Terms Of Input Research Articles

Street Vibrancy and Outdoor Activities under COVID-19 Psychological Distress: Lessons from Hong Kong

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a distinctive impact on Hong Kong, especially given the city’s prior experience with the SARS outbreak. The resulting psychological distress has been exacerbated by Hong Kong’s extreme density and compactness, which places residents in proximity on the streets searching for outdoor activities. Streets are a precious source of space for social interactions, but, unfortunately, the pandemic has forced them to empty, leading to increased distress and challenging the psychological well-being of the urban population. In this study, we explore street vibrancy patterns in terms of outdoor activities, here addressed through a decision-making psychological perspective as volitional behaviors determined by psychological factors and essential for well-being, in one of the densest neighborhoods in Hong Kong. We statistically analyzed behavioral monitoring data in relation to spatial and morphological characteristics of their environments under COVID-19 psychological distress. The results highlighted the relevance of specific parcels of the streets acting as clusters and vibrancy initiators, stressing their significance in terms of affective and cognitive inputs determining context-based outdoor activities. The decision-making psychological perspective adopted here to address outdoor activities has relevant implications for design and planning strategies for post-pandemic scenarios, for psychological well-being, and for the future of urban density.

Program Evaluation of the Student Sports Education Center (PPLP) for West Sumatra Province Football

The problem in this study is the weak support and attention to coaching the West Sumatra PPLP football branch, still less than expected is still not optimal. So that the expected achievements and coaching of PPLP football have not been achieved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the coaching and training program of PPLP for West Sumatra football. The method in this study uses a qualitative descriptive approach using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) method. This research data was obtained through observation, interviews and documentation. The results of the study were found in terms of context that the coaching process and also the training program process that had been implemented were in accordance with what was expected to have run with the vision and mission. In terms of input, it is still not maximal, it can be seen that the athlete rerukmen still does not involve psychologists and sports doctors, facilities and infrastructure are still not optimal, and the funds / budget allocated have run according to the rules but are still not optimal. Process Aspect in program implementation Evaluation and minotoring activities are running and carried out well, the implementation of the training program has gone well as expected, Communication / socialization of the program with athletes is quite maximal. In terms of Product achievement target West Sumatra Football The achievement of West Sumatra pplp athletes in the sport of football has reached the target and is optimal in coaching efforts and also the breeding of athletes can be seen the achievements that have been achieved by west Sumatra pplp football athletes.

Developing Equitable and Balanced Compulsory Education in Chinese County Regions: Achievements and Challenges

The balanced development of county-level compulsory education is of vital significance for realizing quality and equity in education in China. This article expounded on the accomplishments China made in developing equitable compulsory education at the county level in terms of educational input, staffing, and educational quality. It also displayed the challenges and complications the country faces in this area, using facts and data from a number of counties as evidence.

Efektivitas Ketersediaan Layanan Fisioterapi di Puskesmas Bukit Indah Kecamatan Muara Papalik Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat Provinsi Jambi

Availability of physiotherapy services at puskesmas to facilitate access to physiotherapy services for people who are indicated to need general physiotherapy services by prioritizing maintenance through promotive and preventive approaches. This study describes the problems related to the Effectiveness of the Availability of Physiotherapy services at the Bukit Indah Health Center, Muara Papalik District, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency in terms of Input, Process and Output. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach, an attempt to present facts about the effectiveness of the availability of physiotherapy services at the puskesmas. The data source for this research is primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, analysis techniques used. The results of the study show effectiveness in terms of input, human resources are in accordance with standards, room facilities, tools and funds are not yet available, patients who require physiotherapy services are included in the top 10 diseases at the puskesmas. In terms of the physiotherapist process, they have been involved in running the service program but are still integrated with other programs. In terms of output, the availability of physiotherapy services at the Bukit Indah Health Center has been felt by the community in the work area of the Health Center, but the types of services still need to be improved. The results of this study can be transferred to health centers that have the same characteristics.

Significant impacts of river inputs on the distributions and transports of mercury and methylmercury in nearshore and open seas – Simulation based on field surveys and mass balance modeling

Rivers are important sources of Hg for adjacent seas, and seafood from nearshore waters is a major source of Hg exposure for humans. There is thus a key scientific concern regarding how much riverine Hg inputs influence Hg loads in nearshore waters as well as how far the impact range can extend from the river to the open sea. In addition, it is important to understand the influence of anthropogenic hydro-facilities and activities on Hg levels in downstream seas. Because of the concise mass exchange pattern between the seas and the previously demonstrated intensive Hg inputs under anthropogenic regulation from the Yellow River, the Bohai and Yellow Seas, which are key fishery and marine breeding areas for China, are an ideal research area for exploring the impacts of riverine Hg on nearshore and adjacent open seas. Field surveys were conducted in eight major rivers and two seas, and 433 water samples were collected. The main Hg input and output terms (rivers, ocean currents, underground discharge, sewage, coastal erosion, atmospheric deposition, surface evasion, sedimentation, and fisheries) were quantified in the Bohai and Yellow Seas. Owing to the high inputs from the Yellow and Yalu Rivers, elevated THg concentrations were found. Apart from direct MeHg discharge, riverine nutrients may also seemingly affect nearshore MeHg. Using mass balance models, we found that the Yellow River (9.8 t) was the dominant Hg source in the Bohai Sea, which accounted for more than half of all contributions, and the Bohai Sea played the role of a secondary source of Hg to the Yellow Sea, with a flux of 3.3 t. Anthropogenic hydro-activities in large rivers could significantly influence Hg outputs and loads in the nearshore and even open seas. This study provides useful information for water resource management applications to reduce potential MeHg risks.

Strategies and Trends in COVID-19 Vaccination Delivery: What We Learn and What We May Use for the Future.

Vaccination has been the most effective way to control the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers and types of vaccines have reached considerable proportions, even if the question of vaccine procedures and frequency still needs to be resolved. We have come to learn the necessity of defining vaccination distribution strategies with regard to COVID-19 that could be used for any future pandemics of similar gravity. In fact, vaccine monitoring implies the existence of a strategy that should be measurable in terms of input and output, based on a mathematical model, including death rates, the spread of infections, symptoms, hospitalization, and so on. This paper addresses the issue of vaccine diffusion and strategies for monitoring the pandemic. It provides a description of the importance and take up of vaccines and the links between procedures and the containment of COVID-19 variants, as well as the long-term effects. Finally, the paper focuses on the global scenario in a world undergoing profound social and political change, with particular attention on current and future health provision. This contribution would represent an example of vaccination experiences, which can be useful in other pandemic or epidemiological contexts.

A risk and credibility framework for in silico clinical trials of medical devices

Background and objectiveThe use of in silico clinical trials (ISCTs) to generate clinically-relevant data on new medical devices is an emerging area of regulatory research. Interest in ISCTs stems from recognized challenges in acquiring sufficient clinical data and the continued maturation of in silico technologies. There is currently no guidance in place for evaluating the credibility of ISCT applications. The objective of this work was to adapt an existing risk-based credibility framework specifically for ISCT applications, and demonstrate its utility on a contemporary case study. MethodsExpanding on guidance currently in place for assessing the risk of traditional modeling applications of medical devices and demonstrating model credibility through benchtop validation activities, a framework is proposed to (1) evaluate the model risk for ISCT applications based on the independent factors of scope, coverage, and severity, and (2) assess the credibility of clinical validation activities based on consideration of the clinical comparator, the validation model, the agreement between the two, and the applicability of the clinical validation activities to the ISCT application. ResultsThe resulting framework spans across the range of ISCT applications that may be envisioned, as well as the variety of clinical datasets that can be used to demonstrate model credibility. Credibility factors reflect the expected clinical variability in the validation comparator and validation model, the statistical power of the comparator, the rigor of agreement between the comparator and model in terms of both inputs and outputs, and the overall similarity of the device in the validation activities to the device within the intended ISCT. When applied to a high-risk case study, the framework reveals that planned clinical validation activities require additional rigor in order to achieve the credibility targets, enabling an assessment of the validation effort relative to the potential benefit prior to investing in the validation studies. DiscussionAn objective and risk-based framework for establishing credibility requirements for ISCT applications is a critical step in advancing ISCT from theory to practice. The proposed framework enforces that appropriate validation of ISCT applications requires evidence that the intended clinical environment is accurately represented. The framework will contribute to reducing uncertainty amongst technical, clinical, and regulatory constituents on ISCT applications, and promote rational adoption.

Sinergitas Lembaga Pendidikan Dengan Dunia Usaha/Industri Dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Lulusan SMK

The synergy between educational institutions and DUDI does not work optimally, which causes the absorption capacity of vocational school graduates to remain low. The demand for increased competitiveness through the quality of work-ready graduates, where graduate output and outcomes are a priority. The general aim of this research is to determine and analyze the synergy of educational institutions with DUDI in improving the quality of vocational school graduates. The specific objectives of this research are (1). Know and explain policies and programs with DUDI in improving the quality of graduates; (2). Implementation and results with DUDI in improving the quality of graduates; (3). Problems and weaknesses faced with DUDI in improving the quality of graduates; (4). Future trends and demands with DUDI in improving the quality of graduates; (5). Efforts and steps for future improvements with DUDI in improving the quality of graduates. The research was carried out using a case study approach at SMK Lentera Bangsa 1 Karawang, SMK Nurul Ansor Karawang and SMK Lentera Bangsa 2 Karawang using qualitative methods. The conclusion of this research is that there is a common goal through the synergy of educational institutions with DUDI, the synergy of educational institutions with DUDI has improved the quality of graduates absorbed. The synergy helps vocational school graduates be ready for work and makes it easier for companies to recruit quality graduates. The synergy of educational institutions with DUDI has an impact on improving the quality of graduates both in terms of input, process, output and outcome

Verification of the relationship between the sequential organ failure assessment score and the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay in terms of medical resources input.

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and the length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays and verify whether the SOFA score can indicate the optimal length of ICU stay. Medical resource input was evaluated as the medical treatment score, converted by volume, within 2 days after ICU admission. After classifying emergency patients into surgical and nonsurgical categories, the relationship between medical resources, SOFA score, and ICU and hospital stay lengths was analyzed. Medical resource input was high when the SOFA score was high after ICU admission. A positive correlation was confirmed between the SOFA score and length of ICU stay in surgical and nonsurgical patients. Nonsurgical patients are more likely to be discharged within the diagnosis procedure combination hospital stages I and II if medical resources are high in the initial stages of ICU admission. The SOFA score affects medical resource input and the length of ICU stay. The early input of medical resources after ICU admission reduces the length of hospital stay in the diagnosis procedure combination, suggesting that the SOFA score is a valuable indicator of the optimal length of ICU stay.

A comprehensive neutrosophic model for evaluating the efficiency of airlines based on SBM model of network DEA

This research aims to provide an innovative framework for evaluating airline performance through the networking of decision-making units (DMUs) and neutrosophic data. As a consequence, we propose a comprehensive methodology for assessing the efficiency of these decision-making units. Network data envelopment analysis (DEA) models deal with measurements of relative efficiency of DMUs when the insight of their internal structures is available. In network models, sub-processes are connected by links or intermediate products. Links have the dual role of output from one division or sub-process and input to another one. Therefore, improving the efficiency score of one division by increasing its output may reduce the score of another division because of increasing its input. To address this conflict, we proposed a new approach in Slack-Based Measure (SBM) framework and neutrosophic logic, which provide deeper insights regarding the sources of inefficiency. Our approach is a new network model, in which the intermediate products are classified into two groups of “input-type”, and “output-type” that their excesses and shortfalls directly concern with the objective function. The results of the illustrated case and analysis show that the constructed model may successfully produce performance assessments. By taking into account the number of slacks or surpluses of these products in the objective function, the proposed model gives analysts and managers a more accurate assessment of network structure efficiency. In this paper, we present a new model in the field of network data envelopment analysis with SBM approach in a neutrosphonic environment, in which for the first time the nature of intermediate products in terms of input or output is investigated. Also, the proposed framework is the first attempt to performance evaluation in neutrosophic network DEA.

An experimental investigation on mechanical characteristics and wear behaviour of TIG welded dissimilar aluminum alloys

The present research aims to investigate the combined influence of arc current and travel speed in terms of heat input during tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and examine it through microstructural, mechanical, and wear characterizations. An automated welding setup was employed to fabricate the dissimilar AA6061-T6 and AA7075-T6 aluminum joints in a butt configuration. Macro and micrographic inspections were also conducted and investigated the changes across the weld cross-section with respect to heat input. Tensile, Charpy impact, residual stress, and wear tests were performed to examine the quality and strength of the joint. The results revealed that the joints with increased heat input displayed higher ultimate tensile strength, impact toughness, residual stress, and wear resistance. The consistent distribution of intermetallic phases and the fine equiaxed grains with minimal porosity development are probably responsible for it. However, excessive heat input caused reversion phenomena, coarser grains, and significant porosities, which reduced the tensile strength, impact toughness, and wear resistance of the joint. The welded sample S-3, having a welding current of 145 A, a travel speed of 78 mm/min, and a heat input of 1.67 kJ/mm, exhibited the highest ultimate tensile strength of 178 MPa, the largest elongation of 12.6%, the highest impact toughness of 13 J, and the lowest wear rate of 34 µm, along with a compressive residual stress of 60 MPa at the weld centre. The analysis of tensile and impact-fractured surfaces using SEM and EDS analyses validated the experimental results.

Performance recovery of uncertain nonaffine systems by active disturbance rejection control

This paper studies performance recovery problem of a class of uncertain nonaffine strict-feedback systems with mismatched uncertainties. First, the strict-feedback nonaffine system with mismatched system dynamics is transformed into an integrator-chain nonaffine system by a diffeomorphism. Second, the transformed system is converted to an affine one by constructing an auxiliary control input term, and dynamical uncertainties and external disturbances are viewed as total disturbance of the affine system. Then, a two-time-scale active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) is designed for the transformed affine system. Under some mild assumptions, it can be proved that the proposed ADRC-based closed-loop system can achieve performance recovery and weak performance recovery in different cases of mismatched system dynamics, respectively. Experimental results on a magnetic levitation ball system demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Analysis of public health-care facilities in rural India

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the status of infrastructure, workforce and basic amenities at public health-care facilities in rural India and draw a comparison with its urban counterparts.Design/methodology/approachRural Health Statistics data and National Sample Survey Office Report for the period 2019–10 were used to analyze lower-level public health facilities, namely, subcenters, primary health centers and community health centers (CHCs). Selected tracer indicators under World Health Organization’s (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) mechanism such as health center density, core health workforce density and basic amenities were used to carry out the analysis. The extent of facility coverage was measured using the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) guidelines and the proportion of facilities satisfying the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) was measured to assess the service provision quality in rural public health-care facilities.FindingsResults indicated that the density of public health centers is higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Almost all public health-care facilities lack basic amenities in rural areas. Working positions for health specialists in CHCs barely meet the total requirement. Almost all of the public health facilities functioning in rural areas do not meet the IPHS norms.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present paper is the first initiative to assess the status of rural public health-care facilities on the national level using WHO’s SARA indicators as well as NRHM and IPHS guidelines. The study is significant in terms of policy input for achieving universal health coverage in India.

Features of maneuverable operation modes of nuclear icebreakers reactor installations when working in the Arctic

It is noted that the requirements for the reactor installations of new atomic icebreakers of 22220, 10510, 10570 projects suggest an increase in safety (reliability), efficiency and maneuverability. At the same time, the maneuverability of reactor installations in specific features is limited and does not have an unambiguous connection with the maneuverability of the nuclear energy installation in general and rowing electric motors in particular. For this, the separate principle of controlling the reactor and steam turbine installation is implemented on the projects of atomic icebreakers. It is indicated that the development of new projects of atomic icebreakers with increased consumer properties requires processing the statistical information based on the results of the operation of atomic icebreakers of already implemented 10520, 10521, 10580 projects with various input terms and the duration of operation in the Arctic. This allows us to ensure the development of a reasonable approach when determining the operation of atomic icebreakers. It is noted that in order to compare maneuvering operating modes of reactor installations of individual icebreakers and the development of generalizing characteristics, information obtained from specific icebreakers is required. The collection of statistical data from the organized on all nuclear icebreakers and grouped materials are annually received for processing and generalization in the «OKBM Africantov». Assignment calculations are made on statistical information accumulated from 1975 to 2000 by the quantity and depth of change in reactors power when working in the Arctic conditions. A new approach to taking into account the number of equivalent cycles during maneuvering the reactor installation is proposed in the paper. In features of the existing approach with the determination of the above number of cycles in a new approach, the significance of the sublayer is taken into account by the impact on the reliability of the active zone. It is shown that this approach gives a more adequate assessment of the active zone resource expenditure during the campaign. The evaluation of the cycles density of the reactor installation power changing over the reporting period of time is also proposed. It is shown that at maneuverable operation of individual icebreakers there are an individual emphasis and increased maneuverable load of single-reactor icebreakers in relation to dual-reactor.

Sediments as sinks and sources of marine radionuclides: Implications for their use as ocean tracers

A Lagrangian transport model for the North Atlantic has been applied to simulate the historical releases of 137Cs, 129I and 236U from the European nuclear fuel reprocessing plants. Advection by currents, mixing and decay are included, as radionuclide interactions between water, sediments and suspended matter. The model was validated comparing predictions with measured radionuclide concentrations in water and sediments in several areas. 129I and 236U signals entering the Arctic Ocean have been compared with the input terms: the 236U signal is distorted, but the 129I signal preserves its shape. In the first moments after the releases, the sediments act as sinks for 236U, but not significantly for 129I and ultimately they become sources of 236U to the open sea. This results in a weaker correlation between input and output signals for 236U than for 129I. The same effects as for 236U have been found for 137Cs signal into the Arctic.

Generation of broadband spectra from physics-based simulations using stochastic LSTM network

This study aims to develop a model that predicts high-frequency response spectra and damage-related ground motion parameters using low-frequency physics-based simulations (PBS) for horizontal and vertical components. The model is a stochastic dropout-based long short-term memory (LSTM) network, which accounts for spectra interdependencies and high-frequency spectra’s stochastic nature. Adding anelastic distance as an input term significantly improved the model’s performance. Models are developed for different cutoff periods (validity of PBS low-frequency spectra): 0.75 s, 1 s, 1.5 s, and 2 s, using the 2015 Nepal main and aftershocks and combining them with global near-source strong-motion data. The models are validated using near- and far-field predictions and a good agreement with the recorded data is observed. The mean squared error, mean absolute error, and coefficient of determination for the 0.75 s horizontal model is 0.174, 0.3171, and 0.9295, respectively. Additionally, the study generates spectra and time histories for the 2001 Mw 7.6 Bhuj earthquake, which had no recordings. The obtained spectral values agree well with global stable-continental region models, and the time histories could capture characteristics such as duration, amplitude, and arrival times.

Revisit of dye-anchored poly(vinyl alcohol) through strong experimental evidence and theoretical understanding for the development of a polymeric IMPLICATION logic gate

Polymeric logic gates are those in which a polymer functions logically in terms of input(s) (chemical or physical) and output(s) (spectroscopic); and could be used for chemical sensing, bio-sensing, construction of memory devices, monitoring the biological spacer, and therapeutic technologies. An excellent water-soluble polymeric fluorescent probe (dye anchored polyvinyl alcohol, DAPVA) having a good quantum yield (0.0664) has been synthesized by a facile single-step acetalization of well-designed PVA with the fluorescent dye, 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde (1-PA). The fluorescence property of the synthesized probe is quenched (turn off) and regenerated (turn on) with the sequential addition of Fe3+ and F−. This logical behavior led to the development of a simple and effective new polymeric IMPLICATION logic gate. The synthesized probe is characterized by FTIR, NMR, MALDI-TOF mass, absorption, emission, TCSPC, SEM, TEM, and DLS studies. Theoretical studies (DFT, MEP, and FMO) have been done to understand the optimized geometry, electronic distribution, and nature of the molecular orbitals of the DAPVA and DAPVA-Fe(III) complex. The anchoring of dye and quenching behavior of DAPVA with the addition of Fe3+ ion has been well-understood in the light of theoretical studies as well as experimental evidence. The developed logic gate has been used for the analysis of real samples like fruit juices, vitamin C tablets, and human blood serum.

The co-benefit of emission reduction efficiency of energy, CO2and atmospheric pollutants in China under the carbon neutrality target

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) and the Yellow River Ecological Economic Belt (YREB) surround the two biggest inland rivers and emit the greatest amount of carbon emissions in China. In order to implement China's dual carbon goal, this research applies a Meta-frontier DN-DEA model, including the carbon reduction factor (CRF), to assess the emission efficiency of energy, CO2, and atmospheric pollutants for a total of 19 regions in YEB and YREB from 2011 to 2017. The Synergistic climate risk control efficiency of atmospheric pollutants in the two economic belts are verified by tests for CO2 and three kinds of atmospheric pollutant emission elasticity coefficient and Kendall's coordination coefficient. The results are as follows: First, the overall efficiencies of the two economic belts are both improved by more than 30% when subject to CRF. YREB has great potential for carbon emission reduction, and the growth rate of its overall efficiency is higher than that of YEB. Second, YEB's input term efficiency performs better under the CRF constraint and has balanced development, while YREB's environmental pollution control input is insufficient. Third, the emission efficiencies of CO2 and atmospheric pollutants are significantly improved in YEB, while the environmental regulation of YREB is not obvious for the climate co-benefit of CO2 and atmospheric pollutants. Lastly, high level of climate co-benefit has revealed in YEB during 2011–2016, while in 2017, it plummets sharply. Conversely, YREB maintains a stable climate co-benefit.

Assessment of input and dissipation source terms in the spectral wave model during tropical cyclones of varying intensity in Bay of Bengal

The vulnerability of the tropical cyclonic activities in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) domain are analyzed in terms of its destructive potential. The wave characteristics due to cyclones of varying intensities: Vardah, a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS); Phethai, a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS); and Amphan, the Super Cyclonic Storm (SuCS) in BoB during 2016, 2018, and 2020 causing loss to human life and wealth, are investigated. The input-dissipation source term packages in the spectral wave models under tropical cyclones are studied through (i) integrated parameter, significant wave height, and (ii) individual source term analysis. In addition to the default linear drag coefficient in the wind input source term of van der Westhuysen et al. (2007), two nonlinear formulations of the drag coefficient are included to understand its influence on the source terms. The integrated parameters such as significant wave height are compared with buoy measurements, and the performance of the packages is ascertained through statistical error estimates. Energy contribution from the different source terms under various packages to generate the extreme significant wave height over the domain during the cyclonic period is established. The influence of the drag coefficient on the input source term is found to be pronounced.

Selection of Parameters for Optimized WAAM Structures for Civil Engineering Applications.

Using the CMT (Cold Metal Transfer, F. Fronius, Upper Austria) welding process, wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) enables companies to fabricate steel components in a resource-saving manner (additive vs. subtractive) by properly reinforcing existing steel components. Two fundamental questions are discussed in the current work. The first focus is on the general geometric possibilities offered by this process. The influence of various parameters, such as wire feed speed, travel speed, and torch inclination on the seam shape and build-up rate are presented. The microstructure of the manufactured components is evaluated through metallography and hardness testing. Based on the first results, print strategies are developed for different requirements. Moreover, suitable process parameter sets are recommended in terms of energy input per unit length, weld integrity and hardness distribution. The second focus is on testing and determining joint properties by analyzing the microhardness of the welded structures. The chosen parameter sets will be investigated, and steel quality equivalents according to ÖNORM EN ISO 18265 will be defined.