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Found 6383 publications
Penetration capability of 0.177 (4.5 mm) air gun pellet and the characteristics of the entrance wound at various impact energies between 3.28 - 15.64 J on porcine skin. An experimental study
Publication Name: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 111
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Air guns generate a large number of shot injuries, while pellets can produce life-threatening or lethal injuries by penetrating deep tissue. The assessment of air gun injuries include determining the direction and the distance of the shot, the type of arm, and the penetration capability of the pellet. Answering these questions can be challenging since air gun injuries have received less attention in scientific studies. This study aimed to determine skin and soft-tissue penetration capabilities and wound characteristics of air guns at different impact energies. Test shots were conducted on porcine tissue and ballistic gel with 0.177 caliber air guns from different shooting distances between impact energies of 3.28 and 15.71 J (111 m/s to 243.5 m/s). Entrance wound appearance, size, and penetration depth were compared. The penetration capabilities of the pellet with different impact energies are assessed and discussed. No difference was found in the entrance wound shape and appearance between shots from different distances and impact energy. The results indicate that 0.177 caliber air guns above 7.5 J of muzzle energy can easily penetrate deep into soft tissue, thus able to cause severe, life-threatening injuries. An air gun with a muzzle energy below 7.5 J muzzle energy can still cause severe injury up to 20–30 m as the projectile has enough energy to create several centimeter-deep penetrations.
Open Access: Yes
The Triple Threat to Our Environment: Economic, Non-Economic, and Demographic Factors Driving Ecological Footprint in Nuclear-Power Countries
Publication Name: Economies
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study examines how economic growth, travel, global connection, and changes in population impact the environmental footprint in seven countries, including Russia, the US, China, France, the UK, Pakistan, and India, from 1995 to 2023. The results show a significant link between Granger’s environmental impact and some economic, non-economic, and population factors in these countries. According to the study, environmental impacts result primarily from economic expansion and tourism revenue generation. The essential activities in economic development frequently result in significant ecological deficits through natural resource depletion, land alterations, and environmental releases. Business enlargement and tourism income commonly bring about deforestation while causing both pollution and habitat damage, thus showing why sustainable practices must exist to protect nature during economic development. We also have to consider factors other than economics, such as total income from natural resources and using nuclear power early. Additionally, how many people live in a particular area and the number of children born contribute to these footprints. Also, this study shows how economic, non-economic and demographic issues can indicate what harm the environment might face later. This is especially important in countries that use nuclear energy extensively. The report suggests different ways to solve this problem. These include advocating for sustainable tourism practices, directing research efforts towards nuclear energy, supporting renewable energy initiatives, promoting family planning and education, and raising public awareness. The aim is to reduce the environmental harm caused by nuclear energy and promote a more sustainable future.
Open Access: Yes
Deformation Characterization of Glass Fiber and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced 3D Printing Filaments Using Digital Image Correlation
Publication Name: Polymers
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 7
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The paper offers an in-depth deformation study of glass fiber-reinforced and carbon composite filaments of 3D printers. During the certification, the authors used DIC (Digital Image Correlation) as a full-field strain measurement technique to explore key material traits as a non-contact optical measurement method. The insights captured through the DIC technology enabled to better understand the localized strain distributions during the loading of these reinforced filaments. The paper analyzes the glass fiber and carbon fiber filaments used in 3D printing that are reinforced with these materials and are subjected to bending and compressive loading. The segment presents how loading affects the performance of reinforced filaments when varying such factors as the deposition patterns, layer orientation, and other process parameters. Different types and combinations of reinforcements and printing variables were tested, and the resulting dependencies of mechanical parameters and failure modes were established for each case. Key conclusions demonstrate that the mechanical behavior of both carbon- and glass fiber-reinforced filaments is strongly affected by the 3D printing parameters, particularly infill density, pattern, and build orientation. The application of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) allowed for a precise, full-field analysis of strain distribution and deformation behavior, offering new insights into the structural performance of fiber-reinforced 3D printed composites. The findings from the study provide guidance for the proper choice of filling material and the optimal parameters for the 3D printing process of models with high-performance indexes and seamless applications in the automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Open Access: Yes
Expert Twin: A Digital Twin with an Integrated Fuzzy-Based Decision-Making Module
Publication Name: Decision Making Applications in Management and Engineering
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 1
Page Range: 1-21
Description:
Digitalization and the application of modern Industry 4.0 solutions are becoming increasingly important to remain competitive as product ranges expand and global supply chains grow. This paper presents a new Digital Twin framework to achieve robustness in manufacturing process optimization and enhance the efficiency of decision support. Most digital twins in the literature synchronously represent the real system without any control elements despite the bidirectional data link. The proposed approach combines the advantages of traditional process simulations with a real-time communication and data acquisition method using programmable logic controllers designed to control automated systems. In addition, it complements this by utilizing human experience and expertise in modeling using Fuzzy Logic to create a control-enabled digital twin system. The resulting "Expert Twin" system reduces the reaction time of the production to unexpected events and increases the efficiency of decision support; it generates and selects alternatives, therefore creating smart manufacturing. The Expert Twin framework was integrated, tested, and validated on an automated production sample system in a laboratory environment. In the experimental scenarios carried out, the method production increased production line utility by up to 28% and the number of re-schedules can be halved.
Open Access: Yes
Breast Cancer Surgical Specimens: A Marking Challenge and a Novel Solution—A Prospective, Randomized Study
Publication Name: Biomedicines
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Accurate orientation of resected breast specimens is essential for proper pathological evaluation and margin assessment. Misorientation may compromise analysis, lead to imprecise re-excisions, and increase the risk of local recurrence. This study aims to evaluate a novel specimen plate designed to maintain consistent tissue orientation and compares its effectiveness to traditional suture marking. Methods: In a single-center, prospective, randomized two-arm trial, 56 specimens were oriented with the new plate and 54 with conventional sutures. Outcomes included intraoperative imaging interpretation, specimen handling, and pathological assessment, with a focus on orientation accuracy and margin evaluation. Results: The specimen plate significantly reduced misorientation (p < 0.01) and improved interpretation during intraoperative imaging. Pathologists reported greater ease in identifying direction and tumor-free zones, leading to a more accurate margin assessment. Non-R0 resections requiring re-excision were fewer with the specimen plate (8.9%) compared to suture marking (22.2%). Conclusions: The newly developed specimen plate can offer a reliable solution for improving specimen orientation in breast cancer surgery; however, further validation in multicenter studies is needed to confirm its applicability across diverse surgical settings. By ensuring consistent orientation and enhancing diagnostic interpretation, it may help reduce re-excisions and improve patient safety.
Open Access: Yes
Influence of the Tolerances of the Threaded Joints on Preloaded Bolted Connection
Publication Name: Strojnicky Casopis Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Publication Date: 2025-04-01
Volume: 75
Issue: 1
Page Range: 173-178
Description:
On the base of experimental results we can conclude that the mini bolt and large internal threads as well as large bolt and mini internal thread combination leads to developing of not satisfied preload. It means that the combination of marginal values of the tolerance field could cause "loose"or "forced"fittings. If we consider the presence of lubricant it could effect the overloading of the bolt connection.
Open Access: Yes
Evaluating the Risk-Return Profile of a Portfolio of ESG and Traditional Assets Using a Hybrid Optimisation Model
Publication Name: Virtual Economics
Publication Date: 2025-03-31
Volume: 8
Issue: 1
Page Range: 16-39
Description:
This article examines the risk-return dynamics of portfolios combining environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assets with traditional investment instruments. A hybrid optimisation framework is applied, uniting mean-variance principles with combinatorial selection and machine learning techniques. The study addresses two central questions: whether ESG funds provide diversification benefits, and whether they mitigate downside risk in periods of financial stress. The analysis draws on a dataset of five ESG and five non-ESG funds, spanning varied sectors and risk profiles, observed over a five-year horizon marked by diverse macroeconomic conditions. Portfolio performance is evaluated using the Sharpe ratio, with differential evolution and support vector machine algorithms employed to capture linear and non-linear aspects of risk-adjusted returns. The findings reveal a consistent positive association between ESG allocation and portfolio performance. Optimised portfolios frequently allocated 80-90 per cent of their weight to ESG assets, particularly GRID and ESGV. ESG holdings were shown to strengthen diversification, improve upside potential, and reduce downside exposure, especially during volatile market phases. Traditional assets contributed stability but played a weaker role in enhancing risk-adjusted returns. Statistical analysis confirmed both research hypotheses: portfolios integrating ESG investments achieved higher Sharpe ratios without excessive risk, and ESG funds demonstrated resilience under adverse conditions. Machine learning models further underscored the significance of non-linear patterns, which enhanced the explanatory power of ESG exposure in the optimisation process. In sum, the study contributes to growing evidence that ESG assets not only advance sustainability objectives but also deliver measurable financial benefits. The hybrid methodological approach illustrates the importance of balanced allocation constraints and robust optimisation in portfolio design. These results suggest that incorporating ESG assets can simultaneously reinforce financial stability and support long-term sustainable development.
Open Access: Yes
A holistic approach to Sustainable Development Goal 8: Integrating economic growth, employment, and sustainability
Publication Name: Equilibrium Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy
Publication Date: 2025-03-30
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Page Range: 147-202
Description:
Research background:The realization of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 hinges on the sustained growth of both the economy and the global employment outlook. In order to ensure progress in fostering inclusive and equitable growth and employment opportunities, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the SDG findings across all relevant subtargets. Purpose of the article: This study provides an in-depth analysis of the research surrounding SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), emphasizing its pivotal role in sustainable development. Methods: Utilizing the PRISMA framework and BERTopic method, it explores the intricate interconnections between SDG 8 and other goals, such as reducing inequalities (SDG 10), clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), poverty alleviation (SDG 1), and innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). Findings & value added: The findings emphasize the importance of subtarget 8.1 (sustained per capita growth) and subtarget 8.5 (full employment and decent work for all). Additionally, the study underscores the need for policies supporting resource efficiency and sustainable consumption (subtarget 8.4), while green innovation and the digital economy are strongly linked to subtarget 8.2 (enhanced productivity through technological upgrading). Ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and equitable, as outlined in subtarget 8.3, is crucial for reducing inequalities. Policymakers must balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, promoting decent work conditions (subtarget 8.8) and adopting green technologies. These findings offer valuable insights for advancing SDG 8, ensuring that economic progress benefits all segments of society while safeguarding natural resources and fostering long-term prosperity.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.24136/eq.3342
Changes in properties of thermal insulations under certain environmental effects
Publication Name: Pollack Periodica
Publication Date: 2025-03-26
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Page Range: 80-86
Description:
Saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for the construction sector. Heating of buildings requires the burning of fossil fuels, which can be significantly reduced by insulating the building envelope. Nowadays, the thermal insulation of buildings is essential. There are several important, well-known data about most thermal insulation materials, but there is only negligible information about the change of their properties under installation conditions or if they are already exposed to additional stresses due to structural failures and damages. This study aimed to examine the changes in properties of three common thermal insulation materials when installed in a flat roof or facade and exposed to excess moisture due to the damage of waterproofing or façade and/or when exposed to direct strong sunlight.
Open Access: Yes
