Initial Measurements Research Articles

A robust method for state of charge estimation of lithium-ion batteries using adaptive nonlinear neural observer

To ensure the safety and functionality, it is crucial to evaluate the state of battery system in electric vehicles. Describing battery dynamic characteristic with a combined state space model, this paper presents a novel adaptive nonlinear neural observer based approach for state of charge estimation, which is composed of linear discriminant function, nonlinear neural proportional-integral observer and extended Kalman filter. It incorporates the local linear approximation capability of extended Kalman filter with the nonlinear mapping, self-learning and self-adjusting capabilities of neural proportional-integral observer, which is used to compensate the deviation resulted from the underestimated initial state, process noise and measurement noise. Taking the samples collected from lithium-ion battery test system for example, simulation is carried out to verify the proposed method. Results show that it is capable of evaluating the state of charge of cell with a rapid convergence and an error <2 % while remaining unaffected by the unknown initial cell states and the underestimation of the process noise and the measurement noise.

Farklı tek eğe sistemlerinin alt çene birinci büyük azı dişlerinin tehlike alanındaki dentin kalınlığına etkisi

Background: To compare the dentin thickness in the danger zone of mandibular molars after preparation with one rotating (XP-endo Shaper) and two reciprocating (One Reci and Reciproc Blue) single file systems using a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Thirty-six mesial roots of mandibular first molars having two independent canals were selected. After initial CBCT scans were provided, teeth were assigned into 3 groups related to the single file used: XP-Endo Shaper (XPS), One Reci (OR) and Reciproc Blue (RB). The roots were scanned again after preparation with respective single file systems. The minimum dentine thickness in the danger zone, at 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm below the furcation level, were measured in CBCT scans. Initial and final measurements were used to calculate the removed dentin thickness in the danger zone. Data was analyzed using Repeated-measures ANOVA (p=0.05).&#x0D; Results : No significant differences were found related with remaining and removed dentin thickness among single file systems at any level from the furcation (p&gt;0.05). &#x0D; Conclusions: The evaluated single file systems showed similar cutting efficiency in the danger zone of mandibular molars.

Prognostic factors in the primary care of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: A monocentric cohort study of 108 patients from a tertiary referral centre

AbstractBackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is one of the deadliest skin cancers. Despite existing national guidelines, treatment of MCC patients is not as well standardized as for more common skin cancers.ObjectivesThe study objective was to investigate factors predisposing to favourable/unfavourable patient outcomes and to which extent guideline‐based care affects patient survival.MethodsThis noninterventional study investigated a monocentre real‐world patient cohort with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of MCC who presented at the skin cancer centre, University Hospital Essen. Patient and tumour characteristics (age, sex, primary localization, Merkel cell polyomavirus [MCPyV], tumour stage at initial diagnosis and primary treatment measures [surgery, radiation]) were correlated with the patient outcome in terms of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 108 patients were identified. The median age of the patients was 69.9 years (range 39–88), with patients aged &lt;70 years showing a trend towards a longer RFS (p = 0.192). Regarding sex, 69 (63.9%) of the patients were male, with females showing a trend towards a longer RFS (0.189). MCPyV+ primary tumours are less frequently located in the head/neck region (p = 0.003). Patients with primary tumours in the head/neck region had a significantly worse OS than patients with primary tumours at the trunk/extremities (p = 0.007). Patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) showed a tendency towards shorter RFS (p = 0.126) and OS (p = 0.089). Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I, IIA and IIB had a slightly better RFS (p = 0.803) and OS (p = 0.820) compared to patients with stages IIIA and IIIB. Moreover, the administration of adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in a slightly better RFS (p = 0.299) and OS (p = 0.276) in patients with tumour stages I, IIA and IIB.ConclusionsIn the present study, the outcome of MCC patients depended on primary tumour localization, SLN status, sex and age. The tumour stage and the adjuvant radiation had only limited effects on patient outcomes.

Triamcinolone Injection for Cochlear Implant Magnet Adherence Issues.

To evaluate the effectiveness of triamcinolone injections in treating external magnet displacement in cochlear implant (CI) patients with adhesions problems of their processor. We present seven CI patients with magnet adhesion issues who presented to our tertiary care neurotology clinic. None of the patients had a history of head trauma, postimplant MRI, or surgery in the head and neck other than the cochlear implantation. Triamcinolone 40 mg/mL injected subcutaneously at the CI magnet site. Reduction of scalp thickness and successful magnet retention. Our cohort consisted of seven patients (eight implant sites) of which five were overweight or obese. The temporoparietal scalp thickness measured on preoperative CT scans varied between 8.4 and 15.9 mm. Initial conservative measures such as hair shaving at the magnet site, using a headband, and increasing magnet strength failed in all patients. After receiving triamcinolone injections at the CI receiver site, six out of seven patients (seven out of eight CI sites) were able to use their processor again without the need for a headband for an average of 9.55 hours/day. The average number of injections required for each patient was 2.57 (SD = 2.18), median (range) = 1 (1-7). One patient required a flap thinning surgery but showed no improvement even after flap thinning. None of the patients showed skin irritation, breakdown, ulceration, necrosis, or magnet exposure during follow-up period. The significant improvement in CI retention shows that triamcinolone injections are effective in making the subcutaneous tissue thinner and allowing magnet retention.

THE EFFECTS OF THE CONTEMPORARY DANCE ON THE PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND BODY BALANCE ON THE 6-9 YEAR-OLD GIRLS: PILOT STUDY

Abstract. Introduction. Contemporary dance, with influences from ballet and gymnastics, is an appealing and effective way of practising physical drills in an entertaining way. Objective. The aim of the study was to verify the effect of a 4 week contemporary dance training programme and of some measuring tools as well as the analysis of the entertainment contemporary dance on the motor skills and body balance of the 6-9 year old children. Materials and Methods. The subjects were 16 girls of 6-9 years of age (M=7, STDEV=1,06) who attended contemporary dance training sessions twice a week for a period of 4 weeks. The level of the motor skills was evaluated through standing broad jump (SBJ), back saver sit &amp; reach with alternatively reached legs (S&amp;R_RL – right leg reached, S&amp;R_LL – left leg reached), Matorin test (MatT), crunches (C). The balance was measured standing on both legs (SBL) and on one leg (SOL) on Wii Balance Board fromNintendo (WBB), connected to SeeSway, Ross Clark software . The resulting data were analysed with the SPSS programme. Results. There have been identified statistically significant differences between the initial and final measurements when testing the motor skills and improvements in the balance parameters between the two evaluations, but these differences have not been statistically significant for any of the parameters measured. Conclusions. The study shows that a 4-week workout programme of entertainment contemporary dance may contribute to the development of motor skills. Also, the measuring tools are adequate and easy to use.

Save Lake Balkhash International Research Project

In March 2017, when the risk of lake Balkhash evaporation was as high as never before, the whole biodiversity ecoculture was put under the threat triggered by climate change risks and industrial pollution. Staying apart from political disputes, mainly concentrated on the ecological agenda and water security I founded a digital open data research project - Save Lake Balkhash International which aims to preserve a unique ecosystem of lake Balkhash, the largest inland lake in Kazakhstan and 14th largest in the world [5]. Lake Balkhash is a savior of harsh arid climate of Kazakhstan. The breadwinner for thousands of fishing families, a shelter for birds and animals that migrate to Balkhash from Mongolia, China, Russia and Europe [4]. Aged more than 35,000 years [5], Balkhash is the only lake in Kazakhstan with sufficient volume of water, located entirely on the territory of the country. According to the global experience and studies which I have been providing since 2017, the fails of saving lakes and rivers across continents are pretty much the same. Number one reason of such fails is lack of support from local government and academics. The social experiment which I conducted in 2020 [6] using social media, research findings and literature review proved the bias against civil activism in Central Asia, statement of which is clearly defined by the words of one governmental ex-manager: “There is no point in saving a nature if you are not getting paid and support from authorities, only stupid enthusiasts will do such rubbish thing.” To reasonably question this statement it is useful for international organisations and associations to be integrated into one stakeholders' working scheme, or map. Only joint protection measures of ecological projects and initiatives can become an effective leverage to manage and prevent negative consequences of climate change, when local input is not enough.

Save Lake Balkhash International Research Project

In March 2017, when the risk of lake Balkhash evaporation was as high as never before, the whole biodiversity ecoculture was put under the threat triggered by climate change risks and industrial pollution. Staying apart from political disputes, mainly concentrated on the ecological agenda and water security I founded a digital open data research project - Save Lake Balkhash International which aims to preserve a unique ecosystem of lake Balkhash, the largest inland lake in Kazakhstan and 14th largest in the world [5]. Lake Balkhash is a savior of harsh arid climate of Kazakhstan. The breadwinner for thousands of fishing families, a shelter for birds and animals that migrate to Balkhash from Mongolia, China, Russia and Europe [4]. Aged more than 35,000 years [5], Balkhash is the only lake in Kazakhstan with sufficient volume of water, located entirely on the territory of the country. According to the global experience and studies which I have been providing since 2017, the fails of saving lakes and rivers across continents are pretty much the same. Number one reason of such fails is lack of support from local government and academics. The social experiment which I conducted in 2020 [6] using social media, research findings and literature review proved the bias against civil activism in Central Asia, statement of which is clearly defined by the words of one governmental ex-manager: “There is no point in saving a nature if you are not getting paid and support from authorities, only stupid enthusiasts will do such rubbish thing.” To reasonably question this statement it is useful for international organisations and associations to be integrated into one stakeholders' working scheme, or map. Only joint protection measures of ecological projects and initiatives can become an effective leverage to manage and prevent negative consequences of climate change, when local input is not enough.

Multiple infections of zoonotic pathogens in wild Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii).

The frequent interactions of rodents with humans make them a common source of zoonotic infections. Brandt's vole is the dominant rodent species of the typical steppe in Inner Mongolia, and it is also an important pest in grassland. To obtain an initial unbiased measure of the microbial diversity and abundance in the blood and intestinal tracts and to detect the pathogens carried by wild Brandt's voles in Hulun Buir, Inner Mongolia. Twenty wild adult Brandt's voles were trapped using live cages, and 12 intestinal samples were collected for metagenomic analysis and 8 blood samples were collected for meta-transcriptomic analysis. We compared the sequencing data with pathogenic microbiota databases to analyse the phylogenetic characteristics of zoonotic pathogens carried by wild voles. A total of 122 phyla, 79 classes, 168 orders, 382 families and 1693 genera of bacteria and a total of 32 families of DNA and RNA viruses in Brandt's voles were characterized. We found that each sample carried more than 10 pathogens, whereas some pathogens that were low in abundance were still at risk of transmission to humans. This study improves our understanding of the viral and bacterial diversity in wild Brandt's voles and highlights the multiple viral and bacterial pathogens carried by this rodent. These findings may serve as a basis for developing strategies targeting rodent population control in Hulun Buir and provide a better approach to the surveillance of pathogenic microorganisms in wildlife.

An Integrative Computational Design Workflow and Validation Methodology for 3D-Printed Personalized Orthopedic Devices: Case Study of a Wrist–Hand Orthosis (WHO)

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies enable the production of customized and personalized medical devices that facilitate users’ comfort and rehabilitation requirements according to their individual conditions. The concept of a tailor-made orthopedic device addresses the accelerated recovery and comfort of the patient through the utilization of personalized rehabilitation equipment. Direct modeling, with an increasing number of approaches and prototypes, has provided many successful results until now. The modeling procedure for 3D-printed orthoses has emerged as the execution of steady and continuous tasks with several design selection criteria, such as cutting, thickening the surface, and engraving the shell of the orthosis. This publication takes into consideration the aforementioned criteria and proposes the creation of a holistic methodology and automated computational design process for the customization of orthotic assistive devices, considering aspects such as material properties, manufacturing limitations, recycling, and patients’ requirements. This proposal leads to the designing and manufacturing of a wrist orthopedic device based on reverse engineering, Design for AM (DfAM), and Design for Recycling (DfR) principles. The proposed methodology can be adjusted for different limbs. A dual-material approach was attained utilizing rigid, mechanically enhanced feedstock material and soft elastic material with reduced skin irritation risks to achieve both mechanical requirements and adequate cushioning for user comfort during rehabilitation. Recyclable thermoplastic matrices were selected, which also allow for the option to create washable devices for product life extension. Then, 3D scanning procedures were implemented to acquire the initial anatomic measurements for the design of the WHO and ensure and assess the dimensional accuracy of the final product. Physical mechanical testing was implemented to evaluate the WHO’s mechanical behavior and verify its functionality during basic wrist movements. The extracted dimensional data for the two main orthosis components that indicated approximately 50% and 25% of the tolerance values, respectively, were within the range (−0.1 mm, 0.1 mm).

Test–Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change in Chester Step Test and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test in Long COVID Patients

The COVID-19 is a multiorgan disease that appeared in December 2019 in the Chinese province of Wuhan. It produces various clinical manifestations, although it mainly affects the respiratory system. Given these potentially detrimental long-term consequences of COVID-19, an appropriate assessment must be carried out to plan early rehabilitation interventions. To assess the persistent symptoms it produces, as well as exercise tolerance for a given exertion, stress testing is a feasible and cost-effective option. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide test-retest reliability for the Chester Step Test and 1 minute Sit to Stand tests and to establish the minimum detectable change in Long-COVID patients. Method: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted following the STROBE guidelines. A total of 42 patients carried out, twice per partici-pant, the Chester Step and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand (1min-STST) tests on two different days, with a five-day time lag between the initial measurement and the second measurement. Results: The Test-retest reliability for the Chester Step was excellent within session ICC (95% CI) 0.96 (0.93 to 0.98), being even better for the 1-STST, ICC (95% CI) 0.98 (0.96 to 0.99). Establishing a change of at least 16.96 steps (MDC90) or 20.15 steps (MDC95) and 1.89 stands (MDC90) or 2.71 stands (MDC95), respectively. Conclusions: The Chester Step and 1min-STST tests are reproducible and reliable tools to measure exercise tolerance in long COVID patients. The minimum detectable changes observed in the values recorded by the participants can be very useful for the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions applied to these patients.

The Validity and Reliability of Automatic Tooth Segmentation Generated Using Artificial Intelligence.

This study aimed at evaluating the precision of the segmented tooth model (STM) that was produced by the artificial intelligence (AI) program (CephX®) with an intraoral scan (IOS) and insignia outcomes. Methods. 10 patients with Cl I malocclusion (mild-to-moderate crowding) who underwent nonextraction orthodontic therapy with the Insignia™ system had IOS and CBCT scans taken before treatment. AI was used to produce a total of 280 STMs; each tooth will be measured from three aspects (apexo-occlusal, mesiodistal, and labiolingual) for DICOM and STL formats. Also, root volume measurements for each tooth generated by using the CephX® software and Insignia™ system were compared. The software used for these measurements was the OnDemand3D program used for the multiplanar reconstruction for DICOM format and Geomagic® Control X™ used for STL format. Statistics. An intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis was used to check the agreement between the volume measurement of the segmented teeth generated by using the CephX® and Insignia™ system. Also, it was used to check the agreement between the STL (IOS), STL (CephX®), and DICOM tooth models. In addition, it was used to determine the intraexaminer repeatability by remeasuring five randomly selected individuals two weeks after the initial measurement. After confirmation of the data normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, the right and left tooth models and the differences between the DICOM, CephX® (STL), and IOS (STL) tooth models were compared using a paired t-test. The STL (IOS), STL (CephX®), and DICOM tooth models were compared utilizing the ANOVA test. p < 0.05 was set as the statistical significance level. Result. Overall data showed good agreement with ICC. The measurements of the various tooth types on the right and left sides did not differ significantly. Also, there was no significant difference between the three groups. Conclusions. The automatic AI approach (CephX®) may be advised in the clinical practice for patients with mild crowding and no teeth restorations due to its speed and effectiveness.

Assessing the effects of prenatal poly-drug exposure on fetal brain vasculature using optical coherence angiography.

Maternal exposure to drugs during pregnancy is known to have detrimental effects on the fetus. Alcohol (ethanol) and nicotine are two of the most commonly co-abused substances during pregnancy, and prenatal poly-drug exposure is common due, in part, to the prevalence of unplanned pregnancies. The second trimester is a critical period for fetal neurogenesis and angiogenesis. When drug exposure occurs during this time, fetal brain development is affected. Several behavioral, morphological, and functional studies have evaluated the changes in fetal brain development due to exposure to these drugs individually. However, research on the combined effects of ethanol and nicotine is far more limited, specifically on fetal vasculature changes and development. We use correlation mapping optical coherence angiography (cm-OCA) to evaluate acute changes in fetal brain vasculature caused by maternal exposure to a combination of ethanol and nicotine. Ethanol (16.6% v/v, at a dose of ) and nicotine (at a dose of ) were administered to pregnant mice after initial cm-OCA measurements in utero. Subsequent measurements were taken at 5-min intervals for a total period of 45min. Results from these experiments were compared to results from our previous studies in which the mother was exposed to only ethanol (dose: ) or nicotine (dose: ). While results from exposure to ethanol or nicotine independently showed vasoconstriction, no significant change in vasculature was observed with combined exposure. Results suggested antagonistic effects of ethanol and nicotine on fetal brain vasculature.

Some models for initially stressed and initially strained structurally anisotropic incompressible materials

In this paper, we determine the constitutive relations for structurally anisotropic materials from a reference with initial strain or initial stress. Using reference independence of strain energy density, we first deduce the relationship of various initial strain measures with material symmetry and determine the resulting structural tensors. We use these structural tensors to derive the necessary invariants for initially strained materials. We also Examine the polyconvexity of the derived invariants and determine constitutive relations for the initially strained Ogden model. Next, we determine the constitutive relation for a combination of initial stress-texture symmetry which may be a more popular approach of recent interest. We deduce four reference-independent constitutive relations for initially stressed transversely isotropic incompressible materials. The first two strain energy functions are linear in the left Cauchy stretch and its cofactor, respectively, in the stress-free state. In the absence of initial stress, the third strain energy function involves all standard invariants for transversely isotropy. To deduce this strain energy in the presence of initial stress, we invert a fourth-order tensor and perform several involved tensor calculations. Finally, we obtain the constitutive relation for an initially stressed transversely isotropic limited chain extensible (LCE) model. To determine the initial stretch in the preferred texture direction in terms of initial stress, we utilize the geometrical interpretation of the Almansi strain measure.

Subsequent measurement of intangible assets in FAS 14/2022: main innovations, problems and ways to solve them

From 2024, the Federal Accounting Standard (FAS) 14/2022 “Intangible Assets” will be introduced without fail. This document significantly changes the regulations provided for by PA 14/2007. In our previous work, we examined the most significant changes in the area of recognition of intangible assets in accounting, as well as in the area of the initial measurement of these assets. In this article, we will analyze the main innovations in relation to the subsequent measurement of the above assets in the accounting of Russian organizations (including healthcare organizations). In addition, we will explore the most important problems that arise in this area and present proposals for their solution. When conducting research, such methods as analysis and synthesis, comparison, grouping method, analogy method, logical approach, systematic approach were used. As a result of the research, the changes we identified in the field of the subsequent measurement of intangible assets are combined by us into several groups. Within these groups, we have identified the main problems caused by future innovations. Also, for each of these problems, we have identified ways to solve them. The results obtained in this article will be useful to a wide range of readers interested in modern problems of accounting, including the subsequent measurement of intangible assets, can be used in the educational process of higher educational institutions, in the practical work of accounting departments, as well as in the development and improvement of relevant regulatory documents on accounting.

Exploring the cross-cancer effect of smoking and its fingerprints in blood DNA methylation on multiple cancers: A Mendelian randomization study.

Aberrant smoking-related DNA methylation has been widely investigated as a carcinogenesis mechanism, but whether the cross-cancer epigenetic pathways exist remains unclear. We conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses respectively on smoking behaviors (age of smoking initiation, smoking initiation, smoking cessation, and lifetime smoking index [LSI]) and smoking-related DNA methylation to investigate their effect on 15 site-specific cancers, based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 1.2 million European individuals and an epigenome-WAS (EWAS) of 5907 blood samples of Europeans for smoking and 15 GWASs of European ancestry for multiple site-specific cancers. Significantly identified CpG sites were further used for colocalization analysis, and those with cross-cancer effect were validated by overlapping with tissue-specific eQTLs. In the genomic MR, smoking measurements of smoking initiation, smoking cessation and LSI were suggested to be casually associated with risk of seven types of site-specific cancers, among which cancers at lung, cervix and colorectum were provided with strong evidence. In the epigenetic MR, methylation at 75 CpG sites were reported to be significantly associated with increased risks of multiple cancers. Eight out of 75 CpG sites were observed with cross-cancer effect, among which cg06639488 (EFNA1), cg12101586 (CYP1A1) and cg14142171 (HLA-L) were validated by eQTLs at specific cancer sites, and cg07932199 (ATXN2) had strong evidence to be associated with cancers of lung (coefficient, 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-1.00), colorectum (0.90 [0.61, 1.18]), breast (0.31 [0.20, 0.43]) and endometrium (0.98 [0.68, 1.27]). These findings highlight the potential practices targeting DNA methylation-involved cross-cancer pathways.

Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network's Quality Measure Set to Improve Care of Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

To describe the selection, development, and implementation of quality measures (QMs) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) by the Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network (PR-COIN), a multihospital learning health network using quality improvement methods and leveraging QMs to drive improved outcomes across a JIA population since 2011. An American College of Rheumatology-endorsed multistakeholder process previously selected initial process QMs. Clinicians in PR-COIN and parents of children with JIA collaboratively selected outcome QMs. A committee of rheumatologists and data analysts developed operational definitions. QMs were programmed and validated using patient data. Measures are populated by registry data, and performance is displayed on automated statistical process control charts. PR-COIN centers use rapid-cycle quality improvement approaches to improve performance metrics. The QMs are revised for usefulness, to reflect best practices, and to support network initiatives. The initial QM set included 13 process measures concerning standardized measurement of disease activity, collection of patient-reported outcome assessments, and clinical performance measures. Initial outcome measures were clinical inactive disease, low pain score, and optimal physical functioning. The revised QM set has 20 measures and includes additional measures of disease activity, data quality, and a balancing measure. PR-COIN has developed and tested JIA QMs to assess clinical performance and patient outcomes. The implementation of robust QMs is important to improve quality of care. PR-COIN's set of JIA QMs is the first comprehensive set of QMs used at the point-of-care for a large cohort of JIA patients in a variety of pediatric rheumatology practice settings.

Experimental and numerical investigations of S960 ultra-high strength steel welded I-section beams with in-plane flexural failure

A testing and numerical modelling programme was performed to investigate the in-plane flexural behaviour and cross-section bending capacities of S960 ultra-high strength steel welded I-section beams and presented in this paper. The testing programme included material testing, membrane residual stress measurements, initial local geometric imperfection measurements and eight in-plane four-point bending tests, with four performed about each of the cross-section minor and major principal axes. This was followed by the numerical modelling programme, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies to generate further numerical data over a wide variety of cross-section dimensions and span lengths. The obtained test and numerical data were used to evaluate the applicability of the design rules for cross-section classification and bending capacities, as prescribed in the European code, Australian standard and American specification, to S960 ultra-high strength steel welded I-section beams. The evaluation results revealed that all codified slenderness limits were safe (though conservative to different extents) when used for classifying the constituent plate elements of S960 ultra-high strength steel welded I-sections in bending. Moreover, all three considered design codes were shown to result in accurate and consistent bending capacity predictions for Class 1 and 2 (or compact) S960 ultra-high strength steel welded I-sections, but conservative bending capacity predictions, to different extents, for Class 3 (or non-compact) and Class 4 (or slender) S960 ultra-high strength steel welded I-sections.

Exchange fluctuation theorems for strongly interacting quantum pumps

We derive a general quantum exchange fluctuation theorem for multipartite systems with arbitrary coupling strengths by taking into account the informational contribution of the back-action of the quantum measurements, which contributes to the increase in the von-Neumann entropy of the quantum system. The resulting second law of thermodynamics is tighter than the conventional Clausius inequality. The derived bound is the quantum mutual information of the conditional thermal state, which is a thermal state conditioned on the initial energy measurement. These results elucidate the role of quantum correlations in the heat exchange between multiple subsystems.

Structural behaviour and design of press-braked S690 high strength steel channel sections under combined compression and minor-axis bending

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations into the cross-sectional behaviour and resistances of press-braked S690 high strength steel channel sections under combined compression and minor-axis bending. An experimental programme was firstly conducted and included initial local geometric imperfection measurements and ten minor-axis eccentric compression tests. The experimental programme was accompanied by a numerical modelling programme, where finite element models were developed and validated against the test results and then employed to perform parametric studies to expand the test data pool over a wider range of cross-section dimensions and loading combinations. The obtained test and numerical data were then used to assess the relevant codified design interaction curves, as provided in the European code, North American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard. The assessment results revealed that all the codified design interaction curves led to excessively conservative and scattered resistance predictions for press-braked S690 high strength steel channel sections under combined compression and minor-axis bending, mainly owing to the conservative linear shapes and inaccurate end points. Finally, a new design interaction curve, with more accurate end points and nonlinear shape, was proposed and shown to offer more accurate and consistent resistance predictions than the codified design interaction curves.

An experience-sampling study of the content and outcomes of socially oriented task-unrelated thoughts during a COVID-19 lockdown

ABSTRACT There is evidence to support a role for intentional and unintentional task-unrelated thoughts (TUTs) in social cognition and emotional regulation. Individual differences in personality impact the regulation and functionality of these thoughts. This study examined how intention and trait loneliness and schizotypy relate to the content and emotional outcomes of socially-oriented TUTs recalled in daily life. The study took place during initial COVID-19 lockdown measures in Australia, providing insights into TUTs during times of uncertainty and social isolation. A total of 129 undergraduate students (118 female) completed a 7-day experience-sampling assessment following measures of schizotypy, loneliness, and trait-level mind wandering. Results revealed that intentional social TUTs had more constructive content and socio-emotional outcomes compared to unintentional TUTs. However, dimensions of schizotypy and loneliness were associated with less constructive thought patterns. Findings are discussed with reference to the content-regulation and current concerns hypotheses, and the potential impact of lockdown measures.