Grade Distribution Research Articles

Mental Health and Addictions in Pregnancy: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Computerized Clinical Pathway and Prevalence Rates

IntroductionMental Health problems and substance misuse during pregnancy constitute a serious social problem due to high maternal-fetal morbidity (Cook et al, 2017; JOCG, 39(10) ,906-915) and low detection and treatment rates (Carmona et al. Adicciones. 2022;34(4):299-308)ObjectivesOur study aimed to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a screening and treatment clinical pathway in pregnancy, based on the combination of e-Health tools with in-person interventions and, secondly, describe the prevalence of mental illness and substance use problems in this population.Methods1382 pregnant women undergoing her first pregnancy visit were included in a tailored clinical pathway and sent a telematic (App) autoapplied questionnaire with an extensive battery of measures (WHO (Five) Well-Being [WHO-5],Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], General Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7], Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT], Drug Abuse Screening Test [DAST], Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale [C-SSRS] and specifically designed questions on self-harm and psychopharmacological drugs).Patients who did not respond to the questionnaire on their own received a counseling call.Based on the screening results, patients were classified into five groups according to severity (Figure 1) and assigned a specific action pathway (Figure 2) that included a range of intervention intensity that goes from an individual psychiatric appointment to no intervention.ResultsOf the 1382 women included in the clinical pathway, 565(41%) completed the evaluation questionnaires. Of these, 205 (36%) were screened as positive (Grades III,IV or V. Table 1) and 3(0.5%) were classified as needing urgent care. Of the patients offered on-line groups (100), 40% (40) were enrolled in them. Table 1:Grade distribution of those screened as positivesGrade III97 (17,2%)Grade IV105 (18,6%)Grade V3 (0,5%)Concerning prevalence rates, 73 (12,9%) patients endorsed at least moderate anxiety according to GAD-7 (≥10), 65 (11,5%) endorsed at least moderate depression according to PHQ-9 (≥ 10), 17 were positive on DAST (3%) and 63 (11%) patients scored above the threshold in AUDIT-C(≥ 3) for alcohol use.Image:Image 2:ConclusionsHigh prevalence rates suggest that effective detection and treatment mechanisms should be integrated into usual care. The use of standardized clinical pathways can help with this aim, allowing better clinical management and referral to treatment, but still face challengues to increase retention. The use of e-health tools offers the opportunity to improve accessibility and therapeutic outcomes through online interventions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Effect of the Ratio of Common Items and the Separation of Grade Distributions on the Precision of Vertical Scaling

The Effect of the Ratio of Common Items and the Separation of Grade Distributions on the Precision of Vertical Scaling

Analysis of variability and trends in medical school clerkship grades

BackgroundMedical school clerkship grades are used to evaluate orthopedic surgery residency applicants, however, high interinstitutional variability in grade distribution calls into question the utility of clerkship grades when evaluating applicants from different medical schools. This study aims to evaluate the variability in grade distribution among medical schools and look for trends in grade distribution over recent years. MethodsApplications submitted to Rush University's orthopedic surgery residency program from 2015, 2019, and 2022 were collected from the Electronic Residency Application Service. Applications from the top 100 schools according to the 2023–2024 U.S. News and World Report Research Rankings were reviewed. The percentage of “honors” grades awarded by medical schools for the surgery and internal medicine clerkships were extracted from applicants' Medical Student Performance Evaluation letters. ResultsThe median percentage of honors given in 2022 was 36.0 % (range 10.0–82.0) for the surgery clerkship and 33.0 % (range 6.7–80.0) for the internal medicine clerkship. Honors were given 6.6 % more in the surgery clerkship in 2022 compared to 2015. There was a negative correlation between a higher (worse) U.S. News and World Report research ranking and the percentage of honors awarded in 2022 for the surgery and internal medicine clerkships. ConclusionThere is substantial interinstitutional variability in the rate that medical schools award an “honors” grade with evidence of grade inflation in the surgery clerkship. Residency programs using clerkship grades to compare applicants should do so cautiously provided the variability demonstrated in this study.

The effects of an IV fluid bolus on mitral annular velocity and the assessment of diastolic function: a prospective non-randomized study

BackgroundAbnormal diastolic function is an independent predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes. Mitral annular tissue Doppler velocity (e’) is a key parameter for assessing diastolic function. The purpose of this study was to confirm that an acute increase in preload did not significantly impact the intraoperative measurement of e’ and secondarily evaluate the impact of this acute intravascular volume increase on the clinical assessment of diastolic function using a previously described simplified algorithm.MethodsThis was a prospective, non-randomized study in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgeries requiring transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring, arterial pressure and Swan-Ganz catheter placements as part of the surgical procedure. Following baseline echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements, 500 ml of crystalloid solution was infused over 10 min. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements were repeated 5 min after fluid administration.ResultsComplete data sets were available from 84 of the 100 patients who were enrolled in this study. There was no significant change in the values of e’. The average baseline was 7.8 ± 2.0 cm/s (95%CI: 7.4, 8.2) and 8.1 ± 2.4 (95%CI: 7.6, 8.6) following the fluid bolus (p = 0.10). All hemodynamic variables associated with increased intravascular volume (central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressures and stroke volume variation) changed significantly. The overall distribution of diastolic function grades did not change following fluid administration (p = 0.69). However, there were many individual patient differences. When using this simplified algorithm, functional grading changed in 35 patients. Thirty of these 35 changes were only a single grade shift. 22 patients had worse functional grading after fluid administration while 13 had improved grading. Nine patients with normal diastolic function at baseline demonstrated diastolic dysfunction after fluid administration while 6 patients with baseline dysfunction normalized following the fluid bolus.ConclusionWe confirmed that e’ is a robust measurement that is reproducible in the intraoperative setting despite variable vascular volume loading conditions, however, the clinical assessment of diastolic function was still altered in 42% of the patients following an intravenous fluid bolus.

Reliability evaluation of flexible manufacturing systems based on three-layer index system with time-varying weights

With the development of industrial manufacturing, flexible manufacturing system provides an effective way to improve the machining quality and efficiency, as well as reduce the manufacturing cost. Fflexible manufacturing system reliability has been one focus of recent studies. But a systematic, effective and executable reliability evaluation method has not yet proposed in existing researches. This work firstly presented a three-layer index system for flexible manufacturing system reliability evaluation, which is composed of the whole layer indexes, subsystem layer indexes and equipment layer indexes determined by system composition and running features analysis. Time-varying weights of each layer are calculated through the modelling of the reliability and reliability importance based on the classical two-state failure hypothesis. Then, considering multi-state failure modes of elements, a fuzzy evaluation model of flexible manufacturing system reliability is established based on fault grading and statistics, considering grade and number distributions of faults within a certain statistical period. Moreover, through a simulation case of a box-parts finishing flexible manufacturing system, the influence of failure rates and service time on the index weights distribution is firstly revealed, which can provide theoretical basis for the improvement of flexible manufacturing system reliability; then the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through the comparison of results obtained by the previous model based on two-state failure and the proposed model based on multi-state failure.

Distribution of grades and rank lists among Emergency Medicine programs during the 2022-2023 academic year

Distribution of grades and rank lists among Emergency Medicine programs during the 2022-2023 academic year

Worse histopathology and prognosis in women with breast cancer diagnosed during the second trimester of pregnancy

Evidence suggests that women with breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy (PrBC) and within 2 years of delivery (PPBC) have similar survival compared to women diagnosed not near pregnancy if adjusted for stage and subtype. To investigate whether this is true for all subtypes and for both pregnancy and post-delivery periods, we examined clinicopathologic features and survival in women with breast cancer by trimesters and 6-month post-delivery intervals. Women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during 1992-2018 at ages 18-44 years were identified in the Swedish Cancer Register, with information on childbirths from the Swedish Multi-Generation Register and clinical data from Breast Cancer Quality Registers. Each woman with PrBC or PPBC was matched 1 : 2 by age and year to comparators diagnosed with breast cancer not near pregnancy. Distributions of stage, grade, and surrogate subtypes were compared. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer mortality were estimated using Cox regression. We identified 1430 women with PrBC and PPBC (181 during pregnancy, 499 during the first and 750 during the second year after delivery). Compared to 2860 comparators, women with PrBC and PPBC in the first year after delivery had a significantly higher proportion of luminal human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, HER2-positive and triple-negative tumours, and more advanced stage at diagnosis. After adjustment for age, year, parity, country of birth, hospital region, subtype, and stage, women diagnosed during the second trimester had a worse prognosis than matched comparators (HR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0-3.2). Women diagnosed during pregnancy or within the first year after delivery have a worse prognosis than women diagnosed not near pregnancy due to adverse tumour biology and advanced stage at diagnosis. A worse prognosis for women diagnosed during the second trimester remained after multivariable adjustment, possibly reflecting difficulties to provide optimal treatment during ongoing pregnancy.

Strain gradient theory-based vibration analyses for functionally graded microbeams reinforced by GPL

On the basis of modified strain gradient theory (MSGT), the free vibration of graphene nanoplatelets (GPL) reinforced functionally graded (FG) microbeam on elastic foundation is studied. Firstly, material properties of the composites are calculated by Halpin-Tsai model and linear mixed model. Then, the MSGT and Reddy beam theory are adopted to establish the fundamental equations of the microbeam on the elastic foundation. And the governing differential equations related to the size effect are derived by the Hamiltonian principle and solved by the Navier method. Finally, the influences of the graded distribution, mass fraction, geometric shape of GPL and size effect on the vibration behaviors are discussed in detail. Results show that these parameters have significant influence on the natural frequencies. The methods to improve the natural frequencies of the microbeams are proposed considering the influence of internal microstructure on the overall characteristics. The research results are of great significance to design this kind of micro-nano structures.

Excellence for All? University Honors Programs and Human Capital Formation

Can public university Honors programs deliver the benefits of selective undergraduate education within otherwise nonselective institutions? We evaluate the impact of admission to the Honors College at Oregon State University, a large nonselective public university. Admission to the Honors College depends heavily on a numerical application score. Nonlinearities in admissions probabilities as a function of this score allow us to compare applicants with similar scores, but different admissions outcomes, via a fuzzy regression kink design. The first stage is strong, with take-up of Honors College programming closely following nonlinearities in admissions probabilities. To estimate the causal effect of Honors College admission on human capital formation, we use these nonlinearities in the admissions function as instruments, combined with course-section fixed effects to account for strategic course selection. Honors College admission increases course grades by 0.10 grade points on the 0 to 4 scale, or 0.14 standard deviations. Effects are concentrated at the top of the course grade distribution. However, course grades of first-generation students decrease in response to Honors admission, driven by low performance in natural science courses. Results suggest that selective Honors programs can accelerate skill acquisition for high-achieving students at public universities, but not all students benefit from Honors admission.

Prevalence of malocclusions requiring treatment according to the KIG classification : Amultipart cross-sectional study over a20-year period in the district of Viersen/North Rhine.

In Germany, the reimbursement of orthodontic treatment costs within the framework of the statutory health insurance (GKV) was restricted on 01January2002 by the introduction of the orthodontic indication groups (KIG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of findings requiring treatment in aspecialist practice over a20-year period. The results were then compared with data from existing older studies. The distribution of treatment-eligible KIG (KIG classifications grades 3-5) among patients with statutory health insurance in an orthodontic practice in North Rhine was determined over a20-year period (2002-2021) after the introduction of the KIG system. This period was additionally scrutinized in four 5‑year periods according to the operating cycles of the practice. Findings were classified into the highest of 19 possible KIG treatment needs levels. Multiple classifications were not made. Orthodontic treatment was indicated in a total of4537 (2393 female, 2144 male) patients according to current statutory health insurance guidelines. The KIG classification "D" (increased overjet) was the most frequent within the observed 20years with 24.3%. Among 11 KIG classifications, 86.1% of the 6 most frequent and 13.9% of the 5 rarest findings were observed constantly over all periods. Of 19 possible indications, "D4" was the most frequent with 19.6%. Of 4537 patients, 20.7% had KIG grade3, 63.6% KIG grade4 and 15.7% KIG grade5. The prevalence of sagittal deviations "D" and "M" was 35.0%, transverse "B" and "K" 17.9% and vertical "O" and "T" 3.7%. Tooth position anomalies "E" and "P" had ashare of 24.6%. The present study confirms existing findings as well as the nationwide data of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) from 2020: The sagittal deviations "D" (increased overjet) and "M" (negative overjet) represented the most frequent findings with KIG D4 as the most common classification. The prevalence and age distribution of KIG grades 3-5 requiring treatment corresponded to nationwide comparative data.

Evidence of grade inflation in bachelor of business administration degrees in Turkey for the period from 2002 to 2022

The study analysed the change in the proportion of business management undergraduate programme graduates in Turkey who received honours (>2.99) over the past two decades. It also investigated the factors that contribute to grade inflation and the distribution of course grades. The research employed various statistical methods, including the random effects estimator, ANOVA, t-test, and ANCOVA, to examine the GPAs and 515,739 student grades from 12,579 courses taken by 46,416 graduates of business management undergraduate programmes at 40 universities between 2002 and 2022. According to our findings, the percentage of undergraduate business management students graduating with honours (>2.99) has increased from 11% in 2002 to 56% in 2022. The most significant increases occurred in 2021 and 2022, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research also revealed grade inflation, with a significant increase of 28% after controlling for variables that may affect graduation grades in Turkish undergraduate business management programmes. The factors that affect course grades include the student’s gender, grade level, language of instruction, instructor title, and course content. According to our findings, it can be concluded that the rapid expansion of undergraduate business management programmes in Turkey has resulted in a decline in qualifications. This, in turn, has led to a rise in grades.

A Model for Competency-Based Grading and Its Effect on Student Outcomes in a Biomechanics Course.

Competency-based grading (CBG) can take different forms in different subject areas. We present a method for implementing CBG in a biomechanics course with nine primary learning objectives. Competency in each learning objective is measured by the student's ability to correctly answer knowledge questions and solve analytical problems in the field of biomechanics. The primary goal of implementing CBG was to provide more opportunities for lower-performing students to learn the material and to demonstrate that learning. To determine the efficacy of CBG to improve student learning, the primary measure was course grade distribution before and after implementation of CBG. The course grade distribution data indicated that CBG has primarily helped midperforming students to improve their grades. Because of the limitations of course grades as a measure of learning, we also performed analysis of student performance on successive attempts which indicated initial and secondary attempts are best, with student success declining on subsequent attempts. Anecdotally, many students improved performance, and thus their grade, on the (optional) final exam attempts. Limitations of the study include the limited course offerings with CBG (three), and that effects of COVID-19 may be confounding CBG data. Also, the approach places nearly all the grade on quizzes or exams. However, the approach could be modified to include homework grades, projects, and the like. Overall, the student learning in this course and implementation appears to be only positively affected, so this approach appears to have benefits in a biomechanics course.

Impact of Tumor Grade Distribution on Genetic Alterations in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Prostate Cancer.

A genomic analysis based on next-generation sequencing is important for deciding cancer treatment strategies. Cancer tissue sometimes displays intratumor heterogeneity and a pathologic specimen may contain more than two tumor grades. Although tumor grades are very important for the cancer prognosis, the impact of higher tumor grade distribution in a specimen used for a genomic analysis is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 61 clear cell carcinoma and 46 prostate cancer patients that were diagnosed between December 2018 and August 2022 using the GeneRead Human Comprehensive Cancer Panel or SureSelect PrePool custom Tier2. Genome annotation and curation were performed using the GenomeJack software. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was increased in proportion to the higher tumor grade distribution in grade 2 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In PC, Grade Group 3/4 specimens that included an increased distribution of Gleason pattern 4 had more frequent gene mutations. Our results suggest the importance of selecting the maximum distribution of higher tumor grade areas to obtain results on the precise gene alterations for genomics-focused treatments.

Improving student success and retention in first-year nursing through embedded tutor support

BackgroundNursing students from diverse or equity backgrounds are less likely to possess the required skills to ensure success in their studies. This research explores the impact of embedded support on student learning in a first-year foundational subject, Contexts of Nursing, in an undergraduate nursing degree.t. MethodsThe Embedded Tutor Program offers specialised tutoring support for first-year undergraduate students. Embedded tutors, with backgrounds as registered nurses and academics, provided online one-on-one feedback to students on draft assessment tasks. Outreach contact was provided to students at risk of failing. A Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to assess the impact of tutor support on grade distribution and a paired student t-test was used to assess the difference in cumulative marks for students from equity backgrounds. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Feedback provided by students, tutors and staff in an online anonymous survey was thematically analysed. ResultsThere was a significant grade shift for the 267 students who met with an embedded tutor (p < 0.05). Students who were a member of an Australian Government identified equity group had a significant increase in their cumulative mark if they met with a tutor of 9–17 % (p < 0.05). This improvement in cumulative mark was maintained for students with cumulative equity factors. The overwhelming majority of students who were identified as at risk of failing and met with a tutor following outreach support received a passing grade. Students reported growing skills and confidence in academic literacy was a key benefit of the program. ConclusionA shared approach to delivering education has a positive effect on the experience of learning. The combined efforts of the subject convenor, embedded tutors, and extended student service roles within the University resulted in outcomes that were positive for student learning. Determining student capacity for learning extended beyond a student's consideration of grades or their progression in the program to include the development of self-efficacy.

Characterization and thermo-mechanical analysis of centrifugally fabricated aluminium-boron carbide functionally graded composites

This research focuses on developing lightweight functionally gradient composites (FGCs) having graded distribution B4C in aluminium matrix by employing centrifugal casting technique. Two different sizes of reinforcement, that is, 100 and 50 μm was chosen to analyse its effect on the thermo mechanical properties and its distribution were analysed in this study. Advanced characterization revealed smooth graded distribution of the reinforcement across the thickness of the fabricated FGCs. The density and micro Vickers hardness test showed that they are 1.5% higher at outer periphery ensuring the graded distribution of B4C. The tensile strength was 31% higher for 50 μm sized reinforcement in the FGC, due to the increased surface area-to-volume ratio of the reinforcement. The thermal properties like thermal conductivity was 46.4% higher, thermal diffusivity was 27.8% higher for 100 μm sized reinforcement than for 50 μm sized reinforcement in the FGC. The above research work provides a new perspective on deploying aluminium based B4C graded composites for heat exchangers or fins subjected to varying thermal loads.

Effect of cognitive multisensory rehabilitation on upper extremity function in stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation based on neurocognitive multisensory therapy in stroke patients, focusing on assessing its effects on the recovery of UE function and suggesting it as a post-stroke therapeutic method. The study was conducted as a randomized, prospective, controlled trial with a pre- and post-experimental design. Thirty stroke patients were equally divided into study and control groups and evaluated before and after treatment. Outcome measures included the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Manual Function Test (MFT), Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients (MESUPES), and Fugl Myer Assessment upper extremity (FMA-UE). Both groups received a specific physiotherapy program, while the study group also received Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation (CMR). All analyses were performed using SPSS (version 25). There were no significant differences between the groups in age, weight, height, BMI, duration of illness, MMSE, sex, or spasticity grade distribution (p &gt; 0.05). Post-treatment comparison between both groups showed a statistically significant increase in the ARAT, MFT, MESUPES, and FMA-UE scores in the study group compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). For stroke patients, CMR intervention is considered a beneficial neuro-rehabilitation strategy for enhancing upper extremity sensorimotor capabilities through physical therapy.

Effect of Lighter and Heavier Initial Weight on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Single-Source Beef Steers.

The objective of the study was to determine the influence that initial BW has on growth performance responses, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, and carcass traits in feedlot steers. Charolais×Red Angus steers (n = 70) selected from a larger single-source group were used in a 209-d growing-finishing feedlot experiment. Steers were assigned to two groups based on initial BW (light initial weight, LIW = 273 ± 16.0 kg; heavy initial weight, HIW = 356 ± 14.2 kg) and allotted into 10 pens (n = 7 steers per pen; 5 pens per experimental group) the within pen standard deviation for LIW was from 14.1 kg to 20.9 kg and for HIW was from 13.7 kg to 16.0 kg. Steers were fed a common diet once daily. Experimental data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with pen as the experimental unit. LIW steers had a greater cumulative HH change (p = 0.04). A treatment × day interaction (p = 0.05) was observed for HH with HIW steers having a greater HH at all time points. Final BW and carcass-adjusted (HCW/0.625) BW were greater for HIW steers by 13.1% and 13.4% respectively (p ≤ 0.01). HIW steers had a greater DMI (p = 0.01) compared to LIW. Cumulative ADG was greater for HIW by 3% (p = 0.04). LIW steers had better feed conversion (p = 0.01). HIW steers had greater (p ≤ 0.05) HCW, marbling scores, and yield grade (YG), with decreased REA/HCW (p = 0.01) compared to LIW. The distribution of USDA Yield Grade was altered by initial BW (p = 0.04). No differences were detected (p ≥ 0.22) for the distribution of Quality grade nor liver abscess prevalence and severity. Regression coefficients did not differ between LIW and HIW for urea space calculations of empty body water, fat, or protein (p ≥ 0.70). A quadratic response was noted for empty body fat (EBF), empty body water (EBH20), and carcass protein (CP). In conclusion, HIW steers had greater growth, but poorer feed efficiency compared to LIW steers. Steers with a HIW produced fatter carcasses with a greater degree of marbling.

Dissection of N-deacetylase and N-sulfotransferase activities of NDST1 and their effects on Wnt8 distribution and signaling in Xenopus embryos.

Wnt is a family of secreted signaling proteins involved in the regulation of cellular processes, including maintenance of stem cells, carcinogenesis, and cell differentiation. In the context of early vertebrate embryogenesis, graded distribution of Wnt proteins has been thought to regulate positional information along the antero-posterior axis. However, understanding of the molecular basis for Wnt spatial distribution remains poor. Modified states of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans are essential for Wnt8 localization, because depletion of N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 1 (NDST1), a modification enzyme of HS chains, decreases Wnt8 levels and NDST1 overexpression increases Wnt8 levels on the cell surface. Since overexpression of NDST1 increases both deacetylation and N-sulfation of HS chains, it is not clear which function of NDST1 is actually involved in Wnt8 localization. In the present study, we generated an NDST1 mutant that specifically increases deacetylation, but not N-sulfation, of HS chains in Xenopus embryos. Unlike wild-type NDST1, this mutant did not increase Wnt8 accumulation on the cell surface, but it reduced canonical Wnt signaling, as determined with the TOP-Flash reporter assay. These results suggest that N-sulfation of HS chains is responsible for localization of Wnt8 and Wnt8 signaling, whereas deacetylation has an inhibitory effect on canonical Wnt signaling. Consistently, overexpression of wild-type NDST1, but not the mutant, resulted in small eyes in Xenopus embryos. Thus, our NDST1 mutant enables us to dissect the regulation of Wnt8 localization and signaling by HS proteoglycans by specifically manipulating the enzymatic activities of NDST1.

Enhancing the sustainability of cherry blossom landscapes-a case study in Fujian Province, China

Utilizing flowering cherries to enhance suburban landscapes and attract public recreation holds significant economic and social value. However, the current quality of the cherry landscape is compromised due to the absence of variety selection and planning in planting and design. Based on the analysis of public preference, there is significant importance in boosting the sustainability of cherry blossom landscape. However, related research in this domain still needs to be explored. This study examined four representative cherry blossom landscapes in Fujian Province to assess the landscape quality and growth of existing cherry varieties. Subsequently, an improvement model of cherry blossom landscape quality was developed based on image semantic segmentation, aiming to quantify landscape elements. The findings indicated that: (1) There were a total of 46 cherry varieties blooming from January to March in the four representative cherry blossom landscapes. The health grades distribution was as follow: Grade I accounted for 41.3%, Grade II for 39.1%, Grade III for 8.7%, Grade IV for 6.5%, and Grade V for 4.4%. (2) The highest marginal benefit for flake planting was observed when the flowering ratio exceeded 60% or was less than 15%. In contrast, the optimal flowering ratio for the linear cherry blossom landscape for maximum marginal benefit was over 30.0%. (3) The outcomes of the scenic beauty model revealed that the five major factors influencing the scenic beauty were the scene cleanliness (38.04%), plant color composition (25.59%), road (17.79%), plant type (12.88%) and building (2.70%). The results of this study provide valuable objective data references for the planning, design and management of cherry blossom landscapes.

On the Extension-Torsion of Short Hyperelastic Tubes of Axially Functionally-Graded Materials

The mechanical behavior of thick-walled tubes made of axially functionally graded (FG) incompressible nonlinear elastic materials under combined extension-torsion loading is focused on in this study. To achieve more realistic modeling, a computation-efficient semi-analytical approach is proposed, which is subsequently validated through finite element simulations. Axially functional grading is addressed by considering finite length instead of the commonly assumed infinite length. Additionally, a comparative study is conducted to examine twelve different functional grading distributions based on silicon-rubber Neo-Hookean material constant. 3D numerical simulations are outperformed by our approach by up to 50 times in computational efficiency under identical hardware conditions. The results indicate the model's capability to evaluate the non-linear distribution of twisting along the length, also stress analysis suggests that decreased shear stress variation, reaction torque, and force can be achieved by increasing the material gradient in larger than one composition ratio. Overall, valuable insights for engineers are provided by our approach, ensuring structural integrity and safe operation of functionally graded cylindrical components in various engineering applications.