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In this research, optimum shape of plate structures is sought to maximize the energy dissipation via structural shape optimization. To achieve this, isogeometric analysis (IGA) is utilized for structural analysis of plates considering elasto-plastic behavior of materials. The von Mises material model is employed for this purpose. Non-uniform rational B-splines basis functions are used for both geometry definition and approximating the unknown deformation field. The optimization problem is to maximize the structural dissipated energy until a prescribed displacement is reached and a fixed amount of material is considered in the design domain. A direct shape sensitivity analysis is performed and a mathematical based approach is employed for the optimization process. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm three examples are illustrated. Using the IGA prevents adjusting analysis model during the optimization process, which is time-consuming especially when iterative nonlinear analysis is performed. The results also show that large geometry modifications can be properly managed by the proposed algorithm.

In this research, the bullet-collision test was done in the different velocity. The influence of its velocity on the deformation shape after collision was discussed by comparison with experiment and simulation. The velocity of the bullet was chosen in several kinds of speed ranges at 80m/s-250m/s. The angle of incidence with the collision object is 90 degree (head-on collision). The deformation shape was measured by 3D measurement instrument and reconstructed with 3D-CAD based on the 3D digital data. The deformation mark of the polycarbonate plate and the penetration shape of acrylic plastic plate caused by the bullet's collision with the object were examined. In addition, the collision simulation of the bullet was done by using FE analysis code “LS-DYNA”, and these analytical results were compared with the 3D digital data which is the experimental results.

Reliable and consistent material data identification is essential to the data-driven computational mechanics paradigm. This paper presents a generalized data-driven identification (DDI) approach to constructing material databases of high quality. We integrate the locally convex reconstruction method into DDI to formulate the local-convexity DDI (LCDDI) method. The LCDDI method can learn the local structures of material data and thus produce structure-informed optimal material data points for solving stresses with given strains. The effectiveness of the LCDDI method at addressing large acquisitions of material data with a complex heterogeneous strain field is demonstrated through two numerical experiments: a perforated elastic plate and a center-holed elasto-plastic plate. Convergence studies show that results using the LCDDI method are dramatically improved. We further explain how the LCDDI method manages to accurately identify mechanical stress fields and a high-fidelity material database under the condition of imbalanced distribution of elastic and plastic deformation. Discussion of the LCDDI method in regards to the oversampling issue, the capability of full-domain analysis, and importance sampling is given. Finally, we conclude that the LCDDI method can extract a vast amount of material data points with improved quality from full-field strain measurements, and can serve as a more reliable technique for material data acquisition.

To produce abundant cell culture samples to generate large, standardized image datasets of human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells, we developed an automated workflow on a Hamilton STAR liquid handler system. This was developed specifically for culturing hiPS cell lines expressing fluorescently tagged proteins, which we have used to study the principles by which cells establish and maintain robust dynamic localization of cellular structures. This protocol includes all details for the maintenance, passage and seeding of cells, as well as Matrigel coating of 6-well plastic plates and 96-well optical-grade, glass plates. We also developed an automated image-based hiPS cell colony segmentation and feature extraction pipeline to streamline the process of predicting cell count and selecting wells with consistent morphology for high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) microscopy. The imaging samples produced with this protocol have been used to study the integrated intracellular organization and cell-to-cell variability of hiPS cells to train and develop deep learning-based label-free predictions from transmitted-light microscopy images and to develop deep learning-based generative models of single-cell organization. This protocol requires some experience with robotic equipment. However, we provide details and source code to facilitate implementation by biologists less experienced with robotics. The protocol is completed in less than 10 h with minimal human interaction. Overall, automation of our cell culture procedures increased our imaging samples’ standardization, reproducibility, scalability and consistency. It also reduced the need for stringent culturist training and eliminated culturist-to-culturist variability, both of which were previous pain points of our original manual pipeline workflow. Key points This protocol describes an automated workflow for the high-throughput culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells expressing fluorescently tagged proteins, and their seeding on 96-well optical-grade, glass-bottom plates for high-quality, live-cell three-dimensional microscopy on a large scale. This produces large, standardized image datasets that we have used to study integrated intracellular organization and cell-to-cell variability, and to generate deep learning-based models of three-dimensional single-cell organization. An automated workflow for culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells expressing fluorescently tagged proteins, and seeding them on 96-well optical-grade, glass-bottom plates for high-quality, live-cell three-dimensional microscopy on a large scale.

Osteoclasts (OCs) exhibit substrate-specific molecular adaptations crucial for bone remodeling. We utilized mass spectrometry and functional enrichment analysis to delineate the proteomic profiles of mature polarized OCs cultured on mineralized versus plastic plates. Our findings reveal that mineralized surfaces promote the expression of proteins specialized for bone resorption and matrix interaction, such as lysosomal enzymes and ion transporters. This environment induces a mature and resorptive phenotype in OCs, enriched in pathways like VEGF/VEGFR signaling and various cytokine pathways. Conversely, OCs on plastic plates display a more diverse proteomic profile, highlighting adaptations in adhesion, proliferation, and stress response pathways, suggesting a focus on cellular maintenance rather than active resorption. Key therapeutic targets for osteoclastogenesis include components of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway—SHH, DHH, and IHH—with Smoothened (SMO) integral to Hh signaling in OC differentiation. Additionally, Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs), significantly enriched on plastic plates, are crucial for adapting to non-mineralized environments. Other notable targets include molecular regulators such as NCOR2, which modulates gene expression; NOS1, involved in nitric oxide production and OC function; and XIAP, which influences cell survival. Chromatin remodeling proteins like TACC2 and signaling pathways involving IRS1, MSX1, and AKT are also highlighted. The targets identified in this study are specific to polarized OCs and may not apply to non-polarized OCs or other cell types. These findings underscore the complexity of OC differentiation and function, enhancing our understanding of substrate-specific adaptations and suggesting new strategies for modulating bone metabolism and addressing bone-related disorders.

Plastic waste has become a big problem for the environment globally. Biodegradable polymers are a potential replacement for plastics that can have a positive outcome both environmentally and economically. In this work, we used acid hydrolysis and alkaline treatment to extract cellulose fibers from cattails. The obtained cellulose was used as a substrate for the fabrication of cellulose film using a casting technique on plastic plates. Different concentrations of the plasticizer, glycerol, were used to prepare films for comparison, and its effects on the film’s characteristics were observed. The morphology, chemical structure, and thermal stability of the cattail cellulose (CTC) films were studied using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Measurements of transparency, moisture content (MC), water solubility (MS), and water contact angle (WCA) were also performed. Introducing glycerol into the films increased the transparency, MC, and WS values, as well as the gap width between film textures. However, it resulted in a decrease in the WCA of the films, showing that the hydrophilicity of the films is increased by the addition of glycerol. The interaction between the functional groups of cellulose and glycerol was established from the ATR-FTIR and XRD data. The obtained results indicated that glycerol affected the thermal stability and the degree of crystallinity of the produced films. Accordingly, the hydrophilicity of the cellulose film was increased by increasing the glycerol content; therefore, cattail cellulose films can be used as a biodegradable alternative to plastic in the future.

Although marine litter monitoring has increased over the years, the pollution of coastal waters is still understudied and there is a need for spatial and temporal data. Aerial (UAV) and underwater (ROV) drones have demonstrated their potential as monitoring tools at coastal sites; however, suitable conditions for use and cost-efficiency of the methods still need attention. This study tested UAVs and ROVs for the monitoring of floating, submerged, and seafloor items using artificial plastic plates and assessed the influence of water conditions (water transparency, color, depth, bottom substrate), item characteristics (color and size), and method settings (flight/dive height) on detection accuracy. A cost-efficiency analysis suggests that both UAV and ROV methods lie within the same cost and efficiency category as current on-boat observation and scuba diving methods and shall be considered for further testing in real scenarios for official marine litter monitoring methods.

The study was conducted in October 2023 in the hydroponic device at one of the private farms located in Wasit Governorate, Suwaira District, which lies within the coordinates of 32.92° N latitude and 44.77° E longitude. The aim was to investigate the effect of the optimal concentration of the biofertilizer Fulzyme, the best barley cultivar, as well as the optimal combination between barley cultivars and biofertilizer in the hydroponic device. The experiment was implemented using a factorial arrangement following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. The experiment included two factors: the first factor was the concentrations of the biofertilizer Fulzyme at 0, 1, 2, and 3 kg. micrograms seed-1, while the second factor included the barley cultivars Ibaa265, Ibaa99, Bohooth244, and the local cultivar. Planting was carried out in plastic plates with dimensions of 30 x 20 cm, divided into 4 sections representing the experimental units. The results showed the superiority of the 3 kg. micrograms seed-1 concentration in the following traits: plant height, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, nitrogen percentage, protein percentage, and fiber percentage, which reached 18.87 cm, 7.43 cm, 11.61 kg m-2, 4.38 kg m-2, 4.58%, 25.21%, and 9.75%, respectively. However, the 2 kg. micrograms seed-1 concentration surpassed the other concentrations in the carbohydrate percentage, which reached 26.30%. Meanwhile, the Ibaa99 cultivar exhibited the highest average for plant height, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight, reaching 18.65 cm, 6.96 cm, 10.08 kg m-2, and 3.55 kg m-2, respectively. Additionally, there was an increase in the average quality traits, with a nitrogen percentage of 3.99%, a protein percentage of 21.95%, and a carbohydrate percentage of 23.55%. Furthermore, the interaction treatment of 3 kg. micrograms seed-1 with the Ibaa99 cultivar produced the highest average for root length (9.07 cm), fresh weight (13.53 kg m-2), dry weight (5.50 kg m-2), nitrogen percentage (5.40%), and protein percentage (29.70%). From these results, it can be concluded that adding biofertilizers, including Fulzyme, when planting barley seeds in the hydroponic device is necessary, as they have an effective impact on increasing yield while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Structures with dissimilar materials can make full use of the advantages of each material. However the welding of the aluminum alloy plate and plastic plate are difficult due to high difference in melting point. The friction stir lap welding method is selected in this paper. The numerical model was built to study the heat transfer behavior inside the plates, as the temperature plays an important role in determine the weld quality. The model was validated through experimentally measured temperature results. The influence of welding process parameters such as welding speed, tool rotating speed and downward feed was analyzed. It was found that under the welding speed of 100r/min and downward feed of 0.3mm/s, sound weld was produced.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is transmitted mainly by droplet or aerosol infection; however, it may also be transmitted by contact infection. SARS-CoV-2 that adheres to environmental surfaces remains infectious for several days. We herein attempted to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus adhering to an environmental surface by dry fogging hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus were air-dried on plastic plates and placed into a test chamber for inactivation by the dry fogging of these disinfectants. The results obtained showed that the dry fogging of hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus in CT value (the product of the disinfectant concentration and contact time)-dependent manners. SARS-CoV-2 was more resistant to the virucidal effects of aerosolized hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution than influenza A virus; therefore, higher concentrations of disinfectants or longer contact times were required to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 than influenza A virus. The present results provide important information for the development of a strategy that inactivates SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus on environmental surfaces by spatial fogging.