Level Of Performance Research Articles

Seismic performance assessment of pile supported wharves with seismic isolation system considering pile-soil interaction

Pile-Supported Wharves (PSW) are critical for maritime operations but are highly vulnerable to seismic events, which can disrupt port activities. Previous seismic events have highlighted that short free length piles in wharf structures are particularly prone to earthquake damage. This paper aims to mitigate damage between the wharf deck and piles connections by adopting the seismic isolation systems. Conventional Wharf (CW) and Isolated Wharf (IW) structures were comprehensively assessed, focusing on Pile-Soil Interaction (PSI), using the finite element software OpenSees for advanced numerical simulations. Non-Linear Time History Analysis (NLTHA) of CW and IW has been conducted to verify the design under Contingency Level Earthquake (CLE) and Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) scenarios. The analysis aims to enhance the performance of short free length piles within the IW structure. Comparative analysis of fragility curves between CW and IW structures shows that isolation systems significantly reduce seismic fragility by 49%, 60%, and 67% at the MCE level for minimal damage, control & repairable damage and life safety protection across three performance levels, respectively. These findings indicate that the implementation of isolation measures has significantly enhanced the seismic performance and safety of PSW structures.

Physical activity and exercise in chronic kidney disease: consensus statements from the Physical Exercise Working Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology.

The Italian Society of Nephrology has tasked its Working Group on Physical Exercise with developing a consensus statement document on physical activity and exercise in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This paper consists of 16 points that were discussed, and approved using the mini-Delphi method by15 membersof the working group. Each statement is based on a comprehensive reviewof theliterature, clinical experience, and expert opinions. Overall, the statements affirm that regular physical activity and exercise training offer numerous benefits to CKD patients, including improved physical function, enhanced cardiometabolic and neuromuscular function, cognitive benefits, and an overall improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, exercise mayprovide nephroprotection and reduce mortality. These advantages are observed across all CKDstages, whether on conservative therapy or kidneyreplacement therapy (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), and in kidney transplant recipients. Moreover, when physical activity and exercise training are implemented with appropriate precautions, they are safe in CKD patients. Gradual physical activity and customized exercise programs should be tailored to the patient's exercise tolerance, potentially enhancing compliance. Clinicians are encouraged to use a series of questionnaires and tests to assess the patient's level of physical activity and performance. However, exercise and physical activity are poorly implemented in clinical practice due to many barriers related to patients and healthcare staff. Overcoming these barriers requires the proactive role of the nephrologists, whoshould actively incorporate exercise training and promote physical activity within routine care plans. Adopting a multidisciplinary team approach, which includes nephrologists, nurses, exercise professionals, and dietitians, is crucial for providing comprehensive rehabilitation for CKD patients. Integrating new technologiesand remote check ups could further enhance the effectiveness of these interventions.

CO2 Electrolysis Technologies: Bridging the Gap toward Scale-up and Commercialization.

CO2 electroreduction (CO2E) converts CO2 into carbon-based fuels and chemical feedstocks that can be integrated into existing chemical processes. After decades of research, CO2E is approaching commercialization with several startups, pilot plants, and large initiatives targeting different products. Here, we analyze the global efforts in scaling up CO2E, addressing implementation challenges and proposing methods for acceleration. We present a comparative analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) between laboratory and industrial settings and suggest a stepwise technoeconomic analysis (TEA) framework, supported by industrial data, exploiting interactions within the academic and industrial communities. We identify the lack of systems-oriented standardization and durability as the main bottlenecks slowing down progress in the lab-to-prototype-to-market pathway of CO2E technologies. Inspired by electrolysis and fuel cell technologies, we outline protocols to advance fundamental research and aid catalyst development progress in performance, upscaling, and technology readiness level of CO2E.

Neuromechanisms of simulation-based arthroscopic skills assessment: a fNIRS study.

The neural mechanisms underlying differences in the performance of simulated arthroscopic skills across various skill levels remain unclear. Our primary objective is to investigate the learning mechanisms of simulated arthroscopic skills using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We recruited 27 participants, divided into three groups: novices (n = 9), intermediates (n = 9), and experts (n = 9). Participants completed seven arthroscopic tasks on a simulator, including diagnostic navigation, triangulation, grasping stars, diagnostic exploration, meniscectomy, synovial membrane cleaning, and loose body removal. All tasks were videotaped and assessed via the simulator system and the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET), while cortical activation data were collected using fNIRS. Simulator scores and ASSET scores were analyzed to identify different level of performance of all participants. Brain region activation and functional connectivity (FC) of different types of participants were analyzed from fNIRS data. Both the expert and intermediate groups scored significantly higher than the novice group (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in ASSET scores between experts and intermediates, experts and novices, and intermediates and novices (p = 0.0047, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001), with the trend being experts > intermediates > novices. The intermediate group exhibited significantly greater activation in the left primary motor cortex (LPMC) and left prefrontal cortex (LPFC) compared to the novice group (p = 0.0152, p = 0.0021). Compared to experts, the intermediate group demonstrated significantly increased FC between the presupplementary motor area (preSMA) and the right prefrontal cortex (RPFC; p < 0.001). Additionally, the intermediate group showed significantly increased FC between the preSMA and LPFC, RPFC and LPFC, and LPMC and LPFC compared to novices (p = 0.0077, p = 0.0285, p = 0.0446). Cortical activation and functional connectivity reveal varying levels of activation intensity in the PFC, PMC, and preSMA among novices, intermediates, and experts. The intermediate group exhibited the highest activation intensity.

Treatment of chronic ruptures and defects of the Achilles tendon

Achilles tendon ruptures that are older than 4-6weeks or developed over amore extended period are chronic. Two challenges characterize the treatment. First, defect zones over alength of several centimeters must frequently be bridged. Second, aprolonged loss of function of the muscles leads to an irreversible fatty degeneration of the tissue. So that even if the tendon is restored, significant functional deficits remain. If there are doubts about the ability of the calf muscles to regenerate, regardless of the size of the defect, tendon transfers are recommended to use the power of an additional muscle to support the plantar flexion of the ankle. Established concepts are the transposition of the flexor hallucis longus or the peroneus brevis muscle. If the muscle is intact, defects of up to 2 cm can be treated with adirect suture. Defects between 2and 5 cm can be bridged using aVY-plasty or aturndown flap. For larger defects, free tendon transplants can be considered. The technical alternative for larger defects is atendon transfer of the flexor hallucis longus or the peroneus brevis muscle. Besides bridging the defect, another advantage of tendon transfer is that vital muscle tissue is placed in the bed of the Achilles tendon. Both tendons are covered with muscle tissue over nearly the full length, which offers advantages, especially in patients with critical soft tissue or after infection. Follow-up treatment is analogous to an acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, permanent impairments are possible; 75-80% of athletes regain their original performance level.

Assessment of Motor Performance and Self-Perceived Psychophysical Well-Being in Relation to Body Mass Index in Italian Adolescents

Background/Objectives: The relationship between psychophysical self-perception (PSP), body mass index (BMI) and motor performance (MP) levels, in quantitative and qualitative terms, can be a very interesting connection to investigate. This study aimed to assess MP and PSP according to gender and weight differences (normal weight—Nw/overweight–obese—Ov-Ob) and their relationship to BMI in Italian adolescents. Methods: In total, 144 students (F = 72; M = 72) aged between 11 and 13 y.o. participated in this study. They were divided into two groups by gender and into two subgroups based on weight (Nw/Ov-Ob). Standing long jump, sit-and-reach, 10 × 5 m shuttle and sit-up tests to assess MP were carried out, and an ad hoc questionnaire to evaluate PSP was administrated. Results: In comparing the Nw and Ov-Ob subgroups on the basis of BMI for each gender, statistically significant differences emerged in all motor skill tests administered. Regarding PSP, the Nw subgroup showed high and positive levels, while Ov-Ob showed low and negative levels, highlighting a relationship between high BMI and poor motor performance as well as negative psychophysical perception in the Ov-Ob subgroup. Conclusions: this study supports the importance of physical sport activity to regulate excess weight but also contribute to better psychophysical well-being.

Mortality of very low birth weight infants by neonatal intensive care unit workload and regional group status.

Very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) continue to face high mortality risk influenced by the care quality of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Understanding the impact of workload and regional differences on these rates is crucial for improving outcomes. This study aimed to assess how the structural and staffing attributes of NICUs influence the mortality rates of VLBWIs, emphasizing the significance of the availability of medical personnel and the regional distribution of care facilities. Data from 69 Korean NICUs collected by the Korean Neonatal Network between January 2015 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The NICUs were classified by various parameters: capacity (small, medium, large), nurse-to-bed ratio (1-4), and regional location (A, B, C). Pediatrician staffing was also analyzed and NICUs categorized by beds per pediatrician into low (≤10), medium (11-15), and high (≥16). The NICUs were classified by mortality rates into high-performance (1st and 2nd quartiles) and low-performance (3rd and 4th quartiles). Demographic, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to explore the association between NICU characteristics and mortality rates. This study included 4,745 VLBWIs (mean gestational age, 28.4 weeks; mean birth weight, 1,088 g; 55.4% male) and found significant variations in survival rates across NICUs linked to performance and staffing levels. High-performing NICUs, often with lower bed-to-staff ratios and advanced care levels, had higher survival rates. Notably, NICUs with two rather than one neonatologist were associated with reduced mortality rates. The study also underscored regional disparities, with NICUs in certain areas showing less favorable survival rates. Adequate NICU staffing and proper facility location are key to lowering the number of VLBWI deaths. Enhancing staffing and regional healthcare equity is crucial for improving the survival of this population.

A - 21 The Association between Tau Pathology and Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract Objective Previous studies in Western countries have shown that tau accumulation is more closely connected with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (ad). This association has not yet been investigated in the Sub-Saharan African countries/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We investigated the association between phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) level and cognitive performance of older adults from the DRC. Method Blood and neuropsychological tests were collected on 80 Congolese older adults with suspected ad. Participants were classified according to the biomarkers of their ATN profiles with positive “A” values based on β-amyloid &amp;lt;0.061 and “T” values based on p-Tau 181 &amp;lt; 4.50, as well as APOEε4 using Simoa assays. An analysis of covariance examined the differences in memory performance for each pathological group, controlling for age, education, gender, and APOEε4 status. Results A-T- (n = 36) consisted of age (M = 71.3, SD = 7.44), gender (48.6% female), education level (M = 9.80, SD = 5.44), and APOEε4 (38.2%). A + T- (n = 29) consisted of age (M = 73.1, SD = 7.75), gender (62.1% female), education level (M = 7.21, SD = 5.92), and APOEε4 (41.4%). A + T+ (n = 15) consisted of age (M = 78.1, SD = 4.62), gender (60.0% female), education level (M = 6.60, SD = 3.46), and APOEε4 (93.3%). Overall, there were significant effects of memory performances on A-T- participants: verbal memory immediate (p = 0.0089), delayed (p = 0.00096), and recognition (p = 0.0104); and visual memory delayed (p = 0.00058) and recognition (p = 0.00039). Conclusion Reduced memory performance and p-Tau levels were associated in Congolese adults with and without ad. This study suggests abnormal tau accumulation underlies cognitive deficits in ad and could be used as an early marker of ad pathology for various populations in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Effects of cooperative learning modes on reading comprehension: general trends and comparative analysis between students with and without vision impairment

ABSTRACT It is essential to consider the impact of the cooperative learning (CL) mode when evaluating the effect of cooperative reading between students with and without vision impairment (VI) in inclusive classrooms. This research employs a within-subject two-factor experimental design to investigate the influence of the CL mode on the reading comprehension performance and cooperation level of students with and without VI, considering two text types. The independent variables are CL modes (positive interdependence <PI> vs. individual accountability <IA>) and text types (narrative vs. expository). Reading comprehension performance is the outcome-oriented variable, and cooperation level (including knowledge construction, social interaction, and content contribution) is the process-oriented variable. Findings reveal challenges for VI and sighted upper-grade elementary students in reaching higher levels of knowledge construction during cooperative reading tasks. The PI mode demonstrates higher levels of knowledge construction for narrative texts, while the IA mode shows superior content contribution for expository texts. Notably, VI students achieve lower reading comprehension scores than sighted students in the IA mode and face disadvantages in knowledge construction and content contribution across different reading comprehension scenarios. Building upon these findings, this study put forward suggestions to improve reading comprehension and cooperative participation for VI students.

Development of a framework to track life safety levels of occupants in the event of a fire in buildings

ABSTRACT In the operational phase of buildings, tracking what modifications can have an impact on the expected facility performances through manual checks can be impractical, albeit very important from a facility management perspective. The transition from the traditional prescriptive method towards the performance-based approach for building design and management may facilitate quantitative assessment of performances and may lead to conscious decisions which includes preparedness in the event of emergencies. The main goal of this paper is to develop a framework, compliant with a Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment, to track fire safety performance levels, in terms of life safety of occupants. As long as this is done through the definition of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are being tracked continuously, facility managers can have a comprehensive and updated overview of current performances of a facility. More specifically, a single representative KPI was set and evaluated for several fire scenarios, using a set of simulation and data management tools. The results of the assessment were processed and transformed into a visual representation, referenced to a grid superimposed over the building layout to quantitatively represent the safety of occupants at every point of the building. The results were then sent back and displayed into the BIM model, for seamless accessibility by facility managers. The proposed methodology was tested on a pilot building, assuming two fire scenarios. This approach enabled supervision of a building’s compliance with fire safety requirements, in terms of occupants’ life safety, throughout the building lifecycle.

Preliminary Study on the Relationship between Location, Infrastructure, and Transportation of Productive Malaysia Cocoa Farmers (PMCF) towards Work Performances in Sarawak, Malaysia

Malaysian cocoa production relied on cocoa farmers since 2006 because they were the major holder (81.4%) of the cocoa cultivation area. As for Sarawak, 100% of cocoa production was from cocoa farmers. Sarawak used to produce 21,200 metric tons of dried cocoa beans in 1990. The government also has spent more on training and fertilizer for cocoa farmers to increase PMCF productivity. However, the production keeps gradually decreasing yearly. In 2021, Sarawak only produced 59 metric tons of dried cocoa beans and the productivity decreased by 10% to 0.19 metric/ton/ha/year compared to 2019 productivity (MCB, 2022). In order to strategies the long-term improvement of cocoa production, this study aims to define the relationship between location, infrastructure, and transportation toward the work performance of Sarawak PMCF. Driven by Iceberg Model, the objectives of this preliminary study are to determine i) the location, infrastructure, and transportation towards work performance levels ii) the relationship between location, infrastructure, and transportation with work performance iii) the most factors (IVs) that contribute more toward work performances. A total number of 35 respondents were involved in this purposive data collection which is only 30% of the sample population of the preliminary study which was 105 PMCF. The sample procedure used the approach of random sampling technique. These 35 respondents were selected involving 3.6% of respondents for each zone population of Sarawak rural areas namely the Northern, Middle, and Southern Coastal Zone. The data was r by IBM SPSS version 25.0. The data were tested by using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and then analyzed by descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis to answer all objectives. The study found all the variables showed moderate-level indicators. The variables that showed moderate and positive correlation were location and infrastructure. In contrast, location is the most contributing factor to the work performance of PMCF in Sarawak.

Surgical Skill Simulation Training to Proficiency Reduces Procedural Errors among Novice Cardiac Device Implanters. A Randomized Study.

In cardiac device implantation, having both surgical skills and ability to manipulate catheter/lead/wire is crucial. Few cardiologists, however, receive formal surgical training prior to implanting. Skills are mostly acquired directly on-the-job and surgical technique varies across institutions; suboptimal approaches may increase complications. We investigated how novel proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation training impacts the surgical quality of implantations, compared to traditional simulation (SIM) training. In this international prospective study, novice implanters were randomized (blinded) 1:1 to participate in a simulation-based procedure training curriculum, with proficiency demonstration requirements for advancing (PBP approach) or without (SIM). Ultimately, trainees performed the surgical tasks of an implant on a porcine tissue which was video-recorded and then scored by two independent assessors (blinded to group), using previously validated performance metrics. Primary outcomes were the number of procedural Steps Completed, Critical Errors, Errors (non-critical) and All Errors Combined. Thirty novice implanters from 10 countries participated. Baseline experiences were similar between groups. Compared to SIM-trained, the PBP-trained group completed on average 11% more procedural Steps (p<0.001) and made 61.2% fewer Critical Errors (p<0.001), 57.1% fewer Errors (p=0.140), 60.7% fewer All Errors Combined (p=0.001); 11/15 (73%) PBP-trainees demonstrated the predefined target performance level vs 3/15 SIM-trainees (20%) in the video-recorded performance. PBP training produces superior objectively assessed novice operators' surgical performance in device implantation compared with traditional (simulation) training. Systematic PBP incorporation into formal academic surgical skills training is recommended before in-vivo device practice. Future studies will quantify PBP training's effect on surgery-related device complications.

Influence of fitness level and technique on Wingate test result in different positions

The level of anaerobic performance primarily influences the result of the 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). This study aims to determine the influence of position on the overall performance achieved in different phases of the WAnT in participants with different fitness levels. Sixty participants (21.00 ± 2.24 years): 20 race cyclists, 20 competitive runners, and 20 non-athletes performed three WAnTs (sitting, standing, and combined position) in one week. For the analysis, we used a random mixed effect model with type and position as a fixed effect. We studied the meaning of interactions and the main effects of fixed variables (ρ≤0,05). Technically advanced individuals perform significantly better in standing than sitting from the 8th second until the end of the test. Technically and physically advanced individuals achieve significantly higher performance levels in the first half of the standing position test than those who are fitness-ready but without the necessary level of technique. Fit individuals without of technique achieve high performance in the second half of the WAnT in the standing position. The main benefit of the work is the finding that the level of fitness and technique of pedalling have a different influence on performance in different phases of the WAnT.

Maximising academic achievement in online learning: the role of student-content engagement strategies and profiles

ABSTRACT Learner engagement is crucial for success in online learning, and interaction plays a key role in developing engagement. While previous studies have focused on student-instructor and student-student interaction, this study examines the impact of student-content interaction, measured on digital traces data, on academic achievement in an online course. By considering specific engagement strategies and profiles, a more comprehensive understanding of student-content interaction is achieved. Three engagement profiles were identified: synchronously engaged, asynchronously engaged, and disengaged. The synchronously engaged profile was found to be the most beneficial for academic achievement, especially for high-performing students. The study also revealed a positive relationship between engagement strategies and academic achievement, with online webinar attendance being the most contributing. Additionally, the impact of engagement strategies and profiles varied for students with different levels of prior performance. Practical implications for enhancing and monitoring engagement among different student groups are discussed.

Validating the Causal Relationship between Quantum Leadership and Employee Innovation Performance from the Perspective of Organizational Sustainability

In the quantum era, the rapid development of enterprises cannot be separated from the efforts of employees, and the improvement of employee performance is also closely related to the behavior and attitude of organizational leaders. Quantum leadership, as a new leadership paradigm, differs from traditional Newtonian classical mechanics in that it emphasizes wholeness and interconnectedness, considers new ideas as the key to success, and values complex changes in the organizational environment, thus helping the organization provide sustainable development in the future. In addition, quantum leadership is able to manage in chaotic and potentially uncertain environments, encouraging employees to explore new ideas for solving problems, stimulating enthusiasm and motivation for innovation, and thus improving the level of employee performance. In particular, as the importance of innovation performance has been emphasized, it has been considered as a key variable in driving and promoting sustainable organizational development. Moreover, this study is different from previous studies that validate traditional leadership. We focus on an emerging type of leadership that distinguishes itself from traditional leadership—quantum leadership—which is a leadership model that is currently receiving a lot of attention. In the uncertain future environment, quantum leadership is gradually becoming a key factor for business growth and plays an important role in the survival and development of organizations in the future environment. Based on this research background, this study argues that quantum leadership is closely related to employee innovation performance. This study examines whether quantum leadership improves employee innovation performance and the sequential multiple mediating effects of organizational intelligence and knowledge sharing. Most of the previous studies focused only on the mediating or moderating role of the model. This study expands this area of research by incorporating the moderating role of innovative culture and validating its effects. This finding explores the development of quantum leadership and provides a theoretical foundation for related research. In addition, this study collected data from 345 employees of Chinese SMEs in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. These results suggest that quantum leadership positively affects innovation performance. Organizational intelligence and knowledge sharing have multiple serial mediating effects on quantum leadership and innovation performance. Moreover, the interaction between innovative culture and knowledge sharing improves employees’ innovation performance. Therefore, this study clarifies the causal relationship between quantum leadership and innovation performance through theoretical and validated research models. It lays the foundation for the sustainable development of organizations in the future.

Revealing the hidden threats: Genotoxic effects of microplastics on freshwater fish

New evidence regarding the risks that microplastics (MP) ingestion pose to human and wildlife health are being revealed with progress made in ecotoxicological research. However, comprehensive and realistic approaches that evaluate multiple physiological responses simultaneously are still scarce despite their relevance to understand whole-organism effects. To address this information gap, we performed an experiment to assess the effects of MP on freshwater fish physiology from the molecular to the organismal level. Using a model species of global commercial importance (Cyprinus carpio) and MP type (recycling industry fragments), size (range between 125-1000 µm), and two concentrations of environmental relevance (0.75 and 8.25 µg/L). Experimental design included 5 blocks containing 3 treatment levels each one: control, low, and high MP concentration, with 6 fish each aquarium (5 blocks x 3 treatments x 6 fish per aquarium = 90 fish). Our results suggest that, under the experimental conditions applied, MP exposure did not cause adverse effects at the morphological (variation in size of gut), metabolic (variation of standard metabolic rate), or ecological (growth performance) levels. Nonetheless, we observed an increased frequency of micronucleated cells with increasing MP concentration (df = 42, t-value = 3.68, p-value < 0.001), showing the potential genotoxicity of MP, which can clearly harm fish health in long-term. Thus, despite being a highly resistant species, exposure to MP may generate negative effects in juvenile C. carpio at cellular or subcellular levels. Our findings highlight that the manifestation of MP effects may vary over time, emphasizing the need for future studies to consider longer exposure durations in experimental designs.

Performance Analysis and Optimization of Supercritical CO2 Recompression Brayton Cycle Coupled With Organic Flash Cycle With a Two-Phase Expander

Abstract In this work, a combined supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton cycle (SCRBC)/organic flash cycle with a two-phase expander (OFCT) system is proposed to improve the thermal efficiency of the SCRBC, which utilizes a two-phase expander to replace the high-pressure throttling valve of a basic organic flash cycle (OFC). In addition, the OFCT is coupled at the waste heat end of the SCRBC as the bottom cycle for the use of waste heat at low temperatures. A comprehensive comparison is carried out for different organic working fluids, including the R123, R245fa, R142B, R236ea, and R600, regarding the thermal performance, environmental effect, and safety levels. Furthermore, influences of various factors on the thermal performance of the combined SCRBC/OFCT cycle are also examined, including the top cycle pressure ratio, top cycle turbine inlet temperature, mass flowrate ratio, evaporation temperature, and the condenser's pinch point temperature difference. A multi-objective optimization approach is employed on the combined SCRBC/OFCT system, which considers both the thermal efficiency and the specific investment cost as the objective function, and the optimization procedure is implemented through the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) algorithm. The Pareto solution set and the compromise solution are finally obtained. The results indicate that the optimized combined SCRBC/OFCT system can improve the thermal efficiency by 11.75% and 9.70% when compared with the SCRBC and SCRBC/OFC, respectively.

Energy efficient spike transformer accelerator at the edge

Large language models are widely used across various applications owing to their superior performance. However, their high computational cost makes deployment on edge devices challenging. Spiking neural networks (SNNs), with their power-efficient, event-driven binary operations, offer a promising alternative. Combining SNNs and transformers is expected to be an effective solution for edge computing. This study proposes an energy-efficient spike transformer accelerator, which is the base component of the large language models, for edge computing, combining the efficiency of SNNs with the performance of transformer models. The design achieves performance levels comparable to traditional transformers while maintaining the lower power consumption characteristic of SNNs. To enhance hardware efficiency, a specialized computation engine and novel datapath for the spike transformer are introduced. The proposed design is implemented on the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ ZCU102 device, demonstrating significant improvements in energy consumption over previous transformer accelerators. It even surpasses some recent binary transformer accelerators in efficiency. Implementation results confirm that the proposed spike transformer accelerator is a feasible solution for running transformer models on edge devices.

Comparison of Effects of Implicit versus Explicit Learning of a Novel Skill in Young Gymnastic Athletes

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of explicit learning with implicit learning using a dual-task paradigm on learning a novel skill and whether the performance was maintained over an extended period. Methods: Forty-four young children from a local gymnastics club (n = 44, boys n = 10, girls n = 34, age: 10 ± 2.9 years) completed four 30 min front-flip practice sessions over four weeks between pre- and post-test, followed by two retention tests three and six months after the post-test, in which no front-flip practice occurred. Results: Comparable improvements were found beyond baseline performance for both learning conditions over the six-month hiatus. While both groups increased performance at the post-test, neither explicit nor implicit learning groups were able to maintain the achieved performance level into six months of retention. In particular, the explicit group showed a more marked decrease than the implicit group after three months, which was probably caused by the decay of their reliance on the retrieval of declarative knowledge from working memory. Conclusions: The current findings highlight the importance of conducting retention tests over an extended period to monitor performance development after the acquisition of a novel task by different learning methods, as they can differ over time.

Modified fragility functions for offshore wind turbines considering soil-structure interaction subjected to wind, wave, and seismic loads

Investment allocation for offshore wind turbines (OWT) as an important class of structures is typically carried out through supporting decision-making approaches utilizing some fragility functions. This study attempts to deliver fragility functions for OWTs on monopile foundations accounting for soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects. Simultaneous wind, wave, and earthquake loads were considered probabilistically by adjusting their occurrence hazard levels for predefined damage states in diverse performance levels. The designated damage states in this study are defined based on collapse probability and some targeted performance levels which could be very straightforward to distinguish. The damage state detection is based on rotation in the connection section of the tower’s transition part to the foundation, which perceptibly reveals the effects of SSI on fragility functions. The expected results comprise modified fragility functions accounting for SSI effects contributing to less median spectral acceleration, more evidently rotational demands, further dispersions, and a subsequent dominant increase in the probability of exceeding performance limit states. Considering operational performance level, the most applied design performance level for turbines as an important class of structures, not considering the SSI effects could noticeably underestimate the demands and lead to high-risk decisions.