This work presents a comprehensive discrete modeling framework for coupled three-dimensional thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) applications involving localized failure. The discrete beam lattice formulation for non-isothermal saturated porous materials is capable of capturing complex spatial failure mechanisms. At the same time, the study addresses one of the main limitations of discrete lattice modeling, namely the selection of discrete input parameters and their relationship to continuum-equivalent properties. To overcome this issue, parameter calibration is performed by using a Bayesian inverse modeling procedure. First, a thermoelastic consolidation benchmark is considered, enabling the identification of key thermal, hydraulic, and coupling parameters, along with stiffness correction factors required to reproduce the corresponding continuum response. Next, an undrained heating test on a fully saturated specimen is used to capture thermal pressurization. Finally, the discrete beam lattice model is applied to an undrained compression test, with progressive failure and development of three-dimensional strain localization under coupled THM conditions.
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) rely on vague terms, which challenges both human navigators and autonomous systems requiring computable representations. This study quantifies what experienced navigators consider a safe distance under the COLREGs, using fuzzy representations derived from expert judgement. In a structured international survey of experienced navigators, 194 of the 235 respondents supplied useable data on Closest Point of Approach (CPA) and Bow Crossing Range (BCR) in open sea conditions. These data were used to derive fuzzy membership functions. Results reveal that navigators require a larger margin ahead of the bow than at the closest point of approach, with a mean Medium BCR of 1.86 NM against a mean Medium CPA of 1.42 NM. The influence of rank, experience, ship type and ship length on the elicited values was tested; only experience produced significant differences, and the model output proved insensitive to them. A weighted fuzzy rule base was built from a separate panel of ten experts, who assessed navigational scenarios on a full mission simulator, and used to construct a fuzzy inference model of safe distance for encounters in which the target crosses ahead of own ship. The model was validated by leave-one-out cross-validation and against data from seven collisions and three close-quarters situations. The novelty lies in deriving the membership functions from a large expert panel rather than assuming them, in building the rule base from assessments of navigational scenarios rather than stated rules, and in validating the model against real collision data. This provides a quantified, human-centred contribution for decision-support systems.
In 2023, the authors introduced LCD subspace codes, generalizing the concept of LCD codes. Recently, in 2025, C & cedil;alkavur and Sol & eacute; presented multisecret-sharing schemes that are based on LCD codes. In this paper, we design a multisecret-sharing scheme using LCD subspace codes. The proposed scheme is a (k, k)-threshold scheme that is anonymous and inherits error-correcting capabilities from the underlying LCD subspace code. We analyze the security of the scheme, including its resistance to coalition and brute-force attacks, and discuss its computational complexity. A comparison with existing code-based multisecretsharing schemes shows that the proposed scheme achieves a significantly larger secret space and a higher information rate. An example over F3 is provided to illustrate the construction. (c) 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Abstract Hydraulic transients in hydroelectric power plants (HPPs), commonly induced by rapid load changes or emergency shutdowns, pose significant challenges to system safety and operational efficiency. Accurate simulation of transient flow behavior is particularly important in systems featuring complex surge tank configurations designed to mitigate pressure fluctuations. This study develops and applies a one-dimensional (1D) transient flow model that incorporates a flux-limited numerical scheme, aiming to ensure both computational efficiency and numerical stability. The model is validated using field data from the Zakučac HPP in Croatia, which includes a hydraulically complex layout with three throttled surge tanks, where two surge tanks are hydraulically interconnected via an overspill basin. Simulation results exhibited strong agreement with measured piezometric head data, particularly in capturing oscillation frequencies. Although some discrepancies in amplitude prediction were observed, the overall correspondence confirmed the model’s capability to represent transient flow dynamics accurately. The flux-limited approach effectively suppressed numerical dispersion and nonphysical oscillations, contributing to the reliability of simulations under severe transient conditions. The model’s performance demonstrates its applicability to HPP systems with nontrivial geometries and control elements, providing a practical tool for system analysis, design support, and operational planning. Findings from this study enhance current understanding of surge tank behavior during transients and support the use of simplified yet robust numerical schemes in the modeling of unsteady hydraulic phenomena in large-scale hydropower facilities.
Purpose: The widely spread membrane and soluble Klotho protein plays a pivotal role in vascular calcification by orchestrating calcium/phosphate/magnesium homeostasis mediated by the Klotho/fibroblast growth factor 23 receptor complex. Our aim was to review new scientific data and discuss the role(s) of Klotho in vascular calcification. The basic procedures were to review the literature concerning Klotho and its mechanisms of action during physiological and pathological aging. Main findings: A lack of Klotho shortens the lifespan, increases vascular calcification and the frequency of cardiovascular diseases with multiple organ degeneration and weakness in experimental animal models. In humans, the most prominent decrease of Klotho protein and mRNA is found in patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), which shows accelerated aging due to increased vascular calcification. Additionally, Klotho acts in an endocrine manner participating in different signaling pathways as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic and anti-aging mediator, preserving vascular structure and function. Principal conclusions: Klotho is a possible early marker for the detection and monitoring of subclinical arterial calcification in patients with CKD-MBD and in the general population.
