Connecting Lines Research Articles

Effect of infusion line connection and infusion line characteristics on start‐up fluid delivery from syringe infusion pumps used for microinfusion

AbstractBackgroundConnecting an infusion line to a closed stopcock results in pressurization of fluid within the syringe infusion pump assembly leading to flow irregularities when opening the stopcock and activating the pump.AimsIt was the purpose of this study to assess the extent of pressurization under different conditions and its impact on start‐up fluid delivery.MethodsIntraluminal pressures and start‐up fluid delivery at 1 mL/h flow rate were assessed with connection of the infusion line 1 min (delayed connection) or immediately after purging (immediate connection) using two different infusion lines made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE).ResultsDelayed connection resulted in an increase of intraluminal pressures from zero to 5.1 [4.5 to 5.7] mmHg with the PVC line and from zero to 47.1 [44.8 to 49.3] mmHg with the PE line (mean difference 42.0 [95% CI 39.3–44.7] mmHg; p < .0001). Immediate connection resulted in an increase of intraluminal pressures from zero to 44.3 [41.8–46.8] mmHg with the PVC line and from zero to 61.3 [57.2–65.4] mmHg with the PE line (mean difference 17.0 [95% CI 11.8–22.2] mmHg; p < .0001). The increase in intraluminal pressures was significantly higher with PE lines for both delayed and immediate connection when compared to the PVC lines (mean difference 29.5 [95% CI 19.3–39.7] mmHg; p < .0001). Related fluid volumes delivered at 10 s and 360 s after starting the pump ranged from −252% to 1321% (10 s) of expected infusion volumes and from 59% to 129% (360 s), respectively.ConclusionsBoth, timing of infusion line connection after purging and infusion line characteristics considerably affect intraluminal pressures and start‐up fluid delivery when connecting a new syringe infusion pump assembly to a closed stopcock. Consecutive alterations in drug administration can have considerable hemodynamic consequences when dealing with catecholamine infusions in critically ill patients.

A multi-task learning based line parameter identification method for medium-voltage distribution network

Accurate line parameters are critical for and dispatch in distribution systems. External operating condition variations affect line parameters, reducing the accuracy of state estimation and power flow calculations. While many methods have been proposed and obtained results rather acceptable, there is room for improvement as they don’t fully consider line connections in known topologies. Furthermore, inaccuracies in measurement devices and data acquisition systems can introduce noise and outliers, impacting the reliability of parameter identification. To address these challenges, we propose a line parameter identification method based on Graph Attention Networks and Multi-gate Mixture-of-Experts. The topological structure of the power grid and the capabilities of modern data acquisition equipment are utilized to capture. We also introduce a multi-task learning framework to enable joint training of parameter identification across different branches, thereby enhancing computational efficiency and accuracy. Experiments show that the GAT-MMoE model outperforms traditional methods, with notable improvements in both accuracy and robustness.

Resilience of Interurban Public Transport and Impact of COVID-19 on Rural Connectivity in Sparsely Populated Regions

The aim of this research consisted of assessing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the interurban public transport system in a rural region with a sparse population density, considering the number of tickets sold and passengers in each locality, as well as the different connecting lines. From a methodological point of view and with the intention of identifying patterns to explain the behaviour of both the routes and passengers, a series of variables were selected, becoming determining factors that sought to offer a solution to the search for a common trend. Additionally, data processing by the means of statistical analysis and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools complemented the procedure. The results obtained in the investigation were provided both by municipality and by interurban routes. An interesting finding of this research was the uneven recovery of the municipalities. The localities closest to the attractor nucleus have recovered more quickly to pre-pandemic mobility levels due to their geographical proximity, larger populations, higher incomes per household, and need to access certain public services. In terms of routes, all the lines showed significant decreases in ticket sales, although with variations. Although passenger numbers have shown a gradual recovery, the initial loss was considerable, and pre-pandemic normality has not been completely achieved. This research provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in interurban mobility over a four-year period. The incorporation of critical variables and the segmentation by municipality and route provide a way to identify discernible patterns of mobility. However, the lack of previous research focusing on the impact of the pandemic in rural areas of low population density restricts the possibility of establishing a comparison and to generalise the findings. The authors consider that future research should include other alternative means of transport in these interurban areas and incorporate variables to characterise passengers, such as age, gender, etc.

A graph model for genomic prediction in the context of a linear mixed model framework.

Genomic selection is revolutionizing both plant and animal breeding, with its practical application depending critically on high prediction accuracy. In this study, we aimed to enhance prediction accuracy by exploring the use of graph models within a linear mixed model framework. Our investigation revealed that incorporating the graph constructed with line connections alone resulted in decreased prediction accuracy compared to conventional methods that consider only genotype effects. However, integrating both genotype effects and the graph structure led to slightly improved results over considering genotype effects alone. These findings were validated across 14 datasets commonly used in plant breeding research.

From Catalysis of Evolution to Evolution of Catalysis.

ConspectusThe mystery of the origins of life is one of the most difficult yet intriguing challenges to which humanity has grappled. How did biopolymers emerge in the absence of enzymes (evolved biocatalysts), and how did long-lasting chemical evolution find a path to the highly selective complex biology that we observe today? In this paper, we discuss a chemical framework that explores the very roots of catalysis, demonstrating how standard catalytic activity based on chemical and physical principles can evolve into complex machineries. We provide several examples of how prebiotic catalysis by small molecules can be exploited to facilitate polymerization, which in biology has transformed the nature of catalysis. Thus, catalysis evolved, and evolution was catalyzed, during the transformation of prebiotic chemistry to biochemistry. Traditionally, a catalyst is defined as a substance that (i) speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering activation energy through different chemical mechanisms and (ii) is not consumed during the course of the reaction. However, considering prebiotic chemistry, which involved a highly diverse chemical space (i.e., high number of potential reactants and products) and constantly changing environment that lacked highly sophisticated catalytic machinery, we stress here that a more primitive, broader definition should be considered. Here, we consider a catalyst as any chemical species that lowers activation energy. We further discuss various demonstrations of how simple prebiotic molecules such as hydroxy acids and mercaptoacids promote the formation of peptide bonds via energetically favored exchange reactions. Even though the small molecules are partially regenerated and partially retained within the resulting oligomers, these prebiotic catalysts fulfill their primary role. Catalysis by metal ions and in complex chemical mixtures is also highlighted. We underline how chemical evolution is primarily dictated by kinetics rather than thermodynamics and demonstrate a novel concept to support this notion. Moreover, we propose a new perspective on the role of water in prebiotic catalysis. The role of water as simply a "medium" obscures its importance as an active participant in the chemistry of life, specifically as a very efficient catalyst and as a participant in many chemical transformations. Here we highlight the unusual contribution of water to increasing complexification over the course of chemical evolution. We discuss possible pathways by which prebiotic catalysis promoted chemical selection and complexification. Taken together, this Account draws a connection line between prebiotic catalysis and contemporary biocatalysis and demonstrates that the fundamental elements of chemical catalysis are embedded within today's biocatalysts. This Account illustrates how the evolution of catalysis was intertwined with chemical evolution from the very beginning.

Twins of conic hexagons

Six points on a conic section define 60 different hexagons and therefore 60 Pascal lines. Each Pascal line passes through three of the 45 intersections of connecting lines of the six given points. Instead of searching for collinear triples (Pascal lines) among these 45 points, we identify and classify all six-tuples among the 45 points that lie on a conic section. These six-tuples will be called Pascal twins of the given six points. It turns out that there are also six-tuples that lie on a conic section that have two points in common with the given six points. These six-tuples are called Siamese Pascal twins for evident reasons.

Application of UAV airborne LiDAR technology in highway engineering construction

Abstract The airborne LiDAR technology of UAVs is an efficient and high-precision spatial information acquisition technology. This paper introduces the airborne LiDAR technology of UAV in detail and studies the application of airborne LiDAR technology of UAV in highway construction based on the sixth section of the Leibokahalo-Yongshan connection line of G4216 Yibin Xinshi to Panzhihua Section. Engineering application practice shows that this technology can solve the difficult problem of obtaining basic geographic information data, and verify the rationality of the scheme and the matching degree with the field environment. In addition, compared with traditional survey technology, the technology has obvious advantages in the construction of highways in complex terrain, which helps to improve the quality of survey and design.

A geographic-semantic context-aware urban commuting flow prediction model using graph neural network

Urban commuting flow prediction is crucial for urban planning, transportation optimization, and supply chain management. Traditional models and machine learning solutions often fall short in capturing the complex dynamics of urban mobility, overlooking factors like spatial correlation and human mobility patterns. Recent deep learning advancements have shown promise by integrating spatial correlation through incorporating geographical adjacency. However, this approach may not fully capture spatial correlation, particularly the semantic adjacency effect of zones connected via public transportation lines, such as metro networks—a novel dimension overlooked in prior research. The metro station serves as a major transit hub, attracting passengers from various origins and destinations and correlating the flow between the connected zones and other zones within the metro network. Devising an optimized model to encapsulate these spatial correlations is another crucial area of research where scientists are actively seeking the most effective solutions. We propose a novel sequential hybrid approach leveraging graph-based learning, focusing on the underexplored impact of metro networks on commuting flow prediction. Our model integrates two types of adjacency—geographic and semantic—using Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) to embed geographic correlations among proximate zones and Graph Attention Networks (GATs) to incorporate semantic adjacency defined by metro line connectivity. Furthermore, our approach innovatively incorporates features directly from online maps, eliminating reliance on third-party resources and enhancing scalability and efficiency. We validate our model using real-world datasets from Montreal, Canada, comprising travel surveys and GPS trajectory types, totaling nearly 900,000 trip records. Through evaluation using established performance metrics such as MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and CPC, we demonstrate significant improvement in predictive accuracy compared to existing state-of-the-art models. Our research has practical implications for urban planning and infrastructure development, aiding policymakers and urban planners in analyzing the impact of new urban infrastructure on commuting flow dynamics and facilitating informed decisions regarding transportation and infrastructure planning.

ERIRMS Evaluation of the Reliability of IoT-Aided Remote Monitoring Systems of Low-Voltage Overhead Transmission Lines.

Researchers have studied instances of power line technical failures, the significant rise in the energy loss index in the line connecting the distribution transformer and consumer meters, and the inability to control unauthorized line connections. New, innovative, and scientific approaches are required to address these issues while enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply. This study evaluates the reliability of Internet of Things (IoT)-aided remote monitoring systems specifically designed for a low-voltage overhead transmission line. Many methods of analysis and comparison have been employed to examine the reliability of wireless sensor devices used in real-time remote monitoring. A reliability model was developed to evaluate the reliability of the monitoring system in various situations. Based on the developed models, it was found that the reliability indicators of the proposed monitoring system were 98% in 1 month. In addition, it has been proven that the reliability of the system remains high even when an optional sensor in the network fails. This study investigates various IoT technologies, their integration into monitoring systems, and their effectiveness in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electrical transmission infrastructure. The analysis includes data from field deployments, case studies, and simulations to assess performance metrics, such as accuracy, latency, and fault detection capabilities.

A new method for the prediction of vibration responses of thin plates coupled with discontinuous connections

Due to the limitation caused by the assumption of ideal continuous line junctions between plates or the high computation cost, the existing methods cannot provide reliable prediction solutions of vibration responses of coupled plates with real connections, such as bolts and corner irons. To this end, a discontinuous energy finite element analysis (dEFEA) method with high accuracy is proposed to predict the vibration responses of discontinuously connected plates, which can revert the real connection. This method developes the coupling loss factors (CLFs) on the steady-state energy flow technique to characterize vibration transmission between plates with different connections. In addition, a discontinuous energy finite element equation of coupled plates is established to obtain the vibration responses of those. The efficacy of the dEFEA method is demonstrated by experiments and the method can improve the prediction accuracy of vibration, which is verified by the comparison between discontinuous and ideal continuous connections. To sum up, vibration transmission of connected structures varies greatly depending on the way of connection and cannot be simplified to a line connection.

Research on Modeling Method for Optimal Allocation of Wellhead Targets in Large Well Clusters

The paper proposes a genetic ant colony algorithm that integrates genetic and ant colony algorithms, enhancing the heuristic function of the latter, to address target point distribution issues in large well clusters. This algorithm utilizes genetic algorithms for initial pheromone distribution and employs the ant colony algorithm to achieve rapid convergence. Introducing genetic operators in each iteration addresses the ant colony system’s drawbacks, including scarcity of initial pheromones, susceptibility to local optima, and slow convergence speed. The model aims to minimize the sum of horizontal displacement and intersections in line connections from wellheads to target points as its dual-objective function. It validates the effectiveness of the genetic ACO algorithm in optimizing target point allocation at wellheads through a case study, highlighting its advantages over traditional methods in reducing displacement, ensuring result stability, and preventing collisions.

Определение диссипативных потерь в гидравлическом приводе газораспределительного механизма двигателя внутреннего сгорания

Controlling the opening and closing times of intake and exhaust valves can improve the efficient parameters of an internal combustion engine and reduce the toxicity of combustion products. The valves are moved by an electronically controlled hydraulic drive. The energy consumption for the operation of a hydraulic valve drive is greater than when using a traditional mechanical drive. The dissipative energy losses in the accumulator one-way hydraulic valve drive are investigated. The working fluid of the hydraulic drive is SAE 5W-30 motor oil. The oil pressure behind the pump is 8 MPa, the diameter of the hydraulic cylinder is 16 mm. The main items of energy consumption are identified, and a methodology for their determination is proposed. The assessment of the efficiency of the hydraulic drive was based on the law of conservation of energy. To determine energy costs, a hydraulic drive model was compiled in the Simulink environment. A law of valve movement similar in shape to trapezoidal was obtained. The maximum speed of valve movement during the opening process is 4 m/s, during the closing process 3.8 m/s. During the period when the valve is held near the maximum lift of 14 mm, free oscillations with an amplitude of about 1 mm are observed. The energy consumption for a single actuation of the valve, which has a progressively moving mass of 0.5 kg, amounted to 25.9 J. Of this, a little more than 70% is spent on filling the hydraulic cylinder with liquid, the rest is spent when emptying it. As a result of throttling the fluid flow in the hydraulic cylinder rod stroke limiter and hydraulic brake, 56% of the energy is lost. Large energy losses are observed between the hydraulic accumulators and the hydraulic cylinder. When the cylinder is filled, 21.1% is lost here, and when it is emptied, 10.4%. Increasing the capacity of the supply and drain lines between hydraulic accumulators and hydraulic cylinders allows you to increase the speed of opening and closing valves. The main ways to increase the energy efficiency of the drive are to shift the hydraulic accumulators to the hydraulic cylinder, increase the diameter of the connecting lines, and increase the throughput of the solenoid valves.

Influence of ground motion parameters on seismic response of a large-longitudinal-slope and small-radius curved girder bridge.

The mechanical performance of curved bridges under the action of an earthquake is complex. To obtain the influence of seismic parameters on the seismic response of curved girder bridges, this paper relies on a large slope small-radius curved steel box girder bridge (LSCGB) and selects seismic wave incidence angle, vertical component of ground motion, and site category as seismic parameters to carry out nonlinear time history analysis. Based on the analysis results of the case bridge, it is shown that the torsional vibration of the first 10 modes of LSCGB is significant, the modes are dispersed, and the contribution of high-order modes of vibration cannot be ignored. The most unfavorable seismic wave incidence angle is in the direction of 45°∼60° counterclockwise Angle from the central connection line of Pier No. 1 and Pier No. 4 of the bridge. The seismic response of the curved bridge components increases with the vertical seismic intensity, and the influence on displacement responses is more significant. The basic vibration period of curved girder bridges built on soft soil sites is extended by approximately 18.23%, and the seismic response of key components increases with the softening of the site soil. Therefore, when analyzing the seismic response of LSCGBs, the influence of vertical component of ground motion and site category should not be ignored.

Directive transportation in smart cities with line connectivity at distinctive points using mode control algorithm

This article examines the operational functionality of intelligent transport systems to enhance smart cities by reducing traffic congestion. Given the increasing populations of smart cities, there is a growing demand for public transit systems to address the issue of traffic congestion. Therefore, the suggested system is developed using a few parametric design models, which combine point-to-point protocol and mode control optimization. The multi-objective parametric design for a smart transportation system is conducted using min–max functions to minimize the waiting time period for end users. Furthermore, customers are given the option to utilize a line following mechanism that offers suitable connectivity, along with independent identification and revitalize functions. The predicted model effectively eliminates the delay produced by transportation devices when positioning units are involved, ensuring that individual messages are delivered without any interruptions. In order to evaluate the results of the proposed system model, four different scenarios were examined. A comparison analysis revealed that the suggested method achieves a suitable directional flow for 96% of smart transport units. Additionally, it reduces delays and waiting periods by 2% and 6% respectively, while increasing energy consumption by 29%.

Integrated optimization of train line planning and timetabling: a new method of changing train operation zone and direct-service of cross-line ODs

ABSTRACT Cross-line operation increases accessibility to the railway network. However, its long-distance operation is quite difficult due to the transport resource limitations. To provide good transportation plans for operators and more direct services for cross-line passengers, we propose a new method of changing operation zones of cross-line trains, which can be summarized as the integrated train line planning and timetabling problem. A model is established to minimize deviation of same-line trains from ideal timetables and maximize cross-line origin-destination direct services. A Lagrangian relaxation approach and an improved priority-rule heuristic algorithm are developed to solve large-scale problems and obtain feasible solutions. Reality-based instances are conducted on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway and its connecting lines to verify the performance of the model and solution approach. The results show the benefit of changing train operation zones, and the model and approach can help to generate a good balance between operating profit and passenger demand.

Development of a Hydraulic Damping Device to Protect a Centrifugal Pump

This study focuses on the utilization of hydraulic accumulators to mitigate hydraulic shock. The pressure energy within the system is converted into compressed gas energy in the accumulator. This continuous conversion between the two forms of energy allows for the absorption of hydraulic shock force, thereby ensuring system stability. The study involved the creation of experimental circuits, which were tested both with and without the inclusion of a hydraulic accumulator. The results confirmed that the accumulator has a substantial impact on reducing hydraulic shock phenomena. The study's findings demonstrate that the shocks in the hydraulic system can be efficiently managed by selecting an appropriate inflation pressure for the accumulator and utilizing various connection line data.

On the Impact of Renewable Generation on the Sicilian Power System in Near-Future Scenarios: A Case Study

This paper was conceived to investigate some central issues related to the upheaval of current energy scenarios in Sicily. New power connection lines that are about to be built in the Mediterranean area, planned with a view to a constantly increasing renewable generation, encourage the carrying out of analyses on how the Sicilian electric power system will be able to make itself ready to support large power injections, especially due to new renewables plants that will be established in the region soon. This study, carried out in close collaboration with the Italian TSO Terna S.p.A and the University of Palermo, defines what the impacts of new renewable power plants will be on the Sicilian power transmission grid under intact and non-intact grid conditions. This study consists of steady-state simulations carried out using WinCreso® in two energy scenarios estimated for the years 2024 and 2027, based on real connection requests by producers to Terna, and allows one to go beyond the studies conducted so far on a 2030 basis through the precise identification of network nodes or lines in difficulty. Finally, as well as presenting an interesting case study due to Sicily’s strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, this article proposes a methodological approach that can easily be adopted in other contexts and by other TSOs to analyze similar situations.

DNA-Templated Nanofabrication of CdS-Au Nanoscale Schottky Contacts and Electrical Characterization.

DNA-templated nanofabrication presents an innovative approach to creating self-assembled nanoscale metal-semiconductor-based Schottky contacts, which can advance nanoelectronics. Herein, we report the successful fabrication of metal-semiconductor Schottky contacts using a DNA origami scaffold. The scaffold, consisting of DNA strands organized into a specific linear architecture, facilitates the competitive arrangement of Au and CdS nanorods, forming heterojunctions, and addresses previous limitations in low electrical conductance making DNA-templated electronics with semiconductor nanomaterials. Electroless gold plating extends the Au nanorods and makes the necessary electrical contacts. Tungsten electrical connection lines are further created by electron beam-induced deposition. Electrical characterization reveals nonlinear Schottky barrier behavior, with electrical conductance ranging from 0.5 × 10-4 to 1.7 × 10-4 S. The conductance of these DNA-templated junctions is several million times higher than with our prior Schottky contacts. Our research establishes an innovative self-assembly approach with applicable metal and semiconductor materials for making highly conductive nanoscale Schottky contacts, paving the way for the future development of DNA-based nanoscale electronics.

Optimizing the connection of CRRT and ECMO lines with additional pressure regulator on the therapeutic effect, filter life, and incidence of complications.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for severe cardiopulmonary failure, with veno-arterial ECMO for cardiogenic shock and veno-venous ECMO for acute respiratory failure. ECMO's application has expanded to ICUs, emergency departments, and operating rooms. ECMO patients are at high risk for complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI), often requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), posing significant management challenges. From August 2015 to June 2022, 120 patients were cured with veno-venous ECMO (n = 60) or veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO, n = 60) combined with CRRT in our hospital. In the control group (n = 60), the input end (arterial end) of CRRT was connected to the ECMO oxygenator. The reinfusion end (venous end) of CRRT was connected to the oxygenator of ECMO for CRRT + ECMO treatment. In the experimental group (n = 60), the input end (arterial end) of CRRT was connected to the oxygenator of ECMO, and an additional pressure regulating device was installed on the connection of the 2 lines. The observation indexes including clinical therapeutic effect, clinical therapeutic effect, the incidence of complications, and the incidence of complications were compared. There was a notable decrease in serum creatinine, and the differences in blood urea nitrogen, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein after operation were statistically significant (P < .05). The filter use time in the study group was notably longer (P < .01). There exhibited no remarkable difference in the incidences of bleeding, thrombosis, numbness of hands and feet, metabolic alkalosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, organ dysfunction syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia, and infection. This study demonstrates that additional pressure regulation devices are installed at the line connection between the CRRT input end and the CRRT return end to ensure that the flow rate of ECMO does not affect the CRRT treatment. ECMO and CRRT provide a safe pressure range so that the ECMO line can be safely connected to the CRRT machine at physiological pressure, reducing the occurrence of complications related to CRRT machine interruption and improving the efficiency of CRRT without affecting the efficiency of ECMO, ensuring patient safety.

Evolution Characteristics of Strain and Displacement Fields in Double-Hole Short-Delay Blasting Based on DIC

In the process of porous blasting excavation in engineering projects such as mining, hydropower stations, and tunnels, the delay time between adjacent blast holes significantly influences the characteristics of rock fracture and fragmentation. In order to visually explore the changing characteristics of strain and displacement between adjacent blast holes under different delay times, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plates were used to simulate rock materials, and 2D digital image correlation (2D-DIC) testing methods were employed to measure the explosive strain field with different delay times (0 µs, 5 µs, 15 µs, 40 µs, 70 µs) for dual holes. Full-field principal strain cloud maps and displacement fields of PMMA boards in two-dimensional spatial coordinates were obtained, and the representative monitoring points were analyzed. The experimental results show that the maximum values of the first compressive principal strain peak and the first tensile principal strain peak at the connecting center of the two holes exist at a delay time of 0~40 µs under blasting conditions with the same hole distance and single hole charge. At the center point of the connection between the two holes, the interval time between the two principal strain peaks decreases with the increase in delay time. The maximum principal strain on the central vertical line of the connection line decreases exponentially with the increase in hole distance, and the attenuation trend increases first and then decreases with the delay time between 0 and 40 µs. At the peak of strain, the maximum average displacement of the connecting center of the two holes exists in the delay time between 0 and 40 µs. With the increase in delay time, the displacement trend between the two explosion holes gradually changes from shear to tension, and the vulnerable damage area increases, which makes the communication between the two explosion holes easier. This study can provide a basis for the precise selection of delay times between blasting holes in engineering.