Effective Measures Research Articles

Noninvasive Online Capacitor Monitoring Method for Three-Level Converter Based on Active Neutral-Point Current Adjustment

Capacitor monitoring is one of the effective measures to assess the health status of power converters. Although some conventional methods have been proposed, they require adding auxiliary current sensors, changing operation conditions, or deteriorating the output performance. The lack of noninvasive online capacitor monitoring methods is a great problem in an AC/DC/AC system. To address this urgent need, this article proposes a truly noninvasive online capacitor monitoring method specifically for three-level neutral-point-clamped converters. The word “noninvasive” means no additional sensors, no changes to operation conditions, and little influence on the output performance. It monitors capacitors by actively adjusting the neutral-point (NP) current to induce a ripple in the NP voltage. Then, it reconstructs the injected NP current based on the switching states and three-phase currents, and obtains the response ripple in the NP voltage through a recursive least square (RLS) filter. Finally, according to the relationship between the injected NP current and the response ripple in the NP voltage, it estimates the capacitance simply via a RLS observer. Both numerical simulation and experimental results are provided as well to verify the correctness and feasibility of the proposed method.

Wildlife as sentinels for emerging zoonotic diseases: A review of surveillance systems in the USA

Wildlife plays a crucial role as sentinels for emerging zoonotic diseases, serving as early indicators of potential threats to human and animal health. This review examines the surveillance systems in the USA that utilize wildlife as indicators for the presence of emerging zoonotic pathogens. The review focuses on the methodologies, challenges, and implications of these surveillance systems. In the USA, wildlife surveillance for zoonotic diseases is primarily conducted through passive surveillance, where wildlife carcasses are collected and tested for pathogens. Additionally, active surveillance programs target specific wildlife species known to host zoonotic pathogens or species that may be in close contact with humans or domestic animals. These surveillance efforts are complemented by the use of sentinel species, such as birds or bats, which are monitored for signs of disease that could indicate the presence of zoonotic pathogens. Challenges in wildlife surveillance include the vast geographic range of many wildlife species, making it difficult to sample populations comprehensively. Additionally, the diversity of wildlife species and habitats in the USA presents logistical challenges for surveillance efforts. Furthermore, there are challenges related to data sharing and coordination among agencies responsible for wildlife and public health. The implications of wildlife surveillance for public health policy and practice are significant. Early detection of zoonotic pathogens in wildlife can lead to timely public health interventions, such as vaccination campaigns or changes in land use practices to reduce human-wildlife contact. Moreover, wildlife surveillance can inform the development of predictive models for disease outbreaks, enabling more effective preparedness and response measures. In conclusion, wildlife surveillance plays a critical role in the early detection and monitoring of emerging zoonotic diseases in the USA. Continued investment in surveillance systems and research is essential to enhance our understanding of zoonotic disease dynamics and improve our ability to protect human and animal health.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial enteropathogens in Crete, Greece, during 2011-2022.

Diarrheal diseases are of great concern worldwide and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the epidemiology and the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial enteropathogens among diarrheal patients of all ages in Crete, Greece during 2011-2022. Stool specimens were tested by conventional cultural methods for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (EPEC, STEC), Yersinia enterocolitica, Aeromonas species and Clostridioides difficile. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method for Enterobacterales, Campylobacter and Aeromonas, and by the gradient diffusion method for C. difficile. Of the 26,060 stool samples from patients of any age, 1,022 (3.9%) were positive for bacterial enteropathogens. Campylobacter spp. were the most commonly isolated bacteria (56.4%), followed by Salmonella enterica (32.3%), and E. coli (EPEC, STEC) (6.5%). Toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from 341 out of 8,848 diarrheal specimens examined (3.9%). Resistance to ampicillin was observed in 12.4% of Salmonella, 66.7% of Shigella and 34.8% of E. coli (EPEC, STEC) isolates. Resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was observed in 5.8% of Salmonella, 33.3% of Shigella, and 15.1% of E. coli (EPEC, STEC) isolates. High rates of ciprofloxacin resistance (77.3%) were detected among Campylobacter isolates, while resistance to erythromycin was observed in 2.4% of them. All C. difficile isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole. Our findings suggest declining trends in prevalence of bacterial enteropathogens, except for Campylobacter spp. and changes in the susceptibility rates to antimicrobials. Continuous surveillance of prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial enteropathogens is mandatory for implementing targeted and effective prevention and infection control measures.

The concept of "state fishes of India": Current status, knowledge gaps, and strategic plans for conservation and sustainable utilization.

The concept of "state fishes of India" highlights the importance and significance of the prioritized fish species distributed across various states within the country. This review article systematically documents the current status of state fishes from various perspectives, identifies the prevailing knowledge gaps, and also highlights the issues and strategic plans essential for the conservation and sustainable utilization of these valuable genetic resources. A total of 8357 publications were checked for the consolidated information on state fish species, and the appropriate items were selected under eight categories: biology, physiology and nutrition, aquaculture, habitat and environmental parameters, genetics and biotechnology, harvest and postharvest, fish health management, and others. The synthesized information was used to present the current status of research and development on state fish species. The knowledge gaps that are to be addressed are also depicted under the perspectives of fisheries management and conservation aquaculture. Based on the findings, strategic plans for the targeted conservation programmes are proposed and discussed under various in situ and ex situ conservation measures. Further, the departmental processes involved in the declaration, the importance of stakeholder involvement, namely, local communities and policymakers, in fostering effective conservation measures, and planning for utilization of these valuable fish genetic resources are also indicated.

Metformin Use in Type 2 Diabetics and Delirium After Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

The cause of postoperative delirium is unknown, but it is thought to result at least in part from inflammation. Metformin, besides its hypoglycemic properties, demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects systemically and in the brain. We tested the primary hypothesis that chronic metformin use in adults with type 2 diabetes is associated with less delirium during the first 5 days after major noncardiac surgery. Secondary outcomes were a composite of serious complications (myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, stage 2-3 acute kidney injury [AKI], and mortality) and time to discharge alive. We considered adults with type 2 diabetes who did or did not routinely use metformin daily and had noncardiac surgery. Delirium was assessed by Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) or brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) for 5 postoperative days. Postoperative AKI was defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Guidelines. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equation models accounted for within-patient correlation across multiple surgeries and explored the association between metformin use and postoperative delirium and complications. Inverse propensity score weighting and propensity score calibration (PSC) adjusted for confounding variables. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative delirium between the 2 groups, with 260 of 4744 cases (5.5%) among metformin users and 502 of 5918 cases (8.5%) cases in nonmetformin users, for an odds ratio of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.05; P = .155), number-needed-to-expose = 118 patients. Similarly, there were fewer composite complications in metformin users (3.3%) than in nonusers (11.7%); However, the common-effect odds ratio of 0.67 was not statistically significant (97.5% CI, 0.39-1.17; P = .106). Discharge from the hospital was significantly faster in patients who took metformin (3 [interquartile range, IQR, 1-5] days for metformin users and 3 [IQR, 2-6] days for nonmetformin users), with a hazard ratio of 1.07 for early discharge, and tight CIs (1.01-1.13). Chronic metformin use was associated with slightly and nonsignificantly less delirium. However, patients who used metformin had clinically meaningfully fewer major complications, mostly stage 2 to 3 kidney injury. While not statistically significant, the reduction was substantial and warrants further investigation because there is currently no effective preventive measure for perioperative renal injury. Benefit would be especially meaningful if it could be produced by acute perioperative treatment. Finally, metformin was associated with faster hospital discharge, although not by a clinically meaningful amount.

Bond-slip model of headed bar and its application to component-based model for precast concrete joints under accidental loads

This study focused on investigating bond-slip behaviour of headed bars embedded in well-confined concrete. Test results based on eight pull-out specimens under displacement-controlled incremental loading showed that recommended development lengths from ACI318–19 are conservative in developing ultimate strength of headed bars associated with smaller slips than straight bars. Moreover, it was found that different (but sufficiently long) embedment lengths had a significant effect on the free-end slip but negligible effect on the loaded-end slip of headed bars. Additionally, the study highlighted the significance of head bearing in anchorage formation, especially during inelastic stage when bond strength had deteriorated. To address inaccuracy in predicting structural behaviour caused by inadequate anchorage strength of headed bars, a macro bond-slip model was proposed based on correlation in strain distribution obtained from the pull-out tests. Subsequently, the proposed model was incorporated into a component-based model (CBM) and validated against test results of PC joints under seismic loading. A numerical investigation using the validated CBM was conducted to study behaviour of exterior PC joints with headed bars and special detailing. These included Type X joint with X-bent bars and plastic hinge relocation (PHR), and Type A joint with an additional bar layer (ABL) in the beam-joint region, subjected to extreme loads such as seismic action or progressive collapse. The results revealed that seismic behaviour of exterior joints was governed by ductile failure of the beam at the PHR and vertical joint interface in Type X and Type A joints, respectively. Progressive collapse was primarily caused by column failure, with flexural and catenary action effectively preventing collapse. Notably, under both loading conditions, presence of ABL in Type A joint and X-bent bars with PHR in Type X joint improves flexural strength of beams at critical sections and joint shear strength, ultimately enhancing structural performance of joints. Design recommendations include replacing hooked bars with headed bars as well as implementing X-bent bars with PHR and ABL in PC joints. The authors advocate the strong-column-weak-beam design approach as an effective measure to prevent progressive collapse.

On the effect of pressure coefficient source on the energy demand of an isolated cross-ventilated building

Natural ventilation is a simple and effective measure to both reduce the cooling demand of buildings and improve the indoor air quality. In the prediction of heating and cooling demands by means of building energy simulations (BES), the use of pressure coefficients (Cp) from databases as input for the airflow network model is the common approach. Cp values for the same building typology may differ according to the adopted database and are generally unavailable for buildings with complex geometry. Employed Cp values may lead to differences in BES results. This manuscript presents a comparison, for different wind directions, between the Cp distributions and mean values on the facades of a detached building obtained with full-scale CFD – Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) – simulations, from a database and from wind-tunnel experiments. The obtained pressure coefficients are used in the BES of a naturally ventilated building and the energy demand difference between the four approaches is quantified. Four climate zones (tropical, dry/desertic, temperate, continental) are considered. Although, in terms of accuracy of Cp prediction, LES outperforms RANS for all the wind directions considered, annual cooling energy demand is found to be relatively insensitive to the source of Cp for the current case study, while predicted peak cooling values differ up to 10.8%. On the other hand, the prediction of annual heating energy demand in cold climates varies up to 3% depending on the Cp source employed for BES simulations.

A GIS-Based Top-Down Approach to Support Energy Retrofitting for Smart Urban Neighborhoods

Energy and environmental challenges are a major concern across the world and the urban residential building sector, being one of the main stakeholders in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, needs to be more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. While it is easier to design net zero energy homes, existing home stocks are a major challenge for energy retrofitting. Two key challenges are determining the extent of retrofitting required, and developing knowledge-based effective policies that can be applied en-masse to housing stocks and neighborhoods. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to gather critical data about qualities of existing buildings including their age, geo-location, construction type, as well as electro-mechanical and occupancy parameters of each dwelling. The objective of this study was to develop a GIS-based model embedded with critical data of residential buildings to facilitate evidence-based retrofit programs for urban neighborhoods. A model based on a bottom-up approach was proposed in which information gathered from all stakeholders was inputted into one database that can be used for decision-making. A geo-located case study to validate a proposed GIS-based residential retrofitting model sample size of 74 residential buildings in the city of Riyadh was statistically analyzed and used. The results indicate behavior-based patterns, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.606) between the number of occupants and number of household appliances, while regression analysis showed high occupancy rates do not necessarily result in high utility costs at the end of the month, and there is no statistical difference in the average monthly cost of gas between partial and fully occupied houses. Furthermore, neither the type of building, height, age, nor occupancy status play a significant role in the average energy consumed. Additionally, the GIS-based model was validated and found to be effective for energy-use mapping and gathering critical data for analyzing energy consumption patterns at neighborhood scale, making it useful for municipalities to develop effective policies aimed at energy efficient and smart neighborhoods, based on a recommended list of most effective energy-saving retrofit measures.

Preliminary life history of the Critically Endangered bottlenose wedgefish Rhynchobatus australiae from Southeast Asia

The bottlenose wedgefish Rhynchobatus australiae has experienced substantial population declines throughout its range. However, there is a lack of life history information (age, growth, and maturity) available for this species to inform conservation and management efforts. A total of 48 R. australiae samples were purchased from 2 fishing ports in Singapore between July 2018-July 2019. Species identification was confirmed by mtDNA barcoding using the NADH2 region. Length of specimens ranged from 506-1645 mm total length (TL), and ages ranged from 0-11 yr. Multi-model analysis was used to estimate growth parameters using a Bayesian approach with informative priors. The von Bertalanffy model was the best fitting growth model for the combined sexes (L∞ = 2814 mm TL; L0 = 517 mm TL; k = 0.07 yr-1), for females only (L∞ = 3053 mm TL; L0 = 504 mm TL; k = 0.06 yr-1), and for males only (L∞ = 2741 mm TL; L0 = 497 mm TL; k = 0.07 yr-1). Preliminary results indicate that females and males may mature at different ages and lengths, with females (A50 = 3.25 yr; L50 = 1014 mm TL) matured younger and at smaller sizes, than males (A50 = 5.03 yr; L50 = 1197 mm TL). R. australiae has an estimated theoretical longevity of 40 and 47 yr for males and females, respectively. This study provides the first preliminary species-specific life history information for R. australiae, suggesting that this species in Southeast Asian waters is slow-growing. This information will further the biological knowledge available for this species and can be used to help design effective management and conservation measures.

Quality evaluation of physical education in colleges and universities based on fuzzy logic

This study aims to evaluate the quality of physical education in colleges and universities by using the evaluation method based on fuzzy logic. First, summarize the basic concept of fuzzy logic and its application in the evaluation process. Then, a physical education quality evaluation index system covering teaching quality and students’ physical quality, teachers’ team construction, sports facilities and management is constructed. Then, the evaluation object and evaluation level are determined, and the specific evaluation results and ranking are calculated by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model. In the empirical analysis, use the simulation data for model application and result analysis, and further find the problems existing in college physical education. Finally, in view of these problems, a series of improvement and optimization suggestions are put forward. This study shows that the evaluation method of physical education quality based on fuzzy logic can effectively reflect the diversity and complexity of education quality, and provide a practical evaluation tool for colleges and universities. At the same time, this study also provides a reference for other universities to help them better understand their own problems, so that they can take effective measures to improve. In addition, this method can be applied to other fields of education quality evaluation in the future, so as to provide more useful information for education reform and development.

Injectable Double Crosslinked Hydrogel-Polypropylene Composite Mesh for Repairing Full-Thickness Abdominal Wall Defects.

Abdominal wall defects are common clinical diseases, and mesh repair is the standard treatment method. The most commonly used polypropylene (PP) mesh in clinical practice has the advantages of good mechanical properties, stable performance, and effective tissue integration effect. However, direct contact between abdominal viscera and PP mesh can lead to severe abdominal adhesions. To prevent this, the development of a hydrogel-PP composite mesh with anti-adhesive properties may be an effective measure. Herein, biofunctional hydrogel loaded with rosmarinic acid is developed by modifying chitosan and Pluronic F127, which possesses suitable physical and chemical properties and commendable in vitro biocompatibility. In the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defects in rats, hydrogels are injected onto the surface of PP mesh and applied to intraperitoneal repair. The results indicate that the use of hydrogel-PP composite mesh can alleviate abdominal adhesions resulting from traditional PP mesh implantation by decreasing local inflammatory response, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating the fibrinolytic system. Combined with the tissue integration ability of PP mesh, hydrogel-PP composite mesh has great potential for repairing full-thickness abdominal wall defects.

Assessment of the impact of conservation measures by modeling soil loss in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Gullies are significant contributors to soil degradation in several regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais, where erosion processes have caused soil loss. The characterization of erosion processes is crucial for the application of measures for recovering degraded areas and reducing erosion impacts. This study models soil loss with the use of InVEST software and assesses the impact of three different scenarios, namely (1) implementation of soil conservation practices and replacement of pasture areas for temporary agriculture, (2) reforestation of pasture areas, and (3) preservation of ciliary forests. Soil loss, sediment exportation, retention, and deposition for the present scenario (2019), as well as the three aforementioned hypothetical scenarios, were estimated. In the present scenario, the estimated mean annual soil loss was 2.75 t/ha year, with 1,449.54 t/year sediment exportation, 9,042.13 t/year retention, and 1,449.54 t/year deposition. The model predicted scenario 1 would result in 2.23 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,300.59 t/year sediment exportation, 9,191.08 t/year retention, and 11,755.76 t/year deposition. Scenario 2 showed 1.92 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,046.69 t/year sediment exportation, 9,444.98 t/year retention, and 10,229.77 t/year deposition, whereas the results for scenario 3 were 2.36 t/ha year, 616.65 t/year, 9,862.06 t/year, and 13,206.47 t/year, respectively. Reforestation and preservation of ciliary forests, along with soil conservation practices, were effective measures for reducing soil loss. Such findings are valuable for the management of areas degraded by erosion processes.

A balanced approach to standard-essential patent disputes: from the perspective of the sustainability of technological resources

Standard-essential patents (SEPs) are closely linked to technical standards and have the nature of public products. The combination of patents as private property rights with technical standards as public goods magnifies the exclusivity of patent rights, may hinder the application of technical standards and gives rise to a large number of legal disputes. Two solutions have been developed to alleviate this tension: a strong protection model that emphasizes the property rights nature of patents and a sharing model that emphasizes the public goods nature of technology standards. However, both options are detrimental to the efficiency of the allocation of technological resources and have led to conflicts in judicial decisions worldwide. To reconcile such conflicts, the courts should interpret the fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory principle flexibly according to the status of the parties to re-establish an equal relationship between SEP holders and technical standard implementers, thereby promoting the parties’ voluntary conclusion of patent licensing contracts. Effective measures include strengthening the obligation to negotiate licences between SEP holders and technical standard implementers and applying the principle of good faith to avoid ‘patent blackmail’ by patent holders and ‘reverse blackmail’ by technical standard implementers. Moreover, courts should be careful when deciding whether to adjudicate global licensing matters between parties to avoid judicial deadlock. These measures will ultimately contribute to the sustainability of technological resource creation and exploitation.

A Mathematical Model for Transmission of Taeniasis and Neurocysticercosis

In this study, we present a mathematical model for the codynamics of taeniasis and neurocysticercosis and rigorously analyze it. To understand the underlying dynamics of the proposed model, basic system properties such as the positivity and boundedness of solutions are investigated through the completing differential process. The basic reproduction number was calculated using the next-generation matrix method, and the analysis showed that when R0<1, the disease in the community eventually dies out, and when R0>1, the diseases persist. Local stability of the equilibria was analyzed using the Jacobian matrix, and Lyapunov function techniques were used to determine the global analysis, which showed that the endemic equilibrium point was globally stable when R0>1. On the other hand, the disease-free equilibrium was determined to be globally stable when R0<1. To identify the most influential parameters of the proposed model, partial correlation coefficient techniques were used. The numerical results depict that the model aligns well with the transmission dynamics, which goes through two populations: humans and pigs, whereby the model system stabilizes after some time, showing the validity of the proposed model. Furthermore, the simulations of the proposed model revealed that the shedding habit of infected humans with taeniasis and the bad cooking habit or eating of raw or undercooked pork products have a higher impact on the spread of neurocysticercosis and taeniasis in the community. Hence, this study proposes that in order to control taeniasis and neurocysticercosis, effective disease control measures should primarily prioritize hygienic behaviour and proper cooking of pork meat to the required temperature.

Trends of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in Central China for the period 2000–2021

A retrospective analysis of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation from medical uses and industrial uses in the three provinces of Central China from 2000 to 2021 was conducted. The average annual effective dose in medical uses and industrial uses decreased from 2.042 mSv and 2.334 mSv in 2000–2002 to 0.476 mSv and 0.371 mSv in 2021 respectively; the fraction of monitored workers receiving annual dose not exceeding 1 mSv increased from 60.78% and 74.45% in 2000–2002 to 94.20% and 96.85% in 2021 respectively, while receiving annual doses exceeding 20 mSv declined from 1.35% and 1.91% in 2000–2002 to 0.18% and 0.03% in 2021 respectively. The average annual effective dose and NR20 in the period 2000–2021 were relatively high in professional public health institutions (0.955 mSv and 0.004) and hospitals (0.815 mSv and 0.004). In 2021, the average annual effective dose to monitored workers in different occupational categories in medical uses in the three provinces of Central China were in the range of 0.199–0.692 mSv, with interventional radiology received the highest dose and NR20 (0.692 mSv and 0.005); the average annual effective dose ranged from 0.161 to 0.493 mSv in industrial uses, with industrial radiography received the highest dose and NR20 (0.493 mSv and 0.001). Occupational exposure in medical uses and industrial uses declined obviously in Central China, and the groups receiving higher doses are the radiation workers working in hospitals and professional public health institutions, or engaged in interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and industrial radiography, warranting more effective radiation protection measures.

An aphid-transmitted polerovirus is mutualistic with its insect vector by accelerating population growth in both winged and wingless individuals

ABSTRACT The occurrence and increased dispersion of plant viruses and insect vectors are serious global threat to the production of agricultural crops. Facing novel pathogenic plant viruses, the ability to accurately identify plant virus species, and understand the interaction between plant viruses, host plants and their insect vectors would provide an important basis for formulating effective plant virus control measures. In this study, we explored the transmission mechanism, pathogenic symptoms, host range and the interactions between virus and aphid vectors of a novel polerovirus from Nicotiana tabacum, named Tobacco yellow virus (TYV). The results indicate that TYV can be transmitted by Myzus persicae in a persistent manner, and cause yellowing and shrinking of tobacco leaves. TYV can successfully infect a total of 9 plant species belonging to 3 families. The effect of TYV-infected tobacco plants on M. persicae behavior and life characteristics was found to be stage-dependent. TYV can directly and indirectly manipulate the performance and life history traits of M. persicae vectors to promote their own transmission. These results provide a certain theoretical basis for the possibility of control strategies of the virus, and the in-depth exploration of the interaction among plant virus, vector aphid and host plants.

Study on the Influence of Deep Soil Liquefaction on the Seismic Response of Subway Stations

Subway systems are a crucial component of urban public transportation, especially in terms of safety during seismic events. Soil liquefaction triggered by earthquakes is one of the key factors that can lead to underground structural damage. This study investigates the impact of deep soil liquefaction on the response of subway station structures during seismic activity, aiming to provide evidence and suggestions for earthquake-resistant measures in underground constructions. The advanced finite element software PLAXIS was utilized for dynamic numerical simulations. Non-linear dynamic analysis methods were employed to construct models of subway stations and the surrounding soil layers, including soil–structure interactions. The UBC3D-PLM liquefaction constitutive model was applied to describe the liquefaction behavior of soil layers, while the HS constitutive model was used to depict the dynamic characteristics of non-liquefied soil layers. The study examined the influence of deep soil liquefaction on the dynamic response of subway station structures under different seismic waves. The findings indicate that deep soil liquefaction significantly increases the vertical displacement and acceleration responses of subway stations compared to non-liquefied conditions. The liquefaction behavior of deep soil layers leads to increased horizontal effective stress on both sides of the structure, thereby increasing the horizontal deformation of the structure and posing a potential threat to the safety and functionality of subway stations. This research employed detailed numerical simulation methods, incorporating the non-linear characteristics of deep soil layer liquefaction, providing an analytical framework based on regulatory standards for evaluating the impact of deep soil liquefaction on the seismic responses of subway stations. Compared to traditional studies, this paper significantly enhances simulation precision and practical applicability. Results from this research indicate that deep soil layer liquefaction poses a non-negligible risk to the structural safety of subway stations during earthquakes. Therefore, the issue of deep soil liquefaction should receive increased attention in engineering design and construction, with effective prevention and mitigation measures being implemented.

Cotton yield responses to climate change and adaptability of sowing date simulated by AquaCrop model

The feedback mechanism of cotton yield to climate change is important knowledge for cotton planting planning and stable production. However, the impact of sowing date on cotton yield in China's main cotton producing areas under future climate change is still unclear. To deal with it, this study first evaluated the applicability of the AquaCrop model using actual observed cotton growth and yield data. Then, based on the 27 Global Climate Models (GCMs) multi-model ensemble data in the Sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), the future climate changes in China 's main cotton producing areas from 2021 and 2060 (2040 s) and 2061–2100 (2080 s) under two typical Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 were predicted. Finally, the effects of different sowing dates on cotton yield under SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios were simulated. The results showed that: (1) AquaCrop model had good applicability and it could accurately simulate cotton growth and yield. (2) The temperature under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios increased significantly compared with the baseline period (1985–2020). Precipitation during the cotton growth period mainly showed an increasing trend, but the spatial and temporal variability was large. The reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) during the cotton growth period mainly showed a decreasing trend under the SSP2–4.5 (2040 s) scenario, while it mainly showed an increasing trend in other future periods. (3) The cotton yield under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios increased by an average of 10.51% and 13.67%, 14.76% and 28.04% in 2040 s and 2080 s compared to the baseline period (1981–2015), respectively. (4) Early sowing was beneficial to increase cotton yield, cotton yield sown on March 31 increased by an average of 5.32% compared to May 10. In conclusion, future climate change will have positive impacts on cotton production in China, and early sowing is an effective adaptation measure to cope with climate change.

Targeted hand hygiene audits and training: an effective tool for improvement in hand hygiene compliance

Background: Hand hygiene (HH) is the simplest, but most effective infection prevention and control measure. This study was aimed to determine HH compliance among health care workers (HCWs) in a cancer hospital and the impact of targeted and phased training over changes in HH compliance and determination of Hawthorne effect among HCWs. Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in two phases by HH trained auditor (Overt observer) and ICN (Covert observer) performing 30 minutes HH audit at ICU, haemato-lymphoid (HL) ward and paediatric ward to observe the pattern of HH compliance among HCW for HH moments and its impact over Hawthorne effect for HH compliance. Results: Highest compliance for HH was observed at HL ward (59.34%) in first phase and at ICU (70.08%) in second phase. Gradual and significant improvement in HH compliance was observed for ICU (52.24% to 70.08%), HL ward (59.34% to 68.48%) and paediatric ward (43.42% to 53.46%). Profession specific Hawthorne effect was observed for nurses with higher compliance in covert observation in first phase and for doctors with higher compliance in overt observation in second phase of the study. Conclusions: Regular targeted HH audit with motivational training is the better influential tool for improving HH compliance. Regular audits also improve efficiency of auditor for effective HH compliance supervision. Decentralization and availability of workstation specific HH auditor is the most of effective cost saving approach for achieving significant progressive improvement in HH adherence.

Analysis of cold island effect in city parks from the perspectives of maximum and cumulative values – a case study of Xi'an City

The continuous process of urbanization and climate change has led to severe urban heat island (UHI) effects. Constructing parks with cooling capabilities is considered an effective measure to alleviate UHI effects. However, most studies only quantify the cooling effect from a maximum value perspective, lacking a measure of temperature diffusion in space. This study combines the perspectives of maximum value and accumulation to define a cold island index, quantifying the cooling effect of 40 urban parks in the main urban area of Xi'an city. The results show that, on average, urban parks can reduce the surrounding environment by approximately 2.3℃, with a cooling range of about 127.1ha, which is three times the park area. Different factors drive the measurement of the cooling effect using different cold island indexes, but all indexes are highly correlated with green space area. There are significant differences in the cooling effect among different types of parks, and overall, ecological parks have the best cooling effect. The directional spread of internal cold islands in parks is most related to park shape, while external spread is related to surrounding green spaces. The research results have practical value in the construction of parks with cooling effects and the sustainable development of cities in urban planning processes..