Entry Location Research Articles

Ordered multiplicity inverse eigenvalue problem for graphs on six vertices

For a graph $G$, we associate a family of real symmetric matrices, $\mathcal{S}(G)$, where for any $M \in \mathcal{S}(G)$, the location of the nonzero off-diagonal entries of $M$ is governed by the adjacency structure of $G$. The ordered multiplicity Inverse Eigenvalue Problem of a Graph (IEPG) is concerned with finding all attainable ordered lists of eigenvalue multiplicities for matrices in $\mathcal{S}(G)$. For connected graphs of order six, we offer significant progress on the IEPG, as well as a complete solution to the ordered multiplicity IEPG. We also show that while $K_{m,n}$ with $\min(m,n)\ge 3$ attains a particular ordered multiplicity list, it cannot do so with arbitrary spectrum.

An Anatomical Study of Skin Entry Locations in Percutaneous Foramen Ovale Cannulation

Patients undergoing percutaneous foramen ovale (FO) cannulation procedures often require additional CT guidance and suffer complications from unsuccessful attempts at puncturing the foramen ovale. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the percutaneous entry points for foramen ovale cannulation to decrease procedural risks and improve procedural consistency. Skin entry locations were identified by “reverse” cannulation— transmitting a cannula from target site (intracranially) to the surface of the skin in cadavers. A total of 70 sides were cannulated (26 Male, 44 Female). A cannula was entered through the 1) central porous trigeminus (PT) and central FO, 2) lateral PT and medial FO, and 3) medial PT and lateral FO, for a total of three trajectories. A cannula exit point (i.e., “skin entry point”) was identified by measuring the distance from angle of the mouth. The average lateral and superior-inferior distance that the cannula exited the skin for the central PT and central FO was 25.4±7.12mm and 2.39 ±11.8mm (mean ± SD), respectively. The average lateral and superior-inferior distance for the lateral PT and medial FO yielded 13.6 ±5.87mm and 0.128 ± 9.93 mm, respectively. When entered through the medial PT and lateral FO, the cannula was unable to exit the skin due to bony obstruction in 66 out of 70 sides. The results of this study will improve the surgical approach to foramen ovale cannulation.

Modulated Sparse Superposition Codes for the Complex AWGN Channel

This paper studies a generalization of sparse superposition codes (SPARCs) for communication over the complex additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. In a SPARC, the codebook is defined in terms of a design matrix, and each codeword is a generated by multiplying the design matrix with a sparse message vector. In the standard SPARC construction, information is encoded in the locations of the non-zero entries of the message vector. In this paper we generalize the construction and consider modulated SPARCs, where information in encoded in both the locations and the values of the non-zero entries of the message vector. We focus on the case where the non-zero entries take values from a phase-shift keying (PSK) constellation. We propose a computationally efficient approximate message passing (AMP) decoder, and obtain analytical bounds on the state evolution parameters which predict the error performance of the decoder. Using these bounds we show that PSK-modulated SPARCs are asymptotically capacity achieving for the complex AWGN channel, with either spatial coupling or power allocation. We also provide numerical simulation results to demonstrate the error performance at finite code lengths. These results show that introducing modulation to the SPARC design can significantly reduce decoding complexity without sacrificing error performance.

Numerical simulation of water entry of a symmetric/asymmetric wedge into waves using OpenFOAM

This paper presents a dynamic overset mesh based two-dimensional Numerical Wave Tank (NWT) model to study the water entry of a wedge into water waves in the process of offshore lowering. The NWT model is developed by integrating an incompressible multiphase flow solver on the dynamic overset mesh and a wave generation library in OpenFOAM. Numerical results of water entry of a symmetric/asymmetric wedge into the still water are presented to validate the NWT model by comparing with the published data. A series of numerical simulations of water entry of a symmetrical/asymmetrical wedge into regular waves are carried out, and the pressure coefficients, total force and free surface profiles are presented. Based on the parametric study on the water entry of a wedge into waves, the influence of wave amplitude, water entry velocity, and water entry location (wave peak, wave trough, cross point with the still water level) is analyzed. The numerical solutions provide the fundamentals for the further research on the safe control of water entry of payloads during the offshore installation.

The role of international experience in speed of entry: Empirical evidence from Chinese innovative firms

By analyzing the dynamic path of internationalization, this study attempts to explain the entry mode choice, location choice, and speed of entry in the process of internationalization from the learning results obtained from previous international activities. Our research shows that the speed of the entry process depends on the type of experiential learning generated by the implicit decision-making in the process of Internationalization: the entry mode choice and the market location choice. We find that the experience accumulated in the host country has an inverted U-shaped effect on the speed of entry; while the experience accumulated of the entry mode has a U-shaped impact on the speed of entry. We perform an event history analyses(EHA) on 153 Chinese innovative firms with 905 OFDI observations during the period from 1991 to 2015, and analysis what and why is the paths of internationalization of Chinese firms. We find that Chinese innovative MNEs have more likelihood to choice the entry mode of acquisition and WOS than other entry modes in OFDI activity, and there is a higher probability that the Chinese innovative MNEs choice the market location of developed countries than developing countries in OFDI activity. Most importantly, we find that accumulated experience in host country has an inverted U-shaped impact on the speed of internationalization operation with acquisition mode and the speed of internationalization in developed countries; while accumulated experience in focal entry mode has an U-shaped impect on the speed of internationalization operation with branch or WOS mode and the speed of internationalization in developing countries. This claim is supported by both non-parametric and parametric tests in the EHA. Our research highlights the short-term and long-term consequences of different types of paths associated with the internationalization process.

Mobile Device Data Analysis to Determine the Demographics of Park Visitors

The systematic gathering of data on visitors to parks and protected areas (PPAs) is an important aspect of adaptive management, but also presents an ongoing challenge to conduct. Visitor questionnaires, often administered at entrance facilities, trailheads and parking areas, are the most common approach, but require significant staff time for field work and analysis and may not be inclusive of all visitors. In this paper, we present a novel, mobile device-based assessment strategy that can determine basic visitor demographic attributes without the need for field-based assessments. We compared results from this strategy to a common, trailhead questionnaire approach in three urban-proximate park locations and generally found similar results, except in a situation where a significant number of visitors may not have entered via the main location, and thus were missed by the survey. Overall, the mobile device strategy is likely more accurate in situations where visitors enter parks from multiple, sometimes informal entry locations, but is also somewhat limited in the types of data available.

Investigation of spatial configuration management on social distancing of recreational clubhouse for COVID-19 in Penang, Malaysia

PurposeSince the appearance of COVID-19 social distancing and staying home have been recommended repeatedly by the governments for disease prevention. As the challenge continues to remain the current study seeks to examine the factors affecting social distancing through space planning and management. More specifically the current study aims to examine the appropriateness of the spatial organization and space configuration of a clubhouse with a linear plan layout in the mitigation of the spread of infections due to serious pandemic COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachFor an enhanced understanding of the impact of spatial arrangements of public spaces plan on the effective implementation of social distancing this study has used the space syntax analysis method. The MPSP clubhouse building in Penang, Malaysia was selected as the case study. The level of permeability and wayfinding were determined in the building plan and were illustrated using photoshop software to depict the interrelation between the indoor spaces and building circulation. Graphs of the depth of space were used to analyze the level of permeability and wayfinding to illustrate the possibility of social distancing in the plan.FindingsThe result of the study shows the significant role of proper plan layout design on social distancing. While clear and direct wayfinding can positively be associated with more effective social distancing, the inefficient design of user access, inappropriate locations of multiple entry and exit and indefinite directions of users' inside buildings can impose slight limitations. The average level of permeability might suggest ineffective spatial arrangement, ignoring the needs of spatial segregation. The study further found that the linear plan layouts with proper zoning and effective management strategies can be considered a proper layout to facilitate social distancing and the spread of COVID-19.Originality/valueThe current study is unique in terms of examination of the spatial configuration of linear public spaces plan layout for possible temporary adaptability to curb disease spread during the unexpected advent of a pandemic. Based on researchers' best of knowledge it is the first time that the impact of recreational space design on social distancing has been examined. The study also originally sheds light on the fact that the commonly used guideline for the social distancing of 1–2 m between 2 persons, in reality, is practically inadequate given the nature of the sports activities.

Numerical simulation of the effect of waves on cavity dynamics for oblique water entry of a cylinder

The water entry process associated with complicated unsteady structures, with consideration of the influence of the waves, is not well studied. In the present work, the oblique water entry of a cylinder under different regular waves is numerically investigated. The volume of fluid (VOF) method and the sub-grid scale (SGS) stress model based on the large eddy simulation (LES) method are adopted for the 3-D simulation with six degrees of freedom. The present numerical model is based on a wave model, and as shown by the previous work that the predicted cavity evolution in the calm water agrees well with the experimental results. The present model is validated and it is shown that it could be used to predict the correct wave periods and fluctuations. The cavity evolution mechanism, the dynamic characteristics and the vortex structures are analyzed. The cavity of the water entry with waves closes more quickly than in the calm water case. Finally, several parametric studies of the water entry with different wave heights and water entry locations are carried out. The results provide insights into the effects of the waves on the cavity dynamics for oblique water entry problems.

Transport and speciation of uranium in groundwater-surface water systems impacted by legacy milling operations

Growing worldwide concern over uranium contamination of groundwater resources has placed an emphasis on understanding uranium transport dynamics and potential toxicity in groundwater-surface water systems. In this study, we utilized novel in-situ sampling methods to establish the location and magnitude of contaminated groundwater entry into a receiving surface water environment, and to investigate the speciation and potential bioavailability of uranium in groundwater and surface water. Streambed temperature mapping successfully identified the location of groundwater entry to the Little Wind River, downgradient from the former Riverton uranium mill site, Wyoming, USA. Diffusive equilibrium in thin-film (DET) samplers further constrained the groundwater plume and established sediment pore water solute concentrations and patterns. In this system, evidence is presented for attenuation of uranium-rich groundwater in the shallow sediments where surface water and groundwater interaction occurs. Surface water grab and DET sampling successfully detected an increase in river uranium concentrations where the groundwater plume enters the Little Wind River; however, concentrations remained below environmental guideline levels. Uranium speciation was investigated using diffusive gradients in thin-film (DGT) samplers and geochemical speciation modelling. Together, these investigations indicate uranium may have limited bioavailability to organisms in the Little Wind River and, possibly, in other similar sites in the western U.S.A. This could be due to ion competition effects or the presence of non- or partially labile uranium complexes. Development of methods to establish the location of contaminated (uranium) groundwater entry to surface water environments, and the potential effects on ecosystems, is crucial to develop both site-specific and general conceptual models of uranium behavior and potential toxicity in affected ground and surface water environments.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Health Care, Education, and Persons With Disabilities in Kenya

The Impact of COVID-19 on Health Care, Education, and Persons With Disabilities in Kenya

중국은행의 국제화: 입지 및 진입모드 선택

In response to the lack of research on Chinese banks in the context of multinational banks (MNB), this study may be the first empirical study of the factors influencing a Chinese bank’s location and entry mode strategies in the process of globalization from the strategic behavior perspective. This study uses two binary logistic regression models to investigate the impacts of the determinants on the width and depth of foreign expansion activities. The results provide significant evidence that Chinese banks follow their existing customers and global industry leaders when they expand abroad rather than seek local market opportunities, though the two distance factors representing the cost result from cross-border investment and post transaction integration influence the country-level decision to involve in an acquisition. In terms of the follow-the-customer hypothesis, the sign on FDI is both positive and significant. The follow-the-leader variable related to strategic interactions is defined at the global industry level. Chinese banks are more likely to enter a host country in which one of the host country’s banks already established a branch in China, as an “exchange-of-threat.” In terms of the follow-the-customer hypothesis related to the location of entry through acquisition, the coefficient on the FDI and overseas chinese variables are both positive and significant. In terms of entry mode strategy, the coefficients on geographic and cultural distance variable are both significant, but with different signs. It is reflects the fact that Chinese banks are active in acquisitions in less developed countries with higher cultural approximation. At the bank level, the influence of their past acquisition experience is also significant. The study provides further support to the argument that the eclectic paradigm and strategic reaction perspectives can offer complementary explanations of FDI by foreign banks from developing countries.

An investigation of the possible scenarios for the optimal locating of quality sensors in the water distribution networks with uncertain contamination.

One of the ways to reduce the risk of contaminated water consumption is to optimally locate the quality sensors. These sensors warn users in the case of contamination detection. Analyzing the actual conditions of the contamination which enters the network is faced with many uncertainties. These uncertainties include the dose of contamination, time and location of its entry which have received less attention. Also, the uncertainty in the nodes' water demand causes changes in the distribution and contamination diffusion within the network. The main impetus of the present study is to determine the optimal quality sensor locations in the water distribution network in order to reduce the damage caused by contaminated water consumption prior to the contamination event detection. For this purpose, a parameter is defined as the maximum possible damage for calculating which the vulnerability and importance of the nodes have been considered in addition to the uncertainties in the location and time of the contamination entry. The importance of each node differs from that of other ones. Ranking the importance of the nodes is influenced by both land use and covered population ratio. In this study, six scenarios are defined for the contamination event in the water distribution network. These scenarios consider the effects of varying pollutant dose and the contamination input from nodes which are prone to its entry. Also, the NSGA-II has been utilized in order to minimize the damage with minimum number of sensors. The proposed model is evaluated on a real network in Iran. The results indicate that adding only one or two contamination warning sensors to the proposed locations can lead to the decreasing damage caused by the contaminated water consumption from 54 to 82%. According to the proposed method, the best answer for scenarios 1-6 was obtained for 7, 6, 6, 2, 2 and 2 sensors, respectively. The results showed that the slope of the pollution rate diagram does not change much from 6 sensors upwards in the first three scenarios, and from 4 sensors upwards in the second three scenarios. In scenarios 1-3, with 7, 6 and 6 sensors, respectively, in different nodes, the best placement is for 203-224 equivalent attack population, and in scenarios 4-6, with sensors in nodes 4 and 43, the best placement is for 225-279 equivalent attack population.

Trends in the use of computerized physician order entry by health-system affiliated ambulatory clinics in the United States, 2014\u20132016

BackgroundComputerized provider order entry (CPOE) can help providers deliver better quality care. We aimed to understand recent trends in use of CPOE by health system-affiliated ambulatory clinics.MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal data (2014–2016) for 19,109 ambulatory clinics that participated in all 3 years of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Analytics survey to assess use of CPOE and identify characteristics of clinics associated with CPOE use.We calculated descriptive statistics to examine overall trends in use, location of order entry (bedside vs. clinical station), and system-level use CPOE across all clinics. We used linear probability models to explore the association between clinic characteristics (practice size, practice type, and health system type) and two outcomes of interest: CPOE use at any point between 2014 and 2016, and CPOE use beginning in 2015 or 2016.ResultsBetween 2014 and 2016, use of CPOE increased more than 9 percentage points from 58 to 67%. Larger clinics and those affiliated with multi-hospital health systems were more likely to have reported use of CPOE. We found no difference in CPOE use by primary care versus specialty care clinics. When used, most clinics reported using CPOE for most or all of their orders. Health systems that used CPOE usually did so for all system-affiliated clinics.ConclusionsSmall practice size or not being part of a multi-hospital system are associated with lower use of CPOE between 2014 and 2016. Less than optimal use in these environments may be harming patient outcomes.

Ground penetrating radar clutter removal via randomized low rank and sparse decomposition for missing data case

ABSTRACT Dealing with ground penetrating radar (GPR) data with missing entries can affect the performance of clutter removal methods heavily, making target imaging/detection via GPR practically impossible. This paper proposes a two-step approach based on the matrix completion property of the randomized low rank and sparse decomposition called Go Decomposition (GoDec). The first step of the proposed method recovers the missing samples via matrix completion. The resulting low-rank part corresponds to the recovered version, with sparse part fixed as an indicator matrix for the missing entry locations and corrupted GPR data as input. The second step is a straightforward implementation of the low rank and sparse decomposition to the recovered image, giving the clutter and target components as low and sparse parts of the decomposition. Comparisons with conventional methods and recent methods such as robust principal component analysis (RPCA) and one-step GoDec demonstrate that the proposed method recovers the target image for missing data case where all the other methods fail. Although GoDec remains slightly behind RPCA for uncorrupted data, the proposed two–step GoDec (TS-GoDec) outperforms them for missing data. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) values reached by TS-GoDec are better than its closest follower RPCA around 42% in average. Since GoDec is very fast, TS-GoDec method still remains faster than RPCA which presents poorer results for the missing data case.

A Closer Look at Anandamide Interaction With TRPV1.

The transient receptor potential subfamily vanilloid type 1 ion channel (TRPV1), located in the peripheral nervous system has been implicated in the perception of pain and possesses the ability to be modulated by various cannabinoid ligands. Because of its location, TRPV1 is an ideal target for the development of novel pain therapeutics. Literature precedent suggests a wide range of cannabinoid ligands can activate TRPV1, but the location and mode of entry is not well understood. Understanding the modes in which cannabinoids can enter and bind to TRPV1 can aid in rational drug design. The first endogenous ligand identified for TRPV1 was the endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA). The Molecular Dynamics (MD) studies discussed here investigate the entry mode of AEA into TRPV1. During the course of the 10+ microsecond MD simulations, two distinct binding modes were observed: AEA binding in the tunnel formed by the S1–S4 region, and AEA binding in the vanilloid binding pocket, with preference for the former. Unbiased MD simulations have revealed multiple spontaneous binding events into the S1–S4 region, with only one event of AEA binding the vanilloid binding pocket. These results suggest that AEA enters TRPV1 via a novel location between helices S1–S4 via the lipid bilayer.

Retail and Place Attractiveness: The Effects of Big‐Box Entry on Property Values

The opponents of big‐box entry argue that large retail establishments generate a variety of negative externalities. The advocates, on the contrary, argue that access to a large retail market not only delivers direct economic benefits, but also a variety of positive spill‐over effects, and therefore, can be considered a consumer amenity that increases the attractiveness of the entry location. To test the validity of these competing arguments, we use the entry of IKEA in Sweden as a quasi‐experiment and investigate if increased access to retail is associated with place attractiveness, where attractiveness is proxied by residential property values. We find that entry by IKEA increases prices of the properties sold in the entry cities by, on average, 4.2% or 62,980 SEK (approximately 6,600 USD), but such an effect is statistically insignificant for the properties in the immediate vicinity of the new IKEA retail trade area. We also observe an attenuation of the effect with distance from the new IKEA store, where the properties located 10 km away experience a 2% price increase. Our results indicate that large retailers have the potential to increase place attractiveness, but perhaps not in the immediate vicinity of the new establishment.

Thermal Performance Analysis of a Solar Reactor Designed for Syngas Production

The design elements considered during the construction of a thermochemical reactor determine its thermal performance. This current study investigated the effect of design elements, such as boundary layer thickness, insulating materials for the outlet tube design and fluid inlet locations of the frustum, on the thermal performance of a proposed syngas production reactor with incident radiation heat transfer through quartz glass. The P1 radiation approximation model and fluid flow in the shallow path were integrated into a proposed radiation model. The result indicated that inlet mass flow rates from 5 × 10−4 to 14 × 10−4 kg/s increased the temperature in the cavity and the outlet. The fluid inlet located at the top of the quartz glass edges was found to have better thermal performance and maximum average outlet temperature. Insulation for fluid inlets tube above the quartz glass edges of the frustum was very important for the prevention of radiation loss through quartz glass and sedimentation of fluid particles around the quartz glass edge, and the facilitation of fast heat transfer towards the internal part of the reactor. The outlet that was a tube designed using an aluminum oxide-type insulator with a 50 mm boundary layer thickness was found to increase the average outlet temperature of the reactor. This study revealed that fluid entry and exit locations on the frustum and proper fluid outlet design were critical for the thermal performance analysis of the solar thermochemical reactor for heat transfer with quartz glass. Findings from this study will be of relevance to chemical and power engineering sectors, as well as academia.

Comparison of temperature readings using infrared thermometers at three different sites: tympanic, forehead and temporal

The aim of this study was to compare the body temperature measurements at tympanic, forehead and temporal sites using infrared thermometers. A total of 1576 consecutive visitors to Singapore General Hospital at two entry locations were included in this study. Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman mean difference between sites (95% confidence interval for limits of agreement) were calculated for the relationship between the three different sites of temperatures recorded (i.e. temporal, forehead and tympanic). Of all the visitors, 27 (1.7%) had fever. Moderate positive correlation was found between temporal and forehead temperature readings ( r=0.602, mean difference (temporal – forehead), (95% limits of agreement) = 0.1 (−0.8, 0.7)), and there was very weak positive correlation between tympanic and temporal temperature readings ( r=0.177, mean difference (temporal – tympanic), (95% limits of agreement) = −0.3 (−1.7, 1.1)). Sensitivity for temporal temperature readings (⩾37.5°C) to detect febrile visitors was 3.7%, specificity was 99.6%, positive predictive value was 14.3% and negative predictive value was 98.3%. Our results demonstrate that tympanic temperature readings should be used for fever screening instead of temporal or forehead readings.

Field and numerical investigations on the lower coal seam entry failure analysis under the remnant pillar

Extraction of multiple seam using fully mechanized coal mining technology caused severe deformations in the lower coal seam roadways in Zhaiyadi Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, China. Understanding the characteristics of the lower coal seam entry failure mechanism under the remnant pillar is the first step in determining a reasonable location of the lower coal seam entry. Characteristics of the lower coal seam entry failure mechanism under the remnant pillar are investigated by means of numerical simulations and in-situ observations. To improve the reliability of the numerical simulations, the global model is validated by comparing the surrounding rock deformation of 3905 headgate with the in-situ observation data due to the extraction of Panel 3805. The numerical simulation results of the global model indicate that the original 3905 headgate under the remnant coal pillar is located in the vertical stress concentration zone and horizontal stress concentration zone. Firstly, the peak vertical stress concentration factor in the coal seam 9# (the lower coal seam) is 4.9, located 100 m behind the active Panel 3805 while the peak horizontal stress concentration factor in the coal seam 9# is 2.1, and located 30 m behind the active Panel 3805. When the delay distance to the active Panel 3805 is 80 m, the stress transmission angle reaches a constant value of 30.9°. Secondly, both the ratio of coal pillar rib deformation to solid coal rib and the ratio of roof subsidence to floor heave increase as the delay distance to the active Panel 3805 increases. Finally, numerical results show that the designed 3905 headgate located 25 m to 30 m away from the middle of the remnant coal pillar would be an alternative scheme, located out of the floor horizontal stress concentration and vertical stress concentration in the coal seam 9#. The findings in this study will help to provide a basis to select a reasonable location for lower coal seam roadways under similar mining and geological conditions.

Development and Validation of a Controlled Pressure Method Test Protocol for Vapor Intrusion Pathway Assessment.

Controlled pressure method (CPM) testing is a building-specific diagnostic tool for vapor intrusion (VI) pathway assessment which offers advantages over traditional pathway assessment approaches. By manipulating the building pressure conditions, the CPM creates the worst-case VI impact and provides rapid insight into the type of vapor source(s). The primary barrier to general acceptance and use of this tool is the need for definitive guidance on test design parameters, such as the indoor-outdoor pressure difference (or exhaust fan flow rate), CPM test duration, exhaust fan location, and air sampling location(s) and conditions. This study focused on a systematic evaluation of each of these factors, which then led to the formulation of proposed CPM testing guidelines. The results suggest that CPM tests should be conducted with both negative and positive pressure indoor-outdoor differentials of about 10-15 Pa, and the tests should last for at least nine indoor air exchanges for negative pressure difference testing and four indoor air exchanges for positive pressure difference testing. Although exhaust fan intake sampling is sufficient to provide critical information to assess impacts during negative pressure testing, adding room-specific indoor air sampling to both negative and positive pressure difference testing can provide insight into vapor entry locations and indoor source contributions.