Measurement Points Research Articles

Advanced waveform analysis of the electrocardiogram signals using complementary signal processing techniques to investigate the response to a QTc prolonging drug vs control

Abstract Background Thorough QTc (TQT) studies using Electrocardiogram (ECG) data, are a well-established method for testing the pro-arrhythmic propensity of drugs performed during safety studies as part of drug development. ECG analysis is currently reduced to simplified biomarkers, such as rate, intervals and amplitudes. However, ECG waveforms are complex and generally sampled with high fidelity (125-1000 Hz). Our novel mathematical method, Symmetric Projection Attractor Reconstruction (SPAR) analyses the morphology and variability of such waveforms, using every data point to generate a new, faithful 2D waveform representation termed an ‘attractor’. Moxifloxacin is a reversible blocker of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier, potassium current of the cardiac IKr potassium channel and has been shown to cause a mean increase of the QTc interval of 10–14 ms after an oral single dose of 400 mg. Separately, studies have shown that meals can alter QT interval as well as altering the pharmacokinetic profile of moxifloxacin itself with gender and ethnicity impacting individual responses. In-depth knowledge of these physiological factors could support safer medicines development and clinical use. Purpose This project investigated the feasibility of SPAR analysis of ECG signals to detect drug induced changes which a higher degree of sensitivity, to support safety evaluation during medicines development. Methods High resolution triplicate 12 lead ECG time-series data from a Phase one study of healthy human volunteers cross over of placebo, moxifloxacin or moxifloxacin + food was retrospectively analysed using SPAR. Using a bespoke software tool was used to perform SPAR analyses to transform ECG time-series into corresponding attractors. Corresponding single point measurements were previously obtained as part of the original Phase one study. Results Initial evaluation of attractors revealed high inter-individual variation, consistent with previous SPAR ECG analysis. Nevertheless, we identified changes in subjects receiving Moxifloxacin (six hour time point) when compared to those receiving placebo control. These changes were not as evident in previously obtained QT intervals. Conclusion This pilot study illustrates that SPAR is highlighting changes on the ECG that are less obvious from QT data alone. Further evaluation of the whole dataset to identify generalisable SPAR features, and their comparison with existing markers is now necessary. The individualised nature of ECGs and corresponding attractors indicates the method may have highest utility in personalised medicine, evaluating each individual’s change and hence individual risk to drug induced arrhythmia.Visualisations of SPAR analysis of ECGs

Assessment of former austenite structure in hot rolled steel in terms of its texture after martensitic transformation

Textures of medium carbon steel, hot rolled and then quenched, have been determined by Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). To ensure representativeness of results, a rather large treated scan covered about a thousand of prior grains, each containing several thousands of measurement points. Considering inter-phase orientation relationships peculiar to martensitic steels, textures of the high temperature phase (austenite) have been assessed in terms of the transformation textures. Thus, deformed and recrystallized states of austenite dependent on the rolling conditions can be distinguished. To verify EBSD data, martensite textures were measured by an independent method of EBSD whereas morphology of the prior grains was revealed by means of chemical etching.

The Validity of a Smartphone-Based Method for Acquiring 3D Images of the Face.

Objectives. To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements obtained using the Bellus3D Face Application on a mobile smartphone by comparing them to direct measurements on pre-marked and blank face scans. Materials and Methods. Twenty-five healthy young adults (six males and nineteen females; age range 20-30 years) were included in this prospective cross-sectional study, with the only exclusion criterion being the presence of significant facial hair interfering with the placement and visualization of landmarks. Image acquisitions were performed using an iPhone XR with the Bellus3D FaceApp face scanning application, an iOS application for smartphones. Ten single midfacial and five paired bilateral landmarks were defined and marked. Two face scans were performed on each patient, both on blank and marked faces, and distances were measured directly with calipers and digitally. Results. The random error values were 1.0 mm and 0.4 mm for the manual point placement and measurements and virtual point placement on blank faces, respectively. The two methods used (the direct method and acquisition on faces with landmarks) demonstrate relatively similar reliability (ICC > 0.8); however, a paired t-test showed that the differences between several measurements were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Regardless of the method used, there was a systematic error for various values that included the nose and mouth (p < 0.05). The measurements demonstrating the most significant differences between the methods were those that included the tip of the nose, with the mean differences being -4.4-3.3 mm. The measurements of the distances that estimate face "depth" showed the greatest consistency irrespective of the tested method (p > 0.05 and ICC > 0.8). Conclusions. The use of the Bellus3D FaceApp is precise and reproducible for certain areas of the face, but digital reconstruction errors prohibit, for the time being, the use of this technology in everyday clinical practice. The noted discrepancies were consistent and more prevalent for specific areas such as the tip of the nose. Further investigations are required to determine other sources of error and for other smartphone-based applications released for 3D face image acquisitions.

Robustness of wavelet features for damage detection with neural network and digital twin

Recent studies demonstrate that the wavelet energy–based features are highly sensitive to local damages, and accurate damage identification could be achieved by integrating such features with neural networks. However, the robustness of the features in practical applications and the feasibility of generating damage information with a digital twin to facilitate training of neural networks have not been systematically investigated. This paper aims to provide new insight into the practicality of using wavelet energy–based features for accurate damage detection of structures. A systematic investigation into the tolerance of the normalised wavelet packet node energy features with neural network (NWPNE-NN) approach against measurement noises, excitations uncertainties and limited frequency range in the measured responses is carried out, with consideration of data fusion from multiple measurement points. The feasibility of a digital twin to simulate damage scenarios and generate training data for neural networks is explored, and the use of relative WPNE as a new feature is proposed. The results show that the NWPNE-NN approach is capable of detecting and quantifying the main damage in a structure. The neural networks trained by data generated from a well-calibrated digital twin is capable of identifying damage in the actual structure.

Advancement of Finite Element Method Solver Used in Dam Safety Monitoring System by Interpolation of Pore Pressure and Temperature Values

In this paper, we focused on the advancement of Dam Monitoring Software that incorporates the Finite Element Method (FEM), as these large infrastructure constructions are crucial for ensuring a dependable water supply, irrigation, flood control, renewable electric energy generation, and safe operation, which is of utmost importance to any country. However, the material properties and geotechnical environments of dams can change (deteriorate) over time, while the standards and legal norms that govern them become more and more rigorous, so in order to accurately assess the state of a dam and detect any concerning behavior, the software must be updated as well. The custom-developed FEM solver, unlike many commercial alternatives, is adaptable and can be reconfigured to function within a Dam Monitoring System. In this paper, we present the procedure for interpolating numerical values at measurement points, when the position of the measurement point does not align with the node of the element, allowing for additional instrument locations to be added to the monitored system without the need for remeshing the numerical model. This procedure is used to compare the actual pore pressures and temperature values of the concrete dam structure with the prediction of the numerical model, and the agreement is much greater with the new interpolation algorithm in comparison to the nearest nodal values, with the average relative difference for pore pressure reduced from 8.89% to 8.10%, justifying this implementation.

Bayesian model averaging and Bayesian inference-based probabilistic inversion method for arch dam zonal material parameters

Inversion analysis based on structural monitoring data is an important part of evaluating the working behaviour of structures. In this paper, a probabilistic inversion method for the elastic modulus of concrete in arch dams based on Bayesian model averaging (BMA) and Bayesian inference is proposed. According to the measured displacement data of an arch dam project, the influence of the separation accuracy of water pressure component, the inversion method and the selection of displacement measuring points on the inversion results of the elastic modulus of the dam body is studied. Example analysis results show that the accuracy of the multi-measurement point displacement and hydraulic pressure component separation model based on BMA-HST (Hydrostatic-seasonal-time) is at least 18.97 % higher than that of the single measurement point, and the relative error of the elastic modulus value of the multi-measurement point zonal inversion based on the Polynomial chaos-Kriging (PCK) proxy model and the Bayesian inference is only 6 % at the maximum, which indicates that the inversion model described in this paper is able to realize the high-precision inversion analysis of the material parameters of the zonal analysis of concrete dams at a relatively low computational cost.

Multi-Beam Surveying Ocean Exploration Model and Applications

With the development of artificial intelligence, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology has garnered increasing attention. This paper first proposes a surface reconstruction algorithm based on curvature information, which is applicable to two different sensor structures: implanted FBG sensors and whisker array sensors. The design and analysis of these sensors are based on a pure bending model, where the corresponding bending curvature is obtained by measuring the wavelength shift of the fiber Bragg grating at the measurement points. Next, the paper elaborates on the surface reconstruction algorithm for the implanted FBG sensor. This sensor contains FBG sensing points that are evenly distributed. Curvature information corresponding to the position can be obtained based on the direction and magnitude of the wavelength shift. The fiber bending is considered as a connection of multiple arc segments, and the coordinates of the sensing points are calculated in the Cartesian coordinate system using the properties of the tangents. The fiber bending curve is then reconstructed by connecting the arc segments in MATLAB. Finally, the paper provides a detailed introduction to the surface reconstruction algorithm for the whisker array sensor. When the whiskers bend, the FBGs fixed on them act as curvature sensors. The curvature is determined by the FBG wavelength shift, and the three-dimensional coordinates of the whisker tip relative to the base are calculated based on a geometric model. MATLAB is then used to connect the whisker tip coordinates, completing the construction of the surface.

Influence of view factors on outdoor thermal comfort of residential areas in hot-humid regions.

Sky View Factor (SVF) is commonly used to describe the impact of urban geometry on the urban thermal environment. Shading effects from plants and buildings also exert a considerable influence. To investigate the influence of view factors on outdoor thermal comfort in residential areas, we employed the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and view factors (SVF, TVF, BVF) as indicators to determine outdoor thermal comfort and the quantity of shaded spaces. Thermal measurements collected from 13 points in Guangzhou, China, Our findings revealed that high TVF points exhibited more stable air temperature throughout the daytime, with average temperature differentials ranging 0.4-1.9°C lower than other points. Air temperature demonstrated a positive correlation with SVF (R2 = 0.53), while exhibiting a negative correlation with TVF (R2 = 0.45). Additionally, shading provided by plants and buildings manifests heterogeneity. At similar SVF levels, points predominantly shaded by plants (TVF > BVF) showcased lower Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and PET compared to points shaded mainly by buildings (BVF > TVF). The maximum reduction in air temperature and PET reached 1.1°C and 1.2°C, respectively. BVF exerted greater influence earlier in the morning, as solar altitude angle rises, the average thermal parameters of sites with BVF > TVF escalated rapidly until eventually surpassing sites with TVF > BVF. Last, superior thermal conditions were only ensured under high shading conditions. When the effective shading ratio of plants and buildings diminished (SVF > 0.3), the microclimate of measurement points might be impacted by the long-wave radiation from the underlying surface.

Investigation of Water Film Dynamics on the Surface of an Airfoil in a High-Speed Flow and Subsequent Ligament Formation and Breakup from the Trailing Edge

Abstract In this work, the dynamics of a liquid film on the surface of NACA 0012 airfoil placed in a high-speed air flow is investigated. Experimental studies were carried out to assess the film thickness, droplet shedding, and the dynamics of the sheet. In the present work, air velocities up to 175 m/s were used with water films flowing between 1.4 and 2.6 cm2/s. The water was introduced on the airfoil via 26 holes each measuring of 0.5 mm holes separated by 1mm at 35 mm downstream of the leading edge of the vane. The results were obtained using four experimental tools. The first is a point measurement of the time-resolved film thickness using a confocal laser induced fluorescence method. Second is time averaged images of the film thickness on the entire vane surface. Third, high speed videos are obtained to study the accumulation and breakup of the liquid at the trailing edge of vane. Finally, laser diffraction and Phase Doppler interferometry were used to document the spray dynamics. The results illustrate that the average film thickness decreases with air velocity and increases with the water flow rate. Also, the dominant frequency of liquid film wave, ligament breakup length, drop size and spray concentration increase with the air velocity and is modestly affected by water flow rate. Finally, design tools are provided to predict the average film thickness and dominant frequencies of the film thickness, ligament breakup, spray concentration and droplet average size.

Door de ogen van de patiënt: tele- en zelfmonitoring voor zwangere vrouwen met een verhoogd risico op hypertensie

Through the patient’s eyes: remote monitoring and patient self-measurement for women at risk of gestational hypertensive disorders Remote monitoring (RM) and patient self-measurement (PSM) are new technologies that enable blood pressure monitoring at home for pregnant women at risk of gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD). As patient satisfaction is increasingly considered as an indicator of the quality of care, this study aimed to compare patients’ perceptions on RM and PSM with those on conventional care for women at risk of GHD. The data collection was part of a multicentric RCT with 2 intervention groups (RM and PSM) and 1 control group. 254 participants completed the survey, determining the patients’ perceptions regarding the care they received at 4 measurement points. Linear probability models were used to assess the impact of RM and PSM on patients’ perceptions. Women at risk of GHD were significantly more likely to be satisfied with the care outcomes, to feel confident about their role as a mother and to be satisfied with their delivery after a follow-up by RM than after a follow-up by conventional care. In addition, they were significantly less likely to be concerned about their general health. The perceptions of women in the PSM group were not significantly better than those of the control group. The positive perceptions of patients regarding RM may be partly explained by the reduction in complications and the role of the study midwife as ‘advanced midwifery practitioner’.

A study on aerodynamic pass-by noise based on equivalent source method

Pass-by noise generated by high-speed trains is an important influencing factor on the surrounding environment and is getting more and more attention with the increase of speed. In the past, the aerodynamic pass-by noise prediction was usually conducted with the wind tunnel mode, ignoring the Doppler effect. In this paper, an equivalent source method considering the Doppler effect is proposed to study the aerodynamic pass-by noise. A cylinder case is considered first to verify the effectiveness of the method. Then a DSA 380 pantograph of a Chinese high-speed train is considered. The pantograph is divided into three parts, and each part is equivalent to a monopole or dipole sound source. Results show that the upper part of the pantograph is closer to a dipole source, while the middle and lower parts are closer to a monopole source. When the measurement point is directly above the pantogragh, the contribution of the upper part is the largest, while for both sides measurement points of the pantograph, the contribution of the upper part is the smallest.

Asymmetry in Measurements near Light Speed

The intentions of this theoretical exercise are two-fold. Firstly, the relationship between measurement and the theory or hypothesis that is tested is discussed as a methodological challenge. It is argued that measurements will always lead to multiple explanations of the data. Secondly the consequences of this stance are explored with measurements of objects moving with high velocities. The generally accepted equations of such objects are mirrored with an alternative interpretation, that is based on 'deconstructing' the way that such measurements are carried out. More specifically, this contribution concentrates on asymmetry in point measurements, which are measurements that are conducted from one spatial location. As many measurements require multiple samples, this may imply that consecutive measurements move with respect to the measuring device. This may cause an asymmetry, or myopia, in the data that is collected. Such measurements should therefore be corrected for the corresponding effects. This article will give a theoretical description of the myopia in point measurements specifically for objects moving with high velocity, in particular near the speed of light. It is demonstrated that the results are in correspondence with the equations that are commonly used to describe the velocities of such particles, such as the Lorentz transformations or the energy-momentum relationship, although the interpretation of these outcomes are somewhat different.

Examining differences in the effects and contexts of naturalistic psilocybin use for White participants vs. Participants of Color: A longitudinal online survey study

BackgroundPsilocybin (a psychoactive compound found in “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms”) has been gaining increased attention in research and popular culture as a number of clinical and observational studies have demonstrated that it may have potential for improving mental wellbeing. Relatedly, there has been a substantial uptick in naturalistic (e.g., real-world, non-clinical) psilocybin use in the United States. While a number of longitudinal studies have demonstrated that naturalistic psilocybin use is linked to positive mental health outcomes on average, few studies have examined how the effects of psilocybin and contexts for psilocybin use may differ for White populations compared to Populations of Color. ObjectiveTo examine differences in health outcomes, subjective effects, and contexts of naturalistic psilocybin use in White participants compared to Participants of Color. MethodsThis study used data from a large, online longitudinal study of individuals who planned to engage in naturalistic psilocybin use (N = 2833). We used mixed-effects models to assess whether race/ethnicity (White vs. Participant of Color) moderated associations between time (Time 2 [initial assessment point for longitudinal measures], Time 5 [2–4 weeks post-psilocybin experience, and Time 6 [2–3 months post-experience]) and outcomes related to mental health (depression, anxiety, spiritual wellbeing, cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation [expressive suppression + cognitive reappraisal]). We also used exploratory chi-squared tests to examine differences in contexts for psilocybin use as well as differences in subjective effects related to the psilocybin experience. ResultsRace/ethnicity moderated the associations between time for predicting spiritual wellbeing (beta = −1.8; 95 % CI [−3.4, −0.17]; p < 0.05), cognitive flexibility (beta = −1.5 [−2.7, −0.26]; p < 0.05), and emotion regulation – expressive suppression (beta = 0.25 [0.06, 0.44]; p < 0.05) at Time 6 (but not Time 5). Additionally, Participants of Color reported minor differences in subjective effects and context for use compared to White participants (e.g., more likely to have set an intention prior to use, report time speeding up during the experience, etc.). We found reductions in anxiety and depression for both Participants of Color and White participants, and our moderation tests for these outcomes were not significant. ConclusionRace/ethnicity impacts the associations between psilocybin use and various markers of mental wellbeing. Future longitudinal studies and experimental studies with larger samples of color can further elucidate the preliminary findings from this study.

Assessment of vehicle exhaust PM emissions using high-resolution on-road measurements in Seoul, Korea

In megacities, road traffic is a major source of particulate matter (PM), requiring a critical understanding of effective air pollution control. Despite existing methods to determine PM emission factors (EFs) of vehicles, accurate estimation of PM emissions under real driving conditions remains challenging. We aimed to assess the EFs of organic aerosol (OA) and equivalent black carbon (eBC) from vehicles through on-road measurements in Seoul, Korea, to understand real-world PM emissions. We used a mobile laboratory equipped with an aerosol mass spectrometer and an aethalometer to measure the composition of PM. On-road measurements were conducted in vehicle tunnels, urban roadways, and residential areas, and the characteristics of measurement points were compared and analyzed. Our results showed that concentrations of OA increased proportionally with the influence of vehicle exhaust, while oxidation states of the OA decreased. Mobile measurements revealed spatial heterogeneities in aerosols, highlighting distinct characteristics of fresh OA on vehicle roads and elevated oxidation state values in residential areas. Active nitrate formation near vehicles led to elevated NO3 concentrations on roads compared to residential areas. Our study shows that mobile PM measurements, including OA and eBC, are valuable for the direct evaluation of emission inventories. However, given that the calculated EFs may not be applicable to other cities due to differences in vehicle composition and traffic conditions, the development of city-specific EFs will be necessary in the future. Furthermore, it is recommended to integrate this methodology with conventional emission inventories to identify vehicle-type-specific emissions.Graphical

Accuracy of estimating equations for the assessment of glomerular filtration rate in critically ill patients versus outpatients.

Estimating equations for the assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have been poorly investigated in the critical care setting. We evaluated the agreement between the GFR measured with 51CrEDTA/iohexol (mGFR) and four estimating equations based on serum concentrations of creatine and/or cystatin C (eGFR) in two cohorts: critically ill patients and outpatients with normal-to-moderately reduced GFR. Forty-three patients in the critical care group and 48 patients in the outpatient group were included. GFR was measured (mGFR) by plasma infusion clearance of 51Cr-EDTA/iohexol (critical care group) and the single injection, one-sample plasma 51Cr-EDTA clearance technique (outpatients). The following estimating equations (eGFR) were used: the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation for creatinine (CKD-EPICr), cystatin C (CKD-EPICys C), creatinine+cystatin C (CKD-EPICr + Cys C) and the Lund-Malmö creatinine+cystatin C equation (LMCr + Cys C). Agreement between mGFR and eGFR was assessed by the Bland-Altman method and accuracy by calculating P30 and P10. In the critically ill group, the bias between the estimating equations and mGFR was -3.6 to 2.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, while the error was 121%-127% and the accuracy (P30) 33%-40%. In the outpatients, the bias between the estimating equations and mGFR was -13.0 to 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, while the error was 31%-41% and the accuracy (P30), 67%-96%. All four equations performed poorly in assessing GFR in the critically ill cohort with an unacceptably high error and low accuracy in contrast to the outpatient group. To accurately assess GFR in critically ill patients, GFR must be measured not estimated. For the assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), it can be measured directly, but is frequently estimated using a point measure of serum creatinine concentration. In this study, ICU case GFR estimations, by different adjusted equations, done also for a cohort of outpatients, showed that these serum creatinine-based estimations for ICU cases are not highly precise or reliable.

Probabilistic modeling of multivariate extreme non-Gaussian wind loads and its applications in envelope engineering

Probabilistic modeling for non-Gaussian wind load fields under extreme winds is crucial to the quantitative risk and reliability analysis of envelope structures. Based on the multi-point synchronous wind load data during typhoons, a probabilistic model is proposed to characterize multivariate non-Gaussian wind loads to improve the accuracy of the risk analysis considering data dimension reduction. In the proposed model, the Pareto distribution function is utilized to fit the marginal distribution, and the copula function is employed to construct the dependent structure of wind loads from different locations. In the marginal fitted results, the extreme wind load value in the edge region is about 0.10–0.15 higher than those from inner measurement points at quantile p = 95 %. In addition, the variation gradient from the different variable directions is approximately equal, and a sharp variation occurs at the point (0.10, 0.10) for bivariate joint distributions. Engineering applications given in this article are composed of three parts: calculating regional exceeding probability, estimating wind load vector under a specific regional exceeding probability, and determining the location of joint extreme wind loads using the joint gradient value. Finally, risk analysis of existing roof coverings is carried out, the edge corner region is weaker, and two engineering recommendations are given. For determining the regional design wind load, a comprehensive calculation framework considering the temporal dependence of different locations is established, and the reduction rates are in the range (5 %, 25 %).

Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Two Powders of Azithromycin for Suspension: A Nonblinded, Single-Dose, Randomized, Three-Way Crossover Study in Fed and Fasting States Among Healthy Chinese Volunteers.

Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is commonly used to treat mild-to-moderate bacterial infections. This research aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) properties and bioequivalence (BE) of two azithromycin (EQ 100 mg base/packet) powders for suspension in Chinese healthy participants in fed and fasting conditions. A total of 90 Chinese healthy participants were enrolled in this nonblinded, single-dose, randomized, semireplicate, three-period, three-sequence, crossover study. Of them, 42 and 40 were categorized to the fed and fasting conditions, respectively. The washout period between doses was 21 days. Blood specimens were harvested prior to administering the drug and 194 h following administration. The plasma levels of azithromycin were analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach. PK parameters were measured using noncompartmental analysis. This research compared BE between the reference and test products using the average bioequivalence (ABE) or reference-scaled average bioequivalence (RSABE) method, considering the within-subject variability (SWR) of the reference preparation. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored to examine safety and tolerability. The RSABE method (SWR ≥ 0.294) was used to determine the BE of maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) in both fed and fasting conditions. In the ABE approach, (SWR < 0.294) was adopted to assess the BE of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last measurable time point (AUC0-t) and determine the area under the plasma concentration time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC0-inf). In the fasting condition, the point estimate of the test/reference ratio for Cmax was 1.08, with a 95% upper confidence bound of - 0.05 < 0.00. The geometric mean ratio (GMRs) for AUC0-t and AUC0-inf was 115.21% [90% confidence interval (CI) 107.25-123.27%] and 113.07% (90% CI 105.14-121.61%), respectively. In the fed condition, the point estimate of the test/reference ratio for Cmax was 0.94, with a 95% upper confidence bound of - 0.10 < 0.00. The GMR for AUC0-t and AUC0-inf was 99.51% (90% CI of 91.03-108.78%) and 99.43% (90% CI 91.73-107.78%), respectively. These data all satisfied the BE criteria for drugs with high variability. All AEs were transient and mild, and no severe AEs were observed. Our study indicated that the test and reference products of azithromycin (EQ 100 mg base/packet) powder for suspension were bioequivalent and safe in healthy Chinese participants, irrespective of the feeding condition. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION (CHINADRUGTRIALS.ORG.CN): CTR20232646, registered on 25 August 2023.

Victims of the Itaewon crowd crush died twice: The role of justice beliefs (general vs. personal) and fatalism in predicting victim‐blaming

AbstractThe current study analyzes how the two facets of justice beliefs (GBJW and PBJW) relate to victim‐blaming in a recent man‐made disaster that occurred during the Halloween Festival in Seoul, South Korea. We also explore the psychological mechanism that underlies the link between justice beliefs and victim‐blaming by analyzing the mediating role of fatalism. We conducted a two‐wave survey over the first 10 days of the disaster (N = 185 and 154 for Time 1 and Time 2, respectively). We found that the GBJW positively predicted victim‐blaming at both Time 1 and Time 2, and this relationship was mediated by fatalistic cognitions about life. By contrast, the PBJW was not related to victim‐blaming across the two measurement points. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings and directions for future research on the link between justice beliefs and victim‐blaming.

Investigation on load - transfer characteristics of spherical hinge structure of swivel bridge based on scale distortion model

The mechanical properties of the swivel spherical hinge, a critical component in swivel bridge structures, remain inadequately understood. This study precisely examines the load-transfer characteristics of the swivel spherical hinge using a combination of finite element simulation and scaled model loading tests. An optimized hinge model, accounting for distortion effects and strategic placement of measurement points, was constructed and tested in the laboratory. Results indicate that the scaled model exhibited consistent elastic deformation, ensuring structural integrity and stability. The results indicate that under a 122 kN load, the average discrepancy between the experimental data and numerical predictions was only 1.53 %, highlighting the numerical model's accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the center of the slider experienced a compressive stress of approximately 2.7 MPa, while the edge endured 5.3 MPa, reflecting a non-uniform load distribution. Stress concentrations at the slider's projection were 2–5 times greater than at other measurement points on the steel-concrete interface of the hinges. The lower spherical hinge surface displayed a complex stress pattern combining tensile and compressive stresses, resulting from slider compression and hinge surface expansion. This research provides valuable insights into the load-transfer mechanisms of swivel spherical hinges, offering guidance for the design and construction of swivel bridges.

Fault tracing in multistage gearbox systems based on an improved transfer path analysis method

This study, has developed a novel structural dynamics decoupling method based on TPA. This approach effectively facilitates fault diagnosis and tracing in multistage gearbox systems. Initially, the research explores the relationship between the transfer function of systems with rigid link decoupling and the coupled system’s frequency response function. Compared with Huangfu et al. (2023) , the signal measurement points are reduced. The MWI (Yu et al., 2023) is employed to solve the inverse problem of bearing force identification. Subsequently, the decoupled frequency response and bearing forces are multiplied to calculate the path contribution, determining the dominant fault transfer path and thereby facilitating fault tracing in gearboxes. The effectiveness of this method is validated through numerical simulations and experimental studies, with fault characteristic enhancement exceeding 200%. To evaluate the method’s universality and robustness, experiments on diverse gearbox systems under varying conditions show enhanced fault characteristics across three fault types, confirming its generalizability.