Symmetry in thermal cycles and processes.

Symmetry analysis is a cutting-edge research approach in physics, yet its application in macroscopic energy systems remains limited. This study demonstrates its potential to provide valuable insights for a deeper understanding and development of thermodynamic cycles. This article first studies the symmetry of the proposed - diagrams and finds rich symmetries including reflection symmetry, translation symmetry, and rotational symmetry within Carnot cycles.

Influence of build orientation and support structure on additive manufacturing of human knee replacements: a computational study.

Developing patient-specific implants has an increasing interest in the application of emerging additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. On the other hand, despite advances in total knee replacement (TKR), studies suggest that up to 20% of patients with elective TKR are dissatisfied with the outcome. By creating 3D objects from digital models, AM enables the production of patient-specific implants with complex geometries, such as those required for knee replacements.

Noninvasive identification of directionally-dependent elastic properties of soft tissues using full-field optical data.

This paper introduces an innovative approach for elastic property characterization of soft tissues, having directional-dependent material behavior, via their vibration response measurement and interpretation. The full-field time-dependent surface displacements as a result of externally excited soft tissues are collected through digital image correlation (DIC). A developed analytical model, capturing the low-amplitude vibration behavior of anisotropic layered human skin with the incorporation of the influence of subcutaneous elasticity and inertia, is employed to accurately predict its resonant frequencies and pertaining displacement field images.

Mechanical characterization of human skin-A non-invasive digital twin approach using vibration-response integrated with numerical methods.

This paper proposes an innovative approach to identify elastic material properties and mass density of soft tissues based on interpreting their mechanical vibration response, externally excited by a mechanical indenter or acoustic waves. A vibration test is performed on soft sheets to measure their response to a continuous range of excitation frequencies. The frequency responses are collected with a pair of high-speed cameras in conjunction with 3-D digital image correlation (DIC).

Analysis of Shielding Effectiveness against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) for Metal-Coated Polymeric Materials.

Lightweight materials, such as polymers and composites, are increasingly used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of these materials, especially in electric vehicles. However, these materials cannot shield sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Crash characteristics for classic/historic vehicles and comparisons to newer vehicles.

Introduction: Older vehicles, commonly referred to as "classic," "vintage," or "historic" vehicles (CVH), share the roadways with newer vehicles. Older vehicles lacking safety systems likely come with an increased risk of fatality, however there is no study examining the typical conditions for crashes involving CVH.

Method: This study utilized information from crashes occurring in 2012 to 2019 to estimate fatal crash rates for vehicles grouped by model year deciles.

Recent progress in drying technologies for improving the stability and delivery efficiency of biopharmaceuticals.

Background: Most biopharmaceuticals are developed in liquid dosage forms that are less stable than solid forms. To ensure the stability of biopharmaceuticals, it is critical to use an effective drying technique in the presence of an appropriate stabilizing excipient. Various drying techniques are available for this purpose, such as freeze drying or lyophilization, spray drying, spray freeze-drying, supercritical fluid drying, particle replication in nonwetting templates, and fluidized bed drying.

Mechanical modeling and characterization of human skin: A review.

This paper reviews the advances made in recent years on modeling approaches and experimental techniques to characterize the mechanical properties of human skin. The skin is the largest organ of the human body that has a complex multi-layered structure with different mechanical behaviors. The mechanical properties of human skin play an important role in distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy skin.

Safe transport of spica casted infants: Reducing the risk of traumatic injury in side impact collisions.

Background: There is limited data on transporting small children in hip spica casts used to treat pediatric femur fractures. Specific challenges include the fixed position of the body in the casted position and the increased size of the child due to cast thickness. Additionally, children less than 2 years old are recommended to be rear facing during transportation.

Insights into the individual evolutionary origins of Yersinia virulence factor effector proteins.

Pathogenic Yersinia bacteria, including Y. pseudotubuclosis Y. enterocolitica, and Y.

How to build distylous flowers: comparative floral development and evolution of distylous species across the angiosperms.

Premise: Distyly, a plant breeding system characterized by two floral morphs that have reciprocal positioning of anthers and stigmas, is known from at least 27 angiosperm families, making it an excellent example of convergent evolution. The various manners in which patterns of floral development produce the distinct anther and stigma heights in each morph remain largely unexplored from developmental and evolutionary perspectives.

Methods: In 15 species representing at least 12 origins of distyly, heights and lengths of floral organs in each morph throughout development were examined using light microscopy.

Effective degradation of sulfide ions and organic sulfides in cavitation-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).

The paper presents the results of investigations on the effectiveness and reaction rate constants of the oxidation of sulfide ions and organic sulfides in real industrial effluents from the production of bitumens (2000 mg S L) using hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation. The content of the effluents was analysed in terms carbon disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and di-tert-butyl disulfide concentration. A possibility of complete oxidation of sulfides by cavitation alone as well as by its combination with external oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, ozone or peroxone was demonstrated.

A sliding hip screw augmented with 2 screws is biomechanically similar to an inverted triad of cannulated screws in repair of a Pauwels type-III fracture.

Objective: Pauwels III femoral neck fractures are highly unstable. These fractures are commonly treated with three cannulated screws or sliding hip screw (SHS) implants, however high rates of non-union persist. A hybrid SHS construct has recently been proposed.

Antioxidant potential of black walnut, husks extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier.

The black walnut, is indigenous to eastern North America, and abscission of its fruit occurs around October. The fruit consists of a husk, a hard shell, and kernel. The husk is commonly discarded in processing, though it contains phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Phylogeographic History of Atraphaxis Plants in Arid Northern China and the Origin of A. bracteata in the Loess Plateau.

In China, species of Atraphaxis (Polygonaceae) primarily inhabit arid zones across temperate steppe and desert regions. The complex geologic history (e.g.

Paired vehicle occupant analysis indicates age and crash severity moderate likelihood of higher severity injury in second row seated adults in frontal crashes.

The majority of advances in occupant protection systems for motor vehicle occupants have focused on occupants seated in the front row of the vehicle. Recent studies suggest that these systems have resulted in lower injury risk for front row occupants as compared to those in the second row. However, these findings are not universal.

Superheated liquid and supercritical denatured ethanol extraction of antioxidants from Crimson red grape stems.

Grapes are widely known for health benefits due to their antioxidant content. In wine production, grape stems are often discarded, though they has a higher content of antioxidants than the juice. The effectiveness of using an environmentally friendly solvent, ethanol, as a superheated liquid and supercritical fluid to extract antioxidant compounds from grape stems of organically grown Crimson Seedless grapes was evaluated.

Nine year follow-up of a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing total hip arthroplasty utilizing a layered monoblock acetabular component.

Introduction: Early ceramic bearing systems in total hip arthoplasty (THA) sought to provide long term wear improvement over traditional metal on polyethylene systems. However, previous designs exhibited fractures of the ceramic acetabular liner, leading to the development of the Implex Hedrocel ceramic bearing THA system where the ceramic liner was supported on a layer of polyethylene intended to transition liner loads to the metal shell, a so-called "sandwich" design. Unfortunately, the device trial was stopped to further enrollment when liner fractures were reported.

A method to modify angle-stable intramedullary nail construct compliance.

Traditional interlocked intramedullary (IM) nails have recently been modified to provide enhanced angular stability. These so-called 'angle-stable' IM nails are designed to eliminate construct toggle and also provide increased axial, bending, and torsional stiffness. While this added stability is needed for small fracture gaps to heal, angle-stable nails may be too stiff for large fracture gaps to unite.

Kinetics and Mechanistic Studies on the Reaction between Cytochrome c and Tea Catechins.

Green tea is characterized by the presence of an abundance of polyphenolic compounds, also known as catechins, including epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (EGC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In addition to being a popular beverage, tea consumption has been suggested as a mean of chemoprevention. However, its mode of action is unclear.

Effects of forearm and palm supports on the upper extremity during computer mouse use.

The use of forearm and palm supports has been associated with lower neck and shoulder muscle activity as well as reduced musculoskeletal discomfort during keyboard use, however, few studies have investigated their effect during computer mouse use. Eight men and eight women completed several computer mousing tasks in six arm support conditions: Forearm Support, Flat Palm Support, Raised Palm Support, Forearm + Flat Palm Support, Forearm + Raised Palm Support, and No Support. Concurrently, an infrared three-dimensional motion analysis system measured postures, six-degree-of-freedom force-torque sensors measured applied forces & torques, and surface electromyography measured muscle activity.

Khat in the Horn of Africa: historical perspectives and current trends.

Aim Of The Study: This article looks at the history of the expansion of khat consumption from the traditional chew regions to Western countries and assesses the implication of possible international control for its use and trade in the Horn of Africa.

Materials And Methods: Ten months of initial field work in Ethiopia, three follow up field work, archival work in Ethiopia and Europe, as well as study of available relevant literature.

Results: The debut of khat in the West in the 1980s was initially greeted with disdain and indifference.