The Larry Nassar scandal at Michigan State University is the worst and most widespread case of childhood sex abuse in this nation’s history to date,affecting over 150 young girls and women.This article asks:What were...The Larry Nassar scandal at Michigan State University is the worst and most widespread case of childhood sex abuse in this nation’s history to date,affecting over 150 young girls and women.This article asks:What were the structural and ideological mechanisms,policies,and practices that enabled this widespread abuse over a thirty-year period?Louis Althusser’s Marxist theory of Ideological State Apparatuses(and feminist responses to this theory)is useful in explaining how state-making institutions-media outlets,universities,athletic organizations,and family units-are not only produced and reproduced along class lines,but also with respect to gendered power dynamics.By examining the patriarchal nature of ISAs,one can begin to understand how Larry Nassar was for so long shielded from suspicion and criminal prosecution by the institutions that employed him.展开更多
Non-seismically designed(NSD)beam-column joints are susceptible to joint shear failure under seismic loads.Although significant research is available on the seismic behavior of such joints of planar frames,the informa...Non-seismically designed(NSD)beam-column joints are susceptible to joint shear failure under seismic loads.Although significant research is available on the seismic behavior of such joints of planar frames,the information on the seismic behavior of joints of space frames(3D joints)is insufficient.The 3D joints are subjected to bi-directional excitation,which results in an interaction between the shear strength obtained for the joint in the two orthogonal directions separately.The bi-directional seismic behavior of corner reinforced concrete(RC)joints is the focus of this study.First,a detailed finite element(FE)model using the FE software Abaqus,is developed and validated using the test results from the literature.The validated modeling procedure is used to conduct a parametric study to investigate the influence of different parameters such as concrete strength,dimensions of main and transverse beams framing into the joint,presence or absence of a slab,axial load ratio and loading direction on the seismic behavior of joints.By subjecting the models to different combinations of loads on the beams along perpendicular directions,the interaction of the joint shear strength in two orthogonal directions is studied.The comparison of the interaction curves of the joints obtained from the numerical study with a quadratic(circular)interaction curve indicates that in a majority of cases,the quadratic interaction model can represent the strength interaction diagrams of RC beam to column connections with governing joint shear failure reasonably well.展开更多
A polarization-sensitive and flexible photodetector was fabricated through the precise alignment of perovskite nanowires(NWs)using a brush coating technique.The alignment of the NWs was meticulously examined,consideri...A polarization-sensitive and flexible photodetector was fabricated through the precise alignment of perovskite nanowires(NWs)using a brush coating technique.The alignment of the NWs was meticulously examined,considering various chemical properties of the solvent,such as boiling point,viscosity,and surface tension.Notably,when the NWs were brush-coated with toluene dispersion,the NWs were aligned in higher order than those processed from octane dispersion.The degree of alignment was correlated with the photodetector property.Especially,the well-aligned NW photodetector exhibited a two-fold disparity in current response contingent on the polarization direction.Furthermore,even after enduring 500 bending cycles,the device retained 80%of its photodetector performance.This approach underscores the potential of solution-processed flexible photodetectors for advanced optical applications under dynamic operating conditions.展开更多
Pavement condition monitoring and its timely maintenance is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of the roadway infrastructure. The International Roughness Index (IRI) is a commonly used measure to quantify road...Pavement condition monitoring and its timely maintenance is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of the roadway infrastructure. The International Roughness Index (IRI) is a commonly used measure to quantify road surface roughness and is a critical input to asset management. In Indiana, the IRI statistic contributes to roughly half of the pavement quality index computation used for asset management. Most agencies inventory IRI once a year, however, pavement conditions vary much more frequently. The objective of this paper is to develop a framework using crowdsourced connected vehicle data to identify and detect temporal changes in IRI. Over 3 billion connected vehicle records in Indiana were analyzed across 30 months between 2022 and 2024 to understand the spatiotemporal variations in roughness. Annual comparisons across all major interstates in Indiana showed the miles of interstates classified as “Good” decreased from 1896 to 1661 miles between 2022 and 2024. The miles of interstate classified as “Needs Maintenance” increased from 82 to 120 miles. A detailed case study showing monthly and daily changes of estimated IRI on I-65 are presented along with supporting dashcam images. Although the crowdsourced IRI estimates are not as robust as traditional specialized pavement profilers, they can be obtained on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. The paper concludes by suggesting a combination of frequent crowdsourced IRI and commercially available dashcam imagery of roadway can provide an agile and responsive mechanism for agencies to implement pavement asset management programs that can complement existing annual programs.展开更多
Background Black soldier fly larvae meal(BSFLM)stands out as a promising nutritional resource due to its rich bioactive substances and favorable protein profile.Nonetheless,its potential to mitigate coccidia infection...Background Black soldier fly larvae meal(BSFLM)stands out as a promising nutritional resource due to its rich bioactive substances and favorable protein profile.Nonetheless,its potential to mitigate coccidia infection in broilers remains uncertain.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of partially defatted BSFLM(pBSFLM)on growth performance,nutrient utilization,and intestinal health,focusing on morphology,immunology,and cecal fermentation in coccidia-infected broilers.Methods Over the initial 13 d,480 newly-hatched Cobb 500 male birds were allocated to three diets with increasing pBSFLM concentrations(0,60,or 120 g/kg).At d 13 post hatching,chicks within each dietary group were further allotted to non-challenge or challenge subsets,generating six treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Challenged birds were orally administered oocysts of E.maxima,E.acervulina,and E.tenella(25,000:125,000:25,000).Results During the infection phase(d 13 to 19),linear interactions between Eimeria and pBSFLM were observed in gain to feed ratio(G:F)(P<0.05)and cecal interferon-γ(IFN-γ,P<0.05),with a tendency in cecal acetate concentration(P=0.06).A quadratic interaction was observed in crypt depth(CD,P<0.05).Incremental pBSFLM inclusion negatively affected G:F,CD,IFN-γ,and acetate productions in the ceca under coccidia challenge.Conversely in nonchallenged birds,the impact of pBSFLM varied from neutral(e.g.G:F)to potentially advantageous(e.g.acetate).Challenged birds exhibited decreased(P<0.01)BW,BW gain,feed intake(FI),and the apparent ileal digestibility and total tract nutrient utilization of DM,gross energy,and nitrogen(N).Eimeria challenge reduced(P<0.01)serum carotenoid concentrations,decreased the villus height to crypt depth ratio(VH:CD,P<0.01),and increased concentrations of branched-chain fatty acids,specifically isobutyrate(P=0.059)and isovalerate(P<0.05)in the cecum.Dietary pBSFLM addition linearly reduced(P<0.05)BW,FI,and N utilization.Tendencies(P<0.06)were observed where pBSFLM linearly decreased VH:CD and reduced goblet cell density.Conclusions Increasing pBSFLM supplementation,particularly at 12%,adversely affected growth,ileal morphology,cecal acetate production,and downregulated key cytokine expression in response to coccidia infection.展开更多
The objective of this paper is to present a robust safety-critical control system based on the active disturbance rejection control approach, designed to guarantee safety even in the presence of model inaccuracies, un...The objective of this paper is to present a robust safety-critical control system based on the active disturbance rejection control approach, designed to guarantee safety even in the presence of model inaccuracies, unknown dynamics, and external disturbances. The proposed method combines control barrier functions and control Lyapunov functions with a nonlinear extended state observer to produce a robust and safe control strategy for dynamic systems subject to uncertainties and disturbances. This control strategy employs an optimization-based control, supported by the disturbance estimation from a nonlinear extended state observer. Using a quadratic programming algorithm, the controller computes an optimal, stable, and safe control action at each sampling instant. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical simulations of a safety-critical interconnected adaptive cruise control system.展开更多
The addition of nanoparticles serves as an effective reinforcement strategy for polymeric coatings,utilizing their unique characteristics as well as extraordinary mechanical,thermal,and electrical properties.The excep...The addition of nanoparticles serves as an effective reinforcement strategy for polymeric coatings,utilizing their unique characteristics as well as extraordinary mechanical,thermal,and electrical properties.The exceptionally high surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles imparts remarkable reinforcing potentials,yet it simultaneously gives rise to a prevalent tendency for nanoparticles to agglomerate into clusters within nanocomposites.The agglomeration behavior of the nanoparticles is predominantly influenced by their distinct microstructures and varied weight concentrations.This study investigated the synergistic effects of nanoparticle geometric shape and weight concentration on the dispersion characteristics of nanoparticles and the physical-mechanical performances of nano-reinforced epoxy coatings.Three carbon-based nanoparticles,nanodiamonds(NDs),carbon nanotubes(CNTs),and graphenes(GNPs),were incorporated into epoxy coatings at three weight concentrations(0.5%,1.0%,and 2.0%).The experimental findings reveal that epoxy coatings reinforced with NDs demonstrated the most homogenous dispersion characteristics,lowest viscosity,and reduced porosity among all the nanoparticles,which could be attributed to the spherical geometry shape.Due to the superior physical properties,ND-reinforced nanocomposites displayed the highest abrasion resistance and tensile properties.Specifically,the 1.0wt%ND-reinforced nanocomposites exhibited 60%,52%,and 97%improvements in mass lost,tensile strength,and failure strain,respectively,compared to pure epoxy.Furthermore,the representative volume element(RVE)modeling was employed to validate the experimental results,while highlighting the critical role of nanoparticle agglomeration,orientation,and the presence of voids on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.Nano-reinforced epoxy coatings with enhanced mechanical properties are well-suited for application in protective coatings for pipelines,industrial equipment,and automotive parts,where high wear resistance is essential.展开更多
A coalescence model was employed to form deuterons(d),tritons(t),and helium-3(^(3)He)nuclei from a uniformly-distributed volume of protons(p)and neutrons(n).We studied the ratio N_(t)N_(p)/N_(d)^(2)of light nuclei yie...A coalescence model was employed to form deuterons(d),tritons(t),and helium-3(^(3)He)nuclei from a uniformly-distributed volume of protons(p)and neutrons(n).We studied the ratio N_(t)N_(p)/N_(d)^(2)of light nuclei yields as a function of the neutron density fluctuations.We investigated the effect of finite transverse momentum(p_(T))acceptance on the ratio,in particular,the“extrapolation factor”(f)for the ratio as a function of the p_(T)spectral shape and the magnitude of neutron density fluctuations.The nature of f was found to be monotonic in p_(T)spectra“temperature”parameter and neutron density fluctuation magnitude;variations in the latter are relatively small.We also examined f in realistic simulations using the kinematic distributions of protons measured from the heavy-ion collision data.The nature of f was found to be smooth and monotonic as a function of the beam energy.Therefore,we conclude that extrapolation from limited p_(T)ranges does not create,enhance,or reduce the local peak of the N_(t)N_(p)/N_(d)^(2)ratio in the beam energy.Our study provides a necessary benchmark for light nuclei ratios as a probe for nucleon density fluctuations,an important observation in the search for the critical point of nuclear matter.展开更多
This study aims to validate the Object-Oriented User Interface Customization(OOUIC)framework by employing Use Case Analysis(UCA)to facilitate the development of adaptive User Interfaces(UIs).The OOUIC framework advoca...This study aims to validate the Object-Oriented User Interface Customization(OOUIC)framework by employing Use Case Analysis(UCA)to facilitate the development of adaptive User Interfaces(UIs).The OOUIC framework advocates for User-Centered Design(UCD)methodologies,including UCA,to systematically identify intricate user requirements and construct adaptive UIs tailored to diverse user needs.To operationalize this approach,thirty users of Product Lifecycle Management(PLM)systems were interviewed across six distinct use cases.Interview transcripts were subjected to deductive content analysis to classify UI objects systematically.Subsequently,adaptive UIs were developed for each use case,and their complexity was quantitatively compared against the original system UIs.The results demonstrated a significant reduction in complexity across all adaptive UIs(Mean Difference,MD=0.11,t(5)=8.26,p<0.001),confirming their superior efficiency.The findings validate the OOUIC framework,demonstrating that UCD effectively captures complex requirements for adaptive UI development,while adaptive UIs mitigate interface complexity through object reduction and optimized layout design.Furthermore,UCA and deductive content analysis serve as robust methodologies for object categorization in adaptive UI design.Beyond eliminating redundant elements and prioritizing object grouping,designers can further reduce complexity by adjusting object dimensions and window sizing.This study underscores the efficacy of UCA in developing adaptive UIs and streamlining complex interfaces.Ultimately,UCD proves instrumental in gathering intricate requirements,while adaptive UIs enhance usability by minimizing object clutter and refining spatial organization.展开更多
The objective of this work is to investigate the dynamics of a self-propelled undulating sheet in a non-Newtonian electrolyte solution inside a wavy channel under the electroosmotic effect.The electrolyte solution,whi...The objective of this work is to investigate the dynamics of a self-propelled undulating sheet in a non-Newtonian electrolyte solution inside a wavy channel under the electroosmotic effect.The electrolyte solution,which is non-Newtonian,is modeled as a Carreau-Yasuda fluid.The flow generated by a combination of an undulating sheet and electroosmotic effect is obtained by solving the continuity and momentum equations.The electroosmotic body force term is derived using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the electric potential.A fourth-order ordinary differential equation for the stream function is solved under the Stokes flow regime.The dynamics of the undulating sheet’s speed and the energy dissipation it,are investigated.The combined effects of electroosmosis and the viscoelastic properties of the ambient fluid on the undulating sheet are discussed.展开更多
The liver is a crucial gland and the second-largest organ in the human body and also essential in digestion,metabolism,detoxification,and immunity.Liver diseases result from factors such as viral infections,obesity,al...The liver is a crucial gland and the second-largest organ in the human body and also essential in digestion,metabolism,detoxification,and immunity.Liver diseases result from factors such as viral infections,obesity,alcohol consumption,injuries,or genetic predispositions.Pose significant health risks and demand timely diagnosis and treatment to enhance survival rates.Traditionally,diagnosing liver diseases relied heavily on clinical expertise,often leading to subjective,challenging,and time-intensive processes.However,early detection is essential for effective intervention,and advancements in machine learning(ML)have demonstrated remarkable success in predicting various conditions,including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD),hypertension,and diabetes.This study proposed a novel XGBoost-liver predictor by integrating distinct feature methodologies,including Ranking and Statistical Projection-based strategies to detect early signs of liver disease.The Fisher score method is applied to perform global interpretation analysis,helping to select optimal features by assessing their contributions to the overall model.The performance of the proposed model has been extensively evaluated through k-fold cross-validation tests.Firstly,the performance of the proposed model is evaluated using individual and hybrid features.Secondly,the XGBoost-Liver model performance is compared to that of commonly used classifier algorithms.Thirdly,its performance is compared with the existing state-of-the-art computational models.The experimental results show that the proposed model performed better than the existing predictors,reaching an average accuracy rate of 92.07%.This paper demonstrates the potential of machine learning to improve liver disease prediction,enhance diagnostic accuracy,and enable timely medical interventions for better patient outcomes.展开更多
The wide application of additive-manufactured Ti alloys is impeded by coarse columnar grains along the building direction and thus the severe anisotropy of mechanical properties.To address this issue,a novel multiallo...The wide application of additive-manufactured Ti alloys is impeded by coarse columnar grains along the building direction and thus the severe anisotropy of mechanical properties.To address this issue,a novel multialloying CoCrMoSi strategy has been developed to produce near-equiaxed grains of a modified Ti6Al4V(TC4)alloy for laser-directed energy deposition(LDED)based on computational thermodynamic and experimental approaches.The results show that the microstructure of the TC4alloy consists of large columnar β grains and α/α'laths with a high aspect ratio of 5.73,exhibiting a strong anisotropy of tensile properties.In contrast,the TC4-1.5%CoCrMoSi alloy is characterized by mixed columnarequiaxed β grains and near-equiaxed β grains with increased CoCrMoSi additions to 4.5%.Additionally,the α/α'laths are successively refined with the increase of CoCrMoSi content,showing an aspect ratio of smaller than4.31.However,an excess addition of CoCrMoSi leads to the formation of micro voids.After multi-alloyingCoCrMoSi,the number density of twins increases remarkably with a substantially reduced width,because of the increased lattice distortion and dislocation density together with the reducedβ→αphase transformation temperature.The anisotropy of the tensile properties can be effectively eliminated by adding 3 wt%CoCrMoSi with an exemplary strength-ductility combination,superior to the LDEDed-modified TC4 alloy in the literature reporting the tensile properties along both horizontal(X)and vertical(Z)directions.The underlaying mechanisms for the evolution of the microstructure and the tensile properties induced by multi-alloying CoCrMoSi were discussed in detail.展开更多
Due to the rapid development and potential applications of iron(Ⅲ)-alginate(Fe-Alg)microgels in biomedical as well as environmental engineering,this study explores the preparation and characterization of spherical Fe...Due to the rapid development and potential applications of iron(Ⅲ)-alginate(Fe-Alg)microgels in biomedical as well as environmental engineering,this study explores the preparation and characterization of spherical Fe-Alg microgels using droplet microfluidics combined with an external ionic crosslinking method.This study focused on the role of Fe^(3+)and examined its effects on the physical/chemical properties of microgels under different ionic conditions and reduced or oxidized states.The pH-dependent release behavior of Fe^(3+)from these microgels demonstrates their potential biomedical and environmental applications.Furthermore,the microgels can exhibit magnetism simply by utilizing in situ oxidation,which can be further used for targeted drug delivery and magnetic separation technologies.展开更多
This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))as an anode in Li-ion batteries,focusing on the extra capacity phenomenon.Employing advanced characterization methods such as in sit...This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))as an anode in Li-ion batteries,focusing on the extra capacity phenomenon.Employing advanced characterization methods such as in situ and ex situ X-ray diffraction,Raman spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,and transmission electron microscopy,the research unravels the complex structural and chemical evolution of MoS_(2) throughout its cycling.A key discovery is the identification of a unique Li intercalation mechanism in MoS_(2),leading to the formation of reversible Li_(2)MoS_(2) phases that contribute to the extra capacity of the MoS_(2) electrode.Density function theory calculations suggest the potential for overlithiation in MoS_(2),predicting Li5MoS_(2) as the most energetically favorable phase within the lithiation–delithiation process.Additionally,the formation of a Li-rich phase on the surface of Li_(4)MoS_(2) is considered energetically advantageous.After the first discharge,the battery system engages in two main reactions.One involves operation as a Li-sulfur battery within the carbonate electrolyte,and the other is the reversible intercalation and deintercalation of Li in Li_(2)MoS_(2).The latter reaction contributes to the extra capacity of the battery.The incorporation of reduced graphene oxide as a conductive additive in MoS_(2) electrodes notably improves their rate capability and cycling stability.展开更多
Interfacial modular assemblies of versatile polyphenols have attracted widespread interest in surface and materials engineering.In this study,natural polyphenol(tannic acid,TA)and nobiletin(NOB)can directly form binar...Interfacial modular assemblies of versatile polyphenols have attracted widespread interest in surface and materials engineering.In this study,natural polyphenol(tannic acid,TA)and nobiletin(NOB)can directly form binary carrier-free spherical nanoparticles(NT NPs)through synergistically driven by a variety of interactions(such as hydrogen bonding,oxidative reactions,etc.).The synthesis involves polyphenolic deposition on hydrophobic NOB nanoaggregates,followed by in situ oxidative self-polymerization.Interestingly,the assembled NT NPs exhibit controllable and dynamic changes in particle size during the initial stage.Ultimately,uniform and spherical NT NPs appear stable,with high loading capability,enabling incorporated NOB to preserve their function.Furthermore,in vitro evaluations demonstrate that the rational combination of polyphenol module and NOB can induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor metastasis for both lung cancer H1299 and human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cell lines.Notably,the optimized NT48 NPs were then verified in vivo experiments to achieve a promising synergistic anti-tumor efficacy.These findings not only provide new opportunities for the streamlined and sensible engineering of future polyphenol-based biomaterials,but also open up new prospects for the design of smallmolecule nature phytochemicals.展开更多
Advances in intelligent shield machines reflect an evolving trend from traditional tunnel boring machines(TBMs)to tunnel boring robots(TBRs).This shift aims to address the challenges encountered by the conventional sh...Advances in intelligent shield machines reflect an evolving trend from traditional tunnel boring machines(TBMs)to tunnel boring robots(TBRs).This shift aims to address the challenges encountered by the conventional shield machine industry arising from construction environment and manual operations.This study presents a systematic review of intelligent shield machine technology,with a particular emphasis on its smart operation.Firstly,the definition,meaning,contents,and development modes of intelligent shield machines are proposed.The development status of the intelligent shield machine and its smart operation are then presented.After analyzing the operation process of the shield machine,an autonomous operation framework considering both stand-alone and fleet levels is proposed.Challenges and recommendations are given for achieving autonomous operation.This study offers insights into the essence and developmental framework of intelligent shield machines to propel the advancement of this technology.展开更多
Ciprofloxacin(CIP)is a commonly used antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone group and is widely used in medical and veterinary medicine disciplines to treat bacterial infections.When CIP is discharged into the sewage syste...Ciprofloxacin(CIP)is a commonly used antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone group and is widely used in medical and veterinary medicine disciplines to treat bacterial infections.When CIP is discharged into the sewage system,it cannot be removed by a conventional wastewater treatment plant because of its recalcitrant characteristics.In this study,boron-doped diamond anode and persulfate were used to degrade CIP in an aquatic solution by creating an electrochemically activated persulfate(EAP)process.Ironwas added to the system as a coactivator and the process was called EAP+Fe.The effects of independent variables,including pH,Fe^(2+),persulfate concentration,and electrolysis time on the systemwere optimized using the response surface methodology.The results showed that the EAP+Fe process removed 94%of CIP under the following optimum conditions:A pH of 3,persulfate/Fe^(2+)concentration of 0.4 mmol/L,initial CIP concentration 30 mg/L,and electrolysis time of 12.64 min.CIP removal efficiency was increased from 65.10%to 94.35%by adding Fe^(2+)as a transition metal.CIP degradation products,7 pathways,and 78 intermediates of CIP were studied,and three of those intermediates(m/z 298,498,and 505)were reported.The toxicological analysis based on toxicity estimation software results indicated that some degradation products of CIP were toxic to targeted animals,including fathead minnow,Daphnia magna,Tetrahymena pyriformis,and rats.The optimumoperation costswere similar in EAP and EAP+Fe processes,approximately 0.54€/m^(3).展开更多
Porous materials present significant advantages for absorbing radioactive isotopes in nuclear waste streams.To improve absorption efficiency in nuclear waste treatment,a thorough understanding of the diffusion-advecti...Porous materials present significant advantages for absorbing radioactive isotopes in nuclear waste streams.To improve absorption efficiency in nuclear waste treatment,a thorough understanding of the diffusion-advection process within porous structures is essential for material design.In this study,we present advancements in the volumetric lattice Boltzmann method(VLBM)for modeling and simulating pore-scale diffusion-advection of radioactive isotopes within geopolymer porous structures.These structures are created using the phase field method(PFM)to precisely control pore architectures.In our VLBM approach,we introduce a concentration field of an isotope seamlessly coupled with the velocity field and solve it by the time evolution of its particle population function.To address the computational intensity inherent in the coupled lattice Boltzmann equations for velocity and concentration fields,we implement graphics processing unit(GPU)parallelization.Validation of the developed model involves examining the flow and diffusion fields in porous structures.Remarkably,good agreement is observed for both the velocity field from VLBM and multiphysics object-oriented simulation environment(MOOSE),and the concentration field from VLBM and the finite difference method(FDM).Furthermore,we investigate the effects of background flow,species diffusivity,and porosity on the diffusion-advection behavior by varying the background flow velocity,diffusion coefficient,and pore volume fraction,respectively.Notably,all three parameters exert an influence on the diffusion-advection process.Increased background flow and diffusivity markedly accelerate the process due to increased advection intensity and enhanced diffusion capability,respectively.Conversely,increasing the porosity has a less significant effect,causing a slight slowdown of the diffusion-advection process due to the expanded pore volume.This comprehensive parametric study provides valuable insights into the kinetics of isotope uptake in porous structures,facilitating the development of porous materials for nuclear waste treatment applications.展开更多
文摘The Larry Nassar scandal at Michigan State University is the worst and most widespread case of childhood sex abuse in this nation’s history to date,affecting over 150 young girls and women.This article asks:What were the structural and ideological mechanisms,policies,and practices that enabled this widespread abuse over a thirty-year period?Louis Althusser’s Marxist theory of Ideological State Apparatuses(and feminist responses to this theory)is useful in explaining how state-making institutions-media outlets,universities,athletic organizations,and family units-are not only produced and reproduced along class lines,but also with respect to gendered power dynamics.By examining the patriarchal nature of ISAs,one can begin to understand how Larry Nassar was for so long shielded from suspicion and criminal prosecution by the institutions that employed him.
文摘Non-seismically designed(NSD)beam-column joints are susceptible to joint shear failure under seismic loads.Although significant research is available on the seismic behavior of such joints of planar frames,the information on the seismic behavior of joints of space frames(3D joints)is insufficient.The 3D joints are subjected to bi-directional excitation,which results in an interaction between the shear strength obtained for the joint in the two orthogonal directions separately.The bi-directional seismic behavior of corner reinforced concrete(RC)joints is the focus of this study.First,a detailed finite element(FE)model using the FE software Abaqus,is developed and validated using the test results from the literature.The validated modeling procedure is used to conduct a parametric study to investigate the influence of different parameters such as concrete strength,dimensions of main and transverse beams framing into the joint,presence or absence of a slab,axial load ratio and loading direction on the seismic behavior of joints.By subjecting the models to different combinations of loads on the beams along perpendicular directions,the interaction of the joint shear strength in two orthogonal directions is studied.The comparison of the interaction curves of the joints obtained from the numerical study with a quadratic(circular)interaction curve indicates that in a majority of cases,the quadratic interaction model can represent the strength interaction diagrams of RC beam to column connections with governing joint shear failure reasonably well.
基金supported by a Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes(COMPA)Grant funded by the Korean Government(Ministry of Science and ICT)(No.RS-2023-00304743)the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)Grant funded by the Korean Government(MSIT)(No.2022M3J7A1066428)"Regional Innovation Strategy(RIS)"through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education(MOE)(No.2023RIS-008).
文摘A polarization-sensitive and flexible photodetector was fabricated through the precise alignment of perovskite nanowires(NWs)using a brush coating technique.The alignment of the NWs was meticulously examined,considering various chemical properties of the solvent,such as boiling point,viscosity,and surface tension.Notably,when the NWs were brush-coated with toluene dispersion,the NWs were aligned in higher order than those processed from octane dispersion.The degree of alignment was correlated with the photodetector property.Especially,the well-aligned NW photodetector exhibited a two-fold disparity in current response contingent on the polarization direction.Furthermore,even after enduring 500 bending cycles,the device retained 80%of its photodetector performance.This approach underscores the potential of solution-processed flexible photodetectors for advanced optical applications under dynamic operating conditions.
文摘Pavement condition monitoring and its timely maintenance is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of the roadway infrastructure. The International Roughness Index (IRI) is a commonly used measure to quantify road surface roughness and is a critical input to asset management. In Indiana, the IRI statistic contributes to roughly half of the pavement quality index computation used for asset management. Most agencies inventory IRI once a year, however, pavement conditions vary much more frequently. The objective of this paper is to develop a framework using crowdsourced connected vehicle data to identify and detect temporal changes in IRI. Over 3 billion connected vehicle records in Indiana were analyzed across 30 months between 2022 and 2024 to understand the spatiotemporal variations in roughness. Annual comparisons across all major interstates in Indiana showed the miles of interstates classified as “Good” decreased from 1896 to 1661 miles between 2022 and 2024. The miles of interstate classified as “Needs Maintenance” increased from 82 to 120 miles. A detailed case study showing monthly and daily changes of estimated IRI on I-65 are presented along with supporting dashcam images. Although the crowdsourced IRI estimates are not as robust as traditional specialized pavement profilers, they can be obtained on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. The paper concludes by suggesting a combination of frequent crowdsourced IRI and commercially available dashcam imagery of roadway can provide an agile and responsive mechanism for agencies to implement pavement asset management programs that can complement existing annual programs.
文摘Background Black soldier fly larvae meal(BSFLM)stands out as a promising nutritional resource due to its rich bioactive substances and favorable protein profile.Nonetheless,its potential to mitigate coccidia infection in broilers remains uncertain.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of partially defatted BSFLM(pBSFLM)on growth performance,nutrient utilization,and intestinal health,focusing on morphology,immunology,and cecal fermentation in coccidia-infected broilers.Methods Over the initial 13 d,480 newly-hatched Cobb 500 male birds were allocated to three diets with increasing pBSFLM concentrations(0,60,or 120 g/kg).At d 13 post hatching,chicks within each dietary group were further allotted to non-challenge or challenge subsets,generating six treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Challenged birds were orally administered oocysts of E.maxima,E.acervulina,and E.tenella(25,000:125,000:25,000).Results During the infection phase(d 13 to 19),linear interactions between Eimeria and pBSFLM were observed in gain to feed ratio(G:F)(P<0.05)and cecal interferon-γ(IFN-γ,P<0.05),with a tendency in cecal acetate concentration(P=0.06).A quadratic interaction was observed in crypt depth(CD,P<0.05).Incremental pBSFLM inclusion negatively affected G:F,CD,IFN-γ,and acetate productions in the ceca under coccidia challenge.Conversely in nonchallenged birds,the impact of pBSFLM varied from neutral(e.g.G:F)to potentially advantageous(e.g.acetate).Challenged birds exhibited decreased(P<0.01)BW,BW gain,feed intake(FI),and the apparent ileal digestibility and total tract nutrient utilization of DM,gross energy,and nitrogen(N).Eimeria challenge reduced(P<0.01)serum carotenoid concentrations,decreased the villus height to crypt depth ratio(VH:CD,P<0.01),and increased concentrations of branched-chain fatty acids,specifically isobutyrate(P=0.059)and isovalerate(P<0.05)in the cecum.Dietary pBSFLM addition linearly reduced(P<0.05)BW,FI,and N utilization.Tendencies(P<0.06)were observed where pBSFLM linearly decreased VH:CD and reduced goblet cell density.Conclusions Increasing pBSFLM supplementation,particularly at 12%,adversely affected growth,ileal morphology,cecal acetate production,and downregulated key cytokine expression in response to coccidia infection.
基金supported by the Fondo para el Primer Proyecto of the Comitépara el Desarrollo de la Investigación(CODI)at the Universidad de Antioquia(Grant Number PRV2024-78509)。
文摘The objective of this paper is to present a robust safety-critical control system based on the active disturbance rejection control approach, designed to guarantee safety even in the presence of model inaccuracies, unknown dynamics, and external disturbances. The proposed method combines control barrier functions and control Lyapunov functions with a nonlinear extended state observer to produce a robust and safe control strategy for dynamic systems subject to uncertainties and disturbances. This control strategy employs an optimization-based control, supported by the disturbance estimation from a nonlinear extended state observer. Using a quadratic programming algorithm, the controller computes an optimal, stable, and safe control action at each sampling instant. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical simulations of a safety-critical interconnected adaptive cruise control system.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation(NSF)(No.CMMI-1750316)Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration(PHMSA)of U.S.Department of Transportation(No.693JK31950008CAAP).
文摘The addition of nanoparticles serves as an effective reinforcement strategy for polymeric coatings,utilizing their unique characteristics as well as extraordinary mechanical,thermal,and electrical properties.The exceptionally high surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles imparts remarkable reinforcing potentials,yet it simultaneously gives rise to a prevalent tendency for nanoparticles to agglomerate into clusters within nanocomposites.The agglomeration behavior of the nanoparticles is predominantly influenced by their distinct microstructures and varied weight concentrations.This study investigated the synergistic effects of nanoparticle geometric shape and weight concentration on the dispersion characteristics of nanoparticles and the physical-mechanical performances of nano-reinforced epoxy coatings.Three carbon-based nanoparticles,nanodiamonds(NDs),carbon nanotubes(CNTs),and graphenes(GNPs),were incorporated into epoxy coatings at three weight concentrations(0.5%,1.0%,and 2.0%).The experimental findings reveal that epoxy coatings reinforced with NDs demonstrated the most homogenous dispersion characteristics,lowest viscosity,and reduced porosity among all the nanoparticles,which could be attributed to the spherical geometry shape.Due to the superior physical properties,ND-reinforced nanocomposites displayed the highest abrasion resistance and tensile properties.Specifically,the 1.0wt%ND-reinforced nanocomposites exhibited 60%,52%,and 97%improvements in mass lost,tensile strength,and failure strain,respectively,compared to pure epoxy.Furthermore,the representative volume element(RVE)modeling was employed to validate the experimental results,while highlighting the critical role of nanoparticle agglomeration,orientation,and the presence of voids on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.Nano-reinforced epoxy coatings with enhanced mechanical properties are well-suited for application in protective coatings for pipelines,industrial equipment,and automotive parts,where high wear resistance is essential.
基金supported in part by the U.S.Department of Energy(No.DE-SC0012910)National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.12035006 and 12075085)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2020YFE020200)。
文摘A coalescence model was employed to form deuterons(d),tritons(t),and helium-3(^(3)He)nuclei from a uniformly-distributed volume of protons(p)and neutrons(n).We studied the ratio N_(t)N_(p)/N_(d)^(2)of light nuclei yields as a function of the neutron density fluctuations.We investigated the effect of finite transverse momentum(p_(T))acceptance on the ratio,in particular,the“extrapolation factor”(f)for the ratio as a function of the p_(T)spectral shape and the magnitude of neutron density fluctuations.The nature of f was found to be monotonic in p_(T)spectra“temperature”parameter and neutron density fluctuation magnitude;variations in the latter are relatively small.We also examined f in realistic simulations using the kinematic distributions of protons measured from the heavy-ion collision data.The nature of f was found to be smooth and monotonic as a function of the beam energy.Therefore,we conclude that extrapolation from limited p_(T)ranges does not create,enhance,or reduce the local peak of the N_(t)N_(p)/N_(d)^(2)ratio in the beam energy.Our study provides a necessary benchmark for light nuclei ratios as a probe for nucleon density fluctuations,an important observation in the search for the critical point of nuclear matter.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.72301061).
文摘This study aims to validate the Object-Oriented User Interface Customization(OOUIC)framework by employing Use Case Analysis(UCA)to facilitate the development of adaptive User Interfaces(UIs).The OOUIC framework advocates for User-Centered Design(UCD)methodologies,including UCA,to systematically identify intricate user requirements and construct adaptive UIs tailored to diverse user needs.To operationalize this approach,thirty users of Product Lifecycle Management(PLM)systems were interviewed across six distinct use cases.Interview transcripts were subjected to deductive content analysis to classify UI objects systematically.Subsequently,adaptive UIs were developed for each use case,and their complexity was quantitatively compared against the original system UIs.The results demonstrated a significant reduction in complexity across all adaptive UIs(Mean Difference,MD=0.11,t(5)=8.26,p<0.001),confirming their superior efficiency.The findings validate the OOUIC framework,demonstrating that UCD effectively captures complex requirements for adaptive UI development,while adaptive UIs mitigate interface complexity through object reduction and optimized layout design.Furthermore,UCA and deductive content analysis serve as robust methodologies for object categorization in adaptive UI design.Beyond eliminating redundant elements and prioritizing object grouping,designers can further reduce complexity by adjusting object dimensions and window sizing.This study underscores the efficacy of UCA in developing adaptive UIs and streamlining complex interfaces.Ultimately,UCD proves instrumental in gathering intricate requirements,while adaptive UIs enhance usability by minimizing object clutter and refining spatial organization.
文摘The objective of this work is to investigate the dynamics of a self-propelled undulating sheet in a non-Newtonian electrolyte solution inside a wavy channel under the electroosmotic effect.The electrolyte solution,which is non-Newtonian,is modeled as a Carreau-Yasuda fluid.The flow generated by a combination of an undulating sheet and electroosmotic effect is obtained by solving the continuity and momentum equations.The electroosmotic body force term is derived using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the electric potential.A fourth-order ordinary differential equation for the stream function is solved under the Stokes flow regime.The dynamics of the undulating sheet’s speed and the energy dissipation it,are investigated.The combined effects of electroosmosis and the viscoelastic properties of the ambient fluid on the undulating sheet are discussed.
基金supported by Research Supporting Project Number(RSPD2025R585),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘The liver is a crucial gland and the second-largest organ in the human body and also essential in digestion,metabolism,detoxification,and immunity.Liver diseases result from factors such as viral infections,obesity,alcohol consumption,injuries,or genetic predispositions.Pose significant health risks and demand timely diagnosis and treatment to enhance survival rates.Traditionally,diagnosing liver diseases relied heavily on clinical expertise,often leading to subjective,challenging,and time-intensive processes.However,early detection is essential for effective intervention,and advancements in machine learning(ML)have demonstrated remarkable success in predicting various conditions,including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD),hypertension,and diabetes.This study proposed a novel XGBoost-liver predictor by integrating distinct feature methodologies,including Ranking and Statistical Projection-based strategies to detect early signs of liver disease.The Fisher score method is applied to perform global interpretation analysis,helping to select optimal features by assessing their contributions to the overall model.The performance of the proposed model has been extensively evaluated through k-fold cross-validation tests.Firstly,the performance of the proposed model is evaluated using individual and hybrid features.Secondly,the XGBoost-Liver model performance is compared to that of commonly used classifier algorithms.Thirdly,its performance is compared with the existing state-of-the-art computational models.The experimental results show that the proposed model performed better than the existing predictors,reaching an average accuracy rate of 92.07%.This paper demonstrates the potential of machine learning to improve liver disease prediction,enhance diagnostic accuracy,and enable timely medical interventions for better patient outcomes.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52375341)Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.2022JJ30494)
文摘The wide application of additive-manufactured Ti alloys is impeded by coarse columnar grains along the building direction and thus the severe anisotropy of mechanical properties.To address this issue,a novel multialloying CoCrMoSi strategy has been developed to produce near-equiaxed grains of a modified Ti6Al4V(TC4)alloy for laser-directed energy deposition(LDED)based on computational thermodynamic and experimental approaches.The results show that the microstructure of the TC4alloy consists of large columnar β grains and α/α'laths with a high aspect ratio of 5.73,exhibiting a strong anisotropy of tensile properties.In contrast,the TC4-1.5%CoCrMoSi alloy is characterized by mixed columnarequiaxed β grains and near-equiaxed β grains with increased CoCrMoSi additions to 4.5%.Additionally,the α/α'laths are successively refined with the increase of CoCrMoSi content,showing an aspect ratio of smaller than4.31.However,an excess addition of CoCrMoSi leads to the formation of micro voids.After multi-alloyingCoCrMoSi,the number density of twins increases remarkably with a substantially reduced width,because of the increased lattice distortion and dislocation density together with the reducedβ→αphase transformation temperature.The anisotropy of the tensile properties can be effectively eliminated by adding 3 wt%CoCrMoSi with an exemplary strength-ductility combination,superior to the LDEDed-modified TC4 alloy in the literature reporting the tensile properties along both horizontal(X)and vertical(Z)directions.The underlaying mechanisms for the evolution of the microstructure and the tensile properties induced by multi-alloying CoCrMoSi were discussed in detail.
基金financially supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.KVJBMC23001536)Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing(No.20240518)+2 种基金the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers(Fudan University)(No.K2024-15)the Central Universities support from Beijing Jiaotong University(No.KVYJS24011536)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.62175012).
文摘Due to the rapid development and potential applications of iron(Ⅲ)-alginate(Fe-Alg)microgels in biomedical as well as environmental engineering,this study explores the preparation and characterization of spherical Fe-Alg microgels using droplet microfluidics combined with an external ionic crosslinking method.This study focused on the role of Fe^(3+)and examined its effects on the physical/chemical properties of microgels under different ionic conditions and reduced or oxidized states.The pH-dependent release behavior of Fe^(3+)from these microgels demonstrates their potential biomedical and environmental applications.Furthermore,the microgels can exhibit magnetism simply by utilizing in situ oxidation,which can be further used for targeted drug delivery and magnetic separation technologies.
基金the financial support from the Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority (STIFA, STDF previously) through project number 42691 entitled “Microstructure-Based, Multi-Physics Simulation and Optimization to Improve Battery Performance”supported by the U.S. DOE (Department of Energy), Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357supported by the U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies office, under contract number DE-AC02-06CH11357
文摘This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))as an anode in Li-ion batteries,focusing on the extra capacity phenomenon.Employing advanced characterization methods such as in situ and ex situ X-ray diffraction,Raman spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,and transmission electron microscopy,the research unravels the complex structural and chemical evolution of MoS_(2) throughout its cycling.A key discovery is the identification of a unique Li intercalation mechanism in MoS_(2),leading to the formation of reversible Li_(2)MoS_(2) phases that contribute to the extra capacity of the MoS_(2) electrode.Density function theory calculations suggest the potential for overlithiation in MoS_(2),predicting Li5MoS_(2) as the most energetically favorable phase within the lithiation–delithiation process.Additionally,the formation of a Li-rich phase on the surface of Li_(4)MoS_(2) is considered energetically advantageous.After the first discharge,the battery system engages in two main reactions.One involves operation as a Li-sulfur battery within the carbonate electrolyte,and the other is the reversible intercalation and deintercalation of Li in Li_(2)MoS_(2).The latter reaction contributes to the extra capacity of the battery.The incorporation of reduced graphene oxide as a conductive additive in MoS_(2) electrodes notably improves their rate capability and cycling stability.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of Wuhan-Shuguang Project(Project No:2022020801020233)the Key R&D Program of Wuhan City in China(2023020402010600).
文摘Interfacial modular assemblies of versatile polyphenols have attracted widespread interest in surface and materials engineering.In this study,natural polyphenol(tannic acid,TA)and nobiletin(NOB)can directly form binary carrier-free spherical nanoparticles(NT NPs)through synergistically driven by a variety of interactions(such as hydrogen bonding,oxidative reactions,etc.).The synthesis involves polyphenolic deposition on hydrophobic NOB nanoaggregates,followed by in situ oxidative self-polymerization.Interestingly,the assembled NT NPs exhibit controllable and dynamic changes in particle size during the initial stage.Ultimately,uniform and spherical NT NPs appear stable,with high loading capability,enabling incorporated NOB to preserve their function.Furthermore,in vitro evaluations demonstrate that the rational combination of polyphenol module and NOB can induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor metastasis for both lung cancer H1299 and human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cell lines.Notably,the optimized NT48 NPs were then verified in vivo experiments to achieve a promising synergistic anti-tumor efficacy.These findings not only provide new opportunities for the streamlined and sensible engineering of future polyphenol-based biomaterials,but also open up new prospects for the design of smallmolecule nature phytochemicals.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52105074)the Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Shield Machine and Boring Technology(No.SKLST-2021-K02),China。
文摘Advances in intelligent shield machines reflect an evolving trend from traditional tunnel boring machines(TBMs)to tunnel boring robots(TBRs).This shift aims to address the challenges encountered by the conventional shield machine industry arising from construction environment and manual operations.This study presents a systematic review of intelligent shield machine technology,with a particular emphasis on its smart operation.Firstly,the definition,meaning,contents,and development modes of intelligent shield machines are proposed.The development status of the intelligent shield machine and its smart operation are then presented.After analyzing the operation process of the shield machine,an autonomous operation framework considering both stand-alone and fleet levels is proposed.Challenges and recommendations are given for achieving autonomous operation.This study offers insights into the essence and developmental framework of intelligent shield machines to propel the advancement of this technology.
基金provided by the Bursa Technical University Scientific Research Project(Project no:211N010)College of Agriculture at Purdue University。
文摘Ciprofloxacin(CIP)is a commonly used antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone group and is widely used in medical and veterinary medicine disciplines to treat bacterial infections.When CIP is discharged into the sewage system,it cannot be removed by a conventional wastewater treatment plant because of its recalcitrant characteristics.In this study,boron-doped diamond anode and persulfate were used to degrade CIP in an aquatic solution by creating an electrochemically activated persulfate(EAP)process.Ironwas added to the system as a coactivator and the process was called EAP+Fe.The effects of independent variables,including pH,Fe^(2+),persulfate concentration,and electrolysis time on the systemwere optimized using the response surface methodology.The results showed that the EAP+Fe process removed 94%of CIP under the following optimum conditions:A pH of 3,persulfate/Fe^(2+)concentration of 0.4 mmol/L,initial CIP concentration 30 mg/L,and electrolysis time of 12.64 min.CIP removal efficiency was increased from 65.10%to 94.35%by adding Fe^(2+)as a transition metal.CIP degradation products,7 pathways,and 78 intermediates of CIP were studied,and three of those intermediates(m/z 298,498,and 505)were reported.The toxicological analysis based on toxicity estimation software results indicated that some degradation products of CIP were toxic to targeted animals,including fathead minnow,Daphnia magna,Tetrahymena pyriformis,and rats.The optimumoperation costswere similar in EAP and EAP+Fe processes,approximately 0.54€/m^(3).
基金supported as part of the Center for Hierarchical Waste Form Materials,an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S.Department of Energy,Office of Science,Basic Energy Sciences under Award No.DE-SC0016574.
文摘Porous materials present significant advantages for absorbing radioactive isotopes in nuclear waste streams.To improve absorption efficiency in nuclear waste treatment,a thorough understanding of the diffusion-advection process within porous structures is essential for material design.In this study,we present advancements in the volumetric lattice Boltzmann method(VLBM)for modeling and simulating pore-scale diffusion-advection of radioactive isotopes within geopolymer porous structures.These structures are created using the phase field method(PFM)to precisely control pore architectures.In our VLBM approach,we introduce a concentration field of an isotope seamlessly coupled with the velocity field and solve it by the time evolution of its particle population function.To address the computational intensity inherent in the coupled lattice Boltzmann equations for velocity and concentration fields,we implement graphics processing unit(GPU)parallelization.Validation of the developed model involves examining the flow and diffusion fields in porous structures.Remarkably,good agreement is observed for both the velocity field from VLBM and multiphysics object-oriented simulation environment(MOOSE),and the concentration field from VLBM and the finite difference method(FDM).Furthermore,we investigate the effects of background flow,species diffusivity,and porosity on the diffusion-advection behavior by varying the background flow velocity,diffusion coefficient,and pore volume fraction,respectively.Notably,all three parameters exert an influence on the diffusion-advection process.Increased background flow and diffusivity markedly accelerate the process due to increased advection intensity and enhanced diffusion capability,respectively.Conversely,increasing the porosity has a less significant effect,causing a slight slowdown of the diffusion-advection process due to the expanded pore volume.This comprehensive parametric study provides valuable insights into the kinetics of isotope uptake in porous structures,facilitating the development of porous materials for nuclear waste treatment applications.
