Mechanical Impact Research Articles

Harnessing the Power of Mechanization: A Multivalued Treatment Effect Analysis on Productivity for Chinese Smallholders

Developing countries, in their pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, are intensifying their efforts to promote agricultural mechanization, with China at the forefront, through comprehensive policy revisions aimed at enhancing mechanization levels. This study employs multivalued treatment effect (MVTE) and quantile treatment effect (QTE) methodologies to assess the impact of agricultural mechanization on labor and land productivity while also examining the seffects across different farm sizes and moderating influences. Leveraging data from the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey, the findings indicate that semi-mechanized and full-mechanized farming, compared to no-mechanized farming, significantly boost labor and land productivity for both average and lower-to-mid-level productivity farmers. Disaggregated analysis by farm size shows that larger farms benefit significantly from semi-mechanized and full-mechanized farming in terms of increased labor and land productivity. However, the incremental benefits of varying levels of mechanization on productivity are observed only in labor productivity for farmers with mid- and upper-level productivity and for those in the largest farm size group. Additionally, land transfer status, government subsidies, and the intensity of clan culture are found to significantly influence the productivity effects of agricultural mechanization in China. Consequently, it is imperative to reorient agricultural policies towards enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of mechanization, especially considering the constraints on labor and land availability and the need to minimize the environmental impact of agricultural production. In light of these discussions, this paper presents policy implications for sustainable agricultural mechanization.

Immunotherapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Mechanistic Insights and Impact of Delivery Systems.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells, leading to hyperglycemia and various complications. Despite insulin replacement therapy, there is a need for therapies targeting the underlying autoimmune response. This review aims to explore the mechanistic insights into T1D pathogenesis and the impact of delivery systems on immunotherapy. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to T1D development, triggering an immune-mediated attack on β-cells. T cells, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, play a central role in β-cell destruction. Antigen- specific immunotherapy is a unique way to modify the immune system by targeting specific antigens (substances that trigger the immune system) for immunotherapy. It aims to restore immune tolerance by targeting autoantigens associated with T1D. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems offer precise antigen delivery, promoting immune tolerance induction. Various studies have demonstrated the efficacy of nanoparticle-mediated delivery of autoantigens and immunomodulatory agents in preclinical models, and several patents have been made in T1D. Combining antigen-specific immunotherapy with β-cell regeneration strategies presents a promising approach for T1D treatment. However, challenges remain in optimizing delivery systems for targeted immune modulation while ensuring safety and efficacy.

Hydrolysis of p-Phenylenediamine Antioxidants: The Reaction Mechanism, Prediction Model, and Potential Impact on Aquatic Toxicity.

While p-phenylenediamine antioxidants (PPDs) pose potential risks to aquatic ecosystems, their environmental persistence and transformation remain ambiguous due to the undefined nature of PPD C-N bond hydrolysis. Here, we investigated the hydrolysis patterns of PPDs by analyzing their hydrolysis half-lives, hydrolysis products around neutral pH (pH 6.0-7.7), and the role of atoms within the C-N bonds in PPDs. Hydrolysis preferentially targets the aromatic secondary amine N with the strongest proton affinity and the C atom of C-N with the highest nucleophilic-attack reactivity. The hydrolysis half-life (t1/2) shortens when the maximum proton affinity of N increases. These results are supported by theoretical calculations, demonstrating a hydrolysis reaction propelled by proton transfer from water to N and complemented by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of N in C-N by water hydroxyl. With the experimental results and the atom reactivity-based predictive model, the t1/2 around neutral pH for 60 PPDs (monitored in environment, commercially available, or under investigation) is determined, showing variations ranging from 2.2 h to 47 days. The model prediction of primary C-N hydrolysis is confirmed through typical PPDs. With the elucidated mechanism and developed model, this research provides new insights into PPD hydrolysis, underscoring its significance in delineating environmental impacts.

Impact of the EU Carbon Boundary Adjustment Mechanism on China and China’s Responses

Impact of the EU Carbon Boundary Adjustment Mechanism on China and China’s Responses

Transforming Rainfed Pigeonpea Cultivation in India: The Impact of Complete Mechanization on Growth, Productivity and Energy Indices

Background: Pigeonpea is a leguminous, long duration and wide spaced crop. Performing labour intensive, agronomic operations timely from land preparation to post harvest is expensive since rural to urban migration has become a major problem. There is a dire need to evaluate the effects of complete mechanization and suggest options for reducing cost of production, augment the productivity, profitability and energy use efficiency in pigeonpea. Methods: A large plot experiment was conducted in pigeonpea for two years (kharif 2019-20 and 2020-21) under rainfed conditions in an alfisol with two treatments viz., Conventional practices (CPs) and Mechanization practices (MPs). The recorded data was analysed through a two sample t-test for statistical significance. It was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Tornala, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, India. Result: Mechanization practices (1362 kg ha-1) have increased the pigeonpea seed yield by 16.51% over conventional practices (1169 kg ha-1) besides saving 42.5 man-days and 67.5 hours ha-1. MPs have not only reduced the total cost by Rs. 6,745 ha-1, but also enhanced the net returns by Rs. 18,225 ha-1. Higher infiltration rate, net energy and energy output efficiency over CPs helped substantiate the results.

Characterization and Analysis of Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Hybrid Composite Material from Prosopis Juliflora and Phoenix Sylvestris for Engineering Applications

The demand for sustainable, high-performance materials has driven interest in natural fiber-based composites. This research investigates the development of a hybrid composite using fibers from Prosopis Juliflora and Phoenix Sylvestris combined with glass fibers and epoxy resin. The natural fibers underwent a 10% NaOH treatment to enhance their mechanical properties. Hand layup techniques were employed to fabricate the samples, followed by comprehensive mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, and delamination tests. The composite, composed of 60% natural fibers, and 30% resin, and treated with NaOH, exhibited superior mechanical performance, surpassing similar composites in literature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed improved fiber-matrix adhesion, while wear testing indicated potential applications in brake linings. The results suggest this hybrid composite offers a viable, sustainable alternative for high-performance engineering applications, particularly in the automotive industry.

Enhancing livelihood resilience through hybrid ecological compensation: evidence from Potatso National Park, China

Abstract Balancing biodiversity conservation and the socioeconomic well-being of ethnic minority communities presents a significant challenge in protected areas (PAs). Ecological compensation (EC) is a crucial policy instrument for improving the livelihood of affected residents, but its application in ethnic minority-dominant regions is complicated by cultural differences and fragile economic foundations. This study evaluates the impact of an innovative hybrid EC mechanism, integrating cash payment, employment support, and education incentive, on the livelihood resilience of ethnic minority groups and identifies the most cost-effective mechanism. Using field data from rural households in Potatso National Park, analyzed through hierarchical multiple regression and scenario simulations within the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, the study finds that: (i) hybrid EC mechanisms significantly improve overall livelihoods, with households receiving employment support and education incentive showing 0.074 and 0.052 higher average livelihood score, respectively (on a 0–1 scale); (ii) different EC types have varied effects across households; and (iii) hybrid EC mechanisms increase social benefits by 6.97%–37.65%, with only a 1.30%–20.15% cost increase compared to baseline scenario. The findings highlight the need for diversified and optimized EC policies to improve livelihood resilience and maximize cost-effectiveness in PAs.

Study of the behavior of TORP middle ear prostheses of various lengths by the finite element method

Advancements in audiology and medical engineering have sparked growing interest in enhancing titanium implants used for middle ear repair. In our study, we employed a numerical simulation model of the middle ear to investigate how the TORP prosthesis behaves under an acoustic pressure of 90 dB across a frequency range from 250 to 8000 Hz. Additionally, we varied the prosthesis length, utilizing three different lengths, and modified the prosthesis design to assess its mechanical impact. Our findings indicate that changes in prosthesis length do not significantly alter outcomes for patients. Moreover, these variations do not pose any danger or compromise the auditory performance of patients, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of TORP prostheses in middle ear repair.

Self-similar solutions of the bed deformation

In this paper, a conclusion about the self-similar behavior of the bed surface evolution is made. It is based on the analysis of experimental and numerical studies of the bed surface evolution under the mechanical impact of liquid flow. The bottom wave has a form close to one period of a sinusoidal function with a time-varying wavelength and constant steepness. A method of constructing the automodel dependence of the bed surface on time and spatial coordinate in analytical form is proposed. It was shown that it is enough to select five bottom surfaces with given wavelengths from a series of shapes. Next, the mean values of shear stresses are calculated for them, and the rates of change of wavelengths are found. Then a degree of approximation of the wavelength dependence of its rate of change is determined, and, finally, the exact solution of the corresponding differential equation is obtained. Comparison with experimental data and numerical solutions shows that the solution error does not exceed a few percent and that computational time is reduced by 25–30 times.

Influence of surface integrity on short crack growth behavior in HFMI-treated welded joints

This study investigates the influence of surface integrity and the localized fatigue phenomena on the initiation and propagation of short fatigue cracks in high-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI)-treated welded joints. The treated surface region, characterized by a compressive residual stress field, smooth notch geometry, and work hardening layer, improves welded joints’ fatigue strength. However, how these surface conditions influence the fatigue damage process zone during short crack initiation and growth is not yet well known. Therefore, this study systematically investigates the influence of different surface characteristics on fatigue life modeling of HFMI-treated welded joints made of high-strength steel. This is achieved using a non-local continuum damage mechanics-based approach of crack growth and elastic–plastic finite element simulation, explicitly modeling treated surface conditions. The simulated fatigue life is first verified with experiments and then applied to various surface conditions. The simulation results show that most of the fatigue life is spent until a crack size of 0.2 mm. The compressive residual stress field greatly extends both short crack initiation and propagation life, with its degree of contribution highly dependent on loading history and residual stress change. The role of the work hardening layer is mainly concentrated on improving fatigue life during short crack initiation and the very beginning of short crack growth.

Thermal and mechanical impact of artificial ground-freezing on deep excavation stability in Nakdong River Deltaic deposits

This paper presents a case study of deep excavation using the artificial ground freezing (AGF) method for tunnel restoration work in the Nakdong River deltaic deposits. The study involved detailed construction monitoring and data analysis to assess the thermal and mechanical impacts on surrounding ground and underground structures. Factors influencing heat transfer were identified and evaluated for their effect on ground temperature distribution. The excavation and frost expansion of the ground led to unique lateral deformation of the diaphragm wall. However, the frozen soil effectively resisted earth pressure and suppressed deformation of the wall. The axial stress applied to the braced strut was closely related to the deformation of the diaphragm wall and was influenced by both excavation-induced and frost-expansion pressures. Boreholes near the frozen soil functioned as stress-relief holes, enhancing excavation stability. These comprehensive findings enhance the understanding of AGF techniques and their impact on complex deltaic geological conditions and adjacent structures.

Are There Black Hole Symbiotic X-Ray Binaries?

While there are over a dozen known neutron star (NS) symbiotic X-ray binaries (SyXBs) in the Galaxy, no SyXBs containing a black hole (BH) have been detected. We address this problem by incorporating binary population synthesis and the accretion properties of BHs fed by the wind from red giant companions. We investigate the impact of different supernova mechanisms, kick velocity distributions, and wind velocities on the formation of both NS and BH SyXBs. Our simulations show that the number of BH SyXBs is at most one-sixth of that of NS SyXBs in the Galaxy provided that the common envelope efficiency parameter α ∼ 0.3–5, and less than ∼10 BH SyXBs could be detectable in X-ray, considering their low radiation efficiencies. These findings indicate a scarcity of BH SyXBs in the Galaxy.

Modeling microbial growth based on time-dependent kinetic mechanisms of digestion and passage in the ruminoreticulum

The original Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) model, which was developed in 1992 and revised in 2004, included a rumen submodel with a set of equations that were algebraically programmed in a spreadsheet to predict bacterial N flow to the caudal tract of cattle. In this study, we propose a modification to the original CNCPS rumen submodel based on mathematical concepts that simulate the flow paths of solids and liquid in the rumen, which are known to be essential factors affecting rumen fermentation and microbial growth. This modification allows the quantification of the impact of aging mechanisms on the availability of both soluble and insoluble substrates for microbial growth in the rumen. Additionally, a correction has been proposed on peptide uptake by rumen bacteria. Literature data were used to evaluate the model adequacy of CNCPS versions 1992 and 2004, along with the proposed model, to determine their ability to predict bacterial N flow. The proposed model more accurately predicted the variable of interest, but there was an overall underprediction bias. Despite the rightful critics of the ability of mechanistic models to predict microbial crude protein flow from the rumen, the 1992 and 2004 versions of the CNCPS and the proposed modifications implemented within the CNCPS framework led to predictions that agreed with observational data at a discordance rate of 0.05, tolerance probabilities <0.001 for versions 1992 and 2004, and a tolerance probability equal to 0.13 for the proposed model given a sample size n=39. Therefore, the proposed modifications might improve the ability of CNCPS-based models to predict the bacterial N flow from the rumen, thereby resulting in improved predictive performance compared to the original CNCPS model. Thus, it seems that models built on time-dependent kinetics of food particles and fluid are more fitting than steady-state ones to predict bacterial N flow to the caudal tract.

Impact Of Work Environment Factors On The Mental Health Of Nurses In Psychiatric Settings

Background: The mental health of nurses in psychiatric settings is profoundly influenced by specific work environment factors, including the health profession's culture, excessive workload, and workplace violence (Ugwu, 2020; Neves, 2021). This study explores the impact of workload, bullying, and support mechanisms, uniquely focusing on their effects within mental health nursing. Objective: To identify and analyze how distinct environmental stressors such as workload, role ambiguity, and lack of support affect mental health outcomes among nurses in psychiatric care facilities, aiming to propose targeted interventions. Methods: Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study surveyed 382 mental health nurses using both quantitative Likert-scale questionnaires and qualitative interviews. The methodology, supported by the postpositivist paradigm, was selected for its appropriateness in addressing the complex dynamics of psychiatric nursing settings (Ugwu, 2020). Results: The study found that high workload, frequent exposure to workplace bullying, and insufficient support systems are critical stressors significantly compromising mental health nurses' well-being and job satisfaction. Particularly, nurses with less than two years of experience in mental health settings were most vulnerable to these negative impacts. Conclusion: Addressing these key environmental factors is crucial for improving mental health nurses' working conditions and, consequently, the quality of care provided in psychiatric settings. The study suggests implementing structured support systems and policy reforms aimed at reducing workplace stressors

Exploring Multimodal Feedback Mechanisms for Improving User Interaction in Virtual Reality Environments

As Virtual Reality (VR) technology progresses, the need for intuitive and immersive interaction mechanisms becomes increasingly important. However, current VR systems primarily rely on visual and auditory feedback, often overlooking other sensory modalities, which limits the depth of user immersion. While visual and auditory inputs allow users to perceive virtual objects and sounds, the experience remains somewhat one-dimensional compared to real-world, multi-sensory interactions. To address this limitation, this paper explores the impact of multimodal feedback mechanisms, particularly through the incorporation of haptic (touch) and olfactory (smell) cues, on user experience in VR environments. By enriching the sensory inputs, these additional feedback mechanisms can significantly enhance the realism and intuitiveness of virtual interactions, making the experience more engaging and immersive.

The impact of the structural transformation mechanism of fulvic acid on redox capacity during composting with different biowastes.

Fulvic acid (FA) derived from composting functions can act as electron shuttle, facilitating and expediting the redox reaction during the composting process. However, limited research has been conducted on the redox capacity and structural transformation of FA during composting with different biowastes. The Fe (II) production quantity of the single S. oneidensis MR-1 (MR-1), MR-1 with FA derived from lignocellulose-rich and lignin-rich composting after 300 h inoculation were up to 2.28, 3.67 and 2.52 mmol/L, indicating the redox capacity of FA in lignocellulose-rich composts was stronger than that in lignin-rich composting. Furthermore, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy revealed that FA derived from lignocellulose-rich composting exhibited a layer-by-layer structure, characterized by aromatic functional groups and other groups. In contrast, FA obtained from lignin-rich composting displayed an arrangement where the inner aromatic functional groups were obstructed by the methyl group. The structural equation model revealed that the high relative abundance and aromatic functional groups of FA derived from lignocellulose-rich composting process exert a direct influence on the reduction of Fe (III)-citrate, and the methyl groups of FA obtained from lignin-rich composting process also directly linked to the reduction of Fe (III)-citrate. The present study thus posited that the quantity of aromatic functional groups within outer of FA structure during composting constituted a crucial factor influencing its redox capacity. The findings offer novel insights into the transformation mechanism of FA derives from diverse biowastes and its redox characteristics, thereby providing significant guidance for the application of FA in mitigating environment pollutants.

Optimization of Abrasive Wear Parameters and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Bauhinia Vahlii and Grewia Optiva Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite offers competitive solutions for lightweight applications but faces significant abrasive wear challenges in many industrial and automobile applications. The current study aims to conduct mechanical, physical, and dynamic mechanical analyses, as well as three body abrasion examinations, on grewia-optiva (GO) and bauhinia-vahlii (BV) natural fiber-reinforced epoxy-based hybrid polymer composites containing marble dust as filler. Initially, the woven mat was knitted with an equal amount of grewia-optiva and bauhinia-vahlii natural fibers. Three weight percentages of the woven mat i.e. 10, 20, and 30wt.% were used as reinforcement, and industrial waste marble dust with a fixed amount of 5wt.% was also used as a filler material. GO, and BV fiber mats were chemically treated with 10wt—% NaOH for the cleaning and surface modification of fibers before their use as reinforcement. The fabricated composites' physical and mechanical characteristics, i.e., density, water absorption, hardness, impact, flexural, and tensile strength were examined experimentally. The value of the damping factor (tan δ), storage modulus (Eʹ), and loss modulus (Eʹʹ) of the developed composites were analyzed by a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The fabricated composites' three-body abrasive wear characteristics were also examined with varying parameters i.e. A: fiber loading, B: sliding distance, and C: normal load. The results show that increasing the fiber loading and using a constant amount of discarded marble dust improves all mechanical characteristics. The tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness improves by 15.99%, 26.30%, 24.40%, and 30.39% respectively for 10wt.% to 30wt.% fiber loading. The composites exhibit significant improvements in damping properties with fiber loading. Moreover, parameters i.e. normal load, speed, and fiber loading have contributed to abrasive wear of composites at 29.70%, 24.81%, and 19.07% respectively. This study will aid in the analysis of the morphological, mechanical, and thermo-mechanical properties of a new class of composite material that might be used for producing natural polymeric roofing systems, boats, and floors, as well as for the automobile industry.

Monitoring the Coagulation Mechanism and Aluminum Sulfate Impact on Textile Wastewater Treatment: Insights from Impedance Spectroscopy

Monitoring the Coagulation Mechanism and Aluminum Sulfate Impact on Textile Wastewater Treatment: Insights from Impedance Spectroscopy

Vibration Nondestructive Testing of Continuous Welded Rails: A Finite Element Analysis

ABSTRACT This paper presents a finite element model for the dynamic vibration of continuous-welded rails (CWR) under different longitudinal stresses and base conditions. The model supports the physical principles of a vibration-based nondestructive testing (NDT) technique aimed at inferring the lateral and vertical strength, and the neutral temperature of CWR. The model consists of a ~ 5 meters-long rail periodically restrained by distributed translational springs that simulates the lateral and vertical resistance provided by baseplates, fasteners and spikes. Vibration is triggered by a force function equivalent to the mechanical impact of a hammer. The frequency content of the vibrations below 700 Hz and across a range of different longitudinal stress and support conditions is computed using the power spectral density, which constitutes the input matrix of a machine learning algorithm able to learn the complex relationship among frequencies, axial stress, and support conditions. Finally, the model is used to quantify any differences in excitation and detection points to optimize the setup of the proposed NDT technique.

Substantive innovation or strategic catering: Capital market pressure and corporate green innovation structure

Green innovation requires a market environment willing to take on more risk and accept failure. Capital markets are essential in green innovation because they can spread out the risks associated with innovation. Compared to existing research, this paper focuses on the impact and processes of the short-selling mechanism on corporate green technology innovation structure. Specifically, this study utilizes a difference-in-difference model to examine the effects and underlying mechanisms based on the listed firms from 2011 to 2022. The results suggest that the pressure from the capital market might encourage the development of green technological innovation in corporations. Still, it also hinders the establishment of a structure for corporate green innovation and fosters the expansion of strategic patent behavior. The influence is achieved through enhancing managerial performance, monitoring external pressures, and transmitting stock price information. Heterogeneous analysis confirms that independent directors ratio and CEO duality play a critical role. The findings demonstrate how capital market pressure can affect corporate green innovation structure, support the critical role of capital market and contribute to further engagement in corporate green technology innovation.