Editorial for Multiscale&Multifield Coupling in Geomechanics

We are delighted to serve as guest editors for this special issue in the Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.The purpose of this special issue is dedicated to gathering the latest research work on Multiscale&Multifield Coupling in Geomechanics,where we delve into the intricate interplay of various fields and scales that govern the behavior of geomaterials.In total,30 manuscripts from USA,China,UK,Germany,Canada,India and United Arab Emirates are selected to be included in this issue.

Induction System for a Fusion Reactor: Quantum Mechanics Chained up

In the quest for a sustainable and abundant energy source, nuclear fusion technology stands as a beacon of hope. This study introduces a groundbreaking quantum mechanically effective induction system designed for magnetic plasma confinement within fusion reactors. The pursuit of clean energy, essential to combat climate change, hinges on the ability to harness nuclear fusion efficiently. Traditional approaches have faced challenges in plasma stability and energy efficiency. The novel induction system presented here not only addresses these issues but also transforms fusion reactors into integrated construction systems. This innovation promises compact fusion reactors, marking a significant step toward a clean and limitless energy future, free from the constraints of traditional power sources. This revolutionary quantum induction system redefines plasma confinement in fusion reactors, unlocking clean, compact, and efficient energy production.

Workplace Hazards and Risk among Automobile Mechanics (A Case of Kugbo Mechanic Village in FCT)

Background: Automobile mechanics face different occupational hazards, which can have a wide range of physical and biological impacts depending on the frequency, intensity, and length of exposure. This study looked at the dangers and hazards that automobile mechanics in Kugbo Mechanic village in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria faced in their jobs. Research Objectives: The specific objectives were to determine the typical occupational risks faced by Kugbo automobile mechanics, evaluate the degree and risk of related health problems and injuries among Kugbo mechanics workers, examine the application of PPE and additional safety precautions among Kugbo mechanics, and assess Kugbo automobile workers’ understanding of the consequences of operating without PPE. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted using purposeful sampling. A validated structured questionnaire was administered to 200 automobile workers at risk of exposure to hazards. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, types of risk exposure, perceptions of their vulnerability, and the use of personal protective equipment. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Statistical Packages for Social version 26. Cross tabulation was used to identify patterns and associations between variables, and the Relative importance Index method was used to determine the relative importance of adherence to PPE and other safety issues. Results: Findings show that 5.1% of the respondents had completed secondary school, 25.3% had attended a technical school, 36.9% had completed primary school, and 32.8% had no formal education. Long exposure makes automobile workers more vulnerable to illnesses attributed to their job, as 91.9% work long hours sitting and 78.3% work long hours standing. The overall mean score of 3.72 shows that most respondents did not agree that automobile workers wear PPEs and follow other safety precautions. The medical issues listed include burns on the body, depression, heart illness, severe headaches and abdominal pain, and poor vision. Conclusion: The findings reveal that automobile workers are exposed to several risks and hazards that have resulted in various health-related problems. Therefore, using PPEs and adhering to occupational safety practices will mitigate their exposure to workplace hazards.

Case study on the mechanics of NPR anchor cable compensation for large deformation tunnel in soft rock in the Transverse Mountain area,China

A study was conducted to analyze the deformation mechanism of strongly weathered quartz schist in the Daliangshan Tunnel,located in the western Transverse Mountain area.A large deformation problem was experienced during the tunnel construction.To mitigate this problem,a support system was designed incorporating negative Poisson ratio(NPR)anchor cables with negative Poisson ratio effect.Physical model experiments,field experiments,and numerical simulation experiments were conducted to investigate the compensation mechanical behavior of NPR anchor cables.The large deformations of soft rocks in the Daliangshan Tunnel are caused by a high ground stress,a high degree of joint fracture development,and a high degree of surrounding rock fragmentation.A compensation mechanics support system combining long and short NPR anchor cables was suggested to provide sufficient counter-support force(approximately 350 kN)for the surrounding rock inside the tunnel.Comparing the NPR anchor cable support system with the original support system used in the Daliangshan tunnel showed that an NPR anchor cable support system,combining cables of 6.3 m and 10.3 m in length,effectively prevented convergence of surrounding rock deformation,and the integrated settlement convergence value remained below 300 mm.This study provides an effective scientific basis for resolving large deformation problems in deeply buried soft rocks in western transverse mountain areas.

Characteristics of Rock Mechanics Response and Energy Evolution Regime of Deep Reservoirs in the Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin

Hydraulic fracturing is a mature and effectivemethod for deep oil and gas production,which provides a foundation for deep oil and gas production.One of the key aspects of implementing hydraulic fracturing technology lies in understanding mechanics response characteristics of rocks in deep reservoirs under complex stress conditions.In this work,based on outcrop core samples,high-stress triaxial compression tests were designed to simulate the rock mechanics behavior of deep reservoirs in Bozhong Sag.Additionally,this study analyzes the deformation and damage law for rock under different stress conditions.Wherein,with a particular focus on combining energy dissipation theory to further understand damage law for deep reservoirs.The experimental results show that regardless of stress conditions,the process of deformation/failure of deep-seated reservoirs goes through five stages:Fracture compaction,newfracture formation,stable fracture expansion,unstable fracture expansion,and post-peak residual deformation.Under different stress conditions,the energy change laws of specimens are similar.The energy dissipation process of rocks corresponds closely to the trend of deformation-failure curve,then displays distinctive stage characteristics.Wherein,in stage of rock fracture compaction,the input energy curve is approximately coincident with the elastic strain energy curve,while the dissipation energy curve remains near zero.With the increase of strain,the growth rate of elastic strain energy increases gradually,but with the deformation entering the crack propagation stage,the growth rate of elastic strain energy slows down and the dissipation energy increases gradually.Finally,in the post-peak stage,rock fracture releases a lot of energy,which leads to the sharp decline of elastic strain energy curve.In addition,the introduction of damage variable D quantifies the analysis of the extent of failure for rocks.During the process of increasing strain,rock damage exhibits nonlinear growth with increasing stress.

Dental Treatment Using Quantum Mechanics for Knee Joint Pain

In clinical practice, dentists sometimes encounter phenomena that cannot be explained by modern western medical concepts;for example, the patient’s medical symptoms improve by bringing medicines or dentures close to the body. Although it seems difficult to completely elucidate the mechanism through modern western medicine, it can be explained using quantum mechanics. The quantum, the smallest unit of matter composition, exhibits wave-particle duality. The fact that symptoms can be improved simply by bringing dentures or medicines closer to the body indicates that the waves emitted by dentures or medicines interfere with the pathological waves emitted by the pathological site. Thus, the pathological waves are deformed and lead to a change in symptoms. In this way, quantum theory can explain phenomena that are difficult to elucidate in conventional medicine, which are encountered in clinical practice. So far, the author has presented a case of difficulty in raising the upper limb where the symptoms improved without the need for dentures in the mouth by adjusting the dentures outside the mouth. This time, the author would like to introduce a case which the patient’s knee pain improved by adjusting the dentures outside the mouth.

New Approach to Synchronize General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics with Constant “K”-Resulting Dark Matter as a New Fundamental Force Particle

Planck scale plays a vital role in describing fundamental forces. Space time describes strength of fundamental force. In this paper, Einstein’s general relativity equation has been described in terms of contraction and expansion forces of space time. According to this, the space time with Planck diameter is a flat space time. This is the only diameter of space time that can be used as signal transformation in special relativity. This space time diameter defines the fundamental force which belongs to that space time. In quantum mechanics, this space time diameter is only the quantum of space which belongs to that particular fundamental force. Einstein’s general relativity equation and Planck parameters of quantum mechanics have been written in terms of equations containing a constant “K”, thus found a new equation for transformation of general relativity space time in to quantum space time. In this process of synchronization, there is a possibility of a new fundamental force between electromagnetic and gravitational forces with Planck length as its space time diameter. It is proposed that dark matter is that fundamental force carrying particle. By grand unification equation with space-time diameter, we found a coupling constant as per standard model “αs” for that fundamental force is 1.08 × 10-23. Its energy calculated as 113 MeV. A group of experimental scientists reported the energy of dark matter particle as 17 MeV. Thorough review may advance science further.

An 8-Node Plane Hybrid Element for StructuralMechanics Problems Based on the Hellinger-Reissner Variational Principle

The finite element method (FEM) plays a valuable role in computer modeling and is beneficial to the mechanicaldesign of various structural parts. However, the elements produced by conventional FEM are easily inaccurate andunstable when applied. Therefore, developing new elements within the framework of the generalized variationalprinciple is of great significance. In this paper, an 8-node plane hybrid finite element with 15 parameters (PHQ8-15β) is developed for structural mechanics problems based on the Hellinger-Reissner variational principle.According to the design principle of Pian, 15 unknown parameters are adopted in the selection of stress modes toavoid the zero energy modes.Meanwhile, the stress functions within each element satisfy both the equilibrium andthe compatibility relations of plane stress problems. Subsequently, numerical examples are presented to illustrate theeffectiveness and robustness of the proposed finite element. Numerical results show that various common lockingbehaviors of plane elements can be overcome. The PH-Q8-15β element has excellent performance in all benchmarkproblems, especially for structures with varying cross sections. Furthermore, in bending problems, the reasonablemesh shape of the new element for curved edge structures is analyzed in detail, which can be a useful means toimprove numerical accuracy.

Improved Units of Measure in Rotational Mechanics

The SI system of units in rotational mechanics yields correct numerical results, but it produces physically incorrect units of measure in many cases. SI units also violate the principle of general covariance—the general rule for defining continuous coordinates and units in mathematics and mathematical physics. After 30+ years of wrestling with these problems, the ultimate authority on units of measure has declared that Newton–meter and Joule are not equivalent in rotational mechanics, as they are in the rest of physics. This article proposes a simple modification to SI units called “Nonstandard International units” (“NI units”) until a better name is agreed upon. NI units yield correct numerical results and physically correct units of measure, and they satisfy the principle of general covariance. The main obstacle to the adoption of NI units is the consensus among users that the radius of rotation should have the unit meter because the radius can be measured with a ruler. NI units assigned to radius should have units meter/radian because the radius is a conversion factor between angular size and circumferential length, as in arclength = rθ. To manage the social consensus behind SI units, the author recommends retaining SI units as they are, and informing users who want correct units that NI units solve the technical problems of SI units.

Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Atomic Quantum Mechanics Based on Atomic Functions

Based on theorems, the Atomic AString Functions theory, evolving since the 1970s, is introduced into Quantum Mechanics to represent a wave function via the shifts and stretches of smooth finite Atomic Function pulses/solitonic atoms. It leads to a novel ‘atomic interpretation’ where wave functions become the superpositions of localized Atomic Wave Functions, which can also describe collapsed wave functions, represent Gaussians, uphold Heisenberg’s uncertainly principle, and a more generic concept of Atomic Harmonic Oscillator. Atomic Functions can solve the boundary wave function discontinuity problem for particle-in-a-box and other solutions by introducing atomic wave packets. It highlights some limitations of the Schrödinger equation, yielding harmonic representations that may not be flexible enough to satisfy complex boundary conditions. The theory follows more generic research on Atomic Spacetime, quantum gravity, and field theories to derive common mathematical blocks of unified fields similar to loop quantum gravity and strings theories.

Investigation of the Micro-Mechanics of an Extruded Precipitation-Strengthened Magnesium Alloy under Cyclic Loading

Precipitation strengthening is a crucial microscopic mechanism for enhancing the strength of magnesium alloys. In order to elucidate the influence of precipitation on the microscopic deformation mechanisms and macroscopic mechanical response of magnesium alloys under cyclic loading conditions, we employed a crystal plasticity model to analyze the stress-strain curves, specific crystal plane diffraction intensities, and the temporal evolution of various microscopic deformation mechanisms and twinning volume fractions for an extruded magnesium alloy, AXM10304, containing coherent precipitates. The research findings indicate that precipitation does not fundamentally alter the microscopic mechanisms of this alloy. However, it hinders twinning during the compression stage, mildly promotes detwinning during the tension stage, and enhances tension secondary hardening by elevating the difficulty of activation of the prismatic slip.

Teaching Experiment in Engineering Mechanics Based on Simulation Technology:A Case Study

This paper explores the integration of simulation technology in Engineering Mechanics(EM)teaching in vocational colleges.A case study was conducted using the tensile test as an example,and digital resources,such as colored Mises stress nephograms,were obtained.These resources were integrated into the original curriculum to conduct teaching experiments.The results show that the use of digital resources significantly improved the quality of teaching in EM.The integration of simulation technology in EM teaching provides a promising direction for the improvement of vocational education and the cultivation of high-quality skilled talents.The development and application of more simulation-based teaching cases should be studied by scholars.

Gut-brain axis as a bridge in obesity and depression:Mechanistic exploration and therapeutic prospects

A recent study by Wang et al,published in the World Journal of Psychiatry,provided preventative and therapeutic strategies for the comorbidity of obesity and depression.The gut-brain axis,which acts as a two-way communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system,plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of these conditions.Evidence suggests that metabolic byproducts,such as short-chain fatty acids,lipopolysaccharide and bile acids,which are generated by the gut microbiota,along with neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators within the gut-brain axis,modulate the host's metabolic processes,neuronal regulation,and immune responses through diverse mechanisms.The interaction between obesity and depression via the gut-brain axis involves disruptions in the gut microbiota balance,inflammatory immune responses,and alterations in the neuroendocrine system.Modulating the gut-brain axis,for example,through a ketogenic diet,the use of probiotics,and the supplementation of antioxidants,offers new remedial approaches for obesity and depression.Future research that explores the mechanisms of the gut-brain axis is needed to provide more evidence for clinical treatment.

Effects of the extrusion parameters on microstructure,texture and room temperature mechanical properties of extruded Mg-2.49Nd-1.82Gd-0.2Zn-0.2Zr alloy

Microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of the extruded Mg-2.49Nd-1.82Gd-0.2Zn-0.2Zr alloy were investigated at different extrusion temperatures(260 and 320℃),extrusion ratios(10:1,15:1,and 30:1),and extrusion speeds(3 and 6 mm/s).The experimental results exhibited that the grain sizes after extrusion were much finer than that of the homogenized alloy,and the second phase showed streamline distribution along the extrusion direction(ED).With extrusion temperature increased from 260 to 320℃,the microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of alloys changed slightly.The dynamic recrystallization(DRX)degree and grain sizes enhanced as the extrusion ratio increased from 10:1 to 30:1,and the strength gradually decreased but elongation(EL)increased.With the extrusion speed increased from 3 to 6 mm/s,the grain sizes and DRX degree increased significantly,and the samples presented the typical<2111>-<1123>rare-earth(RE)textures.The alloy extruded at 260℃ with extrusion ratio of 10:1 and extrusion speed of 3 mm/s showed the tensile yield strength(TYS)of 213 MPa and EL of 30.6%.After quantitatively analyzing the contribution of strengthening mechanisms,it was found that the grain boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening played major roles among strengthening contributions.These results provide some guidelines for enlarging the industrial application of extruded Mg-RE alloy.

Robust interface and excellent as-built mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V fabricated through laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder and wire

The feasibility of manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V samples through a combination of laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder(LAAM_(p))and wire(LAAM_(w))was explored.A process study was first conducted to successfully circumvent defects in Ti-6Al-4V deposits for LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w),respectively.With the optimized process parameters,robust interfaces were achieved between powder/wire deposits and the forged substrate,as well as between powder and wire deposits.Microstructure characterization results revealed the epitaxial prior β grains in the deposited Ti-6Al-4V,wherein the powder deposit was dominated by a finerα′microstructure and the wire deposit was characterized by lamellar α phases.The mechanisms of microstructure formation and correlation with mechanical behavior were analyzed and discussed.The mechanical properties of the interfacial samples can meet the requirements of the relevant Aerospace Material Specifications(AMS 6932)even without post heat treatment.No fracture occurred within the interfacial area,further suggesting the robust interface.The findings of this study highlighted the feasibility of combining LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w) in the direct manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V parts in accordance with the required dimensional resolution and deposition rate,together with sound strength and ductility balance in the as-built condition.

Relativistic Mechanics in Positive and Negative Subspace-Time according to the Inverse Relativity Model

In the second paper on the inverse relativity model, we explained in the first paper [1] that analyzing the four-dimensional displacement vector on space-time according to a certain approach leads to the splitting of space-time into positive and negative subspace-time. Here, in the second paper, we continue to analyze each of the four-dimensional vectors of velocity, acceleration, momentum, and forces on the total space-time fabric. According to the approach followed in the first paper. As a result, in the special case, we obtain new transformations for each of the velocity, acceleration, momentum, energy, and forces specific to each subspace-time, which are subject to the positive and negative modified Lorentz transformations described in the first paper. According to these transformations, momentum remains a conserved quantity in the positive subspace and increases in the negative subspace, while the relativistic total energy decreases in the positive subspace and increases in the negative subspace. In the general case, we also have new types of energy-momentum tensor, one for positive subspace-time and the other for negative subspace-time, where the energy density decreases in positive subspace-time and increases in negative subspace-time, and we also obtain new gravitational field equations for each subspace-time.

Curcumin in gastric cancer treatment:A commentary on mechanistic insights and future directions

The study by Yang et al presents a comprehensive investigation into the thera-peutic potential of curcumin for gastric cancer(GC).Using network pharma-cology,the researchers identified 48 curcumin-related genes,31 of which overlap with GC targets.Key genes,including ESR1,EGFR,CYP3A4,MAPK14,CYP1A2,and CYP2B6,are linked to poor survival in GC patients.Molecular docking con-firmed strong binding affinity of curcumin to these genes.In vitro experiments demonstrated that curcumin effectively inhibits the growth and proliferation of BGC-823,suggesting its therapeutic potential in GC through multiple targets and pathways.

Research on the Assessment System of Computational Mechanics Courses Based on the TOPSIS Entropy Weight Model

This paper takes the assessment and evaluation of computational mechanics course as the background,and constructs a diversified course evaluation system that is student-centered and integrates both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods.The system not only pays attention to students’practical operation and theoretical knowledge mastery but also puts special emphasis on the cultivation of students’innovative abilities.In order to realize a comprehensive and objective evaluation,the assessment and evaluation method of the entropy weight model combining TOPSIS(Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution)multi-attribute decision analysis and entropy weight theory is adopted,and its validity and practicability are verified through example analysis.This method can not only comprehensively and objectively evaluate students’learning outcomes,but also provide a scientific decision-making basis for curriculum teaching reform.The implementation of this diversified course evaluation system can better reflect the comprehensive ability of students and promote the continuous improvement of teaching quality.

Decoding molecular mechanisms:brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.