Entire Length Research Articles

HFMI-induced fatigue strength improvement of S355 steel transverse non-load-carrying attachments with lack of fusion in the weld root

The effects of high-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) treatment and preloading on the fatigue behaviour of the S355 steel transverse non-load-carrying attachments welded with technological defect (‘lack of fusion’) in the weld root are studied. The S355 steel joints were purposely welded with incomplete penetration (a technological defect of 3x3 mm formed over the entire weld root length). As established, this technological defect does not affect the fatigue life since the crack initiation and propagation occur along the weld toe. HFMI leads to a tenfold increase in fatigue life of the joints with technological defects. Preloading the as-welded joints at maximum alternating stress of 260 MPa for 64,000 cycles leads to partial relaxation of tensile residual stresses. HFMI transforms tensile stresses into compressive ones in both non-preloaded and preloaded samples. Compressive stresses of 315 MPa and 100 MPa were respectively registered at distances of 3 mm and 13 mm from the HFMI-formed groove using the hole-drilling method and electron speckle interferometry. Transmission electron microscopy of the weld-heating affected zone reveals that the bimodal microstructure, containing the areas with ultrafine and larger grains, observed after sequentially applied preload and HFMI remains stable during further fatigue cycling and facilitates the enhanced fatigue strength/life.

Aggregate-prone brain regions in Parkinson’s disease are rich in unique N-terminus α-synuclein conformers with high proteolysis susceptibility

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), and other α-synucleinopathies, α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates form a myriad of conformational and truncational variants. Most antibodies used to detect and quantify α-Syn in the human brain target epitopes within the C-terminus (residues 96–140) of the 140 amino acid protein and may fail to capture the diversity of α-Syn variants present in PD. We sought to investigate the heterogeneity of α-Syn conformations and aggregation states in the PD human brain by labelling with multiple antibodies that detect epitopes along the entire length of α-Syn. We used multiplex immunohistochemistry to simultaneously immunolabel tissue sections with antibodies mapping the three structural domains of α-Syn. Discrete epitope-specific immunoreactivities were visualised and quantified in the olfactory bulb, medulla, substantia nigra, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and middle frontal gyrus of ten PD cases, and the middle temporal gyrus of 23 PD, and 24 neurologically normal cases. Distinct Lewy neurite and Lewy body aggregate morphologies were detected across all interrogated regions/cases. Lewy neurites were the most prominent in the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, while the substantia nigra, medulla and cortical regions showed a mixture of Lewy neurites and Lewy bodies. Importantly, unique N-terminus immunoreactivity revealed previously uncharacterised populations of (1) perinuclear, (2) glial (microglial and astrocytic), and (3) neuronal lysosomal α-Syn aggregates. These epitope-specific N-terminus immunoreactive aggregate populations were susceptible to proteolysis via time-dependent proteinase K digestion, suggesting a less stable oligomeric aggregation state. Our identification of unique N-terminus immunoreactive α-Syn aggregates adds to the emerging paradigm that α-Syn pathology is more abundant and complex in human brains with PD than previously realised. Our findings highlight that labelling multiple regions of the α-Syn protein is necessary to investigate the full spectrum of α-Syn pathology and prompt further investigation into the functional role of these N-terminus polymorphs.

A study on vibration-suppression mechanism for risers using flexible structural joints

AbstractThese new mechanisms for suppressing vibration in large diameter intake pipes and pumping systems has been developed for use in Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facilities. Like existing devices such as fairings and strakes, this mechanism is designed for practical use and has a flow path inside the pipe. The mechanism is designed to suppress vibration caused by both float motion and vortex-induced vibration (VIV) due to currents. Experiments were conducted using a scale model, and numerical calculations were used to evaluate the mechanism’s ability to reduce vibration. As a result, the natural frequencies of the pipes were analyzed, and it was found that the vibration damping mechanism, when installed at appropriate locations, can provide effective vibration suppression against the motion of the upper float and vibration caused by VIV due to currents over the entire length of the pipe, even at limited installation locations. On the other hand, it was found that the vibration suppression effect could not be achieved without appropriate positioning, and that the longer the pipe length, the more limited the vibration damping capability.

Experimental study on a Dual-Source Heat Pump in ground mode to assess the soil thermal response by means of a Distributed Temperature Sensing system

In this paper, a Dual-Source Heat Pump (DSHP), able to exploit both aerothermal and geothermal energy sources, has been tested in ground mode to evaluate experimentally the soil thermal response in presence of an undersized Borehole Heat Exchanger (BHE) field. The field is instrumented with a Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system, by which the geothermal fluid temperature can be measured over the entire length of the boreholes during the heat pump operation. The DSHP has been tested to reproduce the working profile of a heat generator coupled to a reference building, which has been numerically simulated by means of ALMABuild, a Matlab-Simulink tool. Three operating profiles have been identified within the simulation results to define three typical days of the heating season, characterized by different required loads. The results show that a DSHP operated in ground-mode and coupled to a borefield 50% undersized can meet completely the heating needs of a typical winter day, whilst higher building loads must be satisfied exploiting both air and ground sources. In this case, 80% of the undisturbed temperature of the soil can be recovered in an hour when aerothermal energy is extracted, thus the unit efficiency remains high and the investment cost is strongly reduced.

Bacteria Analysis in the Ciwalen River Garut using Next Generation Sequencing of 16S Ribosomal RNA


 
 
 The Ciwalen River flows through Garut city, West Java, Indonesia. This river is bordered by hundreds of leather tanning enterprises and community toilet waste. The purpose of this research is to analyse bacteria in Ciwalen river water using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method for the 16s ribosomal RNA gene using V1-V9 primer pairs, which will amplify the entire length of the rRNA gene and allow for species identification. The data revealed that there were 104,000 reads, 150,232,539 bases, and 81,761 bacterial species. Proteiniclasticum ruminis, Fusibacter ferrireducens, Fusibacter fontis, Fusibacter tunisiensis, Paludibacter propionicigenes, Arcobacter cloacae, Alishewanella jeotgali, Thiovirga sulfuroxydans, Pseudomonas fluvialis, and Thauera mechernichensis are the main bacterial species. In this study, another bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, was also found which is known to degrade heavy metals, chromium, timbal & cadmium (Cr, Pb and Cd). The profile of bacteria, as well as the presentation of their existence in this water sample, demonstrates the appropriateness of heavy metals from leather tannery waste in the Ciwalen river.
 
 

Optical coherence tomography-angiography for anterior uveal tract evaluation in normal subjects and in pathology

Purpose: to assess the potentials of optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCTA) in the evaluation of anterior segment (AS) uveal vessels in normal and pathological conditions.Material and methods. 20 healthy volunteers (40 eyes) with no ophthalmic pathology (the control group) and 85 previously untreated patients (85 eyes) with suspected tumors of the irido-ciliary area (the iris, the ciliary body and the peripheral sections of the choroid) were examined. All participants had optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCTA of AS, with the qualitative assessment of scans (vessels pattern, lumen, tortuosity) and the quantitative assessment (vessel density index, VD%, for the affected zone). In ciliary body or choroid pathologies, VD index was measured for the conjunctiva in the focus projection. VD index included mean and local VD, as well as VD of perifocal tissues. In addition, B-mode ultrasound scanning and ultrasound biomicroscopy were performed.Results. OCTA scans in 4 sectors of the normal iris showed a predominantly radial pattern of conjunctival vessels positioning, with their lumen remaining the same along their entire visible length. The lowest VD value (38.5%) was registered in the temporal iris segment, while the highest (43.9%) was revealed in the inferior quadrant. In the iris tumors area, intrinsic vascularity molded in various vascular patterns was observed. Melanomas could be suspected because of the vessels oriented along the axis of the tumor and by non-uniform lumen of the vessels.Conclusion. AS-OCTA is an informative method for the visualization of iris vessels in normal conditions and in iris pathology and may be considered a valuable addition to the standard visualization techniques.

ANALYSIS OF EXTREME VALUES FOR DATA PROCESSING OF IN-LINE TECHNICAL DIAGNOSTICS

The pipeline system plays an important role in the structure of enterprises engaged in the transportation of significant volumes of oil and gas over long distances. However, steel pipelines are subject to corrosive factors, which can lead to defects and a reduced service life. Statistical analysis methods have recently been increasingly used to maintain structural reliability and ensure safe operation of equipment, both in the oil and gas industries. One method of statistical modeling is extreme value analysis, which can be used to extrapolate data from random inspection checks to non-investigated areas. The article is devoted to the assessment of the possibility of using statistical methods for analyzing data of in-line technical diagnostics (ITD) to ensure the integrity of trunk pipelines. The ITD results of one section of the export pipeline were used to determine the maximum corrosion rate of the entire length of the pipeline by extrapolating the Gumbel statistical distribution. The algorithm for constructing the Gumbel distribution is given. Plotting the autocorrelation function was used as a method for determining the independence of measurements. The belonging of the analyzed sample to the Gumbel distribution was confirmed by calculating the Anderson-Darling consent criterion. The ITD results of the remaining sections of the oil export pipeline confirmed the possibility of using extreme analysis to determine the maximum corrosion rate and increase the efficiency of pipeline inspection measures. Thus, it was concluded that statistical modeling is able to provide an estimate of the maximum corrosion rate during partial pipeline ITD and, therefore, savings in financial and time resources.

Исследование напряжений в прямоугольной мембране, закрепленной по всей длине одной стороны и в углах противоположной стороны

Построено точное решение задачи о прогибах прямоугольной мембраны, закрепленной по всей длине одной из ее сторон и на противоположной стороне только в угловых точках. Приводится анализ распределения напряжений в мембране, из которого следует, что изменение формы мембраны с квадратной на прямоугольную приводит к изменению количества точек с max и увеличению значения max. An exact solution to the problem of deflections of a rectangular membrane fixed along the entire length of one of its sides and on the opposite side only at corner points is constructed. An analysis of the stress distribution in the membrane is presented, from which it follows that changing the shape of the membrane from square to rectangular leads to a change in the number of points with max and an increase in the value of max.

Lüders and Portevin–Le Chatelier processes in austenitic-martensitic TRIP steel

The authors studied the nature of mobile fronts of localized deformation that generate and propagate during deformation of metastable austenitic-martensitic TRIP steel VNS9-Sh along the entire length of the loading curve from the yield point to fracture. A joint research of the nature of the deformation fronts movement and kinetics of the magnetic phase accumulation made it possible to establish that the fronts under consideration are the fronts of the thermoelastic phase transformation of metastable austenite into martensite. This transformation is realized firstly by formation of the Chernov–Lüders bands and then the Portevin–Le Chatelier bands. Both processes are consistent with staging of the deformation curve, which contains a pseudo-plateau, a section with an increasing hardening coefficient, and a section with a decreasing hardening coefficient. It is shown that the deformation-induced phase transformation corresponds to the fronts propagating on the pseudo-plateau and on the section of loading curve with an increasing hardening coefficient. The Portevin–Le Chatelier bands, which are formed in the section of the loading diagram with a decreasing hardening coefficient, are not associated with “austenite-martensite” transformation and have a twin nature. The kinetics of thermoelastic transformation fronts, as well as deformation fronts in materials with a shear mechanism of shaping, can be described in terms of the autowave concept. On the yield plateaus, the phase transformation occurs through generation and propagation of localized plasticity switching autowaves. In the section with an increasing hardening coefficient, it continues through generation and movement of excitation autowaves. The propagation regions of excitation autowaves are limited in the sample space. They are set by the zones of origin and annihilation of primary switching autowaves which were formed on the yield plateau.

Neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder following COVID- 19 (ChAdOx1-S) vaccine

Neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder is an autoimmune demyelinating astro- cytopathy of central nervous system. It has emerged as a distinct clinical entity following the discovery of pathogenic antibody named AQP4-IgG against aquaporin-4 water channels in astrocytes. The clinical spectrum includes optic neuritis, acute myelitis, acute brain stem syndrome, area postrema syndrome, acute diencephalic syndrome and symptomatic cerebral syndrome.This case describes a young male patient who presented with subacute onset painful visual impairment of left eye along with bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness in the background of recent vaccination for covid-19 infection. Examination revealed bilateral papillitis and bilateral flaccid paraparesis with a sensory level at T4 level. Investigations revealed a longitudinally extensive myelitis spanning the entire length of the spinal cord, bilateral optic neuritis, positive serum AQP4-IgG antibodies with negative infective screening and autoimmune profile. Central nervous system demyelination has been observed with all types of covid-19 vaccines.

Patterns of runoff fluctuations of the Dniester River (Ukraine) under conditions of climate change at the beginning of the 21st century

The relevance of the chosen topic is associated with the impact of climate change on fluctuations of water content in Ukrainian rivers. The consequences of warming depend on physical and geographical conditions and vary significantly across different natural zones. The behaviour of catchment areas affected by climate change varies depending on landscape (mountainous or flat terrain) and latitude. This results in instability of boundaries of catchment areas with annual runoff synchronous and out-of-phase fluctuations. The study aims at establishing the patterns of annual runoff fluctuations in the Dniester basin with relation to fluctuations in the maximum runoff of rainfalls and spring floods. The spring floods are the ones that determine a significant part of annual runoff and depend on the impact of warming during the winter season. The study's main method is the method of constructing difference integral curves of annual and maximum rainfalls and maximum spring runoff and their analysis. There are 7 groups (zones) within the Dniester River catchment area identified by the type of difference integral curves of annual runoff. Fluctuations in annual, maximum rain and spring runoff were compared using the curves averaged within each group. The degree of synchronicity of fluctuations was estimated via correlation coefficients between the ordinates of difference integral curves. It was found that the main river oscillations retain their cyclicity along its entire length, even below the Dniester HPP. The last transition to a low-water phase occurred in 2010-2011. It was discovered that the main river's cyclical nature mostly results from fluctuations in the runoff of mountainous Carpathian tributaries that form the Dniester's runoff formation zone. This part of the catchment area is characterized by a high amount of snow and rainfalls feeding the river with the role of rainfalls having a predominant character. In the upper reaches of Carpathian rivers, where the impact of warming is not yet sufficiently pronounced at high altitudes, spring floods play a significant role in runoff formation. In the upper reaches of Carpathian rivers there is an additional zone where fluctuations in annual runoff are caused by both rainfalls and spring floods. The boundaries of this zone (2nd district) may change as the effects of warming increase high in the mountains. On the left-bank tributaries, the runoff fluctuations in Verkhnepodilskyi and Serednepodilskyi districts are similar to those of the main river, however, there is a shift in the dates of the last transition to a low-water phase. The study indicates the likelihood of karst and artificial reservoirs influence. It also indicates a significant difference in the nature of runoff fluctuations of the upper left-bank tributaries (Strvyazh, Vereshchytsia, Shcherek) and lower left-bank tributaries. They are affected by other atmospheric processes and climatic factors associated with such processes.

Two new species of <i>Mimosa</i> from northeastern Brazil

Two new species of Mimosa sect. Batocaulon ser. Leiocarpae are described from northeastern Brazil. Mimosa cardosoi occurs in the seasonally dry woodlands known as Caatinga from the upland areas of central Bahia state. It is close to M. mensicola from which differs by leaves with smaller and more numerous leaflets and by the shape of the leaflets, calyx, and corolla. Mimosa simonii is known only from the Araripe plateau along the Ceará-Pernambuco states border. It is similar to M. verrucosa from which it differs by spiculate leaves, larger leaflets, and corolla stellate-pubescent over its entire length.

DETERMINATION OF EFFECTIVE STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COLLECTIVE DRAINAGE PIPELINES FOR MELIORATIVE SYSTEMS

Methodology for calculation the effective structural characteristics of pressure collecting drainage pipelines is proposed in the paper. It is based on the analysis of the differential equations describing the movement of liquid with variableflow rate in such pipes. It is assumed that the flow rate variation along the length of the collector is taking place continuously. The studied system of differential equations consists of the variable mass hydraulics equation and the modified filtration equation., the original system is reduced to a dimensionless form by introducing new original variables.The effective characteristics of the drainage pipeline are meant as the parameters at which groundwater enters the pipe along its entire length with an intensity no less than specified by technological requirements.It is shown that the value of the effective parameters mainly depends on the value of three important factors: the resistance coefficient of the collectivedrainage pipeline «ζl»; distances between drainage pipes «E»; the generalized parameter «A», which comprehensively takes into account the structuraland filtering characteristics of the considered stream. The concept of a fictitious drainage pipeline of infinite length or a pipeline with an infinite filtering capacity of its side surface was used in the analysis. At the same time, the necessary pressure difference between the groundwater level and the piezometric pressure inside the real and fictitious pipelines is ensured. The resulting calculation formulasare quite simple and convenient to use.The example of calculating the effective characteristics of a real pressure collecting drainage pipeline is given. The presented calculation method will certainly be useful in the actual design of prefabricated drainage pipes of reclamation systems, since its use will allow to rationally calculate their parameters and, due to this, significantly reduce the cost of construction and ensure optimal conditions for the operation of reclamation systems.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF NON-STATIONARY HEAT PROCESSES IN THE GROUND HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

In the work, an analytical study of the efficiency of heat pumps using soil energy for heating, taking into account the climatic conditions of theregion of operation, is performed, which meets the tasks of energy saving and allows reducing emissions of harmful substances into the environment. The main attention is paid to increasing the efficiency of utilization of the technical potential of the soil energy source by the heat pump system using vertical soil heat exchangers. A methodology based on use of the mathematical modeling apparatus as a scientifically based toolkit for calculating non-stationary thermal processes, capable of ensuring the stability and reliability of the ground heat pump system in the short and long term, is proposed. The developed toolkit for calculation and analysis of heat exchange processes allows determining the power of the heat flow, which is removed from the soil, taking into account changes in climatic factors, temperature distribution in the soil around the soil tube and along its length over time, schematic and structural features of the soil tubes for further optimization of the parameters of the heat pump system . It was established that the power of the heat flow, which enters the evaporator of the heat pump from vertical soil pipes, depends on a number of influencing factors: the flow regime of the working fluid circulating in the soil circuit; physical properties of the working body; number of soil heat exchangers; temperature distribution in the soil around the soil tube along its entire length, which changes significantly during long-term operation of the system, affecting the course of heat exchange processes in the system elements. The proposed method makes it possible to perform numerical modeling of thermal processes in the elements of the heat pump, to determine the energy efficiency of the ground heat pump system, which is able to reliably provide consumers with heat during a long period of operation, which can be considered an innovative approach to the analysis of prospects for the development of heat pump heat supply.

AMIDR: A Complete Pulse Method for Measuring Cathode Solid-State Diffusivity

Lithium transport within cathode material is driven by diffusion. While fast cathode diffusion is desired, solid-state diffusivity is one of the most difficult cell material properties to measure. However, it is an important property to understand as cathode capacity is often limited by poor diffusivity. GITT (Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique) is a common diffusivity measurement method. This technique is accomplished by applying a series of constant current pulses to a cell and analyzing the voltage response. While easy to use, this method only measures near the surface of the active material by assuming that it takes the geometry of a semi-infinite plane. This approximation means that GITT is only accurate when measuring the very initial voltage response. However, the voltage response cannot be analyzed too early as this may amplify error produced by CDL (double layer capacitance) and RI (interface resistance) found at the cathode-electrolyte interface which GITT does not account for. EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy), an AC method, is better suited for distinguishing CDL/RI from diffusivity but also struggles to evaluate diffusivity beyond the surface of active material within a reasonable time frame1. In addition, instruments capable of quality EIS are often cost prohibitive compared to DC cell testers.The voltage responses after the first few moments of a pulse are relevant when evaluating cell behaviour in real-world applications and should be considered to produce comprehensive measurements of diffusivity and its performance impact. AMID (Atlung Method for Intercalant Diffusion) is a multi-rate pulse method produced by this lab which uses a series of pulses, both short/fast and long/slow, and an approximation-free analytical model (developed by Sven Atlung) for diffusion in a spherical particle, not a semi-infinite plane2. However, AMID cannot differentiate diffusion impedance from resistance and therefore requires that resistance be considered negligible. In addition, while AMID mathematics are free of approximations, the typical multi-rate pulse protocol does require that series of pulses be approximated as singular pulses3. Lastly, the multi-rate pulse protocol limits the state-of-charge resolution of diffusivity measurements.AMIDR (Atlung Method for Intercalant Diffusion and Resistance) incorporates a GITT-style single pulse protocol with AMID-style mathematics modified to account for resistance as shown in Figure 1b). AMIDR collects pulse data with a pseudo-logarithmic time distribution. This means that the same number of data points is collected in 0.1-1.0 seconds, 1.0-10 seconds, 10-100 seconds and so on. Unlike GITT which measures diffusivity at an early arbitrary point in a pulse, AMIDR considers the entire length of a pulse comprehensively. Fractional capacity is calculated for each datapoint by dividing the actual capacity with the ideal “impedance-free” capacity expected at that voltage as shown in Fig 1c). These fractional capacity values, normalized from 0-1, are fitted to the modified Atlung model. This modified Atlung model is nearly the same as the original Atlung model except an additional term is added for capacity limited by resistance. Unlike AMID, AMIDR measures both diffusivity and resistance simultaneously by using both as fitting parameters. Lastly, while CDL is usually small enough for RI to behave simply like ohmic resistance on relatively short time scales (>0.1 seconds), AMIDR has the option to account for CDL/RI when relevant such as near the bottom of a complete discharge.AMIDR is a new diffusivity measurement method tailored for cathode material in Li-ion batteries. By combining the advantages of various previous diffusivity methods, AMIDR eliminates many of their concerns and sources of error such as sampling of only the material surface, alternate confounding sources of impedance, and expensive equipment as seen in Figure 1a). When paired with proper cell design (i.e. ultra-low single layer cathode loading to remove pore impedance and reference electrodes to remove anode impedance), AMIDR can produce high resolution diffusivity measurements with improved accuracy and applicability to real-world cell performance.References C. Deng and W. Lu, Journal of Power Sources, 473, 228613 (2020).A. Liu et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 168, 070503 (2021).M. Doyle, J. Newman, and J. Reimers, Journal of Power Sources, 52, 211–216 (1994). Figure 1. (a) Comparison of various Diffusivity measurements. (b) The modified Atlung model for diffusion in a spherical particle. (c) How pulse data is converted to the unitless Atlung model. Figure 1

Integrating Fiber Sensing for Spatially Resolved Temperature Measurement in Fuel Cells

Fiber optic sensors integrated into fuel cell stacks have the potential to significantly enhance the temperature control and health monitoring of fuel cells. Inhomogeneous loading, both within individual cells and across different cells in a stack, leads to the formation of local hotspots that accelerate aging and degrade performance. This study investigates the behavior and feasibility of incorporating polyimide-coated optical fiber sensors into bipolar plates for precise and spatially resolved temperature monitoring. The sensor is successfully integrated into a single cell of a fuel cell stack, positioned on the bipolar plate in direct contact with the membrane. Pre-tests are conducted to thoroughly evaluate the technical properties of the fiber in relation to specific cell requirements. Additionally, a physical prototype featuring the sensor is developed and employed to validate its effectiveness under realistic operating conditions. The temperature measurement obtained via the fiber exhibits a continuous profile throughout the entire length, covering both the active area and distributor region of the cell. Throughout the entire 60 min test period, the measuring system provided continuous and uninterrupted temperature measurements, encompassing the start of the stack, the heating phase, the subsequent stable operating point, and the cooling phase. However, some technical challenges are identified, as mechanical pressure exerted on the fiber influences the measured temperature. While this work demonstrates promising results, further advancements are necessary to address inhomogeneous loading within fuel cells and hotspot mitigation. The precise monitoring of temperature distribution enables early detection of potential damage, facilitating timely interventions to improve the service life and overall performance of fuel cells.

Appropriate intradeltoid muscle needle penetration depth in vaccine administration: an MRI study in Thailand.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriate vaccination needle penetration depth into the deltoid muscle to avoid injection-site complications from an inappropriate injection depth and/or injection site in the Thai population. This was a retrospective study using axial proton density-weighted images of MRI shoulders at the level of 2 fingerbreadths below the acromion process to measure the combined thickness of the skin, subcutaneous fat pad and deltoid muscle to evaluate the percentage of injections into the deltoid muscle with various needle penetration depths. There were 509 MRI shoulder images of 222 males and 287 females (265 right shoulders and 244 left shoulders). The average body mass index and age were 24.54 ± 3.54 kg/m2 and 64.81 ± 10.20 years, respectively. Using a needle penetration depth of 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) achieved 100% of injections into the deltoid muscle. We recommend advancing the entire length of a 0.5-inch needle perpendicular to the skin at 2 fingerbreadths below the acromion process for adult intradeltoid vaccinations. This approach ensures optimal vaccine delivery and minimizes the risk of injection-related injuries.

On the influence of the supposed global deep fault on the strong earthquakes in Indonesia

According to the NEIC global catalog, out of 14 earthquakes with a magnitude of MS ≥7.0 registered in the world in the first six months of 2023, two belong to the powerful multi-earthquake of Turkey 06.02.2023 (Mw: 7.8 и 7.7), and the remaining 12 occurred in the Indonesian region. In the paper the geodynamic situation in the preparation of a series of Indonesian events, which began with two earthquakes: 08 and 09.01.2023 (MS : 7.0 и 7.6, Н=29 и 105 km), is investigated by means of a geoinformation system by means of a geoformation system GIS-ENDDB. It is established that all 12 earthquakes are spatially confined to the sub-latitudinal “Indonesian” seismolineament with a length of 9500 km, detected by the method of the great circle of the Earth. The dynamics of changes in the geophysical environment properties of the 950-kilometer zone from the axis of the lineament was estimated by the value of the paired correlation of magnitude MS and creepex Cr0_ISC. Two methods were used to calculate the coefficient of paired correlation of these parameters in a sliding time window: 1) with a fixed window size and 2) with one edge fixed at zero time (corresponding to the moment of the strongest Indonesian event on 09.01.2023). Both methods confirm the fact of monotonous consolidation of the environment along the lineament (evenly along its entire length and depth) 33 days before and 31 days after the strongest Indonesian shock: at the interval of reverse correlation (|KKOR|≥0.7) of magnitude and creepex. The same pattern was previously described by us for the consolidated part of the earth’s crust, where stronger earthquakes have a smaller creepex (characterizing the greater contribution of brittle destruction). Thus, the fact of the formation of an organized state of the environment (linear rigid structure) within the limits of the assumed deep fault, affecting the subsequent seismicity of the region in the form of a spatially timed semi-annual series of the strongest earthquakes with MS ≥7.0 is confirmed.

Pressure-based analysis of rheological equilibrium distances of pumped self-consolidating concrete (SCC)

The influence of pumping on the rheological properties of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is widely recognized, but there is still limited understanding of its behavior within the pipeline. In this study, we propose a novel approach using equilibrium distances to investigate the evolution of rheological properties along the pipeline. Full-scale horizontal pumping circuits spanning 328 m were established to assess the axial development of SCC's rheological properties. Thirteen mixtures, with water-to-cement (w/c) ratios ranging from 0.22 to 0.27, were pumped at discharge rates varying from 5.77 to 12.69 L/s. Our findings show that for pumping setups and material studied, both the w/c ratio of SCC and the discharge rate significantly affected the influence of rheological equilibrium distances on pressure loss gradient changes. In all tested samples, viscosity values required the entire length of the pipeline to reach post-pumping levels, while yield stress values rapidly achieved their fully developed state upon entering the pipeline. Importantly, the predicted pressure loss displayed a strong correlation with experimental measurements, with an accuracy of 89.42% across all tested mixtures. Our predictive model showed an average improvement of 4.6% in accuracy compared to the linear approach, with the most significant enhancement observed in samples with higher w/c ratios. This research sheds new light on the behavior of SCC during pumping and provides valuable insights for optimizing the pumping process.

Salvage treatment of forearm arteriovenous fistula with small caliber inflow distal artery by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Background: Dysfunctional distal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with small caliber distal inflow arteries theoretically require percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) throughout the entire arterial length. However, in clinical practice, whole distal inflow arterial PTA is not frequently performed due to concerns about possible arterial rupture. Therefore, we investigated the safety and efficacy of this procedure at our center, comparing it with the standard venous PTA. Methods: From March 2017 to December 2022, 48 cases of distal AVF salvaged by whole distal inflow arterial PTA were assigned into a treatment group and 121 cases of distal AVF salvaged by venous standard PTA not involving the whole inflow artery were assigned into a control group. These two groups were then compared. Results: Those in the treatment group (who received whole distal inflow arterial PTA) were older than those in the control group (mean age, 69 vs 59 years, p < 0.001). Otherwise, differences between the two groups were unremarkable. After the salvage treatment, primary patency seemed to decrease in the treatment group with whole distal inflow arterial PTA compared to the control group with conventional PTA, although such decrease was not significant ( p = 0.072). However, primary assisted patency and secondary patency were comparable between the two groups ( p = 0.350 and p = 0.590, respectively). And in the treatment group, only one arterial dissection occurred, which was successfully managed with balloon tamponade so that no distal AVF was abandoned due to complications following whole distal inflow arterial PTA. Conclusion: Whole distal inflow arterial PTA is an effective and safe option for distal AVF salvage with a narrowed inflow artery, frequently refractory to conventional venous PTA.