Swing Method Research Articles

腹腔鏡下に作成する結紮の工夫：点・線・面で考える「指さし法」と「Swing法」

In a laparoscopic surgery, direct visibility is low and the movements of the forceps are restricted. Hence, tying a laparoscopic knot, especially an intracorporeal knot, is a challenging task. Mastering the intracorporeal knot should be a skill to be mastered by any laparoscopist. Some of the technical limitations in mastering this method are: a restricted range of manipulation of the instrument through the port placement sites, a narrow operative field, and a difficult visualization along with a decreased 3-dimensional spatial understanding while tying the knot. Two new methods of tying the knot namely "Pointing method" and "Swing method" are presented here. In these methods, the series of movements of the tip of an instrument are analyzed in a given dimension. In the Pointing method, the tip of the instrument in the dominant hand moves to and fro along a hypothetical line, which is drawn between a port placement site of the dominant hand and the point where the knot will be placed. In the Swing method, the tips of the instruments in both hands are swung from right to left along the surface of an imaginary plane that contains the two port placement sites and the knotting point in a line. In both these methods, the movement of the tips of the instruments is reduced from 3-dimensional axis to one- or a two- dimensional axis. Thus, the presented methods are easy to understand theoretically and make it easy to master the intracorporeal knot.

Leaching optimization of mining wastes with lizardite and brucite contents for use in indirect mineral carbonation through the pH swing method

This study investigated the leaching process in order to maximize Mg and Fe extraction and to produce amorphous silica (SiO2) with high purity. For this, a mining waste identified as S-GO was employed; which is a serpentinite rock with high lizardite 1T and native brucite contents. A Taguchi Experiment Design was used in order to assess the parameters that influence the leaching process such as: granulometry, hydrochloric acid concentration (HCl), leaching temperature, and mass/volume ratio. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was done to understand the interrelation between the mineral structure and leaching performance. Results show that lizardite 1T-bearing serpentinite presents a low content of tetrahedral Al3+ and high octahedral Fe3+ contents on S-GO. Native brucite delayed the formation of a hydrated silica layer and improved dissolution of serpentines. For this, Mg and Fe extractions are efficient, reaching 88 ± 2% of Mg and Fe extracted during the first 30 min of reaction, under mild process conditions: stoichiometric mass/volume ratio, 1M HCl concentration, pressure of 1 bar, temperature of 100 °C, and 300 μm particle size. On the other hand, an excess of acid improves Mg and Fe extraction by only 10 ± 5% for S-GO. Such characteristics reduce energetic penalties and costs involved on indirect mineral carbonation processes by the pH swing method.

A multi-criteria group decision-making method for the thermal renovation of masonry buildings: The case of Algeria

The future of masonry buildings with heritage values is certain ⿿ the investments in making such buildings energy-efficient during renovations to meet the energy consumption requirements will increase over the next decade. However, decision makers fail to address the concerns of each project actor and give specific answers on how basic requirements on such historical buildings can be implemented. This paper proposes a new multi-criteria group decision-making method for the thermal renovation of masonry buildings. The aim of the proposed method is to rank different renovation solutions. The method uses; the structured group interaction method Delphi to define the evaluation criteria and the thermal renovations solutions, Swing method to facilitate the process of the determination of the criteria weights, the group decision support system (PROMETHEE GDSS) to reach a global ranking of the renovations solutions, PROMETHEE V to introduce additional constraints, as well as the Graphical Analysis for Interactive Aid (GAIA) analysis to get a better understanding of conflicts and similarities between the criteria and among the decision makers. We proceed to exemplify by means of a real-life case project in Algeria and offer suggestions on what front-ended stakeholders could do to reduce the energy consumption in masonry buildings.

Preference stability over time with multiple elicitation methods to support wastewater infrastructure decision-making

We used a multi-method and repeated elicitation approach across different stakeholder groups to explore possible differences in the outcome of an environmental decision. We compared different preference elicitation procedures based on Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) over time for a water infrastructure decision in Switzerland. We implemented the SWING and SMART/SWING weight elicitation methods and also compared results with earlier stakeholder interviews. In all procedures, the weights for environmental protection and well-functioning (waste-)water systems were higher than for cost reduction. The SMART/SWING variant produced statistically significantly different weights than SWING. Weights changed over time with both elicitation methods. Weights were more stable with the SWING method, which was also perceived as slightly more difficult than the SMART/SWING variant. We checked whether the difference in weights produced by the two elicitation methods and the difference in their stability affects the ranking of six alternatives. Overall an unconventional decentralized alternative ranked first or second in 92 percent of all elicitation procedures, which were the online surveys or interviews. For practical decision-making, using multiple methods across different stakeholder groups and repeating elicitation can increase our confidence that the results reflect the true opinions of the decision makers and stakeholders.

Swing analysis by body type with golf shot analysing device

This study is to provide fundamental resources to develop scientific golf swing method by analysing golf shot change by swing patterns for three different body types. Swing analysis was performed by using FlightScope

Comparison of Methods for Computing Crude Distillation Product Properties in Production Planning and Scheduling

Production planning and scheduling optimize feedstocks usage in refineries by using crude simplified distillation models which relate feed true boiling point (TBP) curves to product TBP curves and from these calculate product yields and properties. We compare product yield and properties calculated by the swing-cut methods (fixed-cut, weight/volume transfer, and light/heavy) with results from the pseudocuts TBP-based method. The latter uses product yields and TBP curves computed via the hybrid distillation model. Swing-cut methods use assumptions which lead to lower accuracy of predicting yields vs hybrid model yields, resulting in errors in computed bulk product properties. If swing-cut methods yields are replaced by the correct yields from hybrid model, all four methods have approximately the same accuracy. Therefore, for a mixture of crudes, by using accurate yields from the hybrid model, product bulk properties can be computed by blending rules as simple as those used by the fixed-cut swing method.

ChemInform Abstract: Carbon Dioxide Mineral Carbonation Through PH‐Swing Process: A Review

AbstractReview: 15 refs.

Case Study of Twin Cable-Stayed Bridges for High-Speed Railway in China: Design, Analysis and Construction

The construction of twin cable-stayed railway bridges was undertaken near Changsha station of the Shanghai–Kunming high-speed railway (HSR) in China. Because of the inevitability of crossing the existing Wuhan–Guangzhou HSR line, the swing method was chosen so that the construction process does not interrupt the operation of the existing line. The objective of this study is to highlight the features of two cable-stayed bridges. Key structural components along with structural dimensions are discussed. Key issues associated with the structural design are analyzed, including the pylon–girder joint behavior, solar radiation temperature mode of through girder, track–bridge behavior, and the aerodynamic effects induced by high-speed trains. Finally, a brief account of the construction is given. The use of the swing method proved to be an effective solution to span existing HSR lines.

Ultra-Low Power Read-Decoupled SRAMs with Ultra-Low Write-Bitline Voltage Swing

We propose an ultra-low power memory design method based on the ultra-low ( $$\sim $$ ~ 0.2 V) write-bitline voltage swing to reduce the write power dissipation for read-decoupled SRAM (RD-SRAM) cells. By keeping the write bitlines at ground level (0 V) during standby and charging them to a low voltage $$V_\mathrm{L}$$ V L ( $$\sim $$ ~ 0.2 V) during write operations, the power dissipation for the write bitlines is greatly reduced (0.2 V/ $$V_\mathrm{DD})^{ 2 }\,\times $$ V DD ) 2 × 100 %) due to reduced voltage swing (from $$V_\mathrm{DD }$$ V DD = 1.2 to 0.2 V) on the write bitlines. The proposed method is applicable to both dual-voltage and single-voltage operations. We analyze the proposed ultra-low write-bitline voltage swing method and investigate its reliability based on 10K Monte-Carlo simulations. We further verify the functionality and performance of our proposed design through measurements on the fabricated prototypes based on the 65 nm CMOS process. By means of a $$256 \times 64$$ 256 × 64 bit RD-SRAM memory implementation, we show that our proposed method reduces 87 % write power dissipation when compared to a conventional design.

Carbon Dioxide Mineral Carbonation Through pH-swing Process: A Review

The promotion of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction methods is due to the fact that the CO2 concentration has been increasing rapidly in 21st century. In order to prevent further damage of the environment caused by greenhouse gases, CO2 concentration should be stabilized by increasing CO2 fixation, which can reduce CO2 emission into the atmosphere. Mineral carbon sequestration or mineral carbonation is the process of utilizing minerals, mostly rich in calcium and magnesium (Ca/Mg) as the feedstock in reaction with CO2 to produce stable solid carbonates. Mineral carbonation through indirect pH swing process is a very effective method for producing calcium and magnesium carbonates. The Ca/Mg ions are extracted out of feedstock using suitable solvents at low pH condition and then in the second step the leached Ca/Mg ions are carbonated at elevated pH condition. In this paper the state-of-the-art of the carbonation involving pH swing method is updated.

Isothermal exfoliation of graphene oxide by a new carbon dioxide pressure swing method

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by a modified Hummers’ method. GO was modified using a simple CO2 pressure swing technique to obtain exfoliated GO. The microcrystalline structures and morphologies were characterized using the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope/transmission electron microscope measurements. The textural properties were investigated by N2 (77K) adsorption/desorption isotherms. CO2 (298K, 30bar) and H2 (298K, 100bar) adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate their adsorption behaviors. The results indicated that the best sample had a specific surface area of 547m2/g and total pore volume of 2.468cm3/g. According to the results, CO2 pressure swing method can be used to increase the efficiency of exfoliation and expansion of the graphitic interlayers in GO.

Mineral carbonation of PGM mine tailings for CO2 storage in South Africa: A case study

The ultra-fine milled tailings generated during the processing of PGM ores in South Africa have a theoretical potential to sequester significant amounts of CO2 (∼14Mt per annum) through mineral carbonation. Mg-bearing orthopyroxene is the major sequestrable mineral in these tailings, which also contains significant quantities of Ca-bearing plagioclase, as well as minor quantities of clinopyroxene, olivine, serpentine and hornblende. In this study, the feasibility of using PGM tailings to sequester CO2 has been investigated empirically using the two-step, pH swing method. The rates and extents of cation (Ca, Mg and Fe) extraction and subsequent carbonation were determined and compared. Both organic (oxalic and EDTA) and HCl solutions were utilised in the cation extraction step, which was conducted at time periods up to 8h and at a temperature of 70°C. The extents of cation dissolution were relatively low under all experimental conditions investigated, particularly for the case of Mg (between 3.3% and 5.0% extraction). A comparison of the extents of leaching with the mineralogical composition of the tailings indicated that the extracted Mg originated primarily from clinopyroxene, with the orthopyroxene remaining relatively inert under the experimental conditions. Subsequent carbonation of the acid leach solution after pH adjustment with NaOH resulted in the rapid formation of a number of carbonate minerals, including gaylussite (Na2Ca(CO3)2·5(H2O)), magnesite (MgCO3), hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), ankerite (Ca(Fe,Mg)(CO3)2), and siderite (FeCO3). On the basis of these findings, further studies will be focused on developing a better understanding of the factors affecting the dissolution of Mg-bearing orthopyroxene minerals, and on exploring alternative leach reagents and conditions, with a view to developing a more effective process for the accelerated carbonation of PGM tailings.

Functional analysis of the vertical semicircular canal using vertical plane swing test and study of its normal values

The purpose of this study was to set up a method to analyze the vertical semicircular canal function and study the normal values of the vertical semicircular canal function using the vertical plane swing test. A prospective analysis of 100 normal persons (aged from 18 to 59 years), who were treated by using the vertical plane swing test with the newly developed automatic vestibular function diagnosis and therapy system (SRM-IV). These persons were rotated 180° at a sinusoidal speed (acceleration 45°/s, maximum speed 90°/s) in the vertical semicircular canal plane. Using a PC, evoked vertical nystagmus was analyzed in order to evaluate the excitability of vertical semicircular canals, including the number and the duration of nystagmus, the slow phase velocity and other parameters. Meanwhile, the all persons were divided into two groups, order and younger than 45 years respectively. In the test procedure, with the two pairs of the right anterior vertical semicircular canal and left posterior vertical semicircular canal (RALP) as well as the left anterior vertical semicircular canal and the rear right vertical semicircular canals (LARP), the average slow phase velocity of the vertical nystagmus and the canal paresis (CP) of the two pairs of vertical semicircular canals were calculated using PC and SPSS13.0 software for statistical analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The general CP of RALP was 10.2% ± 7.1%, and LARP was 10.4% ± 6.2%. The normal CP range of the vertical semicircular canal in the health group was identified (idea: ≤ 20%; normal high: 20% - 25%). The 180° vertical plane sinusoidal swing method is effective in functional analysis of the vertical semicircular canal, it is expected to be reliably used in clinical treatment.

Development of swing method with sequential data assimilation (SDA-SWING) and its application to groundwater problems in real tunnel construction

Tunnel excavation in Japan is beset by difficulties related to complicated geology and groundwater. Controlling the groundwater inflow to the tunnel during excavation is a challenging issue for both tunnel construction and for environmental assessment. The SWING (System for Water INformation of Ground) method was developed to enable predictions regarding groundwater inflow to the tunnel and also to allow evaluation of the impact of excavation on the surrounding groundwater environment. The SWING method is based on the closed-form solution of Dupuit quasi-uniform flow and can follow the tunnel excavation process by reconstructing the hydraulic conductivity fields using data obtained at construction sites. Herein, the original SWING system was modified by the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) in order to automatically optimize the hydraulic parameters. The newly developed SWING method, SDA-SWING (Sequential Data Assimilation-SWING), was applied to two different tunnel construction sites in Japan and its applicability was discussed by comparison with the results obtained from the original SWING method. The effects of initial hydraulic conductivity and the frequency of data acquisition on the predicted results were also investigated using the SDA-SWING method. The SDA-SWING method can automatically optimize the hydraulic parameters using EnKF algorism without the need for highly skilled personnel and thus leads to a significant reduction in working times. The estimation of groundwater inflow by the SDA-SWING method generally agrees well with results obtained by the original SWING method and also with observations at the tunnel site.

Retrospective and Prospective Study of Singapore Swing Method on Healing of Mastoid Cavity

Chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma is a common problem. The majority of ENT surgeons find the canal wall down operation to be the safest and simplest means of treating cholesteatoma. The 'Singapore Swing' is a method of promoting healing of mastoid cavity. In this study our main objective was to do Singapore Swing technique in larger number of cases, have long term follow-up and to compare its results with other mastoid operations in which obliteration has not been used. Patients of cholesteatoma were divided into case group and control group. The case group (26 patients) was operated by canal wall down procedure with Singapore Swing obliteration while the control group (62 patients) was operated by same method without any obliteration. Both retrospective and prospective studies were done. Time period of drying of mastoid cavity, numbers of visits to the hospital and hearing status were observed. Subjective satisfaction score of patient (0-10) and Surgeon's satisfaction score (fully satisfied, partially satisfied and not satisfied at all) were measured in both the groups. The time of drying of cavity was <2months in 88.5% of cases, while 27.5% of controls. Mean time of drying of cavity was 46days (1½months) in case group, while it was 89days (3months) in control group. Gain in air conduction was 11-30dB in 33.3% cases and 15.7% of controls. 2 patients in control group had deterioration of 1-10dB in air conduction. Subjective satisfaction score was 8-10 in 42.4% patients in case group, while 25% in control group. Surgeon was fully satisfied in 73% patients of case group and 45% patients of control group. The study suggested that Singapore Swing technique provides a dry, small and stable cavity with better hearing in less time.

湿度操作による空気清浄の研究:第3報：ナノサイズ粒子状物質の低減効果

湿度操作による空気清浄の研究:第3報：ナノサイズ粒子状物質の低減効果

鼻副鼻腔内反性乳頭腫に対する内視鏡アプローチ―鼻涙管下鼻甲介スウィング法の応用―

Advanced endoscopy has become preferred modality in treating sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) with Krouse staging T3 case. We applied maxillary swing approach to the nasolacrimal duct and inferior turbinate for IP because it provides a wide surgical field for the maxillary sinus without damaging for the nasolacrimal duct or inferior turbinate mucosal function. This is easily switched perioperatively to endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM) in cases of nasolacrimal duct or inferior turbinate invasion. Since 2006, we have treated 23 subjects in 27 cases of IP surgery, including 5 using the Swing Method and 3 EMM classified as Krouse staging T3. Most T3 cases can be managed with one of these modalities.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell High Carbon Monoxide Tolerance Operation Using Pulsed Heating and Pressure Swing

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are attractive power plants for use in many applications, including portable power sources, electric vehicles, and on-site combined power/heat plants. Despite the advantages, one of the significant obstacles to PEMFC commercialization is the low tolerance to carbon monoxide (CO). Ideally, PEMFCs should use pure hydrogen fuel. However, because of the difficulties inherent in storing hydrogen onboard, there is an increasing interest in using hydrogen-rich gases produced by reforming hydrocarbon fuels. Fuel reformer produces hydrogen containing a small amount of CO. PEMFC performance degrades when CO is present in the fuel gas, referred to as CO poisoning. This paper presents the results of a novel PEMFC performance study using a pulsed heating device and the feeding channel pressure swing method to mitigate the CO poisoning problem. The effectiveness of these strategies is demonstrated through simulation and experimental work on a single cell. By applying a transient localized heating to the catalyst layer while maintaining the PEMFC membrane at a normal temperature (below 80°C) and by using the feeding channel pressure swing, significant enhancement in the carbon monoxide tolerance level of PEMFCs was found. These approaches could potentially eliminate the need for an expensive selective oxidizer. The CO poisoning process is generally slow and reversible. After applying pulsed heating, the transient high temperature in the catalyst layer could help the recovery of the PEMFC from CO poisoning. By using feeding channel pressure swing, oxygen can easily diffuse into the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from the outlet port and promote a quick recovery. Using these operational strategies, a PEMFC could operate continually using a high CO concentration fuel.

Ultrasonic-assisted pH Swing Method for the Synthesis of Highly Efficient TiO2 Nano-size Photocatalysts

A new route for the preparation of nanocrystalline TiO2 particles based on the pH swing method assisted by ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of a surfactant (Pluronic P-123) has been successfully achieved. The prepared TiO2 catalysts were calcined from 400 to 800 °C and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), gas adsorption measurements (BET) and thermogravimetirc measurements (TAG/DTA) analyses. Characterization results revealed that the enhancement in the particle size of TiO2 by the pH swing method could be controlled by combining the pH swing with ultrasonic irradiation. Increasing the calcination temperatures led to an increase in both the particle and pore size, whereas the surface area and pore volume gradually decreased. A synergistic effect was observed in the combined process of pH swing with ultrasonication, yielding small TiO2 particles as well as high surface area, pore volume, pore diameter, and crystalline anatase phase. The activity of the catalysts was investigated for the oxidation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). TiO2 prepared with 15 times pH swing and calcined at 700 °C was found to show the highest rate for the oxidative degradation of 4-CP when compared to the TiO2 sample prepared with just 1 time pH swing and to the commercial P-25 TiO2 Degussa photocatalyst. Thus, a novel approach in controlling the various physico-chemical parameters of TiO2 nanoparticles was developed.

A Review of Biomechanical Differences between Golfers of Varied Skill Levels

The purpose of this article was to review and summarize the biomechanical research literature comparing golfers of different skill levels. A golfer's skill will influence their success in being able to consistently and predictably hit the ball in the desired direction for the proper distance. By scientifically investigating the differences in swing technique between players of different abilities, golfers and golf educators should gain a better understanding of how to improve performance. Analyses of the kinetic forces, kinematic timing and sequence of the various body segments, as well as the muscle activity patterns that generate movements revealed that skilled players exhibit increased force production, efficiency and consistency relative to less skilled players. However, the variability in assorted measures even amongst skilled players, raises the question of whether there is only one ideal swing method for all individuals