Termination Method Research Articles

Assessment of the Position of North Adriatic Terminals in Container Market Based on Different Indices

Background: This paper addresses the common question of how service providers compare to their competitors and what their competitive advantages are. It focuses on the North Adriatic ports of Trieste, Koper, Rijeka, Venice, and Ravenna, all members of the North Adriatic Ports Association, analyzing their position, size, competitiveness, and role in the container market. Methods: The research employs three distinct methods: market structure analysis using several concentration indices, the R method for ranking terminals, and aggregation of these indices to create a combined index for port performance. Results: Based on the rankings, indicators, the BCG matrix, and future development plans for each terminal, the ports are ranked as follows: Koper, Rijeka, Trieste, Venice, and Ravenna. Koper emerges as the leader, positioned in the high market share and strong growth category. This advantageous position allows Koper to efficiently attract traffic without requiring substantial investments. Conclusions: The contribution of the work is that the specific measure indices were applied, which were not used in the analysis of the North Adriatic container terminals until now. The research provides both a broad and detailed understanding of the position, role, and condition of each terminal. This insight enables stakeholders to take timely, strategic actions aimed at boosting productivity and traffic, ultimately improving their competitive standing.

Cu-bearing HHCCI interface combined with first principles calculation and corrosive wear resistance

The corrosive wear resistance of copper-bearing HHCCI was tested through experiments and HRTEM, combined with first-principles calculations to study the atomic structure, interface fracture work, thermodynamic stability, electronic structure and bonding structure of six Fe3Cr4C3(01 1‾ 0)/γ-Fe(101) interface models with different termination methods. The HRTEM results show that the interface formed by (01 1‾ 0) of M7C3-type carbide and (101) of the austenite matrix is a coherent interface. The first principles calculation results show that the interface formed by the Fe3Cr4C3(01 1‾ 0)-Cr termination model and the γ-Fe (101)-2 termination model has the highest interface bonding strength. The Fe-end/7Fe-2 interface model is the most stable. Both the interfacial chemical energy and the interfacial elastic energy will affect the overall thermodynamic stability of the Fe3Cr4C3(01 1‾ 0)/γ-Fe (101) interface. The fracture work of Fe3Cr4C3(01 1‾ 0) and γ-Fe (101) is greater than the corresponding interface adhesion work. Moreover, the fracture work on each terminal end of M7C3 along the (01 1‾ 0) surface is higher than that on each terminal end of γ-Fe along the (101) surface. The failure of HHCCI during corrosive wear may mainly occur in the interface area or the side close to the γ-Fe matrix. The chemical bonds in the Fe-end/7Fe interface are mainly Fe-Fe metal bonds, Fe-Cr metal bonds and some Fe-C polar covalent bonds. The chemical bonds in the Cr-end/7Fe interface are mainly Cr-Fe metal bonds and some Cr-C polar covalent bonds. The chemical bonds in the C-end/7Fe interface are mainly composed of Cr-Fe metal bonds, C-Fe polar covalent bonds and part of C-Cr polar covalent bonds, as a result, each interface exhibits different corrosive wear resistance potentials.

Recursive terminal sliding mode approximate optimal control strategy based on reconstructed nonlinear systems

For a class of nonlinear systems with unknown internal states and actuator failures, this paper proposes a recursive terminal sliding-mode fault-tolerant control method based on reconfigurable nonlinear systems and further designs an approximate optimal compensated controller based on adaptive dynamic programming, which employs a neural network (NN) to estimate the optimal value function. The system ensures that the tracking error converges to a small set around zero with faster speed and higher accuracy even when the actuator fails. Finally, the convergence of the expanded state observer and the single-evaluation NN weights is demonstrated based on the Lyapunov theory, and the stability of the whole closed-loop system is given. Simulation results and comparisons verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Comparison between Medical and Mechanical Method (Foley's) of Termination of Pregnancy in second trimester in Previously Scarred Uterus

Comparison between Medical and Mechanical Method (Foley's) of Termination of Pregnancy in second trimester in Previously Scarred Uterus

Adaptive momentum equation method for overcoming singularities of dispersed phases

The singularity issue arising from the phase fraction approaching zero in multiphase flow can significantly intensify the solution difficulty and lead to nonphysical results. By employing the conservative form of momentum equations in high-phase-fraction and discontinuity regions and the phase-intensive form of momentum equations in low-phase-fraction regions, computational reliability can be assured while avoiding the singularity issue. Regarding the proposed adaptive momentum equation method, the form of momentum equations for each cell is determined by a conversion bound and a phase fraction discontinuity detector. A comparative analysis is conducted on this method and other singularity-free methods. For discontinuities of dispersed phases, an error estimation method of the conversion bound is presented through theoretical analysis. Computational results demonstrate that the discontinuity detector accurately captures discontinuities in high-phase-fraction regions while disregarding pseudo-discontinuities in low-phase-fraction regions. Compared to the conservative form corrected by the terminal velocity method, the method yields higher-quality flow fields and potentially exhibits an efficiency improvement of over 10 times. Compared to the phase-intensive form, the method benefits from the physical quantity conservation, providing higher computational reliability. When encountering discontinuities, the expected error from the error estimation method aligns well with the actual error, indicating its effectiveness. When the conversion bound is below 1/10 000 of the inlet phase fraction, the errors of the adaptive method are essentially negligible.

Unveiling the Opportunities of Unexplored Use of Cover Crop in Mediterranean Agriculture through Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cover crops are multifunctional, and contribute to improving soil properties and reducing environmental impact compared to no-cover crops, thus could provide multiple soil, agricultural, and environmental benefits, and they are recognized as a valid strategy for the achievement of sustainable agriculture. However, cover crops’ impacts on subsequent cash crops and soil characteristics are dependent on several factors, such as pedoclimatic conditions, cover crop species, agricultural practices, method of termination, and irrigation management. The fact that cover crops are never applied as a single practice in the real agricultural sector, but are instead combined with other factors or agricultural practices, deeply affects their performance, but the scientific literature nevertheless keeps considering the use of cover crops alone. Moreover, the potential outcomes of cover crops that encompass other factors or agricultural practices affecting soil quality, weed control, and cash crops are still unclear. Additionally, cover crops are still poorly use in the Mediterranean type of climate. Therefore, this study reviewed the scientific literature to identify the most relevant factors or agricultural practices driving cover crops’ performance, and to outline future fields of investigation looking towards promising sustainable agriculture in Mediterranean areas with a view to minimizing the competition for soil water with the cropping systems and to reduce soil degradation. Furthermore, the investigation includes multiple factors or agricultural practices that better represent the real farming system, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with cover crops, and suggests alternative strategies for reducing yield gap while seeking to achieve agricultural sustainability.

Design and evaluation of β-Ga2O3 junction barrier schottky diode with p-GaN heterojunction

A novel design for a junction barrier Schottky (JBS) diode based on a p-GaN/n-Ga2O3 heterojunction is proposed, exhibiting superior static characteristics and a higher breakdown capability compared to the traditional Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diode (SBD). By utilizing wide-bandgap p-type GaN, the β-Ga2O3 JBS diodes demonstrate a turn-on voltage (V on ) of approximately 0.8 V. Moreover, a breakdown voltage (V br ) of 880 V and a specific on-resistance (R on,sp ) of 3.96 mΩ·cm2 are achieved, resulting in a Baliga’s figure of merit (BFOM) of approximately 0.2 GW /cm 2. A forward current density of 465 A cm−2 at a forward voltage of 3 V is attained. The simulated reverse leakage current density remains low at 9.0 mA cm−2 at 800 V. Floating field rings, in conjunction with junction termination extension (JTE), were utilized as edge termination methods to attain a high breakdown voltage. The impact of β-Ga2O3 periodic fin width fluctuations on the electrical characteristics of JBS was investigated. Due to the enhanced sidewall depletion effect caused by p-type GaN, the forward current (I F ) and reverse current (I R ) decrease when the β-Ga2O3 periodic fin width decreases. The findings of this study indicate the remarkable promise of p-GaN/n-Ga2O3 JBS diodes for power device applications.

Terminal sequence consistency verification method for small diameter abreast optical fibers based on computer vision

In a kind of precision industrial equipment, small diameter abreast optical fibers are used for high-speed communication among functional nodes. The arrangement order at both terminals of the abreast optical fibers need to comply with communication protocols. In this paper, we propose an automatic terminal sequence consistency verification method based on computer vision. The Hue Saturation Value (HSV) color space is used for improving the image feature extraction capability. An abreast optical fiber sequence dictionary which converts the protocol logic into an input-output mapping table is provided to follow protocol confidentiality and improve inspecting speed. A light control baffle position adaptive algorithm is designed for improving the accuracy of optical fiber incident light control. The experimental results show that the method can achieve the conductivity inspection of 1 optical fiber every 50 seconds, and the inspection accuracy is over 96.5%, which generally improves the inspection efficiency by 45% compared with manual inspection.

BSPM: Blockchain-based Security Protection Model for power load management terminals

Power load management terminals are essential components of the smart grid system. However, they encounter numerous security challenges owing to their widespread deployment across large areas. These nodes exist in uncontrollable physical environments and are vulnerable to malicious attacks. Researching security measures for these terminals is vital to enhancing the security of the smart grid. Blockchain technology, with its distributed storage and tamper-proof features, can effectively protect the data security of these terminals. This paper proposes a blockchain-based security protection model for power load management terminals. First, the architecture of the model is designed using blockchain technology. In addition, a dynamic trust evaluation method for terminals is established through the beta reputation system. The blockchain consensus algorithm for power load management terminals is designed based on the trust evaluation value and practical Byzantine fault tolerance. The effectiveness of the trust evaluation model is verified by simulating the terminal operating situation. The message complexity and storage requirements of the security protection model are analyzed by comparing them with results from related studies.

A Terminal Residual Vibration Suppression Method of a Robot Based on Joint Trajectory Optimization

Vibration problems have become one of the most important factors affecting robot performance. To this end, a terminal residual vibration suppression method based on joint trajectory optimization is proposed to improve the accuracy and stability of robot motion. Firstly, based on the characteristics of the friction nonlinearity due to joint coupling and physical feasibility of dynamic parameters, a semidefinite programming method is used to identify dynamic parameters with actual physical meaning, thereby obtaining an accurate dynamic model. Then, based on the result of the residual vibration time domain analysis, a joint trajectory optimization model with the goal of minimizing joint tracking error is established. The Chebyshev collocation method is used to discretize the optimization model. The dynamic model is used as the optimization constraint, and barycentric interpolation is used to obtain the optimized joint motion trajectory. Finally, industrial robot experiments prove that the vibration suppression method proposed in this article can reduce the maximum acceleration amplitude of residual vibration by 62% and the vibration duration by 71%. Compared with the input shaping method, the method proposed in this paper can reduce the terminal residual vibration more effectively and ensure the consistency of running time and trajectory.

Novel terminal region computation method for quasi-infinite horizon NMPC

An algorithm for invariant region characterization for a nonlinear system controlled by an LQR is proposed. The quasi-infinite horizon nonlinear model predictive controller formulation is extended for zone control with optimizing targets. The novel invariant region characterization proposed promotes hypervolume gains of up to two orders of magnitude for an unstable CSTR. Extension of the NMPC formulation to the case of zone control with optimizing targets improves the formulation’s practical deployment capability. A comparison between QIH-NMPC and NMPC with a terminal equality constraint is drawn, showing considerable closed-loop performance loss when employing a terminal equality constraint. The proposed invariant region shows feasibility set gains from the proposed invariant region characterization, when compared to a recent approach. Closed-loop simulations of both controllers from the enlarged feasibility set show how sensible the closed-loop performance is to one infeasible controller iteration.

Separable and controlled direct effects for competing events: Estimation of component specific effects on sickness absence.

In many settings, it is reasonable to think of treatment as consisting of a number of components, either because this is the case in practice or because it is conceptually possible to decompose treatment into separate components due to the way in which it exerts effects on the outcome of interest. For competing events, the treatment decomposition idea has recently been suggested to separate effects of treatments on the outcome of interest from effects mediated through competing events using so-called separable effects. Like the idea of separating effects of exposure, it has been pointed out that ideas from mediation analysis generally may help to clarify the interpretation of existing estimands used in competing events settings. One example is the use of the controlled direct effect, to conceptualize the effects of interventions preventing the competing event from occurring. In this article, we identify the controlled direct effect as a component specific effect and discuss the merits of this estimand when the prevented event is non terminal and other methods of effects separation are problematic. Our motivating example is the study of a policy initiative, introduced in 2001, aimed at reducing long term sickness absence (SA) in Norway. The initiative consists of different components, one being to encourage use of graded SA, which is considered a key tool in the Nordic countries to reduce long term SA. The analysis makes use of longitudinal registry data for 113 808 individuals, followed from the time of first SA.

Immediate Use Steam Sterilization and the Effect on Surgical Site Infections in an Acute Care Facility

Background: Immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) shortens the time from sterilization to the aseptic transfer onto the surgical sterile field. Published data incompletely defines the extent to which IUSS increases risk of surgical site infection (SSI), compared to standard sterile reprocessing methods. We aimed to measure the association between IUSS use for surgical instrument reprocessing and SSI risk in a facility where IUSS use increased due to staffing constraints and case volumes. Methods: In this retrospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital with a diverse mix of surgery types, we used sterile reprocessing logs and SSI outcomes defined using National Health and Safety Network definitions to compare SSI rates among surgeries using surgical devices sterilized using IUSS compared to standard terminal sterilization methods. We calculated a risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI), including stratification by eleven high-volume service lines. Results: Among 23,919 surgical procedures, 416 (1.74%) developed SSIs. IUSS was used to sterilize instruments prior to 1,524 (6.37%) surgical procedures, and of these procedures 39 (2.56%) developed an SSI, compared to 1.68% of non-IUSS procedures (377 SSI in 22,395 procedures; risk ratio [RR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.10-2.11). Two surgical services had statistically significant RRs for SSI development after IUSS: transplant surgery (RR 2.47, 95%CI 1.32-4.60] and plastic surgery (RR 3.64, 95%CI 1.13-11.74; Figure). Conclusion: IUSS is associated with a significant increase in SSIs, including among varied surgery types. IUSS utilization should be minimized.

Reorganisation of a legal entity: the essence and understanding of its manifestation (creation or termination)

The problematic issues related to the legislator’s priority task of regulating changes in the property status of a legal entity in the course of its reorganisation are outlined, which ensures the organisational and legal transformation of the organisation through effective redistribution of resources and enhancing the modernisation of the country’s economic stability as a whole. The current state of the legal doctrine of understanding reorganisation as a legal phenomenon has no common denominator. It is studied as a method of termination of a legal entity; a method of emergence and/or termination of a legal entity(ies); a special procedure for the transfer of rights and obligations; a type of universal succession; a legal remedy; the procedural aspect of reorganisation actions is studied, pointing to the process, composition or set of legal facts, or it is proposed to abandon attempts to define the category of “reorganisation” altogether. Based on the analysis of the legal doctrine and current legislation, the conclusion that reorganisation is a special mechanism of transformation of a legal entity, which is manifested in a complex legal structure aimed at achieving a positive economic effect or bringing it into compliance with current legislation, resulting in termination and/or establishment of a new legal entity(ies) with the transfer to it of the property (or part thereof) of the legal entity being reorganised by way of legal succession, has been made. The opinion that an unambiguous statement that reorganisation is a form of either creation or termination of a legal entity is erroneous has been presented. This conclusion is based on the fact that current legislation enshrines different denominators for certain types of reorganisation – termination/establishment, but the relevant legal phenomenon should be studied comprehensively (as a whole). In this case, one section of such a legal structure will indicate the creation and the other one will indicate the termination of a legal entity, which is manifested within the reorganisation procedure of one organisation.

Порівняльний аналіз клінічної ефективності і безпечності сучасних методів артифіційного переривання вагітності в ранніх термінах. Результати когортного дослідження

WHO experts have determined that medical abortion and vacuum aspiration are currently safe methods of terminating an unintended pregnancy in the first trimester. Aim - to conduct a comparative analysis of the clinical effectiveness and safety of modern methods of early artificial abortions. Materials and methods. An analysis of early and late complications of early abortion was carried out in 54 women with medical abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol (group I) and 65 respondents after abortion by vacuum aspiration (group II). Statistical data processing was carried out using the SPSS 21 program. Results. The frequency of fetal egg retention, pregnancy progression, abnormal uterine bleeding, and endometrial polyps was significantly higher after medical abortion, and endometritis - after vacuum aspiration. Women who underwent medical abortion compared to termination of pregnancy by vacuum aspiration have a 2.3 and 3.6 times lower risk of placental complications and the threat of termination of future pregnancy (odds ratio (OR): 0.28; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.12-0.64 and OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06-0.88), as well as cesarean delivery (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14-0.84). Conclusions. The effectiveness of the medical method of early termination of pregnancy was 90.7%, vacuum aspiration - 98.5%, which is a relatively safe alternative to surgical abortion. This study did not involve any experiments on animals or humans. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Non-invasive biomonitoring of polar bear feces can be used to estimate concentrations of metals of concern in traditional food.

The Arctic faces increasing exposure to environmental chemicals such as metals, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. Biomonitoring of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment and in traditional foods consumed by the Inuit. However, typically, these samples are collected through invasive or terminal methods. The biomonitoring of feces could be a useful alternative to the current metal monitoring method within the Arctic. Here, we aim to 1) quantify the relationship between concentrations of metals in the feces and tissues (muscle, liver, and fat) of polar bears using predictive modeling, 2) develop an easy-to-use conversion tool for use in community-based monitoring programs to non-invasively estimate contaminant concentrations in polar bears tissues and 3) demonstrate the application of these models by examining potential exposure risk for humans from consumption of polar bear muscle. Fecal, muscle, liver, and fat samples were harvested from 49 polar bears through a community-based monitoring program. The samples were analyzed for 32 metals. Exploratory analysis indicated that mean metal concentrations generally did not vary by age or sex, and many of the metals measured in feces were positively correlated with the internal tissue concentration. We developed predictive linear regression models between internal (muscle, liver, fat) and external (feces) metal concentrations and further explored the mercury and methylmercury relationships for utility risk screening. Using the cross-validated regression coefficients, we developed a conversion tool that contributes to the One Health approach by understanding the interrelated health of humans, wildlife, and the environment in the Arctic. The findings support using feces as a biomonitoring tool for assessing contaminants in polar bears. Further research is needed to validate the developed models for other regions in the Arctic and assess the impact of environmental weathering on fecal metal concentrations.

Sequential Data-Based Fault Location for Single-Line-to-Ground Fault in a T-Connection Power Line

Due to the demand for temporary rapid grid connection in renewable energy power plants, the topology structure of T-connected power lines has been widely used in the power grid. In this three-terminal system, fault localization is difficult because of traditional impedance-based or traveling wave-based fault localization methods; the three-terminal data should be synchronized and communicated. Since different terminal assets belong to different enterprises, it is actually difficult to maintain good synchronization between them. Therefore, in practical applications, the fault location of T-connected power lines often fails. This article proposes a single terminal fault location method for a T-connection power line to address this issue. It is based on the fact that the local topology of the T-connected power line in the healthy phase remains unchanged during the fault-clearing process. It utilizes the sequential current and voltage data changes generated by the sequential tripping ping emitted by the circuit breaker from different terminals to describe the constant topology of the healthy phase as an equation and calculates the accurate fault location after solving the equation. The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm was used to calculate fault distance and transition resistance, and the effectiveness of this method was verified through simulation.

Research on Portable Intelligent Terminal and APP Application Analysis and Intelligent Monitoring Method of College Students' Health Status

As a carrier of college students' health status monitoring, portable intelligent terminal APP, the study of its APP application analysis not only provides a new way for college students' extracurricular physical exercise, guides college students to actively participate in extracurricular physical activities using intelligent terminal APP software, but also promotes college students' physical health monitoring and enhancement in various aspects. Aiming at the current portable terminal APP college students' health monitoring application analysis method research exists low precision, real-time poor and other problems, through the analysis of the basic functional framework and functional characteristics of the portable intelligent terminal APP, the establishment of the portable intelligent terminal APP analysis index system applied to college students' health monitoring, combined with the heuristic optimisation algorithm and the improvement of deep learning algorithms, the construction of the marine predator based heuristic optimisation algorithm and the attention mechanism to improve the gating control loop. Combining the heuristic optimisation algorithm and the improved deep learning algorithm, we construct the portable intelligent terminal APP application analysis method for college students' health monitoring based on the marine predator heuristic optimisation algorithm and the attention mechanism improved gated recurrent unit neural network. Through simulation analysis, the results show that the proposed method meets the real-time requirements while improving the prediction accuracy of the portable smart terminal APP application analysis method, and significantly improves the efficiency of portable smart terminal APP analysis.

Application of a terminal schedule probe method to inform schedule thinning with multiple schedules.

Multiple schedules are effective at decreasing challenging behavior and maintaining alternative behavior at acceptable levels. Currently, no conclusive guidance is available for empirically deriving multiple-schedule components (continuous reinforcement for alternative behavior and extinction for challenging behavior [discriminative stimulus] and extinction for both alternative and challenging behavior [delta stimulus]) during the schedule-thinning process. In the current investigation, we describe a terminal schedule probe method to determine delta stimulus starting points and strategies for subsequent schedule-thinning progressions to reach caregiver-informed terminal schedules. We review schedule-thinning outcomes for a clinical cohort using a consecutive controlled case series approach and report results for two groups: One group included applications of terminal probe thinning (n = 24), and the other involved traditional dense-to-lean thinning (n = 18). Outcomes suggest that the terminal schedule probe method produced effective treatments with less resurgence of challenging behavior and leaner, more feasible, multiple schedules.

Advancing cortisol measurements in zebrafish: Analytical validation of a commercial ELISA kit for skin mucus cortisol analysis

Cortisol is the main stress biomarker used for zebrafish. However, zebrafish small size made it challenging to extract cortisol without harming or killing the fish. Thus, researchers adopted a terminal method, the trunk cortisol, as standard practice. Here, we developed and validated an alternative and minimally invasive technique for measuring cortisol in the skin mucus of adult zebrafish, using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For this, AB zebrafish were randomly assigned to a precision, accuracy, and specificity test. Each sample contained the skin mucus of five to ten fish or one fish trunk. The cortisol was extracted using methanol as organic solvent. The results obtained showed an adequate precision (intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) <15%; inter-assay CV = 26%), accuracy (CV <120%), and specificity (r2 =0.96–0.98) for skin mucus cortisol levels, as well as for trunk cortisol.•A commercial ELISA was analytically validated to measure cortisol in the skin mucus of zebrafish.•Skin mucus cortisol is a non-terminal method that reduce the number of animals used and allows longitudinal studies.