In this study, the floor response spectra (FRS) of an auxiliary building with reinforced concrete (RC) walls in a nuclear power plant were experimentally investigated through hybrid simulation, considering the nonlinear behavior of the RC walls. Unlike shaking table testing, which requires testing the whole target building, hybrid simulation enables testing only a part of the building while analytically considering the remaining of the building. Thus, this approach maximizes the utilization of existing testing facilities, thereby enabling testing with test specimens as close in scale to full-scale target RC walls as possible. By employing a specially designed load transfer element, flexible loading beam, a three-dimensional loading condition that RC shear walls undergo during seismic events, including the in-plane, the out-of-plane, and the vertical direction, was realistically simulated in the hybrid simulation to consider its impact on the FRS, which is challenging to capture by pure analytical approaches. The hybrid simulation results clearly showed that the nonlinear behavior of the tested RC shear wall has a significant impact on the FRS of the target building, and the peak floor accelerations can be greatly amplified compared to peak ground accelerations.

Bidirectional transfer of influenza virus between hands and environmental surfaces under multifactorial conditions.

Numerical simulation of the horizontal plane maneuverability of a submarine with conformal and non-conformal rudder

Data-driven flexible motion sensors have drawn more attention recently. Compared with the current mainstream motion capture technologies, like the depth-of-field camera with the environmental limitations, silicon-based inertial devices with a mismatch in mechanical properties between their rigid morphology and the soft biological tissues in a microenvironment, etc., wearable motion sensing technology presents obvious advantages. Here, we demonstrated theoretically and experimentally a conductive/dielectric heterogeneous-interface (CDHI) regulated motion sensor inspired by biological sensory systems. This kind of device can recognize both the motion directions and parameters of external objects with the corresponding potential signals, and the function can be further extended to 3D space through a programmed interface pattern and machine learning assistance. Results show that this potential amplitude can be up to ∼ 102 ± 5mV, motion height up to 30cm, and frequency as low as 0.2Hz, motion space of 0°∼360° in horizontal direction and up-down in vertical direction, respectively. The practical feasibility was further explored for human finger interactive electronics successfully, including virtual interactive control, the Sokoban game, and human-hand/manipulator follow-up control, respectively. The proposed wearable 3D tactile communicator provides a new sensing experience that the present array sensors via a touch mode cannot offer.

Abstract Airborne electro-optical systems, essential for reconnaissance, target tracking, and environmental monitoring, are highly susceptible to performance degradation and failure due to multi-axis broadband vibrations caused by engine operation, aerodynamic disturbances, and varying flight attitudes. To tackle the challenging problem of suppressing such complex vibrations, this study designed a magnetorheological multi-dimensional vibration absorber (MMDVA) featuring a decoupled multidimensional motion design. Firstly, the absorber is designed with a dual-cylinder configuration to decouple motion, allowing independent coils and fluid passages to achieve adaptable stiffness and damping characteristics. A triaxial mechanical model of MMDVA based on the magnetorheological fluid's (MRF) Bingham model was established, revealing the magnetically controllable characteristics of its three-axis output force. Secondly, to maximize the magnetically controllable range, the dimensions of mechanical units were optimized with correlation analysis and the genetic algorithm in COMSOL, thereby alleviating the computational burden and risk of local optima caused by multiple parameters. Finally, experimental results demonstrate outstanding magnetically controllable damping and stiffness properties in both vertical (Z) and lateral (X, Y) directions. The vertical and lateral damping increased by up to 131.55% and 223.98%, respectively, while the stiffness exhibited increases of 83.30% and 77.21%, respectively. These findings affirm the absorber's effectiveness in mitigating multi-dimensional vibrations under realistic operating conditions.

The constrained lever model (CLM) predicts that the jaw adductor resultant muscle forces (RMF) must pass through a "triangle of support" (ToS) to prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) distraction during biting. The CLM defines distracting forces as perpendicular to the plane of the ToS, but the orientation of the ToS varies both within and between individuals based on bite point, gape, and differences in the height of the TMJ. We compare TMJ distractive forces estimated using a ToS plane versus a fixed, horizontal plane criterion across a range of gapes using muscle moments and forces for the three major jaw adductor muscles in 97 morphologically diverse primate species. At occlusion, 80% of the species experienced stabilizing compressive forces under a horizontal plane criterion, but only 44% of species had a RMF inside the ToS. This mismatch indicates that predictions of TMJ distraction and joint stability are highly dependent upon the comparison plane, which is challenging for comparisons between primates with varying TMJ heights, and consequently, ToS orientations. Joint stability increased with gape but varied little with taxonomy and across diet categories. These results provide strong evidence that the CLM is a poor predictor of the joint stability when the TMJs are elevated. These findings suggest future applications of the CLM should either focus on taxa with TMJs near the occlusal plane or calculate joint reaction forces directly to assess joint stability in mammals with elevated TMJs.

Microfluidic devices play a crucial role in the widespread application of single-cell analysis, where hydrodynamic focusing stands out due to its simplicity in structure and excellent adaptability to a wide range of flow rates. Owing to the extensive application of soft lithography, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in the fabrication of microfluidic devices. However, challenges arise under high-throughput conditions, where the elastic deformation of PDMS can cause microchannel expansion, diminishing focusing effect. To address this challenge, this work introduces a three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic focusing device with simplified single-layer structure, which is fabricated by the double transfer process, specifically designed for fabricating polyurethane acrylate (PUA) microfluidic devices. Notably, this approach eliminates the time-consuming heating procedures, which significantly enhances manufacturing speed by an order of magnitude compared to the soft lithography process. To evaluate the practical focusing performance of the microfluidic device, optical time-stretch (OTS) microscopy is employed for high-throughput imaging of clinical urine samples. Experimental results demonstrate that as the flow rate increases, the focusing efficiency gradually improves in both vertical and lateral directions. At an averaged velocity of 16.7 m/s, the focusing efficiency reaches 98.4% in the vertical direction and 95.0% in the lateral direction. Thus, the amalgamation of simplicity, efficiency, and adaptability positions this technology as a promising tool in the realm of microfluidics, particularly for applications requiring precise cell focusing in high-throughput scenarios.

Motor graders are widely used in mining operations, especially in open-pit mines, to move and level surfaces. These types of equipment have a blade that can be adjusted to different inclinations concerning the axis of travel and the horizontal plane, making them essential for earthmoving. Their main function is to level specific areas of the ground, ensuring the regularity of the terrain. However, these blades are subject to abrasive wear due to constant contact with the ground, which can impact their efficiency and useful life. In this work, a tribological study of the edges of motor graders at the end of their useful life was carried out, aiming to characterize the material and propose secondary applications. Several analysis techniques were used, including chemical analysis, stereoscopic images, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and hardness and abrasion tests. This work also presented a practical and sustainable proposal for the reuse of the material, promoting efficiency and reducing the environmental impact in the management of industrial waste. The results obtained provided a comprehensive understanding of the material properties of motor grader edges. It was also possible to formulate a detailed specification of the material, highlighting its physical and chemical characteristics. In addition, the study identified a potential application for the reuse of this material, suggesting its application as wear plate in buckets.

To improve the process controllability and fabrication uniformity of porous silicon (PS)-based electron emission devices (EEDs), we employed an epitaxial (epi) silicon film as the functional layer, leveraging its advantages of high crystalline quality and flexibility of resistivity modulation regardless of the substrate. Precise modulation of the epi film resistivity was achieved via ion implantation. We investigated the effects of resistivity modulation on the fabrication process and device performance. This scheme enabled the formation of PS through electrochemical etching without illumination, and therefore etch self-termination. As a direct result, the etching uniformity in both the vertical and horizontal directions is enhanced. It then facilitated the optimization of the oxidation of the PS surface, which is essential for EED performance. The devices exhibited a maximum electron emission current density (Je) of 80 μA/cm2 with high stability. Driven under DC mode at a bias voltage (Vps) of 23 V, Je decreased temporarily to 28 μA/cm2 after 4 h of continuous operation. This study provides a new feasible approach for research on PS EEDs.

Passive arm support exoskeletons (ASEs) have attracted interest with the prospect of reducing shoulder musculoskeletal injuries. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of passive ASEs on electrical activation of shoulder and torso muscles while performing simulated vertical and horizontal drilling exertions by 17 experienced aircraft workers. The tasks included three vertical drilling heights (chin, head, overhead levels) and two horizontal drilling heights (eye, overhead levels), where participants performed five two-second exertions with one-second no-exertion times between successive drilling exertions. Electromyographic signals from the anterior and medial deltoids, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, biceps and triceps were captured. During vertical drilling exertions, ASEs significantly reduced dominant and non-dominant medial deltoid muscle activity, as well as activity in the non-dominant anterior deltoid, but not the dominant anterior deltoid. During horizontal drilling exertions, ASEs significantly decreased dominant and non-dominant anterior and medial deltoid muscle activity. ASEs significantly reduced non-dominant and dominant anterior and medial deltoid muscle activity during the time between drilling exertions in both the vertical and horizontal drilling directions. These results are encouraging in suggesting that ASEs reduce muscular exertion during drilling tasks commonly found in aircraft manufacturing. However, ASEs must be evaluated in worksite studies to better assess their efficacy.

This paper presents an evaluation of two new approaches to improve the surface quality and the mechanical properties of ceramic parts printed by fused deposition of ceramic (FDC). Dip-coating and aerosol-treatment are performed in order to reduce the staircase effect in the vertical printing direction, which typically represents the weakest orientation in most additive manufacturing processes, particularly in fused filament fabrication (FFF). The post-treatments are applied on two highly filled alumina feedstocks. A commercial aerosol-treatment machine for fused deposition modeling is used with ethanol as solvent. A suspension composition for dip-coating is developed to reduce the surface roughness without compromising the printing resolution. The influence of these post-processing steps on the mechanical properties and surface roughness of the green and sintered parts is investigated using perthometer measurements and four-point bending tests in the vertical build direction on as-processed, aerosol-treated, and dip-coated samples. The mechanical results are compared to extruded strand samples. An improvement in surface quality is achievable by dip-coating despite reduction in the parts strength, with a reduction of 65% of the Rz values in the sintered state compared to untreated samples. Aerosol-treatment neither improves the surface quality nor the mechanical properties of the parts. The feedstock and post-processing steps developed in this research aim at printing dense ceramic parts with high surface quality, serving as a basis for developing ceramic parts with higher strength. This advancement will facilitate the utilization of FDC in structural and aesthetic design applications.

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of upper eyelid skin excision via the subbrow approach combined with suspension of the orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous flap to the frontalis muscle. Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive case series was conducted involving 30 patients (60 eyelid-brow units) who underwent surgery at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Cho Ray Hospital, from February to August 2024. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were conducted at 1 month and 3 months. Key variables included the distance from a horizontal plane through the mid-pupil to the upper eyelid skin crease and to the superior eyebrow margin at 3 measurement points. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction was assessed using the Likert scale. Results: The mean age was 54.4 years (range: 35-70). The height of the upper eyelid crease increased significantly at the mid-pupil and lateral canthal regions at both 1 month and 3 months postoperatively ( P < .0001), while the position of the eyebrow did not show any statistically significant change ( P > .05). Most patients experienced no pain or only mild postoperative pain. Transient symptoms such as nausea and forehead numbness were noted but resolved completely. Subbrow scars were esthetically acceptable in all cases. The satisfaction rate was high, with 93.3% satisfaction at 1 month and 86.7% at 3 months. Conclusion: Upper eyelid skin excision via the subbrow approach combined with suspension of the orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous flap to the frontalis muscle is a safe and effective technique that significantly improves upper eyelid skin redundancy without altering the position of the eyebrow. The procedure is associated with minimal postoperative pain and high patient satisfaction.

Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) is a high-precision microfluidic technique for particle separation based on size differences. However, the lack of an accurate predictive model for the critical diameter (Dc) limits both the design flexibility and understanding of DLD behavior. In this study, we propose a novel Dc prediction framework based on a 3D physical model, achieving high accuracy and computational efficiency. Experimental validation shows excellent agreement between predicted and actual particle trajectories. Remarkably, we discover that Dc exhibits a U-shaped variation along the vertical direction of the DLD channel, revealing a transition zone. Numerical simulations show that particles within this zone undergo vertical oscillations, causing trajectory switching between zigzag and bump modes, resulting in an altered zigzag trajectory. This framework reveals the mechanism behind altered zigzag formation from a 3D perspective and provides a powerful tool for the rapid, accurate, and customizable design of DLD microfluidic separation devices.

This paper presents a novel simulation framework for estimating the dynamic response of a full-scale ground-mounted solar panel array under stationary wind loads that are spatially correlated across the length of the solar panel array. Specifically, the framework uses mean pressure coefficient distributions along the length of a 1:10 prototype scale of the solar panel array from smooth inflow derived using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation software The Wind Engineering with Uncertainty Quantification (WE-UQ). Note that for the CFD simulation, the input wind field across the length of the solar panel array is uniform along the horizontal direction, and the wind field is smooth inflow. Next, the simulated stochastic wind loads are generated from the spatially varying and correlated stationary wind velocities along the full-scale solar panel array using a stochastic wave approach from the spectral representation method (SRM), as well as the mean pressure coefficients derived from the CFD simulation. Further, the simulated stochastic wind loads are applied to a solar panel array finite element model using the Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees) to simulate dynamic responses. Displacements of solar panel modules and torque strains on the torque tube are estimated to observe the performance of the solar panel array. The mode shapes and the corresponding frequencies can be identified from the results, and the accuracy can be validated by comparing the frequencies obtained from the solar panel model. Further, strong mean wind velocities are applied in the proposed simulation framework to assess the torsional strain of the torque tube. Consequently, the proposed simulation framework provides a valuable, novel tool for solar panel array analysis that is much more computationally efficient than existing methods.

Dynamic equilibrium of AUV in vertical plane using integrated rudder-ITBS control under complex disturbances

Characterization of vertical confinement of Brownian-diffusive particles within quarter-wavelength ultrasonic standing wave fields in a cylindrical micro-resonator.

Distortion is a key parameter affecting the imaging performance of lenses. In this study, we propose a testing method based on detector Nyquist sampling of image data to achieve high-precision measurements of the distortion distribution of lenses. The distribution patterns of distortions in horizontal and vertical directions can be obtained by analyzing the distribution patterns of Moiré fringes in images under Nyquist sampling conditions and using phase-shift algorithms. The distortion-distribution characteristics of the lens are then calculated using distortion formulas. This method is characterized by high testing accuracy and sampling resolution. The image-plane distortion distribution exhibited a consistent linear trend when the object-plane position varied within a limited spatial range. Furthermore, the proposed method achieved a magnification deviation factor repeatability accuracy of approximately ±108 nm/cm and third-order distortion-measurement accuracy of approximately ±108 nm/cm3. This method enables a high-precision distortion evaluation of conventional industrial imaging lenses.

Distinctive electrocardiographic pattern in acute myocardial infarction.

To evaluate the relationship between sucking habits (such as thumb sucking and pacifier use) and dental occlusion in preschool children. The functional development of the oral cavity can be altered by sucking habits in infancy. It is important to know how these can influence the development of malocclusions in the primary dentition and, consequently, can help us to prevent them or reduce the risk factors in the permanent dentition. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2022 to January 2023. The sample consisted of 314 patients aged 2 to 5 years attending their first visit to the Service of Paediatric Dentistry of the HM Nens Hospital, HM Hospitales in Barcelona and in the University Clinic of Dentistry of the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. Patients with incomplete primary dentition or any diseases that hindered assessment were excluded. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire divided into three sections, covering demographic information, sucking habits, and an intraoral examination of dental occlusion. Malocclusions were assessed in the sagittal, vertical, and transversal planes. Breastfeeding promotes proper jaws development and reduces malocclusion risk. Breastfed children used pacifiers and digit sucking less, whereas bottle-feeding was linked to these habits. Girls showed a higher prevalence of malocclusion than boys, and respiratory issues in infancy were associated with increased malocclusion rates. No correlation was found with the type of pacifier nipple, prematurity, low birth weight, type of birth, or lingual frenulum alterations.

A model for the estimation of freestream mars horizontal wind speeds and directions for MEDA wind sensors in NASA-JPL mars 2020 mission. Part I: Aerodynamic modeling of Perseverance boundary layer using CFD