finite element analysis for viscoelastic materials under generalized Maxwell model

Dissecting the cis-regulatory syntax of transcription initiation with deep learning.

Despite extensive characterization of mammalian Pol II transcription, the DNA sequence determinants of transcription initiation at a third of human promoters and most enhancers remain poorly understood. Hence, we trained and interpreted a neural network called ProCapNet that accurately models base-resolution initiation profiles from PRO-cap experiments using local DNA sequence. ProCapNet learns sequence motifs with distinct effects on initiation rates and TSS positioning and uncovers context-specific cryptic initiator elements intertwined within other TF motifs. ProCapNet annotates predictive motifs in nearly all actively transcribed regulatory elements across multiple cell-lines, revealing a shared cis-regulatory logic across promoters and enhancers mediated by a highly epistatic sequence syntax of cooperative and competitive motif interactions. ProCapNet models of RAMPAGE profiles measuring steady-state RNA abundance at TSSs distill initiation signals on par with models trained directly on PRO-cap profiles. ProCapNet learns a largely cell-type-agnostic cis-regulatory code of initiation complementing sequence drivers of cell-type-specific chromatin state critical for accurate prediction of cell-type-specific transcription initiation.

Growing patterns invention by primary education students

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the creation of patterns through an open-ended invention task. With a qualitative study, we aimed to characterise the written answers of 76 primary education students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades, identifying the type of pattern they invented. We analysed the representations they used and the structure followed in the sequences they created. In addition, we determined whether there were differences in the invention of patterns among the three school grades in the sample. Results showed that students prefer creating growing patterns using numerical and visual representations. They generally involved a numerical structure more frequently than a geometric one, using an increasing arithmetic progression. They usually formed the pattern by involving a geometric structure, building a figure based on an initial element to which they added more elements to complete a particular figure. In fourth grade, numerical representations were more common than pictorial ones, while in sixth grade, the opposite was true. As age increased, so did the frequency with which students invented a pattern. Results also provided information on the complexity of the types of geometric patterns invented.

On the Alternation between Complex Prepositions and Adverbial Prepositions in Esperanto, such as en la mezo de vs. meze de / en la kadro de vs. kadre de

The grammar of Esperanto allows a derived adverbial to replace the initial element in any complex prepositional phrase, thus creating a range of equivalent structures such as en la mezo de / meze de ‘in the middle of’, en la kadro de / kadre de ‘in the framework of’ etc. This ‘adverbial alternation’ raises a number of questions. Are Adv Ps interchangeable with their Complex P counterparts? Do they occur with the same frequency? Does lexicalisation operate in the same way in Esperanto as it does in other languages? Here I examine a sample of alternating structures in a corpus of standard written Esperanto (Tekstaro >10 million tokens). While many pairs seem to be interchangeable, others appear to be developing contrastive use. The use of idioms and other marked units of phraseology is often seen as evidence that Esperanto has become an autonomous language. Here I point to evidence of less marked, more routine patterns of discourse which are unique to this speech community.

An Accurate Modeling Method of Body-thread of Penetration Fuze in FEM

To address the issue that the influence of body-thread on the acceleration signal characteristics in penetration fuze is ambiguous, an accurate modeling method of body-thread is proposed in the finite element method (FEM). The body-thread element segments are obtained by the three-dimensional entity thread model, the initial layer nodes set and elements on the outer surface of the thread are established, and the initial layer elements are copied, rotated, and translated. Repeat this transformation, and get a complete thread model. This method is applied to simulation analysis of a warhead penetrating 4-layer concrete plates, and the influence of thread connection on acceleration signal characteristics in penetration fuze is studied. By comparing the acceleration signal and frequency spectrum of the proposed thread model with that of the simplified thread model, the amplitude of the acceleration signal of the proposed one is smaller than that of the simplified one in some certain frequency spectrum. It shows that the thread connection structure has with damping effect and effectively reduces the high-frequency interference of acceleration signal in penetration fuze.