Linear Configuration Research Articles

The influence of torsion on acceleration demands in low-rise RC buildings

AbstractThis paper presents a study of acceleration demands in low-rise reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with torsion, evaluated by quantifying peak floor accelerations (PFAs) and floor response (acceleration) spectra (FRS). The study was performed with the aim to provide simple empirical formulas to quantify the amplification effects due to torsion, which can occur in most of the existing and new RC buildings. With this goal in mind, a set of eight archetype buildings was selected, characterized by an increasing floor eccentricity obtained by moving the centre of rigidity (CR) away from the centre of mass (CM). Numerical models of the proposed set of archetype RC buildings were considered in both linear elastic and nonlinear configurations. For the latter, the properties of models were widely varied, by systematically modifying parameters of plastic hinges, in order to obtain a sample of 1000 models. Non-structural components (NSCs) were considered linear elastic in all cases. To investigate acceleration demands, a set of forty Eurocode 8 spectrum-compatible ground motion records were used as input. For linear elastic building models, it was observed that the change of demands depends on the position of the NSC (in-plan and in-height), and on the distance between CR and CM. On the other hand, for nonlinear models, additional parameters must be considered, such as the building ductility (μ) and yielding force (Vy). New regression models were proposed for quantifying the observed differences in PFAs and FRS when torsion occurs. The efficiency of the proposed models was assessed by testing the new formulas on an existing case study building, as well as on the well-known SPEAR building.

Directionality of Halogen-Bonds: Insights from 2D Energy Decomposition Analysis.

Halogen bonds are typically observed to have a linear arrangement with a 180° angle between the nucleophile and the halogen bond acceptor X-R. This linearity is commonly explained using the σ-hole model, although there have been alternative explanations involving exchange repulsion forces. We employ two-dimensional Distortion/Interaction and Energy Decomposition Analysis to examine the archetypal H3 N⋯X2 halogen bond systems. Our results indicate that although halogen bonds are predominantly electrostatic, their directionality is largely due to decreased Pauli repulsion in linear configurations as opposed to angled ones in the I2 and Br2 systems. As we move to the smaller halogens, Cl2 and F2 , the influence of Pauli repulsion diminishes, and the energy surface is shaped by orbital interactions and electrostatic forces. These results support the role of exchange repulsion forces in influencing the directionality of strong halogen bonds. Additionally, we demonstrate that the 2D Energy Decomposition Analysis is a useful tool for enhancing our understanding of the nature of potential energy surfaces in noncovalent interactions.

Simulation-Based Enhancement of SNR in Drone Communication through Uniform Linear Array Configurations

Simulation-Based Enhancement of SNR in Drone Communication through Uniform Linear Array Configurations

Influence of screw configuration on reduction and stabilization of simulated complete lateral condylar fracture in equine limbs.

To determine the influence of screw configuration on the reduction and stabilization of simulated complete lateral condylar fracture. Randomized experimental crossover study. A lateral condylar fracture was simulated in 18 cadaver limbs from nine horses. Each limb underwent repair with 4.5 mm diameter cortex screws, tightened to 4 Nm, in a linear and triangular configuration. Computed tomography (CT) of each repair was performed with the limbs in unloaded and loaded conditions. Fracture gaps were measured at the dorsal, palmar, and middle locations of the third metacarpal condyle. Fracture gap measurements were graded 0-4, based on voxels. Following descriptive analysis, a Bayesian network (BN) model was fitted to the data. The median fracture grade was 0 (range: 0-4) for unloaded linear repairs and 2 (0-4) for loaded linear repairs. The median fracture grade was 0 (0-3) for unloaded triangular repairs and 1 (0-3) for loaded triangular repairs. Bayesian network sensitivity analysis showed that the construct configuration reduced the uncertainty in the measured fracture outcome by 0.8%. Triangular screw configuration resulted in better fracture reduction and stability in comparison with linear screw configuration. However, the BN sensitivity analysis results showed that the effect of construct configuration on fracture outcome was weak. These findings indicate a low probability that triangular repair of lateral condylar fracture will result in improved outcomes, when compared with linear repair.

Demonstration of a compact double-reflection transmissive beam scanner operating at 1550 nm wavelength.

A compact forward-directed transmissive beam scanner operating at a wavelength of 1550nm was constructed and characterized. The scanner consists of two wire-grid polarizers (WGPs) surrounding a 45° Faraday rotator, causing incident light to reflect once from each WGP before transmitting through the second polarizer. Scanning is achieved by tilting one of the WGPs. Measured efficiency remained above 73% over a 90° forward scan range (-45∘ to +45∘) for vertically polarized incident light. Additionally, we measured the efficiency versus beam deflection for four different incident linear polarization configurations, three of which maintained >70% efficiency for deflection angles up to -60∘.

Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Crowd Motion and Firecracker Explosions in the Fireworks Show

Abstract Urban seismology has recently emerged as a vibrant scientific field, driven by the growing interest in seismic signals generated by major public events, sports gatherings, and transportation services. However, deploying dense traditional seismometers in economically active, densely populated urban areas with heavy traffic poses significant challenges. In this study, we conducted a field experiment utilizing distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology during a fireworks display in Guangzhou on 5 February 2023. About 572 m of optical fiber was turned into 286 seismic sensors and deployed on LingShan Island to monitor various vibration signals generated during the fireworks show. Our analysis revealed substantial correlations between crowd motions during different phases of the event and ambient noise features recorded by DAS. Moreover, the cross-correlation functions of the ambient noise with its dispersion characteristics pointed to near-field pedestrian activity as the primary noise source. Real-time heat maps of human crowd motions were reconstructed from DAS recording, offering significant insights into the variations of activity intensity across different locations. Discerning fireworks events on the DAS array is more effective than on a scattered seismometer array, because it is easier to ensure that the same event is picked for all the sites in the DAS dense linear configuration. The DAS data inspection allowed us to pick up a total of 549 firecracker explosions in comparison to the seismometer data that only allowed us to detect 116 firecracker events. The heights of fireworks were located by the grid-search method and predominantly distributed at 75–300 m, closely aligning with actual fireworks explosion locations. Our findings underscore that the DAS technology can monitor crowd motion and detect vibration signals in the air, bridging the gap between fundamental earth science research and human social activities.

Reliability analysis of interval-valued multi-state sliding window system for sequential tasks

In industrial applications, an interval variable with both an upper and a lower bound is utilized to define the bounded or ranged performance of a system or its elements. This paper proposes a new interval-valued multi-state sliding window system for sequential tasks (IMSWS-ST). The proposed system consists of n circularly or linearly connected multi-state elements (MEs) with their performance states described as interval-valued variables. The system function is determined by the ability of any group of r consecutive MEs for completing predetermined sequential tasks with interval-valued demands. To describe and evaluate system reliability, a universal generating function technique is employed, considering the differences between linear and circular configurations. Additionally, we develop a state aggregation method to reduce the computational burden during reliability evaluation. Numerical experiments are then conducted to demonstrate the proposed system model and validate the suggested algorithms. Finally, we investigate the optimal sequencing problem for MEs within the IMSWS-ST to achieve higher system reliability.

Innovative Industrial Solutions for Improving the Technical/Economic Competitiveness of Concentrated Solar Power

The modernization, efficiency, and decarbonization of the energy supply systems are among the new challenges to be faced in the coming decades to achieve the targets and objectives dictated by European strategic policies. Despite the countless benefits related to renewable energy sources (RES) integration, this brings key challenges to the power system, such as the risk of imbalance between energy generation and demand, sudden changes in flows in transmission lines with a need for expensive and time-consuming upgrades, and the withdrawal of conventional generation systems with consequent demands for new solutions and innovation to support grid services. A potential solution to limit the huge intermittence and fluctuation in power generation from RES is Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology integrated with thermal energy storage. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential benefits related to the use of CSP technology by presenting innovative industrial solutions developed in the Italian SOLARGRID Project, namely the hybridization of CSP–PV systems and the solar thermo-electric system developed by MAGALDI, the parabolic trough collector of Eni, and the new linear Fresnel reflector configuration of IDEA S.r.l. These plant and component solutions are developed for improving the technical performance of CSP technology and reducing the levelized cost of electricity, thereby fostering an effective and massive deployment and encouraging the creation of new business models.

Decoupling and Cloaking of Rectangular and Circular Patch Antennas and Interleaved Antenna Arrays with Planar Coated Metasurfaces at C-Band Frequencies-Design and Simulation Study.

An electromagnetic cloaking approach is employed with the intention to curb the destructive effects of mutual interference for rectangular and circularly shaped patch antennas situated in a tight spacing. Primarily, we show that by coating the top surface of each patch with an appropriately designed metasurface, the mutual coupling is considerably reduced between the antennas. Furthermore, the cloak construct is extended to a tightly spaced, interleaved linear patch antenna array configuration and it is shown that the coated metasurfaces successfully enhance the performance of each array in terms of their matching characteristics, total efficiencies and far-field realized gain patterns for a broad range of beam-scan angles. For rectangular patches, the cloaked Array I and II achieve corresponding peak total efficiencies of 93% and 90%, in contrast to the total efficiencies of 57% and 21% for uncloaked Array I and II, respectively, at their operating frequencies. Moreover, cloaked rectangular Array I and II exhibit main lobe gains of 13.2 dB and 13.8 dB, whereas uncloaked Array I and II only accomplish main lobe gains of 10 dB and 5.5 dB, respectively. Likewise, for the cloaked circular patches, corresponding total efficiencies of 91% and 89% are recorded for Array I and II, at their operating frequencies (uncloaked Array I and II show peak efficiencies of 71% and 55%, respectively). The main lobe gain for each cloaked circular patch array is approximately 14.2 dB, whereas the uncloaked Array I and II only achieve maximum gains of 10.5 dB and 7.5 dB, respectively.

Research progress of heat transport in trapped-ion crystals

Heat transport is one of the most important research topics in physics. Especially in recent years, with the in depth study on single-molecule devices, heat transport in low-dimensional (i.e. one- and two-dimensional) microsystems has received more and more attention. In the research of Fermi-Pasta-Ulam crystals and harmonic crystals, it is widely accepted that heat conduction in low-dimensional system does not follow Fourier’s law. Due to the lack of the equipment that can directly measure heat current, it has been proven to be a challenging task to carry out relevant experiments. Ion crystal in ion trap is located in vacuum and does not exchange energy with the external environment. The crystal structure and temperature can be accurately controlled by electric field and optical field, providing an ideal experimental platform for studying thermal conduction in low-dimensional crystals in classical state or quantum state. Herein we summarize the recent theoretical research on thermal conduction in ion crystals, including the methods of calculating temperature distribution and steady-state heat current in one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional models, as well as the characteristics of heat current and temperature distribution under different ion crystal configurations. Because the nonlinear effect caused by the imbalance among three dimensions hinders the heat transport, the heat current in ion crystal is largest in the linear configuration while smallest in the zig-zag configuration. In addition, we also introduce the influence of disorder on the thermal conductivity of ion crystal, including the influence on the heat current across various ion crystal configurations such as the linear, the zig-zag and the helical configuration. Notably, the susceptibility of ion crystal to disorder increases with crystal size increasing. Specifically, the zig-zag ion crystal configuration exhibits the largest susceptibility to disorder, whereas the linear configuration is least affected. Finally, we provide a concise overview of experimental studies of the heat conduction in low-dimensional systems. Examination of the heat conduction in ion crystal offers a valuable insight into various cooling techniques employed in ion trap systems, including sympathetic cooling, electromagnetically induced transparency cooling, and polarization gradient cooling. Just like macroscopic thermal diodes made by thermal metamaterials, it is possible that the microscopic thermal diodes can also be made in low-dimensional systems.

Enhancement of the Reliability of the Linear Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is one of the trend technologies. It was aggregation, processing, and transferring a huge amount of data in different applications that deal with the surrounding environment. Using a huge number of sensors deployed or organized in a linear configuration between two parallel lines or carvings, a specific kind of WSN is constructed to monitor a particular type of infrastructure. This type of WSN is Known as Linear Wireless Sensor Network (LWSN). LWSNs are used in monitoring applications that are arranged in linear form like underground Pipelines, Bridges, Tunnels, Railway lines, Highways, and Borderlines. A transmission process must be reliable and efficient to ensure end-to-end packet delivery. The backbone or the shortest path approach is used to improve the network performance and prolong the network lifetime. In such networks, more packets are ultimately forwarded or relayed by the sensors closest to the sink than by other types of sensors. In this paper, a backbone approach has been implemented where data is sent from the backbone and the node outside the backbone. Any node outside the backbone selects the closest backbone and sends the sensing data to it.

Full-F turbulent simulation in a linear plasma device using a gyro-moment approach

Simulations of plasma turbulence in a linear plasma device configuration are presented. These simulations are based on a simplified version of the gyrokinetic (GK) model proposed by Frei et al. [J. Plasma Phys. 86, 905860205 (2020)], where the full-F distribution function is expanded on a velocity-space polynomial basis allowing us to reduce its evolution to the solution of an arbitrary number of fluid-like equations for the expansion coefficients, denoted as the gyro-moments (GM). By focusing on the electrostatic and neglecting finite Larmor radius effects, a full-F GM hierarchy equation is derived to evolve the ion dynamics, which includes a nonlinear Dougherty collision operator, localized sources, and Bohm sheath boundary conditions. An electron fluid Braginskii model is used to evolve the electron dynamics, coupled to the full-F ion GM hierarchy equation via a vorticity equation where the Boussinesq approximation is used. A set of full-F turbulent simulations are then performed using the parameters of the LArge Plasma Device (LAPD) experiments with different numbers of ion GMs and different values of collisionality. The ion distribution function is analyzed illustrating the convergence properties of the GM approach. In particular, we show that higher-order GMs are damped by collisions in the high-collisional regime relevant to LAPD experiments. The GM results are then compared with those from two-fluid Braginskii simulations, finding qualitative agreement in the time-averaged profiles and statistical turbulent properties.

Inflammatory Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus – Rare Presentation in a Young Female

Inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) is a rare variant of epidermal nevus characterized by psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, pruritic, warty lesions, in a linear configuration, following the lines of Blaschko. We report a rarer incidence of ILVEN in a young adult female presented with pruritic linear focally warty lesion over dorsum of right foot since birth. Histopathological examination of excision biopsy was suggestive of ILVEN. Although generally considered benign, 15-20% ILVEN cases can show malignant transformation. Despite variable treatment options, treatment is custom-made depending upon the nature and extent of the lesion. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of ILVEN is vital for choosing early and prompt treatment planning. Keywords: Adult, ILVEN, Female, Epidermal, Nevus

An ab initio journey into the electronic structure of Be3

In the present study, we concisely report on Be3’s ground and several excited states of singlet, triplet, quintet, and septet spin symmetry at the MRCI/aug−cc−pV5Z computational level. We have constructed potential energy cuts along the bending coordinate under both C2v and C s symmetry constraints. Both linear and bent configurations have been calculated that span an energy range of nearly 160 kcal/mol. The excited states result by promoting one, two or three valence electrons from the ground state’s electronic configuration. This electronic promotion destroys its sigma (2center – 2e−) bond(s) and the resulting asymmetry is at the very heart of the Jahn–Teller distortion.

Transitioning the apparel supply chain to circular economy: a quantitative approach

This paper aims at exploring the potential of implementing circular economy in global supply chains, from the economic and environmental perspectives. The scientific community has revealed a growing interest in deepening the topic of global circular supply chain management, although literature based on quantitative studies is almost scant. This paper aims at filling some significant gaps by demonstrating that a transition to a circular supply chain not just leads to savings of emissions and natural resources, but it is also a driver to boost profitability. To this purpose, a real-life case-study of a global supply chain in the apparel industry has been modelled and simulations are conducted to quantitatively evaluate the benefits of three different circular supply chains implementing Reuse, Remanufacture and recycled processes over a traditional linear configuration. Results are obtained through a robust design of experiments and are validated via ANOVA test. According to the findings, a circular supply chain configuration can boost profitability by more than 5%, reducing at the same time the consumption of environmental resources by more than 10%.

Gigahertz semiconductor laser at a center wavelength of 2 µm in single and dual-comb operation.

Dual-comb lasers are a new class of ultrafast lasers that enable fast, accurate and sensitive measurements without any mechanical delay lines. Here, we demonstrate a 2-µm laser called MIXSEL (Modelocked Integrated eXternal-cavity Surface Emitting Laser), based on an optically pumped passively modelocked semiconductor thin disk laser. Using III-V semiconductor molecular beam epitaxy, we achieve a center wavelength in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) range by integrating InGaSb quantum well gain and saturable absorber layers onto a highly reflective mirror. The cavity setup consists of a linear straight configuration with the semiconductor MIXSEL chip at one end and an output coupler a few centimeters away, resulting in an optical comb spacing between 1 and 10 GHz. This gigahertz pulse repetition rate is ideal for ambient pressure gas spectroscopy and dual-comb measurements without requiring additional stabilization. In single-comb operation, we generate 1.5-ps pulses with an average output power of 28 mW, a pulse repetition rate of 4 GHz at a center wavelength of 2.035 µm. For dual-comb operation, we spatially multiplex the cavity using an inverted bisprism operated in transmission, achieving an adjustable pulse repetition rate difference estimated up to 4.4 MHz. The resulting heterodyne beat reveals a low-noise down-converted microwave frequency comb, facilitating coherent averaging.

Comparison of Time to Intubation of a Double-Lumen Endobronchial Tube Utilizing C-MAC® Versus GlideScope® Versus Macintosh Blade: A Randomized Crossover Manikin Study.

Macintosh blade direct laryngoscopy is widely used for endotracheal intubation. It may, however, provide an incomplete view of the glottis in patients with challenging airway anatomy. Consequently, various video laryngoscopes have been developed to enhance the visualization of the glottis and facilitate intubation. Yet, the effectiveness of these video laryngoscopes for intubation using a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT), which is longer, larger, and more rigid and has a linear configuration as opposed to the naturally semicircular curvature of a single-lumen endotracheal tube, remains uncertain. We hypothesized that video laryngoscopes would be more efficient for DLT intubation compared to the Macintosh blade in an adult manikin. Ninety-four anesthesia providers, comprising 67 residents, 15 fellows, and 12 attendings, attempted to intubate an adult manikin with normal airway anatomy (Laerdal, Wappingers Falls, NY, USA) using a 37 Fr left-sided DLT. Three different intubation devices were used: the C-MAC® video laryngoscope (Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, Tuttlingen, Germany), the GlideScope® video laryngoscope (Verathon Inc., Bothell, WA), and the Macintosh blade direct laryngoscope-were used. Each participant intubated a manikin once with each of the three devices. Participants were randomized via a crossover design with the order of devices determined by using a Latin square design. Time to intubation and the number of failed intubations (esophageal intubation) were compared across the three different devices. Mean times to intubation for the C-MAC®, GlideScope®, and Macintosh blades were 18.57 ± 0.77, 36.26 ± 2.69, and 20.76 ± 0.96 seconds, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) between the GlideScope® and the other two laryngoscopes. The times for C-MAC® and Macintosh blades were not significantly different. There were two instances of first-attempt failed intubation with the Macintosh. Both the C-MAC® and the Macintosh blades proved more efficient in terms of time to DLT intubation in the manikin with normal airway anatomy, when compared to the GlideScope®. Considering the occurrence of first-attemptfailed intubation, the C-MAC® was the most effective device among the three laryngoscopes for timely successful DLT intubation in the adult manikin. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in human subjects.

A Pyrene-Fused Dimerized Acceptor for Ternary Organic Solar Cells with 19% Efficiency and High Thermal Stability.

A pyrene-fused dimerized electron acceptor has been successfully synthesized and subsequently incorporated as the third component in ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). Diverging from the traditional dimerized acceptors with a linear configuration, this novel electron acceptor displays a distinctive "butterfly-like" structure, comprising two Y-acceptors as wings fused with a pyrene-based backbone. The extended π-conjugated backbone and the electron-donating nature of pyrene enable the new acceptor to show low solubility, elevated glass transition temperature (Tg ), and low-lying frontier energy levels. Consequently, the new dimerized acceptor seamlessly integrates as the third component into ternary OSCs, enhancing electron transporting properties, reducing non-radiative voltage loss, and elevating open-circuit voltage. These merits have enabled the ternary OSCs to show an exceptional efficiency of 19.07%, a marked improvement compared to the 17.6% attained in binary OSCs. More importantly, the high Tg exhibited by the pyrene-fused electron acceptor helps to stabilize the morphology of the photoactive layer thermal-treated at 70 °C, retaining 88.7% efficiency over 600 hours. For comparison, binary OSCs experience a decline to 73.7% efficiency after the same duration. These results indicate that the "butterfly-like" design and the incorporation of a pyrene unit is a promising strategy in the development of dimerized electron acceptors for OSCs.

A Pyrene‐Fused Dimerized Acceptor for Ternary Organic Solar Cells with 19% Efficiency and High Thermal Stability

AbstractA pyrene‐fused dimerized electron acceptor has been successfully synthesized and subsequently incorporated as the third component in ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). Diverging from the traditional dimerized acceptors with a linear configuration, this novel electron acceptor displays a distinctive “butterfly‐like” structure, comprising two Y‐acceptors as wings fused with a pyrene‐based backbone. The extended π‐conjugated backbone and the electron‐donating nature of pyrene enable the new acceptor to show low solubility, elevated glass transition temperature (Tg), and low‐lying frontier energy levels. Consequently, the new dimerized acceptor seamlessly integrates as the third component into ternary OSCs, enhancing electron transporting properties, reducing non‐radiative voltage loss, and elevating open‐circuit voltage. These merits have enabled the ternary OSCs to show an exceptional efficiency of 19.07%, a marked improvement compared to the 17.6% attained in binary OSCs. More importantly, the high Tg exhibited by the pyrene‐fused electron acceptor helps to stabilize the morphology of the photoactive layer thermal‐treated at 70 °C, retaining 88.7% efficiency over 600 hours. For comparison, binary OSCs experience a decline to 73.7% efficiency after the same duration. These results indicate that the “butterfly‐like” design and the incorporation of a pyrene unit is a promising strategy in the development of dimerized electron acceptors for OSCs.

Configuration-mediated excited-state energy dissipation in metal-bridged dimeric D-A fluorophores for enhanced photothermal therapy

Photothermal agents (PTAs) based on donor (D)-acceptor (A) NIR fluorophores show great promise in photothermal therapy due to their accessible molecular engineering to mediate excitation energy for high photothermal conversion. Except for molecular structural modification of D-A fluorophores, intermolecular arrangement in space greatly influences their excitation energy dissipation as well. But how to mediate their intermolecular arrangement is still challenging. Here we control the intermolecular orientation of chromophores via metal coordination to form Pt-bridged dimeric D-A fluorophores with different geometries. The formed configuration isomers show different intermolecular exciton coupling behaviors involving charge transfer (CT) evolution and internally limited molecular rotation, which greatly affect excited-energy dissipation. Compared with folded configuration with intense NIR emission (quantum yields (QYs) = 15.62 %), linear configuration favors non-radiative decays with low QYs (6.99 %) but enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE = 41.57 %). The self-assembled nanoparticles combining Pt-bridged dimeric D-A fluorophores with DSPE-PEG2000-RGD reveal superior photothermal therapeutic features with desirable biosafety. This research provides a new designing concept to mediate excited-state energy dissipation pathways at a sub-nano level for enhanced photothermal conversion. Statement of significanceD-A fluorophores as photothermal agents attract great attention in photothermal therapy due to their accessible molecular engineering. Besides molecular engineering of D-A fluorophores, the intermolecular packing manner is proven to greatly affect their excitation energy dissipation. But how to control intermolecular arrangement is still challenging. Here we control the intermolecular orientation of chromophores via metal coordination to form Pt-bridged dimeric D-A fluorophores with different geometries. Compared to the folded configuration, linear configuration facilitates charge transfer (CT) evolution and molecular rotation, which promotes non-radiative decays of excited energy for enhanced photothermal therapy.