Gradual Augmentation Research Articles

Impact of Industry Digitization on ESG Performance – An Empirical Analysis Based on Industry Perspective

This research seeks to investigate the influence of industrial digitalization on environmental, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG) outcomes. Through the utilization of a panel data model, the study demonstrates that the industrial digitalization index exerts a notable positive effect on corporate ESG performance, with this impact displaying a gradual augmentation in recent periods. The findings elucidate the correlation between industrial digitalization and ESG performance, underscoring the significance of corporate ESG ratings. Furthermore, the study contributes to the scholarly discourse on the industrial digitization process and the determinants of ESG performance, shedding light on the repercussions of digitalization advancement on industry ESG through an industry-centric lens.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al0·3CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy joints brazed using a FeCoCrNiCu/Ti composite interlayer

This study introduces a brazing technique for joining Al0·3CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) utilizing a FeCoCrNiCu/Ti composite interlayer. The primary objectives of this investigation encompass an examination of the microstructure of the Al0·3CoCrFeNi joint, as well as an evaluation of the shear strength of the brazed joints under diverse brazing parameters. The characteristic microstructure of the Al0·3CoCrFeNi brazing seam is comprised of Ti (s, s), Cu (s, s) from the FeCoCrNiCu interlayer, and face-centered cubic (FCC) phases containing more than five elements. When the brazing temperature increases from 1100 °C to 1180 °C, there is a gradual augmentation in the diffusion of Ti element and subsequent reactions involving Cu, Ti, and Ni. Furthermore, the impact of holding time on the brazing seam is investigated. The findings suggest that prolonging the holding time has a relatively negligible effect on the reaction layer formed by the Ti foil. However, it does lead to a reduction of the Cu (s, s) content within the FeCoCrNiCu interlayer. Notably, the highest shear strength reaches up to 280 MPa when the joint brazed at 1160 °C for 10 min. In addition, the shear strength did not decrease below 800 °C. During the shear test, ductile fractures are observed in the joint, indicating favorable mechanical properties. Overall, this study successfully demonstrates the potential of the proposed brazing technique employing a FeCoCrNiCu/Ti composite interlayer for the effective joining of Al0·3CoCrFeNi HEA. By optimizing the brazing parameters, it is possible to achieve robust joints with exceptional mechanical characteristics.

Sustainable management strategies for balancing crop yield, water use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions

CONTEXTTo ensure food security in the face of climate change, it is crucial to use effective agricultural management practices that produce the triangular win-win for water, crops, and environments. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to explore the sustainable management measures for balancing crop yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in China during 1981–2020. METHODSThe study selected the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region of China as the research area, where there were sharp contradictions among water shortage, food security and polluted environment. Four irrigation treatments and four fertilization treatments were set referring to the local cultivated experiences. The daily dynamic changes in crop yield, WUE and GHG emissions were simulated by optimized Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe irrigations had positive impacts on crop yield and WUE in BTH region. The irrigation amount's rise caused a gradual augmentation in the total yield of winter wheat and summer maize from 1981 to 2020.The highest total yield was achieved under W4 irrigation treatment (320 mm water for winter wheat and 60 mm water for summer maize), with an annual mean of 24,579.2 kg·ha−1. The annual average WUE under the W3 irrigation treatment (240 mm water for winter wheat) was the highest, with an average of 13.9 kg·ha−1·mm−1. However, extensive fertilization exacerbated soil GHG emissions. The soil GHG emissions were found to be significant increase as the input amount of fertilization. The FI fertilization measure (no fertilization) was assessed to have the least impact on the environment, with an average GHG emissions of 0.4 Mg·CO2-eq·ha−1. The optimal goals of high yield, high WUE and low GHG emissions were achieved by choosing effective combination practices of water and nitrogen management. Overall, the W3 irrigation and F3 fertilization (180 kg/ha fertilizer for winter wheat and 120 kg/ha fertilizer for summer maize.) treatments had the maximum water-fertilizer production indexes in the BTH region. SIGNIFICANCEThis study highlights the importance of agricultural management measures for guaranteeing food security and environmental sustainability at the same time under climate change.

Towards green governance and real economy development: how digital technology affects health human resource allocation?

ABSTRACT The adoption and integration of digital technology have profoundly reshaped societal and environmental governance within the healthcare sector. This study aims to explore the influence of digital technology development on the allocation of healthcare human resources, intending to contribute to the net-zero carbon process. Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces and cities across mainland China during the period 2011 to 2020, we computed three unique indices for health resource density. Employing the spatial Durbin model, our analysis unveiled a gradual augmentation in the overall level of healthcare human resource allocation in China due to the spatial impact of digital technology development. Robustness tests substantiated a noteworthy positive spatial spillover effect of digital technology, contributing to the augmentation of healthcare human resource allocation at the regional level. Heterogeneity results revealed a notably more pronounced promotional effect in the eastern region, contrasting with the central and western regions. From the perspective of sustainable development, the development of digital technology can contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly healthcare by optimizing the allocation of healthcare human resources. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for China to formulate effective policies for healthcare human resource allocation, contributing to the attainment of sustainable development goals.

Structural Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of Ytterbia Doped Hafnia Biphasic Ceramics under Annealing at 1500 °C

HfO2 has become a promising thermal barrier coating material due to its similarity in structure and chemical properties with ZrO2 and its higher phase structure transition temperature. However, the fracture toughness of HfO2 is not ideal, greatly limiting its application. In this report, we find a special sandwich structure of ceramics, comprising a cubic (C) phase /monoclinic (M) phase/cubic (C) phase. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of these ceramics were investigated under annealing at 1500 °C. The results indicate that, with an increase in annealing duration, there was a gradual augmentation in the proportion of the monoclinic (M) phase and the fracture toughness increased from 2.18 MPa·m0.5 to 2.83 MPa·m0.5 after 48 h of annealing, which is higher than many potential TBC materials. The residual compressive stress present in the M phases during the progression of crack propagation served to facilitate the bridging and deflection of cracks. As such, this process led to the alleviation of stress concentration at the crack tip, ultimately enhancing the toughening effect.

Effect of prolonged cooking at low temperatures on the eating quality of Tibetan pork: meat quality, water distribution, and microstructure

Abstract Objectives Tibetan pork inhabit plateau regions and engage in extensive exercise. Their meat is firm and less palatable, but appropriate cooking conditions can improve the flavor of the meat. This study aimed to explore the impact of cooking temperature and time on the cooking loss rate, moisture content, tenderness, and color of Tibetan pork to elucidate their effects on the eating quality of this meat. Materials and Methods Physicochemical properties such as cooking losses and tenderness were evaluated, and protein structure was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results The results indicated a negative correlation between temperature and moisture content, which decreased from 72% to 65% as the temperature increased. Meanwhile, the oxidation of myofibrillar proteins substantially increased with cooking temperature and time, resulting in a gradual augmentation of the cooking loss and shear force of the pork. The migration of bound water and the release of free water from the pork were faster after treatment at 80 °C compared with 50 °C. The results of infrared spectroscopy suggested that prolonged cooking led to the conversion of the α-helix into the β-sheet in the secondary structure of myofibrillar proteins. The microstructures observed through scanning electron microscopy exhibited a gradual degradation of connective tissues in the muscles at high temperatures, and the fiber structure of the muscles became more condensed and granular, blurring the textural appearance of the muscles. Conclusion These results indicated that prolonged cooking time at a low temperature (steaming for 6 h at 50 °C) was conducive to the optimal tenderness of Tibetan pork. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the meat quality of Tibetan pork products and developing more rational processing methods.

Insight into the Influence of Ag Contents on Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Performance of MoN-Ag Coatings

In this document, RF magnetron sputtering to generate a set of composite coatings comprising MoN and Ag, exhibiting diverse concentrations of silver (Ag). Comprehensive investigations were conducted to scrutinize the coatings, encompassing an examination of their microstructure, mechanical attributes, and tribological performance. This multi-faceted analysis leveraged state-of-the-art techniques, such as XRD, SEM, HRTEM, EDS, etc. Our research findings suggest that the MoN-Ag coatings revealed a composite composition, comprising structures of fcc-Mo2N and fcc-Ag. As the Ag content was elevated, the coating’s hardness initially exhibited a gradual augmentation before subsequently declining after reaching its zenith, with the highest hardness recorded at 26.7 GPa. At room temperature, the MoN-Ag coating displayed a distinctive tribological behavior, where the average friction coefficient experienced an initial rapid reduction followed by a gradual increment. Notably, the coefficient reached its nadir at 0.38 with an Ag content of 3.90 at.%. Moreover, the wear rate of the coatings exhibited a similar trend, registering a slight decline followed by an increase as the Ag content was augmented, with the lowest recorded value being 1.63×10−8 mm3N−1mm−1 at an Ag content of 1.61 at.%. In the case of MoN-Ag coatings, the average friction coefficient initially exhibited an increase, followed by a swift decline as the temperature rose from ambient to higher levels. This coefficient reached its lowest value, 0.29, at 600 °C. In contrast, the wear rate showed a steady escalation in line with the temperature increase, peaking at a maximum of 2.77×10−7 mm 3 N−1mm−1 at 600 °C.

Investigating the size-dependent structural, optical, dielectric, and photocatalytic properties of benign-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles

Zinc oxide (ZnO) plays a vital role in numerous technological facets of semiconductors. Due to its captivating characteristics, it has garnered considerable interest in a diverse array of applications. In this study, the egg albumen-facilitated bio-template approach was utilized to fabricate ZnO nanoparticles, aiming to investigate the impact of varying albumen concentration ratios on the crystal structure, dimensions, and shape of the resulting ZnO nanoparticles. This approach provides more precise customization of the dimensions and configuration of the nanocrystals and is compatible with most documented physical techniques. Exploring the morphological impacts of unadulterated or altered zinc oxide nanocrystals on photocatalytic performance is crucial for maximizing solar energy absorption and utilization. However, this aspect has yet to receive much attention in previous studies. The photocatalytic rate was discovered to be independent of the ZnO particle size, but the geometry factor is of paramount significance. ZnO with a nanopencil shape exhibited a minimum of 1.81 times higher efficiency than spherical particles. Furthermore, the dielectric characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated across a frequency range of 75 kHz to 7 MHz, considering the dependence on particle size. As the dimensions of the ZnO NPs diminish, there is a gradual rise in the dielectric permittivity, increasing from 20 to 82 with the escalation in frequency. In the context of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), the Maxwell- Wagner polarization model can elucidate the phenomenon of robust interfacial polarization, particularly as the ZnO size diminishes. As the frequency increases, the AC conductivity exhibits a gradual augmentation. Likewise, in relation to the dielectric constant and losses, the electrical conductivity characteristics of all ZnO NPs samples exhibit a reliance on the size of the crystals, where a reduction in crystal size corresponds to a decrease in electrical conductivity. The utilization of eco-friendly nanomaterials is anticipated to pave the way for novel possibilities in their exceptional electronic applications as storage materials.

Evolution ofanelloviruses from a circovirus-like ancestor through gradual augmentation ofthe jelly-roll capsid protein.

Anelloviruses are highly prevalent in diverse mammals, including humans, but so far have not been linked to any disease and are considered to be part of the 'healthy virome'. These viruses have small circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes and encode several proteins with no detectable sequence similarity to proteins of other known viruses. Thus, anelloviruses are the only family of eukaryotic ssDNA viruses currently not included in the realm Monodnaviria. To gain insights into the provenance of these enigmatic viruses, we sequenced more than 250 complete genomes of anelloviruses from nasal and vaginal swab samples of Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) from Antarctica and a fecal sample of grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) from the USA and performed a comprehensive family-wide analysis of the signature anellovirus protein ORF1. Using state-of-the-art remote sequence similarity detection approaches and structural modeling with AlphaFold2, we show that ORF1 orthologs from all Anelloviridae genera adopt a jelly-roll fold typical of viral capsid proteins (CPs), establishing an evolutionary link to other eukaryotic ssDNA viruses, specifically, circoviruses. However, unlike CPs of other ssDNA viruses, ORF1 encoded by anelloviruses from different genera display remarkable variation in size, due to insertions into the jelly-roll domain. In particular, the insertion between β-strands H and I forms a projection domain predicted to face away from the capsid surface and function at the interface of virus-host interactions. Consistent with this prediction and supported by recent experimental evidence, the outermost region of the projection domain is a mutational hotspot, where rapid evolution was likely precipitated by the host immune system. Collectively, our findings further expand the known diversity of anelloviruses and explain how anellovirus ORF1 proteins likely diverged from canonical jelly-roll CPs through gradual augmentation of the projection domain. We suggest assigning Anelloviridae to a new phylum, 'Commensaviricota', and including it into the kingdom Shotokuvirae (realm Monodnaviria), alongside Cressdnaviricota and Cossaviricota.

Carboxyl terminus of Pannexin-1 plays a crucial role in P2X7 receptor-mediated signaling

The cellular implications of the interaction between Pannexin-1 (Panx1) channel and P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) have not been fully elucidated. Evidence suggests that ATP, released through Panx1, activates P2X7R, which in turn promotes further activation of Panx1. In a previous study, we reported that the C-terminus of Panx1 (Panx1-CT) attenuates P2X7R-mediated Ca2+ influx and cell death. One of the distinctive features of P2X7R is the gradual increase in current with repetitive stimulation. In the current study, we report an effect of Panx1-CT (amino acid residues 350 to 426) on P2X7R current, which differs from the effect of full-length Panx1. Panx1-CT inhibited P2X7R current, which persisted in all consecutive agonist applications. However, full-length Panx1 reduced P2X7R current at initial stimulations, followed by gradual augmentation. When P2X7R was activated for an extended period, cells expressing Panx1-CT exhibited less mitochondrial depolarization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Caspase 3 activation and cell death, whereas cells overexpressing full-length Panx1 showed the opposite effect. Taken together, these findings suggest that Panx1 can either attenuate or augment P2X7R-mediated cellular processes depending on the degree of P2X7R activation.

Can copper isotope composition in oysters improve marine biomonitoring and seafood traceability?

This study provides the first geographic and temporal large-scale analysis of Cu stable isotope compositions in indigenous oysters to biomonitor anthropogenic Cu inputs in aquatic systems. It includes oyster samples from French marine environments with distinct Cu-pollution levels and histories and extends over several decades of biomonitoring. Sample series composed of oysters from the same season and similar size/age intended to avoid biological biases. Oysters in macrotidal estuaries (Loire and Gironde, Western France) display fluctuating Cu concentrations without clear temporal trends, challenging to infer anthropogenic influence. Conversely, the time series of their Cu isotope ratios indicate a constant proportion of natural and anthropogenic Cu sources since the 1980s. In contrast, Cu isotope compositions in oysters from the progressively developing locales (urbanization and recreational boating) of Arcachon and Vilaine bays shift positively over time, along with increasing Cu concentrations. This finding suggests a gradual augmentation in the bioaccumulation of anthropogenic Cu over time. Thus, Cu isotope compositions in oysters is an unambiguous and robust approach to pinpoint anthropogenic Cu contamination in marine biomonitoring. Furthermore, Cu concentrations combined with isotope compositions yield site-specific fingerprints allowing geographic discrimination among oysters. This two-dimensional Cu signature is promising as a tool for seafood traceability.

A Minimally Invasive Method for Observing Wind-Up of Flexion Reflex in Humans: Comparison of Electrical and Magnetic Stimulation.

Wind-up like pain or temporal summation of pain is a phenomenon in which pain sensation is increased in a frequency-dependent manner by applying repeated noxious stimuli of uniform intensity. Temporal summation in humans has been studied by observing the increase in pain or flexion reflex by repetitive electrical or thermal stimulations. Nonetheless, because the measurement is accompanied by severe pain, a minimally invasive method is desirable. Gradual augmentation of flexion reflex and pain induced by repetitive stimulation of the sural nerve was observed using three stimulation methods—namely, bipolar electrical, magnetic, and monopolar electrical stimulation, with 11 healthy male subjects in each group. The effects of frequency, intensity, and number of repetitive stimuli on the increase in the magnitude of flexion reflex and pain rating were compared among the three methods. The reflex was measured using electromyography (EMG) from the short head of the biceps femoris. All three methods produced a frequency- and intensity-dependent progressive increase in reflex and pain; pain scores were significantly lower for magnetic and monopolar stimulations than for bipolar stimulation (P < 0.05). The slope of increase in the reflex was steep during the first 4–6 stimuli but became gentler thereafter. In the initial phase, an increase in the reflex during the time before signals of C-fibers arrived at the spinal cord was observed in experiments using high-frequency stimulation, suggesting that wind-up was caused by inputs of A-fibers without the involvement of C-fibers. Magnetic and monopolar stimulations are minimally invasive and useful methods for observing the wind-up of the flexion reflex in humans. Monopolar stimulation is convenient because it does not require special equipment. There is at least a partial mechanism underlying the wind-up of the flexion reflex that does not require C-fibers.

Holocene hydroclimate changes on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau inferred from geochemical records in Lake Gyaring

ABSTRACTThe north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) is an ideal region for understanding the interaction between the Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) and the Westerlies. Here we present a high‐resolution elemental record from Lake Gyaring in the source region of the Yellow River to investigate the paleo‐hydroclimate changes over the past ~10 ka. Our results show that lithogenic elements (Ti, Rb, Mn, Ti, Zn and Ni) increased while carbonate‐related elements (Ca, Sr and Mg) decreased up the core sediments, indicating that the effective moisture on the north‐eastern TP has steadily increased throughout the Holocene. This inference is also supported by the gradual augmentation and diminution of Rb/Sr and Ca/(Ti + Fe + Al) ratios, respectively. The persistent wetting trend on the north‐eastern TP inferred from our study disagrees with the Holocene pattern of the ASM but corresponds well with that of the Westerlies. This implies that the strengthening Westerlies since the Holocene might have played a more important role than monsoon circulation in controlling the hydroclimate changes on the north‐eastern TP. However, the significant increase in the mid‐Holocene might be related to the combined effects of the strengthened ASM and Westerlies. Ultimately, Northern Hemisphere solar insolation and the substantial remnant of ice sheets might have controlled Holocene moisture availability on the north‐eastern TP through their influence on the intensity of the Westerlies and ASM as well as Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperatures.

Clinical application of diffusion tensor tractography to postoperative C5 palsy.

Diagnostic study. Although C5 palsy is a well-known potential complication after cervical procedure, the exact pathophysiology remains uncertain. Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) has recently been proposed as a useful tool to examine quantitatively and non-invasively the pathology of spinal cord disorders. The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical interest of DTT in patients with C5 palsy after cervical laminoplasty. Single university hospital. Five patients with C5 palsy out of 108 patients after cervical laminoplasty were subjected to DTT using a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in our hospital between 2010 and 2012. For the tractography, two regions of interest (ROI) were placed at the C5 segmental level and the bilateral C4/5 intervertebral foramen level. The postoperative number of tract fibers at the C5 segmental spinal cord level was significantly increased compared to the preoperative number, despite the C5 palsy. Analyses of two ROIs (at the C5 segmental level and the C4/5 intervertebral foramen level) showed that the number of tract fibers at the palsy side was significantly decreased compared to the intact side. Furthermore, in the patient who spontaneously recovered from C5 palsy within postoperative 6 months, a gradual augmentation of tract fibers was identified at the palsy side. Our findings suggest that DTT can document C5 palsy in detail, as the anatomical region between C5 segmental level and C4/5 intervertebral foramen level was potentially damaged in patients with C5 palsy after laminoplasty.

Methodological Survey of Simplified TD-DFT Methods for Fast and Accurate Interpretation of UV-Vis-NIR Spectra of Phthalocyanines.

A methodological survey of density functional theory (DFT) methods for the prediction of UV–visible (vis)–near-infrared (NIR) spectra of phthalocyanines is reported. Four methods, namely, full time-dependent (TD)-DFT and its Tamm–Dancoff approximation (TDA), together with their simplified modifications (sTD-DFT and sTDA, respectively), were tested by using the examples of unsubstituted and alkoxy-substituted metal-free ligands and zinc complexes. The theoretical results were compared with experimental data derived from UV–visible absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. Seven popular exchange-correlation functionals (BP86, B3LYP, TPSSh, M06, CAM-B3LYP, LC-BLYP, and ωB97X) were tested within these four approaches starting at a relatively modest level using 6-31G(d) basis sets and gas-phase BP86/def2-SVP optimized geometries. A gradual augmentation of the computational levels was used to identify the influence of starting geometry, solvation effects, and basis sets on the results of TD-DFT and sTD-DFT calculations. It was found that although these factors do influence the predicted energies of the vertical excitations, they do not affect the trends predicted in the spectral properties across series of structurally related substituted free bases and metallophthalocyanines. The best accuracy for the gas-phase vertical excitations was observed in the lower-energy Q-band region for calculations that made use of range-separated hybrids for both full and simplified TD-DFT approaches. The CAM-B3LYP functional provided particularly accurate results in the context of the sTD-DFT approach. The description of the higher-energy B-band region is considerably less accurate, and this demonstrates the need for further advances in the accuracy of theoretical calculations. Together with a general increase in accuracy, the application of simplified TD-DFT methods affords a 2–3 orders of magnitude speedup of the calculations in comparison to the full TD-DFT approach. It is anticipated that this approach will be widely used on desktop computers during the interpretation of UV–vis–NIR spectra of phthalocyanines and related macrocycles in the years ahead.

Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice.

Shilajit is claimed as a Vajikarak (aphrodisiac) and used for the treatment of male infertility by traditional healers of the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, the present investigation was designed to assess the effectiveness of Shilajit for treatment of male infertility resulting from exposure to perilous chemicals. Effect of daily oral administration (p.o.) of Shilajit (50mg, 100mg and 200mg/Kg BW) was investigated for a single spermatogenic cycle (35days) in cadmium-induced (2mg/Kg BW, p.o. for 35days) infertile adult (12-14week) swiss male mice. Shilajit treatment increased weights of reproductive organs, testicular daily sperm production, activities of testicular Δ5 3β-HSD and 17 β-HSD enzymes and serum level of testosterone. Histopathological evaluation of testis revealed that Shilajit restored spermatogenesis as reflected by a gradual augmentation in germ cell layers with increased doses of Shilajit compared to cadmium-treated mice. Further, Shilajit treatment reverted back the adverse effects of cadmium on motility and concentration of spermatozoa. Secretory activities of the epididymis and seminal vesicle and libido, fertility and the number of litters per female were also improved by Shilajit in cadmium-treated mice. Results thus suggest the potent androgenic nature of Shilajit and its role in fertility improvement against cadmium-induced infertility.

Simulation on the dynamic charge behavior of vacuum flashover developing across insulator involving outgassing

A 2D simulation based on particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo collision algorithm is implemented to investigate the accumulation and dissipation of surface charges on an insulator during flashover with outgassing in vacuum. A layer of positive charges is formed on the insulator after the secondary electrons emission (SEE) reaches saturation. With the build-up of local pressure resulting from gas desorption, the incident energy of electrons is affected by electron-neutral collisions and field distortion, remarkably decreasing the charge density on the insulator. Gas desorption ionization initiates near the anode, culminating, and then abates, followed by a steady and gradual augmentation as the negatively charged surface spreads towards the cathode and halts the SEE nearby. The initiation of flashover development is discussed in detail, and a subdivision of flashover development is proposed, including an anode-initiated desorption ionization avalanche, establishment of a plasma sheath, and plasma expansion. The transform from saturation to explosion of space charges and dissipation of the surface charge are revealed, which can be explained by the competition between multipactor electrons and ionized electrons.

Surgical resolutions determining outcomes of infected pancreatic necrosis

To evaluate technology, indications and time of minimally invasive semi-closed and laparotomic sanations for infected pancreatic necrosis (IP). Initially it was used sonography-assisted minimally invasive semi-closed drainage of IP with gradual augmentation of catheters' diameter. In 462 patients with IP liquid pus prevailed over sequesters in epigastric localized pancreatonecrotic phlegmon (ELPF) and pancreatonecrotic abscesses. So, minimally invasive approach may be definitive. Epigastric advanced pancreatonecrotic phlegmon with predominant sequesters is often followed by conversion to transverse omentobursopancreatostomy (OBPS) to open all purulent accumulations. Surgical treatment immediately after parapancreatic infiltrate suppuration (i.e. within 3-4 weeks after onset of the disease) is associated with reduced mortality. Absent result of minimally invasive drainage is followed by mortality from the 11th day and maximum in 14 days after treatment onset. Therefore, focal IP resistant to minimally invasive drainage requires conversion to transverse OBPS or video-assisted sequestrectomy after 10-13 days. The lowest mortality (14.8±2.5%) was observed in patients who underwent minimally invasive drainage or transverse OBPS within 10-13 days. Ineffective prolonged minimally invasive drainage was accompanied by high mortality rate (60.7±3.2%, p<0.001). Conversion to transverse OBPS or video-assisted sequestrectomy are required if minimally invasive drainage of IP is ineffective after 10-13 days. Clear understanding of indications for closed and open drainage of PI helps to avoid tactical and technological errors.

Analysis of free-surface effects on swimming by the application of the computational fluid dynamics method

In this study, free-surface effects on swimming are investigated by the application of the computational fluid dynamics method for the first time. The major goal of this study is to represent a new methodology to numerically investigate free-surface effects on swimming. Utilizing a two-dimensional solver with steady flow conditions, the numerical results for swimming at a fully submerged level are validated with the data presented by previous researchers. The validity of the results is also examined through the study of mesh independency and the control of a critical turbulence feature, entitled as non-dimensional wall distance (y+). Finally, for the analysis of swimming at the free-surface level, a two-dimensional time-dependent solver with a well-known multiphase mathematical model is implemented to simultaneously investigate two-phase flow interactions and wave propagation in the proximity of the swimmer’s body. The development of different flow topology features, including major vortex cores and secondary recirculation zones as well as turbulence mixing and flow updraft and downdraft, are investigated and used to compare free-surface swimming against fully submerged cases. While the drag coefficient continuously decreases for higher advance velocities for a fully submerged case, a gradual augmentation is observed for the drag coefficient at a free-surface swimming level. The obtained results suggest that while the proportion of wave drag is ignorable at low swimming speeds below 1 m/s, in the case of higher speeds, its amount enhances significantly and constitutes about 15% of the total drag. Moreover, the proposed methodology is demonstrated to be efficient in the simulation of flow characteristics and phase interactions in swimming at the free-surface level.

Temporal dynamics of the Oppel-Kundt Illusion compared to the Müller-Lyer Illusion.

In psychophysical experiments, subjects reported whether the filled part of the Oppel-Kundt stimulus was longer than the empty one at different durations of the stimuli presentations. The experimental data yielded a smooth function indicating a gradual augmentation of the illusion strength within a relatively wide 100-1000 ms interval of the exposure durations. On the contrary, the experiments with the Müller-Lyer stimuli showed a gradual decrease of the illusion magnitude within the same interval of expositions. In the supplementary experiments, the stimuli with uniformly filled or outlined rectangles of fixed duration were used; various combinations of the rectangles with the regular sequences of filling stripes were also taken. It was demonstrated that the superposition of the stimuli did not change the illusion strength noticeably. The results obtained in the study support the suggestion that the filled interval overestimation in the Oppel-Kundt stimulus may be related to spatiotemporal integration along a continuous path of neural excitation evoked by the real and illusory contours of the filling.