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This note sheds new light on the exponentiation approximation of the probability that all K individuals have distinct birthdays across N calendar days. The exponentiation approximation imposes a pairwise independence assumption, which does not hold in general. We sidestep this assumption by deriving the conditional probability for each pair of individuals to have distinct birthdays given that previous pairs do. An interesting implication is that the conditional probability decreases in a step-function form—not in a strictly monotonical form—as more pairs are restricted to have distinct birthdays. The source of the step-function structure is identified and illustrated. We also establish the equivalence between the pairwise approach and another common approach based on permutations of all individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the operation of the drill string, it displays a degree of flexibility. Simultaneously, its dynamic properties, influenced by complex stress conditions, manifest nonlinearity and uncertainty. A comprehensive investigation into the dynamics of flexible drill strings is imperative for deep well drilling. This paper presents a model that simulates random interactions between a flexible drill string and the borehole wall, simplifying the actual drill string model using analogous principles. Dynamic simulation software is utilized for analysis, and an indoor experimental setup has been established. The results reveal that with a constant weight on bit (WOB), higher drill string rotational speeds correlate with increased susceptibility to buckling deformation. Additionally, the critical time for deformation onset exhibits a nearly linear relationship with rotational speed. Maintaining a constant rotational speed, an increase in WOB enhances the likelihood of buckling deformation. The experimental findings suggest a correlation between the drill string's rotation frequency and the WOB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the human footprint expands to meet societal energy needs, as do the impacts to wildlife. Raptors in particular are highly susceptible to anthropogenic caused mortality. Industry sectors are encouraged to offset these causes of mortality. Several options to mitigate these losses have been proposed, including raptor rehabilitation. However, its role as a conservation tool is untested. Currently no peer‐reviewed demographic analyses exist using post‐release data from rehabilitated raptors to evaluate its effectiveness at continental scales. Our objectives were to estimate annual survival of rehabilitated and wild raptors, and then use those estimates in demographic models to assess potential effects at individual and population levels. We hypothesized that rehabilitated raptors would survive similarly to their wild counterparts after an acclimation period, and that longer‐lived species (K‐selected) would benefit most from these releases. We used US Geological Survey Bird Banding Lab band‐recovery data (1974–2018) from 20 raptor species for modeling survival of rehabilitated individuals (n = 125 740) in comparison to wild birds (n = 1 913 352). Results from 17 species with adequate recovery data indicated that five species rehabilitated ≠ wild survival, two species had uncertain estimates, and 10 species rehabilitated ≈ wild survival by years two and three post‐release. We acquired admission (n = 69 707) and release (n = 25 740) data from 24 rehabilitation centers across the US (2012–2021). We integrated survival, fecundity and numbers of releases into demographic models. These models quantified the extent to which rehabilitated raptors may contribute to broader conservation efforts, especially in the context of individual take. All but two species, had measurable numbers of individuals added to the population regardless of the number of releases. The general pattern was for K‐selected species to yield larger benefits from rehabilitated supplementation to the population. These results provide evidence that rehabilitation may serve as mitigation tool to offset incidental take. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: We detail the generation of a pulsed atomic oxygen (AO) broad beam with a high flux‐density via collision‐induced dissociation of O2 to support practical industrial exploitation of AOs, particularly for facilitating 2‐dimenstional oxidation/etching at a fast rate of one‐monolayer per second in an area ≥ 1000 cm2. This innovation fuses the following interdisciplinary concepts: (a) a high density of O+ can be produced in an electron‐cyclotron‐resonance (ECR) O2 plasma; (b) O+ can be extracted and accelerated with an aperture‐electrode in the plasma; (c) O+ with adequate kinetic energy can initiate a cascade of gas‐phase collisions in the presence of O2; (d) collision‐induced dissociation of O2 yields AOs with adequate kinetic energy which can cause additional collision‐induced dissociation of O2. Computational simulations of such collisions, with both ab initio molecular dynamics and direct simulation Monte Carlo methods, are used to guide the experimental generation of the proposed AO‐beam. We experimentally demonstrate the highest known AO mean flux‐density of about 1.5 × 1016 atoms·cm–2·s–1 in a broad‐beam, and use it to oxidatively modify a self‐assembled molecular layer of siloxane on a silicon wafer. In addition, we also demonstrate the growth of Al2O3 through an AO‐assisted atomic layer deposition process at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lato Lato is a toy that consists of two identical solid balls that are secured together with a rope and can be used as a learning tool in physics. In this study, we examined why the Lato Lato toy uses two balls with the same mass rather than balls with different masses. The collision of the two Lato Lato balls can be considered an elastic collision. The two balls move symmetrically at the same velocity and form a semi-circular route with opposing motion directions when we use Lato Lato with the same ball mass ( m 2 = m 1 ). The angular momentum of the two balls is also the same but in opposite directions, so they cancel each other out. Hence, the two balls travel steadily when Lato Lato is performed. This condition leads to a balanced movement of the Lato Lato system and prevents it from collapsing. On the other hand, because of their disparate masses ({m_1}$?> m 2 > m 1 ), the two balls of Lato Lato move in an imbalanced manner. A lighter ball travels farther because it moves more quickly than a heavier ball. The angular momentum of the two balls is in opposite directions but not of the same magnitude, so they do not cancel each other out. This results in unstable movement of the two balls when Lato Lato is played. Therefore, the two balls no longer collide centrally, like in Lato Lato, with the same mass, but the collision is glancing. Then, the motion of the two balls facilitates collapse easily. This work can enrich students' understanding of collisions beyond the collisions of two objects commonly discussed in textbooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New U–Th–Pb (SIMS)–geochronological, petro-geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic data for granitoids of three plutonic complexes (Sakhani, Omchikanda, and Arga–Emneken), located in the joint area of the two large batholih belts of the Verkhoyan–Kolyma fold area, Glavnyi and Severnyi, are presented. The Valanginian–Hauterivian age of the granitoids of all three complexes is established. The similarity of the granites and leucogranites of the Omchikanda and Sakhani complexes to the I–S-type granites and the similarity of the Arga–Emneken granitoids to the I-type granites are shown. The petro-geochemical peculiarities of the granitoid composition indicate a metasedimentary source for the granites and leucogranites of the Omchikanda and Sakhani complexes and a metamagmatic (amphibolitic) source for granitoids of the Arga–Emneken Complex. Sr–Nd isotopic data show that the granitoids were melted from different crustal sources, in which there are various proportions of mature material of the continental crust. The totality of geological and newly obtained geochronological, petro-geochemical, and isotopic data allow us to suppose a collisional setting of their formation in the terminal Valanginian–Hauterivian stage of collision between the Kolyma–Omolon microcontinent and the Siberian continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the deficiencies of large particle radius, strict vibration conditions, and low kinetic energy exchange rate of traditional particle dampers, it is proposed to organically combine the rack and pinion inerter device with a stacked single particle damper (SSPD) to form a novel stacked single particle‐inerter damping system (SSPIS). Based on a detailed analysis of the force state of particles at various stages, the vibration damping mechanism of SSPIS is analyzed, and a mechanical model of a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) structure equipped with an SSPIS is established. The numerical simulation and analysis process of SSPIS is provided, and a parametric design method of inerter device based on the structural performance requirements is proposed. The accuracy of the theoretical mechanical model and numerical simulation analysis process of SSPIS is verified through shaking table tests of a single‐story steel frame, and the actual damping control effect of SSPIS on the controlled structure is investigated. Both test and theoretical results show that the numerical simulation analysis process of SSPIS is clear and accurate, and the mechanical model of the SSPIS‐SDOF structural system is highly accurate. The inerter device in SSPIS can significantly improve the momentum exchange efficiency between particles and structures, and SSPIS could adaptively adjust the particle radius size on demand compared with the traditional particle dampers, with a high damping frequency band, and can realize good damping control effect under the earthquake with various types of sites, which has expansive engineering application scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: We detail the generation of a pulsed atomic oxygen (AO) broad beam with a high flux‐density via collision‐induced dissociation of O2 to support practical industrial exploitation of AOs, particularly for facilitating 2‐dimenstional oxidation/etching at a fast rate of one‐monolayer per second in an area ≥ 1000 cm2. This innovation fuses the following interdisciplinary concepts: (a) a high density of O+ can be produced in an electron‐cyclotron‐resonance (ECR) O2 plasma; (b) O+ can be extracted and accelerated with an aperture‐electrode in the plasma; (c) O+ with adequate kinetic energy can initiate a cascade of gas‐phase collisions in the presence of O2; (d) collision‐induced dissociation of O2 yields AOs with adequate kinetic energy which can cause additional collision‐induced dissociation of O2. Computational simulations of such collisions, with both ab initio molecular dynamics and direct simulation Monte Carlo methods, are used to guide the experimental generation of the proposed AO‐beam. We experimentally demonstrate the highest known AO mean flux‐density of about 1.5 × 1016 atoms·cm–2·s–1 in a broad‐beam, and use it to oxidatively modify a self‐assembled molecular layer of siloxane on a silicon wafer. In addition, we also demonstrate the growth of Al2O3 through an AO‐assisted atomic layer deposition process at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collisions between objects are a relatively common phenomenon in nature. Analyses of collision processes can greatly contribute to solving problems such as impact-rub faults and particle impacts. The coefficient of restitution is a critical parameter in the analysis of collision processes. Many experiments have shown that the coefficient of restitution is closely related to the plate thickness, and the smaller the plate thickness, the more inaccurate the coefficient of restitution predicted by the existing model, which seriously affects the process of collision analysis. To remedy this shortcoming, this paper proposes a plate thickness influence factor with the ratio of sphere diameter to plate thickness as the variable. The plate thickness influence factor can optimize the coefficient of restitution model to effectively predict the coefficient of restitution of impacting elastoplastic spheres with finite plate thickness. Finally, the validity of the new model is verified using a large amount of experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an optimized design approach using nonlinear dynamic analysis and finite element methods to ensure the structural integrity of square-shaped containers made from ductile cast iron for intermediate- and low-level radioactive waste packaging. Ductile cast iron, with its spherical graphite structure, effectively distributes stress throughout the material, leading to a storage capacity increase of approximately 18%. Considering the critical need for containers that maintain integrity under extreme conditions like earthquakes, the design focuses on mitigating stress concentrations at the corners of square structures. Nonlinear dynamic analyses were conducted in five drop directions: three specified by ASTM-D5276 standards and two additional directions to account for different load patterns. Fractures were observed in four out of the five scenarios. For each direction where fractures occurred, equivalent loads causing similar displacement fields were applied to linear static models, which were then used for multi-load topology optimization. Three optimized models were derived, each increasing the volume by 1.4% to 1.6% compared to the original model, and the design that best met the structural integrity requirements during drop scenarios was selected. To further enhance the optimization process, weights were assigned to different load conditions based on numerical analysis results, balancing the impact of maximum stress, average stress, and plastic deformation energy. The final model, with its increased storage capacity and enhanced structural integrity, offers a practical solution for radioactive waste management, overcoming limitations in previous designs by effectively addressing complex load conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear elastic metamaterials are attracting increasing attention owing their unusual properties of wave manipulation. However, the robustness of these benefits under varying amplitude should be increased and the challenge lies in the design. Here, we demonstrate a robust design strategy of nonlinear metamaterial via combining collision and damping. The damping will not interfere but enhance the nonlinear effects for broadband vibration reduction. The design presents low-frequency, broadband, efficient vibration reduction under varying amplitude. The effect can be activated by a small input amplitude. The performance remains high in a large amplitude range, i.e., high robustness is achieved. This property is systematically demonstrated with simulations and experiments on a nonlinear metamaterial beam. This article can offer an effective method to realize robust vibration suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cadomian basement of SW Iberian Massif appears in the so-called Ossa-Morena Complex, which contains several allochthonous terranes that are key for deciphering the evolution of the Gondwana margin during the Neoproterozoic. In this context, the Calzadilla Ophiolite represents the remnants of an oceanic Ediacaran lithosphere formed by a boninitic mafic crust that overlies a serpentinized ultramafic section, the latter being the biggest outcrop of Cadomian serpentinites in Europe. In this work, the petrological and geochemical nature of the mantle section is analysed, as well as the tectonothermal evolution of both, the mafic crust and the ultramafic section. The algebraic analysis of whole rock geochemistry of the serpentinites indicates that the protolith corresponds to harzburgite. The geochemical fingerprint of the serpentinites, as well as the primary spinel crystals composition, shows that peridotites underwent high degrees of partial melting (up to 16%) in a forearc setting. Thermodynamic modelling and average PT methods were applied to serpentinites and mafic dykes from the ultramafic section as well as to amphibolites from the mafic section, both of which experienced progradation up to 4–5 kbar and 525–575°C. According to the data, the protoliths of the Calzadilla Ophiolite were formed in a peri-Gondwanan arc system developed during the subduction of oceanic crust below Gondwana. The roll-back of the subducting slab would induce the opening of the forearc basin at c. 602 Ma, protolith age of amphibolites from crustal section, with an extensive partial melting of the mantle wedge and the formation of boninitic-affinity magmas that constitute the mafic section of the Calzadilla Ophiolite. Metasomatism and serpentinization of the mantle wedge would occur via melt- and fluid–rock interactions. A compression-dominated stage at c. 540 led to the emplacement of the Calzadilla Ophiolite onto the Cadomian magmatic arc, with the development of the amphibolite-facies metamorphic imprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds and bats are prone to collisions with wind turbines. To reduce the number of bat collisions, weather variables are commonly used to shut down wind turbines when a certain constellation of weather variables occurs. Such a general approach might also be interesting to mitigate raptor collisions. Studies on the relationship between flight behaviour and weather variables are needed. To investigate the flight behaviour of raptors within their breeding area in relation to local weather variables, we used high resolution data of flight tracks of Red Kites collected on a wind energy test site (Germany). Birds were tracked with a laser range finder (LRF) or with Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitters. Weather variables were continuously registered on site. We used generalised linear mixed models to analyse the influence of weather variables and of the measurement method on different flight parameters. Furthermore, we investigated the probability of flying within a virtual rotor height range defined by three hub heights (84, 94 and 140 m; diameter: 112 m). The median flight altitude measured by LRF (52.5 m, 95% CI: 44.9–61.0, N = 2511) was on average 25 m higher than the corrected one resulting from GPS (27.8 m, 95% CI: 24.7–31.2, N = 6792). Flight speed also differed between methods (GPS: 29.2 km/h, 95% CI: 28.2–30.3 km/h; LRF: 25.1 km/h, 95% CI: 24.0–26.3 km/h). The effects of the weather variables were weak. Birds tended to fly less and lower during wet (humid, rainy or foggy) than dry weather, and lower during strong than weak winds. Probabilities of flying within a height range of virtual rotors increased with decreasing hub height, and hence ground clearance. Synthesis and applications: Flight behaviour was highly variable. Flights occurred during all weather conditions at different altitudes throughout the day over the entire season. Further research into the relationship between flight behaviour, weather variables, collisions and other factors is needed as a basis for developing shutdown regimes generally suitable for raptors. The mean flight altitude and speed differed between the measurement methods. Any values resulting from studies should be interpreted in the context of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this article is to model an industrial spiral-type gravitational coalescer by applying population balance as the governing equation. In this model, considering the two-dimensional movement of crude oil flow in the coalescer, the mechanisms of differential sedimentation, laminar shear, and Brownian motion are considered to determine the collision rate of droplets. Then, the population balance equation was solved to determine the droplet size distribution, dehydration, and desalination efficiency using the class method. The simulation results were in good match with the gathered industrial data. Finally, the influence of interfacial tension of water and oil, the pressure drop of the mixing valve, oil temperature, oil density, and washing water flow rate on the process efficiency was analyzed. The modeling results indicated that increasing the interfacial tension of water and oil from 30 to 36 mN/m and the oil density from 800 to 900 kg/m3 will decrease the water removal efficiency by 4.35% and 14.18%, respectively. Also, increasing the temperature of oil from 300 to 340 K and the volume fraction of washing water from 3% to 15% improves the efficiency of separating water from crude oil by 9.55% and 9.95%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Hypothesis: Naturally extracted polysaccharides, such as guar gum, are promising candidates for environmentally friendly flotation reagents. It is hypothesized that the kinetics of collision of sub- to millimeter gas bubbles with a hydrophobic graphite surface, and the stability of thin liquid film formed between the bubble and surface is affected by an adsorbed layer of guar gum. Experiments: A combination of gravimetric (quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation) and imaging (atomic force microscopy) techniques was used to investigate the adsorption of guar gum on graphite surface, while high-speed camera imaging allowed for direct observation of the bubble collision process with guar gum-modified graphite surfaces with millisecond resolution. Findings: Atomic force microscope topography images revealed a guar gum concentration-dependent interconnected network of guar gum molecules adsorbed at graphite surface. These adsorbed molecules at low surface coverage, changed the wettability of the graphite surface, resulting in a film drainage time longer by an order of magnitude, while at higher surface coverage successfully prevented bubble attachment to the graphite surface. Most importantly, the adsorbed layer changed the strength of the bubble's bouncing off the graphite surface. This enhanced bubble bouncing can be correlated with the film drainage time and used to predict a successful bubble-particle attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three alternative tectonic models of the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus area tested. • U. Cretaceous ophiolite-related melange formed in subduction-related setting. • The Kyrenia Range developed as the N margin of S Neotethys (first rift/passive; later active). Three published alternative tectonic models of the Permian-Pleistocene development of the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus are tested, supported by new field, geochemical and micropalaeontological evidence: 1. The Kyrenia Range represents the northern continental margin of the S Neotethys, close to its present relative position. The range initiated as a Permian-Cretaceous rift/passive margin, switching to a N-facing active margin during Late Cretaceous-Neogene; 2. The Range was located along the N African continental margin until the Neogene when northward subduction transferred it to the southern margin of the Eurasian plate; 3. The Range is a far-travelled allochthon that was emplaced to near its present position, probably during the Eocene. In the light of regional comparisons, especially with southern Turkey, the combined evidence mainly supports tectonic model 1. Sedimentary and palaeontological data show that the restored stratigraphy of the Kyrenia Range indicates Late Permian initial rifting and Early-Middle Triassic advanced rifting, followed by Jurassic-Early Cretaceous passive margin subsidence. Small exposures of ophiolite-related melange located between the Mesozoic carbonate platform and the overlying latest Cretaceous-Palaeogene deep-water volcanic-sedimentary succession include evidence of HP/LT metamorphism, pointing to Late Cretaceous subduction. MORB/boninites, diabase-gabbro and extensive harzburgitic serpentinite originated as a SSZ ophiolite, together with a possible high-grade metamorphic sole (garnet amphibolite) and an accretionary prism (E-MORB/OIB; metachert). Microfossil evidence indicates exhumation of the melange and the underlying platform prior to Late Maastrichtian. A mass-transport complex formed within a compression-related foredeep during the Middle Eocene. Associated southward thrusting and folding culminated in emergence and subaerial erosion, generating a major unconformity, that was followed by subaerial and then marine deltaic deposits (Late Eocene-Oligocene). Following major Late Miocene southward thrusting, uplift of the Kyrenia Range took place during the Pleistocene, related to collision of the leading edge of the North African plate (Eratosthenes Seamount) with the Eurasian (Anatolian) plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel two-phase heterogeneous service retrial queueing system with collisions and delayed vacations. We consider services for two types of customers: ordinary customers (service completed in two phases) and priority customers (service completed in one phase). Collisions only occur in the first phase of service; if the collision does not happen, the server will proceed to the second phase of service. When the server turns to an idle state, it reserves a random period before taking formal vacations. We investigate two models for this system with and without orbit constraints and numerically analyze the sensitivity of the system performance metrics to validate the results and methodology. The expected total cost function is formulated. To prevent falling into the local optimal solution too fast, we utilize the canonical particle swarm optimization algorithm. Furthermore, we evaluate a bi-objective optimization problem to seek the balance of the expected total cost and the quality of service. Then, we apply the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) to obtain the Pareto front. Several numerical examples are presented for illustrative purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-frequency drift-wave instabilities play a crucial role in the radial transport of present-day tokamaks, and trapped electron collisions can significantly influence these instabilities. In this paper, the effects of trapped electron collisions on these instabilities are investigated based on linear gyro-kinetic simulations. The basic numerical techniques including dispersion relation integral method and orthogonal basis function expansion are presented in detail with necessary benchmark work. The results demonstrate that in medium gradients, the increase of trapped electron proportions promotes the growth rate and radial heat transport largely for quasi-linear trapped electron modes (TEMs) and ion temperature gradient (ITG) modes. Moreover, trapped electron collisions have strong stabilizing effects, especially for TEMs driven by electron temperature gradients. Two distinctive branches, namely Mode #1 and #2, are investigated in steep gradients. Both behave in a varied instability nature during different ranges of the normalized wave vector k ^ θ . Mode #1 mainly induces radial heat transport during k ^ θ < 0.5 and is significantly suppressed by the collisions. Mode #2 mainly induces radial heat transport during 0.4 < k ^ θ < 0.8 , and is largely enhanced by the collisions. When the collisionality is large enough, Mode #2 has stronger transport capacity than the other. Mode #2 at the medium wave vector, known as dissipative TEM, may provide the mechanism of the edge coherent mode observed in EAST H-mode plasmas, wherein collisionality plays an important role in the mode excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bird mortality resulting from collisions and electrocutions with overhead lines (such as power lines and phone lines) has contributed to the decline of various avian species globally. Specifically, overhead line collisions pose a significant threat to the conservation of the Canarian houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae), an endangered subspecies endemic to the Canary Islands. This study focuses on postmortem findings from Canarian houbara bustards that collided with overhead lines. We describe the necropsy findings of Canarian houbara bustards found dead near overhead lines, and we investigated, using a forensic approach, whether the animal survived the initial trauma. The mortality of birds resulting from collisions and electrocutions with overhead lines, such as power lines and phone lines, among others, has been implicated in the decline of various avian species globally. Specifically, overhead line collisions pose a significant threat to the conservation of the Canarian houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae), an endangered subspecies endemic to the Canary Islands. This study centers on the postmortem findings of Canarian houbara bustards that have collided with overhead lines, providing insights into the post-collision outcomes for these birds. A complete standardized necropsy of nine Canarian houbara bustards revealed that trauma was the cause of death in all cases. The most notable gross lesions associated with trauma included bone fractures, soft tissue lacerations, hemorrhages, luxations, and hemocoelom. The inguinal area, chest, and wings were the body regions more frequently affected. A histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and entomology analysis confirmed that numerous birds survived the initial trauma. We concluded that when a houbara bustard collides with an overhead line, it frequently survives the initial trauma, with a survival time ranging from minutes to hours. The histopathology, immunohistochemistry, or entomologic analysis may be helpful to approximate the timing interval between trauma and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Collisions between objects are a relatively common phenomenon in nature. Analyses of collision processes can greatly contribute to solving problems such as impact-rub faults and particle impacts. The coefficient of restitution is a critical parameter in the analysis of collision processes. Many experiments have shown that the coefficient of restitution is closely related to the plate thickness, and the smaller the plate thickness, the more inaccurate the coefficient of restitution predicted by the existing model, which seriously affects the process of collision analysis. To remedy this shortcoming, this paper proposes a plate thickness influence factor with the ratio of sphere diameter to plate thickness as the variable. The plate thickness influence factor can optimize the coefficient of restitution model to effectively predict the coefficient of restitution of impacting elastoplastic spheres with finite plate thickness. Finally, the validity of the new model is verified using a large amount of experimental data.

The prevalence of phone use has become a major concern for pedestrian safety. Using smartphones while walking reduces pedestrians' ability to perceive the environment by increasing their cognitive, manual, and visual demands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of common phone tasks (i.e., reading, tapping, gaming) on walking behaviors during outdoor walking. Nineteen young adults were instructed to complete four walking conditions (walking only, walking-reading, walking-tapping, and walking-gaming) along an open corridor. Results showed that all three phone tasks increased participants' neck flexion (i.e., neck kyphosis) during walking. Meanwhile, the reading task showed a greater influence on the temporal aspect during the early phases of a gait cycle. The tapping task lowered the flexion angles of the middle and lower back (i.e., torso lordosis) and induced a longer terminal double support. And the gaming task resulted in a decrease in middle back flexion, a shorter stride length, and a longer terminal double support while walking. Findings from the study confirmed our hypothesis that phone tasks changed pedestrians' physical responses to smartphone distraction while walking. To avoid potential risks caused by the observed posture and gait adaptations, safety precautions (e.g., roadside/electronic warning signals) might be imposed depending on the workload expected by different phone tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To reasonably evaluate the energy absorption reliability index of anti-climber devices, a reliability analysis method based on ISSSM (improved sinusoidal and surrogate model) is proposed. Method Firstly, a finite element model for anti-climber device collision is established. Secondly, the rationality of the finite element simulation model is verified based on the collision test data of the anti-climber device. Then, based on the principles of sum of sine function construction, the basic form of the force-displacement function for the anti-climber device collision process is clarified. According to the energy absorption consistency criterion, the anti-climber device energy absorption ISSSM is constructed. Combining reliability theory, a reliability analysis model for anti-climber device energy absorption is established. Finally, a specific model of anti-climber device is studied, and its energy absorption reliability index is evaluated. Result & Conclusion The constructed energy absorption ISSSM can reasonably reproduce the mechanical characteristics of the anti-climber device collision energy absorption process. When the coefficient of variation increases from 0.05 to 0.1, the energy absorption reliability index decreases from 3.07 to 1.53.

Statistical dependences of orbit parameters in four groups of sungrazing comets are studied. It is shown that the perihelia of comets of the Kreutz family are clustered around two planes (great circles of the celestial sphere). Numerical data on the observed bifurcation of perihelion distribution are provided. One of the planes basically coincides with the plane obtained by averaging orbit parameters Ω and i. The second plane with parameters Ωp = 77.7° and ip = 266.1° has an inclination of approximately 64° relative to the first plane. The distant nodes of cometary orbits relative to this plane are clustered at a distance of approximately 2 a.u. On the basis of the above, one of the authors hypothesizes that the comet group originates from the collision of a large comet with a meteoroid stream. This study examines some counterarguments expressed regarding this hypothesis. It is shown, based on a particular case, that the assumptions about the concentration of comet perihelia near one point and along two circles of the celestial sphere are quite compatible. The distribution of orbit inclinations relative to this plane is analyzed and a sharp maximum near 90° is noted. The maximum indicates that the parent body experienced lateral impacts of meteoroid bodies in all probability, which caused defragmentation of the former. New confirmations of the suggested hypothesis about the presence of another group of sungrazers have been found. It is assumed that the correlation dependence between the values of the perihelion parameters and ascending nodes of cometary orbits is of an evolutionary nature and is related to the group formation process. New relationships that concern the Meyer, Kracht, and Marsden groups are introduced. In particular, the authors have calculated the planes near which the cometary perihelia of these groups are concentrated. The example of the Meyer group illustrates the bifurcation of perihelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads have a multitude of direct negative effects on wildlife due to collisions and noise and play a prominent role in overall habitat fragmentation. For bats, landscape fragmentation by roads causes disturbance during nocturnal movements and road kill negatively affects local abundance and bat population dynamics. Mitigation measures such as wildlife crossings (green bridges) are among the proposed improvements intended to reduce the fragmentation impact of roads for many taxa, but their efficiency has rarely been tested for bats. In this study, we performed a control-impact analysis to assess the efficiency of two structures on the number of bat crossings by assessing their collision risk using an acoustic flight path reconstruction (AFPR) approach. We obtained data for 458 crossings for six bat taxa that showed how the number of bat crossings is significantly higher on green bridges than control sites for all species (pooled) and for two guilds — one with species with a low flight height and the other with a higher flight height. We also found that bat activity on either side of a green bridge is not a predictor of the true use of the bridge to cross roads. Considering these results, wildlife crossings can be envisaged as a mitigation measure to reduce impacts of road construction on bat movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber material is an excellent cushioning material in daily life and engineering applications. In this paper, the influence of rubber combination types and the corrugated surface roughness on cushioning performance are analyzed. By controlling the friction coefficients at different positions, the influence on the cushioning performance is also explored. Solving the numerical instability and energy nonconservation that are prone to occur in collisions is crucial for the accuracy of numerical simulation. The complexities of collision solution are overcome by separating nonlinear factors. The dynamics equation is derived according to the principle of virtual displacement, the geometric nonlinear problem of materials is described by the total Lagrangian formulation. Under the bipotential framework, the boundary nonlinear problem is solved based on the complete contact law. To reduce the solution cost and to improve the numerical accuracy, the prediction-correction step is used to solve the collision force. The bipotential coefficient is automatically updated with time steps, without the need for manual adjustment by users, achieving better convergence. Then, the collision force is substituted into the dynamic equation in the form of external load, which will not increase the degrees of freedom, and has better numerical robustness. In addition, the Newton–Raphson iterative method is embedded in the Tamma–Namburu scheme to solve the material nonlinearity problem and improve the numerical stability. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in the simulation of collision problems. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is proved to be stable and strictly satisfy the law of energy conservation/dissipation. Even for the corrugated surface structure with nonuniform friction, it can also better complete simulating the collision process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the problem of elasticity and stability of the collision of two kinks with low speed v for the nonlinear wave equation known as the ϕ 6 model in dimension 1 + 1. We construct a sequence of approximate solutions ( ϕ k ( v , t , x ) ) k ∈ N ⩾ 2 for this model to understand the effects of the collision in the movement of each soliton during a large time interval. The construction uses a new asymptotic method which is not only restricted to the ϕ 6 model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore wind energy development (OWED), while a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions, has potential negative effects to wildlife that should be examined to inform decision making and adaptive management as the industry expands. We present a conceptual framework to guide the long-term study of potential effects to birds and bats from OWED. This framework includes a focus on exposure and vulnerability as key determinants of risk. For birds and bats that are exposed to OWED, there are three main effects of interest that may impact survival and productivity: 1) collision mortality, 2) behavioral responses, including avoidance, displacement, and attraction, and 3) habitat-mediated effects to prey populations. If these OWED effects cause changes in survival and/or breeding success (e.g., fitness), they have the potential for population-level consequences, including changes in population size and structure. Understanding the influence of ecological drivers on exposure and effect parameters can help to disentangle the potential impacts of OWED from other stressors. We use this theoretical framework to summarize existing relevant knowledge and identify current priority research questions (n=22) for the eastern United States, where largescale development of OWED is primarily in the planning and early construction phase. We also identify recommendations for study design and further prioritization of research topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing postural control is important for the assessment of motor function after concussion. Data used for postural control assessment typically do not take the sport played, age, or sex of the athlete into consideration. It is plausible these variables may be significant when making return-to-play decisions. This study used the BTrackS database to examine differences in postural control in athletes playing different types of sports and across sex and age. BTrackS data from 9093 high school to college-aged athletes (aged 14–22 years) were examined employing a One-way ANOVA with a post-hoc test to compare CoP path length between sport types. A moderation analysis was used to test interaction effects of sex and age on a CoP/BMI ratio. Significant differences were observed between sport types, F(3,9089) = 42.4, p <.001, η2 = 0.014. Post hoc tests indicated that collision (M = 25.0, SD = 7.6) sport athletes exhibited significantly higher CoP measures compared to the contact (M = 23.4, SD = 7.4), limited contact (M = 22.9, SD = 6.9), and non-contact (M = 23.0, SD = 7.4) athletes. There was no difference between other sport types (p >.20). A significant mean sex difference (Mmale = 0.924, Mfemale = 0.898, p <.001) and a quadratic association with age, (β = −0.042, p <.001) was observed. Further, magnitude of those age differences decreased with age (β = 0.011, p <.001). An interaction of age and sex was significant for linear (β = 0.020, p <.001) and quadratic terms (β = −0.006, p <.001). Athletes exhibited different postural control when the type of sport, age, and sex was taken into consideration. This data possess clinical significance as this suggests that normative postural control data for collision sport athletes should be derived from data based upon type of sport played, age, and sex of the athlete. • Over 9000 balance tests were analyzed, based on frequency and level of contact. • Balance data used for return-to-play decisions should be from similar sports. • Collision sports athletes display significantly different balance performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concurrent occurrence of schwannoma and meningiomas are rare, and are found especially in association with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Occurrence of mixed tumor without the aforementioned conditions is extremely rare. We present three cases of mixed tumor in different locations, including two with NF2 and one without NF2. We analyse the relationship of mixed tumor with NF2 and its clinical implications. Presence of mixed schwannoma–meningioma should prompt screening for NF2. Thus aids in early diagnosis of unsuspected NF2 cases. We observed that irrespective of different locations, cases with NF2 showed frequent recurrence of schwannoma as compared to case who did not fit in the existing clinical criteria for NF2. Collision tumor and thereby NF2 mutations indicates the prognosis and recurrence of the tumor, thereby guides in deciding the management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the collision between kerosene droplets and coal particles in the bubble trailing vortex region is crucial for enhancing slurry conditioning. We found the area of the bubble trailing vortex region increased as the bubble size increased via the Fluent 6.3.26 software. A kerosene droplet velocity range of 0.074–0.106 m/s and a coal particle velocity range of 0.062–0.104 m/s were obtained if a bubble had a diameter of 0.3 mm. We employed a high‐speed motion acquisition system and observed the collision process, which was divided into two stages: Compression and Rebound. The critical motion distance increased as the kerosene droplet size increased, and sufficient kerosene droplet motion distance and enough kinetic energy normally resulted in a rebound phenomenon. The attenuation energy was almost positively linear to the initial energy, and the energy attenuation coefficient of the collision process was fitted to 0.626. Our results can provide valuable insight into mineral separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three stages of crustal thickening occurred in the DOB since the Neoproterozoic. • The thickest crust at ca. 210 Ma represents the cessation of ultradeep subduction. • The Late Archean crust thinning may be related to the onset of plate tectonics. The Dabie orogenic belt is characterized by widely distributed Mesozoic ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks. Together with the Qinling orogenic belt, it constitutes one of the most important collisional orogens in eastern Asia. Because of intense continental subduction and collision during the Mesozoic and subsequent denudation, it remains controversial whether pre-Mesozoic convergent events happened in the region of the Dabie orogenic belt. In this study, we reconstruct the crustal thickness variation of the Dabie orogenic belt based on detrital zircon data. Results reveal three stages of crustal thickening at ca. 900-800 Ma, ca. 530-400 Ma, and ca. 250-210 Ma that are likely associated with three major convergent events that happened between the North and South China Blocks since the Neoproterozoic. The first thickening stage is possibly related to long-term subduction-accretion-collision processes along the northern margin of the South China Block. The second one corresponds to early Paleozoic ocean closure and the arc-continent collision that happened between the North and South China Blocks. The third one is a most significant thickening that represents the final collision between the North and South China Blocks during the Mesozoic. The turning point (ca. 210 Ma) of the crustal thickness curve represents the cessation of ultradeep subduction and constrains the completion of Mesozoic continental collision. Late Archean crustal thinning may be related to the onset of plate tectonics. Overall, the fluctuations of crustal thickness and detrital zircon age populations from sediments of the Dabie orogenic belt suggest interaction among Chinese continental blocks is consistent with the evolution of global supercontinent cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the discrete element method, this study has simulated the movement of materials in the plated barrel using EDEM software to investigate the effect of the impact medium with different particle sizes on the mechanical deposition plating. The simulation analyzed the interaction between five impact mediums with different particle sizes (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm) and the base body while determining the particle size ratio of the impact medium. The rationality of the particle size ratio was verified by the simulation analysis of the interreaction of two groups of mixed particle size impact medium and the base body. The samples of mechanically deposited zinc coating were prepared. The average thickness, relative density, and average deviation of the coating were measured. The results show that When the particle size is 2 and 3 mm, the effective collision frequency of the materials is higher. When it is 3, 4, and 5 mm, the kinetic energy of collision between materials fluctuates evenly. When it is 4 and 5 mm, the collision contact force of the materials changes regularly. Consequently, the obtained particle size ratio (second group) is 2 mm 23%; 3 mm 23%; 4 mm 23%; 5 mm 27%; and 6 mm 4%. Compared with mixed impact media with 20% of each of the five particle sizes (first group), in the second group of assorted particle size simulation test, the collision frequency between materials is high. The contact force changes more regularly between materials. The average thickness, relative density, and average deviation of the mechanically deposited galvanized layer are consistent with the simulation results of the two groups of mixed particle sizes. The average thickness and relative density of the galvanized layer in the second group are higher, the average deviation is smaller, and the compactness and uniformity are the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of vulnerable road users (VRUs) behavior is key to designing and optimizing driving assistance systems, such as the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system. These kinds of devices could help lower the VRU accident rate, which is of particular interest to cyclists, who are the subject of this research. To better understand cyclists' reaction patterns in frequently occurring collision scenarios in urban environments, this paper focuses on developing a virtual reality (VR) simulator for cyclists (VRBikeSim) that incorporates eye-tracking functionality. The braking and steering systems were calibrated by means of on-track tests with a sensorized bicycle in order to improve the accuracy of the bicycle virtual model. From the data obtained in the virtual tests, a battery of predictive models was built using supervised machine learning classifiers. All of them exhibited an accuracy higher than 85%, especially the K-Nearest Neighbors model. This model allowed us to obtain the best balance between the prediction of avoidance and collision cases, as well as enabling computationally lower times to be incorporated into the decision-making algorithm of an AEB system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibratory finishing within restricted space is an effective way to finish the surface of complex cavities in an aero-engine integral casting casing, where the contact mechanism between the processing media and the rough surface is the nature for producing the processing effect. In this work, vibratory finishing was performed by semi-shading the workpiece, comparing the workpiece surface profile change with time for different vibration directions and processing positions, and height parameters and feature parameters evaluated the rough surface. The results show that the process of profile change on the workpiece mainly subjected to normal action is mainly the raising of valleys after profile peaks extrusion deformation and accompanied by the formation of finer peak-to-valleys. The workpiece subjected to tangential action reduces the surface roughness by filling the valleys after cutting the peak tips. The finishing mechanisms for rough surfaces can be summarized as collision, roll-pressing, and scratching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spherical parallel manipulators (SPMs) have promising industrial applications due to their strong mechanical performance. However, they face challenges such as singularity avoidance, tight tolerance manufacturing requirements, and the need for versatile and dexterous end-effector functionalities. Additionally, SPMs lack customizability due to singularity and collision issues. This work introduces a novel design principle that addresses these challenges by benchmarking two analytical methods: structural synthesis using screw theory and dimensional synthesis using dimensionless parameters. A proof of concept of a 2-DoF SPM that can operate within a cylindrical constraint and realize a full workspace without collision is presented. This design allows for adjustable reachable workspace at the end-effector, despite significant geometric constraints. These findings on mechanical design solutions provide customizability for SPMs, and a 3D model with an aspect ratio of 1/12 is presented and discussed for potential practical applications. Overall, it is identified that both a simulation using Recurdyn and inverse kinematic model show the desired movements at the moving platform with the maximum error of 0.0013°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicle safety on roadsides is vital for preventing collisions, controlling failures and accidents, and ensuring driver and passenger wellness. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in vehicle safety relies on the vehicle's physical attributes for predicting and preventing collisions. This article introduces a Differential FEA (DFEA) model for predicting vehicle collisions regardless of the speed and direction for driver/ passenger safety. The proposed model induces a vehicle's speed, direction, and displacement from two perspectives: self and approaching vehicle. The collision probability with the trailing or persuading vehicle is calculated by distinguishing the forward and rear features. The differential calculus for the point of deviation and distance metrics are significantly estimated for a vehicle's front and rear ends. Such calculus generates a maximum and minimum possibility for self and approaching vehicle contact. This contact is further split based on the collision threshold; the threshold is determined using the safe distance between two vehicles for collision-less driving. The threshold exceeding vehicles are alerted for their change in direction/ speed through contact point (rear/front) differential derivatives. This ensures collision detection under fewer contact errors, leveraging the safety of the duo vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rebound and adhesion characteristics of high-temperature alumina droplets upon collision with walls at varied temperatures, are pivotal for the accurate calculation of slag deposition and two-phase flow in solid rocket motors. This study employs an experimental system for high-temperature alumina droplet-wall collisions to gain insights into collision characteristics. The study procures rebound/adhesion regime maps for alumina droplet-wall collisions at different wall temperatures, which suggests that droplets with larger R e n (normal Reynolds number) propensity towards adhesion under the same Ohnesorge number. Further observations include the expansion of the rebound region as the wall temperature incrementally rose from 25 °C to 1000 °C. In view of these, an energy predictive model considering the heat conduction between the droplet and the wall is developed. This model aims to predict the rebound/adhesion of high-temperature alumina droplets colliding with walls at different temperatures. The predictive model's results are then fit to obtain a rapid predictive formula suitable for quick prediction. Both the energy predictive model and the rapid predictive formula undergo verification via 40 validation experiments, consequentially achieving a prediction accuracy of 95.0 %. • Collision result regime maps under walls of 25∼1000 °C are obtained. • A rapid predictive formula suitable for quick prediction is obtained. • Collision result predictive model is established with a prediction accuracy of 95 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the operation of the drill string, it displays a degree of flexibility. Simultaneously, its dynamic properties, influenced by complex stress conditions, manifest nonlinearity and uncertainty. A comprehensive investigation into the dynamics of flexible drill strings is imperative for deep well drilling. This paper presents a model that simulates random interactions between a flexible drill string and the borehole wall, simplifying the actual drill string model using analogous principles. Dynamic simulation software is utilized for analysis, and an indoor experimental setup has been established. The results reveal that with a constant weight on bit (WOB), higher drill string rotational speeds correlate with increased susceptibility to buckling deformation. Additionally, the critical time for deformation onset exhibits a nearly linear relationship with rotational speed. Maintaining a constant rotational speed, an increase in WOB enhances the likelihood of buckling deformation. The experimental findings suggest a correlation between the drill string’s rotation frequency and the WOB.