Multiple Locations Research Articles

Shunting at Arbitrary Feature Levels via Spatial Disentanglement: Toward Selective Image Translation.

The past few years have witnessed considerable efforts devoted to translating images from one domain to another, mainly aiming at editing global style. Here, we focus on a more general case, selective image translation (SLIT), under an unsupervised setting. SLIT essentially operates through a shunt mechanism that involves learning gates to manipulate only the contents of interest (CoIs), which can be either local or global, while leaving the irrelevant parts unchanged. Existing methods typically rely on a flawed implicit assumption that CoIs are separable at arbitrary levels, ignoring the entangled nature of DNN representations. This leads to unwanted changes and learning inefficiency. In this work, we revisit SLIT from an information-theoretical perspective and introduce a novel framework, which equips two opposite forces to disentangle the visual features. One force encourages independence between spatial locations on the features, while the other force unites multiple locations to form a "block" that jointly characterizes an instance or attribute that a single location may not independently characterize. Importantly, this disentanglement paradigm can be applied to visual features of any layer, enabling shunting at arbitrary feature levels, which is a significant advantage not explored in existing works. Our approach has undergone extensive evaluation and analysis, confirming its effectiveness in significantly outperforming the state-of-the-art baselines.

Surgical resection and survival of clear cell renal cancer metastases to the pancreas

Pancreas is considered one of the organs most frequently affected by recurrence after nephrectomy secondary to renal cell carcinoma reporting an incidence of 20%, 85% of these occur within the first 3 years. The objective of the study is to evaluate overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with renal cancer and pancreatic metastases who underwent surgical treatment. A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with histological diagnosis of renal cancer associated with pancreatic metastasis was performed and included those treated by pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy during the period 1987-2020. 14 patients with pancreatic metastasis were included. Two groups of patients were obtained: those who underwent pancreatic surgery for metastasis and those who did not undergo surgical procedure. According to the location of the metastasis, 71.4% corresponded to a single location and 28.6% to multiple locations. 57.1% underwent Whipple and 42.9% distal pancreatectomy. Survival after the surgical procedure was 1150 days versus 499 days in non-operated patients. Pancreatic metastases due to RCC can be curable, improve morbidity, and increase disease-free survival with surgical treatment.

Binding of cortical functional modules by synchronous high frequency oscillations.

Whether high-frequency phase-locked oscillations facilitate integration ('binding') of information across widespread cortical areas is controversial. Here we show with intracranial EEG that cortico-cortical co-ripples (~100ms long ~90Hz oscillations) increase during reading and semantic decisions, at the times and co-locations when and where binding should occur. Fusiform wordform areas co-ripple with virtually all language areas, maximally from 200-400ms post-word-onset. Semantically-specified target words evoke strong co-rippling between wordform, semantic, executive and response areas from 400-800ms, with increased co-rippling between semantic, executive and response areas prior to correct responses. Co-ripples were phase-locked at zero-lag over long distances (>12cm), especially when many areas were co-rippling. General co-activation, indexed by non-oscillatory high gamma, was mainly confined to early latencies in fusiform and earlier visual areas, preceding co-ripples. These findings suggest that widespread synchronous co-ripples may assist the integration of multiple cortical areas for sustained periods during cognition.

Steady-state Visual Evoked Potentials Reveal Dynamic (Re)allocation of Spatial Attention during Maintenance and Utilization of Visual Working Memory.

Visual working memory (VWM) allows storing goal-relevant information to guide future behavior. Prior work suggests that VWM is spatially organized and relies on spatial attention directed toward locations at which memory items were encoded, even if location is task-irrelevant. Importantly, attention often needs to be dynamically redistributed between locations, for example, in preparation for an upcoming probe. Very little is known about how attentional resources are distributed between multiple locations during a VWM task and even less about the dynamic changes governing such attentional shifts over time. This is largely due to the inability to use behavioral outcomes to reveal fast dynamic changes within trials. We here demonstrated that EEG steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) successfully track the dynamic allocation of spatial attention during a VWM task. Participants were presented with to-be-memorized gratings and distractors at two distinct locations, tagged with flickering discs. This allowed us to dynamically track attention allocated to memory and distractor items via their coupling with space by quantifying the amplitude and coherence of SSVEP responses in the EEG signal to flickering stimuli at the former memory and distractor locations. SSVEP responses did not differ between memory and distractor locations during early maintenance. However, shortly before probe comparison, we observed a decrease in SSVEP coherence over distractor locations indicative of a reallocation of spatial attentional resources. RTs were shorter when preceded by stronger decreases in SSVEP coherence at distractor locations, likely reflecting attentional shifts from the distractor to the probe or memory location. We demonstrate that SSVEPs can inform about dynamic processes in VWM, even if location does not have to be reported by participants. This finding not only supports the notion of a spatially organized VWM but also reveals that SSVEPs betray a dynamic prioritization process of working memory items and locations over time that is directly predictive of memory performance.

Pliocene subsurface fluid flow driven by rapid erosional exhumation of the Colorado Plateau, southwestern USA

Abstract Erosion may modify the architecture of subsurface flow systems by removing confining units and changing topography to influence patterns of fluid circulation or by inducing gas exsolution from subsurface fluids, influencing compositional and buoyancy patterns in flow systems. Here, we examine the geologic record of subsurface flow in the sedimentary rocks of the Paradox Basin in the Colorado Plateau (southwestern USA), including the distribution and ages of Fe- and Mn-oxide deposits and bleached, former red-bed sandstones. We compare our results to those of previous geo- and thermochronology studies that documented as much as 2 km of erosional exhumation at ca. 3–4 Ma and Fe-and Mn-oxide precipitation at 3.6 Ma along fault zones in the region. We used (U-Th)/He and K-Ar dating to document two new records of subsurface flow of reduced fluids between 3 and 4 Ma. The first is precipitation of Mn-oxides along the Moab fault (Utah, USA) at 3.9 ± 0.2 Ma. The second is clay mineralization associated with laterally extensive bleaching in the Curtis Formation, which we dated using K-Ar illite age analysis to 3.60 ± 0.03 Ma. The coincidence of the timing of bleaching, Fe- and Mn-oxide formation in multiple locations, and erosional exhumation at 3–4 Ma raises the question of how surface erosion may have induced a phase of fluid flow in the subsurface. We suggest that recent erosion of the Colorado Plateau created steep topographic gradients that enhanced regional groundwater flow, whereby meteoric water circulation flushed reduced fluids toward discharge zones. Dissolved gases, transported from hydrocarbon reservoirs, also may have been exsolved by rapid depressurization.

Understanding the Missing Links in Hahnemann's Posology for Drug Proving

AbstractHahnemannian drug proving has been reproved and clinically verified in multiple geographical locations in the last two centuries. They continue to be the most reliable and useful proving records even today. However, in absence of daybook of these provings, many practical questions essential for its successful replication have remained unanswered. In this study, we have tried to understand a few of these questions such as why Hahnemann did not mention the doses employed in his drug proving. What were his actual instructions for the repetition of doses to the provers? In 50 years, Hahnemann's propositions for posology in drug proving changed several times. Which phase and posology have contributed maximally to the existing literature? Last but not least, is the drug proving in 30th potency ‘the best and final plan’ of Hahnemann? In the process of finding answers to these questions, some fascinating facts have emerged. Notably, to prioritise individualisation in drug proving, design drug schedules more often in a successively increasing fashion and lastly, to explore all ranges of potencies for proving till little of novel character could be recorded on subsequent proving of the drug.

Adaptation pathways for effective responses to climate change risks

AbstractClimate related changes are already affecting every area of our world and will increasingly do so as global warming increases, resulting in compounding and cascading risks across multiple locations and sectors. Deliberative processes and anticipatory actions are required to adapt to the associated complex and uncertain systemic risks, with dynamic and long‐term planning needed even where there is limited knowledge of the effectiveness of adaptation. In this focus article, we examine the adaptation pathways developed for the Europe Chapter of the IPCC AR6. We argue that illustrative pathways built on quantitative and qualitative assessment of adaptation effectiveness can inform adaptation planning to manage the increasing severity of risks. We find that as the global warming level increases adaptation pathways can diverge, leading to radically different futures, for example, adaptation responses to sea level rise. We illustrate how adaptation measures for different risks interact resulting in trade‐offs, for example, increasing water scarcity. Although pathways offer a useful framework to address multiple adaptation challenges, other supporting conditions are needed for the successful implementation of adaptation, such as establishing legitimacy and buy‐in through collaboration of various actors and effective governance. Ultimately, adaptation will be increasingly more complex and constrained in a warmer world, increasing risks of losses and damages to people and nature.This article is categorized under: Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies

Investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics of apple tree phyllosphere bacterial and fungal communities across cultivars in orchards.

The phyllosphere, a reservoir of diverse microbial life associated with plant health, harbors microbial communities that are subject to various complex ecological processes acting at multiple scales. In this study, we investigated the determinants of the spatiotemporal variation in bacterial and fungal communities within the apple tree phyllosphere, employing 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing. Our research assessed the impact of key factors-plant compartment, site, time, and cultivar-on the composition and diversity of leaf and flower microbial communities. Our analyses, based on samples collected from three cultivars in three orchards in 2022, revealed that site and time are the strongest drivers of apple tree phyllosphere microbial communities. Conversely, plant compartment and cultivar exhibited minor roles in explaining community composition and diversity. Predominantly, bacterial communities comprised Hymenobacter (25%) and Sphingomonas (10%), while the most relatively abundant fungal genera included Aureobasidium (27%) and Sporobolomyces (10%). Additionally, our results show a gradual decrease in alpha-diversity throughout the growth season. These findings emphasize the necessity to consider local microbial ecology dynamics in orchards, especially as many groups worldwide aim for the development of biocontrol strategies (e.g., by manipulating plant-microbe interactions). More research is needed to improve our understanding of the determinants of time and site-specific disparities within apple tree phyllosphere microbial communities across multiple years, locations, and cultivars.

Development and Implementation of an FPGA-Embedded Multimedia Remote Monitoring System for Information Technology Server Room Management

Conventional data acquisition systems face challenges in achieving high acquisition speeds and rapid storage of large data volumes using microcontrollers. In contrast, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) offer numerous advantages, including high clock frequencies, minimal internal delays, fast operational speeds, abundant internal RAM resources, and simplified control of complex peripheral circuits. This study presents the design of an FPGA-based multimedia remote monitoring system for information technology server rooms. The proposed system utilizes an FPGA as the primary controller and incorporates environmental sensors, electrical energy sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, smoke sensors, and A/D converter modules to monitor multiple locations within the server room. Simultaneously, the FPGA transmits the collected data from each monitoring point via a serial port to an LCD serial screen for display. An alarm is triggered if any environmental anomalies are detected, indicating abnormal statuses. Additionally, the system employs the fast Fourier transform algorithm and butterfly operations to derive voltage and current AC quantities, while utilizing relative temperature differences to identify equipment faults within the server room. The system is evaluated in terms of functionality, user-friendliness, and reliability. Experimental results demonstrate that all performance measures align with expectations, fulfilling the initial design objectives and highlighting the potential applicability and relevance of FPGA technology in the monitoring field. In addition, a comparison between FPGA and traditional microcontroller systems is performed, showcasing the superior processing speed and performance of the FPGA-based system. This comparative analysis further validates the advantages of using FPGA technology in high-speed data acquisition and monitoring applications.

Through each other's eyes: initial results and protocol for the co-design of an observational measure of adolescent-parent interaction using first-person perspective

BackgroundCurrent observational methods to understand adolescent-parent interaction are limited in terms of ecological and content validity. We outline initial results and a protocol for future work from a programme of work to: (1) establish a new method for data capture of adolescent-parent interaction at home using wearable cameras and; (2) develop a new relevant and comprehensive observational micro-coding scheme. In Part 1, we report our completed preliminary work, comprised of an initial scoping review, and public engagement work. In Part 2, we present a protocol for the development of the new measure.MethodsPart 1—We searched Pubmed for existing observational measures of adolescent-parent interaction for the scoping review. We also undertook public engagement work utilising a mobile research van, taken to multiple locations around Bristol, UK to engage with a variety of populations through interactive methods. Part 2—Our protocol describes plans for: (1) A systematic review of the psychometric properties of observational measures of adolescent-parent interaction; (2) Focussed public engagement workshops; (3) Harmonisation of information from existing coding schemes and literature with information from public engagement with adolescents and parents; (4) A pilot study to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the method; (5) Development of a coding scheme in consultation with expert and lay panels, and through real-life application to recorded videos from a pilot sample.ResultsScoping review: we identified 21 adolescent-parent observational schemes, of which eight used micro-coding and 13 used globalcoding schemes. The majority of micro-coding schemes were not developed specifically for adolescents. Most studies used conflict or problem-solving tasks, which may not adequately capture positive adolescent-parent interactions. The mobile van event received views from 234 young people and/or parents. Families were positive about taking part in research using headcams. “Trust” and “understanding” were most frequently reported as important adolescent-parent relationship constructs.ConclusionsThis work represents the first attempt to truly co-design a method to assess parenting in adolescence. We hope to develop an observational measure using novel technological methods that can be used across a range of research and therapeutic settings.

55 Evaluation of feed efficiency and feeding behavior in Katahdin lambs housed in a Vytelle Sense system

Abstract Genetic selection focused on feed efficiency may prove to be valuable in reducing feed consumption costs and animal maintenance requirements without compromising growth. The Vytelle Sense system allows measurement of individual lamb DMI and varying feeding behaviors to identify feed efficient lambs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sire selection based on fecal egg count estimated breeding value (FEC EBV) on residual feed intake (RFI), gain:feed (G:F), and daily DMI. Katahdin ewes at the Virginia Tech Southwest Virginia Agricultural and Research Center (SWAREC) were mated to Katahdin rams (LowFEC: n = 4; HighFEC: n = 4) to divergently select for FEC EBV in their offspring (LowFEC: n = 36; HighFEC: n = 32). Post-weaning, lambs were fed a complete pellet (14% CP, 76% TDN) ad libitum in the Vytelle Sense system for 58 days. RFI was calculated as the difference between actual and expected DMI. DMI was predicted based on ADG and metabolic body size. Feeding duration per meal and DMI per meal were analyzed to determine feeding behavior. Statistical analyses were performed using PROC Mixed SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Sire FEC EBV type tended to have an effect on RFI (P = 0.06). Individual sire had a significant effect on RFI, G:F, and daily DMI (P < 0.05). Sex did not impact RFI (P > 0.10). Ram lambs had greater G:F values compared with ewes (0.32 vs. 0.26 kg; P < 0.05). Rams had greater daily DMI compared with ewes (2.37 vs. 1.89 kg/d; P < 0.05). Significance was detected between sires for meal duration (P < 0.05). Ewe lambs exhibited greater meal duration compared with rams (237.3 vs. 203.4 s/meal; P < 0.05). However, ewes had reduced DMI per meal compared with rams (0.29 vs. 0.34 kg/meal; P < 0.05). Individual sire did not have an effect on meal DMI (P > 0.10). To evaluate sire impact on RFI across multiple locations, LowFEC Katahdin rams (n = 2), mentioned previously, were bred to Katahdin ewes at the NC State University Upper Piedmont Research Station (UPRS) and the SWAREC. Genetic connectedness between locations allowed for comparisons of progeny performance. Post-weaning, UPRS lambs were fed a complete pellet (16% CP, 75% TDN) ad libitum in the Vytelle sense system for 45 d. Location did not impact RFI prediction for either sire (P > 0.10). Variation between sires indicates potential sire impact on progeny feed efficiency and feeding behavior. Further studies are needed to evaluate sire RFI trends across multiple locations.

Influence of musculoskeletal pain during gait on kinematics and selective motor control in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy: A pilot study.

Individuals with cerebral-palsy commonly present with altered kinematics and selective-motor-control during gait, and may also experience musculoskeletal pain. This pilot study aims to investigate if the immediate experience of musculoskeletal pain during gait influences kinematics and selective-motor-control in individuals with spastic cerebral-palsy. Retrospective treadmill-based gait-analysis data for 145 individuals with spastic cerebral-palsy were screened. Participants were asked about experiencing lower-extremity musculoskeletal pain immediately during gait, with 26 individuals (18%) reporting this was the case (pain-group; mean 11.55±3.15years, Gross-Motor-Function-Classification-System levels I/II/III n=5/13/8, Uni/bilateral involvement n=11/15). Of the 77 individuals who did not report any pain, a no-pain group (n=26) was individually matched. Kinematics were evaluated using the Gait-Profile-Score and spatiotemporal parameters (dimensionless-walking-speed, single-leg-support percentage and step-time). Selective-motor-control was assessed using the Walking-Dynamic-Motor-Control index. In the pain-group, 58% reported experiencing pain in their more-involved leg, 8% in the less-involved leg and 34% in both legs. Regarding the pain location, 38% of the pain-group reported experiencing pain in multiple locations. On a more specific level, 35%, 46% and 54% reported pain around the hip/thigh, knee/calf and ankle/ft, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the pain and no-pain groups for any of the outcome measures, in each leg or bilaterally. No significant differences in kinematics and selective-motor-control during gait were found between individuals with spastic cerebral-palsy, with and without musculoskeletal pain. This suggests that the individuals in this study may not present with obvious antalgic gait patterns, which may relate to the pre-existing altered kinematics and selective-motor-control.

Evaluation of Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors in Western Canada

AbstractThe recovery of fertilizer nitrogen by crops in the year of application is usually cited as being about 50%, despite considerable efforts to improve nitrogen efficiencies in agricultural systems. The use of fertilizer additives containing urease and/or nitrification inhibitors may improve fertilizer N efficiency. This was evaluated in four experiments conducted at multiple locations across the Canadian Prairies. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Polymer Patterning by Laser-Induced Multipoint Initiation of Frontal Polymerization.

Frontal polymerization (FP) is an approach for thermosetting plastics at a lower energy cost than an autoclave. The potential to generate simultaneous propagation of multiple polymerization fronts has been discussed as an exciting possibility. However, FP initiated at more than two points simultaneously has not been demonstrated. Multipoint initiation could enable both large-scale material fabrication and unique pattern generation. Here, the authors present laser-patterned photothermal heating as a method for simultaneous initiation of FP at multiple locations in a 2-D sample. Carbon black particles are mixed into liquid resin (dicyclopentadiene) to enhance absorption of light from a Ti:sapphire laser (800 nm) focused on a sample. The laser is time-shared by rapid steering among initiation points, generating polymerization using up to seven simultaneous points of initiation. This process results in the formation of both symmetric and asymmetric seam patterns resulting from the collision of fronts. The authors also present and validate a theoretical framework for predicting the seam patterns formed by front collisions. This framework allows the design of novel patterns via an inverse solution for determining the initiation points required to form a desired pattern. Future applications of this approach could enable rapid, energy-efficient manufacturing of novel composite-like patterned materials.

Structural Health Monitoring of Solid Rocket Motors: From Destructive Testing to Perspectives of Photonic-Based Sensing

In the realm of space exploration, solid rocket motors (SRMs) play a pivotal role due to their reliability and high thrust-to-weight ratio. Serving as boosters in space launch vehicles and employed in military systems, and other critical & emerging applications, SRMs’ structural integrity monitoring, is of paramount importance. Traditional maintenance approaches often prove inefficient, leading to either unnecessary interventions or unexpected failures. Condition-based maintenance (CBM) emerges as a transformative strategy, incorporating advanced sensing technologies and predictive analytics. By continuously monitoring crucial parameters such as temperature, pressure, and strain, CBM enables real-time analysis, ensuring timely intervention upon detecting anomalies, thereby optimizing SRM lifecycle management. This paper critically evaluates conventional SRM health diagnosis methods and explores emerging sensing technologies. Photonic sensors and fiber-optic sensors, in particular, demonstrate exceptional promise. Their enhanced sensitivity and broad measurement range allow precise monitoring of temperature, strain, pressure, and vibration, capturing subtle changes indicative of degradation or potential failures. These sensors enable comprehensive, non-intrusive monitoring of multiple SRM locations simultaneously. Integrated with data analytics, these sensors empower predictive analysis, facilitating SRM behavior prediction and optimal maintenance planning. Ultimately, CBM, bolstered by advanced photonic sensors, promises enhanced operational availability, reduced costs, improved safety, and efficient resource allocation in SRM applications.

Multiple obnoxious facility location: the case of protected areas

Multiple obnoxious facility location: the case of protected areas

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Effect of Inclination on sCO2 Heat Transfer in a Circular Pipe

Abstract Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) can be utilized as a working fluid in various thermal systems including large-scale power cycles; portable power production units, centralized coolant systems, and standalone cooling devices. However, the lack of accurate prediction tools such as heat transfer coefficient correlations and insufficient research studies about the mechanisms controlling heat transfer processes are hindering its practical realization for key energy and cooling systems. The overall objective of this study is to extend fundamental knowledge about heat transfer and fluid dynamic processes in conduits pertinent to sCO2 with an emphasis on flow direction and inclination effects. This paper presents the study on effects of gravity, buoyancy on sCO2 flow at temperatures near and away from the pseudo-critical temperature. The experimental setup consists of a high temperature and pressure sCO2 heat transfer loop and flow testing facility. Recently, researched sCO2 heat exchangers can have tubes oriented at different angles such as 45 deg or 90 deg to horizontal. For optimized design of efficient and cost-effective turbomachinery components utilizing sCO2 as the heat transfer fluid, an understanding of convective heat transfer inside a tube/pipe is equally as important as external heat transfer. This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on sCO2 heat transfer at various inclinations with angles ranging from 0 deg (horizontal) to 90 deg (vertical) along with upward and downward flow direction with different inlet temperatures. Thermocouple-based temperature measurement is utilized at multiple locations within the test section axially and circumferentially to study the temperature distributions on the tube surface. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been performed using ANSYS Fluent to complement experimental data. The CFD and experiment have been analyzed against the well-known Gnielinski Nusselt number correlation.

Metabarcoding is (usually) more cost effective than seining or qPCR for detecting tidewater gobies and other estuarine fishes.

Many studies have shown that environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling can be more sensitive than traditional sampling. For instance, past studies found a specific qPCR probe of a water sample is better than a seine for detecting the endangered northern tidewater goby, Eucyclogobius newberryi. Furthermore, a metabarcoding sample often detects more fish species than a seine detects. Less consideration has been given to sampling costs. To help managers choose the best sampling method for their budget, I estimated detectability and costs per sample to compare the cost effectiveness of seining, qPCR and metabarcoding for detecting endangered tidewater gobies as well as the associated estuarine fish community in California. Five samples were enough for eDNA methods to confidently detect tidewater gobies, whereas seining took twice as many samples. Fixed program costs can be high for qPCR and seining, whereas metabarcoding had high per-sample costs, which led to changes in relative cost-effectiveness with the number of locations sampled. Under some circumstances (multiple locations visited or an already validated assay), qPCR was a bit more cost effective than metabarcoding for detecting tidewater gobies. Under all assumptions, seining was the least cost-effective method for detecting tidewater gobies or other fishes. Metabarcoding was the most cost-effective sampling method for multiple species detection. Despite its advantages, metabarcoding has gaps in sequence databases, can yield vague results for some species, and can lead novices to serious errors. Seining remains the only way to rapidly assess densities, size distributions, and fine-scale spatial distributions.

Experimental investigation of regenerative cooling performance in hybrid rocket engines

An experimental investigation regarding the reliability and feasibility of a regenerative cooling system in hybrid rocket engines is presented. The novelty of the work is the introduction of a regeneratively cooled carbon-based nozzle throat using liquid oxidizer, for thermal management of the detrimental heat fluxes developed in the nozzle. The benefits and drawbacks of using regenerative cooling based on the observations of the current experimental campaign are critically discussed. Cryogenic oxygen in subcritical conditions is used as a coolant and oxidizer, for combustion with a fuel grain of high-density polyethylene stored within the combustion chamber. Pressure and temperature measurements are taken from multiple locations in the oxygen feed line and within the graphite nozzle throat. Eight firing tests were performed under various oxidizer mass flow rates and thus various thrusts. It was confirmed that cooling the graphite throat prevented the occurrence of nozzle erosion in all eight firing tests. The heat transfer rate and the physical state of the coolant are evaluated indirectly. Results show that increasing coolant gasification correlates with decreasing mass flow rate. The cooling performance improved more with higher vapour fractions than larger mass flow rates, however, dry-out occurred in tests with the highest gasification level. In summary, is it shown that while the current regenerative cooling system will supress nozzle erosion and limit nozzle temperatures in long duration firing, it reduces the predictability of flow rate and thus thrust during operations.

The Pillars of Safety: Unveiling the Impact of Medication Usage on Public and Patient Wellbeing

Background: The comprehensive management of various health conditions within the community is heavily reliant on the crucial role of medications. Objective: The primary objective of this research is to investigate medication usage patterns, adherence, and associated factors among a diverse participant pool. The study aims to assess the prevalence of prescription medication use, consumption patterns, adherence rates, and the methods employed by participants for managing their medicines. Furthermore, the study explores participants' experiences with side effects and evaluates their satisfaction with prescribed treatments. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional design was employed for data collection, utilizing a self-administered Medication Usage Survey distributed through Google Forms. Participants were recruited through various channels, and data were collected anonymously. Results: A total of 103 participants contributed to the study, with a diverse demographic composition. The majority identified as female (60.19%), and participants spanned various age groups, reflecting a comprehensive representation. Geographically, the study included participants from multiple locations, with Bengaluru being the predominant location (80.58%). Participants reported diverse health conditions, with 69 individuals (66.99%) on prescription medications. Consumption patterns revealed that 57.3% took medications daily, while adherence varied, with 36.9% reporting missed doses. Side effects were reported by a small percentage (12.66%) of participants, and various methods were employed for managing medicines. Overall, treatment satisfaction varied among participants. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights into medication usage patterns and associated factors among a diverse participant pool.