Evaluation Of Integrals Research Articles

The best fit for your audience: using integrated evaluation methods for data collection at informal science events

ABSTRACT Carefully designed evaluations of informal science events are key to gaining insights into their efficacy and impact on audiences. However, traditional approaches to evaluation, such as interviews and questionnaires, can be disruptive to the audience experience of science events. There is therefore a need to develop and implement new evaluation methods that match the dynamic and transient contexts of informal science events, and that are integrated into the experience of the event. In this article, we outline the development and implementation of a set of novel integrated evaluation methods used to evaluate performances of Lines of Best Fit, a science-themed improvised comedy show founded in Sydney, Australia. We outline the methods used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from audiences at these events and provide reflections on the benefits and limitations of this approach based on our experiences of implementation across nine performances in different venues.

Fine evaluation of surface integrity of hardened 1.4418 stainless steel after finish dry turning

1.4418 hardened stainless steel (SS) is widely used in mechanical engineering because of its high functional properties. They can also be enhanced by procuring improvements in the state of the surface layer (SL) and, above all, in the factors of its strengthening, among others the average size of coherent scattering regions (ASCSR), dislocation density (DD), residual stresses (RS) of first and second orders, and relative micro-deformations of the crystal lattice (RMCL). This study investigates the effect of cutting speed (vc) ranging from 100 to 250 m/min and feed rate (f) ranging from 0.005 to 0.25 mm/rev on the indicators of SL condition after finish turning the steel tested. A reduction in ASCSR values below 8 nm was obtained for vc = 100–135 m/min, while an increase of ~ 20% was obtained for 180–250 m/min and with the f ranging from 0.2 to 0.25 mm/rev. An increase in RMCL of ~ 90% was registered for vc = 170–230 m/min and f = 0.2–0.25 mm/rev. A decrease in DD below 109 cm−2 was obtained for vc = 180–250 m/min and its ~ 25% increase for vc = 100–135 m/min. A high correlation between ASCSR and DD was shown. In the deformed material, the dislocation’s resistance to motion increases in proportion to the increase in its density. A high linear correlation coefficient in the range of 0.8–0.9 is found between ASCSR, DD, and first-order RS on the one hand, and Sa and Sz surface texture parameters, which are used in the industry to assess product quality, on the other. Additionally, the effect of plastic side flow (PSF) was observed and described. When machining with vc = 119 m/min and f = 0.22 mm/rev, the intense plastic deformation of the material causes outflow and shearing of the surface micro-hills. Favorable compressive stresses (below − 100 MPa) were registered in the range of vc = 225–250 m/min at f = 0.005–0.05 m/rev and 0.2–0.25 mm/rev, as well as vc = 115–180 m/min and f = 0.05–0.17 mm/rev. The study proved the existence of a relationship between the cutting parameters and indicators of the thin crystalline structure of SL. This means that by proper controlling of these parameters, it is possible to obtain such a state of the SL workpiece, which will ensure its long-term use.

Integrated geological quality evaluation using advanced wireline logs and core data: a case study on high clay shale oil reservoir in China

Abstract In the unconventional energy sector, shale oil is increasingly recognized as a crucial supplement to production. In recent years, China has made significant advancements in the development of shale oil. A unique type of pure shale reservoir in the Songliao Basin, distinct from established shale oil reservoirs worldwide, has emerged as a focal point for exploration and research endeavors. This kind of shale exhibits enhanced heterogeneity, high clay content, intricate rock electricity relationship, posing significant challenges to formation evaluation. This study introduces conversion coefficients for the elements and minerals, a decision tree model, a variable T2 cutoff value method, and 2D NMR cluster analysis, all based on the integration of microimaging, spectroscopy, and 2D NMR logging. These novel approaches facilitate a comprehensive geological quality evaluation of key parameters, including mineral composition, lithology, effective porosity, total organic carbon content, fluid composition, and saturation characteristics within pure shale formations from the Songliao Basin. The established petrophysical model has been validated by core analysis data and successfully applied in exploration wells. Through systematic petrophysical analysis, the optimal landing point for horizontal wells was identified based on the identification of the best reservoir quality interval with high movable oil and oil saturation. The subsequent drilling of horizontal wells demonstrated the reliability of petrophysical evaluation in terms of oil production. This integrated evaluation method for pure shale holds reference significance for similar shale reservoirs in other blocks in the future.

Environmental risk evaluation for radionuclide transport through natural barriers of nuclear waste disposal with multi-scale streamline approaches

Natural barriers, encompassing stable geological formations that serve as the final bastion against radionuclide transport, are paramount in mitigating the long-term contamination risks associated with the nuclear waste disposal. Therefore, it is important to simulate and predict the processes and spatial-temporal distributions of radionuclide transport within these barriers. However, accurately predicting radionuclide transport on the field scale is challenging due to uncertainties associated with parameter scaling. This study develops an integrated evaluation framework that combines upscaled parameters, streamline transport models, and response surface techniques to systematically assess environmental risk metrics and parameter uncertainties across different scales. Initially, upscaling methods are established to estimate the prior interval of critical transport parameters at the field scale, and streamline models are derived by considering the radionuclides transport with a variety of physicochemical mechanisms and geological characterizations in natural barriers. To assess uncertainty ranges of the risk metrics related to upscaled parameters, uncertainty quantification is performed on the ground of 5000 Monte Carlo simulations. The results indicate that the upscaled dispersivity of fractured media (αLf) has a relatively high sensitivity ranking on release dose for all nuclides, and upscaled matrix sorption coefficient (Kd) of Pu-242 strongly affects breakthrough time and release dose of Pu-242. Facilitated by robust response surface with the lowest R2 of 0.89, it is shown that the release doses of Pu-242 and Pb-210 increase under conditions of low Kd and αLf, respectively. Furthermore, statistical analysis reveals that employing limited laboratory-scale parameters results in narrower confidence intervals for risk metrics, while upscaling methods better account for the highly heterogeneous properties of large-scale field conditions. The developed risk evaluation framework provides valuable insights for utilizing upscaled parameters and modeling radionuclide transport within natural barriers under various scenarios.

Wearable bio-adhesive metal detector array (BioMDA) for spinal implants

Dynamic tracking of spinal instrumentation could facilitate real-time evaluation of hardware integrity and in so doing alert patients/clinicians of potential failure(s). Critically, no method yet exists to continually monitor the integrity of spinal hardware and by proxy the process of spinal arthrodesis; as such hardware failures are often not appreciated until clinical symptoms manifest. Accordingly, herein, we report on the development and engineering of a bio-adhesive metal detector array (BioMDA), a potential wearable solution for real-time, non-invasive positional analyses of osseous implants within the spine. The electromagnetic coupling mechanism and intimate interfacial adhesion enable the precise sensing of the metallic implants position without the use of radiation. The customized decoupling models developed facilitate the precise determination of the horizontal and vertical positions of the implants with incredible levels of accuracy (e.g., <0.5 mm). These data support the potential use of BioMDA in real-time/dynamic postoperative monitoring of spinal implants.

Anti-Müllerian hormone in feline cryptorchidism: Serum levels, tissue expression, and implications for testicular health

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has become a pivotal subject in the study of testicular descent, maturation, integrity, and male fertility. Recent studies explored its roles and implications across various domestic species. A prominent approach involved the understanding of the modulation of AMH in reproductive disorders, including cryptorchidism. While substantial findings have been reported in dogs, ruminants, swine, and horses, data on AMH in feline cryptorchidism remains limited. Here, we aimed to bridge this gap by comparing AMH serum levels among cryptorchid, healthy intact, and castrated tomcats, employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for quantification. In addition, AMH expression in retained and descended testes was evaluated through immunohistochemistry, with positive staining quantified via pixel analysis in two distinct regions of interest: the seminiferous tubule and the interstitial space. Furthermore, tissue samples were subjected to histological evaluation and morphometric analysis, which included the calculation of seminiferous tubule areas (STA) and assessment of Johnsen scores. Thus, the relationship between AMH expression, altered testicular histology, and impaired spermatogenesis could be examined. The expression of AMH in retained and descended testes, was investigated, and the relationship between AMH expression, altered testicular histology, and impaired spermatogenesis was examined. Mean serum AMH levels differed significantly (P < 0.001) across the different groups being 15.35 ± 4.66 ng/mL (mean ± SD) in healthy intact tomcats (n = 15), 25.55 ± 2.86 ng/mL (mean ± SD) in cryptorchids (n = 10) and below 0.015 ng/mL in castrated cats (n = 10). STAs and Johnsen scores were significantly reduced in retained testes when compared to descended gonads (P < 0.01). Furthermore, serum AMH was negatively correlated with both the STA (ρ = −0.725, P < 0.001) and the Johnsen scores (ρ = −0.699, P < 0.001), suggesting its potential value for tissue integrity and spermatogenesis evaluation. In addition, positive immunostaining was significantly higher in retained testes (P < 0.05), especially in the interstitial space (P < 0.01), suggesting an involvement of the Leydig cells. Additionally, the increased interstitial expression was linked to the degree of tissue degeneration and the impaired spermatogenesis being negatively corelated with both Johnsen scores (ρ = −0.309, P < 0.01) and STA (ρ = −0.208, P < 0.05). Our findings underscore the potential of AMH in assessing testicular health and reveal possible interspecific differences, stressing the need for further investigation in cats.

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGRAL METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF PROVISION OF GEOSPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES

The study confirms the relevance and necessity of developing and implementing an integral method for assessing the level of provision of geospatial development of territorial communities. The research achieves the goal of developing and implementing an integral method for assessing the level of provision of geospatial development of territorial communities. It solves the following tasks: building a multi-level system of indicators for evaluating the level of provision of geospatial development of territorial communities; defining areas of developing and implementing an integral method for estimating the level of provision of geospatial development of territorial communities; determining the peculiarities of the application of the integral method for assessing the level of provision of geospatial development of territorial communities. An integral method for assessing the level of provision of geospatial development of territorial communities has been improved based on the application of analytical and expert methods, mathematical models, and a multi-level system of indicators, including functional, spatial, urban planning, environmental, regulatory, security, investment, stakeholder, infrastructural, social, and innovative signs and characteristics, which made it possible to form a quantitative basis for forecasting changes in the integral factor and decision-making in the field of ensuring the geospatial development of territorial communities. An improved multi-level system of indicators for assessing the level of provision of geospatial development of territorial communities, which includes local, systemic, group, and integral levels and such indicators as functional, spatial, urban planning, ecological, regulatory, security, investment, stakeholder, infrastructural, social, and innovative, that make it possible to take into account the signs, characteristics, and peculiarities of the functioning of territorial communities and regional development for developing and implementing an integral evaluation method. Keywords: geospatial development, territorial communities, land management, geographic information systems, land use, integral indicator.

Carvacrol and Thymol Enhance the Quality of Beni Arouss Buck Semen Stored at 4 °C Thanks to Their Antimicrobial Properties.

This study aims to investigate the impact of carvacrol and thymol on the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen stored in skim milk at 4 °C. Ejaculates were collected from eight Beni Arouss bucks weekly for 11 weeks, pooled, and then divided into three equal parts. Samples were diluted to 400 × 106 sperm/mL in skim milk (control) and skim milk supplemented with a single dose of 200 µM carvacrol and thymol each. Evaluations of sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, and bacterial growth were conducted at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h of liquid storage at 4 °C. After 48 h of storage, the results indicate that the addition of carvacrol positively influences total and progressive motility and viability. However, it also leads to a decrease in lipid peroxidation and bacterial growth compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Thymol showed similar results to carvacrol, except for progressive motility (p > 0.05). Bacterial growth was negatively correlated with total and progressive motility and viability (p < 0.05), while no correlation between lipid peroxidation and these parameters was observed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of carvacrol and thymol to skim milk extender moderately improves the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen after 48 h storage at 4 °C due to its antimicrobial activity.

Dynamic monitoring of a 3D-printed airway tissue model using an organic electrochemical transistor

Assessing the transepithelial resistance to ion flow in the presence of an electric field enables the evaluation of the integrity of the epithelial cell layer. In this study, we introduce an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) interfaced with a 3D living tissue, designed to monitor the electrical resistance of cellular barriers in real-time. We have developed a non-invasive, tissue-sensing platform by integrating an inkjet-printed large-area OECT with a 3D-bioprinted multilayered airway tissue. This unique configuration enables the evaluation of epithelial barrier integrity through the dynamic response capabilities of the OECT. Our system effectively tracks the formation and integrity of 3D-printed airway tissues in both liquid-liquid and air-liquid interface culture environments. Furthermore, we successfully quantified the degradation of barrier function due to influenza A (H1N1) viral infection and the dose-dependent efficacy of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) in mitigating this degradation. The tissue-electronic platform offers a non-invasive and label-free method for real-time monitoring of 3D artificial tissue barriers, without disturbing the cellular biology. It holds the potential for further applications in monitoring the structures and functions of 3D tissues and organs, significantly contributing to the advancement of personalized medicine.

Reconceptualizing assessment design in the age of AI: Is it genuine or faux?

AbstractWhile AI has the potential to streamline assessment development in higher education, there are concerns about its reliability, fairness, and potential to perpetuate bias. This study sought to understand the perceptions of academics and teaching and learning (T&amp;L) specialists on the use of AI tools and large language models on assessment development, whether the private HE institution (PHEI) needs to change how it assesses students, and the types of assessments to be created. This topic is extremely relevant, as many higher education institutions (HEIs) are entering unchartered territory, and there is scant credible evidence on the prior‐implementation reporting and evaluation of AI integration into assessment practices. Forty academics and T&amp;L specialists at a PHEI in South Africa shared their perceptions. The study revealed two key themes: (a) AI use and (b) reconceptualizing assessments and T&amp;L structures, indicating the need for HEIs to understand the synergies between AI and assessment practices.

Comparative evaluation of marginal integrity of three esthetic restorative materials in class V cavities under stereomicroscope: an in-vitro study

Aims: The aim of this invitro study was to compare the marginal integrity among three esthetic restorative materials. Methods and Material: This study was conducted on 60 freshly extracted human premolars in which Standardized Class V cavities were prepared. Teeth were equally assigned to three groups : GC- Aenial Anterior Composite(Group A), Tetric N- Ceram(Group B), Palfique LX5(Group C). Each group containing 20 teeth were restored and then stored in distilled water for 1 week at 37°C. The specimens were dried and painted with two coats of nail varnish on the teeth except 2mm around the cervical margins of the restoration and air dried. After that the teeth were kept in 2 % methylene blue solution for 24 hours. After sectioning the teeth, the sectioned halves were then evaluated for dye penetration under stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test along with post hoc pairwise comparison by Mann Whitney U test. Results: The findings suggested that Tetric N-Ceram was superior to the other two composite materials Conclusions: Marginal leakage scores of novel restorative material, Tetric N- Ceram was minimal and within acceptable limits compared to other tested material.

Two decades of evaluating evaluation capacity building: A bibliographic coupling review

AbstractEvaluation capacity building (ECB) has emerged as a dominant tool in evaluation. Several reviews have taken stock of ECB over the past 20 years, examining how understanding of ECB has developed over time. By examining this existing research on the evaluation of ECB design, effectiveness, measurement, integration, and sustainability, opportunities to advance the field's existing knowledge base around ECB evaluation forward become apparent. This landscape review uses bibliographic coupling and content analysis to offer a robust analysis of publications on the evaluation of ECB. The results of this review of multidisciplinary ECB publications shed light on areas of strength within the existing literature and identify opportunities to build upon current scholarship. Promising areas for future research include exploring how moderators and mediators influence ECB outcomes, eliminating threats to internal validity in ECB studies, and strengthening the rigor required for external generalizability.

Simulation study of Rayleigh wave inspection of subsurface white etching crack in bearing rollers

Abstract Rolling bearings are widely used in wind energy and electric vehicle industries. One of the premature failure mode due to the contact fatigue is White Etching Crack (WEC) in the subsurface. WEC occurs preferentially in the Hertzian contact region of bearings, preferentially around multi-phase inclusions containing aluminium, manganese, and sulfur. The formation process undergoes intense plastic deformation and recrystallization. Most of WECs are 100~300 μm below the contact surface in a butterfly shape. Its principal axis is 30°~50° to the rolling direction. Since the sample preparation is difficult, this simulation study enables to better understand the interaction between WEC and ultrasonic waves for a better measurement system design. Rayleigh surface wave penetrates to a depth of about an order of magnitude of one wavelength. Its energy is concentrated near the surface containing rich WEC information. The Rayleigh wave propagation process is first analyzed based on the grain scale model established. Then the immersion inspection of WEC is simulated based on the finite element method at 15 MHz in order to compromise between the detection accuracy and defect depth. Finally, by analyzing the time and frequency domain information of the scattered signals, the quantitative relationships between crack characteristics (depth, length and tilt angle) and those of Rayleigh waves (amplitude and attenuation) can be obtained. This study paves the way for the quantitatively characterization of WEC in bearing rollers with surface integrity evaluation possibility at early stage.

MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES IN CONDUCTING FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES: ENSURING FINANCIAL SECURITY IN TOURISM INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES

Within the scope of this article, it is proposed to evaluate human resource management in the context of ensuring financial security at tourism industry enterprises. Accordingly, it is noted that the object of study is the human resource management system and the financial security system. The task is to present a methodological approach that, through surveying, calculating an integral indicator, and evaluating the most significant components, can effectively assess the level of human resource management in tourism enterprises. For this purpose, the methodology adopts several methods including expert analysis and integral evaluation. It is proven that the formation of an appropriate group of indicators and their subsequent grouping will facilitate an effective reflection of a single integral indicator for evaluating human resource management in the context of ensuring financial security at tourism industry enterprises. It is established that tourism industry enterprises are highly active in foreign economic activities, and in this context, the issue of financial security and management systems plays a paramount role. As a result, a group of experts and tourism industry enterprises were selected. The most significant indicators were distinguished and the corresponding calculations were conducted. As a result, it was established that a significant number of tourism industry enterprises fall short of a high level of human resource management, which poses a direct threat to their financial security during foreign economic activities. The presented process of evaluating human resource management in the context of ensuring financial security at tourism industry enterprises may find its practical application in the context of the activities of key security subjects. Limitations include not considering all possible indicators and focusing only on one industry, specifically the tourism industry.

Evaluating the role of cloud integration in mobile and desktop operating systems

The integration of cloud computing has fundamentally transformed the landscape of mobile and desktop operating systems, enabling new levels of functionality, efficiency, and user experience. This review examines the role of cloud integration in these operating systems and its implications for both users and developers. Cloud integration enhances mobile and desktop operating systems by offering scalable storage solutions, seamless data synchronization, and enhanced computing power. For mobile systems, cloud services provide users with the ability to access their data and applications from any device, promoting a consistent user experience across different platforms. This synchronization feature not only streamlines personal data management but also enables developers to create more dynamic and responsive applications that leverage cloud resources for realtime updates and performance improvements. In desktop environments, cloud integration facilitates the storage of large volumes of data and the execution of resourceintensive applications without burdening local hardware. Cloudbased virtual machines and application delivery platforms offer users the flexibility to run highperformance software on less powerful devices, thus broadening the accessibility and usability of advanced desktop applications. Furthermore, cloud integration supports collaborative tools and shared workspaces, enhancing productivity and fostering realtime collaboration among users. The evaluation of cloud integration also involves assessing its impact on security, data privacy, and system performance. Cloudbased solutions introduce new security considerations, such as the need for robust encryption and secure authentication protocols to protect sensitive data. Additionally, the reliance on internet connectivity for accessing cloud services can pose challenges for users in areas with limited or unreliable network access. In conclusion, cloud integration plays a crucial role in modernizing both mobile and desktop operating systems, driving improvements in data accessibility, application performance, and user experience. As cloud technologies continue to evolve, their influence on operating systems will likely expand, offering new opportunities for innovation and addressing emerging challenges in security and connectivity. This ongoing integration represents a significant shift towards more flexible, efficient, and interconnected computing environments.

Performance and optimization evaluation for integration of sCO2 power system into the aircraft propulsion system

The aviation industry accounts for part of the CO2 emissions contributing to climate change. The industry has established a target to reduce 2050 net aviation carbon emissions by 50 % relative to 2005 levels. With this in mind, waste heat recovery is a key pathway to achieve reduced emissions and improve system efficiency. The waste heat may potentially be converted to electric power using a supercritical CO2 Brayton power cycle. The sCO2 power system offers the advantage of compactness owing to the high working fluid density, which is an important consideration for aircraft performance. The present work focuses on the integration of the sCO2 power system into the aircraft propulsion system and evaluation of its performance. Detailed optimization of the sCO2 waste heat system will be evaluated with a focus on cycle efficiency and net power under different operating conditions, including ground, takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing operations. The study is divided into two parts with two different turbofan engines, one with a nominal thrust of 30 kN and the other with a nominal thrust of 9 kN. The first part shows the effect and operation of the waste heat recovery unit under the different operating conditions. The second part is focused on cycle optimization and performance evaluation. The results demonstrate the potential of waste heat recovery during a range of operational conditions. The sCO2 cycle efficiency can reach between 25 and 39 % (depending on aircraft engine) with net power output in the range of 100 to 260 kW.

Optimizing Fertilization Strategies to Promote Leaf-Use Ginkgo Productivity and Ecosystem Economic Benefits: An Integrated Evaluation of a Field Trial in Southern China

Field experiments were conducted on a four-year-old leaf-use ginkgo plantation in southern China to assess the impact of nine different fertilization strategies with varying N-P2O5-K2O rates at three growth phases (FBD: March for bud development; FLG: May for leaf growth; FLS: July for leaf strengthening) on leaf-use ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) leaf productivity and ecological economic benefits (EEBs). The results indicated that regardless of timing and rate, fertilizer application led to an increase in leaf area and thickness, resulting in higher ginkgo leaf yield. The highest fresh (215.14 g tree−1) and dry (78.83 g tree−1) yields were observed with 3 g N + 2.5 g P2O5 + 1.5 g K2O tree−1 in FLG. FLS was found to mitigate the decline in SPAD values of leaves during late summer. Furthermore, fertilized ginkgo trees exhibited higher flavonoid concentrations in leaves, enhancing profitability. However, higher fertilizer rates were associated with elevated greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen losses and ecological costs. Despite these drawbacks, all fertilization treatments resulted in increased net economic income. Specifically, compared to no fertilization, FBD, FLG and FLS treatments boosted net income by 3.5~26.6%, 11.6~60.5% and 5.8~35.4%, respectively. Using the entropy weight TOPSIS method, it was concluded that optimizing the N, P and K fertilization rate and timing (applying 3–2.5–1.5 g tree−1 of N-P2O5-K2O in May) is a beneficial approach to maximize EEBs and industrial benefits in leaf-use ginkgo plantations in southern China. This study provides valuable insights into suitable fertilization patterns and management for leaf-use ginkgo plantations in southern China.

Integrated error modeling and evaluation of the effect for the Wolter-I grazing incidence focusing mirror imaging quality

The imaging quality determines the performance of the Wolter-I grazing incidence focusing mirror. When the design parameters are specified, the factors affecting the imaging quality are mainly machining and assembly errors; finding the error sources and evaluating the main errors are critical fundamental issues to achieve process optimization and control and improve imaging quality. This paper constructs a model of surface distribution error based on Nurbs surface reconstruction by non-contact measurement. It proposes an integrated error modeling method based on the surface distribution error model, taking into account the typical assembly errors such as decenter error, defocus error, and tilt error formed during the assembly process. First, the theoretical modeling and analysis of imaging quality based on ideal surface shape are carried out, and the sensitivity analysis of each error is carried out by using the Monte Carlo ray tracing method; then, an integrated optical simulation model containing assembly errors based on the surface distribution error is established, and the imaging quality of the focused spot is evaluated; finally, the experimental validation is carried out. The results of the experiment and the integrated optical simulation model show overall consistency, where the decenter error and defocus error have less influence, and the tilt error has the greatest impact, with the 10′ tilt error causing a decrease in the angular resolution of the focused spot of about 50″. The method can provide effective modeling and computational approaches to support the optimization of the precision assembly process and quality control of the Wolter-I grazing incidence focusing mirror.

Exploring Campus Configuration and Patient Arrival Behaviors at Large Hospitals: An Integrated Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) Protocol.

This study addresses the challenges in hospital navigation, particularly focusing on the sequence of arrival experiences through foot traffic or driving within a medical campus. While previous research has emphasized wayfinding in interiors, this study recognizes the importance of transition from outdoor to indoor spaces in the hospital arrival zone. Twofold research efforts include: (1) Exploring vehicular and pedestrian behaviors in a hospital arrival zone using Space Syntax Analyses (SSA), and (2) Validating the SSA results using empirical data collected from onsite observations and behavior mapping. A series of axial map analyses were conducted on the hospital campus and building arrival zone regarding spatial connectivity and integration, depth of spaces, and wayfinding intelligibility based on vehicular and pedestrian movement paths. Systematic behavioral data collection includes vehicle shadowing (10 h) and pedestrian mapping (20 h) in the building arrival zone. Space Syntax Analyses indicates high intelligibility scores for vehicles (R = .91) and pedestrian (R = .78) circulation patterns; traffic situations were visualized via axial maps. A dataset of 219 vehicles and 2,096 pedestrian behaviors was analyzed and visualized using diagrams and heatmaps, identifying different occupancy patterns within the space. Correlational analyses indicated strong correlations between the results: connectivity and integration scores are significantly correlated with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes. Preliminary findings of the study validated an integrated protocol to evaluate the impacts of campus configuration and building approach design on patient arrival and spatial navigation at large hospitals, serving as a POE protocol involving SSA.

LibERI-A portable and performant multi-GPU accelerated library for electron repulsion integrals via OpenMP offloading and standard language parallelism.

A portable and performant graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated library for electron repulsion integral (ERI) evaluation, named LibERI, has been developed and implemented via directive-based (e.g., OpenMP and OpenACC) and standard language parallelism (e.g., Fortran DO CONCURRENT). Offloaded ERIs consist of integrals over low and high contraction s, p, and d functions using the rotated-axis and Rys quadrature methods. GPU codes are factorized based on previous developments [Pham et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 19(8), 2213-2221 (2023)] with two layers of integral screening and quartet presorting. In this work, the density screening is moved to the GPU to enhance the computational efficacy for large molecular systems. The L-shells in the Pople basis set are also separated into pure S and P shells to increase the ERI homogeneity and reduce atomic operations and the memory footprint. LibERI is compatible with any quantum chemistry drivers supporting the MolSSI Driver Interface. Benchmark calculations of LibERI interfaced with the GAMESS software package were carried out on various GPU architectures and molecular systems. The results show that the LibERI performance is comparable to other state-of-the-art GPU-accelerated codes (e.g., TeraChem and GMSHPC) and, in some cases, outperforms conventionally developed ERI CUDA kernels (e.g., QUICK) while fully maintaining portability.