Scale Systems Research Articles

Life Cycle Assessment of a large commercial kelp farm in Shandong, China

The environmental benefits of seaweed cultivation have gained a lot of attention, both in policy strategies and by private companies. Sustainability evaluations of seaweed farming have however focused on a very small part of global production of seaweed - on European cultivations at research and pilot-scales although Asia stands for 99 % of global production with China alone producing 60 %. In this study, we use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of a 400-hectare Chinese kelp farm with a yearly harvest of 60,000 tons. Primary data from the farm was used to assess impacts up until harvest for the functional unit of 1 ton of fresh-weight kelp. Included in the LCA were impact on climate change, acidification terrestrial and marine eutrophication, and use of land water and energy. In addition, we calculated nutrient uptake. Further, we extracted inventory data of four published LCA studies of farmed kelp and recalculated environmental impacts, applying the same background data and method choices with the aim to compare the effects of scale and cultivation system. The results of the hotspot analysis showed that the plastic ropes and buoys dominated impacts on climate change, freshwater and marine eutrophication, and energy consumption. Consequently, the most effective improvement action was recycling after use. The yearly harvest of the Chinese farm was 1000–4000 times larger than previously evaluated farms compared. Results suggest that streamlined and mature production in the large-scale Chinese kelp farm led to lower electricity and fuel consumption compared to small-scale production, thus placing the Chinese farm with a climate impact of 57.5 kg CO2 eq. per ton fresh-weight kelp on the lower end when comparing the carbon footprint. There was a large variation in carbon footprints, which implies that the kelp cultivation sector has considerable room for optimization.

Effect of microstructure and microtexture evolution of oxide layer over J82B steel on mechanical descaling properties

The oxide layer covering a high-carbon steel wire rod must be efficiently removed to form ‘a well-adhered yet easy-to-remove oxide scale’ during the mechanical descaling process. In this study, the relationship between the microstructural characteristics of the oxides and the efficiency of mechanical descaling was investigated. An electron backscatter diffraction analysis was conducted prior to bending and microscratch testing to clarify the microstructural discrepancies, namely, the phase distribution and texture orientation of the oxide constituents within the oxide scale system over the steel wire rod. The oxide scale system exhibits a double-scale layered structure, primarily consisting of FeO and Fe3O4. The low-angle and low-Σ coincident site lattice (CSL) boundaries in the Fe3O4 grains inhibit crack propagation without diffusion interactions, supporting oxide spallation in the large flake state during descaling. However, if the Fe3O4 grains were distributed along the boundary between the oxide scale and the iron substrate and had a high orientation consistency with the α-Fe grains, the grown oxide scale spalled into fine fragments, and a considerable amount of oxide scale residue firmly adhered to the descaled steel specimen. Stress relief and ion vacancy diffusion mechanisms govern the growth of Fe3O4 grains near the surface and at the interface of the matrix. These results provide guidelines for adjusting the oxide scale heterogeneity of high-carbon steels to improve their descaling performance.

A WeChat applet-based national remote emergency system for malignant hyperthermia in China: a usability study

BackgroundMalignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare anesthetic emergency with a high mortality rate in China. We developed a WeChat applet–based National Remote Emergency System for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH-NRES) to provide a real-time emergency system to help Chinese anesthesiologists deal with MH crises. However, it is imperative that close attention should be paid to the usability of the applet.PurposeThe objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the usability of the applet-based MH-NRES for anesthesiologists; and (2) to test the validity and reliability of a modified mHealth app usability questionnaire.MethodsA modified User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) was designed. Together with System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), another two well-validated questionnaires, uMARS were then used to evaluate the usability of MH-NRES. The Cronbach alpha of the total score and the subscales of uMARS was calculated to evaluate the internal consistency. The correlation coefficients among three questionnaires were calculated.ResultsIn this study, 118 anesthesiologists provided responses to the questionnaire. The overall mean uMARS score was 4.43 ± 0.61, which ranged from 3 to 5. The mean PSSUQ score were in good to excellent range with mean of 6.02 ± 0.97, which ranged from 3.19 to 7. The overall SUS score was 76.0 ± 17.6, which ranged from 45 to 100. The total uMARS score had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.984). uMARS and its subscales were strongly correlated with PSSUQ (coefficient 0.758–0.819, P < 0.001) and SUS (coefficient 0.535–0.561, P < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsData obtained from the usability evaluation questionnaires in this study indicated a high quality of the MH-NRES on the ease of use, satisfaction and perceived usefulness, which suggest this system might be a useful tool for anesthesiologists’ education and management of MH crises. Future feedback from high-fidelity simulation and clinical scenarios are need for further usability evaluation of this system.

Feasibility study on the removal of toluene from the air stream by activated carbon/zeolite imidazolate framework composite material

In the present study, a porous composite material (activated carbon (AC)@ zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)) was synthesized by in situ method to remove toluene from the gas phase. The adsorption capacity, initial removal efficiency, breakthrough time, pressure drop, desorption and regeneration of this adsorbent were compared with those of ZIF-8 and AC to determine the most suitable adsorbent. The adsorption performance of the adsorbents for toluene was also evaluated in a laboratory scale system based on BS EN ISO 10121–1:2014 and previous studies. The toluene adsorption capacities of AC, ZIF-8 and AC@ZIF-8 were 1278.7, 2828.91 and 4538.09 mg/g, respectively, at 30.5 °C, 10 mg adsorbent mass, flow rate of 300 mL/min and relative humidity of 33%. In addition, the initial removal efficiencies of AC @ZIF-8, ZIF-8 and AC were 99.51%, 88.67% and 86.01%, respectively. The 50% breakthrough time of the composite was 16045 s, which was 3.5 times that of AC and 1.6 times that of ZIF-8. Moreover, the composite retained a 99.93% capacity after six reuse cycles. The in situ synthesis of AC @ZIF-8 composite was an efficient method and the adsorbent was successfully synthesized. This composite material exhibited high adsorption capacity for the removal of toluene from the air stream. In addition, the adsorbent proved to be cost-effective, maintaining a 99.93% capacity after several reuse cycles (99.93%). Considering the high cost of MOF synthesis and the drawbacks of AC, such as low selectivity, the synthesized AC @ZIF-8 composite can be used for air purification and adsorption processes.

Assessment of Accounting Policy Choices on Accounting Practices: Evidences from Accountants in Nigeria

The fundamental aim of this study was to investigate the assessment of accounting policy choices on accounting practices in Nigeria. The survey research design was used for this study, and the population was the total number of accounting and related practitioners in Nigeria, which was categorized as an infinite population. However, samples of 672 were chosen using a multistage non-finite population method. The structured questionnaire was used as the primary source of data, and data was collected using a Google form. The words in the questionnaire were carefully chosen to address the study's primary objectives. The questionnaire was divided into two sections, A and B. Section A contained biographical information on the respondents, whereas Section B contained remarks about the study's objectives or hypotheses. The response options were a 5 likert scale system with Strongly Agreed, Agreed, Undecided, Disagreed, and Strongly Disagreed scored from 5 to 1. For descriptive statistics, a basic frequency table was utilized, whilst analysis of variance (ANOVA) and ordinary least squares (OLS) were used to draw conclusions from the hypotheses developed. Cronbach's Alpha was also employed to determine the internal consistency of the scale used along with the research items. The result showed R of 76.0% which indicates a very positive and strong model. The overall fitness of the model is established based on the outcomes of the study which showed that the three aspects of accounting policy choices have a joint significant influence on Nigerian enterprises' accounting practices (F= 76.001, p-value =0.000). The study concluded that the three dimensions (revenue recognition, depreciation and inventory valuation policies) of accounting policy choices all have significant influence on accounting practices of Nigerian firms. Therefore, this study recommended that Nigerian firms, corporate or otherwise should ensure that appropriate income recognition policy be se

A High Performance Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Unmanned Autonomous Systems

Small unmanned aerial systems (SUASs) have a great potential for numerous applications. The SUASs are light-weight, man-portable, and capable of delivering commercial products. Currently, small UASs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, however, flight endurance is limited and requires frequent charging battery due to low capacity and energy density. Numerous research and development efforts have focused on alternative power sources. These alternative power sources include technologies such as solar cells and hydrogen based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Additionally, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells still have the same technical constraints, the source of hydrogen, as it did many years ago. We have developed and examined the operational capabilities of propane fueled solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology can power an sUAS. A self-sustaining miniature tubular SOFC stack provides a unique high power and high energy density for UAS. The SOFC has great potential for commercial and civilian applications, ranging from small scale systems (e.g. small unmanned air vehicle, wireless sensor networks) to large scale system (e.g. electric vehicle, wireless sensor networks, electric vehicles).

(Invited) NSF Advanced Manufacturing Program and Nanomanufacturing Research

NSF’s Advanced Manufacturing (AM) program supports transformative advances in materials engineering, processing and manufacturing and fosters multidisciplinary research that applies innovative manufacturing approaches to accelerate new product development, customize products, increase production efficiency and reduce production cost. AM is a basic research program the outcomes of which could lead to applications of interest to Industry. The AM program engages industry participation through the GOALI mechanism and through collaborations with the Manufacturing USA Institutes. The AM portfolio includes the entire spectrum of manufacturing processes including nanomanufacturing. Nanomanufacturing is the fabrication of nanoscale (1-100 nm) building-blocks, their assembly into higher-order structures, and the integration of these into larger scale systems. Nanomanufacturing research is the study of processes to manipulate and control matter at the nanoscale in 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensions, reproducibly. This presentation describes the AM program with a focus on Nanomanufacturing research and its role in cross-cutting initiatives.

Predicting synkinesis caused by Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome using machine learning-based logistic regression.

To investigate whether machine learning (ML)-based algorithms, namely logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), and gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT), utilizing early post-onset parameters can predict facial synkinesis resulting from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome more accurately than the conventional statistics-based LR. This retrospective study included 362 patients who presented to a facial palsy outpatient clinic. Median follow-up of synkinesis-positive and -negative patients was 388 (range, 177-1922) and 198 (range, 190-3021) days, respectively. Electrophysiological examinations were performed, and the rate of synkinesis in Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome was evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using statistics-based LR; and electroneurography (ENoG) value, the difference in the nerve excitability test (NET), and scores of the subjective Yanagihara scaling system were evaluated using early post-onset parameters with ML-based LR, RF, k-NN, and GBDT. Synkinesis rate in Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome was 20.2% (53/262) and 40.0% (40/100), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity obtained with statistics-based LR were 0.796 and 0.806, respectively, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.87. AUCs measured using ML-based LR of "ENoG," "difference in NET," "Yanagihara," and all three components ("all") were 0.910, 0.834, 0.711, and 0.901, respectively. ML-based LR model shows potential in predicting facial synkinesis probability resulting from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome and has comparable reliability to the conventional statistics-based LR. 3.

Формування математичної моделі турбовального двигуна

The subject of the study is the process of forming a mathematical model (MM) of a turboshaft gas turbine engine and a twin-engine helicopter power plant, which provides the determination of parameters of the working process in steady and transient operating modes for use in the estimation of dynamic characteristics, in the analysis and synthesis of engine and helicopter automatic control systems. The goal is to substantiate the structure and methodology of MM formation intended for use in real and accelerated time scale systems. Tasks: implementation of the previously proposed MM structure taking into account the turboshaft engine performances, development of a methodology for determining the MM coefficients based on known information about the static and dynamic properties of the engine, and formation of the MM structure of a two-engine helicopter power plant. For this, the methods of the theory of airjet engines and the theory of linear dynamic systems are used. The following results were obtained: the structure of a multimode high-speed MM of a turboshaft engine and a two-engine power plant was formed and tested. The scientific and practical novelty of the obtained results is as follows: the structure of the multimode linearized MM of the turboshaft engine is formed, which consists of static and dynamic submodels implemented in corrected parameters; the modeling technique was worked out on a simplified model, compiled considering expert information about the static and dynamic properties of the engine in the considered operation area. Formulas were obtained that relate the coefficients of the linear dynamic model to the values of the time constants of the rotors and the sensitivities obtained from the static characteristics; transient characteristics of the engine based on changes in fuel consumption and load power are determined, which correspond to physical knowledge about the engine; the modeling methodology and MM structure of a two-engine power plant were formed, which is distinguished by the combination of individual static and linear dynamic models of two engines with a single nonlinear dynamic model of the helicopter rotor; a simplified MM load necessary for testing the MM of the engine installation is proposed, which provides the calculation of the power consumed by the rotor, depending on the angular position of the blades.

Формування динамічних моделей газотурбінних двигунів для використання в системах автоматичного керування та контролю

The subject of the study is the process of forming a mathematical model (MM) of an aviation gas turbine engine, which provides the calculation of parameters of the work process in stable and transient operating modes for use in the evaluation of dynamic characteristics, in the analysis and synthesis of automatic engine and aircraft control systems, as part of aviation simulators, and in on-board control and diagnostics algorithms. The goal is to substantiate the structure and methodology of MM formation, intended for use in real and accelerated time scale systems. Task: formulation of requirements for MM, substantiation of the interaction between static and dynamic submodels, substantiation of the composition of arguments and the way of considering the influence of external conditions, as well as the position of the elements of the mechanization of the gas flow duct. For this, the methods of the theory of airjet engines are used. The following results were obtained: the requirements for MM of aircraft gas turbine engines designed to solve the problems of engine and aircraft control were formulated, and the structural forms of MM were substantiated, which ensure high accuracy of modeling with minimal complexity and the possibility of real-time implementation. The scientific and practical novelty of the obtained results is as follows: the requirements for dynamic MM of aircraft engines have been summarized, the problems of structural implementation and combination of static and dynamic submodels, the rational selection of their input parameters and considering the influence of external conditions on static and dynamic characteristics have been analyzed, the software implementation of MM in in the Matlab Simulink environment of a two-shaft turbofan engine and compared the simulation results obtained using the developed simplified MM and the original nonlinear thermo-gas-dynamic model based on the solution of the joint operation equations of components. It is shown that in the working range of modes, the MM error does not exceed 5%, the dynamic errors of the rotor rotation frequencies are less than 4%, the compressor pressure and gas temperature are less than 7%, or the thrust is less than 10%. Errors in estimating the duration of acceleration and deceleration of the engine are within 0.2...0.6 s.

A Comparative Study between Rectus Sheath Block and Quadratus Lumborum Block for Post-Operative Analgesia Following Para-Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

Abstract Background Umbilical hernia repair, is a common day-surgery procedure and associated with considerable postoperative discomfort. The goal of postoperative pain management is provision of comfort, early mobilization and improved respiratory function without causing inadequate sedation and respiratory compromise, which can be achieved through using multimodal analgesic therapy, preference for regional techniques, avoidance of sedatives, non-invasive ventilation with supplemental oxygen and early mobilization. Aim of the Work To assess the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided trans-muscular quadratus lumborum block compared with rectus sheath block during para-umbilical hernia repair surgery and in the early postoperative period by measuring and comparing postoperative VAS score and first time to rescue analgesia and the total amount of opioid (pethidine) given in the first 24 hours. Patients and Methods Patients undergoing paraumbilical hernia repair will be randomly assigned into one of the following groups using computer generated codes and opaque sealed envelopes: Group 1 (QL group) will receive bilateral ultrasound guided QLB. Group 2 (RSB group) will receive bilateral ultrasound guided RSB. Results The two groups were adequately monitored and assessed post-operatively and they were compared regarding analgesic outcome by using the visual analogue scaling system, besides, recording time for first call for rescue analgesia. Demographic data, post-operative hemodynamics, and sedation score were also assessed. Conclusion Quadratus lumborum block was more effective technique in providing analgesia after para-umbilical hernia repair surgery in comparison to rectus sheath block and even more time covering to rescue opioid.

Effectiveness of Neurodevelopmental Treatment and Sensory Integration Therapy on Gross Motor Function, Balance and Gait Parameters in Children With Spastic Diplegia.

Background Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy is the type that is most frequently seen in clinical settings. Spastic diplegic children have trouble maintaining their balance, gait, and gross motor function.This study investigated the effects of the Neurodevelopmental Technique (NDT) and Sensory Integration Technique (SIT) on balance, gross motor function, and gait characteristics in children with spastic diplegia. Method The study's participants were 8 to 12 years old, with spastic diplegia, categorized into stages I to III of the Gross Motor Function Classification System. While individuals in group B underwent sensory integration therapy, group A's subjects received NDT for 45 minutes. Both groups received traditional physiotherapy for 15 minutes. The protocol was given for five days a week, continuously for four weeks. All 40 subjects underwent pre- and post-treatment assessments using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Paediatric Balance Scale, Gait Parameters, and Gross Motor Function Classification System. Results The trial involved 40 children, divided into two groups of 20 each. Statistical analysis demonstrated a substantial improvement in group B post-intervention (P>0.0001).The study's findings were drawn using the Chi-Square test, paired and unpaired t-tests, and SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA).A p<0.05 and theGraphPad Prism version 7.0 (GraphPad Software, Boston, USA)were used. A total of 40 children completed the entire duration of treatment for a month. 20 subjects participated in group A (age range 8-12 years; mean age 10.3 years) and 20 subjects in group B (age range 8-12 years; mean age 10.25 years). The GMFM-88, which assesses motor function, reveals that the between-group comparison indicates a substantial difference of 7.95 (6.04-9.86) in favor of Group B, with a p-value of 0.0001, signifying statistical significance.Similarly, the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) outcomes significantly enhanced in both groups post-intervention.The comparison between groups yields a difference of 1.85 (1.11-2.59) in favor of Group B,with a p-value of 0.0001. Conclusion The study concluded that SIT has a positive impact on gait metrics, balance, and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegia.

High-rate upflow anaerobic sludge blanket bioreactor for the treatment of olive mill effluents: Laboratory and pilot scale systems investigation

Olive mill effluents are amongst the most prominent waste streams produced in Mediterranean countries, with their uncontrolled disposal in soil, without any prior treatment, having significant environmental and social effects. Anaerobic digestion has been extensively studied for the treatment of various waste streams, from industrial waste to agricultural and livestock residues. Some of the major advantages of anaerobic digestion relate to energy and soil fertilizer production. The scope of this work was the experimental optimization of the organic loading rate of anaerobic UASB digesters processing olive mill wastewater effluents. The optimization procedure was performed in a laboratory and a pilot scale set-up. The results showed that the maximum organic loading rate that could be applied to such a system was 5–6 gCOD/LR/d, without the need for any pretreatment. Moreover, it was exhibited that the large period of inoculum acclimatization to the olive mill effluents improved the phenols degradation inside the reactor, which reached 59%.

A computational bridge between traction force microscopy and tissue contraction.

Arterial wall active mechanics are driven by resident smooth muscle cells, which respond to biological, chemical, and mechanical stimuli and activate their cytoskeletal machinery to generate contractile stresses. The cellular mechanoresponse is sensitive to environmental perturbations, often leading to maladaptation and disease progression. When investigated at the single cell scale, however, these perturbations do not consistently result in phenotypes observed at the tissue scale. Here, a multiscale model is introduced that translates microscale contractility signaling into a macroscale, tissue-level response. The microscale framework incorporates a biochemical signaling network along with characterization of fiber networks that govern the anisotropic mechanics of vascular tissue. By incorporating both biochemical and mechanical components, the model is more flexible and more broadly applicable to physiological and pathological conditions. The model can be applied to both cell and tissue scale systems, allowing for the analysis of in vitro, traction force microscopy and ex vivo, isometric contraction experiments in parallel. When applied to aortic explant rings and isolated smooth muscle cells, the model predicts that active contractility is not a function of stretch at intermediate strain. The model also successfully predicts cell-scale and tissue-scale contractility and matches experimentally observed behaviors, including the hypercontractile phenotype caused by chronic hyperglycemia. The connection of the microscale framework to the macroscale through the multiscale model presents a framework that can translate the wealth of information already collected at the cell scale to tissue scale phenotypes, potentially easing the development of smooth muscle cell-targeting therapeutics.

Washed microbiota transplantation targeting both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

ObjectiveFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been reported with the treatment potential for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the knowledge of its effect on extraintestinal symptoms of IBS is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the improved methodology of FMT, washed microbiota transplantation (WMT), on sleep disturbances, and psychological and gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with IBS. MethodsThis was a prospective observational study involving patients with IBS who underwent WMT. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) were used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and IBS severity, respectively. The Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to evaluate depression and anxiety, respectively. All the symptoms were evaluated at baseline and one month after WMT. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the predictive factors of sleep improvement one month after WMT. ResultsSeventy-three patients with IBS were included in the study. Sleep quality (Z = −4.211, P < 0.001), anxiety (Z = −4.775, P < 0.001), depression (Z = −4.610, P < 0.001), gastrointestinal symptoms (Z = −5.364, P < 0.001), and IBS severity (Z = −6.468, P < 0.001) significantly improved one month after WMT in all patients. The scores of the five components of PSQI including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbances decreased in 52 patients with poor sleep quality (all P < 0.05). Baseline sleep duration scores were identified as an independent predictive factor of sleep improvement one month after WMT in patients with poor sleep quality (OR 2.180 [95% CI = 1.017–4.673]; P = 0.045). Patients that experienced sleep improvement demonstrated greater alleviation in depression (Z = −1.990, P = 0.047) and IBS severity (Z = −2.486, P = 0.013) compared with patients without sleep improvement. ConclusionThis study suggested that WMT might be a promising therapy for patients with IBS, especially those with comorbid sleep and psychological disorders.

Clinical prediction rules for multi surfaces walking independence using the Berg Balance Scale or Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test in persons with stroke

ABSTRACT Background A Clinical prediction rule (CPR) for determining multi surfaces walking independence in persons with stroke has not been established. Objectives To develop a CPR for determining multi surfaces walking independence in persons with stroke. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 419 persons with stroke. We developed a Berg Balance Scale (BBS)-model CPR combining the BBS, comfortable walking speed (CWS) and cognitive impairment, and a Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest)-model CPR combining the Mini-BESTest, CWS, and cognitive impairment. A logistic regression analysis was conducted with multi surfaces walking independence as the dependent variable and each factor as an independent variable. The identified factors were scored (0, 1) based on reported cutoff values. The CPR’s accuracy was verified by the area under the curve (AUC). We used a bootstrap method internal validation and calculated the CPR’s posttest probability. Results The logistic regression analysis showed that the BBS, CWS, and cognitive impairment were factors in the BBS model, and the Mini-BESTest was a factor in the Mini-BESTest model. The CPRs were 0–3 points for the BBS model and 0–1 points for the Mini-BESTest model. The AUCs (bootstrap mean AUC) of the CPR score were 0.89 (0.90) for the BBS model and 0.72 (0.72) for the Mini-BESTest model. The negative predictive value (negative likelihood ratio) was 97% (0.054) for CPR scores < 2 for the BBS model and 94% (0.060) for CPR scores < 1 for the Mini-BESTest model. Conclusions The CPR developed herein is useful for determining multi surfaces walking independence.

Comparison of Early Postoperative Outcomes Between Totally Extraperitoneal and Lichtenstein Repair of Inguinal Hernia: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background: Surgical repair of inguinal hernia is among the most commonly performed surgical interventions in general surgery clinics, with minimal postoperative complications, less pain, and maximum cosmetic results. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent Lichtenstein repair (LR), which is currently the most commonly used open surgical procedure to repair inguinal hernias, and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair with regard to postoperative cosmesis, patient satisfaction, pain, and inflammatory response. Patients and Methods: The study consisted of male patients 18-65 years of age, who were operated for inguinal hernia with two different methods between February 2022 and January 2023 in the general surgery clinic of Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were observed to evaluate the inflammatory response in all patients. Visual Analog Scale and Verbal Rating Score systems were used to monitor the response to pain in the postoperative period. In addition, both groups were evaluated for patient satisfaction in cosmetic terms using the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. Results: Postoperative pain sensation in the TEP group was found to be significantly lower compared to the LR group. In terms of inflammatory response, IL-6 and CRP levels were found to be significantly higher in the LR group on postoperative day 1 and 2. Satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the surgical scar was significantly higher in the TEP group. Conclusion: TEP, which is a laparoscopic hernia repair method, is a safe surgical technique that can be preferred, especially in patients with less postoperative pain and higher cosmetic expectations. In terms of inflammatory response, significant difference is also in favor of TEP repair.

Parameterizing Subglacial Discharge in Modeling Buoyancy Driven Flow in Tidewater Glacier Fjords

AbstractIn tidewater glacier fjords, subglacial discharge drives a significant mixing mechanism near glacier fronts and drives a strong exchange flow. Numerous studies (Cowton et al., 2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014jc010324; Slater et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016gl072374) have utilized a parameterization for buoyant plume theory to force fjord scales systems, but neglect to parameterize the outflowing of the plume away from the glacial wall after it has reached its neutral density. In this study, a new model framework, ROMS‐ICEPLUME, is developed to parameterize the rising and initial outflowing stage of subglacial discharge plumes in the Regional Ocean Modeling System. The coupled model applies a novel parameterization algorithm to prescribe the velocity and vertical extent of the outflowing plume, which reduces numerical instability and improves model performance. The model framework is tested with a quasi‐realistic forcing using observations of a subglacial discharge plume hydrographic surveys collected from a Greenland fjord. We find that the new model framework is able to reproduce the strong outflowing plume and the compensating inflow at depth, with a spatial structure that correlates well with in‐situ observations. On the other hand, the model framework without the new parameterization algorithm fails to capture the outflowing plume structure. Thus, our new framework for parameterizing subglacial discharge plumes is an improvement from previous coupled model frameworks, and is a promising tool toward advancing our understanding of circulation in tidewater glacier fjords.

A rule of mixtures approach for delamination damage analysis in composite materials

The present study aims at investigating the delamination behavior of laminated composites in different loading modes within a homogenization theory of mixtures. The delamination damage phenomenon is introduced at the bulk level by eliminating the explicit representation of interfaces. Potential delamination planes are identified according to the developed interfacial stresses, and damage evolution is computed for each mode independently through a stress-based formulation. An arc-length strategy is employed to solve equilibrium equations owing to the snap-back effects. Reliability of the adopted mixing theory, as a framework for integrating the delamination theory into, is assessed by comparing the results with the ones obtained from micromechanical models in a fiber metal laminate structure. Considering delamination, a good agreement is observed in mode I, mode II and mixed mode configurations by evaluating the results against available numerical and experimental data in thermoset and thermoplastic composite systems. The present method has the capability to be used in the conventional finite element codes with the number of elements kinematically needed in the thickness, regardless of the number of layers, which dramatically reduces the computational cost in modeling composites with large number of layers. The proposed approach is not intended to replace other exact methods at the coupon scale, however, its main application would be in modeling delamination on large scale systems with minimum loss of accuracy.

Maintaining key ecosystem services under multiple development scenarios: A case study in Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao greater bay Area, China

Effective land use management can better maintain ecosystem services, especially in urban agglomerations. However, rational urban scale systems and landscape patterns to maintain key ecosystem services (ESs) in highly urbanized areas remain poorly understood. Taking the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a study area, we quantified the spatio-temporal change of key ESs from 2000 to 2020 by the Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model, and simulated land use change prior considering ES conservation priority areas under different multiple development scenarios in 2050 by adopting the future land use simulation (FLUS) model. The main findings were as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, natural habitat, water retention and carbon sequestration decreased by 5.5%, 7.9%, and 3.9%, respectively, while the soil conservation increased by 63.7%. (2) The proportion of different conservation priority areas ranged from 10.6% to 22.6%, which were mainly located in the mountainous region. (3) The urban land area would increase from 4286.00 km2 to 4802.25 km2 between 2020 and 2050 in the GBA, with a growth rate of 12.05%. Under the simulation scenarios, the new urban land was mainly distributed in megacities and supercities. (4) Under the integrative conservation scenario, the habitat quality index, water conservation, soil conservation and carbon sequestration would increase by 0.036, 7 × 104 t, 5.11 × 106 t and 0.93 × 106 t, respectively. To maintain the key ESs, we recommend optimizing the urban scale system, making it compact at the city scale and scattered at the regional scale, and strictly restricting the conversion of forestland and farmland adjacent to megacities into urban land. These findings were beneficial to achieve regional high-quality development and sustainable development via rational urban system and landscape management.