Software Model Research Articles

Concrete Pavement Design Analysis Using AASHTOWare Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design Software

Local calibration of pavement performance models embedded in the AASHTOWare Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED) software may be needed to implement this design methodology. A recent survey showed that, despite local calibration, several state highway agencies in the U.S. are using the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for Design of Pavement Structures (1993 version) and the PMED software for comparative design of jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP). This paper describes the recalibration process of the JPCP distress models in the PMED software and comparative designs obtained by the PMED software and 1993 AASHTO design guide. The results show that the calibration/recalibration process depends on the availability of measured performance data. Not all global coefficients must be changed in the calibration/recalibration process. The 1993 AASHTO design guide yielded higher JPCP slab thickness for projects with high truck traffic than the PMED software when no friction is assumed between the slab and a cementitious base. An assumption of full friction will have a discernible effect on the slab thickness obtained from PMED.

Benefits of Open-Source Software and Scaffolded Model for ESL Students' Writing Skills

The present study aims to determine the student's enhancement of writing skills. In both the pre-test and post-test. The research adopted the qualitative method, and from that the results were derived. This study focused on 66 Bachelor of Technology students, who learn English as their second language. The results from the pre-test show that most of the students made mistakes in sentence structure, punctuation, and clarity. After the pre-test, the scaffolded model was used to improve the writing skills of students through Open-source software. In the post-test, the writing skills were enhanced with beneficial of having practice with open-source software and scaffolded models. In addition, it is recommended many methods are useful for enhancing writing skills which will help student enhance their writing skills and speaking skills which will be useful for teachers to teach on how to write.

Study of the Impact of Technology Level through Mediating Variables of Innovation, Risk-Taking and Profissional Performance on the Organizational Performance

Technology as a dynamic phenomenon combined with creativity and innovation, has generated new challenges and opportunities across various levels of society and business. Therefore, companies need innovations’ strategies in organizational structure and the utilization of digital tools to adapt to these changes and maintain competition. Data-driven businesses, cybersecurity, and digital customer interactions hold significant importance. The development of technology is considered a solution to social challenges and issues. In terms of purpose, this study falls within the category of applied research and in nature, it is descriptive-survey. The statistical population in this research includes all employees of companies, specialists, and students of the Biotechnology Development Center of the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. The research includes a total of 120 individuals, essentially the entire target population. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire, which was validated formally through expert opinions and structurally validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha test was used to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, the value of which is 0.966, so the questionnaire has adequate reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26 and Smart PLS 4 software and Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicate that technological level has a significant effect on organizational performance through the mediating role of innovation, risk-taking and professional performance. In this research, the effect of innovation variable on the organizational performance is not significant, but the risk-taking and profishional performance variables have a direct impact on organizational performance

TREATMENT OF YATROGENIC POST-TRAUMATIC NEUROPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH ENDODONTIC THERAPY USING 3D TECHNOLOGIES

Post-traumatic neuropathy is one of the complications of endodontic treatment, represents a serious problem, manifested by sensory disturbances and has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Mechanical pressure on the filler causes swelling and hematoma and, due to the chemical action of the substance, neurotoxicity. The decision to treat a patient with trigeminal neuropathy requires complex treatment. Early surgical removal of excess endodontic material resulting from endodontic treatment provides the best prognosis for recovery. With the development of modern digital technologies, advances have been made in the endodontic treatment process. The presented clinical case describes original method for the treatment of endodontic inferior alveolar nerve injuries associated with endodontic therapy using surgical template obtained by three-dimensional software modeling. Using computed tomography software, a template was developed for drilling the bone in the projection of the localization of the material. The surgical template is printed with a 3D printer, after installation in the oral cavity, osteotomies are made under X-ray and excess material is removed, after which the patient is prescribed complex treatment. Results: After 2 weeks, the patient's complaints disappeared. Sensory impairments were restored and had a positive impact on the patient’s quality of life. A control X-ray examination revealed regeneration of young bone tissue at the osteotomy site. Conclusion: The introduction of digital planning software and the use of 3D printed surgical guides in endodontic microsurgery have significantly improved treatment planning as well as operative and psychological comfort for patients.

Are Palestinian Nurses Burned Out or Engaged: The Impact of Job Demands on Job Performance?

The impact of job demands on job performance is not always straightforward but relies on whether employees are burned out or engaged. Although such relationships were established previously based on job demands–resources (JD-R) theory in Western developed countries, evidence from Eastern developing countries is very limited. During the peak of COVID-19, this study was conducted to examine the impact of job demands on nurses’ job performance via the mediating role of work burnout and work engagement. By employing the tenets of the JD-R theory, the theory was tested through collecting data from 202 nurses who were working in Palestine. The SPSS statistical software (version 25) and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the collected data. The findings disclosed that work burnout was negatively related to job performance, and work engagement was positively related to job performance. Unexpectedly, job demand had a negative relationship with work burnout and a positive relationship with work engagement. However, work burnout and work engagement mediated the relationship between job demand and job performance. A discussion of the findings, contributions, implications, limitations and future directions is provided.

Analysis of Position Effect of Vertical Load-Bearing Elements for Reinforcement of Steel Reinforced Concrete Floor Structures

The paper deals with the problem of stress in the connection detail of vertical supporting structures with a flat slab and possible methods for its analysis. It mainly focuses on the problem of non-axial connection of columns and walls, which is typical for today's architectural designs. The parametric study compares the effect of the distance of the connected vertical support structures on reinforcement in the discontinuity region. Three different computational methods are used to stress analysis of this region - linear Finite Elements Method in SCIA Engineer software, 2D Strut-and-Tie Model and 2D non-linear Finite Elements Method in IDEA StatiCa software. The conclusion of the study is a comparison of the accuracy of different calculation methods and also a comparison of the solved design variants in terms of shear and bending stress and specific form of reinforcement.

MONITORING THE END-EFFECT POSITION OF THE THREE-JOINT ROTARY MANIPULATOR IN MATLAB SIMMECHANICS USING THE PID ALGORITHM

Industrial robots have become one of the effective support tools for human labor. Robots are a solution to replace humans in repetitive tasks and in environments where humans cannot work. Robots have become one of the factors responding to the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Automatic control devices require high-precision control quality. Therefore, in this paper, we focus on researching controlling the position of the actuator accurately based on the PID algorithm. First, we study the forward and inverse kinematics of a three-joint robot. Second, we design the robot model on inventor software and transfer the 3d model in inventor software to Matlab Simmechanics. Third, modeling robot model on Simulink to simulate and evaluate the results achieved.

Numerical investigations on constitutive model parameters of HRB400 and HTRB600 steel bars based on tensile and fatigue tests

Abstract In recent years, HRB400 and HTRB600 steel bars have become the mainstream standard reinforcing steel used in concrete structures in China. However, significant controversy still exists regarding the selection of material constitutive models and the determination of model parameters for buckling, fatigue, hysteresis, and other material characteristics. In this article, an automated process of multi-parameter calculation of the constitutive model for reinforcing steel – simulation accuracy evaluation of the constitutive model – selection of the constitutive model of reinforcing steel is established based on the hybrid programming method using MATLAB and OpenSees software. First, tensile and low-cycle fatigue tests were carried out on HRB400 and HTRB600 steel bars. Second, based on the constitutive model in OpenSees software and the skeleton curve and characteristics such as yielding, fatigue, and hysteresis, the constitutive model parameters of HRB400 and HTRB600 steel bars are determined using indirect and direct fitting methods. Finally, the five similarity parameters of the simulated normalized cumulative hysteretic energy dissipation coefficient are compared with the test results. The results indicate that the simulation accuracy of the Reinforcing Steel model exceeds 72%, which is higher than other four models, making it the best choice for reinforcing steel in numerical simulation.

A Consequence-Informed Licensing Path Selection for the Design of Physical Protection Systems at Commercial Nuclear Power Facilities

The survivability of the domestic nuclear power industry depends on the cost-competitiveness of safe and secure nuclear power generation. Advanced reactor design concepts aim to have increased safety margins over traditional large light water reactors (LWRs). With increased safety margins comes the potential for a corresponding decrease in off-site risk to the general public from a hypothetical release of radioactivity due to sabotage or theft. Without sacrificing safety or security, advanced reactor designers may be able to achieve operational cost improvements over current LWRs in part by designing less burdensome physical protection systems (PPSs) and by replacing on-site response forces with off-site response forces. To accommodate these developments, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is drafting new rulemakings for physical security when licensing through the current frameworks in 10 CFR 50 or 10 CFR 52 along with drafting an entirely new licensing framework: 10 CFR 53. A novel technology-inclusive consequence-informed methodology for the selection of the optimal licensing path for the design of PPSs at advanced fixed-site commercial nuclear power facilities is presented herein. This methodology proposes integrating security considerations at the beginning of a reactor facility design effort to streamline the licensing process. Off-site total effective dose equivalents at the exclusion area and low population zone boundaries were identified as the key metrics when determining a design’s most appropriate licensing path that in turn affects the design requirements placed upon the PPS. Given these metrics, source-term generation of potential adversary-induced physics-based sabotage actions utilizing severe accident modeling software and off-site plume dispersal modeling were identified as appropriate for determining siting constraints, potential target sets for hypothetical sabotage events, and their subsequent off-site dose consequences. The methodology proposes using the consequence results from the sabotage modeling, in combination with desired cost-saving PPS characteristics, to help inform the licensing path selection. Once a licensing path is chosen, the methodology utilizes the Design and Evaluation Process Outline to evaluate an effective PPS following the licensing requirements placed on the facility. This paper also presents examples of hypothetical commercial nuclear power facilities with varying consequence levels and demonstrations of how to select the optimal licensing pathways for each.

Effects of added trunk load on the in vivo kinematics of talocrural and subtalar joints during landing

BackgroundLanding from heights is a common movement for active-duty military personnel during training. And the additional load they carry while performing these tasks can affect the kinetics and ankle kinematic of the landing. Traditional motion capture techniques are limited in accurately capturing the in vivo kinematics of the talus. This study aims to investigate the effect of additional trunk load on the kinematics of the talocrural and subtalar joints during landing, using a dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS). MethodsFourteen healthy male participants were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the right ankle of each participant to create three-dimensional (3D) models of the talus, tibia, and calcaneus. High-speed DFIS was used to capture the images of participants performing single-leg landing jumps from a height of 40 cm. A weighted vest was used to apply additional load, with a weight of 16 kg. Fluoroscopic images were acquired with or without additional loading condition. Kinematic data were obtained by importing the DFIS data and the 3D models in virtual environment software for 2D–3D registration. The kinematics and kinetics were compared between with or without additional loading conditions. ResultsDuring added trunk loading condition, the medial-lateral translation range of motion (ROM) at the talocrural joint significantly increased (p < 0.05). The subtalar joint showed more extension at 44–56 ms (p < 0.05) after contact. The subtalar joint was more eversion at 40–48 ms (p < 0.05) after contact under the added trunk load condition. The peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) significantly increased (p < 0.05). ConclusionsWith the added trunk load, there is a significant increase in peak vGRF during landing. The medial-lateral translation ROM of the talocrural joint increases. And the kinematics of the subtalar joint are affected. The observed biomechanical changes may be associated with the high incidence of stress fractures in training with added load.

Development of a continuous reheating furnace state-space model based on the finite volume method

This study developed a modeling approach of a continuous steel slab reheating furnace process as a particular case of spatially distributed parameter systems involving radiative heat transfer. The aim of the resulting mathematical model, which is both detailed and computationally tractable, is to serve in prospective advanced process control (APC) and model-based optimization. The two-dimensional state-space model is introduced to accurately simulate the temperature distribution and dynamics, using the finite volume method (FVM) to incorporate essential heat transfer phenomena, including radiation, conduction, convection, advection, and simple combustion. The study presents a novel furnace measurement model that interprets temperature sensor readings (useful for state estimation), a benefit of the FVM treatment of radiative heat transfer. Strategies for linearization and model order reduction, such as balanced truncation, are proposed to facilitate real-time control. The simulation case study demonstrates the targeted capabilities of the model. The accuracy of the model is verified through comparisons with more complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software models. The study prioritizes theoretical modeling over empirical validation of a specific furnace unit, omitting experimental validation at this stage.

Prediction of Human Pharmacokinetics of E0703, a Novel Radioprotective Agent, Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling and an Interspecies Extrapolation Approach.

E0703, a new steroidal compound optimized from estradiol, significantly increased cell proliferation and the survival rate of KM mice and beagles after ionizing radiation. In this study, we characterize its preclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) and predict its human PK using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. The preclinical PK of E0703 was studied in mice and Rhesus monkeys. Asian human clearance (CL) values for E0703 were predicted from various allometric methods. The human PK profiles of E0703 (30 mg) were predicted by the PBPK model in Gastro Plus software 9.8 (SimulationsPlus, Lancaster, CA, USA). Furthermore, tissue distribution and the human PK profiles of different administration dosages and forms were predicted. The 0.002 L/h of CL and 0.005 L of Vss in mice were calculated and optimized from observed PK data. The plasma exposure of E0703 was availably predicted by the CL using the simple allometry (SA) method. The plasma concentration-time profiles of other dosages (20 and 40 mg) and two oral administrations (30 mg) were well-fitted to the observed values. In addition, the PK profile of target organs for E0703 exhibited a higher peak concentration (Cmax) and AUC than plasma. The developed E0703-PBPK model, which is precisely applicable to multiple species, benefits from further clinical development to predict PK in humans.

A Study on Factors Influencing Designers’ Behavioral Intention in Using AI-Generated Content for Assisted Design: Perceived Anxiety, Perceived Risk, and UTAUT

This study aims to comprehensively understand the intention to use Artificial Intelligence Generated Assistance in Design Tools (AIGC) among design students and practitioners, along with its influencing factors. Utilizing Smart-PLS software and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique, we constructed a comprehensive research model. Based on 404 valid questionnaire responses, we systematically analyzed the underlying mechanisms of designers’ attitudes towards AIGC tools. The sample encompasses diverse schools and levels of professional experience, ensuring the wide applicability of research outcomes. In the data analysis process, professional statistical analysis methods, including path analysis and standardized path coefficients, were employed to ensure a profound exploration of research questions. The results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions significantly positively influence the willingness to use AIGC tools, while perceived anxiety and perceived risk exert negative impacts. This study, by integrating traditional and novel factors, provides crucial theoretical and practical guidance for the actual application of AIGC technology in the design field, offering profound insights for the future development and education of design technology.

Comparison of Flight Parameters in SIL Simulation Using Commercial Autopilots and X-Plane Simulator for Multi-Rotor Models

Modern aviation technology development heavily relies on computer simulations. SIL (Software-In-The-Loop) simulations are essential for evaluating autopilots and control algorithms for multi-rotors, including drones and other UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). In such simulations, it is possible to compare the flight parameters achieved by flying platforms using various commercial autopilots widely used in the UAV sector. This research aims to provide objective and comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of different autopilot systems This article examines the simulated flight test results of a drone performing the same mission using different autopilot systems. The X-Plane software was used as an environment to simulate the dynamics of the drone and its surroundings. Matlab/Simulink r2023a provided the interface between autopilot software and X-Plane models. Those methods allowed us to obtain an appropriate comparison of the autopilot systems and indicate the main differences between them. This research focused on analyzing UAV flight characteristics such as stability, trajectory tracking, response time to control changes, and the overall effectiveness of autopilots. Various flight scenarios including take-off, landing, flight at a constant altitude, dynamic manoeuvrers and, flight along a planned trajectory were also examined. In order to obtain the most accurate and realistic results, the tests were carried out in various weather conditions. The aim of this research is to provide objective data and analysis to compare the performance of commercial autopilots. This method offers several advantages, including cost-effective testing, the ability to test in diverse environmental conditions, and the evaluation of autopilot algorithms without the need for real hardware. The findings of this study may have a considerable impact on how autopilot designers and developers choose the best platforms and technologies for their projects. Future research on this topic will compare the obtained data with flight test data.

Research on Volume Array Based on Curved Disk Transducers

A curved disk transducer with a dual stack structure with a resonant frequency of 800Hz is used as the array element, and the mutual radiation effect between the transducer elements is utilized to form a densely arranged volume array. Based on the formation structure, establish corresponding finite element models in COMSOL software to simulate and analyse the acoustic performance of different volume arrays. Finally, prototype production and array acoustic performance testing were conducted, and the measured data basically matched the simulation results. The results show that compared to a single transducer, utilizing the mutual radiation effect between the transducer elements can effectively reduce the resonant frequency of the volumetric array and expand its operating bandwidth, while also improving the maximum sound source level after formation. In addition, with a reasonable number of array elements, keeping the spacing between the elements constant, the more elements there are, the lower the resonant frequency of the volumetric array, the smaller the quality factor, and the higher the emission voltage response.

Effect of Seismic Loading on Porewater Pressure in Clayey Soil under Disconnected Piles-Raft Foundation

The disconnected piled raft foundation (DCPRF) is one of the newly introduced foundations for specialization in geotechnical engineering, which significantly reduces the moment and stress on the pile head. In addition, this type of foundation is an ideal choice in areas with seismic activity due to the presence of cushion material between the raft and the piles. This work aims to present a numerical model in PLAXIS 3D software for connected piled raft and disconnected piled raft foundations under the influence of seismic loads and investigate the effect of pore water pressure on the disconnected foundation compared to the connected foundation. The study will depend on the earthquake that struck Iraq in November 2017 in the Halabja region. Strength was 7.3 on the Richter scale with PGA (0.1g). The results of changing pore water pressure showed the variation of pore water pressure. In the case of a DCPRF, the porewater pressure and excess porewater pressure in the soil are much greater than in the case of a CPRF. The increase in the porewater pressure is due to the weight of the building and the weight of the additional cushion layer on the soil. The mechanism for transferring the load in the case of a DCPRF is carried out by raft, then to the cushion, and then to the soil and piles. The load transferred to the soil in the case of DCPRF is more than that transferred to the soil in the CPRF system.

Capacitive Sensor for Monitoring the Condition of Suspended High-Voltage Insulation

The purpose of the work is to develop the design of a sensor for monitoring the condition of high-voltage power lines suspended insulation. To achieve this goal, a diagnostic criterion was selected, the operating principle and design of the insulation monitoring sensor were determined. As a diagnostic criterion is considered a changing of voltage on the insulator plate due to a change in the distribution of electrical potential on the insulators, caused of damage in the insulators string. For the diagnostic system implementation was adopted a sensor based on a capacitive divider. The calculations confirm the pos-sibility of registration a damaged element in a insulators string by getting of voltage change at the sen-sors output. The calculation results were verified by modeling in the Multisim software. The parameters of the sensor were calculated, correctness of it is confirmed by the results of laboratory measurements of the new insulators plate capacitances, as well as insulators destroyed as a result of operation. The most important results of the research are the selection of the optimal diagnostic criterion and research-ing of the proposed design sensor effectiveness for assessing the suspended insulation condition. The significance of the results obtained lies in the fact that the developed design of a sensor allows one to obtain prompt information about the presence of damage in the insulation. The use of the proposed sensor design will make possible creation a continuous diagnostic system and identify damage at an early stage, which will ensure timely maintenance.

Modeling of a solar thermal system as a power supply alternative for a resistor water distillation system using TRNSYS

The sizing of a solar thermal system to feed the water distillers in the laboratory of the Santander Technological Units is presented, proposing a comparative study between three calculation methods (f-chart, instantaneous and ACSOL) for the estimation of the surface of solar capture, finally supported by modeling in the TRNSYS software of the final system, to evaluate its behavior dynamically during one year. Initially, a search for information is carried out to establish the models to develop each of the calculation methods, additionally technical data is collected from the laboratory equipment to determine the consumption of hot water. Subsequently, each of the calculation methods is applied in order to size the catchment surface, to finally carry out a comparative study between the results obtained, determining which is the most appropriate method for the calculation and defining the dimensions of the same, to develop a modeling of the dynamic behavior of the system through the TRNSYS Software. The final result presents a storage system with an average temperature of 62.13 ° C and solar collectors with an average temperature of 58.7 ° C for one year of operation. Finally, the operating time of the resistive stills is reduced from 11 hours a day to 6 hours with the integration of the Thermosolar system.

Artificial intelligence and human translation: A contrastive study based on legal texts

Artificial intelligence has advanced significantly in recent years, affecting multiple aspects of life. In particular, this has had an impact on the machine translation of texts, reducing or removing human interaction. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based translation software models have thus become widely available, and these now include Google Translate, Bing, Microsoft Translator, DeepL, Reverso, Systran Translate, and Amazon Translate. Several computer-aided translation (CAT) tools such as Memoq, Trados, Smartcat, Lokalise, Smartling, Crowdin, TextUnited, and Memsource are also available. More recently, artificial intelligence has been applied in the development of applications such as ChatGPT, ChatSonic, GPT-3 Playground, Chat GPT 4 and YouChat, which simulate conversational responses to researchers' inquiries, mimicking human interactions more directly. This study thus aimed to examine any remaining contrasts between human and AI translation in the legal field to investigate the potential hypothesis that there is now no difference between human and AI translation. The paper thus also examined concerns about whether the need for human translators will decline in the face of AI development, as well as beginning to assess whether it will ever be possible for those in the legal field to depend only on machine translation. To achieve this, a collection of legal texts from various contracts was chosen, and these pieces were both allocated to legal translators and subjected to AI translation systems. Using a contrastive methodology, the study thus examined the differences between AI and human translation, examining the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches and discussing the situations in which each approach might be most effective.

The implementation of a practice-oriented approach in teaching students of technical universities based on the development of a digital twin of the information system of an industrial enterprise

Introduction. In teaching future engineers and mechanics, difficulties arise when they study such disciplines as Theoretical Mechanics and Strength of Materials. As a rule, this is due to the need to consolidate students’ acquired theoretical knowledge. However, carrying out a sufficient number of strength tests of products is associated with significant financial costs, so it is often economically expensive to obtain results by implementing physical experiments, and in some cases it is simply impossible. In this regard, for teaching it is advisable to use accurate distributed dynamic mathematical and software models of objects, that is, digital twins. Materials and methods. As a prototype of a digital twin, an information system of an industrial enterprise was considered, designed to monitor the stress-strain state of a beam using strain gauge data. 198 students and 8 teachers from the Faculty of Mechanics and Technology and the Faculty of Automation and Computer Engineering of the Novosibirsk State Technical University (Russian Federation) took part in testing the methodology. Methods of mathematical statistics: Pearson's chi-squared test, survey and correlation analysis. Results. As a result of the introduction of teaching methods based on the use of a digital twin, situations were created that required students to critically analyze and include metacognitive skills. The implementation of practice-oriented training when working with a digital twin of an information system of an industrial enterprise has an impact on the academic performance of students (χ2 = 4.08; p &lt; 0.05) and allows students to firmly consolidate the acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which will subsequently allow the formation of sustainable professional competencies. Scientific novelty. The study revealed that learning using a digital twin contributes to a more controlled passage of the curriculum by students, develops qualities such as self-control and self-discipline, and stimulates cognitive interest in a specific academic discipline and the educational process in general. Practical relevance. The main advantage of introducing a digital twin of an industrial enterprise information system into the learning process is the effectiveness of this approach in terms of consolidating and developing practical skills among students. In addition, teaching using digital twins is particularly useful for preparation activities in high-risk industries, where practice at real-life facilities is impossible or difficult.