Multi-Elemental Analysis and 2D Image Mapping within Roots, Leaves and Seeds from O. glaberrima Rice Plants Using Micro-PIXE Technique

Understanding metal accumulation at organ level in roots, leaves and seeds in O. glaberrima (OG) is crucial for improving physiological and metabolic aspects in growing Asian and African rice in salted areas. The micro-analytical imaging techniques are required to reveal its accumulation and distribution within plant tissues. PIXE studies have been performed to determine different elements in rice plants. The existing microbeam analytical technique at the iThemba LABS will be applied for the 2D image mapping of fresh rice tissues to perform a concentration of low atomic mass elements (such as Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Br, Zn and K) with detection limits of typically 1-10 μg/g. Comparison of the distribution of the elements between leaves, root and seed samples using uptake and distribution of elements in particular environmental conditions with potential amount of salt in water have been performed. We are also expecting to indicate metal exclusion as salt tolerance strategies from leaves, root, and seed compartments using matrix correlation between samples and between elements on rice species.

Generalized nth-Order Perturbation Method Based on Loop Subdivision Surface Boundary Element Method for Three-Dimensional Broadband Structural Acoustic Uncertainty Analysis

In this paper,a generalized nth-order perturbation method based on the isogeometric boundary element method is proposed for the uncertainty analysis of broadband structural acoustic scattering problems.The Burton-Miller method is employed to solve the problem of non-unique solutions that may be encountered in the external acoustic field,and the nth-order discretization formulation of the boundary integral equation is derived.In addition,the computation of loop subdivision surfaces and the subdivision rules are introduced.In order to confirm the effectiveness of the algorithm,the computed results are contrasted and analyzed with the results under Monte Carlo simulations(MCs)through several numerical examples.

Research and Application of a Multi-Field Co-Simulation Data Extraction Method Based on Adaptive Infinitesimal Element

Regarding the spatial profile extraction method of a multi-field co-simulation dataset,different extraction directions,locations,and numbers of profileswill greatly affect the representativeness and integrity of data.In this study,a multi-field co-simulation data extractionmethod based on adaptive infinitesimal elements is proposed.Themultifield co-simulation dataset based on related infinitesimal elements is constructed,and the candidate directions of data profile extraction undergo dimension reduction by principal component analysis to determine the direction of data extraction.Based on the fireworks algorithm,the data profile with optimal representativeness is searched adaptively in different data extraction intervals to realize the adaptive calculation of data extraction micro-step length.The multi-field co-simulation data extraction process based on adaptive microelement is established and applied to the data extraction process of the multi-field co-simulation dataset of the sintering furnace.Compared with traditional data extraction methods for multi-field co-simulation,the approximate model constructed by the data extracted from the proposed method has higher construction efficiency.Meanwhile,the relative maximum absolute error,root mean square error,and coefficient of determination of the approximationmodel are better than those of the approximation model constructed by the data extracted from traditional methods,indicating higher accuracy,it is verified that the proposed method demonstrates sound adaptability and extraction efficiency.

Collapse Behavior of Pipe-Framed Greenhouses with and without Reinforcement under Snow Loading:A 3-D Finite Element Analysis

The present paper first investigates the collapse behavior of a conventional pipe-framed greenhouse under snow loading based on a 3-D finite element analysis,in which both geometrical and material non-linearities are considered.Three snow load distribution patterns related to the wind-driven snow particle movement are used in the analysis.It is found that snow load distribution affects the deformation and collapse behavior of the pipe-framed greenhouse significantly.The results obtained in this study are consistent with the actual damage observed.Next,discussion is made of the effects of reinforcements by adding members to the basic frame on the strength of the whole structure,in which seven kinds of reinforcement methods are examined.A buckling analysis is also carried out.The results indicate that the most effective reinforcement method depends on the snow load distribution pattern.

GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Techniques to Derive Flood Risks Management on Rice Productivity in Gishari Marshland

Floods are phenomenon with significant socio-economic implications mainly for human loss, agriculture, livestock, soil loss and land degradation, for which many researchers try to identify the most appropriate methodologies by analyzing their temporal and spatial development. This study therefore attempts to employ the GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis and analytical hierarchy process techniques to derive the flood risks management on rice productivity in the Gishari Agricultural Marshland in Rwamagana district, Rwanda. Here, six influencing potential factors to flooding, including river slope, soil texture, Land Use Land Cover through Land Sat 8, rainfall, river distance and Digital Elevation Model are considered for the delineation of flood risk zones. Data acquisition like Landsat 8 images, DEM, land use land cover, slope, and soil class in the study area were considered. Results showed that if the DEM is outdated or inaccurate due to changes in the terrain, such as construction, excavation, or erosion, the predicted flood patterns might not reflect the actual water flow. This could result unexpected flood extents and depths, potentially inundating rice fields that were not previously at risk and this, expectedly explained that the increase 1 m in elevation would reduce the rice productivity by 0.17% due to unplanned flood risks in marshland. It was found that the change in rainfall distribution in Gishari agricultural marshland would also decrease the rice productivity by 0.0018%, which is a sign that rainfall is a major factor of flooding in rice scheme. Rainfall distribution plays a crucial role in flooding analysis and can directly impact rice productivity. Oppositely, another causal factor was Land Use Land Cover (LULC), where the Multivariate Logistic Regression Model Analysis findings showed that the increase of one unit in Land Use Land Cover would increase rice productivity by 0.17% of the total rice productivity from the Gishari Agricultural Marshland. Based on findings from these techniques, the Gishari Agricultural Marshlands having steeped land with grassland is classified into five classes of flooding namely very low, low, moderate, high, and very high which include 430%, 361%, 292%, 223%, and 154%. Government of Rwanda and other implementing agencies and major key actors have to contribute on soil and water conservation strategies to reduce the runoff and soil erosion as major contributors of flooding.

Finite Element Analysis of Coronal Shear Fractures of the Femoral Neck: Displacement of the Femoral Head and Effect of Osteosynthetic Implants

Coronal shear fractures of the femoral neck (CSFF) are the most challenging to treat among proximal femur fractures, directly affecting the life expectancy of patients with osteoporosis. However, an adequate osteosynthesis method has not been elucidated yet. This study investigated the displacement direction of the femoral head fragment and its effect on the bone using finite element method. A finite element model for CSFF was developed from CT image data of a patient with osteoporosis using Mechanical Finder (ver. 11). Subsequently, finite element analyses were performed on six osteosynthesis models under maximum load applied during walking. The compressive stresses, tensile stresses, and compressive strains of each model were examined. The results suggested that the compressive and tensile stress distributions were concentrated on the anterior side of the femoral neck. Compressive strain distribution in the femoral head and neck was concentrated in four areas: at the tip of the blade or lag screw, the anteroinferior side of the blade or lag screw near the fracture site, and the upper right and lower left near the junction of the blade or lag screw and nail. Thus, the distribution of both these stresses revealed that the femoral head fragment was prone to anterior and inferior displacement. Distribution of compressive strains revealed the direction of the stress exerted by the osteosynthetic implant on the bone. The same results were observed in all osteosynthetic implants;thus, the findings could lay the foundation for developing methods for placing osteosynthetic implants less prone to displacement and the osteosynthetic implants themselves. In particular, the study provides insight into the optimal treatment of CSFF.

Contribution of GIS to Soil Landscape Mapping by Multi-Criteria Analysis Using Weighting: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro (Centre) and Daloa (Centre-West) in Ivory Coast

As part of the drive to improve coffee and cocoa production in Ivory Coast, studies are carried out to identify soils that are favourable for these crops. It is therefore necessary to orientate soil investigations based on reliable criteria that best discriminate soil cover. With this in mind, this study is being carried out to help improve survey methods by mapping soil landscapes. It uses GIS and weighted multicriteria analysis. To do this, satellite images were processed and the geological map of the square degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa was reclassified. The results show that relief is the main factor in soil landscape differentiation, with respective weights of 0.58 and 0.67 for the forest and pre-forest zones. In contrast, the weight of geological formation in soil landscape differentiation remains low (0.05 for the forest zone and 0.07 for the pre-forest zone). The criteria used on the base of aggregation sum methods have made it possible to formulate soil landscape mapping prediction functions according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation of soil survey work. Nevertheless, other comparative methods, such as the coding mapping method, could provide elements for discussion to validate the models.

Predicting the alloying element yield in a ladle furnace using principal component analysis and deep neural network

The composition control of molten steel is one of the main functions in the ladle furnace(LF)refining process.In this study,a feasible model was established to predict the alloying element yield using principal component analysis(PCA)and deep neural network(DNN).The PCA was used to eliminate collinearity and reduce the dimension of the input variables,and then the data processed by PCA were used to establish the DNN model.The prediction hit ratios for the Si element yield in the error ranges of±1%,±3%,and±5%are 54.0%,93.8%,and98.8%,respectively,whereas those of the Mn element yield in the error ranges of±1%,±2%,and±3%are 77.0%,96.3%,and 99.5%,respectively,in the PCA-DNN model.The results demonstrate that the PCA-DNN model performs better than the known models,such as the reference heat method,multiple linear regression,modified backpropagation,and DNN model.Meanwhile,the accurate prediction of the alloying element yield can greatly contribute to realizing a“narrow window”control of composition in molten steel.The construction of the prediction model for the element yield can also provide a reference for the development of an alloying control model in LF intelligent refining in the modern iron and steel industry.

Finite element analysis of multi-piece post-crown restoration using different types of adhesives

The multi-piece post-crown technique is more effective in restoring residual root than other restoration techniques.Various types of adhesives have different material properties that affect restoration.Therefore,the choice of adhesive is particularly important for patients.However,the effect of different kinds of adhesives was not too precise by experimental methods when concerning about individual differences of teeth.One tooth root can only be restored with one type of adhesive in experiment.After the mechanical test,this tooth root cannot be restored with other adhesives.With the help of medical imaging technology,reverse engineering and finite element analysis,a molar model can be reconstructed precisely and restored using different types of adhesives.The same occlusal and chewing loads were exerted on the same restored residual root models with different types of adhesives separately.Results of von Mises stress analysis showed that the adhesives with low Young’s modulus can protect the root canal effectively.However,a root canal concentration is apparently produced around the root canal orifice when chewing.Adhesives with large Young’s modulus can buffer the stress concentration of the root canal orifice.However,the root canal tissue may be destroyed because the adhesive is too hard to buffer the load.

A MULTI-COUPLED FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING PROCESS

A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model is developed to analyze the transient thermal and mechanical behaviors of the Resistance Spot Welding （RSW） process using commercial software ANSYS. Firstly a direct-coupled electrical-thermal Finite Element Analysis （FEA） is performed to analyze the transient thermal characteristics of the RSW process. Then based on the thermal results a sequential coupled thermo-elastic-plastic analysis is conducted to determine the mechanical features of the RSW process. The thermal history of the whole process and the temperature distribution of the weldment are obtained through the analysis. The mechanical features, including the distributions of the contact pressure at both the faying surface and the electrode-workpiece interface, the stress and strain distributions in the weldment and their changes during the RSW process, the deformation of the weldment and the electrode displacement are also calculated.

Construction of Inorganic Elemental Fingerprint and Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Marine Traditional Chinese Medicine Meretricis concha from Rushan Bay

Meretricis concha is a kind of marine traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and has been commonly used for the treatment of asthma and scald burns. In order to investigate the relationship between the inorganic elemental fingerprint and the geographical origin identification of Meretricis concha, the elemental contents of M. concha from five sampling points in Rushan Bay have been determined by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES). Based on the contents of 14 inorganic elements(Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn), the inorganic elemental fingerprint which well reflects the elemental characteristics was constructed. All the data from the five sampling points were discriminated with accuracy through hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA) and principle component analysis(PCA), indicating that a four-factor model which could explain approximately 80% of the detection data was established, and the elements Al, As, Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb could be viewed as the characteristic elements. This investigation suggests that the inorganic elemental fingerprint combined with multivariate statistical analysis is a promising method for verifying the geographical origin of M. concha, and this strategy should be valuable for the authenticity discrimination of some marine TCM.

Finite element analysis of temperature field during multi-layer multi-pass weld-based rapid prototyping

During weld-bused rapid prototyping, the component experiences complex thermal process. In this paper, the temperature field evolution, thermal cycle characteristics, and temperature gradients of multi-layer multi-puss weld-based rapid prototyping are investigated using three-dimensional finite element models presented. The single-puss weld-bused rapid prototyping experiment is carried out. Thermal cycles calculated agree with experimental measurements. Furthermore, simulated results indicate that there exist the pre-heating effect of the fore layer and the post-heating effect of the rear layer in the multi-layer multi-pass weld-based rapid prototyping. In the first layer, the heat accumulates obviously. After the first layer, the dimension increase of the high temperature region behind the molten pool is not obvious. The heat diffusion condition in the first layer is the best, the heat diffusion condition in the second layer is the worst, and the heat diffusion conditions in the higher layers improve gradually.

A New Hybrid Hierarchical Parallel Algorithm to Enhance the Performance of Large-Scale Structural Analysis Based on Heterogeneous Multicore Clusters

Heterogeneous multicore clusters are becoming more popular for high-performance computing due to their great computing power and cost-to-performance effectiveness nowadays.Nevertheless,parallel efficiency degradation is still a problem in large-scale structural analysis based on heterogeneousmulticore clusters.To solve it,a hybrid hierarchical parallel algorithm(HHPA)is proposed on the basis of the conventional domain decomposition algorithm(CDDA)and the parallel sparse solver.In this new algorithm,a three-layer parallelization of the computational procedure is introduced to enable the separation of the communication of inter-nodes,heterogeneous-core-groups(HCGs)and inside-heterogeneous-core-groups through mapping computing tasks to various hardware layers.This approach can not only achieve load balancing at different layers efficiently but can also improve the communication rate significantly through hierarchical communication.Additionally,the proposed hybrid parallel approach in this article can reduce the interface equation size and further reduce the solution time,which can make up for the shortcoming of growing communication overheads with the increase of interface equation size when employing CDDA.Moreover,the distributed sparse storage of a large amount of data is introduced to improve memory access.By solving benchmark instances on the Shenwei-Taihuzhiguang supercomputer,the results show that the proposed method can obtain higher speedup and parallel efficiency compared with CDDA and more superior extensibility of parallel partition compared with the two-level parallel computing algorithm(TPCA).

Stress Distributions Created by Short and Regular Implants Placed in the Anterior Maxilla at Different Angles: A Finite Element Analysis

Although short implants are seen as alternative treatments that require additional surgical techniques in posterior region, they can be applied to anterior maxilla and various studies are required on this subject. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the peak von Mises stress distributions in the crown, implant and abutment by using finite element analysis (FEA). Besides, a comparison of the implant-abutment connection types in the short implant with the FEA method was established. A short implant (4 × 5 mm) with a taper-lock connection and a regular implant (4 × 9 mm) with a screw connection were used in maxillary central incisor tooth area. Three different titanium abutments with 0?, 15? and 25? angles were used for abutments. In addition, in order to determine whether the stress change in short implants is due to the length of the implant-abutment connection, a screw was designed for a short implant and it was also evaluated in the same three angles. A total of three groups and nine models were generated. 114.6N load was applied to the cingulum area of the crown at an angle of 135? to the long axis of the crowns. A torque load of 25 Ncm was applied to the regular and short implant screw. Von Mises stress distributions of implants, abutments and crowns were evaluated by using FEA. Increased angle in implants increased von Mises stress values of implant, abutment and crown. Screw connection was found higher at all angles in short implants. Close values were found at different angles in taper-lock short implant crowns. The length and the angle in the bone of implant with the type of implant-abutment connection results in the accumulated stress values. Clinical Implications Taper implant-abutment connection system was found to be more promising in terms of stress accumulation in crowns. Although the amount of stress on the abutment increased due to the length of the implant in short implants, taper implant-abutment connection system slightly reduced related to this increase.

Multiple grain-size fraction analysis of heavy minerals and the provenance identification of sediments from the abandoned Huanghe River,eastern China

The quantitative analysis of sediment sources in a sink is an important scientific topic and challenge in provenance research.The characteristics of heavy minerals,combined with the geochemical constituents of detrital grains,provide a reliable provenance-tracing approach.We developed a mineral identification method to analyze the multiple grain-size fraction of sediments,from which the elemental geochemistry of hornblende was used to compare the characteristics of sediments from the Huaihe River and Huanghe(Yellow)River in eastern China.Elements that were statistically identified as being able to discriminate sediment provenance were employed to perform a quantitative analysis of the sources of sediments of the abandoned Huanghe River.Results reveal that the Huaihe River is characterized by a high amphibole content of>60%and that the Huanghe and abandoned Huanghe rivers have greater abundances of limonite and carbonate minerals compared with those of the Huaihe River.The contents of trace elements and rare earth elements in hornblende show that the sediments of the abandoned Huanghe River are similar to those of the Huanghe River but different from those of the Huaihe River.Furthermore,chemical mass balance was used to calculate the relative contributions of different provenances of sediment from the abandoned Huanghe River,and nine trace elements of hornblende were identified as discriminators of provenance.Approximately 2%of the hornblende in the abandoned Huanghe River is derived from the Huaihe River and 98%from the Huanghe River.Considering the proportion of hornblende in the total sediment,it is inferred that the contribution of Huaihe River sediment to the abandoned Huanghe River is approximately 0.5%.This study shows that mineral analysis using multiple grain-size fractions(within the wide range of 1Φto 6Φ)with assessment in elemental geochemistry of hornblende can characterize the provenance of fluvial material in coastal zones.

Elemental composition x-ray fluorescence analysis with a TES-based high-resolution x-ray spectrometer

The accurate analysis of the elemental composition plays a crucial role in the research of functional materials.The emitting characteristic x-ray fluorescence(XRF)photons can be used for precisely discriminating the specified element.The detection accuracy of conventional XRF methodology using semiconductor detector is limited by the energy resolution,thus posing a challenge in accurately scaling the actual energy of each XRF photon.We adopt a novel high-resolution x-ray spectrometer based on the superconducting transition-edge sensor(TES)for the XRF spectroscopy measurement of different elements.Properties including high energy resolution,high detection efficiency and precise linearity of the new spectrometer will bring significant benefits in analyzing elemental composition via XRF.In this paper,we study the Ledge emission line profiles of three adjacent rare earth elements with the evenly mixed sample of their oxide components:terbium,dysprosium and holmium.Two orders of magnitude better energy resolution are obtained compared to a commercial silicon drift detector.With this TES-based spectrometer,the spectral lines overlapped or interfered by background can be clearly distinguished,thus making the chemical component analysis more accurate and quantitative.A database of coefficient values for the line strength of the spectrum can then be constructed thereafter.Equipped with the novel XRF spectrometer and an established coefficient database,a direct analysis of the composition proportion of a certain element in an unknown sample can be achieved with high accuracy.

Error Analysis of A New Higher Order Boundary Element Method for A Uniform Flow Passing Cylinders

A higher order boundary element method(HOBEM)is presented for inviscid flow passing cylinders in bounded or unbounded domain.The traditional boundary integral equation is established with respect to the velocity potential and its normal derivative.In present work,a new integral equation is derived for the tangential velocity.The boundary is discretized into higher order elements to ensure the continuity of slope at the element nodes.The velocity potential is also expanded with higher order shape functions,in which the unknown coefficients involve the tangential velocity.The expansion then ensures the continuities of the velocity and the slope of the boundary at element nodes.Through extensive comparison of the results for the analytical solution of cylinders,it is shown that the present HOBEM is much more accurate than the conventional BEM.

A multiscale 3D finite element analysis of fluid/solute transport in mechanically loaded bone

The transport of fluid, nutrients, and signaling molecules in the bone lacunar-canalicular system （LCS） is critical for osteocyte survival and function. We have applied the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching （FRAP） approach to quantify load-induced fluid and solute transport in the LCS in situ, but the measurements were limited to cortical regions 30-50 μm underneath the periosteum due to the constrains of laser penetration. With this work, we aimed to expand our understanding of load-induced fluid and solute transport in both trabecular and cortical bone using a multiscaled image-based finite element analysis （FEA） approach. An intact murine tibia was first re-constructed from microCT images into a three-dimensional （3D） linear elastic FEA model, and the matrix deformations at various locations were calculated under axial loading. A segment of the above 3D model was then imported to the biphasic poroelasticity analysis platform （FEBio） to predict load-induced fluid pressure fields, and interstitial solute/fluid flows through LCS in both cortical and trabecular regions. Further, secondary flow effects such as the shear stress and/or drag force acting on osteocytes, the presumed mechano-sensors in bone, were derived using the previously developed ultrastructural model of Brinkman flow in the canaliculi. The material properties assumed in the FEA models were validated against previously obtained strain and FRAP transport data measured on the cortical cortex. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of this computational approach in estimating the fluid flux in the LCS and the cellular stimulation forces （shear and drag forces） for osteocytes in any cortical and trabecular bone locations, allowing further studies of how the activation of osteocytes correlates with in vivo functional bone formation. The study provides a promising platform to reveal potential cellular mechanisms underlying the anabolic power of exercises and physical activities in treating patients with skeletal deficiencies.

Modal and Thermal Analysis of a Modified Connecting Rod of an Internal Combustion Engine Using Finite Element Method

The connecting rod is one of the most important moving components in an internal combustion engine. The present work determined the possibility of using aluminium alloy 7075 material to design and manufacture a connecting rod for weight optimisation without losing the strength of the connecting rod. It considered modal and thermal analyses to investigate the suitability of the material for connecting rod design. The parameters that were considered under the modal analysis were: total deformation, and natural frequency, while the thermal analysis looked at the temperature distribution, total heat flux and directional heat flux of the four connecting rods made with titanium alloy, grey cast iron, structural steel and aluminium 7075 alloy respectively. The connecting rod was modelled using Autodesk inventor2017 software using the calculated parameters. The steady-state thermal analysis was used to determine the induced heat flux and directional heat flux. The study found that Aluminium 7075 alloy deformed more than the remaining three other materials but has superior qualities in terms of vibrational natural frequency, total heat flux and lightweight compared to structural steel, grey cast iron and titanium alloy.

Use of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis for the Determination of Trace Elements in Human Scalp

The analysis of trace elements in human hair for use as biomarkers continues to generate considerable interest in environmental and bioanalytical studies, medical diagnostics, and forensic science. This study investigated the concentrations of essential and toxic elements (Fe, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb) using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) in human scalp hair obtained from subjects living in Forsyth County, North Carolina, USA. The influence of age, sex, race, and smoking habits on the levels of trace elements in the hair samples were also investigated. Additionally, analyses were subjected to a statistical, regression, and principal component analysis to evaluate inter-elemental association and possible pattern recognition in hair samples. Furthermore, Ca/Mg and Zn/Cu ratios, which are often used to evaluate the degree of Ca and Cu utilization in humans and as markers for various health related issues including, atherosclerosis, hypertension, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic cancer, were calculated. The overall mean concentrations of Fe (25 μg/g), Ca (710 μg/g), Mg (120 μg/g), Zn (190 μg/g), Cu (12 μg/g), and Cr (0.20 μg/g) were found in hair samples. The trace element concentrations varied widely in hair samples as demonstrated by large range of concentrations obtained for each element. However, levels of Cd and Pb elements of <0.030 μg/g were detected in hair sample. In general, the levels of the trace elements in hair samples were poorly correlated. However, significant correlations were found between Ca and Mg (r = 0.840, p = 0.05). The levels of Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Cr in hair samples and the calculated Ca/Mg and Zn/Cu ratios were found to be largely correlated with age, race, sex, and smoking habits.