Performance Index Research Articles

A new solution for tackling mismatching losses in solar PV array via image encryption

Solar photovoltaic systems may undergo changes in power generation due to environmental factors such as partial shadowing, resulting in losses due to mismatch. This can ultimately lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the system's power conversion. While current solutions are both cost-effective and efficient, there is potential for novel approaches to further enhance system performance by improving consistency, power production, and minimizing mismatch losses. To address these limitations, this paper proposes the utilization of a highly efficient generalized Arnold's cat Map technique, commonly used in the image encryption process, to reconfigure the PV array. The effectiveness of these proposed approaches is evaluated in a MATLAB Simulink environment, specifically for a symmetrical (8x8) PV array, under various benchmark conditions such as Long wide; Short wide, Long Narrow, and Short Narrow shading conditions. The results obtained from these evaluations are then compared to prominent strategies such as Total-cross-tied and the recently reported Chaotic Baker's Map reconfiguration techniques. Furthermore, extensive analysis is conducted using different performance indices to gain a comprehensive understanding of the proposed approaches.

Development of a Novel Retinal Surgery Robot Based on Spatial Variable Remote Center-of-Motion Mechanism

Abstract This article reports the design, modeling, and experiments of a novel retinal surgery robot based on spatial variable remote center-of-motion (RCM) mechanism. The general design criteria for parallel mechanisms are proposed, and the planar five-bar mechanisms are evaluated and selected. The planar-spatial evolution process, including the parallel connection of the planar mechanism and the equivalent substitution of joints, is adopted to develop a spatial variable RCM mechanism and then the robot. The mobility and singularity of the robot are analyzed, and the forward/inverse kinematics and workspace are modeled. Dimension optimization is conducted based on a comprehensive performance indicator that characterizes the motion range of linear actuators and the global dexterity performance index of robot. The prototyped robot is fabricated and assembled, and the kinematic calibration is performed. The position error of end-effector is within 34 μm, and both the position error and deviation of the RCM point are within 23 μm. The robot is demonstrated to reach the desired position and execute the RCM motion with high precision simultaneously.

Synthetic Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Professional Female Handball Players—A Viable Option?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACR) rupture is a frequent injury in professional sports players. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including 41 professional female handball players, undergoing ACR reconstruction surgery, using a Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) graft (n = 12) or a Soft Tissue (ST) graft (n = 29). After return-to-play, the patients were asked to take a survey, reporting subjective and objective performance indexes before the injury and after return-to-play. Time from surgery to first practice and to return-to-play were significantly shorter in the LARS group (3.92 ± 1.14 vs. 6.93 ± 2.19 months, p < 0.001 and 4.71 ± 1.2 vs. 8.81 ± 2.9, respectively). While there was no difference between postoperative mean time on court, number of goals/match, number of matches played at 6 months return-to-play and 50 m, 100 m and gate-to-gate sprint times, there was a significantly greater increase in preoperative times in the ST group than in the LARS group (1.45 ± 1.05 s vs. 0.21 ± 0.58 s slower than preoperatively, p < 0.001 for 50 m; 1.09 ± 0.95 s vs. 0.08 ± 1 s, p = 0.01 for 100 m; 1.66 ± 1 s vs. 0.21 ± 0.66 s for gate-to-gate). In conclusion, LARS grafts provide a faster recovery time and better functional outcome, significantly impacting the performance of professional handball players.

Winners and losers in US marine aquaculture under climate change

Abstract Mariculture will be important to meeting global seafood food demand in the coming decades. Yet, the threat of climate change—such as rising ocean temperatures—on mariculture performance remains uncertain. This is particularly true at small spatial scales relevant to most producers. Additionally, mariculture is often limited by regulations that impose restrictions on production, creating potential hurdles for anticipating and adapting to climate change. We focus on mariculture performance in the United States (U.S.), where state and federal policies and exposure to climate change vary substantially and likely interact. We map a current and future mariculture performance index by combining the first high resolution downscaled (0.083°) climate outputs for U.S. waters, species-specific physiological requirements, and policy restrictions. We find high current performance that will increase under warming oceans, with spatial variation that will amplify existing regional differences. Generally, performance will increase in the north and decrease in the south. While the permitting process is not intentionally climate-forward, permitted species outperformed taxon averages, yet state policies often limit production of seaweeds and finfishes, which perform well. Thus, we sit at a critical juncture where the U.S. could capitalize on its seemingly favorable environmental conditions through re-alignment of regulations to support portfolio diversification to include climate-resilient species.

The Optimal Experimental Design for Exponentiated Frech’et Lifetime Products

In many manufacturing industries, the lifetime performance index CL is utilized to assess the manufacturing process performance for products following some lifetime distributions and subjecting them to progressive type I interval censoring. This paper aims to explore the sampling design required to achieve a specified level of significance and test power for products with lifetimes following the Exponentiated Frech’et distribution. Since lifetime distribution is an asymmetrical probability distribution, this investigation is related to the topic of asymmetrical probability distributions and applications in various fields. When the termination time is fixed but the number of intervals is variable, the optimal number of inspection intervals and sample sizes yielding the minimized total experimental costs are determined and tabulated. When the termination time is varying, the optimal number of inspection intervals, sample sizes, and equal interval lengths achieving the minimum total experimental costs are determined and tabulated. Optimal parameter values are displayed in tabular form for feasible applications for users. Additionally, a practical example is provided to illustrate how this sampling design can be used to collect data by using the optimal setup of parameters, followed by a testing procedure to assess the capability of the production process.

Identification of urban street trees for green belt development for optimizing pollution mitigation in Delhi, India.

The current study evaluated the effects of air pollution on selected street trees in the National Capital Territory during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons to identify the optimally suitable tree for green belt development in Delhi. The identification was performed by measuring the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), anticipated performance index (API), dust-capturing capacity (DCC) and proline content on the trees. The APTI of street trees of Delhi varied significantly among different tree species (F11,88.91 = 47.18, p < 0.05), experimental sites (F3,12.52 = 6.65, p < 0.001) and between seasons (F1,31.12 = 16.51, p < 0.001), emphasizing the relationships between trees and other types of variables such as the climate and level of pollution, among other factors. This variability emphasizes the need to choose trees to use for urban greening in the improvement of air quality in different environments within cities. Ascorbic acid (AA) concentration and relative water content (RWC) had a strong influence on APTI with an extremely significant moderate positive correlation between AA concentration and APTI (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) along with RWC and APTI (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of AA concentration and RWC are linked to increased air pollution tolerance. The PCA bi-plot indicates AA has poor positive loading coefficients with PC1 explaining 29.49% of the total variance in the dataset. The highest APTI was recorded in Azadirachta indica (22.01), Leucaena leucocephala (20.65), Morus alba (20.62), Ficus religiosa (20.61) and Ficus benghalensis (19.61), irrespective of sites and seasons. Similarly, based on API grading, F. religiosa and F. benghalensis were identified as excellent API grade 6 (81-90%), A. indica and Alstonia scholaris as very good API grade 5 (71-80%), M. alba, Pongamia pinnata and Monoon longifolium as good API grade 4 (61-70%) and Plumeria alba as moderate API grade 3 (51-60%) in different streets of Delhi. As these plants are indigenous to the region and hold significant socio-economic and aesthetic significance in Indian societies, they are advisable for avenue plantations as part of various government initiatives to support environmental sustainability.

Assessment of short and long-term pozzolanic activity of natural pozzolans using machine learning approaches

This investigation introduces the optimal performance models for predicting the compressive strength (CS) and pozzolanic activity index (PAI) by comparing the machine learning models. The machine learning models, i.e., multilinear regression (MLR), support vector machine (SVM), gaussian process regression (GPR), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and gene expression programming (GEP) have been trained (TRN) and tested (TST) by 28 and 7 data points. For the first time, the SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, SiO2 +Al2O3 +Fe2O3, reactive SiO2, Blaine specific surface area, and specific gravity have been used as input variables to compute the CS, and 28 days PAI (28PAI), and 90 days PAI (90PAI) of the natural pozzolans. The multicollinearity analysis showed the SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, SiO2 +Al2O3 +Fe2O3, reactive SiO2, and specific gravity have problematic multicollinearity (variance inflation factor – VIF > 10). Therefore, the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (R), performance index (PI), and variance accounted for (VAF) metrics have been implemented to evaluate the model's performance and multicollinearity impact. From the comparison of models, it has been recorded that model GPR outperformed the MLR, SVM, DT, RF, and GEP models in predicting CS (PI = 1.29, VAF = 71.31, R = 0.8473, MAE = 0.9390 MPa), 28PAI (PI = 1.87, VAF = 94.88, R = 0.9744, MAE = 0.7295 %), and 90PAI (PI = 1.72, VAF = 88.11, R = 0.9393, MAE = 1.2444 %) in the TST phase, close to ideal values. The score, generalizability. Wilcoxon test, uncertainty analysis, Anderson-daring test, and accuracy metrics have confirmed the superiority of GPR models in predicting CS, 28PAI, and 90PAI of natural pozzolans.

Theoretical exploration and experimental investigation of acidic deep eutectic solvents as green solvents to separate carbazole from model crude anthracene oil

Carbazole is a highly value-added compound derived from crude anthracene. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been extensively used as promising green solvents for the separation of target compounds from mixture. In this work, 135 acidic DESs, formed by combining 9 quaternary ammonium salts with 15 common acids, were screened based on the conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) model. The four top-ranked DESs, including tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC)/2 acetic acid (AA), TEAC/2 propionic acid (PA), tetrapropylammonium chloride (TPAC)/2AA, and TPAC/2PA were identified as suitable extractants for carbazole separation based on their performance index (PI). Among them, TEAC/2AA had the best separation performance for carbazole due to its highest PI value (1448.19). Liquid–liquid extraction experiments were performed, and the results were in good accordance with those predicted by COSMO-RS calculations. Therefore, TEAC/2AA was determined as the most promising DES for the carbazole separation. The extraction conditions of TEAC/2AA were optimized. The extraction efficiency (EE) and selectivity (SE) of carbazole were 97.67 % and 66.64 %, respectively, under the optimal extraction conditions (25 ℃, 5 min of extraction time, DES-oil mass ratio of 1:5, initial carbazole concentration of 5000 ppm). Additionally, the deionized water was employed to regenerate the DES and recovery of carbazole. The recycling performance of promising DES was also investigated. Finally, quantum chemical calculations and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis were conducted to explore the separation mechanism. The results indicated that the separation of carbazole by DESs were predominantly dominated by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interaction. This work provided a valuable reference for the selection and design of DES extractants to separate other high value-added components from mixture.

Rubber compounds made of modified ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) for laminated bearings with excellent anti-peel strength

In order to enhance the design life of laminated rubber bearings in the field of highway bridges in the plateau region, a novel laminated bearing was made by the modified ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber that combines both low-temperature and ageing resistance properties in this work. The modified EPDM also exhibit a high anti-peel strength with reinforced steel plate layer. Experimental and numerical investigations were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties and failure conditions for the EPDM laminated bearing. The results indicate that the bearing with different shape factors exhibit good mechanical properties, and its key performance parameters such as compressive modulus and shear stiffness meet the requirements of the current specification for highway bridges. Meanwhile, we have established a quantitative relationship between the proportion of void area and the total local shear strain for EPDM laminated bearing, and found that when the proportion of void area reaches more than 32%, some of the performance indexes of the bearing will exceeds the design limit. The above research results can be used as an important criterion for evaluating the performance of modified EPDM bearings.

Stock assessment of rosy barb, Pethia conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) in Dal Lake of Kashmir Himalayas

For management of fish stocks, assessing the various parameters of population dynamics are regarded as being extremely important. Under this backdrop the population dynamics parameters viz. growth, mortality and recruitment of Pethia conchonius, inhabiting the Dal Lake of Kashmir Himalayas were analysed using FiSAT II software. The analysed specimens were collected from five different sites within the lake and exhibited a total weight range of 0.3 to 6.4 g and a total length range of 3.1 to 7.8 cm. The relative condition factor for the fish was reported to be 1.11. The growth parameter i.e., asymptotic length, age at zero length, growth performance index and growth constant were reported to be 10.0 cm, –0.75 years, 1.48 and 0.30 year–1 respectively. The total mortality of 1.49 year–1, consisting of natural mortality of 0.88 year–1 and fishing mortality of 0.61 year–1 was reported. An exploitation rate of 0.41 is suggestive of a less exploited state of the fish. The length at first maturity was found to be higher than the length at first capture, a condition that can disturb the stock, as such the utility of a net with relatively larger mesh size is advisable. The current research on the population dynamics of P. conchonius can be used as the baseline data for its management practices.

Integrated Optimal Energy Management of Multi-Microgrid Network Considering Energy Performance Index: Global Chance-Constrained Programming Framework

Distributed generation (DG) sources play a special role in the operation of active energy networks. The microgrid (MG) is known as a suitable substrate for the development and installation of DGs. However, the future of energy distribution networks will consist of more interconnected and complex MGs, called multi-microgrid (MMG) networks. Therefore, energy management in such an energy system is a major challenge for distribution network operators. This paper presents a new energy management method for the MMG network in the presence of battery storage, renewable sources, and demand response (DR) programs. To show the performance of each connected MG’s inefficient utilization of its available generation capacity, an index called unused power capacity (UPC) is defined, which indicates the availability and individual performance of each MG. The uncertainties associated with load and the power output of wind and solar sources are handled by employing the chance-constrained programming (CCP) optimization framework in the MMG energy management model. The proposed CCP ensures the safe operation of the system at the desired confidence level by involving various uncertainties in the problem while optimizing operating costs under Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The proposed energy management model is assessed on a sample network concerning DC power flow limitations. The procured power of each MG and power exchanges at the distribution network level are investigated and discussed.

Aerothermal performance of two-pass channel with tilted grater-baffles

Aerothermal performances of four two-pass channels enhanced by tilted 90° or 60° grater-baffles with one- or two-rows of perforation are studied. Aerothermal impacts of baffle attack angle and perforation row-number on Nusselt number (Nu) distribution, friction factor (f), and aerothermal performance index (API) are cross examined. Cold streams from duct core are confluent in oval dimples to eject through inclined grater-baffle as impinging jets that diminish boundary layers at stagnation spots and augment core-to-wall mixings, leading to significant heat transfer enhancements (HTE). Heat transfer data reveals that the HTE impact increases and decreases with perforation-row number and Reynolds number (Re) respectively. With the sectional vortical flows tripped by the 60° grater-baffles, both Nu and f are raised from those with the 90° baffles. The Nusselt numbers and friction factors for the two-pass channel enhanced by the inclined 60° baffles with two perforation rows are elevated to 4.64-4.95and 33.67-34.16 times Dittus-Boelter correlation and Blasius equation levels, giving rise to the API in the range of 1.67 and 1.43 at Re between 5000 and 15,000. Empirical correlations of regional average Nu and channel average f for the four two-pass baffled channels are devised to assist engineering applications.

OPTIMAL LOAD FREQUENCY CONTROL OF INTERLINKED NONLINEAR POWER SYSTEM INTEGRATED WITH SMES-TCSC AND HVDC

In this article Multi-Area Multi-Source Interconnected Power System (MAMS-IPS) incorporated with an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) in both the areas is considered for Load Frequency Control (LFC) study. Nonlinearity such as Governor Rate Constraints (GRC), Governor Dead Band (GDB), and Boiler are introduced with the thermal reheat generating unit. The effect of energy storage device (SMES) and fact device (TCSC) on the dynamic responses of IPS is also tested. PD-PID controller is suggested along with PID/PI-PD controller for minimizing the Automatic Control Error (ACE). The parameters of the proposed controller are optimized through a nature-inspired algorithm (PSO). PD-PID is superior then other suggested PID/PI-PD controllers. Objective functions ITAE, IAE, ISE, and ITSE are taken into consideration for finding the optimized values of the suggested controller as well as of TCSC and SMES devices. A step load of 10% is applied in both IPS areas. The rigidness of the suggested controller is verified by varying the loading condition of the IPS. A 10% increment in step load form is introduced for each area. The effect of renewable energy sources such as solar and a wind unit is also taken into consideration in this article. Varying step input is applied to this renewable unit to absorb its effect on the output responses of MAMS-IPS. The superiority of the PD-PID controller is verified by comparing its result with the recently published optimal controllers results described in the literature. SMES helps in improving the dynamic responses of the MAMS-IPS. Based on performance indices and Settling-time (ST) results of proposed controllers are compared with each other. For commenting on the stability of the introduced Power system (PS) eigenvalue analysis is also conducted. MATLAB version 2018 @ simulation software is used for simulation and for creating .m files

Monitoring and zoning soybean maturity using UAV remote sensing

Timely and accurate determination of the maturity status during the soybean harvest period is crucial for devising strategic harvesting plans, significantly enhancing the intelligent management of soybean production and minimizing losses. To explore the maturation dynamics of soybeans and pinpoint the precise maturity stage for optimal harvesting, we collected Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing data, along with physical and chemical parameters, during the Beginning maturity(R7)-Full maturity(R8) stages from 2021 to 2022. We analyzed the variations in these parameters throughout the maturation period. Employing UAV multispectral technology and correlation analysis algorithms, we established a relationship between the spectral and physicochemical parameters during the maturation period, which led to the formulation of a soybean maturity evaluation index. Furthermore, we incorporated the concept of precision management zoning. In line with actual field production requirements, this index, combined with real-time moisture content, established a standard for grading soybean maturity. Additionally, our study examined the impact of spatial scale on maturity assessments by conducting a theoretical analysis of regionalized variables and analyzing the spatial correlations and variability of soybean maturity across different field plots. We determined the optimal theoretical model for various sampling distances, thereby establishing feasible zoning ranges. Comparative analysis of zoning algorithms, including Hierarchical Clustering (HC), K-Means, and its optimized versions K-Means++ and Mini Batch K-Means, was conducted using the partition performance index as the criterion. This analysis identified the most suitable algorithm for assessing soybean field maturity, which was subsequently verified through field tests. Results indicated that soybean leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthesis decreased sharply initially, then stabilized at a low rate. Water content in both soybean plants and seeds decreased rapidly before slowing, with plant dehydration rates exceeding those of the seeds. Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(GNDVI) showed a positive correlation with various physiological indicators, and soybean maturity was classified into three levels using the unit gridding management method, considering actual moisture content. Spatial correlation analysis of maturity variations in small and large test fields revealed Moran indices ranging from 0.78 to 0.95 and 0.70–0.90, respectively. Optimal detection ranges were determined to be 2.00–30.00 m for small fields and 2.00–67.00 m for large fields. The zoning categories for small and large fields were three and four, respectively. Comparative studies showed that the Mini Batch K-Means algorithm, an optimization of K-Means, achieved Calinski-Harabasz Index(CH) scores and silhouette coefficients of 10521.97, 109508.27, and 0.57, 0.54, respectively, indicating comparable zoning effectiveness to K-Means and K-Means++ and superiority over the HC algorithm. The zoning speeds were 12.50 s and 191.68 s, respectively, underscoring its efficiency in maturity zoning. Furthermore, zoning results corresponded well with actual soybean maturity. Terrain had little impact on soybean maturity, which was more susceptible to slope aspect. This study provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidelines for applying UAV remote sensing technology in determining soybean maturity and optimal harvesting periods, thereby reducing potential harvest losses.

Effects of thin-walled inner steel tubes on the compressive behavior of concrete filled double skinned steel tubular columns

Concrete-filled double skin steel tubular columns with higher hollow ratios (HHR-CFDST) have gained significant attention in recent times as essential components in offshore wind turbine structures. As these structures continue to grow, an effective strategy to reduce steel consumption is to increase the diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratios of the steel tubes. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the performance of HHR-CFDST columns with thin-walled inner steel tubes. To address this, four HHR-CFDST columns with varyingD/t ratios of the inner tubes and one double-skin hollow steel tubular column were produced and tested under axial compression. The study investigated failure modes, local buckling behaviors, and ductility characteristics. The local buckling performance index of specimens with different D/t ratios varied by up to 16.90 %. Additionally, a finite element model was used to analyze the stress distributions of the concrete when peak loads were reached, revealing a maximum variation of 45.4 % in stress values among specimens with different D/t ratios. A multi-parameter impact analysis was then conducted to establish a reasonable limit (250) for the D/t ratio of the inner steel tube in engineering design. Finally, the findings from this investigation were integrated into existing ultimate strength formulas outlined in established specifications.

Benchmarking Performance Indices of Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Ethylene Based on Prospective Life Cycle Assessment for Negative Emissions.

To mitigate global warming to the most ambitious targets, it is necessary to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and reduce fossil fuels use. The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to ethylene (C2H4) as a basic chemical is a promising technology that meets both requirements; however, its life cycle CO2 emissions remain inconclusive because of varying assumptions in the performance indices. This study aimed to set benchmarks for the four most sensitive indices to achieve -0.5 t-CO2/t-C2H4 by calculating net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through a prospective life cycle assessment of a model system including CO2 capture, CO2 enrichment, electrochemical conversion, CO2 recycling, and cryogenic separation. As a result, the electrochemical conversion process was the hotspot of life cycle emissions, and representative benchmarks were determined as follows: cell voltage, 3.5 V; C2H4 Faraday efficiency, 70%; conversion rate, 20%; and electrochemical CO2 recycling energy, 2.2 GJ/t-CO2. The gaps between the benchmarks and current top data of cell voltage and Faraday efficiency were <10%, and suppressing the performance degradation for up to one year was found to be a critical requirement. These results can direct research towards the development of a year-round stable system, rather than further improving the performance indices.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with Behcet's disease by four-dimensional echocardiography.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic disorder characterized by vasculitis, resulting in thickened vascular walls that reduce elasticity and impair function. BD can involve the cardiovascular system in three ways: cardiac, arterial, and venous. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) and pulmonary pulse transit time (PPTT) measures in demonstrating right ventricular functions in asymptomatic BD patients. We aimed to objectively evaluate right ventricular function in patients with BD using four-dimensional echocardiography (4DE). This study included 40 patients diagnosed with BD and 40 healthy subjects. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were compared. In addition to standard transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation, right ventricle quantification (RVQ) by using the 4DE and 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography were performed. The sPAP, 4D RVQ, and right ventricular strain values exhibited significant differences between the BD and control groups. Right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVDD), right ventricular end-systolic diameter (RVSD), right atrium (RA) area, right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI), and PAS were increased in BD patients compared to the control group. Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), Tricuspid S', and PPTT were decreased in BD patients compared to control subjects. PPTT correlated with right ventricular free wall strain (RV-FWS) and PAS. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, PAS and RVFAC were found to be independent predictors of RVFWS. In addition, RVFAC and TAPSE are independent predictors for PPTT. Patients with BD may have elevated pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) in correlation with decreased PPTT. To ascertain the prognosis for these individuals, right ventricular (RV) functions must be evaluated. Measurements of RVFAC and RVEF via 4DE and deformation imaging techniques may be more useful in identifying subclinical impairment of RV. Individuals with BD, PAS, and PPTT may suggest a link between early pulmonary vascular remodeling and RV subclinical impairment.

People Don’t Practice What They Preach? Inclusive Educational Policy and Exclusionary Practices for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in China’s Compulsory Education: A Critical Assessment

Purpose: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by behavioral deficits. In China, children with ASD find themselves critically challenged due to inadequate support and insufficient awareness among the general public. Methods: This paper illustrates the implementation of Learning in Regular Classroom Program (LRC) in China, comparing and deconstructing the special education policies in two consecutive phases in a southern metropolis in China. Results: A Critical assessment reveals 1) retrogression in guiding principles, 2) inconsistent models of disabilities, 3) consistent use of enrolment rate as Key Performance Index (KPI) and 4) non-mandatory use of language to guide implementation. Conclusion: The widening gap between the conceptualization and realization of the LRC in China is beyond question. Suggested solutions are: 1) professional projection of possible challenges for children with ASD; 2) adequate supply of resource classrooms and special education teachers appointed for the implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP); 3) a statutory code of practice in ASD studies.

Attracting doctors to rural areas under the state program: performance indices

Introduction.The implementation of the state program “Zemsky Doctor” is one of the effective mechanisms to attract medical personnel to medical institutions located in rural areas. The purpose of the study. To analyze the indices for attracting doctors to medical institutionsss located in rural areas of the Russian Federation during Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics the period from 2015 to 2022 within the framework of the state program “Zemsky Doctor”. Materials and methods. The study used statistical data on eighty two subjects of the Russian Federation based on operational documented inquiries for the period from 2015 to 2022. Analytical and statistical methods were used in the research process. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis was conducted using the Statistica package version 13.3. Results. During the study period, more than 33,000 physicians of various specialties were attracted and employed in rural areas. The index of the number of doctors attracted to rural areas under the program from 2015 to 2022 increased by 32.2%, from 0.9 to 1.19 per 10,000 rural population. When analyzing this index by regions of the Russian Federation, significant differences were revealed. Research limitations. The research materials are limited by the results of the analysis of quantitative data obtained as a result of an operational request to the subjects of the Russian Federation and statistical data of the forms of federal statistical observation. Conclusion. The study revealed the regions with the lowest level of the indice of physician supply also to have a low index of the number of doctors recruited under the program. The results of correlation analysis showed that in most of the Russian regions there is a direct dependence of the index of physician supply on the results of the implementation of the program “Zemsky Doctor”. The results of the program implementation have a significant impact on the staffing of medical organizations located in rural areas.

Experimental and numerical study on the performance index of mixing for low aspect ratio serpentine microchannels

In this work, the effect of a range of Dean numbers (De) varying from 0.01–70 on low aspect ratio (AR = 0.05–0.2) serpentine microfluidic devices was studied experimentally and numerically. It was observed that the AR, the number of circular bumps, and the angular positions of bumps transverse to the flow have a significant influence on the pressure drop and flow features (i.e., the position and shape of flow separation zones). Mixing was exclusively driven by diffusive mechanisms at low De values and at high De values, it was primarily induced by Dean vortices. The lowest mixing index (MI) was observed for De = 1 in all channel types, highlighting the transition region between the diffusion and Dean vortices-dominant mixing regimes. The MI was generally increased by increasing the AR of the channels. However, at high De, Dean vortices became strong enough to induce rapid mixing that was largely independent of the AR and bump placement. A dimensional performance index (PI) was defined as a function of the MI and the pressure drop per unit length. Distinct flow patterns arising from various positioning of bumps resulted in significant variations in the MI and PI values, with different dependencies on De. This underscored the importance of bump positioning based on the operational De range to optimize the mixing performance. Despite minor deviations between the designed and fabricated channels, the use of 3D-printed molds proved effective even at scales close to the resolution of the printer, resulting in mixing patterns consistent with the designed channels. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing serpentine microchannels for efficient mixing while considering the trade-offs between enhanced mixing and increased pressure drop.