Control Factors Research Articles

Revealing the urban heat Island: Investigating spatiotemporal surface temperature dynamics, modeling, and interactions with controllable and non-controllable factors

The unchecked growth of urban populations has spurred rapid and unsustainable urban expansion, exacerbating environmental degradation both locally and globally. This research offers a comprehensive analysis of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in Bangalore and Hyderabad, India, focusing on its spatial and temporal distribution and its correlation with air pollutants. Conducted over the course of summer and winter seasons from 2001 to 2021, this study advances our understanding of UHI dynamics in rapidly urbanizing regions, shedding light on the complex interplay between urbanization, climate, and air quality. The primary objective of this study is to assess and compare the predictive performance of baseline Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models for forecasting Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Hyderabad, India, while examining the impact of integrating spatial information into these models. Incorporating an extensive array of input variables, ranging from spectral indices to terrain features, land use/land cover (LULC) data, atmospheric parameters, and spatial data, the analysis reveals significant relationships between LST and various factors. Notably, Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) exhibit strong positive correlations with LST, while Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) demonstrates a pronounced negative correlation. Similarly, Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) displays the strongest positive correlation with LST (r = 0.49), whereas EVI exhibits the most notable negative correlation (r = −0.67). Additionally, Modified Bare Soil Index (MBI) demonstrates a noteworthy negative correlation (r = −0.48) with LST for Bangalore. Atmospheric components such as CO, NO2, and O3 also show significant positive correlations with LST, with NO2 displaying the highest correlation during winter in urban areas. XGBoost emerges as the superior model, achieving high R2 values of 0.84 for Bangalore and 0.88 for Hyderabad. Integration of spatial information consistently enhances the performance of both RF and XGBoost models, resulting in reduced Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) values. However, predictions over water bodies tend to be underestimated. The study underscores the importance of incorporating spatial data for accurate LST prediction, with implications for environmental monitoring and management. Despite the advancements made, further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms through which spatial information improves model performance, suggesting avenues for future investigation and refinement of modeling methodologies. At the intersection of rapid urban growth and environmental conservation, these findings are poised to inform policymakers, urban planners, and researchers, guiding them towards innovative and sustainable urban development strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of rapid urban expansion while promoting ecosystem well-being. The study contributes to spatial modeling strategies and refines LST prediction methodologies, offering valuable insights for addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Resolving the adaptive performance problems in the public sector using purposeful leadership: an empirical investigation in Ghana

PurposePerformance problems in the public sector (PS) necessitate adaptation due to the sector’s uniqueness. Purposeful leadership (PL) may resolve PS adaptive performance (AP) problems. However, there is a paucity of research on the influence of PL on AP. Using data from three large PS organisations in Ghana, this research explores the relationship between PL and AP through job satisfaction (JS) and organisational identification (OI). It also explores the moderating effect of organisational integrity (IN) on the PL–JS and PL–OI relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis paper created and tested a research model using the responses of 875 public servants in Smart PLS 4. Contract fulfilment and perceived organisational support functioned as control factors influencing JS (an intervener). Perceived procedural justice and psychological need satisfaction serve as control factors for OI (another intervener). Age, sex, tenure, education and job position were used as control variables in AP. To assess the role of moderation, we utilised the product indicator approach, and to estimate the role of mediation, we used variance accounted for (VAF). A significance level of 5% was established.FindingsAs anticipated, this study found that PL and AP had a significantly positive connection (t = 2.229, p = 0.000, β = 0.138). Both JS (VAF = 27.37%) and OI (VAF = 39.21%) partially mediated this connection. IN positively moderated the PL–JS (t = 4.249, p = 0.000, β = 0.165) and PL–OI (t = 3.704, p = 0.002, β = 0.099) connections.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides a theoretical and empirical understanding of the PL–AP relationship, how this relationship is facilitated and how the PL–JS and PL–OI relationships are strengthened. It provides a roadmap for upcoming scholars to test the hypotheses in diverse PS contexts globally to broaden the field of leadership. It will be insightful to show how JS and OI jointly mediate this relationship and the potential mediating role of job embeddedness in further studies.Practical implicationsHuman resource (HR) practices in PS organisations, such as selecting, leadership enhancement initiatives, promotions, training and performance evaluations, must be guided by a “values-driven strategy” if leadership is to find, cultivate and keep employees capable of devising innovative strategies to manage unforeseen circumstances at work. The leaders are required to demonstrate the values of their organisations in order to set up a role model.Social implicationsThis study highlights the obstacles that purposeful leaders have the potential to mitigate, as well as the prospects that they might offer. It shows the essence for PS organisations to uphold and maintain high integrity standards as their hallmark.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to create and test a research model that shows the relationship between PL and AP. It also shows the different mechanisms (JS and OI) that make this effect possible, as well as the good work environment (i.e. IN) that allows the PL–JS and PL–OI relationships to grow.

Crystal chemistry and formation of authigenic chlorite: Influence on tight sandstone reservoir in the Yanchang formation, Ordos Basin, China

Authigenic chlorite is a crucial diagenetic cement that significant impacts tight sandstone reservoirs. The occurrence, crystal chemistry, formation and influences on reservoirs of different authigenic chlorite types were studied in the Yanchang Formation tight sandstones from the Ordos Basin. This study identified two primary types of chlorites: alteration chlorite and autochthonous authigenic chlorite. The alteration chlorite, characterizing by high Fe, Mg, Ti and AlIV contents and low Si and AlVI contents, originated from biotite during diagenesis. The autochthonous authigenic chlorite can be further classified into grain-coating, pore-lining, and pore-filling chlorite. The grain-coating chlorite features thin layers and limited crystal form. During the syndiagenetic stage, Fe2+ and Mg2+ carried by water adsorbed onto the particle surfaces. Additionally, the grain-coating chlorite contains relatively high K content due to the hydrolysis of biotite during the eodiagenetic A stage. The pore-lining chlorite formed during the prolonged eodiagenetic B stage. The biotite and abundant intermediate-basic magmatic fragments released Fe2+ and Mg2+, contributing to the widespread development of euhedral pore-lining chlorite. Notably, the pore-lining chlorite displayed elemental composition variations from the grain edge to the pore center, with increased Fe, Mg and AlIV, and decreased K and AlVI. The pore-filling chlorite formed locally resulted from Fe2+ and Mg2+ crystallization due to the hydrolysis of intermediate-basic magmatic rocks and the dissolution early formed chlorite. The pore-filling chlorite contains the most Fe, Mg and Mn contents and the least K content. Overall, authigenic chlorite acts as a "double-edged sword" in tight sandstone reservoir. The grain-coating and grain-lining chlorite enhance the mechanical strength, resist compaction, and inhibit quartz overgrowth, while pore-filling chlorite trends to obstruct pore throats and break reservoir quality. This study provides valuable insights into the detailed control factors influencing reservoir quality and can serve as a reference for further research.

Development and influencing factors of middle‐deep tight sandstone reservoir ‘sweet spots’ in fault basin—Taking the Eocene Shahejie Formation in Suning area of Raoyang Sag in Bohai Bay basin as an example

This study takes the tight sandstone of the lower sub‐member of the first member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es1x) in the Suning area, Raoyang Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Furthermore, it determines the rock type of the middle‐deep tight sandstone through lithologic profiling, core observation and log data analysis. The genetic control factors of tight sandstone in the study area are analysed using conventional thin section, pore‐casted thin section and scanning electron microscope, and the characteristics and genetic control factors of tight sandstone reservoirs are summarized. The research results show that the tight sandstones in this area are primarily feldspathic sandstone and feldspathic lithic sandstone, with high quartz contents, around 61.50%. The average porosity of the reservoir in the study area is 4.69%, and the average permeability is 2.92 mD, which are characteristics of low‐porosity and low‐permeability reservoirs. Through research, it has been found that the distribution of sedimentary facies and diagenesis in the study area control the development and distribution of ‘sweet spots’. Both compaction and cementation reduce the physical properties of the reservoir, while dissolution can increase porosity, thereby increasing the physical properties of the reservoir; dissolution resulted in an increase of approximately 3.57%–3.69% in the porosity of the tight reservoir in the study area, with an average porosity increase of 3.63%, and is the main controlling factor for the development of ‘sweet spots’ in the reservoir. The results provide an important basis for guiding the exploration and development of tight sandstone oil and gas in the lower sub‐member of the first member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es1x)in the Suning area.

Abstract PS03-08: Spatial biomechanics determines fate in breast cancer

Abstract Background: With the recent advancements of spatial omics, it has become increasingly recognized that spatial analysis the of tumor architecture is key to decipher the heterogenous intratumoral relationships between different tumor components and provide better understanding of cancer therapy resistance, as well as help to identify potential targets for personalized therapy. The challenge of the discovery and implementation of such biomarkers still lays in the technological and methodological difficulties, and their translation into clinical practice. In parallel a major advancement in cancer research has been the recognition of the importance of cancer biomechanical properties in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy response. Methods: We developed a new computational platform to identify biomechanical drivers of cancer outcome from spatial omics data. We used it to identify recurring spatial patterns of these markers within the tumor microenvironment, and define the spatial scale of heterogeneity of such patterns. Our dataset consists in 700 primary breast cancer baseline samples analyzed with two 30-marker imaging mass cytometry panels to identify cancer, immune, and stromal cells and structures and their biomechanical states. Our patient cohort includes 20+ years of follow up, with up to 6 samples per patient from 64 patients alive 12 years post diagnosis, and 49 patients lost to breast cancer deaths. Patients were treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or combinations of these post-surgery. Based on this approach, we derived a new three-parameter quantitative metric of preferential spatial co-localization between different cells or structures, and we use this metric to stratify patients into responders and non-responders with the aid of single and multivariate survival analysis. Finally, we include a correlation with Atomic Force Microscopy to identify the mechanical signature of these driving patterns in breast cancer. Results: Our work enabled the identification of tumor-immune-stromal spatial patterns that drive breast cancer outcome and their spatial scale. Among our results, we were able to further define spatial regions of hypoxia-driven EMT. We found these regions to be usually on the scale of 50 mm radius, and enriched in presence of unspecified immune cells. They are also more frequent in ER+ areas, with high NaKATPase activity. Our analysis also shed light on the controversy on the role of fibroblasts. We have found that the presence of a strong, spatially structured stroma, in fibroblast-rich regions is a strong predictor of positive outcome. Similarly, in our analysis collagen cross-linking emerges as a positive control factor in Vimentin-rich microenvironments, offering new interpretation to the role of the ECM structure. Importantly, our first principle approach allows for the identification of driving structures beyond heterogeneity, and thus enables easy extension to additional datasets. Finally, when correlating these patterns with Atomic force microscopy measurements, we can clearly see that patterns predictive of poor survival present a clear heterogeneous stiffness signature, as opposed to a very homogenous good survival pattern signature. Conclusion: These results confirm the importance of spatial distribution of biomechanical drivers in cancer, offering new avenues of physics-based therapeutic targets. Our results also offer a solid base to inform machine learning algorithms on how to significantly parametrize spatial patterns in breast cancer for clinical significance. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time the use of Atomic Force Microscopy as a single biomarker for these patterns in breast cancer with a direct correlation based on pathology matching. Citation Format: Sara Nizzero, Maria Pelaez Soni, Gregory Zaugg, Mariam Gachechiladze, Yitian Xu, Licheng Zhang, Junjun Zheng, Brian Menegaz, Lee B Jordan, Colin A Purdie, Philip R Quinlan, Chandandeep Nagi, Karla A Sepulveda, Philipp Oertle, Tobias A Appenzeller, Marko Loparic, Zhihui Wang, Shu-Hsia Chen, Vittorio Cristini, Marija Plodinec, Alastair Thompson. Spatial biomechanics determines fate in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS03-08.

A question of norms and control—factors shaping sustainable energy behavior: a study among various university stakeholders

AbstractThis paper in the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. presents a study that uses a subgroup approach to investigate which factors, based on the theory of planned behavior, influence energy saving behavior at a medium-sized university in Germany and whether there are differences between the subgroups. The focus will be on the largest groups within the university (i.e., academic staff, administrative/technical staff and students). For this purpose, multi-group SEM is calculated in two independent cross-sectional samples (t1: N = 1714, t2: N = 1289) collected 2.5 years apart. In addition, a third, independent longitudinal sample (N = 189) was used to examine the causal effects of the theoretical model.The empirical findings partially reveal that injunctive social norms significantly predicted personal norms across subgroups and in both cross-sectional samples, while descriptive social norms negatively influenced personal norms only among the subgroup students. Personal norms and perceived behavioral control positively influenced energy-saving intentions across all subgroups in both cross-sectional samples. Regarding actual behavior, energy-saving intentions significantly predicted behavior across groups and time. The results are largely confirmed in the longitudinal sample. The findings show that subgroup analyzes in the organizational context can provide additional insights, but that overall the context of the organization seems to be significant for all organizational members regardless of the subgroup, as predominantly similar relationships were found between the variables under consideration in three independent samples.

Fog and Haze Control and Enterprise Green Total Factor Productivity - Evidence from China

Advancing fog and haze control and improving environmental quality levels reflect the Chinese government's institutional efforts to establish a green economic system. This paper examines the relationship between fog and haze control and enterprise green total factor productivity. The results show that fog and haze control can promote enterprises to improve green total factor productivity, and this effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises and enterprises in the central region. The government should advance environmental governance policies, induce enterprises to innovate in related green technologies, and achieve a win-win for both the environment and economic development.

Control factors and risk prediction of casing deformation in deep shale gas wells in southern Sichuan Basin

Casing deformation seriously affects the fracturing progress and stimulation effect of shale gas reservoirs. Considering casing deformations in fractured deep shale gas wells in the Luzhou block of southern Sichuan Basin, the influences of micro-structure, natural fractures, frequent layer penetration during drilling, cementing quality, borehole enlargement and fracturing operation on casing deformation were systematically analyzed. The results show that the occurrence rate of casing deformation is 51% and 66.3% respectively in areas with micro-structure and frequent layer penetration, the overlap rate of casing deformation points and natural fracture points is only 22%, the proportion corresponding to good cementing quality is only 36.5%, borehole enlargement/shrinking universally exists, and the fracturing intensity and scale are generally large before casing deformation. It is concluded that casing deformation is closely related to micro-structure, layer penetration and lithologic mutation surface, and controlled by well diameter, frequent layer penetration, cementing quality, micro-structure and natural fractures in a descending order of influence degree. Accordingly, a multi-factor weighting evaluation method and the vertical well trajectory, well quality and well stimulation classification criteria were built to realize the prediction, prevention and control of casing deformation in deep shale gas wells in the Luzhou block, demonstrating effectively improvement in stimulation effect.

Does time-varying risk aversion sentiment matter in the connectedness among Sub-Saharan African bond markets?

Several bond markets in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are defaulting due to hiking spreads amid the stressed states introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical risk tensions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Are there controllable factors that drive these markets? We investigate the dynamic connection shared by SSA bond markets and assess the role of investor sentiment measures, focusing on the risk aversion sentiment of international investors. Our results, across different trading horizons, are expected to aid in the formulation of policies for regulating and developing bond markets of emerging economies, particularly SSA. In terms of both return and volatility of SSA bonds, we find risk aversion sentiment an important transmitter of spillover for all investment horizons.

Association between the executive dysfunction and balance function in patients with stroke.

A previous study has shown an association between executive dysfunction (ED) and balance function in patients with stroke. However, it is unclear what factors mediate the association between ED and balance function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between ED and balance function and to identify mediating factors using mediation analysis. This study had a cross-sectional design. The study included 107 patients with stroke. This study was divided into two groups (ED and non-ED) using trail making test (TMT) part B. Two groups were compared for balance function (timed up and go test [TUGT] and Berg balance scale [BBS]) and other variables using paired test. In addition, partial correlation analysis with age, cognitive function as a control factor, and mediation analysis were also performed. The ED group (N=55) had significantly lower TUGT and BBS scores than the non-ED group (N=52). TMT part B correlated with TUGT (ρ=0.41), BBS (ρ=-0.33), and Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) lower limb (ρ=-0.22). The TUGT model of mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect as a result of mediation of the BRS lower limb between TMT part B and TUGT. The BBS model showed a significant indirect effect as a result of mediation of the activities of daily living (ADL) motor function between TMT part B and BBS. ED and balance function were associated, and the degree of paralysis and ADL motor function were associated with them in patients with stroke.

The Influence of Perceived Discrimination on Heart Rate Variability in Young Black Adults

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, with a disproportional precedence in Black adults. Heart rate variability (HRV) is used to help predict future CVD, with lower HRV indicative of a compromised cardiovascular system. Prior evidence has suggested that experienced racial discrimination is associated with CVD risk. However, there is limited information regarding experienced racial discrimination on HRV in young Black adults. Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine whether personal-level and group-level racial discrimination was associated with worse HRV in young Black adults. Methods: Black adults aged 18-25 (n=18, 44.45% female) volunteered to participate in this study, arriving at the lab at 7am in a fasted state. Following 30 minutes of rest, HRV measures were assessed using a SphygmoCor 3-lead ECG in a supine position. The HRV measure included the standard deviation of all R-R intervals (SDNN), the mean number of times an hour successive NN intervals exceeds 50ms (pNN50), the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), the low-frequency (LF) power domain, high-frequency (HF) power domain, and their ratio (LF:HF). Participants were given a perceived racial discrimination questionnaire that assessed personal-level and group-level discrimination. Pearson correlations were used to analyze the association between perceived racial discrimination measures and HRV measures. Results: In Black males, perceived personal-level racial discrimination was negatively associated with sympathetic activity (LF, R2 = -0.704, p = 0.023) and sympathovagal balance (LF:HF, R2 = -0.749, p = 0.013), and positively associated with parasympathetic activity (HF, R2 = 0.704, p = 0.023). Perceived group-level racial discrimination was not associated with HRV measures. Furthermore, perceived racial discrimination was not associated with HRV in Black females. Conclusion: Although decreased HRV has been associated with increased risk for CVD, higher HRV has been shown to be associated with left ventricular mass in Black adults. Therefore, HRV implications may be dependent on social determinants of health and other covariates that are associated with race/ethnicity. In the current study, higher HRV was observed in Black males who reported higher personal-level discrimination, which may be an important factor in sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac control and CVD risk. Given our preliminary findings, more research is warranted that investigates the impact of racial identity, resiliency, coping, and healthy lifestyle behaviors on mitigating the detrimental impact of perceived racial discrimination on the cardiovascular health of young Black adults. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Recipient from the American Physiological Society. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Un dolor de bolsillo: prevalencia de dolor en los pacientes con implantación de sistemas de neuromodulación: estudio retrospectivo

IntroductionImplantable pulse generator (IPG) is a neurostimulation therapy mediated by electrodes and surgically implanted in a subcutaneous “pocket” used for the control of numerous pathologies. This study examines both the prevalence of pain associated with IPG implantation (“pain pocket syndrome”) and its associated characteristics. Materials and methods56 patients with an IPG were included in the study. A health questionnaire was conducted to determine the presence of pain associated with the pocket and its neuropathic characteristics, as well as associated aesthetic concerns, location, situations that accentuate or alleviate pain, medications used for baseline and pocket pain control and other factors associated. ResultsPain in the area of implantation of the IPG had a prevalence of 52.6% of patients (n = 27), in our sample, with a mean score on the visual analogic scale (VAS) of 4.9 points [3.9 - 5.8 points], with neuropathic characteristics in 53.3% (n = 16) of the patients with pain, with differences between the mean VAS score of the female (5.5 [4.3 - 5.8 points]) and males (3.5 points [2.1 - 4.9 points]) (P=.04). ConclusionPocket pain is a condition with a higher prevalence than described in previous studies, being of a higher intensity in females, involving a moderate pain in the area of implantation of the neuromodulating therapy. This pain has neuropathic characteristics and could require a repositioning intervention. Hence, more studies in this field should be carried to detect and prevent this syndrome.

Maternal and Neonatal Characteristics Associated With Failed Induction of Labor in Diabetic Mothers [ID 2683497

INTRODUCTION: Uncontrolled diabetes is a risk factor for cesarean delivery. Identifying and stratifying associated risk factors for failed induction of labor (IOL) may improve counseling and intrapartum care. This study aims at determining maternal and fetal factors that would predict the occurrence of failed IOL in diabetic mothers. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 2,172 diabetic mothers who underwent IOL at a single university medical center between January 2013 and December 2021. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were obtained. Among the studied maternal characteristics were ethnicity, age, gestational age, medical comorbidities (including preeclampsia and essential hypertension), insulin administration, parity, and health insurance type (public versus private). Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A value of P<.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Our preliminary analysis showed that 567 out of 2,172 (26.1%) diabetic mothers failed IOL and delivered via cesarean pathway. Failed IOL was associated with nulliparity (P=.0001), preexisting diabetes (compared to gestational diabetes) (P=.001), control of diabetes by insulin (P=.001), maternal essential hypertension (P=.001), preeclampsia (P=.001), polyhydramnios (P=.001), prenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (P=.008), and placental abnormalities (P=.027). Neonatal weight, large for gestational age, head circumference, and height were not statistically associated with failed induction of labor (all values of P>.05). Failed IOL was associated with admission to neonatal intensive care unit (P=.001), hyperbilirubinemia (P=.001), lower APGAR score at 1 minute (P=.033), longer stay in the hospital (0.001). Failed IOL was not associated with lower APGAR score at 5 minutes, lower umbilical cord pH value, neonatal readmission or maternal ethnicity (all values of P>.05). CONCLUSION: Failed IOL among diabetic mothers is associated with significant maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Our continued data analysis aims at assessing the role of optimal glucose control and other maternal factors in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Optimization of composition parameter of Banana-Areca fiber epoxy based composite material for impact strength using Taguchi method

The use of natural fibers in various automotive, aerospace, marine, domestic, and electronic applications is increasing day by day for various reasons such as availability, high tensile, flexural, and impact strength, ease of fabrication, and abrasion-resistant properties. These fibers are replacing synthetic fibers due to harmless environmental risks. Natural fibers are commonly used as reinforcement materials in various thermoplastics. Therefore, in this study, a bio composite was prepared using a mixture of banana fiber and areca fiber. In this experimental work, various combination of Banana and areca fiber is used to prepare the composite for the impact strength of the material. The impact strength is performed for three different levels of volume of banana fiber, areca, and epoxy resin. Parameter optimization is performed using Taguchi analysis which forms an L9 orthogonal meshing of an array and the signal-to-noise ratio is used to optimize the control factors affecting the impact resistance of the material. For each group, the impact resistance is measured according to the ASTM D256 standard. Analysis of variance is done to determine the most significant factor influencing the impact strength of the material. The composition of banana fiber layer 1 turned out to be the most significant factor in achieving the high-impact strength of the material. A confirmation test was conducted to validate the predicted results of Taguchi analysis and experimental testing.

Vision detection and path planning of mobile robots for rebar binding

AbstractFocused on the problems of cumbersome operation, low efficiency, and high cost in the traditional manual rebar binding process, we propose a mobile robot vision detection and path‐planning method for rebar binding to realize automated rebar binding by combining deep learning and path‐planning technology. A MobileNetV3‐SSD rebar binding crosspoints recognition model is built based on TensorFlow deep learning framework, and a crosspoints localization method combining control factor α and feature projection curve is introduced to achieve the localization of unbound crosspoints. In addition, A back‐and‐forth path‐planning algorithm with priority constraints combined with dead zone escape algorithm based on improved A* is proposed to achieve complete coverage path planning of the working area and path transfer of the dead zone. In the field test of the robot prototype, the classification accuracy and localization accuracy reached 94.40% and 90.49%, and the robot was able to reach complete coverage path planning successfully. The experimental results show that the visual detection method can achieve fast, noncontact and intelligent recognition of rebar binding crosspoints, which has good robustness and application value. At the same time, the proposed path‐planning method has higher efficiency in the execution of robot complete coverage path planning, and meets the basic requirements of path planning for rebar binding process.

Fault Structure Reconstruction From Magnetic Anomalies Using an Improved Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm

AbstractFault structure reconstruction is an important aspect of magnetic prospecting as it contributes to understanding tectonic history, hazard assessment, and infrastructure planning. Metaheuristics have proven useful in estimating fault structure parameters from geophysical anomalies. Recently, a modified version of the Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm (BSA), named mBSA, has been proposed that combines mutation steps of BSA and Differential Evolution (DE) algorithms to achieve a better balance between exploration and exploitation. Here, we present imBSA as an efficient approach that builds on the improvements of mBSA. It uses an adaptive amplitude control factor in the mutation step derived from a normally distributed random number obtained via an exponential function. The performances of these approaches were tested on some widely used benchmark functions such as Rosenbrock, Rastrigin, Griewank, and Himmelblau. Synthetic magnetic fault anomalies were evaluated with and without noise, as well as three real anomalies from the Dehri (India), Perth Basin, and Lachlan Fold Belt (Australia). Prior to the optimizations, the solvability of the model parameters was examined using some error topography images. The obtained solutions in the synthetic cases were evaluated using principal component analysis. In addition, a novel visualization option for high‐dimensional optimization problems was introduced. The experiments showed that imBSA has a faster convergence rate and better optimization statistics compared to BSA and mBSA. Therefore, it is believed to be an efficient and good alternative tool to widely used metaheuristics such as Particle Swarm Optimization and DE in explaining geophysical anomalies and optimization problems in other geoscientific disciplines.

Chimera states in fractional-order coupled Rayleigh oscillators

Chimera states, characterized by the coexistence of synchronized and desynchronized oscillators, have been extensively described via integer differential equations over the past few decades. However, it is still unclear whether and under which conditions chimera states will appear in terms of the coupled systems involving fractional derivatives. In this work, we investigate the chimera states of Rayleigh oscillators in the fractional-order systems with attractive and repulsive couplings. Firstly, we introduce the repulsive control factor and show the various transition routes from the desynchronized state to the incoherent oscillation death by altering this factor and the fractional-order derivatives. Then, it is demonstrated that as the coupling strength varies, a vast repertoire of interesting collective behaviors will emerge, such as synchronization, solitary state, traveling wave, traveling chimera, oscillatory cluster, imperfect traveling chimera state, imperfect amplitude chimera state, and chimera death. Finally, we discuss the effect of attractive and repulsive couplings and find that decreasing the repulsive control factor can reduce the repulsive interaction, allowing the attractive coupling to dominate and promote the emergence of the coherent state.

Risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing and poor asthma control in children with asthma

BackgroundSleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may lead to poor asthma control in children.ObjectiveTo identify risk factors of SDB in children with asthma and assess its impact on asthma control.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we collected data of outpatients with asthma at the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2020 to August 2021. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire—Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder and the age-appropriate asthma control tests Childhood Asthma Control Test and Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids were completed.ResultsWe enrolled 397 children with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1 and a mean age of 5.70 ± 2.53 years. The prevalence of SDB was 21.6%. Allergic rhinitis (odds ratio OR = 3.316), chronic tonsillitis (OR = 2.246), gastroesophageal reflux (OR = 7.518), adenoid hypertrophy (OR = 3.479), recurrent respiratory infections (OR = 2.195), and a family history of snoring (OR = 2.048) were risk factors for the development of combined SDB in children with asthma (p < 0.05). Asthma was poorly controlled in 19.6% of the children. SDB (OR = 2.391) and irregular medication use (OR = 2.571) were risk factors for poor asthma control (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAllergic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, gastroesophageal reflux, adenoid hypertrophy, recurrent respiratory infections, and a family history of snoring were independent risk factors for the development of SDB in children with asthma. SDB and irregular medication use were independent risk factors for poor asthma control.

The association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults, a cross-sectional population-based study (findings from Bandare-Kong non-communicable disease cohort study)

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Dietary patterns are supposed to be important and controllable factors in developing metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome and its components.Subjects/MethodsCross-sectional data were extracted from the Bandare-Kong cohort study conducted on 4063 people aged 35 to 70. Dietary patterns were extracted using principal component analysis based on thirty-eight pre-defined food groups. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and its components with quintiles of dietary patterns in crude and adjusted models.ResultsThree major dietary patterns were identified (healthy, western, and traditional) in the final analysis of 2823 eligible individuals. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of metabolic syndrome were significantly decreased by 46% in subjects with the highest adherence to the healthy dietary pattern compared to those with the lowest adherence quintile. Results from fully adjusted models on individual metabolic syndrome components showed an inverse association between higher adherence to the healthy dietary pattern and the odds of increased blood glucose, high waist circumference, and elevated blood pressure. However, in fully adjusted models, no significant association was observed between the western and traditional dietary patterns with odds of metabolic syndrome and its components.ConclusionsAdherence to a healthy dietary pattern containing high amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy products, and legumes, could be recommended to prevent and control metabolic syndrome.

Anesthetic Management for Atrial Septal Defect Closure in a Patient with Bidirectional Shunt and Pulmonary Hypertension

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background &lt;/strong&gt;: ASD bidirectional shunt occurs when flow moves between left and right depending on the higher pressure, either systemic vascular resistance (SVR) or pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The anesthetic management aimed to maintain the left-to-right shunt and control factors that could increase PVR while retaining SVR within normal or slightly elevated ranges.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Case Illustration &lt;/strong&gt;: We reported a 39-year-old female patient with ASD, bidirectional shunt, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) who underwent defect closure. Due to the mean pulmonary pressure exceeded 50% of mean systemic pressure, an intentional ASD creation was performed. It is not a routine procedure; however, it serves as a “way out” if there is severe left ventricular dysfunction. Attention and intervention were promptly administered for any identified post-surgical issues, including PH crisis or right ventricular dysfunction. The management of PH was conducted during perioperative period and the patient was successfully extubated at 17 hours post-surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion &lt;/strong&gt;: Perioperative management of bidirectional shun ASD with PH requires a SVR and PVR. Factors that can increase PVR must be avoided/controlled and on the other hand SVR must be maintained.&lt;/p&gt;