Measurement Interval Research Articles

The Acute Effect of Chlorpromazine on Body Temperature in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Aim: Hypothermia is a rare complication of antipsychotic drugs but serious outcomes including death may result. In this study, we aimed to investigate body temperature alterations in acute phase of chlorpromazine treatment, the relationship of inflammatory indicators and risk factors for hypothermic effect in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
 Materials and methods: 63 intensive care patients who needed sedative treatment due to agitation were divided into two groups as Group 1 (n = 30) with temperatures ≤ 38°C, and Group 2 (n = 33) with temperatures > 38°C according to baseline body temperatures. Also, recurrent measurements for 12 hours were made at specific intervals following 25 mg intravenous chlorpromazine. 
 Results: In Group 1, decrease in body temperatures was significant from 4th to 12th hours (p < 0.01), while in Group 2, significant decreases in body temperatures at all measurement hours were observed (p < 0.01). Temperature changes (delta temperature) observed at specific measurement intervals were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1. That difference was statistically significant at all intervals except for ΔTemperature B-6 (p < 0.05). The odds of hypothermic effects by chlorpromazine were 16%, 46%, 3%, and 18% for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and white blood cells, respectively. 
 Conclusion: Chlorpromazine treatment applied for agitation in ICU patients was associated with acute hypothermic effect. Severity of disease and comorbidities might increase risk of hypothermia, and inflammatory biomarkers might be predictors of adverse drug reaction.

An Improved Shape from Focus Method for Measurement of Three-Dimensional Features of Fuel Nozzles

The precise three-dimensional measurement of fuel nozzles is of great significance to assess the manufacturing accuracy and improve the spray and atomization performance. This paper proposes an improved fast shape from focus (SFF) method for three-dimensional measurement of key features of fuel nozzles. In order to ensure the measurement accuracy and efficiency of the SFF, the dispersion of the measured points from a standard flat plane was used to select the optimal combination of the focus measure operator, window size and sampling step size. In addition, an approximate method for the focus measure interval is proposed to improve the measurement efficiency, which uses the peak region of the central pixel to replace the peak region of other pixels. The results show that the proposed method decreased the average computation time of the focus measure by 79.19% for the cone section and by 38.30% for the swirl slot. Compared with a reference laser scanning microscope, the measurement error in length is within 10 μm and the error in angle is within a maximum 0.15°.

Off-Hour Admission Is Associated with Poor Outcome in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

The mortality of stroke increases on weekends and during off-hour periods. We investigated the effect of off-hour admission on the outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. We retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort of ICH patients, admitted between January 2017 and December 2019 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Acute ICH within 72 h after onset with a baseline computed tomography and 3-month follow-up were included in our study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for calculating the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the outcome measurements. Of the 656 participants, 318 (48.5%) were admitted during on-hours, whereas 338 (51.5%) were admitted during off-hours. Patients with a poor outcome had a larger median baseline hematoma volume, of 27 mL (interquartile range 11.1-53.2 mL), and a lower median time from onset to imaging, of 2.8 h (interquartile range 1.4-9.6 h). Off-hour admission was significantly associated with a poor functional outcome at 3 months, after adjusting for cofounders (adjusted OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.35-3.47; p = 0.001). We found that patients admitted during off-hours had a higher risk of poor functional outcomes at 3 months than those admitted during working hours.

Estimating the Parameters of Electric Energy Storages for Traction Substations

The article substantiates the relevance of using an electric energy storage in railway transport traction power supply systems for smoothing the traction substation load schedule taking the West Siberian railway as an example. The traction substation load schedule is analyzed with the consumed power values 30-min measurement intervals. The traction substation power consumption is estimated by a probabilistic method. The obtained analysis results were used to select the installed capacity of an electric energy storage for performing hourly load regulation and determine the traction substation average consumed power relative to which the load schedule will be smoothed. The hypothesis of the normal distribution of the traction substation load value is tested using application software packages for statistical data processing. The random variable typical distribution law most confidently reflecting the experimental data distribution pattern is determined. The energy storage’s selected power capacity and the traction substation average power consumption are used to perform a probabilistic assessment of the storage device exchange energy capacity. A procedure for selecting the storage device tentative exchange energy capacity is proposed.

Short- and long-term reproducibility of peripheral superficial vein depth and diameter measurements using ultrasound imaging

BackgroundUltrasound imaging is used for diagnosis, treatment, and blood vessel visualization during venous catheter placement. However, various physiological factors (e.g., body temperature and exercise) influence vein diameters, which are expected to exhibit daily or diurnal fluctuations. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the intraday (short-term) and interday (long-term) reproducibility of repeated measurements of the depth and diameter of peripheral superficial veins.MethodsTwenty-three healthy young women (mean age, 21.7 ± 0.8 years) participated in the study to examine the short- and long-term reproducibility of the depth and diameter of the cutaneous vein in the left elbow fossa acquired by ultrasound imaging. Short-term measurement intervals were 10 s, and the probe was released from the skin for each acquisition, which was repeated five consecutive times. Long-term measurements were performed at the same time on the next day following the same procedure. The acquired images were analyzed for vein depth and diameter using ImageJ software. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine the short- and long-term reproducibility of the measurements. The relationship between the venous depth and venous diameter intra-individual variation was analyzed, as well as the influence of body composition (body fat and muscle mass) on the venous diameter and depth.ResultsFor vein depth measurements, the short- and long-term ICCs were 0.94–0.96 and 0.88, respectively. For the vein diameter, the short- and long-term ICCs were 0.94–0.97 and 0.67, respectively. The short-term ICCs for both vein depth and diameter exceeded 0.9, indicating that the ultrasound vascular measurement was sufficiently reliable. However, long-term reproducibility was slightly lower, especially for the vein diameter. No correlation was found between the intra-individual variation of the vein diameter and vein depth. Although the vein diameter and body fat mass uncorrelated, the vein depth and body fat mass significantly correlated (r = 0.675, 95% confidence interval = 0.281–0.830).ConclusionsThe long-term reproducibility of vein diameters was somewhat lower than that of the short-term reproducibility. This could be attributed to fluctuations in the physiological state of the participant rather than to the instability of the measurement. Therefore, ultrasound measurement of the peripheral superficial vein is sufficiently reliable.

Students' learning growth in mental addition and subtraction: Results from a learning progress monitoring approach.

The purpose of this study was to measure and describe students' learning development in mental computation of mixed addition and subtraction tasks up to 100. We used a learning progress monitoring (LPM) approach with multiple repeated measurements to examine the learning curves of second-and third-grade primary school students in mental computation over a period of 17 biweekly measurement intervals in the school year 2020/2021. Moreover, we investigated how homogeneous students' learning curves were and how sociodemographic variables (gender, grade level, the assignment of special educational needs) affected students' learning growth. Therefore, 348 German students from six schools and 20 classes (10.9% students with special educational needs) worked on systematically, but randomly mixed addition and subtraction tasks at regular intervals with an online LPM tool. We collected learning progress data for 12 measurement intervals during the survey period that was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Technical results show that the employed LPM tool for mental computation met the criteria of LPM research stages 1 and 2. Focusing on the learning curves, results from latent growth curve modeling showed significant differences in the intercept and in the slope based on the background variables. The results illustrate that one-size-fits-all instruction is not appropriate, thus highlighting the value of LPM or other means that allow individualized, adaptive teaching. The study provides a first quantitative overview over the learning curves for mental computation in second and third grade. Furthermore, it offers a validated tool for the empirical analysis of learning curves regarding mental computation and strong reference data against which individual learning growth can be compared to identify students with unfavorable learning curves and provide targeted support as part of an adaptive, evidence-based teaching approach. Implications for further research and school practice are discussed.

The Automated Bias-Corrected and Accelerated Bootstrap Confidence Intervals for Risk Measures

Different approaches to determining two-sided interval estimators for risk measures such as Value-at-Risk (VaR) and conditional tail expectation (CTE) when modeling loss data exist in the actuarial literature. Two contrasting methods can be distinguished: a nonparametric one not relying on distributional assumptions or a fully parametric one relying on standard asymptotic theory to apply. We complement these approaches and take advantage of currently available computer power to propose the bias-corrected and accelerated (BCA) confidence intervals for VaR and CTE. The BCA confidence intervals allow the use of a parametric model but do not require standard asymptotic theory to apply. We outline the details to determine interval estimators for these three different approaches using general computational tools as well as with analytical formulas when assuming the truncated Lognormal distribution as a parametric model for insurance loss data. An extensive simulation study is performed to assess the performance of the proposed BCA method in comparison to the two alternative methods. A real dataset of left-truncated insurance losses is employed to illustrate the implementation of the BCA-VaR and BCA-CTE interval estimators in practice when using the truncated Lognormal distribution for modeling the loss data.

Changes in the Detection Performance of Termatrac T3i as a Reticulitermes Speratus Detection Device According to the Wood(Species and Moisture Content) and Detection(Depth and Direction) Condition

This study confirmed the detection performance and applicability of microwave devices used to detect subterranean termites inside the wood. The detection performance of Termatrac T3i decreased as the specific gravity and moisture content increased due to the anisotropy and wave absorption characteristics of wood. Additionally, Termatrac T3i was able to detect termites within a radius of 50 mm and a maximum depth of 50 mm based on the measurement point due to the strong straightness of the 2.4 GHz microwave. These results suggest that the measurement interval and depth o f Termatrac T3i sho uld be set within 100 mm and 50 mm to determine the termite activity inside the pine wood member. Additionally, the applicability according to the detection performance of Termatrac T3i was investigated. The results confirmed the damage pattern in which <i>Reticulitermes speratus</i> preferentially attacked the sapwood of the wood member, and that the average sapwood width of the pine tree used as the wood member of the wooden structure was approximately 60-70 mm. Therefore, Termatrac T3i, which has been confirmed to be able to measure termite activity up to 50 mm deep in a straight line for pine trees, is considered to be applicable to the detection of activity of <i>R. speratus</i>, which prefers sapwood.

Biomimetic Whitening Effect of Polyphosphate-Bleaching Agents on Dental Enamel.

This in vitro study investigated the extrinsic tooth-whitening effect of bleaching products containing polyphosphates on the dental enamel surface compared to 10% carbamide peroxide (CP). Eighty human molars were randomly allocated into four whitening-products groups. Group A (control) was treated with 10% CP (Opalescence). The other groups with non-CP over-the-counter (OTC) products were group B = polyphosphates (iWhiteWhitening-Kit); group C = polyphosphates+fluoride (iWhite-toothpaste); and group D = sodium bicarbonate (24K-Whitening-Pen). L*, a*, b* color-parameters were spectrophotometer-recorded at baseline (T0), one day (T1), and one month (T2) post-treatment. Changes in teeth color (ΔEab) were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). Groups A, B, and D showed significant differences in ΔL*&Δa* parameters at T1, but not in Δb* at T0. Group C showed no difference for ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* at T0 and T1. Group A showed differences for ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, at T2, while groups B, C, and D had no difference in any parameters at T0. At T1, ΔEab values = A > D> B > C (ΔEab = 13.4 > 2.4 > 2.1 > 1.2). At T2, ΔEab values increased = A > B > C > D (ΔEab = 12.2 > 10.6 > 9.2 > 2.4). In conclusion, the 10% CP and Biomimetic polyphosphate extrinsic whitening kit demonstrated the highest color change, while simulated brushing with dark stain toothpaste and a whitening pen demonstrated the lowest color change at both measurement intervals.

Experimental Investigation of the Absorption Behavior of Date Palm Fiber Reinforced Iso-Polyester Composites: Artificial Neuron Network (ANN) Modeling

ABSTRACT The present article attempts to study absorption properties of bio-composites reinforced with date palm fibers. The effect of fiber loading on water absorption at room temperature 25°C was investigated. The weight gain was measured of bio-composites immersed in distilled water, seawater and rainwater, for more than 670 hours, until reaching the saturation with a measurement interval between 24 and 48 hours. To understand absorption phenomenon, scanning electron microscopy was used. Porosity rate was determined using image J software. It was noted the water absorption rate of the bio composites reached 16.20%, 16.33%, 21.94%, 41.99% for seawater, 16.41%, 16.52%, 20.84%, 30.08% for distilled water, and 14.00%, 14.04%, 19.30%, 36.94% for rainwater, respectively. The absorption increases when increasing fiber content. The diffusion coefficient of bio-composites has minimum and maximum values of about 1.94 × 10−6mm2/s and 3.99 × 10−6mm2/s, respectively. Palm fibers are highly porous. The porosity value was higher than 51%. To predict the absorption rate, artificial neural network method was used. The ANN models obtained are very well correlated with the experimental data where the values of the correlation coefficient of the datasets are all beyond 0.99 and the average error value was estimated at 3 × 10−5.

Associations of Parental Depression with Children’s Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: Meta-Analyses of Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Effects

ABSTRACT Objective Meta-analyses were used to test associations of parental depression with child internalizing and externalizing problems, based on 107 cross-sectional and 127 longitudinal effects for 164,047 parent-child pairs in 112 studies published between 2009 and 2020. Method For each child, internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed with the same measure and source of data. Meta-analyses were conducted with random effects, multi-level Structural Equation Modeling with Bayesian estimation. Results Mean Pearson rs between parental depression and children’s internalizing and externalizing problems were statistically significant in both cross-sectional (rs = .267 and .264) and longitudinal (rs = .207 and .194) analyses. The difference between the correlations of parental depression with internalizing versus externalizing problems was not statistically significant for cross-sectional or longitudinal effects. For both internalizing and externalizing problems, the cross-sectional correlation was significantly larger than the longitudinal correlation. Using the Lag as Moderator Meta-Analyses (LAMMA), evidence of a linear negative effect of the measurement interval between parental depression and child internalizing problems was found. In addition, several significant methodological moderators were found, with most implicating informant factors. Significant non-methodological moderators included the proportion of girls in a sample and children’s White ethnicity. Conclusions Overall, the study provided evidence of small but consistent associations between parental depression and child internalizing and externalizing problems, including that these associations are present over substantial periods of development.

Stabilize Kent Çamuru ve Jips Uygulanmış Tuzlu Sodyumlu Topraklarda Arıtılmış Atıksuyun Islanma-Kuruma Döngülerinin Hidrolik İletkenliğe Etkisi

This study was carried out to determine changes in hydraulic conductivity of a saline sodic soil subjected to different wetting-drying cycles and treated wastewater after stabilized sludge sewage and gypsum application. In a factorial experimental design, the study was conducted with three replication by using 3 treatment sewage sludge doses (50, 100 and 150 t ha-1), 3 wetting-drying cycles (0, 7 and 14 days) and 2 different water types (fresh water and treated wastewater). The hydraulic conductivity values of the saturated saline-sodic soils were measured at 2, 12 and 24 hour intervals by using a constant level ICW laboratory permemeter. The increase in the applied treatment sludge dose significantly affected the hydraulic conductivity value of the soils and significantly depending on the measurement range. It was determined that irrigation waters have different properties caused a significant change in the hydraulic conductivity value of the soils, with measurements made at intervals of 2 and 24 hours. Depending on the measurement interval, it was determined that the increase in sewage sludge doses caused significant effect and very important on the soil hydraulic conductivity. The study results indicated that the application of gypsum and stabilized waste sludge to the soil cause an increase in hydraulic conductivity values. The study results indicated that the application of gypsum and sewage sludge to the soil cause an increase in hydraulic conductivity values of saline sodic soils. The study results also showed that treated wastewater containing low amount of suspended solids can be used safely for irrigation on the land have saline-sodic soils. The study result also indicated that by applying solid and liquid wastes obtained from treatment units to the saline-sodic soils can be significant contribution in terms of waste management and environmental protection.

Efficacy and Safety of Robot-assisted AUS Implantation Surgery in Treating Severe Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation surgery for female patients with severe stress urinary incontinences (SUI) by performing a systematic literature review. MethodsA comprehensive search was carried out across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science Clarivate, Cochrane library, Medicine and clinicaltrials.gov between inception to March 2022. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated by different quality evaluation methods according to study types. P value and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of outcome measures mainly including continence rates, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were pooled to present the efficacy and safety. ResultsA total of 9 studies with 157 participants were finally included. Eight retrospective and 1 prospective study met the inclusion criteria with moderate and high evidence levels. The pooled results showed that patients with robot-assisted AUS implantation treatment, presented great continence rate (P = .83, 95%CI:0.76-0.89) but high complication rate (Intraoperation: 0.21 95%CI:0.11-0.34; Postoperation: 0.20 95%CI: 0.12-0.29). In addition, subgroup analysis of 2 approaches showed that compared with the posterior approach, the traditional surgical approach had better efficacy and safety. ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that robot-assisted AUS implantation surgery improved SUI patients’ urinary continence, but the complication rates were high, which mainly included intraoperative vaginal and bladder injury and postoperative acute urinary retention. More evidence from prospective studies is needed to provide guidance for clinical practice.

Long-term changes in adult size of green turtles at Aldabra Atoll and implications for clutch size, sexual dimorphism and growth rates

Around the world, declines in the mean size of nesting sea turtles have been reported with concerns of a concomitant decrease in the reproductive output of populations. Here, we explore this possibility using long-term observations of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. Based on > 4500 individual measurements over 21 years (1996–2016), we found the curved carapace length of nesting females declined by about 0.64 cm per decade, from 111.43 to 110.08 cm. For 391 individuals that were measured more than once with measurement interval of 2.8–19 years apart, the mean growth rate was 0.14 cm year−1. Comparisons between the size of adult females and males were based on 23 and 14 weight measurements, 107 and 33 carapace length measurements and 103 and 33 carapace width measurements, respectively, taken during 1981–1983. Adult females were larger than males, with the sexual dimorphism index, i.e. the ratio of size of the larger sex to the smaller, being 1.09 and 1.10 for carapace length and width, respectively, and 1.25 for weight. Smaller females tended to lay fewer eggs per clutch but the decrease in female mean size was accompanied by increases in numbers of turtles nesting annually, such that the estimated total numbers of eggs per year increased from 1.3 million to 2.0 million between 1996 and 2016. Therefore, a decrease in mean size of nesting females has not compromised egg production for this population.

Photoplethysmography-Based Blood Pressure Monitoring Could Improve Patient Outcome during Anesthesia Induction

During anesthesia, noncritical patients are routinely monitored via noninvasive cuff-based blood pressure (BP) monitors. Due to the noncontinuous nature of the monitoring, the BP values of the patient remain unavailable between consecutive cuff measurements, carrying the risk of missing rapid and sudden variations in BP. We evaluated the added value of using a photoplethysmography (PPG)-based continuous BP measurement device in addition to the standard cuff-based monitoring in a cohort of 40 patients in comparison with the current approach, in which only intermittent cuff-based measurements are available. When using a three-minute cuff measurement interval, using the PPG-based BP measurement in addition to the cuff-based monitor reduced the error (mean ± SD) of systolic (SBP) and mean (MBP) BP from 2.6 ± 19.6 mmHg and 1.2 ± 13.2 mmHg to 0.5 ± 11.2 mmHg and 0.0 ± 8.1 mmHg, respectively. Error grid analysis was also used to assess the improvement in patient safety. The additional use of the PPG-based BP measurement reduced the amount of data falling into higher risk categories. For SBP, points falling in the significant-, moderate-, and low-risk categories decreased from 1.1%, 8.7%, and 19.3% to 0.0%, 2.3%, and 9.6%, respectively. Similar results were obtained for MBP. These results suggest that using a PPG-based BP monitor—in addition to the standard cuff-based monitor—can improve patient safety during anesthesia induction, with no additional sensor needed.

Creating meaningful field experiences: the application of the job crafting concept to student teachers’ practical learning

ABSTRACT The successful learning and professional development of student teachers in field experiences depend on the conditions at the individual practicum school. As a consequence, researchers have investigated the relevance of various contextual factors (e.g. mentoring) and ways of improving them (e.g. mentor training). Whether and to what avail student teachers take an active role in adapting the conditions of field experiences to their needs has, however, received scant attention. In applying the concept of job crafting to field experiences during initial teacher education, the present study examines whether student teachers engage in activities to increase resources and control demands during practical phases. How job crafting can be predicted and whether such behaviour is related to higher rates of job satisfaction, engagement, and learning gains are investigated by surveying 132 student teachers at three measurement intervals (beginning, middle, and end) of a 14-week practical phase. The results indicate moderate to high rates of job crafting amongst student teachers. Just as job crafting was significantly predicted by contextual and individual factors, it predicted student teachers’ job satisfaction, teacher engagement and learning gains. The findings support the relevance of a research focus on proactive student teacher behaviour in field experiences.

Using Springs as Sentinels of Climate Change in Nature Parks North and South of the Alps: A Critical Evaluation of Methodological Aspects and Recommendations for Long-Term Monitoring

Spring ecosystems are diverse transition zones between ground- and surface-water habitats. Due to their characteristics and vulnerable species assemblages, springs are considered indicator systems for monitoring environmental change. In particular, climate change is expected to alter spring-ecosystem features, such as water temperature and discharge, affecting otherwise typically stable biotic and abiotic conditions. However, reliable trend-development recognition and analysis require a uniform methodology and comparable data series over long periods of time. Spring research findings in the Berchtesgaden National Park and the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park have been consolidated to develop methodological recommendations to create lasting societal-added value. The successful transfer of the methodology to the Bavarian Forest National Park and the experienced contribution of the Bavarian Association for the Protection of Nature (Bavarian Climate Alliance) strongly improved method validations. Our resulting, newly developed recommendations for long-term spring monitoring have a focus on climate change impacts and aim at providing a decision-making basis for establishing programs in similar ecological and climatic zones. Uniform site-selection criteria and selected climate-sensitive parameters are indicated. This includes documenting the spring’s environment and structure, measuring abiotic parameters, and determining selected floristic and faunistic groups. We recommend measurement and sampling-survey intervals ranging from 3(4) times yearly to every 5 years, depending on the parameter. We further suggest a database system that integrates all monitoring parameters to ensure consistent data management and storage. Analysing the data resulting from our new holistic spring monitoring methodology should provide critical knowledge about putatively changing ecosystems that can then be used as evidence of climate-change impact on spring ecosystems.

Impact of Sex and Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Myocardial T1, Extracellular Volume Fraction, and T2 at 3 Tesla: Results From the Population-Based, Hamburg City Health Study.

Reliable reference intervals are crucial for clinical application of myocardial T1 and T2 mapping cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. This study evaluated the impact of sex and cardiovascular risk factors on myocardial T1, extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and T2 at 3T in the population-based HCHS (Hamburg City Health Study). The final study sample consisted of 1576 consecutive HCHS participants between 46 and 78 years without prevalent heart disease, including 1020 (67.3%) participants with hypertension and 110 (7.5%) with diabetes. T1 and T2 mapping were performed on a 3T scanner using 5b(3b)3b modified Look-Locker inversion recovery and T2 prepared, fast-low-angle shot sequence, respectively. Stepwise regression analyses were performed to identify variables with an independent impact on T1, ECV, and T2. Reference intervals were defined as the interval between the 2.5% and 97.5% quantiles. Sex was the major independent influencing factor of myocardial native T1, ECV, and T2. Female patients had significantly higher upper limits of reference intervals for native T1 (1112-1261 versus 1079-1241 ms), ECV (23%-33% versus 22%-32%), and T2 (36-46 versus 35-45 ms) compared with male patients (all P<0.001). Cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension, did not systematically affect native T1. There was an independent association of T2 by hypertension and, to a lesser degree, by left ventricular mass, heart rate (all P<0.001), and body mass index (P=0.001). Sex needs to be considered as the major, independent influencing factor for clinical application of myocardial T1, ECV, and T2 measurements. Consequently, sex-specific reference intervals should be used in clinical routine. Our findings suggest that there is no need for specific reference intervals for myocardial T1 and ECV measurements in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. However, hypertension should be considered as an additional factor for clinical application of T2 measurements. URL: https://www. gov; Unique identifier: NCT03934957.

Operation Scenario of Mobile SMES for On-Site Eigenvalue Measurement of Electric Power System

Eigenvalues are essential values for discussing the stable operation of the power system. However, the eigenvalues vary in real-time, and their distribution is complex in the power system. The authors conduct a design study on a 1 MJ-class mobile superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), enabling the eigenvalue measurement while changing locations. To achieve the weight saving and heat load reduction of the SMES coil, the authors applied the force-balanced coil (FBC) configuration to minimize the required mass of structures. Cryocoolers cool the SMES coil composed of MgB <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula> Rutherford cables with a temperature range of 10 K to 20 K. The layout of the compressors requires at least 1 m away from the SMES coil due to the leakage magnetic field. The heat load calculation results show that the mobile SMES keeps over 90% of the energy cycle efficiency during the on-site eigenvalue measurement. Moreover, from the calculation results on the thermal time constant and the re-cooling time of the SMES coil, the eigenvalue measurement can immediately be restarted with the reduced power of SMES in urban areas. The eigenvalue measurement intervals in the suburbs will be every two days.

Development of a Bayesian inference model for assessing ventilation condition based on CO2 meters in primary schools.

Outdoor fresh air ventilation plays a significant role in reducing airborne transmission of diseases in indoor spaces. School classrooms are considerably challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the increasing need for in-person education, untimely and incompleted vaccinations, high occupancy density, and uncertain ventilation conditions. Many schools started to use CO2 meters to indicate air quality, but how to interpret the data remains unclear. Many uncertainties are also involved, including manual readings, student numbers and schedules, uncertain CO2 generation rates, and variable indoor and ambient conditions. This study proposed a Bayesian inference approach with sensitivity analysis to understand CO2 readings in four primary schools by identifying uncertainties and calibrating key parameters. The outdoor ventilation rate, CO2 generation rate, and occupancy level were identified as the top sensitive parameters for indoor CO2 levels. The occupancy schedule becomes critical when the CO2 data are limited, whereas a 15-min measurement interval could capture dynamic CO2 profiles well even without the occupancy information. Hourly CO2 recording should be avoided because it failed to capture peak values and overestimated the ventilation rates. For the four primary school rooms, the calibrated ventilation rate with a 95% confidence level for fall condition is 1.96±0.31 ACH for Room #1 (165 m3 and 20 occupancies) with mechanical ventilation, and for the rest of the naturally ventilated rooms, it is 0.40±0.08 ACH for Room #2 (236 m3 and 21 occupancies), 0.30±0.04 or 0.79±0.06 ACH depending on occupancy schedules for Room #3 (236 m3 and 19 occupancies), 0.40±0.32,0.48±0.37,0.72±0.39 ACH for Room #4 (231 m3 and 8–9 occupancies) for three consecutive days.