A Level考试素有“英国高考”之称。其制度演进大致经历了发轫与探索、扩张与调适、回归与重塑三个阶段,其主要变革内容包括四个方面:组织形式从年终末考的线性考试模式发展为一年多考的模块化考试,再回归线性考试模式;考试评价从常模...A Level考试素有“英国高考”之称。其制度演进大致经历了发轫与探索、扩张与调适、回归与重塑三个阶段,其主要变革内容包括四个方面:组织形式从年终末考的线性考试模式发展为一年多考的模块化考试,再回归线性考试模式;考试评价从常模参照转变为标准参照,评价手段逐步优化;考试要求从注重学科深度转变为强调知识广度,再发展为追求广度和深度并重;考试内容从偏重学术性转变为普职并重,再发展为职普融通和强调基础学科。变革的动因既有来自外部的国际竞争加剧和国内政党轮替,也有来自内部的文化价值观驱动和考试选才效度追求。A Level考试制度对我国高考改革有一定启发,我国可结合国情,以基础学科为支点、职普融通为路径、多样化的考试选择为依托、预测效度为导向,开展本土化探索。展开更多
Accurate prediction of water level changes in reservoirs is crucial for optimizing the operation of reservoir projects and ensuring their safety.This study proposed a method for reservoir water level prediction based ...Accurate prediction of water level changes in reservoirs is crucial for optimizing the operation of reservoir projects and ensuring their safety.This study proposed a method for reservoir water level prediction based on CEEMDAN-FE and RUN-SVM-RBFNN algorithms.By integrating the adaptive complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise(CEEMDAN)method and fuzzy entropy(FE)with the new and highly efficient Runge–Kuta optimizer(RUN),adaptive parameter optimization for the support vector machine(SVM)and radial basis function neural network(RBFNN)algorithms was achieved.Regression prediction was conducted on the two reconstructed sequences using SVM and RBFNN according to their respective features.This approach improved the accuracy and stability of predictions.In terms of accuracy,the combined model outperformed single models,with the determination coefficient,root mean square error,and mean absolute error values of 0.9975,0.2418 m,and 0.1616 m,respectively.In terms of stability,the model predicted more consistently in training and testing periods,with stable overall prediction accuracy and a better adaptive ability to complex datasets.The case study demonstrated that the combined prediction model effectively addressed the environmental factors affecting reservoir water levels,leveraged the strength of each predictive method,compensated for their limitations,and clarified the impacts of environmental factors on reservoir water levels.展开更多
To explore water level variations and their dynamic influence on the water quality of Huayang Lakes,the water level from 1967 to 2023 and water quality from 2015 to 2023 were analyzed using the Mann–Kendall trend tes...To explore water level variations and their dynamic influence on the water quality of Huayang Lakes,the water level from 1967 to 2023 and water quality from 2015 to 2023 were analyzed using the Mann–Kendall trend test,box plots,and violin plots.The results show a notable hydrological rhythm of water level alternation between dry and flood seasons in Huayang Lakes,with an average water level of 12.82 m and a monthly range of 11.21–17.24m.Since 2017,the water level of Huayang Rivers has shown a decreasing trend of–0.02 m/a.Total phosphorus(TP)has become the primary pollutant.The TP concentrations in Longgan Lake(the largest lake)during the dry,rising,flood,and retreating seasons from 2015 to 2023were 0.083,0.061,0.050,and 0.059 mg/L,respectively.The effect of water level on TP was mainly observed during the low-water period.When the water level in the dry season rose to 12.25 and 13.00 m,the percentage of TP exceeding 0.1 mg/L in Longgan Lake decreased to 55.8%and 33.3%,respectively.During the dry season,wind and wave disturbances caused the release of endogenous phosphorus in Huayang Lakes.This led to drastic fluctuations in TP concentration,reducing the correlation between water level and TP.When external control is limited,the water level during the dry season should be maintained between 12.25 and 13.0 m.Additionally,it is necessary to accelerate the restoration of submerged macrophyte species(such as Hydrilla verticillata and Vallisneria natans)in the Huayang Rivers.展开更多
For the diagnostics and health management of lithium-ion batteries,numerous models have been developed to understand their degradation characteristics.These models typically fall into two categories:data-driven models...For the diagnostics and health management of lithium-ion batteries,numerous models have been developed to understand their degradation characteristics.These models typically fall into two categories:data-driven models and physical models,each offering unique advantages but also facing limitations.Physics-informed neural networks(PINNs)provide a robust framework to integrate data-driven models with physical principles,ensuring consistency with underlying physics while enabling generalization across diverse operational conditions.This study introduces a PINN-based approach to reconstruct open circuit voltage(OCV)curves and estimate key ageing parameters at both the cell and electrode levels.These parameters include available capacity,electrode capacities,and lithium inventory capacity.The proposed method integrates OCV reconstruction models as functional components into convolutional neural networks(CNNs)and is validated using a public dataset.The results reveal that the estimated ageing parameters closely align with those obtained through offline OCV tests,with errors in reconstructed OCV curves remaining within 15 mV.This demonstrates the ability of the method to deliver fast and accurate degradation diagnostics at the electrode level,advancing the potential for precise and efficient battery health management.展开更多
Fluvial systems play a crucial role in coastal and riverine ecosystems, making it essential to understand their responses to sea level changes for preserving biodiversity and managing natural resources. The evolution ...Fluvial systems play a crucial role in coastal and riverine ecosystems, making it essential to understand their responses to sea level changes for preserving biodiversity and managing natural resources. The evolution of the modern Indus River Delta offers a rare opportunity to study the interplay between sea level fluctuations, tectonism, sediment supply, and the corresponding fluvial responses. This study employs the ‘SedSim' stratigraphic forward model to simulate the delta's evolution from 200 kyr to the next5 kyr, drawing on data from field observations, Landsat imagery, digital elevation models, and previous studies. The model consists of 205 layers, each representing a 1-kyr time step, covering the last two glacial-interglacial cycles. Between 200 kyr and 130 kyr, during a lowstand period, sedimentation on the delta plain continued due to partial flow from the Indus River. During the last interglacial(130–60 kyr), rising sea levels led to peak sediment deposition, characteristic of a highstand phase. From 60 kyr to 18 kyr, sea levels dropped to their lowest during the Last Glacial Maximum(LGM), resulting in extensive erosion and minimal deposition on the delta plain. From 18 kyr to the present, rapidly rising sea levels, coupled with intensified monsoon activity, increased sedimentation rates and triggered avulsion and aggradation processes. The model accurately predicted depositional thickness across the delta plain, indicating a maximum of ca. 200 m at the shoreline platform, ca. 175 m in the northeastern delta, and ca. 100 m in the central delta. The study underscores the delta's vulnerability to future sea level rise, which–at a projected rate of 1 m/kyr–could significantly influence the densely populated, low-lying delta plain. These findings offer valuable insights into the geomorphic evolution of the Indus Delta and emphasize the socioeconomic implications of sea level change, underscoring the importance of proactive management and adaptation strategies.展开更多
Metallogenic research on structural levels can reveal vertical patterns of mineralization and facilitate the deep exploration of economic minerals.However,research focusing on the correlation between structural levels...Metallogenic research on structural levels can reveal vertical patterns of mineralization and facilitate the deep exploration of economic minerals.However,research focusing on the correlation between structural levels and mineralization remains limited.In this study,we summarize the deformation patterns and associated mineral deposits observed at different crustal levels(i.e.,surface,shallow,middle,and deep structural levels,corresponding to depths of<2,2-8,8-15,and>15 km,respectively).Furthermore,we examine the genetic association between structural levels and metallogenesis,demonstrating that distinct structural levels are linked to specific types of mineralization.Key factors that vary across crustal levels include temperature,pressure,and fluid circulation.Ore-forming processes involve interactions between structures and fluids under varying temperatures and pressures.Structural levels influence mineralization by controlling the temperatures,pressures,and deformation mechanisms that drive the activation,migration,and enrichment of ore-forming materials.展开更多
The Thwaites Glacier in western Antarctica(Fig. 1) keeps glaciologists and climate scientists awake at night. The 120 kmwide glacier loses about 45 billion tonnes of ice each year, accounting for about 4% of global se...The Thwaites Glacier in western Antarctica(Fig. 1) keeps glaciologists and climate scientists awake at night. The 120 kmwide glacier loses about 45 billion tonnes of ice each year, accounting for about 4% of global sea level rise [1]. If it melted completely, sea levels would climb 65 cm, and follow-on effects could lead to a 3 m increase [2]. But if some scientists' vision becomes reality, in 10–15 years construction crews will sail into the Amundsen Sea off Antarctica to begin building an 80 km long underwater curtain that will shield the glacier from the warm currents that are accelerating its decline [3].展开更多
Computed tomography is an indispensable X-ray imaging modality used to diagnose numerous pathologies, but it can also involve the delivery of high ionizing radiation doses harmful to the health of patients. This study...Computed tomography is an indispensable X-ray imaging modality used to diagnose numerous pathologies, but it can also involve the delivery of high ionizing radiation doses harmful to the health of patients. This study aims to survey the level of radiation doses delivered to child patients during head exams in CT imaging to set up the Dosimetric Reference Levels (DRLs), a routine dose optimization tool, based on data acquired at the University Hospital of Angré (UHA), the University Hospital of Treichville (UHT) and the Polyclinic Hospital Farah (Farah) for optimizing procedures in Ivorian hospitals. Prospectively performed on 334 CT images of 186 child patients, this study was carried out on CT systems such as Hitachi Scenaria, Sinovision Insitum, and Philips Incisive used respectively at UHA, UHT and Farah. Children’s scan data were classified into four age bands: vol or dose-length product as DLP) value, whatever the hospital, increases with respect to the age of child patients. Based on the 75th percentile of the whole dose distributions, the DRLs of the CTDIvol is 54.37 mGy whatever the age groups and those of the DLP with respect to age bands are 1224.55 mGy∙cm, 1414.06 mGy∙cm, 1632.24 mGy.cm and 1544.57 mGy∙cm, respectively. The averaged values of CTDIvol and DLP smaller than the corresponding DRLs values suggest that practices in our three facilities are optimized. However, comparing our results with those from different international studies, we see that the CTDIvol and DLP values obtained in the present work are higher. These results suggest additional surveys to ensure our DRLs values and efforts from radiologists, imaging technicians and medical physicists to strengthen clinical procedures for the radiation protection of children undergoing CT scans in Côte d’Ivoire.展开更多
BackgroundIt's crucial to study the effect of changes in thresholds(T)and most comfortable levels(M)on behavioral measurements in young children using cochlear implants.This would help the clinician with the optim...BackgroundIt's crucial to study the effect of changes in thresholds(T)and most comfortable levels(M)on behavioral measurements in young children using cochlear implants.This would help the clinician with the optimization and validation of programming parameters.ObjectiveThe study has attempted to describe the changes in behavioral responses with modification of T and M levels.MethodsTwenty-five participants in the age range 5 to 12 years using HR90K/HiFocus1J or HR90KAdvantage/HiFocus1J with Harmony speech processors participated in the study.A decrease in T levels,a rise in T levels,or a decrease in M levels in the everyday program were used to create experimental programs.Sound field thresholds and speech perception were measured at 50 dBHL for three experimental and everyday programs.ConclusionThe results indicated that only reductions of M levels resulted in significantly(p<0.01)poor aided thresholds and speech perception.On the other hand,variation in T levels did not have significant changes in either sound field thresholds or speech perception.The results highlight that M levels must be correctly established in order to prevent decreased speech perception and audibility.展开更多
Water level is the overriding control on carbon cycles in peatlands,which are important for global carbon cycles and ecosystem services.To date,our knowledge of the pattern of water level fluctuations in peatlands and...Water level is the overriding control on carbon cycles in peatlands,which are important for global carbon cycles and ecosystem services.To date,our knowledge of the pattern of water level fluctuations in peatlands and the influence of precipitation and air temperature on them in the subtropical remains poor.In this study,we conducted continuous high-resolution monitoring of water levels from 2014 to 2021 in the Dajiuhu peatland,a typically subtropical peatland in central China.Monitoring results showed that the water level had strong annual(370 days) and seasonal(130 days) oscillations in the Dajiuhu peatland.The annual oscillation is associated with both precipitation and temperature,while the seasonal oscillation is mainly controlled by precipitation.In addition,the depth of peat surface to the water table(DWT) has weak but significant correlations with precipitation and temperature on the daily and weekly scales(r = 0.1–0.21,p<0.01).Once replacing DWT with water table fluctuation cumulation,the correlation coefficients increase apparently(r = 0.47–0.69,p<0.01),especially on the monthly scale.These findings highlight a more important role of the fluctuation than the mean position of water level and have the potential to improve the interpretation of water-level related paleoenvironmental proxies and the understanding of the relationship between water level and biogeochemical processes.展开更多
The purpose of this research was to evaluate radiological safety in pediatric radiology in hospitals in the Kongo Central province of the DRC. To this end, we surveyed a convenience sample of 50 health professionals, ...The purpose of this research was to evaluate radiological safety in pediatric radiology in hospitals in the Kongo Central province of the DRC. To this end, we surveyed a convenience sample of 50 health professionals, including 10 radiologists working in the hospitals covered by the survey, to assess the practice of pediatric radiology and the degree of compliance with radiation protection principles for the safety of children and the environment. We collected radiophysical parameters to calculate entrance doses in pediatric radiology in radiology departments to determine the dosimetric level by comparison with the diagnostic reference levels of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). All in all, we found that in Kongo Central in the DRC, many health personnel surveyed reported that more than 30% of requested radiological examinations are not justified. Also, after comparing the entrance doses produced in the surveyed departments with those of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), a statistically significant difference was found in pediatric radiology between the average doses in five out of six surveyed departments and those of the ICRP. Therefore, almost all of the surveyed departments were found to be highly irradiating in children, while excessive X-ray irradiation in children can have significant effects due to their increased sensitivity to radiation. Among the risks are: increased cancer risks, damage to developing cells, potential genetic effects, and neurological effects. This is why support for implementing radiation protection principles is a necessity to promote the safety of patients and the environment against the harmful effects of X-rays in conventional radiology.展开更多
Objective:This study aims to determine the effectiveness of giving a combination of Fe tablets and beetroot juice in increasing hemoglobin(Hb)levels of pregnant women with anemia in the Mataram City area.Methods:This ...Objective:This study aims to determine the effectiveness of giving a combination of Fe tablets and beetroot juice in increasing hemoglobin(Hb)levels of pregnant women with anemia in the Mataram City area.Methods:This study was designed with quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test with control design.The location of this study was conducted in the city of Mataram on pregnant women with anemia.The sample of this study was pregnant women with mild anemia based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,divided into 2 groups:a control group and a treatment group of 15 respondents each,bringing the total respondents to 30 people.Analysis of Hb level measurement results was carried out using the independent sample t-test.Results:The results obtained in the treatment group(combination of beet juice and Fe tablets)were the mean pre-test of 9.93 mg/dL and post-test of 11.90 mg/dL(P-value=0.000),which means there is effectiveness in increasing hemoglobin levels while in the control group.Comparison of increased Hb levels of the control group and significantly different treatments marked by a P value of 0.001.Conclusions:the combination of Fe tablets and beetroot juice is effective in increasing Hb levels of pregnant women with anemia in the Mataram City area.展开更多
A data-driven model ofmultiple variable cutting(M-VCUT)level set-based substructure is proposed for the topology optimization of lattice structures.TheM-VCUTlevel setmethod is used to represent substructures,enriching...A data-driven model ofmultiple variable cutting(M-VCUT)level set-based substructure is proposed for the topology optimization of lattice structures.TheM-VCUTlevel setmethod is used to represent substructures,enriching their diversity of configuration while ensuring connectivity.To construct the data-driven model of substructure,a database is prepared by sampling the space of substructures spanned by several substructure prototypes.Then,for each substructure in this database,the stiffness matrix is condensed so that its degrees of freedomare reduced.Thereafter,the data-drivenmodel of substructures is constructed through interpolationwith compactly supported radial basis function(CS-RBF).The inputs of the data-driven model are the design variables of topology optimization,and the outputs are the condensed stiffness matrix and volume of substructures.During the optimization,this data-driven model is used,thus avoiding repeated static condensation that would requiremuch computation time.Several numerical examples are provided to verify the proposed method.展开更多
Objective:To explore the associations between income levels,employment risk,lifestyles,occupational stress,and male fertility.Methods:This cross-sectional study analyzed 294 men seeking fertility treatment at fertilit...Objective:To explore the associations between income levels,employment risk,lifestyles,occupational stress,and male fertility.Methods:This cross-sectional study analyzed 294 men seeking fertility treatment at fertility clinics in Terengganu,Pahang,and Kuala Lumpur from November 2021 to June 2023.Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering income levels,lifestyles,employment risks,occupational stress,and semen quality.Multinomial logistic regression was employed to assess predictors of semen quality,with crude and adjusted odds ratios(OR)reported.Results:The lower-income group exhibited higher odds of having abnormal semen quality compared to normal semen quality.Specifically,these participants were more likely to experience azoospermia[crude OR 6.68,95%confidence interval(CI)1.84-52.63;adjusted OR 6.26,95%CI 1.76-51.38],indicating a link between low income and infertility issues.Lifestyle factors did not show significant associations with semen abnormalities after adjustment.High employment risks had significant associations with oligozoospermia after adjustment(crude OR 5.50,95%CI 2.14-14.11;adjusted OR 5.15,95%CI 1.93-13.71),while high occupational stress was linked to asthenozoospermia(crude OR 2.26,95%CI 1.09-4.68;adjusted OR 2.25,95%CI 1.07-4.69).Conclusions:The findings underscore the influence of socioeconomic and occupational factors on male fertility,showing associations between lower income levels,high-risk occupations,and semen abnormalities.In contrast,lifestyle factors did not show significant associations with semen abnormalities after adjustment.Nevertheless,the current findings should be further confirmed through more extensive studies focusing on abnormal semen and lifestyle factors.展开更多
In recent years,the water level in the Mekong Delta(MD)has undergone changes,attributed to the impacts of anthropogenic activities and climate change.Declining water levels have had implications for various aspects of...In recent years,the water level in the Mekong Delta(MD)has undergone changes,attributed to the impacts of anthropogenic activities and climate change.Declining water levels have had implications for various aspects of life and aquatic ecosystems in the lower basin water bodies.Analyzing long-term trends in rainfall and water levels is crucial for enhancing our understanding.This study aims to examine the evolving patterns of water level and rainfall in the region.Data on water levels and rainfall from observation stations were gathered from the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting,Vietnam,spanning from 2000 to 2014.The assessment of homogeneity and identification of trend changes were conducted using the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test(SNHT)and the Mann-Kendall test.The results indicate that changes in water levels at the Tan Chau and Chau Doc stations have been observed since 2010 due to the operation of flow-regulating structures in the upper Mekong River.Following the commencement of upstream dam operations,the water level at the headwater stations of the Mekong River has been higher than the long-term average during the dry season and lower than the average during the flood season.The study findings highlight the influence of altered rainfall patterns under the impact of climate variability(ICC)on water level trends in the study area.While rainfall plays a significant role in increasing water levels during the flood season,the operation of hydropower dams(UHDs)stands out as the primary factor driving water level reductions in the study area.展开更多
Separation between water and land is vital for marine scientific research and coastal zone planning and management.The contrasting backscatter properties of land and ocean enable clear water edge line identification i...Separation between water and land is vital for marine scientific research and coastal zone planning and management.The contrasting backscatter properties of land and ocean enable clear water edge line identification in synthetic aperture radar(SAR)imagery.However,SAR images are prone to speckle noise,and the complexity of the water-land boundaries environment makes accurate water-land separation challenging.To overcome noise and complex background interference in remote sensing images,an improved level set method was employed to enhance water-land separation.In the traditional distance regularized level set method,the selection of the image correlation weight coefficient and the edge indicator function directly influences the accuracy of the final segmentation results.A novel level set segmentation algorithm incorporating an improved edge indicator function is proposed to efficiently and accurately separate the water edge lines in SAR images.The distance regularized level set evolution model is enhanced by incorporating the signed pressure force function as an adaptive parameter,which serves as an external constraint for curve evolution.A novel level set model with an adaptive edge indicator function,combining gradient and regional information,is proposed.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model enhances the accuracy of waterland separation in SAR images.However,further research is needed to evaluate its potential for detecting boundaries in diverse marine environments and across different types of SAR imagery.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFC3005401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52239009)。
文摘Accurate prediction of water level changes in reservoirs is crucial for optimizing the operation of reservoir projects and ensuring their safety.This study proposed a method for reservoir water level prediction based on CEEMDAN-FE and RUN-SVM-RBFNN algorithms.By integrating the adaptive complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise(CEEMDAN)method and fuzzy entropy(FE)with the new and highly efficient Runge–Kuta optimizer(RUN),adaptive parameter optimization for the support vector machine(SVM)and radial basis function neural network(RBFNN)algorithms was achieved.Regression prediction was conducted on the two reconstructed sequences using SVM and RBFNN according to their respective features.This approach improved the accuracy and stability of predictions.In terms of accuracy,the combined model outperformed single models,with the determination coefficient,root mean square error,and mean absolute error values of 0.9975,0.2418 m,and 0.1616 m,respectively.In terms of stability,the model predicted more consistently in training and testing periods,with stable overall prediction accuracy and a better adaptive ability to complex datasets.The case study demonstrated that the combined prediction model effectively addressed the environmental factors affecting reservoir water levels,leveraged the strength of each predictive method,compensated for their limitations,and clarified the impacts of environmental factors on reservoir water levels.
基金The Joint Research Project for Yangtze River Conservation,No.2022-LHYJ-02-0504-05-08Anhui Provincial Scientific Research Project for Universities,China No.2023AH050508。
文摘To explore water level variations and their dynamic influence on the water quality of Huayang Lakes,the water level from 1967 to 2023 and water quality from 2015 to 2023 were analyzed using the Mann–Kendall trend test,box plots,and violin plots.The results show a notable hydrological rhythm of water level alternation between dry and flood seasons in Huayang Lakes,with an average water level of 12.82 m and a monthly range of 11.21–17.24m.Since 2017,the water level of Huayang Rivers has shown a decreasing trend of–0.02 m/a.Total phosphorus(TP)has become the primary pollutant.The TP concentrations in Longgan Lake(the largest lake)during the dry,rising,flood,and retreating seasons from 2015 to 2023were 0.083,0.061,0.050,and 0.059 mg/L,respectively.The effect of water level on TP was mainly observed during the low-water period.When the water level in the dry season rose to 12.25 and 13.00 m,the percentage of TP exceeding 0.1 mg/L in Longgan Lake decreased to 55.8%and 33.3%,respectively.During the dry season,wind and wave disturbances caused the release of endogenous phosphorus in Huayang Lakes.This led to drastic fluctuations in TP concentration,reducing the correlation between water level and TP.When external control is limited,the water level during the dry season should be maintained between 12.25 and 13.0 m.Additionally,it is necessary to accelerate the restoration of submerged macrophyte species(such as Hydrilla verticillata and Vallisneria natans)in the Huayang Rivers.
基金supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.L223013)。
文摘For the diagnostics and health management of lithium-ion batteries,numerous models have been developed to understand their degradation characteristics.These models typically fall into two categories:data-driven models and physical models,each offering unique advantages but also facing limitations.Physics-informed neural networks(PINNs)provide a robust framework to integrate data-driven models with physical principles,ensuring consistency with underlying physics while enabling generalization across diverse operational conditions.This study introduces a PINN-based approach to reconstruct open circuit voltage(OCV)curves and estimate key ageing parameters at both the cell and electrode levels.These parameters include available capacity,electrode capacities,and lithium inventory capacity.The proposed method integrates OCV reconstruction models as functional components into convolutional neural networks(CNNs)and is validated using a public dataset.The results reveal that the estimated ageing parameters closely align with those obtained through offline OCV tests,with errors in reconstructed OCV curves remaining within 15 mV.This demonstrates the ability of the method to deliver fast and accurate degradation diagnostics at the electrode level,advancing the potential for precise and efficient battery health management.
基金the Science and Technology Innovation Project of the Laoshan Laboratory (No. LSKJ202203402)the Major Research Project on the Tethys Geodynamic System from the National Science Foundation of China (No. 92055204)。
文摘Fluvial systems play a crucial role in coastal and riverine ecosystems, making it essential to understand their responses to sea level changes for preserving biodiversity and managing natural resources. The evolution of the modern Indus River Delta offers a rare opportunity to study the interplay between sea level fluctuations, tectonism, sediment supply, and the corresponding fluvial responses. This study employs the ‘SedSim' stratigraphic forward model to simulate the delta's evolution from 200 kyr to the next5 kyr, drawing on data from field observations, Landsat imagery, digital elevation models, and previous studies. The model consists of 205 layers, each representing a 1-kyr time step, covering the last two glacial-interglacial cycles. Between 200 kyr and 130 kyr, during a lowstand period, sedimentation on the delta plain continued due to partial flow from the Indus River. During the last interglacial(130–60 kyr), rising sea levels led to peak sediment deposition, characteristic of a highstand phase. From 60 kyr to 18 kyr, sea levels dropped to their lowest during the Last Glacial Maximum(LGM), resulting in extensive erosion and minimal deposition on the delta plain. From 18 kyr to the present, rapidly rising sea levels, coupled with intensified monsoon activity, increased sedimentation rates and triggered avulsion and aggradation processes. The model accurately predicted depositional thickness across the delta plain, indicating a maximum of ca. 200 m at the shoreline platform, ca. 175 m in the northeastern delta, and ca. 100 m in the central delta. The study underscores the delta's vulnerability to future sea level rise, which–at a projected rate of 1 m/kyr–could significantly influence the densely populated, low-lying delta plain. These findings offer valuable insights into the geomorphic evolution of the Indus Delta and emphasize the socioeconomic implications of sea level change, underscoring the importance of proactive management and adaptation strategies.
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.2022YFF0800903 and 2024YFC2909905)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(Grant Nos.42261144669,42262026,and 42273073).
文摘Metallogenic research on structural levels can reveal vertical patterns of mineralization and facilitate the deep exploration of economic minerals.However,research focusing on the correlation between structural levels and mineralization remains limited.In this study,we summarize the deformation patterns and associated mineral deposits observed at different crustal levels(i.e.,surface,shallow,middle,and deep structural levels,corresponding to depths of<2,2-8,8-15,and>15 km,respectively).Furthermore,we examine the genetic association between structural levels and metallogenesis,demonstrating that distinct structural levels are linked to specific types of mineralization.Key factors that vary across crustal levels include temperature,pressure,and fluid circulation.Ore-forming processes involve interactions between structures and fluids under varying temperatures and pressures.Structural levels influence mineralization by controlling the temperatures,pressures,and deformation mechanisms that drive the activation,migration,and enrichment of ore-forming materials.
文摘The Thwaites Glacier in western Antarctica(Fig. 1) keeps glaciologists and climate scientists awake at night. The 120 kmwide glacier loses about 45 billion tonnes of ice each year, accounting for about 4% of global sea level rise [1]. If it melted completely, sea levels would climb 65 cm, and follow-on effects could lead to a 3 m increase [2]. But if some scientists' vision becomes reality, in 10–15 years construction crews will sail into the Amundsen Sea off Antarctica to begin building an 80 km long underwater curtain that will shield the glacier from the warm currents that are accelerating its decline [3].
文摘Computed tomography is an indispensable X-ray imaging modality used to diagnose numerous pathologies, but it can also involve the delivery of high ionizing radiation doses harmful to the health of patients. This study aims to survey the level of radiation doses delivered to child patients during head exams in CT imaging to set up the Dosimetric Reference Levels (DRLs), a routine dose optimization tool, based on data acquired at the University Hospital of Angré (UHA), the University Hospital of Treichville (UHT) and the Polyclinic Hospital Farah (Farah) for optimizing procedures in Ivorian hospitals. Prospectively performed on 334 CT images of 186 child patients, this study was carried out on CT systems such as Hitachi Scenaria, Sinovision Insitum, and Philips Incisive used respectively at UHA, UHT and Farah. Children’s scan data were classified into four age bands: vol or dose-length product as DLP) value, whatever the hospital, increases with respect to the age of child patients. Based on the 75th percentile of the whole dose distributions, the DRLs of the CTDIvol is 54.37 mGy whatever the age groups and those of the DLP with respect to age bands are 1224.55 mGy∙cm, 1414.06 mGy∙cm, 1632.24 mGy.cm and 1544.57 mGy∙cm, respectively. The averaged values of CTDIvol and DLP smaller than the corresponding DRLs values suggest that practices in our three facilities are optimized. However, comparing our results with those from different international studies, we see that the CTDIvol and DLP values obtained in the present work are higher. These results suggest additional surveys to ensure our DRLs values and efforts from radiologists, imaging technicians and medical physicists to strengthen clinical procedures for the radiation protection of children undergoing CT scans in Côte d’Ivoire.
文摘BackgroundIt's crucial to study the effect of changes in thresholds(T)and most comfortable levels(M)on behavioral measurements in young children using cochlear implants.This would help the clinician with the optimization and validation of programming parameters.ObjectiveThe study has attempted to describe the changes in behavioral responses with modification of T and M levels.MethodsTwenty-five participants in the age range 5 to 12 years using HR90K/HiFocus1J or HR90KAdvantage/HiFocus1J with Harmony speech processors participated in the study.A decrease in T levels,a rise in T levels,or a decrease in M levels in the everyday program were used to create experimental programs.Sound field thresholds and speech perception were measured at 50 dBHL for three experimental and everyday programs.ConclusionThe results indicated that only reductions of M levels resulted in significantly(p<0.01)poor aided thresholds and speech perception.On the other hand,variation in T levels did not have significant changes in either sound field thresholds or speech perception.The results highlight that M levels must be correctly established in order to prevent decreased speech perception and audibility.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U20A2094)。
文摘Water level is the overriding control on carbon cycles in peatlands,which are important for global carbon cycles and ecosystem services.To date,our knowledge of the pattern of water level fluctuations in peatlands and the influence of precipitation and air temperature on them in the subtropical remains poor.In this study,we conducted continuous high-resolution monitoring of water levels from 2014 to 2021 in the Dajiuhu peatland,a typically subtropical peatland in central China.Monitoring results showed that the water level had strong annual(370 days) and seasonal(130 days) oscillations in the Dajiuhu peatland.The annual oscillation is associated with both precipitation and temperature,while the seasonal oscillation is mainly controlled by precipitation.In addition,the depth of peat surface to the water table(DWT) has weak but significant correlations with precipitation and temperature on the daily and weekly scales(r = 0.1–0.21,p<0.01).Once replacing DWT with water table fluctuation cumulation,the correlation coefficients increase apparently(r = 0.47–0.69,p<0.01),especially on the monthly scale.These findings highlight a more important role of the fluctuation than the mean position of water level and have the potential to improve the interpretation of water-level related paleoenvironmental proxies and the understanding of the relationship between water level and biogeochemical processes.
文摘The purpose of this research was to evaluate radiological safety in pediatric radiology in hospitals in the Kongo Central province of the DRC. To this end, we surveyed a convenience sample of 50 health professionals, including 10 radiologists working in the hospitals covered by the survey, to assess the practice of pediatric radiology and the degree of compliance with radiation protection principles for the safety of children and the environment. We collected radiophysical parameters to calculate entrance doses in pediatric radiology in radiology departments to determine the dosimetric level by comparison with the diagnostic reference levels of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). All in all, we found that in Kongo Central in the DRC, many health personnel surveyed reported that more than 30% of requested radiological examinations are not justified. Also, after comparing the entrance doses produced in the surveyed departments with those of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), a statistically significant difference was found in pediatric radiology between the average doses in five out of six surveyed departments and those of the ICRP. Therefore, almost all of the surveyed departments were found to be highly irradiating in children, while excessive X-ray irradiation in children can have significant effects due to their increased sensitivity to radiation. Among the risks are: increased cancer risks, damage to developing cells, potential genetic effects, and neurological effects. This is why support for implementing radiation protection principles is a necessity to promote the safety of patients and the environment against the harmful effects of X-rays in conventional radiology.
基金supported by Muhammadiyah Research Grant (RisetMu) Batch Ⅵ (No. 1687.186/PD/I.3/D/2022)
文摘Objective:This study aims to determine the effectiveness of giving a combination of Fe tablets and beetroot juice in increasing hemoglobin(Hb)levels of pregnant women with anemia in the Mataram City area.Methods:This study was designed with quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test with control design.The location of this study was conducted in the city of Mataram on pregnant women with anemia.The sample of this study was pregnant women with mild anemia based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,divided into 2 groups:a control group and a treatment group of 15 respondents each,bringing the total respondents to 30 people.Analysis of Hb level measurement results was carried out using the independent sample t-test.Results:The results obtained in the treatment group(combination of beet juice and Fe tablets)were the mean pre-test of 9.93 mg/dL and post-test of 11.90 mg/dL(P-value=0.000),which means there is effectiveness in increasing hemoglobin levels while in the control group.Comparison of increased Hb levels of the control group and significantly different treatments marked by a P value of 0.001.Conclusions:the combination of Fe tablets and beetroot juice is effective in increasing Hb levels of pregnant women with anemia in the Mataram City area.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12272144).
文摘A data-driven model ofmultiple variable cutting(M-VCUT)level set-based substructure is proposed for the topology optimization of lattice structures.TheM-VCUTlevel setmethod is used to represent substructures,enriching their diversity of configuration while ensuring connectivity.To construct the data-driven model of substructure,a database is prepared by sampling the space of substructures spanned by several substructure prototypes.Then,for each substructure in this database,the stiffness matrix is condensed so that its degrees of freedomare reduced.Thereafter,the data-drivenmodel of substructures is constructed through interpolationwith compactly supported radial basis function(CS-RBF).The inputs of the data-driven model are the design variables of topology optimization,and the outputs are the condensed stiffness matrix and volume of substructures.During the optimization,this data-driven model is used,thus avoiding repeated static condensation that would requiremuch computation time.Several numerical examples are provided to verify the proposed method.
基金supported by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS)under the reference code FRGS/1/2020/SS0/UMT/02/3 and vote number 59637.
文摘Objective:To explore the associations between income levels,employment risk,lifestyles,occupational stress,and male fertility.Methods:This cross-sectional study analyzed 294 men seeking fertility treatment at fertility clinics in Terengganu,Pahang,and Kuala Lumpur from November 2021 to June 2023.Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering income levels,lifestyles,employment risks,occupational stress,and semen quality.Multinomial logistic regression was employed to assess predictors of semen quality,with crude and adjusted odds ratios(OR)reported.Results:The lower-income group exhibited higher odds of having abnormal semen quality compared to normal semen quality.Specifically,these participants were more likely to experience azoospermia[crude OR 6.68,95%confidence interval(CI)1.84-52.63;adjusted OR 6.26,95%CI 1.76-51.38],indicating a link between low income and infertility issues.Lifestyle factors did not show significant associations with semen abnormalities after adjustment.High employment risks had significant associations with oligozoospermia after adjustment(crude OR 5.50,95%CI 2.14-14.11;adjusted OR 5.15,95%CI 1.93-13.71),while high occupational stress was linked to asthenozoospermia(crude OR 2.26,95%CI 1.09-4.68;adjusted OR 2.25,95%CI 1.07-4.69).Conclusions:The findings underscore the influence of socioeconomic and occupational factors on male fertility,showing associations between lower income levels,high-risk occupations,and semen abnormalities.In contrast,lifestyle factors did not show significant associations with semen abnormalities after adjustment.Nevertheless,the current findings should be further confirmed through more extensive studies focusing on abnormal semen and lifestyle factors.
基金funded by the University of Science,VNU-HCM under grant number T2022-10 project entitled“Water level variability in the Mekong Delta under the impacts of anthropogenic and climatic factors”.
文摘In recent years,the water level in the Mekong Delta(MD)has undergone changes,attributed to the impacts of anthropogenic activities and climate change.Declining water levels have had implications for various aspects of life and aquatic ecosystems in the lower basin water bodies.Analyzing long-term trends in rainfall and water levels is crucial for enhancing our understanding.This study aims to examine the evolving patterns of water level and rainfall in the region.Data on water levels and rainfall from observation stations were gathered from the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting,Vietnam,spanning from 2000 to 2014.The assessment of homogeneity and identification of trend changes were conducted using the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test(SNHT)and the Mann-Kendall test.The results indicate that changes in water levels at the Tan Chau and Chau Doc stations have been observed since 2010 due to the operation of flow-regulating structures in the upper Mekong River.Following the commencement of upstream dam operations,the water level at the headwater stations of the Mekong River has been higher than the long-term average during the dry season and lower than the average during the flood season.The study findings highlight the influence of altered rainfall patterns under the impact of climate variability(ICC)on water level trends in the study area.While rainfall plays a significant role in increasing water levels during the flood season,the operation of hydropower dams(UHDs)stands out as the primary factor driving water level reductions in the study area.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 61701416 and 61901195Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China under contract No.BK20211341China Postdoctoral Science Foundation under contract No.2022M712687.
文摘Separation between water and land is vital for marine scientific research and coastal zone planning and management.The contrasting backscatter properties of land and ocean enable clear water edge line identification in synthetic aperture radar(SAR)imagery.However,SAR images are prone to speckle noise,and the complexity of the water-land boundaries environment makes accurate water-land separation challenging.To overcome noise and complex background interference in remote sensing images,an improved level set method was employed to enhance water-land separation.In the traditional distance regularized level set method,the selection of the image correlation weight coefficient and the edge indicator function directly influences the accuracy of the final segmentation results.A novel level set segmentation algorithm incorporating an improved edge indicator function is proposed to efficiently and accurately separate the water edge lines in SAR images.The distance regularized level set evolution model is enhanced by incorporating the signed pressure force function as an adaptive parameter,which serves as an external constraint for curve evolution.A novel level set model with an adaptive edge indicator function,combining gradient and regional information,is proposed.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model enhances the accuracy of waterland separation in SAR images.However,further research is needed to evaluate its potential for detecting boundaries in diverse marine environments and across different types of SAR imagery.
