This study investigates the behavior of single-anchored steel sheet pile walls used as temporary retaining systems in medium-depth excavations ranging from 5 to 6 meters in depth. A series of parametric analyses were performed using PLAXIS 2D under static conditions to evaluate the effects of excavation depth, soil internal friction angle, unit weight, and vertical anchor position on wall performance. Consequently, the optimum vertical distance of the anchor from the ground surface was determined to be between 0.25 and 0.3H in terms of displacement. The results of the numerical simulations provided the basis for developing a predictive model for maximum horizontal wall displacement. To obtain accurate, generalized predictions, a hybrid Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model optimized using the Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm was developed. In this approach, HHO was used to optimize the ANN hyperparameters, including transfer functions and the number of hidden-layer neurons. The findings highlight the potential of combining finite element analysis with hybrid soft-computing approaches to enhance the design and performance evaluation of anchored retaining systems in temporary excavations.

Molecular-level understanding of droplet rebound on nonwetting surfaces is important for controlling liquid transport and removal. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the oblique impact of two unequal-sized nanodroplets on a superhydrophobic Pt surface. The effects of Weber number and inclination angle on impact morphology, spreading, rebound, and energy dissipation are systematically examined. With increasing Weber number, the impact outcome evolves from regular deposition to regular bouncing, hole bouncing, and breakup-dominated states. Increasing the inclination angle enhances tangential momentum and impact asymmetry, thereby promoting perforation and fragmentation while reducing the maximum spreading factor. An inclination-corrected scaling relation, We0.382Re0.411 sinα-0.365, better describes the spreading behavior than conventional inclination-independent correlations. Rebound analysis shows that the inclination angle regulates horizontal displacement, restitution coefficient, takeoff velocity, and contact time by altering momentum partition and asymmetric recoil. Energy analysis further indicates that although viscous dissipation increases with Weber number, its proportion relative to the initial kinetic energy decreases. More importantly, the coupling between oblique impact and droplet-size asymmetry activates a rolling-assisted rebound mode, providing an additional route for energy redistribution. These results reveal how dynamic and geometric asymmetries govern nanodroplet mobility on superhydrophobic surfaces.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the design, seismic performance, and constructability of lead rubber bearing (LRB) systems for two skybridges connecting three high-rise towers. The target structure is a residential complex with three towers approximately 200 m high and two skybridges installed at the 17th floor between adjacent towers. To accommodate relative lateral and torsional displacements caused by differences in tower dynamic characteristics during earthquakes, multidirectional LRBs were installed at the skybridge supports. Linear elastic analyses were conducted to determine design axial forces and displacement demands, followed by nonlinear time-history analyses using seven spectrum-compatible ground motions to evaluate seismic responses. The results showed that maximum horizontal and relative displacements at all isolation interfaces remained within the design allowable limit of 150 mm. Full-scale LRBs manufactured according to the design specifications were tested under pure compression and combined compression – shear cyclic loading following ISO 22762–1. The test results confirmed satisfactory vertical stiffness, effective horizontal stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity. Overall, the proposed LRB system demonstrated reliable seismic performance and practical applicability for skybridges in high-rise building complexes.

Model tests are carried out to study the bearing characteristics of modified suction caissons (MSC) under long-term horizontal cyclic loading. The influences of the cyclic loading frequency, combination of two kinds of vertical loading and cyclic loading on the MSC horizontal displacement, cumulative rotation angle, pore water pressure inside the caisson and stiffness are obtained. The experimental results show that the horizontal displacement of MSC increases with the increase of loading frequency. Under different loading frequencies, the MSC shows an upward trend in the vertical direction, and under the same loading cycle, the upward displacement of MSC decreases with the increase of loading frequency. The maximum water pressure both inside the internal compartment and the external structure accumulates with the increase of the loading cycles. As the vertical load on the lid increases, the horizontal displacement of the MSC decreases, its overall stiffness improves, the rotation angle of the caisson is reduced, and the recovery of this rotation angle is enhanced. When the number of cycles is greater than 2000, the rotation angle of MSC increases rapidly. Under the condition of multistage cyclic loading, the stiffness of MSC gradually decreases with the increase in the number of cycles.

ABSTRACT This study examines the influence of excavation corner geometry on deformation control in urban excavations. A combination of small-scale physical modeling and 3D finite-element simulations using Mohr-Coulomb and Hardening Soil models was validated against a full-scale, soil-nailed excavation monitored with high-precision geodetic measurements. Results indicate that corner modifications can reduce horizontal wall displacements by up to 41%, with more modest reductions observed in adjacent settlements (23%) and floor heave (5%). The Hardening Soil model closely matched experimental outcomes, while 2D simulations tended to overestimate deformations. The stabilizing effect of corner modifications was more pronounced for unsupported walls than for soil-nailed systems. These findings demonstrate that strategic corner design is an effective approach to enhance excavation stability, providing valuable guidance for safe urban construction practices.

Based on a case study of the track cross-cut in Liuzhuang Coal Mine's western shaft bottom yard, this research investigates the deformation and failure behavior of weak surrounding rock in adjacent roadways subjected to excavation disturbance. A combined methodology was applied, including field measurement, similarity simulation, and numerical modeling, to analyze failure mechanisms and design a remediation strategy for the affected rock zone. Results indicate that roadway deformation primarily exhibits as cross-section convergence, influenced by surrounding rock strength, support resistance, and excavation disturbance. Stress affected zones from adjacent excavations overlap, expanding the unloading range, with the initially excavated roadway shielding stress redistribution in subsequent ones. Compared to shed support alone, the combination of full cables, steel sets, and an inverted arch reduced displacement growth by 95.31%. Numerical simulation validated that after repair, the maximum horizontal displacement increased by 63mm while the vertical stress peak dropped by4.05MPa. The integrated support system-combining active cables with passive shed and inverted arch-effectively stabilized the weak rock by enhancing self-bearing capacity, transferring stress deeper, and optimizing the stress environment. The findings offer practical guidance for repairing adjacent roadways under similar conditions.

The rapid development of underground space in soft soil areas necessitates improved understanding of the deformation patterns and mechanisms associated with ultradeep excavations. This study investigated the spatiotemporal deformation patterns induced by a 34.9 m-deep subway station excavation in Tianjin, China, constructed using the top-down (TD) method. The difference in deformation patterns between excavations using the bottom-up (BU) method and those using the TD method is discussed through field measurements and numerical simulations. In TD excavation, the magnitude of diaphragm wall (DW) horizontal displacement is significantly smaller than that in BU excavation. Furthermore, the rate at which the depth of maximum horizontal displacement increases with excavation depth is slower than that observed in BU excavation. Under stratum heave effects, the DW exhibited an uplift of up to 20 mm, generating differential displacements exceeding 10 mm between the wall and column. Stratum heave further exacerbated the differential settlement of adjacent buildings, causing the far-side foundation to experience uplift while settlement persisted on the near side. After accounting for wall uplift, the ratio of the maximum ground surface settlement to maximum lateral wall displacement ranged from 0.4 to 2.0, consistent with previous studies. The progressive development of DW deformation in both horizontal and vertical directions was summarized. The growth curve of TD excavations exhibits a convex upward shape, whereas that of BU excavations exhibits a convex downward shape. These findings provide guidance for the stage-specific deformation control of comparable complex projects in soft soil areas and highlight the need to incorporate stratum heave effects into the deformation analysis and structural design of ultradeep excavation support systems.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Precise electrode placement is essential for optimal outcomes in deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for Parkinson’s disease. Intraoperative brain shift caused by cerebrospinal fluid loss and pneumocephalus may reduce stereotactic accuracy, particularly during bilateral implantation. We evaluated whether implantation order and pneumocephalus independently predict radial electrode deviation. METHODS: This retrospective, single-surgeon study included 45 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral STN DBS (90 electrodes). Planned coordinates from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging were fused with postoperative computed tomography (CT) to determine actual lead positions. Radial deviation was defined as horizontal (ΔX–ΔY) displacement in millimeters. Pneumocephalus volume was quantified using postoperative CT volumetry. Associations were assessed using univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Mean radial deviation was 2.18 ± 0.52 mm. Second-implanted electrodes showed significantly greater deviation than first-implanted electrodes (2.46 ± 0.55 mm vs. 1.89 ± 0.41 mm; P < 0.001). Mean pneumocephalus volume was 11.6 ± 6.9 cm 3 and was positively correlated with radial deviation ( r = 0.48, P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, pneumocephalus volume ( β = 0.031 mm/cm 3 ; P = 0.001) and implantation order ( β = 0.49 mm; P < 0.001) independently predicted deviation, whereas surgical state, micro-electrode recording, and incision strategy were not significant. The model explained 40% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Electrode deviation in bilateral STN DBS is independently associated with cumulative brain shift and implantation sequence. Minimizing pneumocephalus and optimizing operative workflow may improve stereotactic accuracy.

Mechanistic insights into humidity-triggered bioaerosol emissions in greenhouses: Source dynamics and physics-based modeling.

Horizontal displacement of an adjacent metro station induced by foundation pit excavation with structural interaction effects

Computational biomechanical comparison of conventional and novel fixation techniques for Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures.

Support-type tubular busbar structures widely used in substations are inherently vulnerable to earthquake-induced damage. This study experimentally characterizes the load-resisting behavior and deformation mechanisms of post insulators under quasi-static cyclic loading representative of 220kV substation conditions. Quasi-static test results revealed that the porcelain body responded almost elastically, whereas localized plastic deformation developed at the porcelain-to-cast-iron-sleeve interface. The effective viscous damping ratio of the post insulator remained below 1.5%, indicating limited energy dissipation capacity within each loading-unloading cycle. A progressive increase in the top horizontal displacement induced pronounced stiffness degradation in the post insulator. Relative to the initial elastic value, the secant lateral stiffness decreased by 48% at a top displacement of 50mm and by 67% at 100mm. Building upon these observations, a composite cantilever-beam model incorporating stiffness degradation was proposed to represent the dynamic response of post insulators, and the associated dynamic equilibrium equation was formulated. Incorporating plastic deformation at the porcelain-sleeve interface into seismic design calculations increases the required flexural strength of electrical equipment by approximately 10-12%, thereby markedly improving its seismic resilience.

The reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) is a highly mobile pelagic marine ray found throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, but investigation into their behavior and ecology within Papua New Guinea has not been previously undertaken. Furthermore, the home range, dispersal characteristics, and inter-seasonal fine-scale habitat use of this species is limited. To address these data gaps and investigate the vertical and horizontal habitat use of a previously unstudied population, SPLASH10-F-321A pop-off archival satellite tags were used to track ten adult individuals from 4–181 days between 2016–2018 across two distinct monsoonal periods in the Samarai Islands of Milne Bay, southeastern Papua New Guinea. Our findings indicate strong site-attached movement patterns for reef manta rays in this region, with 75% of relocations occurring within ten kilometers of the tagging site. While occasional movements beyond this range were observed, the maximum displacement distance was 86.9 km, and no consistent seasonal differences in horizontal displacement distance were detected. Tagged rays displayed a clear preference for the Samarai Islands and the Papuan Plateau across both monsoons, with shallow bathymetry and elevated chlorophyll-a values driving observed habitat preferences. We found evidence for shifts in vertical occupancy of the water column that corresponded with the mixed layer depth; dives were deeper when the mixed layer depth was shallow, suggesting that reef manta rays can exhibit behaviorally plastic responses to seasonal variations in oceanographic conditions. These findings provide the first insight into the movement ecology of this reef manta ray population that can be used to inform the development of economically valuable manta ray tourism practices and a sustainable management plan in the region.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a prestressed anchor cable combined with soil nailing technology in supporting deep foundation pits in loess regions, comprehensive field monitoring was conducted to measure horizontal and vertical displacements at the pit crest, as well as deep-seated horizontal deformations of the support system. A two-dimensional numerical model was developed using MIDAS GTS NX to facilitate comparative analysis. The results demonstrate that the integrated support system effectively controls deformation during excavation. The maximum displacement at the top of the support structure was recorded as 3.91mm, while the maximum horizontal displacement below a depth of 0.5m did not exceed 1.6mm-both values are substantially below the predefined alarm thresholds. The vertical profile of horizontal displacement exhibits a fluctuating pattern, with relatively smaller displacements observed at the elevations corresponding to soil nails and anchor cables, indicating localized reinforcement effects. Finite element analysis reveals that horizontal displacement within the excavation zone and surface settlement at the pit edge increase progressively with excavation depth, exhibiting an approximately linear trend. In the unsupported scenario, numerical instability occurred at an excavation depth of 3.6m, beyond which shear failure propagated through the soil mass. Although the simulated displacements prior to failure were higher than those measured in the field, this discrepancy is attributed to the minimal external loading under actual site conditions and the simplified representation of full-length grouting effects in the simulation model, which may underestimate the confinement provided by reinforced soil. In conclusion, the integration of prestressed anchor cables with soil nailing walls demonstrates high performance in deep foundation pit engineering in loess regions, offering effective deformation control and enhanced structural stability.

To evaluate the relationship between skeletal classification and the anterior and posterior components of cranial base flexure and glenoid fossa position. Pretreatment cone-beam computed tomography records of 420 patients were stratified by sex, age, and skeletal classification based on standards for maxillomandibular differential for age-specific patients. Cephalometric measurements (Basion, Nasion, superior aspect of glenoid fossa) were recorded, and their angular deviation, horizontal, and vertical distance from Sella were measured using a 7° constructed plane (H-P) from S-N as a reference. Results were analyzed using regression analysis and analysis of variance, along with intraclass correlation coefficient for reliability. Cranial base flexure was found to be significantly smaller in Class III individuals than Class I or II, due to a larger deflection in posterior cranial base angle from the horizontal plane. The position of Basion relative to Sella was also noted to have a significantly shorter horizontal and significantly longer vertical length in these same individuals. The position of the glenoid fossa showed that Class II patients tended to have a more posterior horizontal displacement from Sella when than those in Class I or III. All measurements, except for cranial base flexure, were significantly larger in males than females. Statistical significance was measured at P < .05. Cranial base angle is significantly smaller in Class III individuals, due to an anteriorly positioned posterior cranial base. The posterior position of the glenoid fossa appears to contribute to the anteroposterior position of the condyle in Class II patients.

Abstract Wave data from oceanographic buoys remain indispensable in coastal and offshore engineering. Modern wave buoys can produce semi-Lagrangian time histories of motions in three dimensions (one vertical and two horizontal) in addition to the standard statistical output. A recent study (Ding et al., 2023) reveals that, while the three translational motions of a wave buoy are dominated by the linear components, there is significant nonlinearity in the horizontal plane. This study analyses field data collected over three months from the Southern Ocean just south of Albany, Western Australia, using four closely positioned buoys: three Sofar Spotter buoys and one Datawell Directional Waverider-4. The time histories recorded by two types of wave buoys in three orthogonal directions and the relationship between them are comprehensively examined, for the first time. The investigation focuses on a mild sea state, revealing significant second-order components in horizontal displacements. Although the vertical displacements match well, a significant discrepancy is found for the horizontal measurements between the DWR buoy and Spotters, and this can be removed using a scaling coefficient.

The difficulty in predicting the horizontal displacement of the support pile top in ultra-deep foundation pits within muddy formations, combined with insufficient consideration of parameter discretization characteristics in existing methods, motivates this study. Taking the Songtao Street Station project of Suzhou Metro Line 8 as a case study, this paper classifies the soil layers and implements corresponding support technologies. First, based on the engineering geological and hydrological conditions, the discrete values of earth pressure, the discrete combination of support structure thickness, and the discrete gradient of the lateral earth pressure coefficient are selected as core discrete variables. Second, a numerical model is constructed using FLAC3D software, and the soil-structure interaction is simplified via the elastic foundation beam method. The deflection differential equation of the support structure is derived to verify the accuracy of the elastic modulus conversion formula and the earth pressure calculation method. Subsequently, the influence of key parameters, such as the lateral earth pressure coefficient and the cohesion of silty clay, on displacement is analyzed. Finally, the reliability of the model is verified using on-site monitoring data from 12 monitoring points throughout the entire construction period. The results indicate that the displacement error between numerical simulation and actual measurement is ≤ 3.3%. When the lateral earth pressure coefficient is 1.0, the horizontal displacement of the pile top is minimized. The safety factor of uniformly thick shotcrete support is 1.8-2.9 times higher than that of non-uniform schemes. Significant creep characteristics are observed during the excavation and sealing of ultra-deep foundation pits in muddy formations. This study provides a quantitative basis for the discrete selection of support parameters for ultra-deep foundation pits in similar silty formations and improves the accuracy of displacement prediction.

The safety of mandibular anesthesia is directly dependent on a precise understanding of the spatial relationships in the pterygomandibular space, particularly the risk of injury to the highly vascularized pterygoid venous plexus (PVP). In vivo studies of PVP displacement during mandibular movements face significant technical challenges. Objective: The study aims to study the spatial displacements of the pterygoid venous plexus during various physiological positions of the mandible using computer modeling with the finite-element method (FEM). Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional finite-element model was developed based on computed tomography data and the BodyParts3D anatomical atlas. The model included the bony structures of the skull, mandible, temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and blood vessels. Simulations were performed for vertical displacements of the jaw at 15, 25, and 35 mm, as well as horizontal displacements of 5 mm to the left and right. Results: It was found that the magnitude of PVP displacement is proportional to the degree of mouth opening. The maximum total displacement (1.24 mm) was recorded at a 35 mm opening along the “posterior–medial–inferior” vector. Lateral excursions revealed asymmetry: displacement to the right caused plexus movement posteriorly, medially, and inferiorly (0.66 mm), while displacement to the left resulted in movement anteriorly, laterally, and superiorly (0.64 mm). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the significant mobility of the pterygoid venous plexus, which depends on the direction and amplitude of mandibular movements. The obtained data have important practical implications for planning regional anesthesia and minimizing the risk of iatrogenic complications. From a biomechanical perspective, maximum mouth opening produces the greatest displacement of the PVP, which may hypothetically reduce the risk of vascular puncture. Clinical studies are required to confirm this.

Conventional endoscopic imaging of vocal fold (VF) vibration provides only a two-dimensional superior view, missing essential vertical dynamics such as VF thickness and vertical displacement. Simulation studies have assigned these parameters important regulatory functions, underscoring the need for in vivo methods capturing the three-dimensional (3D) VF geometry and vibratory motion. In this in vivo case study, dynamic 3D VF MRI was applied in a professionally trained singer, achieving sub-millimeter spatial and sub-millisecond temporal resolution. Six phonation types were produced according to Estill Voice Training® terminology, each intended to elicit different VF thicknesses and supraglottic configurations. For each type, ten phase-binned 3D datasets of the larynx were reconstructed per oscillatory cycle. Segmentation yielded VF thickness, vertical and horizontal displacement, contact-area dynamics, glottal area waveforms, open quotient (OQ), and supraglottic/subglottic dimensions. These MRI-derived measures showed strong correspondence with those from high-speed imaging and electroglottography acquired from the same subject, indicating that dynamic VF MRI enables reliable in vivo quantification of vibratory and structural parameters. Each phonation type was characterized by distinct VF geometry, supraglottic shaping, and oscillatory behavior. Across types, OQ correlated closely with VF thickness, which systematically covaried with supraglottic adjustments. This suggests supraglottic posturing represents an additional dimension of control.

Influence mechanisms of hard shell layer on horizontal displacement of deep soft soil under surcharge loading: experimental, theoretical and numerical studies