Adjustment Factors Research Articles

Research on Dynamic Adaptation of Supply and Demand of Power Emergency Materials based on Cohesive Hierarchical Clustering

Taking the dynamic adaptation of supply and demand of emergency materials as the research object, the condensed analytic hierarchy process was used to analyze the supply and demand risk factors in the supply chain of emergency materials from the supply side and the demand side. A new two-objective optimization model based on cohesive hierarchical clustering and electricity is proposed. Three distribution schemes are developed based on customer demand, shortest transportation time and the combination of both. When the overall satisfaction of the supply chain is the highest, the total revenue is maximized, which is suitable for the optimization of the supply chain of emergency materials under emergencies. Firstly, the power data and behavior data of power users are cross-analyzed to obtain the typical data characteristics of power users. Secondly, the cohesive hierarchical clustering algorithm is used to analyze the power users, and the cohesive hierarchical clustering algorithm is used to improve the calculation operation of score similarity. The adjustment factor is introduced to improve the calculation operation, and the comprehensive weight of each emergency point is determined as the parameter of the objective function by considering the subjective and objective factors that affect the importance of emergency points. Finally, through the simulation analysis of an emergency materials scheduling based on electric power, and compared with the results of random scheduling, the science and effectiveness of the proposed model are verified.

Rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on SSA-IWT-EMD

Aiming at the problem of insufficient wavelet threshold noise reduction and unclear extraction of characteristic frequency of EMD decomposition, a rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on SSA-IWT-EMD is proposed. Two adjustment factors are introduced to propose an improved threshold function (IWT), which overcomes the shortcomings of traditional soft and hard thresholds, and the sparrow search optimization algorithm (SSA) is used to globally optimize its parameters to achieve rolling bearing signal noise reduction. A comprehensive index P is proposed to select and reconstruct the components generated by empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to highlight the fault characteristic information of the signal. Envelope spectrum analysis is used to realize bearing fault diagnosis. Simulation and measurement results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method; at the same time, compared with the method of selecting components with a single index and the literature method, it is shown that the comprehensive index P and the proposed method have stronger noise reduction and feature extraction capabilities, and the envelope spectrum amplitude and frequency doubling components are more obvious, which can better realize the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings.

Exploring the link between sedentary behavior and cognitive decline: a comprehensive study combining Mendelian randomization and animal model experiments.

The causal link between detrimental behaviors and cognitive performance remains unclear. This research seeks to investigate the causal impact of adjustable lifestyle factors on cognitive deterioration, including frequency of alcohol intake, onset of smoking, and sedentary activities like prolonged television viewing. This research combines large-scale genetic data obtained from univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses with experimental findings obtained from animal models. Our findings reveal that the odds ratio (OR) for cognitive function deterioration was 0.445 (inverse variance weighted [IVW] 95% CI: 0.370 to 0.536, p < 0.001) for each standard deviation increase in television watching time. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), number of days walked /moderate activity over 10+ min and education in Multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MVMR), only the genetic predisposition to increased television watching time remained significantly associated with worse cognitive function (OR 0.659, 95% CI: 0.452 to 0.960, p = 0.030). The other two habits had no significant effects. Sensitivity analyses have confirmed that genetic pleiotropy did not influence the results. To further explore the relationship between sedentary behavior and cognitive function, as well as the underlying mechanisms, we conducted a restricted cage housing experiment and a physical exercise training experiment in mice. The results showed that physical exercise significantly improved spatial memory, as assessed by the Morris water maze, and increased exploratory interest, as evaluated by the open field test (OFT) and the elevated plus-maze test, compared to the sedentary control group. These cognitive advantages may be mediated through mechanisms involving free radical scavenging and enhanced synaptic plasticity. Our research provides genetic evidence indicating that extended television viewing is linked to an elevated risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, experimental data from mouse models suggest that physical exercise can counteract cognitive decline and anxiety-like behaviors induced by sedentary behavior. This protective effect is likely mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanisms that enhance synaptic plasticity within the hippocampus.

Certain aspects of the implementation of imputed insurance of environmental risks in the Russian Federation

Purpose: of this article is to justify the implementation of insurance of environmental risks in the Russian Federation in the form of a pilot project based on imputed insurance with the definition of the main conditions of insurance coverage.Methods: the presented work uses statistical and predictive methods and the integrated approach for processing data on natural, climatic and human activity risks. Correlation-regression analysis and actuarial modeling were used to determine the conditions for insuring environmental risks and calculate tariff rates.Results: the paper substantiates the possibility of carrying out insurance of environmental risks in the form of a pilot project using an imputed form of insurance. Approaches to the calculation of the main parameters of business civil liability insurance for causing environmental damage as a result of an accident within the framework of a pilot project are proposed, including the determination of the minimum and maximum non-aggregate insurance limit, the minimum number of insurance companies, and the calculation of tariff rates. Due to the lack of Russian statistics on insurance coverage of environmental risks, statistical data on global insurance catastrophic losses from natural events, climate risks and human actions, as well as judicial statistics on disputes over the application of environmental protection legislation, were used for the calculation. The regions of the Russian Federation were identified for the implementation of a pilot project of environmental risk insurance.Conclusions and Relevance: the implementation of a pilot project of environmental risk insurance in certain regions on the basis of imputed insurance will make it possible to assess the current and forecast level of environmental risks in the Russian Federation, the need for insurance and reinsurance protection, the possibility and necessity of state participation in covering environmental damage. Using insurance statistics, insurers will be able to develop adjustment factors that encourage enterprises to take preventive measures. Reflection in a special reporting section of the results of the participation of insurance companies in the insurance of environmental pollution risks will be considered as the implementation of ESG principles.

Leveraging Clinical Intuition to Improve Accuracy of Phenotype-Driven Prioritization

PurposeClinical intuition is commonly incorporated into the differential diagnosis as an assessment of the likelihood of candidate diagnoses based either on the patient population being seen in a specific clinic or on the signs and symptoms of the initial presentation. Algorithms to support diagnostic sequencing in individuals with a suspected rare genetic disease do not yet incorporate intuition and instead assume that each Mendelian disease has an equal pretest probability. MethodsThe LIRICAL algorithm calculates the likelihood ratio of clinical manifestations represented by Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms to rank candidate diagnoses. The initial version of LIRICAL assumed an equal pretest probability for each disease in its calculation of the posttest probability (where the test is diagnostic exome or genome sequencing). We introduce Clinical Intuition for Likelihood Ratios (ClintLR), an extension of the LIRICAL algorithm that boosts the pretest probability of groups of related diseases deemed to be more likely. ResultsThe average rank of the correct diagnosis in simulations using ClintLR showed a statistically significant improvement over a range of adjustment factors. ConclusionClintLR successfully encodes clinical intuition to improve ranking of rare diseases in diagnostic sequencing. ClintLR is freely available at https://github.com/TheJacksonLaboratory/ClintLR.

A modified Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (M-SWAT+) model for sediment yield estimation

ABSTRACT The Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (SWAT+) model depends on the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE), which in turn depends on the peak runoff rate for the estimation of soil loss from a catchment. The SWAT+ model generates a random number for each day in the process of peak runoff rate estimation from the catchment. On the other hand, the model provides calibration parameters like the peak rate adjustment factor for sediment routing in the tributary channels and main channels. There is uncertainty that how likely the SWAT+ model estimates the actual peak runoff rates. An improved MUSLE does not depend on the peak runoff rate, and, therefore, it minimizes uncertainty related to the peak runoff rate when estimating soil loss from the catchment in the SWAT+ environment. On the other hand, the effect of the topographic factor of the MUSLE or improved MUSLE on soil erosion and sediment transport is not explicitly explained. Therefore, we modify the source code of the SWAT+ model for sediment yield estimation by replacing the improved MUSLE and the best-fitted equations of the topographic factor in the source code. The modified SWAT+ model showed better performance than the original SWAT+ model.

Taguchi Method Statistical Analysis on Characterization and Optimization of 18-nm Double Gate MOSFETs

A bi-layer graphene with a multigate structure was intensified and analysed on an 18-nm Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) device to obtain an optimal performance parameter. The device has a gate structure made of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) that serves as a high-k material and a metal gate made of Tungsten Silicide (WSix). The Silvaco TCAD Software which are ATHENA and ATLAS modules were used to enhance the fabrication process of virtual devices and to verify the electrical properties of a specific device. According to the International Technology Roadmap Semiconductor (ITRS) specifications of 0.179 V ± 12.7% for threshold voltage (VTH) and 20 nA/m for leakage current (ILEAK), the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array strategy was used to improve the device process parameters for optimum VTH and ILEAK. For the NMOS device, the process parameter of VTH Adjust Implant Dose was used as the dominant factor while Source/Drain (S/D) Implant Energy was used as the adjustment factor whereby for PMOS device, S/D Implant Energy was the dominant factor while S/D Implant Tilt was the adjustment factor in order to achieve a robust design through the Taguchi method implementation. The percentage affecting the process parameter is then applied to the results of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of Nominal-the-best (NTB) for VTH and Smaller-the-better (STB) for ILEAK.

Numerical Analysis of the Influence of Preadsorbed Water on Methane Transport in Crushed Shale

Summary Methane migration in shale is affected by preadsorbed water. To understand this effect, we examined several key parameters, including the effective pore diameter Le, the pore volume distribution of Le, the effective porosity ϕe, the equivalent particle diameter da, and the water film thickness h. Using these parameters, we established an equivalent relationship linking the particle packing da and the Le and the ϕe of the capillary pores within a unit-length cuboid of particles. Based on this relationship, a conceptual model was developed to simulate methane adsorption and transport in partially saturated crushed shale, incorporating parameter estimation for the tangential momentum adjustment factor δ and methane desorption rate coefficient kd, where δ characterizes the slip flow intensity and kd is related to the Langmuir adsorption constant. The finite element method was used to calculate the methane permeability ke, Knudsen diffusion coefficient Dke, surface diffusion coefficient Ds, and adsorption phase transition rate Rm, which are all affected by adsorbed water. The model’s numerical results were validated through comparison with the results from adsorption experiments. These results revealed three distinct regions in the trend of the variation in δ with Le: a rapid increase in Region I (Le &amp;lt; 10 nm), a slowing increase in Region II (10 ≤ Le ≤ 100 nm), and a gradual increase in Region III (Le &amp;gt; 100 nm). In addition, kd is positively correlated with da. kd is also correlated with water saturation S; specifically, kd decreases when S ≤ 12%, increases when S = 12% to 45.8%, and decreases again when S exceeds 45.8%. The results also reveal overall negative correlations between h and ke, Dke, Ds and Rm. Furthermore, the rates of change in ke, Dke, Ds and Rm with increasing ε (ε is the bending coefficient associated with adsorbed water) range from 7.5% to 49.4%. Similarly, ke, Dke, and Ds increase by factors of 0.73–7.19 with increasing χ (χ is the coverage rate of the adsorbed water film). Additionally, as the adsorption time t increases, Ds initially increases rapidly, followed by a gradual increase. Between t = 500 seconds and 1,500 seconds, the rate of change in Ds decreases by 20%. Rm shows a three-stage relationship with t, namely, a rapid decrease from t = 0 seconds to 500 seconds, a steady decrease from 500 seconds to 1,000 seconds, and a stabilization from 1,000 seconds to 1,500 seconds, with Rm ranging from 1.10×10-11 mol/(m3·s) to 9.45×10-11 mol/(m3·s) overall. Ds increases with the adsorption amount ratio Ed (Ed is the ratio of the adsorption amount at t to the equilibrium adsorption amount). As Ed ranges from 0.2 to 0.6, the rate of change in Ds increases by 87% to 100%. Furthermore, Rm is negatively linearly correlated with Ed.

Denoising method for colonic pressure signals based on improved wavelet threshold.

The colonic peristaltic pressure signal is helpful for the diagnosis of intestinal diseases, but it is difficult to reflect the real situation of colonic peristalsis due to the interference of various factors. To solve this problem, an improved wavelet threshold denoising method based on discrete wavelet transform is proposed in this paper. This algorithm can effectively extract colonic peristaltic pressure signals and filter out noise. Firstly, a threshold function with three shape adjustment factors is constructed to give the function continuity and better flexibility. Then, a threshold calculation method based on different decomposition levels is designed. By adjusting the three preset shape factors, an appropriate threshold function is determined, and denoising of colonic pressure signals is achieved through hierarchical thresholding. In addition, the experimental analysis of bumps signal verifies that the proposed denoising method has good reliability and stability when dealing with non-stationary signals. Finally, the denoising performance of the proposed method was validated using colonic pressure signals. The experimental results indicate that, compared to other methods, this approach performs better in denoising and extracting colonic peristaltic pressure signals, aiding in further identification and treatment of colonic peristalsis disorders.

Associations of Patient Activation with Outcomes Among Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Retrospective, Longitudinal, Observational Study.

Patient activation, defined as an individual's readiness, willingness, and ability to manage their own health and health care, is associated with healthy behaviors and improved outcomes. Patients undergoing in-center hemodialysis (HD) have low activation, but the association of patient activation with clinical outcomes among dialysis patients is unclear. We investigated the association between patient activation and outcomes in HD patients. This cohort included 925 prevalent, in-center HD patients among 10 facilities in a mid-sized dialysis provider. All patients who completed the Patient Activation Measure 13-item (PAM-13) survey during a previous study were included, and their records were cross-referenced with data from the electronic heath system. Patients were followed for 180 days after completion of the survey for the primary outcomes of time to (1) death and (2) time to hospitalization. Markers of non-adherence during the month before and the month after completion of the PAM survey were examined as secondary outcomes, including (1) serum potassium >5.0 mEq/L; (2) serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL; (3) missed dialysis treatment due to absence (not hospitalization); and (4) interdialytic weight gain >4.0%. Univariate and adjusted regression models were fit to estimate associations of a 3-point increment in PAM-13 score with the outcomes of interest; adjustment factors comprised age, sex, dialysis vintage, serum albumin, diabetes, and hospitalization history. A 3-point increment in PAM score was associated with lower hazard of death (univariate HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.94; adjusted HR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.96), but not with hospitalization (univariate HR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.96-1.02; adjusted HR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.96-1.02). Higher scores were associated with increased odds of having high phosphorus levels in the unadjusted analysis, but this was attenuated and not significant in adjusted models. There were no significant relationships between a 3-point increment in PAM score and any of the other secondary outcomes in univariate and adjusted analyses. In a cohort of prevalent, in-center HD patients, low activation was associated with mortality but not with hospitalization or measures of non-adherence.

BEEAF2 Score: A New Risk Stratification Score for Patients With Stage B Heart Failure From the KUNIUMI Registry Chronic Cohort.

Stage B heart failure (HF) refers to structural heart disease without signs or symptoms of HF, so that early intervention may delay or prevent the onset of overt HF. However, stage B HF is a very broad concept, and risk stratification of such patients can be challenging. We conducted a prospective study of data for 1646 consecutive patients with HF from the KUNIUMI (Kobe University Heart Failure Registry in Awaji Medical Center) registry chronic cohort. The definition of HF stages was based on current guidelines for classification of 29 patients as stage A HF, 761 as stage B HF, 827 as stage C HF, and 29 patients as stage D HF. The primary end point was the time-to-first-event defined as cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization within 2.0 years of follow-up. A maximum of 6 adjustment factor points was assigned based on Cox proportional hazards analysis findings for the hazard ratio (HR) of independent risk factors for the primary end point: 1 point for anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <45 mL/min per 1.73 m2, brain natriuretic peptide ≥150 pg/mL, and average ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity >14, and 2 points for clinical frailty scale >3. Patients with stage B HF were stratified into 3 groups, low risk (0-1 points), moderate risk (2-3 points), and high risk (4-6 points). Based on this scoring system (BEEAF2 [brain natriuretic peptide, estimated glomerular filtration rate, ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity, anemia, and frailty]), the outcome was found to become worse in accordance with risk level. High-risk patients with stage B HF and patients with stage C HF showed similar outcomes. Our scoring system offers an easy-to-use evaluation of risk stratification for patients with stage B HF.

Station-keeping strategy in emergency mode for wave gliders considering power shortages

The wave glider (WG) is an autonom surface vehicle (ASV) that is driven only by waves without propellers, and it maintains the power consumption of the control system and various payloads through solar power generation. To cope with the power shortages caused by extreme weather and sudden failures, a station-keeping strategy in emergency mode for WGs is proposed in this paper, so that the WG can remain in the current area with extremely low power consumption. More specifically, according to the power consumption mechanism of the WG, a partition control method is designed to set different operating modes in different areas. Also, an event-triggered (ET) motion control algorithm is proposed to reduce the execution rate of the rudder, which introduces adjustment factors to dynamically adjust the trigger threshold to further cut down rudder steering power consumption. Additionally, an online heading prediction system is developed to predict the submerged glider heading (SGH) of the WG through the float heading (FH) when the rudder management system shuts down. Through simulation and experimental analysis, the strategy in emergency mode can achieve positioning control with extremely low power consumption.

Higher sweet beverage consumption was associated with increased gestational weight gain and birth weight: A Chinese cohort study

Diet during pregnancy is crucial to maternal metabolism and fetal development, so exploring the most potent food risk factor could improve maternal and child health. In this study, we investigated the diet and lifestyle of 833 healthy pregnant women in the second trimester from November 2020 to August 2021. Based on the Tianjin Antenatal Care System in China, we followed up with these women and recorded their gestational weight gain (GWG) and newborn birth weight. We conducted a dietary survey through FFQ based on the food groups recommended by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines and included common ultra-processed foods. We collected 219 semi-quantitative FFQs and 614 self-reported FFQs for analysis. According to the consumption frequency of 12 food groups, 4 dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis. We analyzed the associations of food energy, consumption frequency, and dietary patterns with GWG and birth weight, especially GWG in the first and second trimesters (f-GWG). The results showed that f-GWG was positively correlated with food energy. Beverage consumption was associated with f-GWG (r = 0.288, P = .026) in obese pregnant women. A dietary pattern that favors high consumption of ultra-processed foods (fried foods, baked desserts, and sweet beverages) was associated with increased GWGs. Non-obesity women with high consumption of baked desserts and sweet beverages had higher GWGs (P < .05). After adjusting for confounding factors (including total energy, physical activity, and sleep quality), only sweet beverage consumption was associated with f-GWG (β 0.498, 95%CI 0.153-0.843) and birth weight (β 0.124, 95%CI 0.009-0.240). Sweet beverage consumption is a key adjustable risk factor for prenatal care.

Using MCA methodology in the mining industry to aid in achieving sustainable management: Case study in the Peruvian mining industry

Quantifying the positive and negative impacts on mining activity is precisely knowing how this activity has been operating. Indeed, in this work its central objective is to quantify the impacts evaluated from a holistic perspective. The positive and negative impacts generated by mining activity in part of the northern region of Peru have been collected, analyzed and evaluated. For the evaluation of externalities, the multiple criteria evaluation (MCA) methodology has been used as a basis, which has been improved by including adjustment factors or weights, both for the components and for the evaluation variables. The calculations of the adjustment factors have been carried out for both the assigned weights and the calculated weights. The impacts obtained through assumed adjustment factors represent 41.50% for positive impacts and 58.50% for negative impacts, while the impacts obtained through the calculated weights were 44.96% for the positive ones and 55.04% for the negative ones. Consequently, multi-criteria assessment of the impacts generated by mining activity using an enhanced multi-criteria assessment with calculated weights is more recommended. It concludes with suggestions for the Peruvian government, mining entrepreneurs and other interested actors to improve the credibility of mining and thus achieve a social license to operate.

Clinical experience on switching trientine tetrahydrochloride to trientine dihydrochloride in Wilson disease patients

AbstractThis study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of trientine dihydrochloride (TETA 2‐HCl) in patients with Wilson disease (WD) following a switch from trientine tetrahydrochloride (TETA 4‐HCl). A total of 30 WD patients with stable copper metabolism were identified for treatment with TETA 2‐HCl (Cufence™) after prior use of TETA 4‐HCl (Cuprior™). Biochemical markers including urinary copper, non‐ceruloplasmin bound copper (NCC) and liver function were analyzed at baseline and followed up over 12 months. Safety was assessed based on reported adverse events (AEs). Urinary copper levels and NCC remained stable across all follow‐ups, indicating adequate copper metabolism control. Reported AEs during TETA 2‐HCl treatment were mostly gastrointestinal discomfort (n = 6). In two patients, progressive elevation of transaminases occurred (despite stable copper metabolism). AEs led to discontinuation of treatment in five cases. Median baseline dose per day was 10.2 mg TETA 4‐HCl/kg bodyweight, whereas median baseline dose after therapeutic switch to TETA 2‐HCl was 12.8 mg/kg bodyweight. Median daily dose at 12 months did not differ significantly from TETA 2‐HCl dose at switching timepoint, with stable biochemical markers and markers of copper metabolism in most (25/30) of the patients. Transitioning from TETA 4‐HCl to TETA 2‐HCl maintained stable copper parameters and liver function in most of analyzed patients. TETA 2‐HCl treatment was generally well tolerated, suggesting that switching medications is safe and effective. In our real‐life cohort, adjustment factor of ~1.25× for the switch of TETA 4‐HCl to TETA 2‐HCl resulted in adequate copper metabolism control.

Utilizing an aspheric lens and compound ellipsoidal cavity for a laser uniform illumination system

To achieve uniform laser illumination of an active imaging system with a small aperture diameter and large field angle, we have developed what we believe to be a novel structure for achieving uniform beam shaping that integrates a laser source, an aspheric lens, and a composite ellipsoidal cavity to enable active laser illumination. Through an aspheric lens, the fundamental mode Gaussian beam is transformed into double Gaussian and flat-top radiation at the target plane. The double Gaussian radiation is further reflected by a complex ellipsoidal cavity, where it is evenly distributed into equal radiation flux. This flux combines with the flat-top radiation, resulting in a uniform distribution at the target plane. The parameters of the complex ellipsoidal cavity are determined using an equalization algorithm. After combining the transmission for flat-top shaping by the aspheric lens and secondary reflection shaping by the composite ellipsoidal cavity, we achieved an aperture measuring 29.7 mm with an aperture angle of 84.0°, at a distance of 2 m from the target plane, with a diameter of 3.6 m, resulting in uniformity reaching 92.7%. RMS and MT/R determine the effectiveness of the compound ellipsoidal cavity design, depending on the maximum reflection angle and transmission angle. MT/R is inversely proportional to the maximum reflection angle, while RMS is directly proportional to the transmission angle. By setting the maximum reflection angle to 32.0° and the transmission angle to 8.0°, we were able to achieve a minimum root-mean-square focusing radius of 108.6 µm along with a minimum effective MT/R ratio of 1.07. The overlap degree between transmission and reflection directly impacts the target plane’s uniformity, adjusted through a defined adjustment factor. Optimizing this factor to 0.9 maximizes the uniformity of the target plane.

85 Genomic regions associated with electronic measures indicative of structural soundness in pigs

Abstract The objective was to determine the genetic factors influencing mobility traits recorded from 5 mo-old gilts. Mobility was measured using a pressure-sensing mat (GAIT4) and 7 d of video recorded activity (NUtrack). Gilts (n = 3,659) were evaluated for the study, but only 2,172 gilts had data for both systems. GAIT4 system creates a series of measurements for each foot related to pressure, duration and step length of each foot generating a lameness score for each foot. Traits studied summarized values for all 4 feet: average stride length, average stance time, standard deviation of stance time, lameness score and total scaled pressure. NUtrack measurements were rotations, velocity, and distance walked as well as the time spent eating, sitting, standing, lying sternal and lying lateral. All NUtrack traits were standardized to a mean of zero and standard deviation of 1.0 based on each pen-day subgroup. Mixed model analyses were conducted in R fitting animal as a random effect and fixed effects of breed of sire and contemporary group, with day included for NUtrack data. ssGBLUP analyses were conducted in WOMBAT using animal effects from R models as phenotypes. Three generations of pedigree were included and genotypic data from the NeoGen Porcine 50K beadchip on 3,186 animals representing 60% of gilts with NUtrack data, 67% of gilts with GAIT4 data and most parents (&amp;gt;99%). Single trait analyses were conducted for all traits, gEBVs estimated and then SNP effects estimated by back-solving equations. Significance values were determined by 5,000 permutations and a Bonferroni adjustment factor applied. Estimates of heritability ranged from 0.08 to 0.41 and traits from the NUtrack system tended to have greater heritability than GAIT4 traits. There were 343 significant SNP effects in 39 unique chromosomal regions. There were 133 significant SNP associations located on chromosome 14 between 45-47 Mb associated with rotations, distance and times standing and lying. Pathway analysis identified proteoglycan and apelin pathways to be over-represented based on associations with SNP located at 2:45, 2:51, 13:79 and 14:40 (SSC:Mb). Proteoglycans are a subunit of cartilage and apelins affect blood flow and angiogenesis which make them candidates for the development of osteochondrosis, a leading cause of lameness in pigs. These results will facilitate selection of more robust animals capable of withstanding commercial production environments and group sow housing. USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

Field measurement and numerical simulation on vertical temperature gradient of steel box girders

The vertical temperature gradient (VTG) is a critical factor contributing to thermal stresses or deformations in bridge structures. However, the current provisions concerning the VTG of steel box girders are inadequate. Accordingly, this paper systematically investigated the VTG of a steel box girder in Wuhan using field measurement and numerical simulations. The temperature distributions of the steel box girder were first characterised based on measured temperature data. A thermal model of the steel box girder was then established using measured time-varying meteorological data, with the convective heat transfer coefficient obtained through an inversion method to update the model. The numerical findings align well with the observed temperature, and the fitted unfavourable VTG values exceed the current normative threshold. Furthermore, parametric investigations were carried out to reveal the impacts of meteorological and structural parameters on the VTG. The results indicate that solar radiation and pavement thickness have a considerable impact on the VTG. Finally, this research recommends that the present VTG guidelines should be modified by introducing appropriate adjustment factors related to the level of solar radiation intensity in different regions to strengthen their capacity for safeguarding.

A New Data Fusion Method for GNSS/INS Integration Based on Weighted Multiple Criteria

The standard Kalman filter and most of its enhancements are typically designed based on the criterion that minimizes the mean squared error, with little discussion of multiple criteria in the positioning and navigation fields. Therefore, a novel data fusion method that takes into account weighted multiple criteria is proposed in this paper, implementing a filtering algorithm based on integrated criteria with different weights determined by a weight adjustment factor. The proposed algorithm and conventional filtering algorithms were utilized for data fusion in GNSS/INS integration. Experiments were conducted using actual data collected from an urban environment. Comparative analysis revealed that, when utilizing the proposed algorithm, the precision of the position, velocity, and attitude of the tested land vehicle could be improved by approximately 24%, 48%, and 35%, respectively. Furthermore, a series of filtering algorithms with different weight adjustment factors was performed to test their influence on the filtering. The application of the proposed algorithm should be accompanied by an appropriate weight adjustment factor.

Safety evaluation of curdlan as a food additive.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of curdlan as a new food additive used as firming and gelling agent, stabiliser, thickener. Curdlan is a high molecular weight polysaccharide consisting of β-1,3-linked glucose units, produced by fermentation from Rhizobium radiobacter biovar 1 strain NTK-u. The toxicological dataset consisted of sub-chronic, chronic and carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity studies as well as genotoxicity. Invivo data showed that curdlan is not absorbed as such but is extensively metabolised by the gut microbiota into CO2 and other innocuous compounds. Curdlan was not genotoxic and was well-tolerated with no overt organ-specific toxicity. Effects observed at very high doses of curdlan, such as decreased growth and increased cecum weight, are common for indigestible bulking compounds and therefore considered physiological responses. In a combined three-generation reproductive and developmental toxicity study, decreased pup weight was observed during lactation at 7500 mg curdlan/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested. The Panel considered the observed effects as treatment-related and adverse, although likely secondary to nutritional imbalance and identified a conservative no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 2500 mg/kg bw per day. Despite the limitations noted in the dataset, the Panel was able to conclude applying the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. Given that curdlan and its break-down products are not absorbed and that the identified adverse effect is neither systemic nor local, no adjustment factor was deemed necessary. Thus, an MOE of at least 1 was considered sufficient. The highest exposure estimate was 1441 mg/kg bw per day in toddlers at the 95th percentile of the proposed maximum use level exposure assessment scenario. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the use of curdlan as a food additive at the proposed uses and use levels.