Mechanical Performance of Bio-inspired Bidirectional Corrugated Sandwich Pressure Shell Under External Hydrostatic Pressure

This paper aims to enhance the compression capacity of underwater cylindrical shells by adopting the corrugated sandwich structure of cuttlebone.The cuttlebone suffers uniaxial external compression,while underwater cylindrical shells are in a biaxial compressive stress state.To suit the biaxial compressive stress state,a novel bidirectional corrugated sandwich structure is proposed to improve the bearing capacity of cylindrical shells.The static and buckling analysis for the sandwich shell and the unstiffened cylindrical shell with the same volume-weight ratio are studied by numerical simulation.It is indicated that the proposed sandwich shell can effectively reduce the ratio between circumferential and axial stress from 2 to 1.25 and improve the critical buckling load by about 1.63 times.Numerical simulation shows that optimizing and adjusting the structural parameters could significantly improve the advantage of the sandwich shell.Then,the hydrostatic pressure tests for shell models fabricated by 3D printing are carried out.According to the experimental results,the overall failure position of the sandwich shell is at the center part of the sandwich shell.It has been found the average critical load of the proposed sandwich shell models exceeds two times that of the unstiffened shell models.Hence,the proposed bio-inspired bidirectional corrugated sandwich structure can significantly enhance the pressure resistance capability of cylindrical shells.

Effects of vacancy and external electric field on the electronic properties of the MoSi_(2)N_(4)/graphene heterostructure

Recently,the newly synthesized septuple-atomic layer two-dimensional(2D)material MoSi_(2)N_(4)(MSN)has attracted attention worldwide.Our work delves into the effect of vacancies and external electric fields on the electronic properties of the MSN/graphene(Gr)heterostructure using first-principles calculation.We find that four types of defective structures,N-in,N-out,Si and Mo vacancy defects of monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure are stable in air.Moreover,vacancy defects can effectively modulate the charge transfer at the interface of the MSN/Gr heterostructure as well as the work function of the pristine monolayer MSN and MSN/Gr heterostructure.Finally,the application of an external electric field enables the dynamic switching between n-type and p-type Schottky contacts.Our work may offer the possibility of exceeding the capabilities of conventional Schottky diodes based on MSN/Gr heterostructures.

Unraveling the efficacy network: A network meta-analysis of adjuvant external beam radiation therapy methods after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate that significantly affects patient prognosis.Postoperative adjuvant external radiation therapy(RT)has been shown to effectively prevent recurrence after liver cancer resection.However,there are multiple RT techniques available,and the differ-ential effects of these techniques in preventing postoperative liver cancer re-currence require further investigation.AIM To assess the advantages and disadvantages of various adjuvant external RT methods after liver resection based on overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)and to determine the optimal strategy.METHODS This study involved network meta-analyses and followed the PRISMA guidelines.The data of qualified studies published before July 10,2023,were collected from PubMed,Embase,the Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library.We included relevant studies on postoperative external beam RT after liver resection that had OS and DFS as the primary endpoints.The magnitudes of the effects were determined using risk ratios with 95%confidential intervals.The results were analyzed using R software and STATA software.RESULTS A total of 12 studies,including 1265 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after liver resection,were included in this study.There was no significant heterogeneity in the direct paired comparisons,and there were no significant differences in the inclusion or exclusion criteria,intervention measures,or outcome indicators,meeting the assumptions of heterogeneity and transitivity.OS analysis revealed that patients who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT)after resection had longer OS than those who underwent intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)or 3-dimensional conformal RT(3D-CRT).DFS analysis revealed that patients who underwent 3D-CRT after resection had the longest DFS.Patients who underwent IMRT after resection had longer OS than those who underwent 3D-CRT and longer DFS than those who underwent SBRT.CONCLUSION HCC patients who undergo liver cancer resection must consider distinct advantages and disadvantages when choosing between SBRT and 3D-CRT.IMRT,a RT technique that is associated with longer OS than 3D-CRT and longer DFS than SBRT,may be a preferred option.

Influence of introducing Zr,Ti,Nb and Ce elements on externally solidified crystals and mechanical properties of high-pressure die-casting Al–Si alloy

High pressure die casting(HPDC)AlSi10Mn Mg alloy castings are widely used in the automobile industry.Mg can optimize the mechanical properties of castings through heat treatment,while the release of thermal stress arouses the deformation of large integrated die-castings.Herein,the development of non-heat treatment Al alloys is becoming the hot topic.In addition,HPDC contains externally solidified crystals(ESCs),which are detrimental to the mechanical properties of castings.To achieve high strength and toughness of non-heat treatment die-casting Al-Si alloy,we used AlSi9Mn alloy as matrix with the introduction of Zr,Ti,Nb,and Ce.Their influences on ESCs and mechanical properties were systematically investigated through three-dimensional reconstruction and thermodynamic simulation.Our results reveal that the addition of Ti increased ESCs'size and porosity,while the introduction of Nb refined ESCs and decreased porosity.Meanwhile,large-sized Al_3(Zr,Ti)phases formed and degraded the mechanical properties.Subsequent introduction of Ce resulted in the poisoning effect and reduced mechanical properties.

Effect of external magnetic field on the instability of THz plasma waves in nanoscale graphene field-effect transistors

The instability of plasma waves in the channel of field-effect transistors will cause the electromagnetic waves with THz frequency.Based on a self-consistent quantum hydrodynamic model,the instability of THz plasmas waves in the channel of graphene field-effect transistors has been investigated with external magnetic field and quantum effects.We analyzed the influence of weak magnetic fields,quantum effects,device size,and temperature on the instability of plasma waves under asymmetric boundary conditions numerically.The results show that the magnetic fields,quantum effects,and the thickness of the dielectric layer between the gate and the channel can increase the radiation frequency.Additionally,we observed that increase in temperature leads to a decrease in both oscillation frequency and instability increment.The numerical results and accompanying images obtained from our simulations provide support for the above conclusions.

Biomedical application of materials for external auditory canal: History,challenges, and clinical prospects

Biomaterials play an integral role in treatment of external auditory canal (EAC) diseases. Regarding the specialanatomic structure and physiological characteristics of EAC, careful selection of applicable biomaterials wasessential step towards effective management of EAC conditions. The bioactive materials can provide reasonablebiocompatibility, reduce risk of host pro-inflammatory response and immune rejection, and promote the healingprocess. In therapeutic procedure, biomaterials were employed for covering or packing the wound, protection ofthe damaged tissue, and maintaining of normal structures and functions of the EAC. Therefore, understandingand application of biomaterials was key to obtaining great rehabilitation in therapy of EAC diseases. In clinicalpractice, biomaterials were recognized as an important part in the treatment of different EAC diseases. Thechoice of biomaterials was distinct according to the requirements of various diseases. As a result, awareness ofproperty regarding different biomaterials was fundamental for appropriate selection of therapeutic substances indifferent EAC diseases. In this review, we firstly introduced the characteristics of EAC structures and physiology,and EAC pathologies were summarized secondarily. From the viewpoint of biomaterials, the different materialsapplied to individual diseases were outlined in categories. Besides, the underlying future of therapeutic EACbiomaterials was discussed.

Adaptive Nonlinear PD Controller of Two-Wheeled Self-Balancing Robot with External Force

This paper proposes an adaptive nonlinear proportional-derivative(ANPD)controller for a two-wheeled self-balancing robot(TWSB)modeled by the Lagrange equation with external forces.The proposed control scheme is designed based on the combination of a nonlinear proportional-derivative(NPD)controller and a genetic algorithm,in which the proportional-derivative(PD)parameters are updated online based on the tracking error and the preset error threshold.In addition,the genetic algorithm is employed to adaptively select initial controller parameters,contributing to system stability and improved control accuracy.The proposed controller is basic in design yet simple to implement.The ANPD controller has the advantage of being computationally lightweight and providing high robustness against external forces.The stability of the closed-loop system is rigorously analyzed and verified using Lyapunov theory,providing theoretical assurance of its robustness.Simulations and experimental results show that the TWSB robot with the proposed ANPD controller achieves quick balance and tracks target values with very small errors,demonstrating the effectiveness and performance of the proposed controller.The proposed ANPD controller demonstrates significant improvements in balancing and tracking performance for two-wheeled self-balancing robots,which has great applicability in the field of robot control systems.This represents a promising solution for applications requiring precise and stable motion control under varying external conditions.

Effect of slow shot speed on externally solidified crystal,porosity and tensile property in a newly developed high-pressure die-cast Al-Si alloy

The effect of slow shot speed on externally solidified crystal(ESC),porosity and tensile property in a newly developed high-pressure die-cast Al-Si alloy was investigated by optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and laboratory computed tomography(CT).Results showed that the newly developed AlSi9MnMoV alloy exhibited improved mechanical properties when compared to the AlSi10MnMg alloy.The AlSi9MnMoV alloy,which was designed with trace multicomponent additions,displays a notable grain refining effect in comparison to the AlSi10MnMg alloy.Refining elements Ti,Zr,V,Nb,B promote heterogeneous nucleation and reduce the grain size of primaryα-Al.At a lower slow shot speed,the large ESCs are easier to form and gather,developing into the dendrite net and net-shrinkage.With an increase in slow shot speed,the size and number of ESCs and porosities significantly reduce.In addition,the distribution of ESCs is more dispersed and the net-shrinkage disappears.The tensile property is greatly improved by adopting a higher slow shot speed.The ultimate tensile strength is enhanced from 260.31 MPa to 290.31 MPa(increased by 11.52%),and the elongation is enhanced from 3.72%to 6.34%(increased by 70.52%).

An externally perceivable smart leaky-wave antenna based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons

Smart antennas have received great attention for their potentials to enable communication and perception functions at the same time.However,realizing the function synthesis remains an open challenge,and most existing system solutions are limited to narrow operating bands and high complexity and cost.Here,we propose an externally perceivable leakywave antenna(LWA)based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons(SSPPs),which can realize adaptive real-time switching between the“radiating”and“non-radiating”states and beam tracking at different frequencies.With the assistance of computer vision,the smart SSPP-LWA is able to detect the external target user or jammer,and intelligently track the target by self-adjusting the operating frequency.The proposed scheme helps to reduce the power consumption through dynamically controlling the radiating state of the antenna,and improve spectrum utilization and avoid spectrum conflicts through intelligently deciding the radiating frequency.On the other hand,it is also helpful for the physical layer communication security through switching the antenna working state according to the presence of the target and target beam tracking in real time.In addition,the proposed smart antenna can be generalized to other metamaterial systems and could be a candidate for synaesthesia integration in future smart antenna systems.

Linking 24-h Movement Behavior Guidelines to Cognitive Difficulties,Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Preterm Youth

Background:Given the heightened risk of developmental challenges associated with preterm birth,it is crucial to explore interventions that may ameliorate potential adverse outcomes.This study aimed to examine whether meeting the 24-h movement behavior(24-HMB)guidelines,which include recommendations on physical activity(PA),screen time(ST),and sleep(SL),is related to indicators of cognitive difficulties,internalizing problems(e.g.,depression and anxiety),and externalizing problems(e.g.,difficulties in making friends and arguing)in a sample of preterm youth(children and adolescents born preterm).Methods:In this cross-sectional study,data from 3410 preterm youth(aged 6 to 17 years)were included for data analyses.Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate associations between meeting the 24-HMB guidelines and the above-mentioned health outcomes,while controlling for sociodemographic and health-related factors.Results:The prevalence of meeting 24-HMB guidelines varied across independent and integrated components of the 24-HMB guidelines.Meeting the ST guideline alone(p<0.05)and integrated guidelines(i.e.,ST+SL and ST+SL+PA)were associated with fewer cognitive difficulties and reduced internalizing and externalizing problems(p<0.05).Specifically,meeting the SL guideline alone and integrated guidelines(i.e.,SL+ST)were associated with lower odds of depression and anxiety(p<0.01).Additionally,meeting independent,and integrated(PA and/or ST)guidelines were associated with less pronounced difficulties in making friends and arguing(p<0.05).Meeting 24-HMB guidelines in an isolated and integrated manner are linked to better cognitive performance and fewer internalizing and externalizing problems in preterm youth.Conclusion:Results suggest that advocating for the implementation of the 24-HMB guidelines may reduce cognitive challenges and behavioral issues,which is of high relevance for improving public health.Future longitudinal studies in preterm youth should investigate how modifying specific 24-HMB behaviors,especially ST,influence cognitive difficulties,internalizing and externalizing problems in this vulnerable population.

Differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal masses and external pressure lesions

Lesions of the left triangular ligament of the liver are rare,and there are even fewer cases of vascular tumors misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumors.We comment on the two cases reported in the article.The article did not include pictures of laparoscopic surgery,making it unconvincing.For gastric submucosal lesions,enhanced computed tomography venous phase imaging may be beneficial for differential diagnosis.Although endoscopic ultrasound is an effective tool for diagnosing submucosal lesions of the stomach,due to various factors,it cannot achieve an accurate diagnosis.During endoscopic examination,a more accurate diagnosis can be made depending on the personal experience of the operators.

Practical Use of the Subjective Mathematical Model of Bayes and Its External Validation in Dental Medicine & Dentistry

Objective: Our study aims to validate the subjective Bayes mathematical model using the mathematical model of logistic regression. Expert systems are being utilized increasingly in medical fields for the purposes of assisting diagnosis and treatment planning in Dentistry. Existing systems used few symptoms for dental diagnosis. In Dentistry, few symptoms are not enough for diagnosis. In this research, a conditional probability model (Bayes rule) was developed with increased number of symptoms associated with a disease for diagnosis. A test set of recurrent cases was then used to test the diagnostic capacity of the system. The generated diagnosis matched that of the human experts. The system was also tested for its capacity to handle uncommon dental diseases and the system portrayed useful potential. Method: The study used the Subjective Mathematical Bayes Model (SBM) approach and employed Logistic Regression Mathematical Model (LMR) techniques. The external validation of the subjective mathematical Bayes model (MSB) concerns the real cases of 625 patients who developed alveolar osteitis (OA). We propose strategies for reproducibility and reporting standards, outlining an updated WAMBS (when to Worry and how to Avoid the Misuse of Bayesian Statistics) checklist. Finally, we outline the impact of Bayesian analysis Logistic Regression Mathematical Model (LMR) techniques and on artificial intelligence, a major goal in the next decade. Results: The internal validation had identified seven (7) etiological factors of OA, which will be compared to the cases of MRL, for the external validation which retained six (6) etiological factors of OA. The experts in the internal validation of the MSB had generated 40 cases of OA and a COP of (0.5), which will be compared to the MRL that collected 625 real cases of OA to produce a Cop of (0.6) in the external validation, which discriminates between healthy patients (Se) and sick patients (Sp). Compared to real cases and the logistic regression model, the Bayesian model is efficient and its validity is established.

Evidence for the Reliability and Validity of the Arabic Version of the Student Risk Screening Scale for Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors (SRSS-IE)

School-based universal screening for behavioral/emotional risk is a necessary first step to providing services in an educational setting for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs). Psychometric properties are critical to making decisions about choosing a screening instrument. The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the student risk screening scale for internalizing and externalizing behaviors (SRSS-IE). Participants included 3145 students and their teachers. Item-level analyses of the current sample supported the retention of all items. The internal consistency of the SRSS items ranged from 0.83 to 0.85. Convergent validity between the SRSS-IE and a well-established screening tool, the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), was found for the total score (r = 0.70). Additionally, the results of this study demonstrate strong social validity, suggesting the SRSS-IE to be a useful and functional screening tool. We conclude that the SRSS-IE is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the level of emotional and behavioral difficulties among elementary students.

Effect of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test

BACKGROUND Pain in the back or pelvis or fear of back pain may affect the timing or cocontraction of the core muscles.In both static and dynamic movements,the Sahrmann core stability test provides an assessment of core muscle activation and a person's ability to stabilize the lumbopelvic complex.Preparatory cues and images can be used to increase the activation of these muscles.To attain optimal movement patterns,it will be necessary to determine what cueing will give the most effective results for core stability.AIM To investigate the effects of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test.METHODS Total 68 participants(21.83±3.47 years)were randomly allocated to an external(n=35)or internal cue group(n=33).Participants performed the Sahrmann fivelevel core stability test without a cue as baseline and the five-level stability exercises with an internal or external cue.External cue group received a pressure biofeedback unit(PBU),and the internal cue group received an audio cue.A Delsys Trigno^(TM)surface electromyography unit was used for muscle activation from the rectus abdominis,external oblique,and transverse abdominis/internal oblique muscles.RESULTS Linear mixed effects model analysis showed that cueing had a significant effect on core muscle activation(P=0.001);however,there was no significant difference between cue types(internal or external)(P=0.130).CONCLUSION Both external and internal cueing have significant effects on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test and the PBU does not create higher muscle activation than internal cueing.

Open-Air Quarries in the Urban Commune of Zinder (South-East Niger): An Opportunity with Strong Externalities

The framing of this theme would contribute to a better analysis of the benefits of open-air quarrying in Zinder, and should make it possible to understand and measure the socio-environmental externalities of this type of activity in an urban environment. The approach method consisted of carrying out surveys combined with field observations and interviews with the various stakeholders as well as the local population. The results obtained made it possible to identify both positive and negative impacts. The positive impacts are above all the advantages derived from these aggregate quarries, in particular, the creation of direct and permanent jobs and the increase in community income. The price of piling up a truck costs around 28,000 CFA ($56 CAN) and that of loading is around 10,000 F CFA ($20 CAN). This has the effect of removing young people (20 - 39 years old) from the circuit of migration outside the region and even the country. The possibility of using the extraction sites by the local population was identified, in terms of profits relating to fish farming, off-season crops, animal drinking and reclaimed plots. The study also noted negative externalities, such as the temptation of young boys to become involved in extractive activities for immediate gains at the expense of school attendance. Added to this is the upheaval in the topography of the urban landscape, pollution and nuisances (noise, visual and olfactory), while the disappearance or clogging of quarry ponds is the cause of frequent flooding in the neighborhoods. In short, corrective measures (e.g. the revegetation of sites) certainly make it possible to minimize the harmful impacts on the urban environment. But, to improve the performance and organizational capacity of the quarrying industry in Niger, even stronger regulation, training and awareness of stakeholders prove to be the necessary measures.

The Effect of External Pressure on Mechanical Properties of Aquamarine Gemstone Using First Principles Studies

Aquamarine gemstones are popular jewelry in the gemstone trade and are currently one of the important products in the world market because of their economic value. Aquamarine is a Beryllium Aluminium Silicate with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18 and crystallizes in the hexagonal system with space group P6/mcc (192), and Tanzania has wide deposits of aquamarine gemstones. The quality of gemstone depends on its characteristic properties, including electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. In the present study, the effect of external pressure on mechanical properties including independent elastic constants and other related parameters such as Bulk modulus, Shear modulus, Young modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Compressibility were studied. Density Function Theory in the forcite module of the material studies software on the external pressure within the range of 0 - 200 GPa on the optimized structure at electrostatic, Van der Waals and Ewald terms were used in this study. The results reveal that the independent elastic constants are mechanically unstable at 50 - 120 Gpa and are stable at 0 - 40 GPa and above 120 GPa, with the average bulk modulus, shear modulus, young modulus, Poisson’s ratio of 2319.9447, 652.3058, 1789.2236, and 0.26 respectively with the compressibility of 0.059921/TPa, this indicates that aquamarine gemstones are stable against strain and strongly against shear stress but opposing shear deformation. These values are within other crystalline materials found in the literature. This provides technological backing for the comprehensive valuation of mechanical properties, quality, and stability of gemstones available in Tanzania.

Exact Solutions of Forced Schrödinger Equation and How to Choose the External Forces

Schrödinger equations are very common equations in physics and mathematics for nonlinear physics to model the dynamics of wave propagation in waveguides such as power lines, atomic chains, optical fibers, and even in quantum mechanics. But all these equations are most often studied without worrying about what would happen if this equation were maintained, that is to say, had a second member synonymous with an external force. It is true that on a physical level, such equations can be considered as describing the generation of waves on a waveguide using an external force. However, the in-depth analysis of this aspect is not at the center of our reflection in this article, but for us, it is a question of proposing exact solutions to this type of equation and above all proposing the general form of the external force so that the obtaining exact solutions is possible.

Comparative Analysis of Statistical Thickness Models for the Determination of the External Specific Surface and the Surface of the Micropores of Materials: The Case of a Clay Concrete Stabilized Using Sugar Cane Molasses

In this work, four empirical models of statistical thickness, namely the models of Harkins and Jura, Hasley, Carbon Black and Jaroniec, were compared in order to determine the textural properties (external surface and surface of micropores) of a clay concrete without molasses and clay concretes stabilized with 8%, 12% and 16% molasses. The results obtained show that Hasley’s model can be used to obtain the external surfaces. However, it does not allow the surface of the micropores to be obtained, and is not suitable for the case of simple clay concrete (without molasses) and for clay concretes stabilized with molasses. The Carbon Black, Jaroniec and Harkins and Jura models can be used for clay concrete and stabilized clay concrete. However, the Carbon Black model is the most relevant for clay concrete and the Harkins and Jura model is for molasses-stabilized clay concrete. These last two models augur well for future research.

Nonlinear Pushover Analysis of the Influences on RC Footing for the External Elevator Well

In contemporary society, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving sustainable development are paramount goals. One effective approach is to preserve existing RC (Reinforced Concrete) buildings rather than demolishing them for new construction. However, a significant challenge arises from the lack of elevator designs in many of these existing RC buildings. Adding an external elevator becomes crucial to solving accessibility issues, enhancing property value, and satisfying modern residential buildings using convenient requirements. However, the structural performance of external elevator wells remains understudied. This research is designed by the actual external elevator project into existing RC buildings in Jinzhong Rd, Shanghai City. Specifically, this research examines five different external elevator wells under nonlinear pushover analysis, each varying in the height of the RC (Reinforced Concrete) footing. By analyzing plastic hinge states, performance points, capacity curves, spectrum curves, layer displacement, and drift ratio, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these structures of the external elevator well respond to seismic events. The findings are expected to serve as a valuable reference for future external elevator projects, ensuring the external elevator designs meet the seismic requirements. By emphasizing seismic resistance in the design phase, the research aims to enhance the overall safety and longevity of external elevator systems integrated into existing RC buildings.

External Otitis: Epidemiological, Clinical, Etiological, and Therapeutic Aspects at the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Department of Mamou Regional Hospital

Introduction: External otitis (OE) is an acute or chronic inflammation or infection of the external ear resulting from an imbalance in the external auditory canal secondary to microtrauma, maceration, eczema, or a foreign body in the external auditory canal. Objective: To study cases of external otitis at the Mamou Regional Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over a period of six (6) months from July 1st to December 31st, 2016. It included all patients admitted to the ENT department of the Mamou Regional Hospital. Results: During the study period, 712 patients were admitted to the department for various pathologies, of which 103 met our selection criteria, representing a frequency of 14.46%. The mean age of the patients was 33.74 years with a range of 1 to 90 years. Males predominated in the sample, accounting for 59.22%. The vast majority of patients resided in urban areas, constituting 61.17% of the sample. In our study, all patients consulted for otalgia (100%), and over half (53.39%) for hypoacusis. We formally identified rhinitis in 66.66% of cases, while diabetes was found in only 4 patients (11.11%). Otomycosis was the most commonly identified condition (53.39%), followed by furuncles (33.98%). Ear drops containing antibiotics were administered to all patients, although 66.60% received antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: External otitis is a relatively common condition, particularly among children and the elderly. Diagnosis can be made based on pain upon traction of the pinna and pressure on the tragus.