Ranking Table Research Articles

Fatigue Life Prediction of a SAE Keyhole Specimen as a Subcase of Certification by Analysis.

To advance the technology of Certification by Analysis (CbA), as called for by the aerospace industry, the fatigue problems of SAE keyhole specimens are analyzed to demonstrate a subcase of CbA. First, phenomena identification and ranking table (PIRT) analysis is performed. Second, modeling of the key phenomena is conducted, and finally, verification and validation with the experimental results are achieved. In particular, the elastic/elastoplastic stress distributions in the keyhole specimens are obtained using the finite element method (FEM). Plasticity correction for stress/strain at the notch root is made using the modified Neuber's rule along with the Ramberg-Osgood equation. The low cycle fatigue (LCF) crack nucleation life is analytically predicted using the modified Tanaka-Mura model, a.k.a. the TMW model, given the material's elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, Burgers vector, and surface energy, without the need for coupon fatigue data regression. The Tomkins equation is used to simulate plastic crack growth within the notch plastic zone. The above analytical life predictions are validated against the SAE keyhole specimen tests, becoming the first successful case of fatigue CbA at a sub-element level.

Исследование характера изменения твердости композиционных материалов с алюминиевой матрицей, упрочненной золой кокосовой скорлупы и красным шламом, с использованием анализа Тагучи

Introduction: in present scenario, light and high strength aluminium metal matrix composite are extensively used due to its high mechanical and tribological properties. Aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with ceramic and industrial waste can customize its mechanical-chemical behavior. The purpose of the work: to create an aluminum matrix composite material using ceramic (primary) and industrial (secondary) waste represented by red mud and coconut shell ash, respectively. The mass fraction of the strengthening phase varied from 5 to 12.5 wt. % respectively with the residual mass percentage of the aluminum alloy. Method of investigation: nine specimens of composite materials were prepared by stir casting. Stirring was carried out at a speed of 50 to 100 rpm for 20 minutes at a temperature of 800 °C. Result and Discussion: the hardness behavior of the aluminum metal matrix composite was studied at an indentation load of 10, 15 and 20 kN. Taguchi method with L27 orthogonal array was selected to conduct analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis by selecting the mass percentage of red mud and mass percentage of coconut shell ash. The indentation load was used as an input parameter, and the hardness behavior was taken as an output parameter. The signal-to-noise ratio, response rank table, contour plot, and normal probability plot are investigated and it is found that hardness values improve with the addition of both reinforcing components and indenter load. The results show that the hardness value varies from 33.34 HB to 53.44 HB, and the effect of red mud mass percentage is more significant than the indenter load and coconut shell ash mass percentage.

Comparing the efficacy of exercise therapy on adult flexible flatfoot individuals through a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of different exercise interventions for adult flexible flatfoot. Nine databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), SCOPUS, PRDro, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) and Wanfang data) were systematically searched from their inception until February 2024. The search resulted in 2112 records, with 11 studies included. All networks revealed low heterogeneity and non-significant inconsistency (I2 ≤ 25.0%). Three network plots were formed for navicular drop. Firstly, compared with the control group, strengthening the posterior tibial muscle + stretching the iliopsoas muscle + TCE (MD: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.78, 4.89), PNF (MD: 1.81, 95%CI: -0.05, 3.70), SFE (MD: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.44) all showed better effects. And strengthening the posterior tibial muscle + stretching the iliopsoas muscle + TCE exercise is considered to be the most effective intervention, with SUCRA of 0.97. Secondly, compared with the control group, hip-focused neuromuscular exercise (MD: 6.22, 95% CI: -1.69, 14.12), SFE with EMG biofeedback (MD: -0.81, 95%CI: -1.59, 3.21) all showed better effects. And hip-focused neuromuscular exercise is considered to be the most effective intervention, with SUCRA of 0.92. Thirdly, the internal foot muscle training combined with gluteus muscle strengthening is significantly better than the other two groups, with SUCRA of 0.99. For the foot posture index, comprehensive reinforcement (MD: 1.95, 95% CI − 0.19, 4.03) showed better effects compared with the control group. In the probability ranking table, comprehensive reinforcement is significantly better than the other two groups, with SUCRA of 0.98. For the foot function index, orthoses wear + stretching + eccentric progressive resistive exercise of tibialis posterior is significantly better than the other two groups, with SUCRA of 0.92. In conclusion, various exercise therapies improve the arch shape and function of patients with flexible flatfoot, particularly hip muscle and lower limb overall muscle training.

Knowledge representation to support EMDAP implementation in advanced reactor licensing applications

The Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom (DIKW) pyramid depicts the general principle of a decision-making process. Various levels of abstraction are required to formalize the available data/information/knowledge with respect to the decision being supported. The Evaluation Model Development and Assessment Process (EMDAP) was developed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) to guide the development and assessment of Evaluation Models (EMs) for transient and accident analysis of nuclear power plants under design basis accidents. It concerns the decision of adequacy of an EM with respect to the purpose of analysis (NPP application). However, lack of data, scaling issues, modeling limitations, computation, and experimental overhead are some of the key factors that challenge the EM adequacy decision in EMDAP. Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) which is used for complexity resolution can also introduce noise due to bias and variance in expert opinion and judgment. The uncertainty in the decision due to these issues and challenges can be minimized by enhancing the EMDAP from the DIKW perspective. In this work, we formulate a systematic scheme for knowledge representation, and classification and characterization of evidence to enhance clarity and transparency in the EMDAP implementation. The proposed scheme is governed by the concept of the value of information, where we contextualize, classify, characterize, and evaluate the evidence (relevant data/knowledge/information related to EM development, verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification) with respect to the relevant decision attributes or elements of EMDAP. We make use of the Predictive Capability Maturity Model (PCMM), Argumentation technique, and process quality assurance for knowledge representation to support EMDAP implementation in advanced reactor licensing applications. The main objective of the proposed scheme is to support decision-making by making it more transparent, traceable, and accountable. The illustration of the proposed scheme is provided using a system simulation code (SAS4A/SASSYS-1) as the primary EM and a generic sodium fast reactor under loss of flow accident as the target reactor application.EMDAP involves different elements that require expert input and insights. However, the process of expert elicitation may require significant resources and time. To address these issues, we identify generative artificial intelligence models as potential tool which (after systematic testing and capabilities analysis) can be used for domain specific expert elicitation and information extraction for efficient implementation of EMDAP.

Development of a phenomena identification and ranking table (PIRT) for intermediate break loss-of-coolant accident in PWRs

Recent safety issues such as cladding oxidation and fuel fragmentation, relocation and dispersal (FFRD) make the loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) acceptance criteria more difficult to be satisfied. To obtain the adequate safety margin and more economical use of the nuclear power plant, re-classification of LOCAs for Korean operating PWRs is now under consideration to exclude the large break LOCA (LBLOCA) from the design basis accidents (DBAs). Therefore, the intermediate break LOCA (IBLOCA) might become the limiting break size of concern in the LOCA analysis. To accomplish this reform of LOCA classification, an extensive understanding of IBLOCA is crucial, and the applicability of safety analysis code should be confirmed. For this purpose, IBLOCA PIRT was developed. The PIRT panel was organized and the general process of the PIRT development established by Wilson and Boyack (1998) was adopted to develop the IBLOCA PIRT. Based on IBLOCA analyses using the safety and performance analyzing code (SPACE), the PIRT panel defined the temporal phases, systems, components and possible phenomena during an IBLOCA. For all possible phenomena, the relative importance and the knowledge level were determined for each component and each phase via discussions among PIRT panel members. For phenomena having relatively high importance, a code validation matrix was also developed. The results of the IBLOCA PIRT will be used to improve the SPACE code for IBLOCA application and resolve future regulatory issues.

Lead Fast Reactor Thermal-Hydraulic Testing Facilities in Support of the UK Advanced Modular Reactor Program

The Westinghouse lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) is a next-generation nuclear power plant whose primary mission is to reduce front-end capital costs and generate flexible and cost-competitive electricity for global markets, while offering mission versatility and satisfying the highest safety and sustainability standards. The LFR is an economical choice for carbon-free power generation to meet the ambitious goals of reducing carbon emissions. The plant utilizes passive safety systems for high reliability and public safety. The LFR testing program aims to fill the technology gaps in the key materials, components, and systems of the LFR plant. It provides demonstrations of LFR engineering that reduce the uncertainty of the LFR design and experimental data for the verification and validation of the modeling and simulation computer codes. With the support of the LFR phenomena identification and ranking table, the phenomena important to plant safety with insufficient states of knowledge have been identified and a Westinghouse testing plan developed to address them. The United Kingdom Advanced Modular Reactor Program Phase 2 was purposed to advance the level of design maturity toward eventual regulatory approval and deployment. Westinghouse and its partners have developed eight state-of-the-art test facilities within the program. Among them, the Passive Heat Removal Facility, Versatile Lead Facility, Lead Water Interaction Facility, and the Lead Freezing Facility are thermal-hydraulic testing facilities, with the other four facilities dedicated to testing lead corrosion and material mechanical behavior in lead. The design, development, and testing of the four thermal-hydraulic facilities are presented in this paper. A variety of computer codes ranging from system-level analysis, component-level analysis, and high-resolution computational fluid dynamics analysis, are utilized to support the development of the facilities. The analyses provide operational and accidental conditions in the LFR to identify major testing conditions and inform the facility design and testing matrix. With a significant amount of experimental data being generated with these highly instrumented test facilities, the computer codes and models will be benchmarked against the experimental results to improve their validation and verification status.

Evaluation of the Scenarios of Mergers and Acquisitions in Brazil

Context -Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are strategies that seek to conquer new markets, acquire technology, increase its portfolio of customers and products. The prospective scenario methodology aims to assist companies in making corporate decisions. Purpose -Within this context, and in an unprecedented way, the research presents a model for evaluating events for the scenarios of mergers and acquisitions planned for Brazil in the period from 2017 to 2026. Method - We used a descriptive research method, with the Multi technique -Attribute Global Inference of Quality [MAGIQ] and content analysis techniques. Conclusion - The products generated from the research were the ranking table of the global weights of the sub-factor factors and the proposal of a methodology for evaluating the events in the scenarios based on a likert scale of four points in addition to a model form for evaluation and guidance for the development of scenarios.

Time-Series Forecasting of a Typical PWR Undergoing Large Break LOCA

In this work, a machine learning (ML) metamodel is developed for the time-series forecasting of a typical nuclear power plant response undergoing a loss of coolant accident (LOCA). The plant model of choice is based on the APR1400 nuclear reactor. The key systems and components of APR1400 relevant to the investigated scenario are modelled using the thermal-hydraulic code, RELAP5/MOD3.4, following the description published in the design control document. The model is tested under a spectrum of initial and boundary conditions via propagation of key uncertain parameters (UPs) which are derived from the phenomena identification and ranking table (PIRT). This is achieved by loosely coupling RELAP5/MOD3.4 with the statistical tool, Dakota. The most probable nuclear power plant (NPP) response was calculated using the best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) approach. Next, the database generated from the NPP system response was used as an input for the ML model. The NPP system response was represented by peak cladding temperature (PCT), safety injection system (SIT), mass flow rate, reactor power, and primary system pressure. In this research, two regression models were tested with reasonably good performance, namely, the gated recurrent unit (GRU) and the long short-term memory (LSTM).

Systematic review and network meta‐analysis of mesenchymal stem cells in treating diabetic skin ulcers in animal models

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic cutaneous ulcers often pose considerable challenges in the healing process. These challenges stem from factors including inadequate perfusion of the ulcer's surrounding environment, persistent inflammation, tissue damage and microbial proliferation. The existing standard treatment modalities prove insufficient in fully addressing the complex pathogenesis of these ulcers. As a novel approach, researchers are exploring cellular therapies employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of diabetic skin ulcers. MSCs are readily found in various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, placenta, amniotic membrane, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord. However, the optimal source of MSCs for effectively treating diabetic skin ulcers remains a topic of ongoing discussion.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search of Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases, spanning from their inception to November 2022. Subsequently, we rigorously screened the literature following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of the selected studies using the SYRCLE scale. Finally, the included literature underwent analysis, employing the Bayesian school of thought‐based R language. To ensure transparency and accountability, we registered this study with PROSPERO's International Systematic Review Prospective Registry, with the Registration ID: CRD42023387421.ResultsWe included a total of 11 articles in our analysis, all of which were randomized controlled studies involving 218 animal models. Among these studies, two utilized adipose‐derived MSCs, six employed bone marrow‐derived MSCs, one utilized amniotic membrane‐derived MSCs and three utilized umbilical cord‐derived MSCs. Our network meta‐analysis results revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the healing rates of diabetic skin ulcers among MSCs derived from amniotic membrane, adipose tissue, umbilical cord and bone marrow on days 7–8, 10–12 and 12–14. Notably, according to the probability ranking table, the most effective treatment for diabetic wounds was found to be amniotic membrane‐derived MSCs.ConclusionThere was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of MSCs derived from amniotic membrane, adipose, umbilical cord and bone marrow in the treatment of diabetic skin ulcers during the short‐term observation period, and the probability ranking graphs indicate that amniotic membrane‐derived MSCs may be the best choice for the treatment of diabetic skin ulcers.

Refining solutions of development problems of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province fields using geological and statistical model ranking methods

The purpose of the present research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of data on the geological and physical properties of formations and the fluids saturating them in the Volga-Ural oil and gas province using the methods of geological and statistical model ranking. The discriminant analysis conducted on the basis of qualitative criteria (reservoir type and stratigraphic confinement) identified in all cases the zones of uncertainty, which affect the effectiveness of managerial decision-making in the conditions of analog objects. On this score, the results for six models were refined and updated according to the principle of rank uniqueness value calculation by three methods, both for each model individually and for model systems while using them within the obtained distributions of objects in the axes of canonical discriminant functions. Theoretical and practical recommendations were given regarding the use of geological and statistical models in the development of Volga-Ural oil and gas province fields. The results obtained can be used to solve a wide range of practical problems of proactive resource management, which enable effective determination of the best strategy for the successful extraction of residual and hard-to-recover oil reserves. The proposed parameter ranking table allows both to determine the most unstable parameters with a high degree of probability and to level the factor of heterogeneity and disequilibrium of field data. The conducted study established that identification of object association with a particular group in the axes of canonical discriminant functions leads to the formation of the zone of uncertainty. The latter increases the risks of making ineffective managerial decisions when developing different categories of subsoil users’ assets. Using the methods of ranking geological and statistical models, an algorithm for constructing a hierarchical system is proposed, which allows to expand the application field of the results of geological and statistical modeling in the oil and gas industry as well as to reduce the risk of nonrepresentative results.

Analysis and Research on Design of Dialect Emoticons from the Perspective of Regional Culture in Yancheng

Abstract In this paper, Yancheng’s local culture is classified through literature research, expert interviews, and popular questionnaires. In the dialect matching of emoticons, the high-frequency text used by Yancheng people is used, and the dialect text ranking table measured by experts is combined to provide the main content for producing and designing emoticons. Based on the analysis model of Yancheng material culture and nonmaterial culture, the image design elements of Yancheng regional emojis with local and high cultural characteristics are extracted from Yancheng regional elements. The Design of emoticons that combine pictures and text emphasizes the expression of awareness, starting with modeling the theme image, color matching, scene props, and so on. The animation emoji industry benefits from this valuable feasibility strategy, and new vitality is added to the development of the animation industry in Yancheng.

Experimental study of the depressurization phenomena of supercritical carbon dioxide system

Depressurization accidents pose a significant safety concern for supercritical carbon dioxide (S–CO2) nuclear and power systems. However, due to the limited availability of system-level experiments, clear understandings of the phenomena associated with S–CO2 depressurization accidents are lacking. To address this gap, this paper conducted a series of experiments on a S–CO2 system to investigate the characteristics of depressurization accidents. Several key phenomena, including flash evaporation, transcritical transient heat transfer, fluid-thermo-structure coupling effect, and the fluid field changes in containment vessel, were identified and analyzed. Furthermore, the impact of break size and location, containment vessel, and initial system conditions on depressurization accidents was investigated. The acquired results provide crucial groundwork for establishing a Phenomenon Identification Ranking Table (PIRT) tailored to depressurization accidents in S–CO2 nuclear and power systems. This will significantly enhance the design and safety analysis of these systems.

Ювелирные навершия головных уборов как знаки ранговой иерархии забайкальских бурят во второй половине XIX — начале XX века

In the 17th century, the first fragmentary information about the clothing of the Buryats appeared in the reports of service men and pioneer Cossacks; in the 18th-19th centuries, more detailed descriptions of clothing were found in the diaries of travellers, diplomats, and scientists. The social and property differentiation of Buryat society in the traditional clothing of the people was established with the introduction by the tsarist authorities of the provisions “On official insignia and clothing of commanding and honourable people” recorded in the “Rules established by the Selenga and Khorin main and honorary spiritual secular authorities in 1841”. The design of the headdress and its denze finial with a jinchi ball was one of the most important distinguishing marks of the table of ranks for civil and military ranks. The purpose of the study is to analyse the specifics of the decor of headdress finials as signs of the rank hierarchy of the Trans-Baikal Buryats in the second half of the 19th — early 20th century. Jinchi finials were made of coral, lazurite, shells, and turquoise; the use of materials and techniques for denze finials also varied. The author’s research tasks also include identifying the symbolism of the denze form and ornamental motifs, male and female decor options. With regard to the origins of the regulated Buryat costume, the author considers the Qing official headdresses with a ding top and round zhu beads, which differed depending on the official’s status. It is important to mention the Mongolian analogues of headdresses during the period of Manchurian rule, to note their similarity and difference from the Buryat ones. Pictorial sources from the collections of Russian museums presented the material for this research.

Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table for Thermal-Hydraulic Safety of China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor

The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is presently in the engineering design phase, and it is crucial to establish a thermal-hydraulic safety analysis method. First of all, the identification of phenomena in selected accident scenarios affecting reactor safety performance metrics should be focused on with the phenomenon identification and ranking table (PIRT), in which phenomena related to the thermal-hydraulic safety of the vacuum vessel and related systems are screened, including both design-basis accidents and beyond-design-basis accidents. The development of this PIRT exercise for CFETR thermal-hydraulic safety is addressed in this study; specifically, the importance ranking and stage of knowledge (SoK) of phenomena in the selected accidents are evaluated by the PIRT panel. The results of the PIRT analysis revealed that there exist certain safety-critical phenomena for which SoK is relatively low despite their perceived significance in safety performance metrics, which include the phase change of coolant, the migration of the multicomponent gas mixture, the migration of radionuclides within confinement, and the dispersion of gaseous radionuclides in the atmosphere. Ongoing research works and follow-up plans to improve the SoK of phenomena are presented.

A systematic review and meta-analysis reveals a consensus transcriptional signature highlighting neutrophil degranulation as a preserved and critical biological process in atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent persistent arrhythmia, and is associated with a high burden of disease, especially when co-occurring with other cardiovascular pathologies. Despite significant advances in the understanding of its pathophysiology through transcriptomic studies, there are marked differences in the identified key AF genes between studies, potentially due to specific sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the populations evaluated. Therefore, the transcriptional signature that is common to AF, regardless of the specific context, is currently unclear. Purpose To provide a consensus transcriptional signature of AF by comprehensively analyzing the studies comparing the gene expression patterns in patients with AF and controls in Sinus Rhythm (SR). Methods Four literature databases were searched to identify studies reporting gene expression patterns in atrial myocardial tissue from patients diagnosed with AF and comparing them with those of controls reportedly in SR. We excluded studies reporting results from in vitro experiments or those that provided incomplete information regarding the methodology for sample collection of bioinformatic analysis. After an initial descriptive analysis of the included studies, we manually curated and processed all the available datasets. At first, gene coverage was evaluated to assess the comparability of the included data, followed by meta-analysing the suitable datasets to obtain the consensus gene signature. Finally, we estimated the activities of relevant transcription factors and pathways by using biological prior knowledge bioinformatic tools (DoRothEA, and PROGENy, respectively). Results 38 studies were included, from which seven related datasets consisting of 262 AF and 86 SR control samples fulfilled the selection criteria for meta-analysis (Figure). We observed a high heterogeneity in the marker genes reported across the studies, however, disease signatures were conserved across the included studies. Gene ranking revealed a significant enrichment of fibrosis and myocyte degeneration-related gene sets; however, enriched pathways, transcription factors, and microRNAs related to neutrophil activity gene signatures, specifically those related to the degranulation process, occupied an outstanding position in the top positions of the ranking (Table). Conclusion Despite high heterogeneity amongst studies, a conserved and identifiable molecular signature in AF is present. The high relevance of neutrophil activity in this signature is consistent with previous studies performed in AF and other cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemic heart failure. The identification of a consensus transcriptional footprint is a feasible approach that provides valuable information to better understand the common molecular mechanisms underlying the different disease patterns in AF.Figure.Table.

Experiment and new analysis model simulating in-place cooling of a degraded core in severe accidents of sodium-cooled fast reactors

In severe accidents of SFRs, the cooling of the residual core materials, which is called “in-place cooling”, is one of the important factors for In-Vessel Retention (IVR). For the evaluation, behavior of the in-place cooling was analyzed by the SIMMER-III code. In order to understand the in-place cooling, method of Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) was applied. Based on the result, an out-of-pile experiment which focused on the extracted factors was conducted. In the experiment, continuous oscillation of sodium level was observed by sodium vaporization and condensation. Analysis for the out-of-pile experiment was conducted by SIMMER-III, but the results were different between the experiment and the analysis. By investigation of the analysis result, it was revealed that the difference was due to occupation of non-condensable gas. Therefore, an analysis model of inter-cell gas mixing was newly developed, and the agreement was significantly improved by the new model.

Selection and Evaluation of Economic and Emission Reduction Benefit of a Mine Electrification System for Transportation in Deep Opencut Copper Mines

The Paris Agreement's global decarbonization drive has heightened the need for sustainable energy options, shifting focus away from fossil fuels. Copper, a crucial metal in this transition, will face increased demand, necessitating deeper opencut mines. However, this poses issues as traditional fuel-intensive trucks used for mine haulage result in substantial Scope 1 emissions and rising operational costs. This study addresses the urgency to explore alternative mine haulage systems that minimize fuel consumption and associated emissions while maintaining economic viability. It evaluates potential systems at "The Copper Pit," a Latin American copper mine, based on capital cost, operating cost, flexibility, safety, technological readiness, and emission abatement potential. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Method, weightage values for each criterion are calculated, resulting in a prioritized ranking table. Trolley Assist truck haulage emerges as the most promising alternative, showcasing impressive savings of up to 87% in fuel consumption and associated emissions, and an 80% reduction in running costs. Economic advantages are affected by diesel and power prices, with the carbon tax having the smallest impact. The study recommends a feasibility study for Trolley Assist implementation in the Copper Pit and a staged approach to minimize risks. Despite being less flexible and requiring upfront capital, Trolley Assist holds promise for deep copper mines, significantly reducing emissions and operating costs, ensuring sustainable and profitable mining operations.

An Application of Bradford’s Law of Scattering and Leimkuhler Model: Identification of the Core Journals of India Cancer Research Productivity

ABSTRACT This paper examines the theoretical aspects of Bradford’s Law and Leimkuhler Model, their relevance across subject areas, their implementation forms, and their significance in Indian cancer research literature. The study analyzes 16,914 research papers published in 2,277 journals on cancer research in India between 2012 and 2021, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The total number of citations obtained from these papers is 378,409, and a ranking table of journals and their citations is provided. The first phase of the study applies Bradford’s Law in verbal and algebraic forms to identify the journal distribution pattern, revealing a high percentage of error. The Leimkuhler Model estimates the number of journals in the core and successive zones, resulting in a minor percentage error of 0.00030171278%. The study identifies the International Journal of Cancer and PLoS One as core journals, emphasizing their importance in Indian cancer research. The findings can benefit oncologists, researchers, practitioners, and medical librarians in understanding scientific literature distribution and promoting research output effectively.

Proposed Mechanisms for Enhancing the Performance of Omani Universities in the Global Rankings

The study aimed to identify the reality of Omani universities in the international rankings of universities in three types of classifications: ARWU, QS, THE, and to identify the challenges facing universities in these classifications from the perspective of the participants and the proposed mechanisms to improve the reality of universities. The study used the descriptive approach through Describe the performance of universities through the ranking tables of the classification institutions and used the qualitative method through the semi-structured interview tool to identify the reasons for poor performance and suggest mechanisms to improve the reality of universities. The intended sample is from all the targeted universities. After the disclosure on the websites of the rankings institutions, the result shows that one university appeared in the rankings, which is Sultan Qaboos University. However, in the last report of the QS classification it fell from (368) to (384). The study revealed the factors behind the decline of the university as well as the reasons for the failure of other universities to emerge. The most important of which is the modernity of the universities and that all universities are still as a teaching universities, despite the fact that there is interest in scientific research, especially in Sultan Qaboos University, but it still has not reached the rates that contribute to raising global ranking, as well as aspects of funding, especially in private universities. The study suggested a number of improvement mechanisms, including addressing funding sources with the existence of an educational endowment, paying attention to the research infrastructure of universities, marketing research to diversify sources of income, and other proposals.

MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING IN THE POWDER-MIXED ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING PROCESS BASED ON THE COCOSO, SPOTIS ALGORITHMS AND THE WEIGHTING METHODS

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is well known as one of the most important solutions that seeks to identify the best alternative among several options. It has a significant effect on the effectiveness of many technical disciplines within the industrial field, especially electrical discharge machining. This paper presents the findings of a multi-criteria decision-making study involving the powder-mixed electrical discharge milling (PMEDM) of cylindrically shaped tool steel 90CrSi components. As performance measures for the PMEDM process, the material removal rate (MRS) and surface roughness (SR) are selected. Three different techniques (CRITIC, MEREC, and IDOCRIW) are applied in sequence to determine the weight value of the quality indicators. The key MCDM methods used for ranking the alternatives are the Combined Compromise Solution (COCOSO) method and the Stable Preference Ordering Towards Ideal Solution (SPOTIS). The experimental study indicates the ranking tables under different scenarios and proposes the best alternative for the PMEDM procedure.