Management Methods Research Articles

Research on coastline extraction and dynamic change from remote sensing images based on deep learning

Accurate coastline extraction is crucial for the scientific management and protection of coastal zones. Due to the diversity of ground object details and the complexity of terrain in remote sensing images, the segmentation of sea and land faces challenges such as unclear segmentation boundaries and discontinuous coastline contours. To address these issues, this study improve the accuracy and efficiency of coastline extraction by improving the DeepLabv3+ model. Specifically, this study constructs a sea-land segmentation network, DeepSA-Net, based on strip pooling and coordinate attention mechanisms. By introducing dynamic feature connections and strip pooling, the connection between different branches is enhanced, capturing a broader context. The introduction of coordinate attention allows the model to integrate coordinate information during feature extraction, thereby allowing the model to capture longer-distance spatial dependencies. Experimental results has shown that the model can achieves a land-sea segmentation mean intersection over union (mIoU) ration and Recall of over 99% on all datasets. Visual assessment results show more complete edge details of sea-land segmentation, confirming the model’s effectiveness in complex coastal environments. Finally, using remote sensing data from a coastal area in China as an application instance, coastline extraction and dynamic change analysis were implemented, providing new methods for the scientific management and protection of coastal zones.

Errors associated with moose-hunter counts of occupied beaver Castor fiber lodges in Norway

In Norway, Sweden and Finland moose Alces alces hunting teams are often employed to survey occupied beaver (Castor fiber and C. canadensis) lodges while hunting. Results may be used to estimate population density or trend, or for issuing harvest permits. Despite the method’s increasing popularity, the errors involved have never been identified. In this study we 1) compare hunting-team counts of occupied lodges with total counts, 2) identify the sources of error between counts and 3) evaluate the method’s management potential. The study was conducted in Bø Township (266 km2), Telemark County, Norway during 1995. Hunters reported the number of occupied lodges seen daily while hunting moose (25 September - 31 October). Teams (n = 12) under-counted occupied lodges in the township by 62% because 1) the probability of observing an occupied lodge within areas actually hunted on was 0.77, 2) 37% of the moosehunting units were not hunted on and 3) 21% of the occupied lodges occurred in cultivated landscapes outside of moose-hunting units. Hunters had difficulty distinguishing between occupied and unoccupied lodges. Measures of precision and bias should be determined before using the method for practical management. Moose-hunting team surveys may be better suited for obtaining indexes of population change than estimates of occupied lodge number.

Exploration of the optimal low-carbon peanut rotation system in South China

CONTEXTPeanut is an important economic and oil crop that has the potential to contribute to low-carbon agriculture. However, there is scarcity of comprehensive evaluations regarding the impact of various peanut rotation systems and their contribution to low-carbon agriculture. OBJECTIVEThe research aims to comprehensively evaluate the contribution of peanut rotation systems to low-carbon agriculture in South China, and expected to explore the optimal low-carbon peanut rotation system in this area. METHODSThree cropping patterns were compared over a four-year experimental period: wheat–peanut (W-P) rotation, rape–peanut (R-P) rotation, and peanut monocropping (MP), under two types of initial fields (paddy and dryland). The carbon footprint (CF), product carbon footprint (PCF), carbon sequestration, food carbon cost (FCC), soil carbon characteristics, net economic benefit, and ecosystem service values of C sequestration of three rotation ecosystems were studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur findings reveal that R-P, WP, and MP had total CFs of 1.788, 3.882, and 1.096 t CO2-eq·hm−2, respectively. Agricultural material input, particularly N fertilizer, was the primary CF contributor. R-P had higher carbon sequestration amount and efficiency than WP. Notably, dryland-initial fields of both R-P and WP had higher carbon sequestration efficiency (71.1 % and 17.6 % higher, specifically). Our soil carbon analysis indicates that both plant residue quality and initial field type influence C sequestration. While WP had the highest PCF (0.552 t CO2-eq t−1) and FCC of protein (3.428 kg CO2-eq·kg−1), fat (3.791 kg CO2-eq·kg−1), and energy (0.135 kg CO2-eq·1000 kcal−1), R-P showed the highest net income (3333.3 US$·hm−2) and higher ecosystem service value of C sequestration (−5.6 US$·hm−2). Furthermore, our findings reveal that common crop rotations in South China have higher CFs than the tested peanut-based systems. Therefore, R-P rotation is the most suitable system for low-carbon agriculture in the research area among these three rotations due to its lower carbon cost and higher economic benefits. And the advantages, disadvantages and uncertainties of different low-carbon agricultural indicators have also been analyzed. SIGNIFICANCEOur study would contribute to exploring agroecosystems management ways and methods to mitigation climate change and provide references for the establishment of evaluation criteria for low-carbon agriculture.

Rates and risk factors of bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection with continuous warfarin or 1-day withdrawal of direct oral anticoagulants.

The 2017 Japanese guidelines recommend continuing warfarin therapy during the perioperative period or discontinuing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) only on the day of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer. However, their safety has not been sufficiently explored. This study aimed to validate this management method. This retrospective, multicenter study analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection between July 2017 and June 2019. The patients were categorized according to the use of warfarin or DOACs. Among the 62 eligible patients, 53 (85%) were male (median age, 76years). Warfarin was used in 10 patients (16%) and DOACs in 52 patients (84%). Fourteen patients taking DOACs (27%) used concomitant antiplatelet agents, with seven patients (13%) continuing treatment at the time of the endoscopic procedure. No postprocedural bleeding occurred in patients receiving warfarin (0%), whereas 10 cases (19%) of bleeding occurred in patients receiving DOACs: rivaroxaban, 0% (0/22); dabigatran, 0% (0/2); edoxaban, 43% (6/14); and apixaban, 29% (4/14). The type of anticoagulant (P<0.01) and continuation of antiplatelet therapy (P=0.02) were risk factors for postprocedural bleeding in patients receiving DOACs. Intraprocedural bleeding requiring transfusion or symptomatic thromboembolic events were not reported. Continuous warfarin therapy is preferred. DOAC withdrawal 1day before a procedure is associated with a high bleeding rate, which may differ for different types of anticoagulants. The continuation of antiplatelet medications in patients receiving DOACs carries a high risk of bleeding and is a future challenge.

Development of an application for training management of the maintenance team in a metallurgical industry in the suape industrial complex – cabo de Santo Agostinho

This work presents the development of an application designed to complement traditional training management methods within an organization. The application, developed on the PowerApps platform using a Low-Code approach, aims to facilitate the monitoring and management of employee training in the maintenance department of a company located in the Suape industrial complex, Cabo de Santo Agostinho. Its main objective is to provide a digital platform that allows for the verification of the training status of maintenance technicians, identifying which are in "Attention," "Expired," and/or "OK" status. Traditionally, this data is managed manually, in a time-consuming and error-prone process. The transition to a digital system ensures data accuracy, reduces the time required to access and update information, and improves the overall efficiency of the department's activity scheduling process. During the testing phase, conducted between January and August 2024, comparative data was collected on the training consultation process, before and after the implementation of the application. Preliminary results indicated a significant improvement in the efficiency and productivity of the maintenance department, comparable to other works that used PowerApps as a quick and low-cost solution.

Разработка подхода к интегрированному планированию в цепочках поставок приборостроительной отрасли

Purpose: the article proposes an approach to integrated planning in supply chains of the instrument-making industry, aimed at improving the efficiency of coordination between their main participants. Methods: the study used methods of system analysis, statistical analysis and expert assessments, which made it possible to evaluate current approaches to planning and propose an approach to integrated planning based on modern digital technologies used in the performance of the planning function. To obtain the results of the study, official statistical data on the productivity and economic indicators of the instrument-making industry, data on logistics operations and supply chains of various enterprises in the industry were used. Results: the main scientific result is the approach to the development of integrated planning in supply chains developed by the author. The study also provided practical recommendations on the use of management methods at different stages of the formation of an integrated planning system. Practical significance: the practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the proposed recommendations at enterprises of the instrument-making industry to improve the efficiency of supply chain management. The implementation of the developed methods will allow enterprises to adapt to dynamic market conditions, reduce costs and improve coordination of the actions of private logistics chain participants. The results of the study can be used to develop and improve planning systems in organizations in the instrument-making industry.

Значение предшественников и минерального питания в формировании урожайности и качества ярового ячменя в Пермском крае

Abstract. The purpose is to evaluate the influence of previous culture and mineral nutrition on the yield and quality of grain and seeds of spring barley in the conditions of the Middle Urals. Methods. The research was conducted at the Perm Agricultural Research Institute (a branch of the Perm Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences) over the period 2021–2023 on sod-podzolic heavy loam soil. A two-factor field experiment with different previous culture and mineral nutrition backgrounds was carried out. Data were processed using B. A. Dospekhov’s methods, and grain quality was determined using standard techniques. Results. The limiting factor affecting plant growth and productivity is soil moisture, which influences both the size and quality of crops. Studies have shown that the soil under vetch-oat mixtures had the highest level of productive moisture at the start of the growing season. However, by the end of the season, the highest level was found under clover. During the research period, the most significant decrease in soil moisture was observed after barley, possibly due to the smaller surface area covered by this crop. The study of barley seed germination showed that they met the required standards. Seeds grown after vetch-oat had the best germination rate (95 %), while those preceding barley had the worst (92 %). This suggests that choosing the right precursor and providing optimal nutrition can lead to increased yield and improved grain quality. The yield of barley can vary widely, ranging from 1.06 to 3.77 tons per hectare. The study results show that using vetch-oat as a precursor can provide the best indicators for barley yield and quality. The optimal combination of precursor and mineral nutrient background can significantly improve the efficiency of barley production in agriculture. Scientific novelty: The complex effect of fertilizers and precursor substances on the formation of barley productivity and quality is being studied in the Perm region for the first time. The methods of barley management and quality control studied allow for obtaining highly productive seeds and achieving the planned yield.

MTAS-01 UPDATES ON BRAIN METASTASIS MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES IN LMICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Brain Metastases (BM) occur in the natural course of malignant tumors and cause a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The approaches to their management have changed considerably over the past decade. We aimed to give an update regarding the current means of diagnosis, management, and the outcomes of brain metastases in LMIC. METHODS We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, Embase, Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar for studies reporting data on Brain metastasis diagnosis, management, and outcomes in LMICs from inception to October 23rd, 2022. The systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA principles. RESULTS A total of 7916 unique studies were identified, of which, 48 were included. The most studied (21, 43.75%) and common cause of metastases was lung tumors (1602, 51.43%). A subtotal resection (STR) was archived in the majority of reported cases in the frequency of 56.2% (n = 1751), gross total resection (GTR) in 37.5% (n = 1169) of cases, while only biopsy was possible in 6.3% (n = 195). The reported adjuvant treatments were radiotherapy 39.9% (n = 1036), radiosurgery 22.5% (n = 585), and radiosurgery + radiotherapy 37.5% (N = 974). Management of the primary tumor was reported in 13 (27.08%) studies. Half (24, 50%) of the studies reported the overall survival time to be 4-52 months. CONCLUSION Lung, breast, and GI tumors were the most common primary tumors for the MB. Whole-brain radiotherapy is the most common management method in LMICs.

A-150 Extended Pre-Analytical Stability Validation for Coagulation Tests in Brazilian Clinical Laboratory

Abstract Background The transport of samples for coagulation tests is a challenge for clinical laboratories, due to their limited stability and short time for processing according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of extending the stability of samples collected for Prothrombin Time and Activity (PTA), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and Fibrinogen tests for up to 10 hours at room temperature, in comparison with the stability described in the literature and by the manufacturer of the reagents (4 hours for aPTT, 8 hours for PTA and Fibrinogen). We verified the acceptability of the samples with a longer period between collection and analysis, including its impact on the clinical management Methods Four tubes of 3.2% sodium citrate from 40 volunteers were analyzed at times of up to 4 h, 6 h, 8 h and 10 h. The results obtained were compared with the dosage performed within 4 hours (recommended by manufacturer) and the Total Error obtained in the analysis of the samples was evaluated. The tubes remained at controlled room temperature of 15 to 25°C and were centrifuged at 1500 g for 15 minutes. Then, the analyses were performed by coagulometric method. Results The results showed safety in the analysis of samples for coagulation tests even within 10 hours after collection at ambient temperature and were within the Maximum Allowable Total Error (Carmen Ricós): 95% of the PTA results (TE 5,3%); 92.2% of aPTT results (TE 4,5%) and 98% of Fibrinogen analyses (TE 13,6%) (Figures 1, 2 and 3). In addition, even the results that exceeded the specified Total Error showed no impact on the clinical decision. Conclusions The study demonstrated that there was no significant loss of stability for the analyses of PTA, aPTT and Fibrinogen performed on samples kept at room temperature within 10 hours after collection. Most of the results showed variation within the specified Total Error and all results showed acceptability from a medical point of view

Technological Advancements in Menstrual Health: The Role of Generative Pre-Trained Transformer and Bees Algorithm

This paper introduces the concept of a smart menstrual cup, incorporating advanced technology to address challenges associated with traditional menstrual health management methods. The proposed method, Hybrid Bidirectional Encoder Generative Transformer based Bees Search (Hybrid BEGT-BS), aims to enhance the longevity and reliability of smart menstrual cups. The Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) is employed to extract key information and determine emotional tones related to menstruation, while the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformer (BERT) classifies menstrual-related data such as cycle tracking, hygiene, and symptoms. Further different validation metrics such as F1-score, specificity, Area Under the Curve-Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC-ROC), Mean Squared Error (MSE), recall, energy consumption, accuracy, and precision are employed to assess the method's effectiveness. From the comparative results it demonstrates the superior performance of the Hybrid BEGT-BS method in enhancing the performance of smart menstrual cups.

MODERN APPROACHES TO BIRTH CONTROL: MANAGING PAIN AND MINIMISING COMPLICATIONS

The thesis focuses on modern approaches to birth control, concentrating on methods of pain management and minimizing complications. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of pain management are reviewed, as well as psychological techniques to reduce anxiety and fear in women during labor. The importance of birth preparation and antenatal education is mentioned, as well as the role of modern fetal monitoring and an interdisciplinary approach in ensuring safety and comfort. The article highlights the importance of individualized care for each woman and the need for comprehensive management of the pregnant woman to optimize the birth experience.

EVALUATION OF CARBONATED PRODUCT FROM MINERAL CARBONATION OF MINING WASTE FOR CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Mining operations generate significant quantities of waste containing alkaline earth silicates, which are valuable for carbon sequestration. Hence, the goal of this study is to assess the possibility of using mining waste to store carbon through a process of mineral carbonation. The study tested mineral carbonation under low reactivity conditions, including ambient pressure and low temperature, to evaluate the effect of pH levels on process efficiency. The samples were discovered to have an alkaline pH, suggesting that they were suitable for mineral carbonation reactions from the beginning. The carbonation process of the mineral was conducted at different pH levels of 8, 10, and 12. The findings showed that the carbonation efficiency was approximately 3%, with the highest level observed at pH 12. Through thermogravimetric analysis, it was observed that there was a multi stage transformation of minerals, which indicated the formation of carbonates containing iron and magnesium. The process captured approximately 33 and 39 g of CO2/kg. The process indicates that mine waste can be used as a source material for mineral carbonation, as demonstrated by the formation of iron and calcium carbonate products. This research demonstrates that mine waste has the potential for long-term carbon storage, offering a beneficial method for waste management and carbon capture strategies.

Urban growth simulation guided by ecosystem service trade-offs in Wuhan metropolitan area: Methods and implications for spatial planning

The effective integration of ecosystem services (ESs) and urban growth simulation is crucial for spatial planning decisions that support sustainable and high-quality development. Interactions (i.e., trade-offs, synergies, and irrelevance) generally exist among ESs, however, few studies have been done on the methodology for simulating urban growth that optimizes the synergistic effect of ESs. In this study, the Wuhan metropolitan area was taken as the research area. Four key ESs in 2000, 2010, and 2020: water yield (WY), carbon storage (CS), habitat quality (HQ), and soil retention (SR) were evaluated by using the InVEST model. Then the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) method was applied to optimally allocate ESs trade-offs and identify ecological priority protection areas (EPPAs). Finally, the PLUS model was used to simulate urban growth scenarios under different levels of ESs protection constraints and propose spatial planning strategies. The results revealed the following. (1) From 2000 to 2020, the three ESs (i.e., WY, CS, and HQ) exhibited the spatial distribution pattern with high in the east and low in the west, and higher in the woodland than in built-up areas, except SR, which remained at a weak level throughout the region. (2) During the 20 years, SR and the other three ESs, HQ and CS showed a synergistic relationship; WY exhibited a very weak trade-off with HQ; and WY and CS changed from a very weak trade-off to a weak synergy. (3) Seven ecosystem service patterns (ESPs) were generated, and ESP 5 was compared as the ideal option. The weights of SR, WY, CS, and HQ in this pattern were 0.063, 0.187, 0.313, and 0.437, respectively. (4) By 2030, the built-up areas will exhibit edge expansion and interconnection development trends, with the high-constraint ecological protection scenario as the most compact mode, and the spatial structure of “two districts, one axis, four cities as one” is consistent with the development tendency. Our findings can help to enrich the method of urban growth management oriented by ecological protection, and provide a scientific basis for ecological environment restoration and land use spatial planning practices.

Thermal Behaviour, Chemical Composition and Morphological analysis ofCotton Stalk for Efficient Biochar Production

The escalating concern over air pollution from crop stubble burning necessitates responsible biomass disposal or utilisation. In this study, characterisation of cotton stalk was carried out to assess its feasibility for biochar production. The proximate analysis revealed that cotton stalk had moisture content of 8.65%, bulk density of 215.8 kg m-3, volatile matter of 71.65%, and fixed carbon content of 16.03%. The ultimate analysis showed that cotton stalks were predominantly composed of carbon (64.88%), hydrogen (6.58%) , and oxygen (2.55%), with a low (0.66%) nitrogen content . Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) highlighted the pyrolysis process, identifying a peak temperature of approximately 500°C and distinct stages of thermal degradation: moisture loss up to 150°C, hemicellulose decomposition between 200°C and 300°C, cellulose decomposition from 300°C to 400°C, and lignin decomposition from 400°C to 500°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline cellulose with a diffraction peak at 2θ = 22.5°, indicating significant structural stability during pyrolysis for biochar production. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic peaks associated with cellulose and lignin, underscoring the retention of essential structural components in biochar during biomass conversion. These analyses demonstrated the potential of cotton stalks as a viable feedstock for biochar production, providing a sustainable method for agricultural waste management and soil health improvement.

FUNDAMENTALS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

This study explores the critical issue of quality assurance in higher education systems, both in Kazakhstan and globally, where universities operate in a «consumer market» with students selecting educational programs, institutions, and resources. Based on an analysis of international and domestic research, the study aims to identify the foundations of quality assurance in higher education. The authors highlight key aspects of higher education quality, including student quality, teaching characteristics, academic regulations, and administrative support. Educational quality is examined within the context of international standards as a matter of national importance, with education levels serving as a foundation for economic development of both state and society. The research analysis reveals that various approaches, methods, and criteria for quality management are employed in creating systems for ensuring and assessing the quality of higher education institutions in Kazakhstan and abroad. These include the evaluative method of university activity quality management (SWOT analysis), Total Quality Management (TQM) strategy, and an approach based on the requirements of international quality standards ISO 9000:2000. The study notes that Kazakhstan has adopted a management model based on the ISO 9000:2000 international quality standards. This comprehensive review contributes to the understanding of quality assurance mechanisms in higher education and their implications for educational policy and practice.

An active learning framework assisted development of corrosion risk assessment strategies for offshore pipelines

Aggressive fluids and prolonged service life result in an increasing internal corrosion risk of offshore pipelines, especially for perforation. A framework was constructed by active learning (AL) aimed at assessing the future corrosion risk of offshore pipelines and rapidly developing in-line inspection (ILI) strategies. Compared with Support Vector Regression (SVR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Random Forest (RF), the Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR) model exhibits greater robustness and stability under both 10-fold cross-validation (CV) and bootstrap method. The RMSE and R2 are 1.48 and 0.83, respectively. Through the double iterative operation of input parameters and models, the AL framework can significantly reduce the demand for training samples, while maintaining accurate predictions. This study contributes to promoting the application of active learning methods in pipeline integrity management and planning, and providing assistance for the construction of intelligent and digital oilfields.

Forecasting of the Event-driven Processes Using LSTM Network in the Context of Time of Arrival of On-demand City Transport

Abstract The precise forecasting of bus arrival times is an important element of implementing on demand city transport. This research uses of Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) networks for predicting bus arrival times in Sofia, Bulgaria. We evaluate the LSTM model against advanced models such as ARIMAX, VARX SARIMAX with Fourier terms Vector Autoregression, Bayesian Fourier models and Backpropagation Neural Networks using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) as the performance measure. The results points towards LSTM being better than approaches on routes by adeptly capturing intricate temporal relationships showcasing its promise in dynamic urban transit settings. Moreover the Bayesian Fourier model excels across routes underscoring its ability to accommodate trends effectively. These results suggest that incorporating LSTM networks into on demand transportation systems can notably enhance arrival time forecasts ultimately benefiting passengers and operational efficiency. This study demonstrates the usefulness of machine learning methods in urban transport planning and management by demonstrating how LSTM networks can improve optimization, on demand transportation.

An Investigation of Gender Differences in E-Commerce Shopping Frequency During COVID-19: Evidence From Türkiye

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s daily lives, individuals’ shopping habits have begun to change. This study investigates factors associated with citizens’ e-commerce shopping frequency, taking into account gender differences during COVID-19. The study utilized the Household Information Technologies Usage Survey microdata set conducted by TurkStat in 2021. Various factors related to citizens’ e-commerce shopping frequency, specifically considering gender differences during the COVID-19 period, were examined using the generalized ordered logit model. According to the research results, the frequency of e-commerce shopping inversely decreases with age for both men and women. The number of e-commerce purchases made by individuals, regardless of gender, increases in direct proportion to their education levels. Additionally, as individuals’ incomes rise, their engagement in e-commerce purchases increases. Men who actively search for information about products and services are more likely to participate in e-commerce compared to those who do not. This dynamic differs for women based on the quantity of their intakes. Regarding gender distribution, it was determined that, moving from east to west, women make more e-commerce purchases than men. For both local governments and service providers, developing healthier, sustainable, and more predictable policies and strategies for extraordinary situations such as pandemics is crucial. Businesses are recommended to build customer and supplier portfolios, focusing on areas such as platform accessibility, inventory management, distribution, transportation, and payment methods. Strengthening infrastructure and keeping systems up-to-date are also crucial for effectively responding to consumer demands.

Changing Indications for Cervical Cerclage Following the Introduction of Routine Ultrasound Surveillance of Cervical Length for Prediction and Prevention of Preterm Birth.

Preterm birth (PTB) is associated with significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. Universal measurement of cervical length has been proposed as a screening tool to direct intervention to prevent PTB. To assess the impact of the introduction of sonographic mid-trimester cervical length screening on the use of cervical cerclage and PTB. A retrospective cohort study reviewed two groups of women who underwent cervical cerclage before and after the introduction of universal sonographic cervical length screening. Demographics and outcomes were compared using Student's t test, Fisher's Exact test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Following introduction of universal cervical length screening, the overall rate of cerclage increased from 2.5/1000 births to 6.0/1000 births (p < 0.01). There was a reduction in the proportion of sutures placed purely based on maternal history (50.0% to 30.4%; p < 0.001), while the proportion of sutures placed following ultrasound assessment increased in both high- (21.7 to 36.6%) and low-risk (11.7% to 30.4%) women (p < 0.001). The overall rate of PTB <37weeks in women has a cerclage was 25.7% and was highest in women undergoing rescue cerclage (64.3%; p < 0.01). There was no difference in the rate of PTB between high- and low-risk women undergoing history- or ultrasound-indicated cerclage. Mean pregnancy length was most prolonged in low-risk women undergoing ultrasound-indicated cerclage, extending gestation from 33.9 to 38.3weeks (p < 0.01). Universal cervical length screening results in an increase in the use of cerclage, specifically on the basis of the ultrasound findings. Women who were at low risk but then underwent ultrasound-indicated cerclage experienced most prolongation of pregnancy. Women who were at high risk but had a suture on the basis of ultrasound findings-indicated cerclage represent an alternative method of management with no significant difference in the gestational age of delivery.

An open-loop and closed loop based passive thermal management techniques applicable to photovoltaic systems

Photovoltaic (PV) technology adoption in recent years has experienced significant growth due to its inherent advantages over alternative technologies. Nevertheless, there is a concern regarding performance deterioration due to high operating temperatures. Various thermal management methods have been studied to address this issue, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Hence, a comprehensive review aimed at developing effective passive cooling techniques was undertaken and two techniques were finalized for outdoor testing viz. natural circulation loop based cooling (PV-NCL) and evaporative cooling (PV-EVP). Though the former version could drop module temperature by 7.4 °C–13.9 °C (Power output increment in the range of 3.5 %–6.7 %), this improvement was not sustained throughout the day due to factors such as flow resistance within the loop and a lack of convective cooling in the vicinity of the cooler. Subsequent experiments confirmed that loop resistance played a dominant role in this phenomenon. Additionally, concerns about water circulation in PV-NCL were resolved through a comparison with water duct-integrated PV. On the other hand, the innovative gravity-assisted water flow for evaporation method (PV-EVP) yielded more promising results, with a power output enhancement ranging from 3.7 % to 11.5 %. However, considering the in-field operational issues, PV-NCL with a modified design will likely be the best technique.