Types Of Units Research Articles

LIFE-CYCLE AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF THE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE PASSENGER CARS

Today, passenger vehicle emissions alone represent 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The automobile industry is aware of this and has taken steps towards decarbonization over the past decade. Emissions related to the six phases of the life cycle were determined from the LCA database compiled on the basis of data collected on emissions during the life cycle of different types of vehicles, units, sizes and geographical areas. Typically, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICE) constantly emit CO2 while driving, whereas Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) do not. The transition to an electric vehicle is only as clean as the energy source used to charge the vehicle. Each BEV car represents approximately 2.2 MWh/year of load on the country's electric power system, while due to the way energy is converted, the ICE car represents approximately 11.9 MWh/year of fuel-equivalent load.

A "Wise" Intervention to Increase Hand Hygiene Compliance of Nurses in Acute Care Units in US Hospitals: A Multiple Baseline Interrupted Time-Series Evaluation.

Objective: This study tested a 'wise' intervention (quick prompt of a specific psychological mec) in acute care hospital units to improve nurses' hand hygiene compliance (HHC). Design: A multiple baseline design in two medical-surgical teaching hospitals in the United States. Measurements: Hand hygiene data was collected using an electronic compliance monitoring system with sensors placed in doorways and on corresponding soap and alcohol-based hand rub dispensers. The outcome measure was the proportion of opportunities in which HH was undertaken by staff per week in each unit. Intervention: A quick-and-easy psychological prime to reinvigorate professional identity. Methods: Interrupted time series analysis using a quasi-Poisson regression model with statistical process control charts for each unit. Results: A statistically significant increase in HHC rates that was sustained for months post-intervention. However, the patterns by unit were not statistically significant once temporal trends were considered. Other factors, such as the unit type and the use of incentives could have impacted the results. Conclusions: These analyses suggest that the aggregate impact should not be taken as evidence of intervention effectiveness. This study therefore cannot be considered to have provided a strong foundation for use of a 'wise' intervention, despite its relatively small financial, logistical and psychological cost.

Structurally Innovative Benzimidazole‐fused Ionic Organoselenium Compounds: Prevalence of Se···N/Se Chalcogen Bonds with the Selenocyanate Receptor

The non‐covalent interactions in molecules play important roles towards their applications in various aspects such as molecular recognition, catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology etc. Interestingly, among various non‐bonding interactions, chalcogen bonding (ChB) has been extensively studied in different facets of crystal engineering over the last several years. The present study demonstrates the presence of Se···N or Se···Se ChB in the benzimidazole‐fused cyclic selenazonium selenocyanates (6‐8), cyclic selenazinium selenocyanates (9‐10) and the acyclic benzimidazolium analogs having two different types of selenocyanate units (11‐12). The final organoselenium compounds were synthesized from benzimidazole in several steps in reasonably good yields. The single crystal X‐ray structures of the compounds revealed that both the N atom and Se atom of the negatively charged SeCN unit act as ChB acceptors in building the Se···N or Se···Se ChB interactions along with the additional hydrogen bonding (HB) interactions. Moreover, the structural optimization and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses were carried out using density functional theory (DFT) to calculate the natural charges on different Se centers and the strength of second‐order perturbation energy (E2) for the ChB interactions. Finally, electrostatic potential surface (SEP) of the compounds was developed to visualize the formation of σ‐holes.

Landscape Character and Management Zones in Polder Landscapes: A Case Study of the Dongting Lake Area

Polder landscapes, as a representative of lowland agriculture landscapes, possess diverse natural and cultural values. However, polder landscapes are facing multiple challenges arising from economic and climate changes, including increasing flood threats and the fragmentation of landscape patterns. These issues have severely threatened the safety and regional characteristics of the polder landscape. Therefore, this study aims to preserve the regional characteristics of polder landscapes while promoting the sustainable development of lowland environments, and the objective is to provide a foundation and baseline for the management and planning of polder landscapes. In this study, the Dongting Lake Area (DLA) was selected as a representative case of polder landscapes. To identify the landscape character and delineate the landscape management zones, this study employed the Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) method in conjunction with a polder typology method at two scales. As a result, the polder landscape types were identified and visualized at two different scales. At the Lake Scale, a comprehensive identification method for polder unit types and polder landscape regions was established, achieving a stepwise transition from polder areas to polder clusters and ultimately to individual polder units. At the Local Scale, an integrative analysis of landscape character diversity (LCD) and land construction suitability (LCS) was employed to establish five landscape management zones for polder landscapes, thereby realizing a balance between the conservation of polder landscape diversity with the sustainable development of wetland environments. This study contributes a set of cross-scale ideas and methods for identifying landscape characters and delineating management zones in polder landscapes, which could be expanded to other lowland agricultural landscapes.

Evidence of conformational changes and self-aggregation of 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene in solutions with ethanol

In this work, we report on a concentration and temperature dependent study of the 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (BPE) – ethanol solutions by means of ultrasonic relaxation spectroscopy. The results revealed two distinct relaxation processes that follow Debye-type frequency dependence. Despite the presence of both processes in the full concentration range studied, the low-frequency relaxation process, related to conformational change between the trans- and gauche-BPE conformers, dominates the acoustic spectra in the low-concentration range, while diminishes at higher concentrations with a parallel enhancement of the high-frequency relaxation process, which is attributed to the self-association of BPE molecules. Quantum mechanical calculations were performed to investigate the energetics of the trans- and gauche-conformers. The trans-species was found more thermodynamically stable than the gauche-conformer. By applying the Synchronous Transit-Guided Quasi-Newton (STQN) methodology, we confirmed the presence of a single transition structure. From the temperature dependence of the acoustic properties, we estimated the activation enthalpy and the enthalpy difference between the two conformers. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations have been applied to attain the corresponding enthalpies that were found close to the experimental values. Molecular docking calculations established the self-aggregation mechanism between BPE monomers forming three types of dimeric units, namely the trans-trans, the gauche-gauche and the trans-gauche dimer species with the latter found to be the most thermodynamically favorable. The concentration dependence of the sound velocity, mass density and shear viscosity evidenced the formation of BPE aggregates. From the temperature dependence of the acoustic spectra, the thermodynamic properties of the self-aggregation mechanism of BPE were also determined. Based on the vibrational spectroscopic data, the population of the gauche conformers was found to increase with concentration at the expense of the population of the trans conformers. From the study of the vibrational properties of the system in the short-rage order, we cannot exclude the presence of a specific dimer type in the overall structure. Nevertheless, regarding to the binding score of the trans-gauche dimer (-1.25 kcal/mol), this species is the most thermodynamically stable and most likely its population is higher in dense solutions relative to the other two dimer species.

Experimental characterization of the in-plane shear strength of unreinforced masonry walls with damp-proof course and thermal break layer

Due to the highly demanding energy standards in Europe and challenging weather conditions, thermal break elements, such as aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC), have become increasingly popular in modern day residential buildings made of masonry cavity walls. Furthermore, a damp-proof course (DPC) layer is also used on top of the thermal break element to prevent water seeping and eventual entrapment due to capillary action. The presence of an AAC layer and of a DPC can have an adverse effect on the in-plane shear strength of a masonry wall, although information on this is barely available in the existing literature. This study aims at filling that knowledge gap through experimental investigations on traditional masonry walls and composite masonry walls, i.e. with an AAC and a DPC layer. The in-plane shear behaviour is compared between both types of wall specimens on the base of load-displacement curves and observation of failure modes. The capacity of analytical design approaches in predicting the test results has also been assessed. For the tested configurations, it can be concluded that the presence of AAC and DPC makes the failure mode switch from diagonal shear sliding combined with flexural toe crushing to horizontal shear sliding with crushing localized in the AAC layer, associated to a drop of the resistance by 6 to 9% depending on the type of clay units and mortar. The proposed analytical method, derived from EN 1996-1-1, is providing a safe estimate of the test results with a similar level of accuracy for traditional and composite configurations (predicted values in the range of 75 to 86% of the measured values). Finally, the influence of the definition of the compressed length and of the shear span ratio are shortly discussed.

Evolution of the Planning Paradigm and Urban Design of Housing Complexes in the Context of Changing Challenges in Ukraine: Case of Lviv

The study provides a retrospective of the housing development in Lviv and the factors that affected it. Using the general process of housing evolution, the study focuses on the impact of the war as a catalyst that influenced the demand and volume of housing construction over the last decade. Moreover, it reflects the unprecedented demographic shift driven by the number of IDPs in Ukraine since the beginning of 2022. The study demonstrates that, due to the increased demand for housing, the approaches to the design of housing have changed in recent years, defining a new type of urban unit called a housing complex. The study aims to identify and examine the genesis and characteristics of the modern planning paradigm and urban design of residential architecture in Lviv in the context of shifting conditions. Spatial and urban characteristics, social indicators, resident focus, and urban influence evaluate the studied objects. The study results demonstrate key differences in planning philosophies and approaches to designing and constructing new housing, identifying qualitative differences between housing of the previous and current paradigms. A detailed examination and comparison of the studied complexes in Lviv reveals changes in the approach to their planning, reflecting the evolution from the inherited modernist approach to housing to the creation of sustainable planning. It also aims to determine the quality of Lviv's modern housing environment and the vector of its development.

Исследование работы термической опреснительной установки с контактным испарителем и компрессией паровоздушной смеси

One of the global issues of our time is the shortage of freshwater resources. Desalination of marine and brackish waters is a promising solution to this problem. The most common desalination technologies are thermal (distillation) and baromembrane (reverse osmosis and nanofiltration) processes. When designing demineralization stations with reverse osmosis units, it is necessary to consider a number of limitations associated with higher requirements for pretreatment of water entering the unit. The use of thermal desalination plants makes it possible to obtain fresh water of higher quality, and less stringent requirements are imposed on the preliminary preparation of water for this type of unit. However, during the operation of desalination plants of this type, scale forms on the heating surfaces, which negatively affects the efficiency of the unit. Scale is formed less intensively in the units with contact vapors, since in this case the evaporation process occurs in volume. Thus, the development of thermal scheme of such unit and the study of their operation is relevant. The tasks have been solved using the methods of experimental studies of heat and mass transfer processes, mathematical processing of experimental data, and balance calculations of power plants. A thermal scheme of a thermal desalination plant with a contact evaporator with compression of a vapor-air mixture has been developed. Thermal and material balance has been compiled, on the basis of which energy costs have been determined to obtain m3 of fresh water. The authors have proved the determining influence of the temperature of desalinated water in the bubbling zone on the productivity of desalination plants with a contact evaporator. An amendment has been obtained that allows the initial salinity of water and brine to be considered when calculating the operating cycle of the unit. As a result of the analysis of the results obtained, it is found that an increase in the water temperature in the bubbling zone allows us to increase the productivity of the unit, and an increase of the drying temperature of the vapor-air mixture leads to a decrease of the energy consumption of the desalination plant. The introduction of an amendment considering the salinity of the source water and brine makes it possible to increase the accuracy of calculating air humidification up to 15 %.

Evolution of the Planning Paradigm and Urban Design of Housing Complexes in the Context of Changing Challenges in Ukraine: Case of Lviv

The study provides a retrospective of the housing development in Lviv and the factors that affected it. Using the general process of housing evolution, the study focuses on the impact of the war as a catalyst that influenced the demand and volume of housing construction over the last decade. Moreover, it reflects the unprecedented demographic shift driven by the number of IDPs in Ukraine since the beginning of 2022. The study demonstrates that, due to the increased demand for housing, the approaches to the design of housing have changed in recent years, defining a new type of urban unit called a housing complex. The study aims to identify and examine the genesis and characteristics of the modern planning paradigm and urban design of residential architecture in Lviv in the context of shifting conditions. Spatial and urban characteristics, social indicators, resident focus, and urban influence evaluate the studied objects. The study results demonstrate key differences in planning philosophies and approaches to designing and constructing new housing, identifying qualitative differences between housing of the previous and current paradigms. A detailed examination and comparison of the studied complexes in Lviv reveals changes in the approach to their planning, reflecting the evolution from the inherited modernist approach to housing to the creation of sustainable planning. It also aims to determine the quality of Lviv's modern housing environment and the vector of its development.

Incidence of 1-year mortality, heart failure admissions and decompensation in patients with heart failure followed in HF units in Spain. Differences according to type of units

Abstract Introduction Heart failure is a serious health problem and continues to have a high mortality and incidence of decompensation, despite advances in its management. The introduction of specific multidisciplinary HF units has improved the management of patients with this disease, thanks to better organization and management of available diagnostic and therapeutic resources. The HF Association of the ESC and the Spanish Society of Cardiology have defined 3 types of HF units (community, specialized, and advanced) according to their structure, complexity, and portfolio of services. Purpose To analyze in a contemporary registry of patients with HF followed up in HF units in Spain whether the results in terms of mortality and HF decompensations during follow-up are similar or different between the 3 types of units. Methods We analyzed data from the registry of the SEC-Excelente-IC quality accreditation program of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, with 1,716 patients with HF included between 2019 and 2021 by 45 SEC-accredited HF units. Patients were included consecutively in two 1-month cutoffs (March and October) in that period. Units were defined as community, specialized, and advanced according to ESC HFA and SEC criteria. We compared the incidence of death, HF admissions and total decompensations at 1-year follow-up between community and specialized/advanced units. Results Of the 1716 patients, 55.5% were treated in community units, 65.9% in advanced units, and 20.9% in advanced HF units. Figure 1 shows the main characteristics and treatment used in the 3 types of units. The community units treated older patients and more HFpEF, and the use of NRA and AID was lower, with no differences in the remaining characteristics, comorbidities, or treatments (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the incidence of events at 1 year. Total mortality was 27.5% in community and 15.5% in specialized/advanced (p<0.001). HF admissions (39.7 vs 29.2%; p=0.019), HF decompensations without admission (16.4 vs 11.3%; p=0.074), total decompensations (56.1 vs 40.5%; p=0.003), and combined HF death/admissions (45.2 vs 31.4%; p=0.005) were statistically higher in community units. Control in specialized/advanced units was an independent protector factor for all events (mortality: HR 0.59, 0.43-0.82; p=0.002; HF admissions: HR 0.61, 0.42-0.90; p=0.012; total HF decompensations: HR 0.58, 0.42-0.81; p=0.001). Conclusions One-year prognosis of HF patients continues to be poor, with high rates of mortality and decompensations. Patients attended in community HF units was significantly worse in our country during the study period. Although this may be due in part to the small differences between the characteristics of the patients followed in the different types of units, it seems necessary to improve the network organization of HF care with the aim of achieving greater equity in the treatment of HF in Spain.

Polar-Layer-Driven Reconstruction of a Noncentrosymmetric Vandate Mid-Infrared Nonlinear-Optical Crystal.

Noncentrosymmetry (NCS) is essential for a second-harmonic nonlinear-optical (NLO) crystal; however, the tailored synthesis of NCS materials has historically posed significant challenges because the adjacent dipole moments of constituted NLO-active units in the structure tend to align in opposite directions, resulting in the NLO effect being canceled as in a centrosymmetric (CS) crystal. In this work, we propose a polar-layer-driven strategy, wherein a polarization-layered framework is constructed to constrain the dipole moment to align in the same direction, thereby facilitating the formation of the NCS structure. Taking the layered structure CS K2ZnV2O7 as a prototype compound, a novel vandate K4ZnV5O15Br (KZVB) was rationally synthesized via a multiple sites-oriented cosubstition method. KZVB containing two types of NLO-active units of V5+ d0 and Zn2+ d10 cations can be utilized as a mid-infrared NLO crystal with a remarkable NLO response comparable to that of nonoxide AgGaS2. This work not only broadens the effective strategy for designing novel NCS compounds but also provides a progressive development of NLO materials.

The rate and predictors of violence against EMS personnel

BackgroundViolence against Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel vary between studies. Current studies are mainly based on self-reporting, thus other designs are needed to provide more perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the rate and predictors of violent behavior targeted at EMS personnel by exploring the Electronic patient care records (ePCR) documentation by EMS personnel.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of EMS patients in Finland. The data were collected from three regions between 1st June and 30th November 2018. Text mining and manual evaluation were used to identify and explore predictors of violence targeted at EMS personnel from the ePCR narratives. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors that were independently associated with violent behavior. The results are presented with odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe EMS personnel reported experiences of violence in a total of 297 identified missions (0.7%) of all EMS missions (n = 40,263). The violence was mostly verbal (62.3%) and the most common violence perpetrator was the patient (98.0%). The police were alarmed to many missions where violence was reported (40.7%). Sometimes violence occurred suddenly although the police were present. The multivariable logistic regression model indicates that violence occurred typically in urban areas (OR 1.699; 95% CI 1.283 to 2.248), at weekend nights (OR 1.357; 95% CI 1.043 to 1.765), by male (OR 1.501; 95% CI 1.160 to 1.942), and patients influenced by alcohol (OR 3.464; 95% CI 2.644 to 4.538). A NEWS2 score of 3 in any parameter (vs. score 0–4, OR 2.386; 95% CI: 1.788 to 3.185) and ALS unit type (vs. BLS, OR 1.373; 95% CI: 1.009 to 1.866) increased the likelihood as well.ConclusionsThe documentation in ePCRs show low rates of violence targeted at EMS personnel. However, violence is a multidimensional phenomenon connected to unfamiliar patients, rushed situations, and an uncontrolled environment. This means that the EMS personnels’ safety cannot be ensured in all situations. Therefore, a balance between safety margins and treating patients needs to be considered.

Does It Matter Whether to Use Circular or Square Plots in Forest Inventories? A Multivariate Comparison

The design of a sampling unit, whether a simple plot or a subplot within a clustered structure, including shape and size, has received little attention in inferential forestry research. The use of auxiliary variables from remote sensing impacts the precision of estimators from both model-assisted and model-based inference perspectives. In both cases, model parameters are estimated from a sample of field plots and information from pixels corresponding to these units. In studies assisted by remote sensing, the shape of the plot used to fit regression models (typically circular) often differs from the shape of the population elements for prediction, where the area of interest is divided into equal tessellated parts. This raises interest in understanding the effect of the sampling unit shape on the mean of variables in forest stands of interest. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of circular and square subplots, concentrically overlapped and arranged in an inverted Y cluster structure, over tree density, basal area, and aboveground biomass in a managed temperate forest in central Mexico. We used a Multivariate Generalised Linear Mixed Model, which considers the Gamma distribution of the variables and accounts for spatial correlation between Secondary Sampling Units nested within the Primary Sampling Unit. The main findings of this study indicate that the type of secondary sampling unit of the same area and centroid, whether circular or square, does not significantly affect the mean tree density (trees), basal area (m2), and aerial biomass.

Characterization, Codon Usage Pattern and Phylogenetic Implications of the Waterlily Aphid Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Mitochondrial Genome.

The water lily aphid, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae, is the only known aphid that can live in both terrestrial and aquatic conditions. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of R. nymphaeae was generated using Illumina sequencing technology. The typical circular DNA mitochondrial genome of R. nymphaeae is 15,772 bp in length, with a high A+T content (84.34%). It contains 37 coding genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transport RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs) and two non-coding regions (one control region and one repeat region). Enc-plot, PR2-bias, and neutrality plot analysis indicated that the codon usage of the protein-coding genes is mainly affected by natural selection. The evolution rate analysis (the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous, Ka/Ks) indicated that all the PCGs in R. nymphaeae are under a strong purifying selection. The control region has conserved structure elements, and two types of tandem repeat units exist. The length and sequence of the aphid-unique repeat region has high similarity with closely related species. Phylogenetic analyses determined by both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference support the monophyly of Aphidinae, Aphidini, Aphidina, and Rhopalosiphina. However, the monophyly of the genera in Rhopalosiphina, such as Rhopalosiphum, is still not resolved. This study may help us to understand the phylogenetic relationship of aphids, and much more aphid data are needed in future studies.

Pore-Scale multi-objective shape optimization of triply periodic minimal surface cellular architectures: Volumetric Nusselt number versus friction factor

Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) cellular architectures, i.e., minimal surfaces that are periodic in three independent directions, have attracted interest in the engineering community for their potential in heat transfer applications with severe volume constraints due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, unique geometrical properties and smooth porous structure. Such performance can be conveniently controlled by tuning the TPMS unit type, relative density, and structural parameters. In this study, a multi-objective optimization process is carried out to investigate how pore-scale geometric characteristics affect the heat transfer performance of TPMS, and which combinations result in an optimal trade-off between heat dissipation capability and associated pressure drop in terms of the Nusselt number and friction factor. The analysis is performed using an in-house Genetic Algorithm routine that generates the structure, allowing for a wider and denser range of investigation, and incorporates a commercial finite element CFD software as a black box fitness function. Over 14,000 unique combinations between two heat transfer boundary conditions (constant wall heat flux, fixed wall temperature) and several flow inlet conditions are investigated. The optimization achieved an increase in performance of up to 245 % in terms of volumetric Nusselt number, which was accompanied, however, by a significant, although reasonable, increase in friction factor values. The results also show specific trends among the geometric characteristics studied, which are then contextualized through the use of CFD analysis. Finally, empirical correlations are derived to cluster the non-dominated solutions obtained, enabling the reader to choose the best cellular TPMS structure by selecting the desired level of trade-off between convection heat transfer and flow resistance.

What makes communication work and for whom? Examining interprofessional collaboration among home care staff using structural equation modeling

ABSTRACT Up to 175 conditions influencing interprofessional practices have been identified. Still, little is known about to what extent these conditions interact, influence communication, and vary across professional groups and settings. We explored these knowledge gaps by examining communication among staff in home care and home nursing units in two Danish municipalities, Herning and Holstebro. Conditions were categorized into two types (programme and context) and two levels (professional and organizational). Structural Equation Modeling was used with a sample of 395 staff and 21 managers to analyze the condition categories’ interactions, influences on communication, and variations by unit type and municipality. Context conditions strongly influenced programme conditions on the professional and organizational levels. Organizational-level context conditions had no significant influence, organizational-level programme conditions had a weak influence, and professional-level programme and context conditions had moderate influences on communication. Lastly, professional-level programme conditions had the biggest influence on communication for staff in home care units and in Holstebro. In contrast, professional-level context conditions had the biggest influence on communication for staff in home nursing units and in Herning. These findings offer unique insights into conditions’ interactions, influences, and variances, contributing to our understanding of what makes communication work and for whom.

Depth of Cure of Resin-Based Composites Irradiated With Three Types of Light-Curing Units at Different Output Intensities

Depth of Cure of Resin-Based Composites Irradiated With Three Types of Light-Curing Units at Different Output Intensities

Examining surplus and shortage in occupied housing preference in Malaysia

Purpose Housing sufficiency is a critical indicator of national development and growth. However, in most countries, housing affordability remains a significant challenge, leading to a mismatch between housing supply and demand. The purpose of this study is to investigate the housing preferences, current occupation and the resulting surplus and shortage across various housing types. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey, and the analysis focused on quantifying the mismatch between preferred and occupied housing types. Findings Results revealed significant disparities between housing preferences and current occupation, with some housing types experiencing surplus and others facing shortages. The findings uncovered a 23% discrepancy in housing demand and supply. The sensitivity results indicate that 30% of the respondents currently living in a particular type of housing unit would choose to live there if given the option. The specificity results show that 90% of respondents not living in a particular type of housing unit would continue to avoid choosing it. Housing price, income, ethnicity, race and location are the major drivers of the housing preferences. Practical implications Developers can align their projects with consumer preferences to minimize surplus and shortages. Financial institutions may consider these insights when tailoring mortgage products to meet the diverse needs of potential homebuyers. This research provides a valuable foundation for strategic planning and policy formulation aimed at enhancing housing sufficiency and socioeconomic development in Malaysia. Originality/value This study lays the foundation for future research and for incentive mechanisms for homebuyers and developers. The results are useful to policymakers, developers, banks, consultants, housing associations and academics.

The efficiency of portable air cleaners in reducing cross-exposure through respiratory aerosols: Effects of flowrate, location, and unit type

This study evaluates the efficacy of portable air cleaners (PACs) in a controlled climate chamber that simulates an office environment, assessing their impact on respiratory particle transmission between two thermal manikins (representing an infected and an exposed individual) as well as on the noise level in the chamber. The study explores three types of PAC, namely floor-type (PAC1), table (PAC2) and personalized (PAC3) in various locations and operation modes. The particles were generated using an aerosol generator and introduced into the infected manikin's exhalation; the particle concentration at the exposed manikin's breathing zone (BZ) was measured using an aerodynamic particle sizer. The results showed that the PAC2, operating at a flow rate of 97 m³/h, significantly reduced the intake fraction (IF) by over 90 % within the first hour, proving to be the most effective in minimizing cross-exposure risks while maintaining sound levels within the acceptable limits for office rooms. In contrast, PAC3, with a lower flow rate of 13 m³/h, reduced IF by only 21.6 % after 60 min. The result also showed that settings with higher flow rates (higher than 134 m3/h) resulted in noise levels above the maximum allowable for office spaces for all tested PACs. Additionally, prolonged operation did not further decrease IF significantly after reaching optimal reduction levels within 30–60 min, depending on the PAC type and settings. Further, the study showed that strategic placement away from direct alignment with occupants' BZ is recommended to optimize aerosol removal and noise management.

A Method for Predicting the Result of University Employment Education Transformation Based on Multi-Source Information Technology

In the data on the outcomes of higher education employment transformation, there is high correlation among multiple independent variables, leading to multicollinearity. If multicollinearity exists, it can complicate the establishment of predictive analysis models and the interpretation of relationships between variables for higher education employment transformation outcomes. The employment issues of college graduates have become a focal point of social concern. These issues not only reflect the employment status of college graduates but also indirectly indicate the quality of higher education and the level of talent cultivation. Therefore, a prediction method for the effectiveness of higher education employment transformation based on multi-source information technology is proposed. According to the theory of multi-source information technology, an employment data classification framework is constructed to integrate multi-source information. The matching operator function output values are calculated, weights are determined, and the final college student information collection results are output. The standard error between employment unit types and salary ranges is analyzed, clustering training samples are trained, and the distance from each employment information sample to the centroid is calculated to obtain preprocessing results of the transformation outcomes, thus avoiding the impact of multicollinearity on the results of higher education employment transformation. A model structure for analyzing factors influencing higher education employment is established, allowing for an understanding of the characteristics of different types of educational resources and enabling the prediction of the effectiveness of higher education employment transformation. Experimental results show that this method can accurately monitor the dynamic employment situation of university students. After applying this method, the standard error and probability error values are significantly reduced, proving to be significantly effective in predicting the outcomes of higher education employment transformation.