Lower Values Research Articles

Preoperative psychological factors influence analgesic consumption and self-reported pain intensity following breast cancer surgery

BackgroundPsychological factors such as anxiety and mood appear to influence acute postoperative pain; however, there is conflicting evidence on the relationship between preoperative psychological parameters and the severity of postoperative pain. In the context of the stressful setting of initial surgery for breast cancer, we conducted a prospective observational study of patients who were scheduled to undergo initial breast cancer surgery.MethodsThe objectives were to examine the potential associations between predefined preoperative psychological parameters and (i) Self-reported pain scores at discharge from the postoperative acute care unit, (ii) Cumulative perioperative opioid consumption at four hours postoperatively and (iii) Self-reported pain as measured during the first seven days after surgery. Patients completed the following questionnaires during the three hours prior to surgery: the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI State and Trait), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Cohen Stress Questionnaire (CSQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS A and D), and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Postoperative pain experience was assessed using patient self-reports of pain (SF Magill Pain questionnaire on discharge from the postanaesthesia care unit and a pain diary for seven days postoperatively) and records of analgesic consumption.ResultsPre- to postoperative self-reported pain was significantly different with respect to the STAI State, Cohen score and PCS for both low and high values (p < 0.001), but only patients categorized as having low STAI Trait, HADS A, and HADS D values achieved significant differences (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was demonstrated between preoperative state anxiety (STAI) and the most severe pain reported during the first seven days postoperatively (r = 0.271, p = 0.013). Patients who were categorized preoperatively as having a “high value” for each of the psychological parameters studied (HADS A and D, STAI State and Trait and PCS) tended to have greater perioperative opioid consumption (up to four hours postoperatively); this trend was statistically significant for HADS D and HADS A only. Using a linear regression model, state anxiety was found to be a significant predictor of postoperative pain based on self-reports during the first seven postoperative days (standardized β = 0.271, t = 2.286, p = 0.025).ConclusionPreoperative state anxiety, in particular, is associated with the severity of postoperative pain experienced by women undergoing initial breast cancer surgery. Formal preoperative assessment of anxiety may be warranted in this setting with a view to optimize perioperative analgesia and wellbeing.

Assessing the Sustainability and Performance of Hempcrete

Aim: Traditional construction materials like cement, concrete, glass, asphalt, and steel require more energy in the manufacturing process, which results in high GHG emissions. Therefore, researchers from all over the world are focusing on solutions to tackle carbon emissions, with hempcrete emerging as a less polluting construction material. Hempcrete is a bio-composite comprising a woody core of hemp stem and hydrated lime. The objective of the study is to find out the physical and mechanical properties of hemp-lime concrete. Study Design: The present research paper is part of the ongoing study on hempcrete at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The present study chose an experimental research design. Methodology: The study presents its results in two parts: performance and sustainability. The first part investigates the performance of hempcrete in terms of its physical and mechanical characteristics. The researcher conducted numerous trials to fix mix designs, focusing on their workability. Cubes of size 10 cm were cast manually for five distinct mix designs. The second part of the paper examines the sustainability aspect of hemp-lime concrete via a relevant literature review. Results: During the specified time intervals of 28, 56, 84, and 112 days, the cubes exhibited a range in weight density from 506 to 674 kg/m3. In parallel, the compression test results demonstrated varying values, spanning from 0.510 Mpa to 0.810 Mpa across the same time points. Results show that there is a negative correlation between density and compressive strength and a positive correlation between density and water absorption rate. Conclusion: The results pertaining to weight density highlight the lightweight nature of hempcrete, to the extent that the cubes have the propensity to float in water. Due to its relatively low compressive strength values, hempcrete is deemed suitable for non-load-bearing applications within building construction.

Hypolipidemic And Testicular Cytoarchitecture Protective Effects of the Hydromethanol Leaf Extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi in Male Wistar Rats

Hyperlipidemia is implicated in many disease states, including arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and stroke amongst other illnesses. The present study describes the hypolipidemic and testicular cytoarchitecture protective effects of hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi using male Wistar rats as models. 64 male Wistar rats were acclimatized and subsequently randomly divided into 8 groups of 8 rats each. Diabetes was induced in all rat groups except Groups 1 and 8 using alloxan at a dose of 200mg/kg bw administered intraperitonially. Diabetes was confirmed after 72 hours of alloxan administration if the blood glucose level is ≥ 11.1 mmol/L (200mg/dl) and were daily treated with different concentrations of extract and phytosterol only for 28 days. Expectedly, significantly higher values of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, low values of high-density lipoprotein and significant reduction in the population of epithelial germ cells and normal matured spermatozoa in the testes were observed amongst group 2 (Untreated Diabetes) rats administered 200mg/kg bw of alloxan, compared to group 1 (Control) rats (p&lt;0.05). Suggesting a possible hyperlipidemic and harmful testicular effects of alloxan in male Wistar rats. By corollary, extract administration significantly lowered values of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, increased values of high-density lipoproteins and reversed the reduction in germ cells and matured spermatozoa population amongst Groups 4 and 5 rats administered 500mg/kg bw and 750mg/kg bw of the extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi compared to Group 2 (Untreated Diabetes) rats (p&lt;0.05). Suggesting a possible reversal and protective effects of the extract. Craterispermum schweinfurthi extract administration lowered total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, increased serum high density lipoprotein concentration and promoted germinal epithelial cells ...

Investigation of the Basin Characteristics through Morphometric Analysis of Hadejia River Sub-Basin: Implications for Groundwater Recharge

Understanding the geohydrological properties of a drainage basin in relation to the topographical feature and its flow patterns depends heavily on morphometric analysis. Estimating a watershed's frequency of infiltration and runoff as well as its other hydrological characteristics is also helpful. The study was conducted using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques with the aim of establishing relationship between surface morphometry, underlying geology and groundwater recharge. For detailed measurement and analysis, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and high resolution imageries were employed for basin delineation, slope characterization, channel network extraction and stream ordering in order to derive the linear, areal, and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. The findings showed that a total number of 116 streams joined the 4th order stream in which 83 streams were 1st order, 25 streams were 2nd order, 7 streams were 3rd order and the major trunk was 4th order stream, occupied an area of 1486.86km2. The stream network's drainage system exhibits dendritic design. The results further indicate that the values for stream frequency, infiltration number, drainage density, drainage texture, length of overland flow, elongation ratio and basin relief are 0.08, 0.032, 0.41km/km2, 0.023, 1.22km, 0.54 and 28.59m respectively. The observed values of both linear, areal and relief parameters were generally low. Low values for the areal and relief criteria indicates that the sub-basin is at its youthful stage of development and possesses very good permeable subsurface formation and prospect with the possibility of high potential groundwater resources. The result help us understand the connections between hydrological variables and geomorphological parameters as guidance and/or decision-making instruments for the authorities to develop decisions for the environmentally friendly growth of the basin, water supply planning, water budgeting, and disaster mitigation within the Hadejia river sub-basin.

Approximation of the Pressure-discharge Curve in Inline Drip Irrigation System

The efficiency of drip irrigation systems depends directly on the uniformity of water discharge from emission devices. Ideally, all emitters should discharge equal amounts of water, but variations occur due to hydraulic and manufacturing factors. This study established the pressure-discharge relationship curve and determined emitter flow variation caused by the hydraulic and the manufacturer’s coefficients of variation for 2 and 4 lph inline emitters. The power exponent and constant of the pressure-discharge curve were determined by measuring the emitter flow rates at operating pressures ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 kg/cm². The emitter flow rates of 100 emitters were measured at an operating pressure of 1.0 kg/cm² to determine the manufacturing coefficient (Vm) and emitter flow variation (qvar(m)). The discharge exponent was found to be 0.46 for both emitter flow rates, with proportionality constants of 0.692 for 2 lph and 1.387 for 4 lph emitters respectively. The results showed a strong correlation between pressure and flow rate, with RMSE values of 0.51 and 0.34 lph, and coefficients of determination of 0.988 and 0.991 for 2 and 4 lph emitters, respectively. High manufacturing precision was indicated by low Vm values of 0.0491 for 2 lph and 0.055 for 4 lph emitters, while qvar(m) values were 0.261 for 2 lph and 0.283 for 4 lph emitters. Total coefficient of variation (Vq) values were 0.1 for 2 lph and 0.14 for 4 lph emitters, with total emitter flow variations (qvar) of 0.29 for 2 lph and 0.39 for 4 lph emitters. The study established the pressure-discharge curve for inline drip irrigation systems, emphasizing the critical relationship between pressure and flow rate. The derived chart from pressure discharge relationship is a valuable tool for estimating emitter flow variation due to hydraulic variation within the same subunit. Precise manufacturing and effective management of hydraulic variations are essential for ensuring uniform water distribution, optimizing drip irrigation systems, and ultimately enhancing crop yield and resource utilization.

Intake of Artificial Sweeteners through Soft Drinks in the Preschool- and School-Aged Population.

One of the main public health issues that has recently been observed in a greater number of children is being overweight. The cause certainly lies in the decreasing physical activity of children, but mostly in their eating habits. Soft drinks are recognized as the most significant contributor to body overweight due to high sugar content; thus, as a result of numerous campaigns, part of the sugar is replaced by artificial sweeteners (ASs). Despite their advantage due to their low caloric value, WHO recommends that they should not be used to achieve weight control or as prevention for reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, as there is no evidence of their effectiveness. Apart from beverages, artificial sweetener combinations are also added to a variety of "low fat" and "high protein" food products, which are highly favored especially among the young population. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the cumulative intake. The conducted study included a survey of 323 parents of children aged 1-14 years, as well as an analysis of the AS content in the products most often consumed by the respondents. The results of the survey show that a large part of children (40%) aged 3-14 often consume soft drinks. Different products (soft drinks, juices/nectars, syrups) were sampled based on the respondents' responses, and an analysis showed that 54% of them contained one or more ASs. In addition, the survey indicated parents' lack of information about the presence of AS in products, as 51% of parents declared that they do not read the declarations of the products they buy. It is necessary to persist in consumer education and changes in dietary preferences and habits, especially among children.

The Water Hammer Characteristics of Long-Distance Water Pipelines under Different Water Supply Modes

The pressure characteristics of long-distance water pipelines during hydraulic transient processes are crucial for ensuring the safe, stable, and long-term operation of water transfer projects. This paper establishes a one-dimensional mathematical model based on sections of the Yinjiangjihuai long-distance water diversion project in China. The water supply requirements of the pipelines are categorized into two replenishment modes as follows: gravity supply and pump-pressurized water supply. The opening and closing strategies of the water pipelines under different flow conditions are simulated and analyzed to explore the hydraulic transient processes under various water supply modes. The transient variations of key hydraulic parameters during valve closure are clarified. Simulation results indicate that the water pipeline design is reasonable, meeting the water supply demands at relatively low Manning values and that it has the capability for long-term supply. Due to the excessive head provided by the pumps, pump-pressurized water supply and gravity supply modes cannot operate simultaneously. Under gravity supply mode, the minimum pressure in the downstream pipeline is relatively higher overall, while the maximum pressure in the upstream pipeline is relatively lower overall. In the pump-pressurized water supply mode, the safety and stability of the water supply can be ensured by adjusting the closing time of individual pumps and the interval time between adjacent pumps. The research findings provide technical guidance and scientific basis for the construction of national water networks and water transfer projects.

Controllable self-cleaning FET self-assembled RNA-cleaving DNAzyme based DNA nanotree for culture-free Staphylococcus aureus detection

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) poses a serious risk to human and animal health, necessitating a low-cost and high-performance analytical platform for point-of-care diagnostics. Cellulose paper-based field-effect transistors (FETs) with RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (RCDs) can fulfill the low-cost requirements, however, its high hydrophilicity and lipophilicity hinder biochemical modification and result in low sensitivity, poor mechanical stability and poor fouling performance. Herein, we proposed a controllable self-cleaning FET to simplify biochemical modification and improve mechanical stability and antifouling performance. Then, we constructed an RCD-based DNA nanotree to significantly enhance the sensitivity for SA detection. For controllable self-cleaning FET, 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane based-polymeric nanoparticles were synthesized to decorate cellulose paper and whole carbon nanofilm wires. O2 plasma was applied to regulate to reduce fluorocarbon chain density, and then control the hydrophobic-oleophobic property in sensitive areas. Because negatively charged DNA affected the sensitivity of semiconducting FETs, three Y-shaped branches with low-cost were designed and applied to synthesize an RCD-based DNA-Nanotree based on similar DNA-origami technology, which further improved the sensitivity. The trunk of DNA-Nanotree was composed of RCD, and the canopy was self-assembled using multiple Y-shaped branches. The controllable self-cleaning FET biosensor was applied for SA detection without cultivation, which had a wide linear range from 1 to 105 CFU/mL and could detect a low value of 1 CFU/mL.

The potential fish provisioning services of vegetated and unvegetated habitat in a lagoon nursery

The potential fish provisioning services of the Ria Formosa lagoon (Portugal) were calculated for single cohorts of 7 commercially fished species, based on densities of juveniles sampled with beach seines on a monthly basis over a 17-month period at 41 locations. The potential maximum yield per recruit (F0.1 criteria) was calculated for vegetated (V) and unvegetated (UV) habitat for low and high natural mortality values. Vegetated habitat enhanced yield (g m−2) of 5 of the 7 species, with the greatest enhancement for the herbivore Sarpa salpa (137 and 150 fold for low and high M). At F0.1, the calculated total potential yield of the 7 cohorts was 463 tons (low M) and 333 tons (high M), worth EUR 5,649,084 and 3,651,881, respectively. Mean annual landings of the 7 species from 1997 to 2017 ranged from 407 to 577 tons, with a mean of 495 tons (s.e. = 11.1), highlighting the importance of the lagoon nursery as a major source of recruits for local small-scale coastal fisheries. The methodology used here is the first to calculate the potential maximum yield and the corresponding fishing mortality (F0.1) for single cohorts and for different habitats within an important fish nursery. It provides more realistic values of potential fish provisioning services and economic contribution to local fisheries than studies that do not consider fishing mortality.

Fostering Safe Schools: Empowering Educators and Parents in the Fight Against Violence in Early Childhood Education Setting

Bullying was a concerning issue among pre-schoolers within kindergarten settings, though its definition remained debated. This research’s aim is to uncover the forms of bullying, its causes, and impacts on children, as well as the intervention programs implemented by early childhood education teachers. This research engaged 87 teachers in anti-violence training, collecting data via bullying worksheets and interviews with 18 preschool teachers. The results showed that in early childhood education, verbal bullying involved the use of degrading words, while physical bullying included actions that hurt the victim's body. Relational bullying impacted social exclusion, whereas emotional bullying focused on hurting the victim's feelings. Internal causes included aggressive tendencies and low social values, while external causes included negative environmental influences and upbringing. Victims experienced depression, isolation, and learning disorders. The abuser might lose empathy, have difficulty forming relationships, and show aggressive behavior in the future. Teachers communicated openly with perpetrators and victims to help understand the root causes of behavior and provide emotional support. Follow-up actions taken by early childhood education institutions included counseling, developing empathy and social skills, strengthening positive values, and creating a safe environment. Parental involvement through education and open communication was also an important factor in creating a conducive environment for positive child development and preventing bullying.

Influence of the pressure wire on the fractional flow reserve calculation: CFD analysis of an ideal vessel and clinical patients with stenosis

Background and objectiveFractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is generally considered the gold standard in hemodynamics to assess the impact of a stenosis on the blood flow. The standard procedure to measure involves the displacement of a pressure guide along the circulatory system until it is placed next to the lesion to be analyzed. The main objective of the present study is to analyze the influence of the pressure guide on the invasive FFR measurements and its implications in clinical practice. MethodsWe studied the influence of pressure wires on the measurement of Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) through a combination of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using 45 clinical patient data with 58 lesions and ideal geometries. The analysis is conducted considering patients that were subjected to a computer tomography and also have direct measurements using a pressure guide. Influence of the stenosis severity, degree of occlusion and blood viscosity has also been studied. ResultsThe influence of pressure wires specifically affects severe stenosis with a lumen diameter reduction of 50 % or greater. This type of stenosis leads to reduced hyperemic flow and increased coronary pressure drop. Thus, we identified that the placement of wires during FFR measurements results in partial obstruction of the coronary artery lumen, leading to increased pressure drop and subsequent reduction in blood flow. The severity of low FFR values associated with severe stenosis may be prone to overestimation when compared to stenosis without severe narrowing. These results have practical implications, particularly in the interpretation of lesions falling within the “gray zone” (0,75−0,80). ConclusionsThe pressure wire's presence significantly alters the flow on severe lesions, which has an impact on the FFR calculation. In contrast, the impact of the pressure wire appears to be reduced when the FFR is larger than 0.8. The findings provide critical information for physicians, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation of FFR values, particularly in severe stenosis. It also offers insights into improving the correlation between FFRct models and invasive measurements by incorporating the influence of pressure wires.

Integrating rapid habitat mapping with community metrics and functional traits to assess estuarine ecological conditions: A New Zealand case study

Estuarine ecosystems are under pressure from anthropogenic stressors in many parts of the world. In a New Zealand estuary, we integrated rapid habitat mapping, univariate and multivariate benthic community metrics and functional traits-based metrics to provide a holistic assessment of its ecological condition. Our integrative approach identified 11 different habitat classes across the study estuary and revealed how univariate, multivariate, and functional traits-based metrics varied spatially. Variation was driven mainly by sedimentary conditions, particularly, the sediment's organic matter and silt-clay content. Degraded conditions were apparent in several parts of the estuary, which overlapped with areas showing high concentrations of decaying algae, anoxic conditions, and low values of univariate and functional metrics. Our holistic approach, integrating mapping and quantitative community assessments, provided a more complete picture of estuarine conditions and enabled us to identify locations across the estuary with the greatest potential for restoration success.

Exergetic, economic and exergy-based sustainability analysis of a power generation system with CO2 capture and methanol production

This study proposes a new biomass-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP)/renewable methanol production through captured carbon dioxide. A liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) stores and releases hydrogen. Literature review shows that LOHC has been integrated into such a system for the first time. The exergetic, exergoeconomic, and economic performance are researched. On average, results show that the exergetic efficiency of the system is 6.6 %. Depletion ratio (DR) is the depletion rate of the exergy source given to the system, which is desired to have low values. The sustainability index (SI) is the DR's reverse, representing the required exergy source per exergy destruction (exergy depletion). High values of this index indicate less exergy source consumed in the system. Exergetic ecological index (EECI) compares the useful products or depleted exergy per consumed exergy source destruction. The negative value of EECI means that the depletion of the exergy source is more significant than the product exergy and vice versa. The exergy-based sustainability indices, including DR, SI, and EECI, are found as 0.934, 1.071, and −0.868, respectively. Exergoeconomic analysis reveals that the exergy destruction rate at the system's capital cost (REX) value is 0.087×102. Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), gasifier, and Heat Exchanger 1 (HE1) are obtained as 5.153×10−2 (kW/€), 1.707×10−2 (kW/€), 3.094×10−2 (kW/€) respectively. The payback period and the REX are 14.56 years and 0.087×10−2 (kW/€), respectively; it seems long for an engineering application, but these technologies are relatively new, and their costs might decrease soon. Exergy destruction or lost power per capita, which means depleted investment, costs much less than 1. Although the thermodynamic values of the system seem low because irreversibilities occurred in chemical reactions, CO2 saved and produced methanol and cannot be ignored in terms of its environmental and economic benefits, considering CO2 taxes and the methanol economy.

Nondestructive and accurate prediction of IGBT junction temperature in wind power converters: based on IDMOA-ELM prediction method

ABSTRACT This study has made significant advancements in predicting junction temperature of IGBTs in wind power converters. An improved dwarf mongoose optimisation algorithm (IDMOA) with superior performance was developed. The IDMOA improves the initial solution quality through Hammersley initialisation, balances global search and local optimisation with nonlinear dynamic decreasing weight factors, and enhances population diversity via differential evolution strategy to avoid local optima. The IDMOA optimizes random parameters of extreme learning machine (ELM), overcoming the limitations of traditional manual parameter setting and constructing a high-precision IDMOA optimised ELM (IDMOA-ELM) model. Simulation results indicate that the IDMOA-ELM excels in predicting the IGBT junction temperature, achieving a low RMSE value of 0.1034 ℃. This significantly surpasses existing technologies and provides robust support for temperature management in wind power converters. Furthermore, to verify the performance of the DMOA-ELM in practical application scenarios, IGBT accelerated ageing experiments were conducted, yielding a comprehensive validation dataset. The high accuracy and effectiveness of the IDMOA-ELM were confirmed through comparative analysis with experimental data, enhancing the credibility of the research. This study achieved non-destructive and high-precision prediction of IGBT junction temperature in wind power converters and significantly improving the reliability of wind power converters.

Effect of continuous FYM and fertilizer applications over nine years utilizing STCR based targeted yield equations on transfer and uptake of micronutrients in an acid Alfisol under a maize-wheat cropping system

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based nutrient management in regulating soil micronutrient status and optimizing crop productivity under a maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was initiated during monsoon 2007, consisted of eight treatments viz., control, farmers’ practice, general recommended dose, soil test-based, STCR based targeted yield of 25 (wheat)/30 (maize) and 35 (wheat)/40 (maize) q ha−1 with FYM @ 5 t ha−1 and without FYM. Results revealed that the soil available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn exhibited depletion in unfertilized plots over initial status. However, the STCR (Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply; IPNS) based targeted yield approach of fertilizer application maintains higher values of DTPA extractable micronutrients in comparisons to all other treatments. After nine continuous years, the highest DTPA- extractable Fe (27.6 mg kg−1), Mn (25.1 mg kg−1), Zn (1.25 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.75 mg kg−1) were recorded in treatment where, FYM was added along with fertilizers for targeted yield of 35 q ha−1. The micronutrient uptake by wheat was higher in STCR (IPNS) treatments. Low SRC values of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn indicated that long-term prescription based chemical fertilizers and FYM application can meet the plant nutritional requirement of wheat crop. Hence long-term STCR based integration of FYM (with NPK fertilizers) has an advantage in regulating the supply of micronutrients in soil-plant system and addressing the micronutrient deficiencies.

Application of single surface isotropic damage plasticity model in nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna Dam

PurposeIn the present study, the application of a recent damage plasticity model is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna gravity dam. This is a single surface isotropic damage plasticity concrete model, which is based on the decomposition of stresses and was proposed in a previous study. The theoretical aspects of the model are initially reviewed, and a few preliminary verification examples are illustrated. Thereafter, the HHT-α (i.e. Hilber–Hughes–Taylor) algorithm is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dams.Design/methodology/approachBased on the prepared tools, nonlinear behavior of the Koyna Dam is studied by applying the invoked damage plasticity model. For this purpose, three cases are considered for the present study. Case A, which is based on the linear model, is mainly used for comparative purposes. The other two cases (B and C) correspond to the nonlinear (i.e. damage plasticity) model. The basic data for these two cases are similar. However, the employed damping algorithms are different and correspond to constant and variable damping algorithms, respectively. This means that the damping matrix is either kept constant or updated for all iterations of different time increments through the course of analysis.FindingsThe time histories of horizontal displacement at the dam crest were initially compared for the three cases: the linear Case A, and two nonlinear Cases B and C. It was observed that nonlinear cases’ responses begin to deviate from the corresponding linear case after the time of about 4.3 s. However, the amount of change for Case C (i.e. variable damping) was much greater than for Case B (i.e. constant damping). This was manifested initially in the peaks of response. It was also noticed that the period of response changed slightly for Case B in comparison with the linear Case A, while this change was significant for Case C. The obtained tensile and compressive damages were subsequently compared for the two nonlinear cases. For constant damping Case B, it was noticed that tensile damage occurred in the D/S face kink and on the U/S face slightly at a lower elevation. Moreover, it had a scattered nature. However, in variable damping Case C, it was noticed that tensile damage was much more localized and acted similar to a discrete crack. Of course, both cases also show tensile damages at the dam’s heel. In regard to compressive damages, it is observed that low values are occurring for both nonlinear cases as expected.Originality/valueThe application of a recent single surface isotropic damage plasticity concrete model is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna gravity dam. The nonlinear response of the dam is investigated for two different damping algorithms. Moreover, the influence of variable characteristic length is also investigated in the latter part of this study.

Assessing MRI referrals’ appropriateness for low back pain post a radiology-initiated intervention

IntroductionThis study evaluated a pilot intervention to reduce low-value Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) referrals for Low Back Pain (LBP). MethodsThis before-after intervention study analysed MRI referrals for LBP at two private imaging centres in Norway. MRI referrals for LBP obtained before and after an intervention of information campaigns and sending a return letter to clinicians for declined referrals were evaluated on information, quality, and justification rates. Four radiologists and two radiographers assessed the referrals. A point system was used to calculate referral quality. Each referral was given a score ‘good’ when rated above 5.5 and ‘poor’ below 2.5. Justification was based on assessors categorised rating as justified, unjustified or need more information. Stata Statistical Software (Release 18) was used for analysis. A mixed model analysed variations of the referrals pre- and post-intervention. A p-value of <.05 in variations was considered statistically significant. ResultsA total n = 300 patients’ referrals (150 referrals pre- and post-intervention) were collected and assessed. Post-intervention, 68% of referrals were justified, up from 63% pre-intervention. The assessment showed a 4% decrease in referrals with poor scores and a 2% increase in those rated as good or intermediate quality post-intervention. These changes were not statistically significant. ConclusionIt is important to state that it was not possible in our study to identify the subgroup of referrals that are known to be from clinicians who had received a return letter, although the information campaign targeted all referrers. Despite the limitations our findings suggest that providing reasons for declined referrals can serve as an educational tool for clinicians and contribute to the reduction of low value MRI for LBP. Implications for practiceRadiology department initiatives that raise awareness and offer referral criteria guidance to clinicians can serve as valuable educational tools, and further emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive information in MRI referrals for LBP.

Penilaian Tingkat Kesehatan Keuangan Berdasarkan Rasio Likuiditas, Solvabilitas, dan Profitabilitas Pada PT. Wilmar Cahaya Indonesia

The aim of this research is to assess the financial condition of PT. Wilmar Cahaya Indonesia in the 2019-2023 period based on liquidity, solvency and profitability ratios. The methodology used is quantitative descriptive analysis using secondary data from the company's financial reports. The research results show that although the company's liquidity is said to be liquid, a turnover ratio of more than 500% is considered too high. This indicates inadequate capital utilization. The solvency ratio shows a company's healthy financial position, identifying the company as being able to fulfill its long-term obligations. However, the profitability ratio shows poor financial health with the ratio far below standard, tends to decline, and has low ROA and ROE values. The company's inability to use resources efficiently to generate profits is the cause of this decline. Overall, even though PT Wilmar Cahaya Indonesia is liquid and solvable, its financial health for the 2019-2023 period still needs to be improved, especially in terms of profitability. The analysis shows that to increase profitability, companies must improve the effectiveness of current asset management and maximize resource utilization. This study provides an overview of the company's financial situation and can be used as a reference for future management.

Pressure effect on the structural, electronic, mechanical, optical and thermal properties of Ga2TiX6 (X = Cl, Br): A DFT simulation

The pressure effect on the physical properties of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) has been carried out through density function theory (DFT) accomplished via CASTEP guidelines. At ambient condition the structural aspects of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) show well accord with the previous theoretical data. A dramatically decrease of lattice constants, cell volumes and bond length with pressure is perceived. The negative enthalpy energy ensured the chemical formation of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br). The positive stiffness constants (Cij) ensure the mechanical stability of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) at ambient and hydrostatic pressure. Moreover, the fundamental polycrystalline factors of phases Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) such as bulk, shear and Young’s moduli, Poisson’s and Pugh’s fraction, machinability index as well as hardness of these materials have been calculated and discussed at ambient and hydrostatic pressure. Having very low values of bulk modulus (<100 GPa) they can be considered as soft materials. The increase of machinable index with pressure ensure the high lubricating properties, low friction, and high plastic strain of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) and also ensure their possible industrial applications. Band structure analysis ensure the semiconducting nature of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) at ambient condition but the semiconducting nature shift to metallic manner at 55 GPa and 65 Gpa respectively. The decrease of total density of states is observed at high pressure. The creation of new bond at high pressure is also observed in materials Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br). The investigated optical features ensured that the studied phases can be used in UV photodiodes, and UV light emitters since they revel intense peaks at UV region. Very low Debye temperature, melting temperature and thermal conductivity are observed at ambient condition which ensures that the compounds Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) can be used as thermal barrier coating materials (TBC).

Can Siphon Hole Morphometrics Be Used for Population Assessments of Intertidal Soft-Shell Clams, Mya arenaria?

AbstractMeasuring infaunal population dynamics relies on destructive sampling that disturbs sediments and removes animals from their habitat. Establishing effective, non-invasive sampling methods for monitoring infaunal populations can reduce the impact of scientific sampling and facilitate efficient population assessments. Using intertidal soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria L.) in eastern Canada, we explored whether population density and size structure could be estimated from visible siphon holes. Across four sites with varying sediment characteristics and infaunal species assemblages, we predicted the presence of M. arenaria with 78–100% accuracy by visually assessing siphon holes. Smaller holes (&lt; 7.5 mm) were more likely to be misidentified. Siphon hole count was a strong predictor of actual clam count and biomass at most sites, except the site with wet muddy sediment and high densities of other infaunal species. Siphon hole length was positively related to clam shell length and wet weight at all sites; however, relationships typically had low R2 values (&lt; 0.35). Ultimately, visual assessments of intertidal siphon holes can be effective for estimating M. arenaria densities and size structure in some habitats. Testing the application of this method to other habitats and species is warranted.