Performance Parameters Research Articles

Multi-objective optimization of a novel hybrid battery thermal management system using response surface method

This study evaluates the thermal performance of a Z-type battery thermal management system (BTMS) designed for nine lithium-ion batteries discharged at a high rate of 5C, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The investigation employs Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize two critical thermal performance parameters: the maximum battery temperature (Tmax) and the maximum temperature difference between cells (ΔTmax). Various cooling strategies are explored to comprehensively assess the BTMS, including natural convection, forced convection, cooling fins, phase change material (PCM), and composite PCM. These methods are analyzed to determine their effectiveness in controlling the thermal behavior of the battery pack. The simulation results indicate that integrating different cooling techniques can significantly lower Tmax from 352.38 K to 309.14 K and reduce ΔTmax from 14.6 K to 3.31 K, depending on the method used. Under critical conditions, such as the failure of the active cooling system, the BTMS still maintained a Tmax of 310.64 K and a ΔTmax of 0.95 K, demonstrating its robustness and reliability. Further optimization identified the ideal configuration for the system, including an inlet air speed of 1.2 m/s, an inlet temperature of 297.15 K, and a PCM thickness of 3.8 mm, achieving optimal thermal performance with a Tmax of 303.97 K and ΔTmax of 3.17 K. This study offers valuable insights into the design and optimization of effective BTMS for enhanced battery safety and longevity.

Evaluation of Guanidinoacetic Acid Supplementation on Finishing Beef Steer Growth Performance, Skeletal Muscle Cellular Response, and Carcass Characteristics.

This study elucidated the effects of dosage-dependent guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on growth performance, muscle responses, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef steers. Thirty crossbred Red Angus beef steers (395 ± 28.09kg) were randomly assigned one of three treatments during a 146-day feedlot study: basal diet without GAA supplementation (CONTROL), 1g of GAA per 100kg of BW daily (LOWGAA), and 2g of GAA per 100kg of BW daily (HIGHGAA). Individual feed intake was monitored daily, growth performance parameters were collected every 28 days, and longissimus muscle (LM) biopsies occurred every 56 days. In biopsied LM, greater (P = 0.048) mRNA expression of IGF-1 was observed in LOWGAA steers on d 112 compared to the CONTROL group. LOWGAA steers also exhibited greater expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I compared to CONTROL steers (P < 0.05) and MHC IIA compared to both CONTROL and HIGHGAA treatment groups (P < 0.01) on d 112. GAA supplementation resulted in no change in carcass characteristics, serum and LM tissue metabolites, LM composition, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values (P > 0.05). Data collected from this study demonstrate the influence of GAA supplementation on the gene expression of MHC isoforms and their role in skeletal muscle growth, differentiation, and muscle fiber-typing.

Multi-objective optimization and exergoeconomic analysis of a novel solar desalination system with absorption cooling

This paper presents a novel design for a solar-powered desalination system utilizing a single-effect absorption refrigeration cycle with a flat-plate solar collector. The NH3-H2O working fluid pair in the refrigeration subsystem produces chilled water while the rejected heat from the condenser drives a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) subsystem for freshwater generation. This cycle has been analyzed thermodynamically and exergetically to understand its key performance parameters. Furthermore, for a detailed examination and optimization, an exergoeconomic analysis was also conducted. Design parameters for this study include the tilt angle of the solar collector, Volume fraction of nanoparticles in the CuO nanofluid, Solar collector area, Base fluid mass flow rate in the collector, Mass flow rate of the strong solution, Absorber and condenser temperatures, Mass ratio and Humidifier effectiveness. The Objective functions used to evaluate the system, performance are the Cooling effect of performance (COP), Energy performance (EP), Exergy efficiency (μExe), and the Total product cost rate of the system (Ċp,Tot). The genetic algorithm optimization is employed to find the best system performance using two sets of three objective functions. The effectiveness of multi-objective optimization using LINMAP, TOPSIS, and Shannon Entropy methods is demonstrated. LINMAP and TOPSIS consistently achieved improvements in COP (32–42 %), exergy efficiency (33–48 %), and reduced total cost (89–90 %) compared to the base point, while Shannon Entropy offered slightly lower gains. These methods consistently identify superior system configurations, achieving significant improvements in performance while minimizing the total product cost rate.

Effects of Different Technological Forms of the Perilla frutescens in the Diet on Ruminal Fermentation, Milk and Plasma Fatty Acid Composition, Ruminal Biohydrogenation and Milk Quality in Dairy Goats.

Fatty acids can be protected by changing their structure or form against microbial activity, and the different forms of fatty acids can modulate the ruminal biohydrogenation rate and contribute to the desired fatty acid profile in milk fat. The study investigated the effects of perilla (Perilla frutescens) dietary supplementation in the diet in different technological forms (seed, oil and formaldehyde-treated oil) on milk, plasma and ruminal fatty acid composition, and milk quality in lactating goats. The four dietary treatments consisted of (1) no supplementation, basal diet (CON); (2) perilla supplementation as seed at 44.7g/kg (consisting of 20g/kg oil (PS)); (3) perilla supplementation as oil at 20g/kg (PO); (4) perilla supplementation as formaldehyde treated oil at 20g/kg (protected perilla oil [PPO]). The experiment was implemented in a double 4×4 Latin square trial design, and sampling was carried out for 7 days after 21 days of adaptation. Performance parameters were not affected by P. frutescens supplementation to the diet. PO decreased milk fat, whereas PPO increased milk fat. Milk cholesterol was not affected by P. frutescens dietary supplementation. Perilla oil supplementation in different forms to the diet did not affect ruminal pH, VFA and methane production. Perilla oil supplementation in different forms to the diet did not also affect the concentration of blood serum glucose, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids. Perilla supplementation to the diet increased the milk conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), C18:3n-3, C22:5n-3, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, and PPO group showed the greatest values. Ruminal palmitic (C16:0) acid was decreased, and in perilla groups, stearic acid (C18:0) concentration had the lowest, and ruminal c-9, t-11 CLA concentration had the highest value in PPO. It has been found that the most effective form of perilla oil in increasing milk quality is that with formaldehyde treatment (protected form). Perilla oil, which is a rich source of omega 3 in the diet, can be used to increase milk quality in goats without adversely affecting performance, ruminal fermentation and blood parameters.

Parameters of Performance: A Deep Dive into Liquid-to-Air CDU Assessment

The rapid growth in data center workloads and the increasing complexity of modern applications have led to significant contradictions between computational performance and thermal management. Traditional air-cooling systems, while widely adopted, are reaching their limits in handling the rising thermal footprints and higher rack power densities of next-generation servers, often resulting in thermal throttling and decreased efficiency, emphasizing the need for more efficient cooling solutions. Direct-to-chip liquid cooling with cold plates has emerged as a promising solution, providing efficient heat dissipation for high-performance servers. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring system stability under varying thermal loads and optimizing integration with existing infrastructure. This comprehensive study digs into the area of data center liquid cooling, providing a novel, comprehensive experimental investigation of the critical steps and tests necessary for commissioning coolant distribution units (CDUs) in direct-to-chip liquid-cooled data centers. It carefully investigates the hydraulic, thermal, and energy aspects, establishing the groundwork for Liquid-to-Air (L2A) CDU data centers. A CDU’s performance was evaluated under different conditions. First, the CDU’s maximum cooling capacity was evaluated and found to be as high as 89.9 kW at an approach temperature difference (ATD) of 18.3 °C with a 0.83 heat exchanger effectiveness. Then, to assess the cooling performance and stability of the CDU, a low-power test and a transient thermohydraulic test were conducted. The results showed instability in the supply fluid temperature (SFT) caused by the oscillation in fan speed at low thermal loads. Despite this, heat removal rates remained constant across varying supply air temperatures (SATs), and a partial power usage effectiveness (PPUE) of 1.042 was achieved at 100% heat load (86 kW) under different SATs. This research sets a foundation for improving L2A CDU performance and offers practical insights for overcoming current cooling limitations in data centers.

Study on steam energy efficiency enhancement, cost management and CO2 emissions in the food industry

Malaysia’s energy intensity per unit GDP has been increasing since the 1990s, leading to the government’s efforts to promote energy efficiency via policies and initiatives such as Energy Performance Contracting (EPC). Additionally, the industrial sector in Malaysia consumed 28% of total final energy in 2018, placing it as the country’s second-largest final energy consumer [1]. This case study focuses on improving energy efficiency in the steam system of an existing plant in the food industry in Malaysia. This work was performed in collaboration with a local Energy Service Company (ESCO) to study the existing steam system, recognize its process requirements and constraints and consequently propose and evaluate retrofit opportunities. These opportunities were evaluated across 3 performance parameters (power output or energy savings, cost savings and CO2 emissions savings). Simulations were performed using the Steam System Modeler Tool (SSMT). The study found that Combined Heat and Power (CHP) was not feasible due to a combination of low steam pressure and flowrate available in the system. However, the study also found that improving condensate recovery coupled with condensate flashing from the high pressure to low pressure header offered the highest increments in overall performance.

Exploring the Efficacy of Various CNN Architectures in Diagnosing Oral Cancer from Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral cancer can result from mutations in cells located in the lips or mouth. Diagnosing oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is particularly challenging, often occurring at advanced stages. To address this, computer-aided diagnosis methods are increasingly being used. In this work, a deep learning-based approach utilizing models such as VGG16, ResNet50, LeNet-5, MobileNetV2, and Inception V3 is presented. NEOR and OCSCC datasets were used for feature extraction, with virtual slide images divided into tiles and classified as normal or squamous cell cancer. Performance metrics like accuracy, F1-score, AUC, precision, and recall were analyzed to determine the prerequisites for optimal CNN performance. The proposed CNN approaches were effective for classifying OCSCC and oral dysplasia, with the highest accuracy of 95.41% achieved using MobileNetV2. Key findingsDeep learning models, particularly MobileNetV2, achieved high classification accuracy (95.41%) for OCSCC.CNN-based methods show promise for early-stage OCSCC and oral dysplasia diagnosis. Performance parameters like precision, recall, and F1-score help optimize CNN model selection for this task.

Age- and Gender-Specific Reference Values for Physical Performance in Tunisian Youth Basketball Players

Background/Objectives: Physical performance is becoming increasingly critical in basketball, as it directly influences players’ agility, power, and endurance. This study aimed to assess the progression of body composition and physical performance metrics across different ages and genders, establishing age- and gender-specific reference values for Tunisian basketball athletes. Methods: A total of 469 Tunisian basketball players (239 boys and 230 girls) were assessed and grouped by age. Anthropometric measures—including standing and sitting height, body mass, leg length, body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat percentage, wingspan, and leg muscle volume—were collected alongside physical performance metrics. Performance tests included countermovement and squat jumps, change-of-direction speed, maximal oxygen uptake, flexibility, the five-jump test, and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprints with and without the ball. Normative data were generated based on age and gender categories. Results: The findings revealed significant age-related improvements in both anthropometric and performance parameters. Boys consistently outperformed girls in physical and fitness-related measures, with gender differences becoming more pronounced with age. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that, for boys, body fat percentage, leg muscle volume, standing height, and wingspan were the best predictors of physical performance. For girls, body fat percentage, standing height, and sitting height were identified as key predictors. Conclusions: The newly established Tunisian reference values for physical performance in youth basketball provide valuable benchmarks that can support the development of explosive power and strength in players, aiding in talent identification and potentially enhancing individual and team performance outcomes.

Enhancing prescribed-time trajectory tracking control for a stratospheric airship with prescribed performance

This paper studies the tracking control problem for stratospheric airships with user-specified performance. Dealing with the infinite gain phenomenon in the prescribed-time stability, a new stability criterion with bounded gain is proposed by using a new time-varying scaling function. Moreover, a same-side performance function and a novel barrier Lyapunov function are incorporated into the control algorithm, which can compress the feasible domain of tracking error to minimize the overshoot and solve the difficult in tracking error not converging to zero simultaneously. The proposed scheme guarantees the airship capable of operating autonomously with satisfactory transient performance and tracking accuracy, where the performance parameters can be designed artificially and link to the physical process directly. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation.

Performance analysis of air-cooled turbine based on source terms method

Abstract Investigating turbine blade cooling and blade tip clearance leakage is crucial for reducing turbine losses and enhancing overall engine performance. Therefore, this paper uses the E3 two-stage high-pressure turbine as a case and employs the source term method to model the film cooling configuration, validating its efficacy and examining the performance parameters and flow field characteristics of air-cooled turbines under varying blade tip clearances. The outcomes demonstrate that the source term approach accurately forecasts the comprehensive performance parameters of air-cooled turbines, with blade tip clearance height predominantly impacting turbine performance in high-velocity regions. For small blade tip clearance, air-cooled turbines exhibit diminished efficiency with a decreasing expansion ratio in high-velocity regions, but they demonstrate an inverse behavior in low-velocity regions. Conversely, under conditions of larger blade tip clearances, the cooling effectiveness of air-cooled turbines is more pronounced in regions characterized by low expansion ratios and low speeds.

Reading Performance Following Contralateral Implantation of an Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL and a Hybrid EDOF Multifocal IOL

Purpose To assess objective reading performance at intermediate and near distances using the Salzberg Reading Desk (SRD) (SRD Vision) in patients with cataract who underwent the implantation of a diffractive extended depth of focus intraocular lens (EDOF IOL) in the dominant eye and a hybrid multifocal EDOF IOL in the non-dominant eye. Methods This prospective, non-comparative, interventional study included 46 eyes of 23 patients with cataract who underwent bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of the DFR00V Tecnis Synergy IOL (Johnson &amp; Johnson Surgical Vision) in the non-dominant eye and the DXR00V Tecnis Symfony OptiBlue IOL (Johnson &amp; Johnson Surgical Vision) in the dominant eye. At postoperative 6 months, the Salzburg Reading Desk was used to assess distance-corrected reading performance at near and intermediate distances. Results Although the monocular reading acuity at the preferred intermediate distance was statistically significantly better in the eyes implanted with the DXR00V IOL, it was better with the DFR00V IOL at preferred near distances. The mean binocular distance-corrected preferred intermediate and near reading acuity was 0.07 ± 0.09 (20/23) and 0.13 ± 0.09 (20/27) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively. Other parameters of reading performance, such as reading speed, reading distance, reading time, and smallest scale log print size, were similar between the two IOL groups when assessed monocularly. Conclusions Implanting a DFR00V IOL in the non-dominant eye and a diffractive DXR00V IOL in the dominant eye resulted in excellent binocular reading acuity and speed at intermediate and near distances. [ J Refract Surg . 2024;40(11):e778–e782.]

The Beneficial Application of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Health and Egg Production, in Layers: A Review

ABSTRACTBackgroundTurmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a widely recognized spice and medicinal plant that has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial applications of turmeric in improving health and egg production in layers.ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to assess the current scientific literature on the effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets and evaluate its impact on layer health and egg production.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Google Scholar database to identify relevant studies published in peer‐reviewed journals. Studies investigating the effects of turmeric or its bioactive compound curcumin on layer health and egg production were included. Data on various parameters, including immune function, reproductive performance, egg quality and production parameters, were extracted and analysed.ResultsTurmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which possesses antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. These properties have been extensively studied and have shown promising results in enhancing layer health and performance. Turmeric supplementation has been reported to improve the overall immune response in layers, reducing the incidence and severity of infectious diseases. It has also been shown to have positive effects on gut health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, improving nutrient absorption and reducing digestive disorders. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that turmeric supplementation in layer diets can improve egg weight, shell quality, yolk colour and egg production rates. The mechanisms underlying these effects involve the antioxidant properties of turmeric, which protect the reproductive organs, enhance ovarian function and improve reproductive performance.ConclusionThe findings underscore the potential of turmeric as a natural, cost‐effective and sustainable intervention for improving layer well‐being, egg quality and productivity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens and evaluate the long‐term effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets.

Combustion performance of an evaporative flameholder under subsonic-supersonic mixing inflow

The combustion process in rocket-assisted subsonic ramjet engines represents a key advancement in integrated aerospace propulsion, particularly for embedded rocket-based systems. These engines offer the potential to improve combustion performance at altitudes of 25–35 km. However, the significant temperature and velocity differentials between the rocket jet and the subsonic ramjet flow restrict heat and mass transfer. Investigating the relationship between combustion performance and inlet parameters under subsonic-supersonic mixing conditions offers a promising approach to enhancing thrust performance. This study introduces subsonic and supersonic airflow mixing via a flat-plate shear layer in a rectangular channel, with an evaporative flameholder placed centrally to assess combustion. Results reveal that combustion efficiency decreases as the equivalence ratio exceeds 0.2, while the static temperature ratio has minimal impact on efficiency but strongly influences the maximum flame stabilization limit. As the temperature ratio increases from 1.30 to 1.80, the flame limit narrows from 1.656 to 0.237. Higher pressure ratios initially enhance combustion efficiency and flame coverage but eventually cause a decrease. The flame limit broadens from 0.900 to 1.626 as the pressure ratio increases from 1.12 to 1.50. While Mach number changes have little effect on efficiency, the flame limit exhibits an initial rise followed by a drop. Novel findings include an asymmetrical flame pattern and a “Z” shaped outlet temperature distribution, contributing to optimized combustion strategies for combined-cycle engines.

Ultrathin visible-light OCT endomicroscopy for in vivo ultrahigh-resolution neuroimaging in deep brain

Deep-brain neuroimaging, a task that demands high-resolution imaging techniques for visualizing intricate brain structures, assessing deep-seated disease histopathology, and offering real-time intervention guidance, is challenged by the resolution-depth trade-off of current methods. We propose an optical coherence tomography (OCT) endomicroscopy device for high-resolution in vivo imaging of deep brain microstructures and histopathology. A unique liquid shaping technique enables the direct fabrication of a microlens on the fiber tip of the imaging probe, optimizing imaging performance parameters, such as longitudinal focal shift, focused spot size, and working distance. In addition, a broadband visible-light source enhances axial resolution and OCT imaging contrast. As a result, the first monolithic visible-light OCT (vis-OCT) endomicroscope, with a submillimeter outer diameter (∼0.4 mm), is presented, achieving an ultrahigh resolution of 1.4 μm axial × 4.5 μm transverse in air. This compact probe allows minimally invasive in vivo deep-brain imaging in mice at a depth of 7.2 mm. Key regions in the mouse deep brain, such as the isocortex, corpus callosum, and caudate putamen, were successfully identified using our vis-OCT endomicroscope. In addition, we examined the myeloarchitectures and cytoarchitectures in the isocortex. Our findings demonstrate that the vis-OCT endomicroscope offers enhanced visualization of myelinated axon fibers and nerve fiber bundles compared to its 800 nm counterpart. This vis-OCT endomicroscope, overcoming resolution and imaging depth limitations of conventional methods, offers a novel tool for minimally invasive, ultrahigh-resolution in vivo deep brain neuroimaging.

Seismic Collapse Risk Assessment and Fragility Analysis of Reinforced Masonry Core Walls with Boundary Elements Using the FEMA P695 Methodology

In the past, the primary objective of structural design codes was centred around ensuring human life safety, with a strong focus on preventing structural collapse. This approach predominantly relied on force- or strength-based criteria as the basis for design. Nevertheless, a notable shift has occurred recently, transitioning the design philosophy from 'strength' towards a 'performance'-based approach. This shift signifies a growing recognition that strength and performance are not identical. However, to adopt the performance-based seismic design approach, it is essential to develop precise models for estimating damage and potential losses associated with various seismic force-resisting systems (SFRSs). Fragility functions are widely interpreted among the most prevalent damage and loss models. They establish a crucial link between specific demand parameters and the likelihood of exceeding various damage states. Although reinforced masonry (RM) structures have recently gained popularity, the seismic design of mid- to high-rise RM structures is still challenging because it requires a reliable SFRS capable of providing the needed ductility and capacity. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the key seismic performance parameters (i.e., system overstrength and ductility) and to perform a collapse capacity risk assessment of reinforced masonry core walls with boundary elements (RMCW+BEs) as the main SFRS in RM structures. The current study utilizes the applied element method (AEM) implemented in the Extreme Loading for Structures software (ELS) to model three RM structures with various heights (10-, 15-, and 20-story buildings). Nonlinear pseudo- static pushover analysis was performed to quantify the ductility and overstrength of the proposed RM system following the FEMA P695 guidelines. In addition, an incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) was carried out to assess the seismic collapse risk of RMCW+BEs by generating system-level-based fragility curves. The results showed that the proposed RM system provides the needed ductility, overstrength and deformation capacity for a ductile SFRS for typical mid- and high-rise RM buildings. Furthermore, the developed collapse fragility curves verified excellent seismic performance, negligible collapse probability values and high reserved collapse capacity at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) design level. The findings of this study significantly contribute toward adopting RMCW+BEs as an effective SFRS for typical RM buildings in the next generations of North American masonry design standards.

Machine learning-based optimization for D-shaped PCF SPR refractive index sensor

In this research, we investigated common machine learning algorithms to estimate the highest sensitivity of a D-shaped PCF SPR sensor by optimizing the performance parameters. Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest model, and PyTorch neural network machine learning algorithms were compared to build a model and accurately predict the results, and sensor parameters were optimized through Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II). The XGBoost technique demonstrated exceptional prediction capability, achieving an impressive R2 value of 99.64% and the trained model served as the objective function. The maximum sensitivity of 4529.75 nm/RIU was achieved in the standard optimization approach, However, with the guidance of NSGA-II, this sensitivity increased to 4814.14 nm/RIU, representing an improvement of 6.28%. The developed model enables rapid, reliable, and computationally cost-effective parameter predictions. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between input parameters and sensitivity, thus contributing significantly to the existing literature in the quest for optimal parameter identification through the application of machine learning algorithms.

Isolator shape transition impact on hypersonic internal waverider intake flow distortion

This paper examines the impact of scramjet isolator shape transition on hypersonic internal waverider (IWR) intake. The IWR intake is designed using the osculating axisymmetric flows and streamline-tracing methods. The new Internal Conical Flow “M” basic flowfield is utilized to provide the flow information for the design method. The intake is equipped with three isolators: one with a constant cross section and two with variable cross sections with circular and rectangular exits. The entrance shape and area of the three isolators are fixed to the intake throat shape and area. The exit area of the three isolators is maintained as the entrance one. Numerical computations of three-dimensional configurations reveal that the isolators with variable cross section shapes demonstrate a higher uniformity index than those with constant cross section shape. Thus, the isolator shape transition has decreased the flow distortion of the hypersonic IWR intake system. The three isolators exhibit varied wall pressure distribution depending on the isolator cross section shape, and the total pressure recovery ratios at the three isolators' exit planes are similar. The wall pressure distributions and key performance parameters at the intake throat section, including total pressure recovery, compression ratio, and Mach number, remained consistent across the first part of the intakes. Therefore, changing the cross section shape of the isolator while keeping the area constant could enhance the flow uniformity of compressed air without negatively impacting the intake system's performance. This allows a separate shape selection of the IWR intake throat and the scramjet combustor entrance to fulfill their special requirements.

Evaluation of a double-lens dielectric radome using a microstrip patch antenna for electromagnetic applications

The advancement of increasingly powerful antennas has increased the complexity of radome electromagnetic (EM) design and analysis. The antenna systems are protected from environmental influences by radomes, which are dielectric and electromagnetically transparent structures. Because the presence of the radome affects the performance parameters of the antenna, such as the radiation pattern, reflected power, and side lobe level, its design should not be done independently of the antenna analysis. The great majority of ground-based hemispherical radomes are used for satellite communication antennas, commercial and military radars, telemetry systems, and other uses. Patch antennas, reflector antennas, phased array radars, and other antenna systems are used in these applications. The operational effectiveness of a radome architecture for housing multiple patch antenna systems is proposed and evaluated. The proposed line of work includes antenna-radome interaction analyses, electromagnetic designs for radome walls, and radiation patterns for reflector antennas. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to develop the EM radome and examine the antenna-radome interaction. The findings of a comprehensive analysis into the differences in radiation patterns produced by patch antennas with and without radomes are presented in this article. At a frequency of 1.62 GHz, a plot and investigation of the far-field gain of the microstrip patch antenna with and without radome were done. The radome is estimated to add 0.09 dBi to the gain boost experienced by the microstrip patch antenna.Abbreviations: EM, Electromagnetic; DSF, Dielectric space frame radome; IFR, Induced field ratio; RF, Radio frequency; VSWR, Voltage standing wave ratio; FEM, Finite element method; SRR, Split ring resonator; CATR, Compact antenna test range; DUT, Device being tested; LHM, Left-handed metamaterials; PML, Perfectly matched layer; PTFE, Polytetrafluoroethylene.

Targeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantification of medium-chain phosphatidylcholines in platelets of coronary artery disease patients

In a recent untargeted clinical lipidomics study of platelets of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, medium-chain phosphatidylcholines (MCPCs) with C8 and C10 fatty acyl residues were found significantly upregulated in the patient group with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as compared to chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and healthy controls. To support this finding, this work presents the development and optimization of a targeted UHPLC-QTrap-MS/MS method with multiple reaction monitoring acquisition for the quantitative analysis of MCPCs (PC 10:0/8:0, PC 16:0/8:0, PC 10:0/20:4 and PC 10:0/10:0) in platelets for biomarker validation. A systematic optimization of chromatographic and mass spectrometric parameters was performed. A charged surface hybrid CSH C18 (1.7 µm, 130 Å) column and fine-tuned gradient elution with 2-propanol/acetonitrile and ammonium acetate as additive to the mobile phase was employed in the final method in ESI negative mode. Four selected PC standards (PC 6:0/6:0, PC 8:0/8:0, PC 10:0/10:0 and PC 12:0/12:0), which cover well the carbon and retention rime range of the target analytes, were used for the optimization process and calibration. Quantification was based on matrix-matched calibration with these four selected commercially available MCPC standards as surrogate calibrants and PC 6:0/6:0 (d22) as internal standard. Furthermore, an organic solvent and fatty acyl carbon number-corrected response factor approach gave also accuracies within acceptance limits of bioanalytical validation guidelines and has more generic applicability. Compared to the previous untargeted RPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method, the optimized targeted UHPLC-QTrap-MS/MS assay showed increased sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of medium-chain PCs in platelet samples of CAD (LOQs in the range of 0.5-5 nmol/L). The method performance parameters indicated its suitability for a future biomarker validation study of MCPCs in platelets.

Seismic Collapse Risk Assessment and Fragility Analysis of Reinforced Masonry Core Walls with Boundary Elements Using the FEMA P695 Methodology

In the past, the primary objective of structural design codes was centred around ensuring human life safety, with a strong focus on preventing structural collapse. This approach predominantly relied on force- or strength-based criteria as the basis for design. Nevertheless, a notable shift has occurred recently, transitioning the design philosophy from 'strength' towards a 'performance'-based approach. This shift signifies a growing recognition that strength and performance are not identical. However, to adopt the performance-based seismic design approach, it is essential to develop precise models for estimating damage and potential losses associated with various seismic force-resisting systems (SFRSs). Fragility functions are widely interpreted among the most prevalent damage and loss models. They establish a crucial link between specific demand parameters and the likelihood of exceeding various damage states. Although reinforced masonry (RM) structures have recently gained popularity, the seismic design of mid- to high-rise RM structures is still challenging because it requires a reliable SFRS capable of providing the needed ductility and capacity. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the key seismic performance parameters (i.e., system overstrength and ductility) and to perform a collapse capacity risk assessment of reinforced masonry core walls with boundary elements (RMCW+BEs) as the main SFRS in RM structures. The current study utilizes the applied element method (AEM) implemented in the Extreme Loading for Structures software (ELS) to model three RM structures with various heights (10-, 15-, and 20-story buildings). Nonlinear pseudo- static pushover analysis was performed to quantify the ductility and overstrength of the proposed RM system following the FEMA P695 guidelines. In addition, an incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) was carried out to assess the seismic collapse risk of RMCW+BEs by generating system-level-based fragility curves. The results showed that the proposed RM system provides the needed ductility, overstrength and deformation capacity for a ductile SFRS for typical mid- and high-rise RM buildings. Furthermore, the developed collapse fragility curves verified excellent seismic performance, negligible collapse probability values and high reserved collapse capacity at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) design level. The findings of this study significantly contribute toward adopting RMCW+BEs as an effective SFRS for typical RM buildings in the next generations of North American masonry design standards.