Transient response of doubly-curved bio-inspired composite shells resting on viscoelastic foundation subject to blast load using improved first-order shear theory and isogeometric approach

Investigating natural-inspired applications is a perennially appealing subject for scientists. The current increase in the speed of natural-origin structure growth may be linked to their superior mechanical properties and environmental resilience. Biological composite structures with helicoidal schemes and designs have remarkable capacities to absorb impact energy and withstand damage. However, there is a dearth of extensive study on the influence of fiber redirection and reorientation inside the matrix of a helicoid structure on its mechanical performance and reactivity. The present study aimed to explore the static and transient responses of a bio-inspired helicoid laminated composite(B-iHLC) shell under the influence of an explosive load using an isomorphic method. The structural integrity of the shell is maintained by a viscoelastic basis known as the Pasternak foundation, which encompasses two coefficients of stiffness and one coefficient of damping. The equilibrium equations governing shell dynamics are obtained by using Hamilton's principle and including the modified first-order shear theory,therefore obviating the need to employ a shear correction factor. The paper's model and approach are validated by doing numerical comparisons with respected publications. The findings of this study may be used in the construction of military and civilian infrastructure in situations when the structure is subjected to severe stresses that might potentially result in catastrophic collapse. The findings of this paper serve as the foundation for several other issues, including geometric optimization and the dynamic response of similar mechanical structures.

Efficient slope reliability and sensitivity analysis using quantile-based first-order second-moment method

This paper introduces a novel approach for parameter sensitivity evaluation and efficient slope reliability analysis based on quantile-based first-order second-moment method(QFOSM).The core principles of the QFOSM are elucidated geometrically from the perspective of expanding ellipsoids.Based on this geometric interpretation,the QFOSM is further extended to estimate sensitivity indices and assess the significance of various uncertain parameters involved in the slope system.The proposed method has the advantage of computational simplicity,akin to the conventional first-order second-moment method(FOSM),while providing estimation accuracy close to that of the first-order reliability method(FORM).Its performance is demonstrated with a numerical example and three slope examples.The results show that the proposed method can efficiently estimate the slope reliability and simultaneously evaluate the sensitivity of the uncertain parameters.The proposed method does not involve complex optimization or iteration required by the FORM.It can provide a valuable complement to the existing approximate reliability analysis methods,offering rapid sensitivity evaluation and slope reliability analysis.

Euler’s First-Order Explicit Method–Peridynamic Differential Operator for Solving Population Balance Equations of the Crystallization Process

Using Euler’s first-order explicit(EE)method and the peridynamic differential operator(PDDO)to discretize the time and internal crystal-size derivatives,respectively,the Euler’s first-order explicit method–peridynamic differential operator(EE–PDDO)was obtained for solving the one-dimensional population balance equation in crystallization.Four different conditions during crystallization were studied:size-independent growth,sizedependent growth in a batch process,nucleation and size-independent growth,and nucleation and size-dependent growth in a continuous process.The high accuracy of the EE–PDDO method was confirmed by comparing it with the numerical results obtained using the second-order upwind and HR-van methods.The method is characterized by non-oscillation and high accuracy,especially in the discontinuous and sharp crystal size distribution.The stability of the EE–PDDO method,choice of weight function in the PDDO method,and optimal time step are also discussed.

Estimation of Landfill Gas and Its Renewable Energy Potential from the Polesgo Controlled Landfill Using First-Order Decay (FOD) Models

Methane generation in landfills and its inadequate management represent the major avoidable source of anthropogenic methane today. This paper models methane production and the potential resources expected (electrical energy production and potential carbon credits from avoided CH4 emissions) from its proper management in a municipal solid waste landfill located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The modeling was carried out using two first-order decay (FOD) models (LandGEM V3.02 and SWANA) using parameters evaluated on the basis of the characteristics of the waste admitted to the landfill and weather data for the site. At the same time, production data have been collected since 2016 in order to compare them with the model results. The results obtained from these models were compared to experimental one. For the simulation of methane production, the SWANA model showed better consistency with experimental data, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.59 compared with the LandGEM model, which obtained a coefficient of 0.006. Thus, despite the low correlation values linked to the poor consistency of experimental data, the SWANA model models methane production much better than the LandGEM model. Thus, despite the low correlation values linked to the poor consistency of the experimental data, the SWANA model models methane production much better than the LandGEM V3.02 model. It was noted that the poor consistency of the experimental data justifies these low coefficients, and that they can be improved in the future thanks to ongoing in situ measurements. According to the SWANA model prediction, in 27 years of operation a biogas plant with 33% electrical efficiency using biogas from the Polesgo landfill would avoid 1,340 GgCO2e. Also, the evaluation of revenues due to electricity and carbon credit gave a total revenue derived from methane production of US$27.38 million at a cost of US$10.5/tonne CO2e.

First-order primal-dual algorithm for sparse-view neutron computed tomography-based three-dimensional image reconstruction

Neutron computed tomography(NCT)is widely used as a noninvasive measurement technique in nuclear engineering,thermal hydraulics,and cultural heritage.The neutron source intensity of NCT is usually low and the scan time is long,resulting in a projection image containing severe noise.To reduce the scanning time and increase the image reconstruction quality,an effective reconstruction algorithm must be selected.In CT image reconstruction,the reconstruction algorithms can be divided into three categories:analytical algorithms,iterative algorithms,and deep learning.Because the analytical algorithm requires complete projection data,it is not suitable for reconstruction in harsh environments,such as strong radia-tion,high temperature,and high pressure.Deep learning requires large amounts of data and complex models,which cannot be easily deployed,as well as has a high computational complexity and poor interpretability.Therefore,this paper proposes the OS-SART-PDTV iterative algorithm,which uses the ordered subset simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique(OS-SART)algorithm to reconstruct the image and the first-order primal–dual algorithm to solve the total variation(PDTV),for sparse-view NCT three-dimensional reconstruction.The novel algorithm was compared with other algorithms(FBP,OS-SART-TV,OS-SART-AwTV,and OS-SART-FGPTV)by simulating the experimental data and actual neutron projection experiments.The reconstruction results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the FBP,OS-SART-TV,OS-SART-AwTV,and OS-SART-FGPTV algorithms in terms of preserving edge structure,denoising,and suppressing artifacts.

Visualizing and witnessing first-order coherence,Bell nonlocality and purity by using a quantum steering ellipsoid in the non-inertial frame

A quantum steering ellipsoid(QSE)is a visual characterization for bipartite qubit systems,and it is also a novel avenue for describing and detecting quantum correlations.Herein,by using a QSE,we visualize and witness the first-order coherence(FOC),Bell nonlocality(BN)and purity under non-inertial frames.Also,the collective influences of the depolarizing channel and the non-coherence-generating channel(NCGC)on the FOC,BN and purity are investigated in the QSE formalism.The results reveal that the distance from the center of the QSE to the center of the Bloch sphere visualizes the FOC of a bipartite system,the lengths of the QSE semiaxis visualize the BN,and the QSE's shape and position dominate the purity of the system.One can capture the FOC,BN and purity via the shape and position of the QSE in the non-inertial frame.The depolarizing channel(the NCGC)gives rise to the shrinking and degradation(the periodical oscillation)of the QSE.One can use these traits to visually characterize and detect the FOC,BN and purity under the influence of external noise.Of particular note is that the condition for the QSE to achieve the center of the Bloch sphere cannot be influenced by the depolarizing channel and the NCGC.The characterization shows that the conditions for the disappearance of the FOC are invariant under the additional influences of the depolarizing channel and NCGC.

Investigation of magnetization reversal and domain structures in perpendicular synthetic antiferromagnets by first-order reversal curves and magneto-optical Kerr effect

Perpendicular synthetic-antiferromagnet(p-SAF) has broad applications in spin-transfer-torque magnetic random access memory and magnetic sensors. In this study, the p-SAF films consisting of (Co/Ni)3]/Ir(tIr)/[(Ni/Co)3are fabricated by magnetron sputtering technology. We study the domain structure and switching field distribution in p-SAF by changing the thickness of the infrared space layer. The strongest exchange coupling field(Hex) is observed when the thickness of Ir layer(tIr) is 0.7 nm and becoming weak according to the Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida-type coupling at 1.05 nm,2.1 nm, 4.55 nm, and 4.9 nm in sequence. Furthermore, the domain switching process between the upper Co/Ni stack and the bottom Co/Ni stack is different because of the antiferromagnet coupling. Compared with ferromagnet coupling films, the antiferromagnet samples possess three irreversible reversal regions in the first-order reversal curve distribution.With tIrincreasing, these irreversible reversal regions become denser and smaller. The results from this study will help us understand the details of the magnetization reversal process in the p-SAF.

Long‐life lithium batteries enabled by a pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte

The specific energy of Li metal batteries(LMBs)can be improved by using high‐voltage cathode materials;however,achieving long‐term stable cycling performance in the corresponding system is particularly challenging for the liquid electrolyte.Herein,a novel pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte(POSE)is prepared by introducing 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether(TTE)to adjust the coordination structure between diglyme(G2)and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide(LiTFSI).Surprisingly,although TTE shows little solubility to LiTFSI,the molar ratio between LiTFSI and G2 in the POSE can be increased to 1:1,which is much higher than that of the saturation state,1:2.8.Simulation and experimental results prove that TTE promotes closer contact of the G2 molecular with Li^(+)in the POSE.Moreover,it also participates in the formation of electrolyte/electrode interphases.The electrolyte shows outstanding compatibility with both the Li metal anode and typical high‐voltage cathodes.Li||Li symmetric cells show a long life of more than 2000 h at 1 mA cm^(−2),1 mAh cm^(−2).In the meantime,Li||LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(NCM811)cell with the POSE shows a high reversible capacity of 134.8 mAh g^(−1 )after 900 cycles at 4.5 V,1 C rate.The concept of POSE can provide new insight into the Li^(+)solvation structure and in the design of advanced electrolytes for LMBs.

Laboratory Implementation of Direct Torque Controller based Speed Loop Pseudo Derivative Feedforward Controller for PMSM Drive

This paper,evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed speed loop pseudo derivative feedforward(PDFF)controller-based direct torque controller(DTC)for a PMSM drive against the performance of existing PI speed controller-based DTC and hysteresis current controller(HCC).The proposed PDFF-based speed regulator effectively reduces oscillation and overshoot associated with rotor angular speed,electromagnetic torque,and stator current.Two case studies,one using forward-to-reverse motoring operation and the other involving reverse-to-forward braking operation,has been validated to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.The proposed controller's superior performance is demonstrated through experimental verification utilizing an FPGA controller for a 1.5 kW PMSM drive laboratory prototype.

IgG4 Coronary Arteritis Presenting as a Cardiac Pseudo-Tumour

We report on an unusual case presenting with a cardiac pseudo-tumour on echocardiogram, which corresponded to a large soft tissue mural thickening around the mid-right coronary artery. There were similar but not as thick mural lesions around other parts of the coronary arteries. The so-called “pigs-in-a-blanket” sign on computed tomography (CT) scan was pathognomonic of IgG4 coronary arteritis. The IgG4 level was grossly elevated at more than 10 times the upper limit of normal. Positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scans with 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose (FDG) and 68Ga-Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor (FAPI) were performed to assess the extent of organ involvement of the IgG4-related disease. The patient was treated with 8 injections of rituximab with good serological response. However, the coronary arteritis findings on CT scan remained unchanged.

Pseudo-Semi-Overlap Functions-Based Fuzzy Rough Sets Applied to Image Edge Extraction

As an extension of overlap functions, pseudo-semi-overlap functions are a crucial class of aggregation functions. Therefore, (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets are introduced, utilizing pseudo-semi-overlap functions, and further extended for applications in image edge extraction. Firstly, a new clustering function, the pseudo-semi-overlap function, is introduced by eliminating the symmetry and right continuity present in the overlap function. The relaxed nature of this function enhances its applicability in image edge extraction. Secondly, the definitions of (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets are provided, using (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets, a pair of new fuzzy mathematical morphological operators (IPSOFMM operators) is proposed. Finally, by combining the fuzzy C-means algorithm and IPSOFMM operators, a novel image edge extraction algorithm (FCM-IPSO algorithm) is proposed and implemented. Compared to existing algorithms, the FCM-IPSO algorithm exhibits more image edges and a 73.81% decrease in the noise introduction rate. The outstanding performance of (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets in image edge extraction demonstrates their practical application value.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (ACPO): An Expanding Colon with Unusual Risk Factors

The distention of the colon without mechanical or anatomical obstruction, Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), is a common condition occurring in the critically ill. ACPO in the setting of an acute pulmonary embolism and embolic stroke is a rarity. A 76-year-old female with shortness of breath, left hemiparesis and right-sided paresthesias presented with acute pulmonary embolism and acute infarcts of the left caudate nucleus, thalamus and occipital lobe. Her hospitalization was complicated with persistent distention of the large bowel without dilation of the small bowel. Empiric antibiotics were initiated without improvement and laboratory studies including Clostridium difficile were negative. She underwent nasogastric decompression and two decompressive colonoscopies with a resolution of her symptoms. This case illustrates an example of acute abdominal distension, without underlying etiology, in the setting of acute embolism of the pulmonary and cerebral vasculature. Early identification and action with decompressive colonoscopy were key to preventing further bowel damage or rupture.

Active disturbance rejection control on first-order plant

Conventional PI control encounters some problems when dealing with large lag process in the presence of parameter uncertainties.For the typical first-order process,an observerbased linear active disturbance rejection control（LADRC） scheme is presented to cope with the difficulties,and a reduced-order observer scheme is proposed further.Some quantitative dynamic results with regard to non-overshoot characteristics are obtained.Finally,the performance boundaries of LADRC and PI control are explicitly compared with each other,which shows that the former is more superior in most cases.

Consensus problems of first-order dynamic multi-agent systems with multiple time delays

Consensus problems of first-order multi-agent systems with multiple time delays are investigated in this paper. We discuss three cases： 1） continuous, 2） discrete, and 3） a continuous system with a proportional plus derivative controller. In each case, the system contains simultaneous communication and input time delays. Supposing a dynamic multi-agent system with directed topology that contains a globally reachable node, the sufficient convergence condition of the system is discussed with respect to each of the three cases based on the generalized Nyquist criterion and the frequency-domain analysis approach, yielding conclusions that are either less conservative than or agree with previously published results. We know that the convergence condition of the system depends mainly on each agent’s input time delay and the adjacent weights but is independent of the communication delay between agents, whether the system is continuous or discrete. Finally, simulation examples are given to verify the theoretical analysis.

Development of a first-order kinetics-based model for the adsorption of nickel onto peat

The use of peat for the removal of nickel from aqueous solutions has been investigated at various pH values by means of static conditions. The present research shows that the ability of Ni to bind to peat increases as the pH value increases. The solutions reach adsorption equilibrium rapidly. A reasonable kinetic model, first-order in nickel concentration, has been developed and fitted to the adsorption of nickel （Ⅱ） onto peat. The first-order model provides a good correlation to the experimental data. The characteristic parameters of the Langmuir isotherm were determined at various temperatures. The relationship between kinetics and equilibrium isotherms was established through the forward- and backward-rate-constants, k~ and k2, and the equilibrium constant, K.

First-order Derivative Spectrophotometry for the Determination of Vitamin C in Medicament

A novel method for the determination of vitamin C（Vc） is proposed in this article. After the reaction with Folin-Ciocalteau reagent at ambient temperature, Vc solution was scanned at 750--1100 nm, and its first-order derivative spectrum were obtained from the original spectrum. The values of derivative selected at 995 nm were used for determination. It was proved that Vc could quickly react with Folin-Ciocalteau reagent within 5 min and the product was quite stable for a long time. The conditions required for this method is not very complicated, its precision and accuracy are similar to those of the iodometric titration described in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and the limit of detection is 0.312 μg/mL. The determination of the results of vitamin C tablet, pill, and injection demonstrates that this method has wide pharmaceutical applications.

First-Order Symmetry Energy Induced by Neutron-Proton Mass Difference

The 1st-order symmetry energy coefficient of nuclear matter induced merely by the neutron-proton （n p） mass difference is derived analytically, which turns out to be completely model-independent. Based on this result, （npDM） the 1st-order symmetry energy Esym,1 （A） of heavy nuclei such as 2~spb induced by the np mass difference is investigated with the help of a local density approximation combined with the Skyrme energy density functionals. Although /U（npDM） Esym,1 （A） is small compared with the second-order symmetry energy, it cannot be dropped simply for an accurate estimation of nuclear masses as it is still larger than the rms deviation given by some accurate mass formulas. It is therefore suggested that one perhaps needs to distinguish the neutron mass from the proton one in the construction of nuclear density funetionals.

Characteristic-knowledge-aided spectral detection of high frequency first-order sea echo

To detect high frequency （HF） first-order sea echo spectra contaminated with ships, ionosphere interference, and other, a new characteristic-knowledge-aided detection method is proposed. With 2-D image features in range-Doppler spectrum, the trend of first-order sea echoes is extracted as indicative information by a multi-scale filter. Detection rules for both single and splitting first-order sea echoes are given based on the characteristic knowledge combining the indicative information with the global characteristics such as amplitude, symmetry, continuity, etc. Compared with the classical algorithms, the proposed method can detect and locate the first-order sea echo in the HF band more accurately especially in the environment with targets/clutters smearing. Experiments with real data verify the validity of the algorithm.

Extraction of P-and S-wave angle-domain common-image gathers based on first-order velocity-dilatation-rotation equations

Accuracy of angle-domain common-image gathers(ADCIGs)is the key to multiwave AVA inversion and migration velocity analysis,and of which Poynting vectors of pure P-and S-wave are the decisive factors in obtaining multi-component seismic data ADCIGs.A Poynting vector can be obtained from conventional velocity-stress elastic wave equations,but it focused on the propagation direction of mixed P-and S-wave fields,and neither on the propagation direction of the P-wave nor the direction of the S-wave.The Poynting vectors of pure P-or pure S-wave can be calculated from first-order velocity-dilatation-rotation equations.This study presents a method of extracting ADCIGs based on first order velocitydilatation-rotation elastic wave equations reverse-time migration algorithm.The method is as follows:calculating the pure P-wave Poynting vector of source and receiver wavefields by multiplication of P-wave particle-velocity vector and dilatation scalar,calculating the pure S-wave Poynting vector by vector multiplying S-wave particle-velocity vector and rotation vector,selecting the Poynting vector at the time of maximum P-wave energy of source wavefield as the propagation direction of incident P-wave,and obtaining the reflected P-wave(or converted S-wave)propagation direction of the receiver wavefield by the Poynting vector at the time of maximum P-(S-)wave energy in each grid point.Then,the P-wave incident angle is computed by the two propagation directions.Thus,the P-and S-wave ADGICs can obtained Numerical tests show that the proposed method can accurately compute the propagation direction and incident angle of the source and receiver wavefields,thereby achieving high-precision extraction of P-and S-wave ADGICs.

A study on equivalence of nonlinear energy dissipation between first-order computational homogenization(FOCH)and re duce d-order homogenization(ROH)methods

Nowadays,studies on the mechanism of macro-scopic nonlinear behavior of materials by accumulation of micro-scopic degradation are attracting more attention from researchers.Among numerous approaches,multiscale methods have been proved as powerful and practical approaches in predicting macro-scopic material status by averaging and homogenizing physical information from associated micro-scopic mate-rial behavior.Usually in mechanical problem,the stress,consistent material modulus,and possible mate-rial state variables are quantities in interest through the upscaling process.However,the energy-related quantities are not studied much.Some initiative work has been done in the early year including but not limited to the Hill-Mandel condition in multiscale framework,which gives that the macro-scopic elastic strain energy density can be computed by volumetric averaging of that in the micro-scale.However,in the nonlinear analysis,the energy dissipation is an important quantity to measure the degradation status.In this manuscript,two typical multiscale methods,the first-order computational homogenization(FOCH)and reduced-order homogenization(ROH),are adopted to numerically analyze a fiber-reinforced compos-ite material with capability in material nonlinearity.With numerical experiments,it can be shown that energy dissipation is the same for both approaches.