Outlets are a new challenge to the retail industry after the continuous development of the market economy.However,academic research on outlets is very scarce.The purpose of this research is to study the relationship b...Outlets are a new challenge to the retail industry after the continuous development of the market economy.However,academic research on outlets is very scarce.The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between outlets'marketing methods and customer perception.This research cooperates with Shanghai International Fashion Education Center(SIFEC),and conducts convenience sampling on the research objects as the samples.By using quantitative research methods and questionnaire survey tools,the researchers studied the relationships among experience marketing,perceived value,customer satisfaction and loyalty of customers to outlets.The research found that outlets'experience marketing will influence customer perceived value effectively and affect consumer satisfaction and loyalty indirectly.展开更多
The study aimed at analyzing the most important factors affecting the retail marketing of honey in Saudi Arabia. Cross sectional survey was employed using field interview (direct contact) with a random sample of 343 r...The study aimed at analyzing the most important factors affecting the retail marketing of honey in Saudi Arabia. Cross sectional survey was employed using field interview (direct contact) with a random sample of 343 retail outlets represented all its forms and patterns in seven major cities in Saudi Arabia. Measurements like market share, Gini coefficient and Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI) were used to estimate the indicators of market structure and its performance. The result showed that the structure of honey retail market is generally closer to pure competition with a small concentration in some areas. Gini coefficients of concentration, as well as the values of the Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI) were relatively low for retailers. The average marketing margin was about SAR 6.4/Kg for local honey while the marketing margin of imported honey was about SAR 113/Kg. The high profit margin variation between local and imported honey is due to the high marketing costs, lower supplied quantity and higher demand for local honey. The estimated cost of marketing of onekilogram of honey was about 8 SAR at the retail level. From retailers’ point of view, low quality, lack of marketing services, improper display, high rental property, lack of knowledge and experience of the consumer about properties and quality characteristics honey, high prices and shortage of some varieties of honey in some specific season are the most important problems of honey marketing in the Saudi market. Setting priorities between different brands of honey plays a noticeable role in marketing. Some honey producers and traders were very concerned about unfair competition of honey market through high promotion as a brand based on their long history in the production and supply of high-quality varieties of honey from specific and well-known varieties. Hence, intensive awareness creation effort through training, exhibition, media and advertisement are required to improve the perception of consumers towards the local honey.展开更多
Sub-Saharan African cities are uniquely characterized by retail competition influencing outlet location.This work focused on revealing retail outlet location in Uyo and its relationship with distances from the Central...Sub-Saharan African cities are uniquely characterized by retail competition influencing outlet location.This work focused on revealing retail outlet location in Uyo and its relationship with distances from the Central Business Districts.Distance was measured along the six major arterial roads that link the city to the central business districts by the use of Google Map[5]Distance Calculator and itouch maps[7]technology.Six arteries were divided into four distinct spaces in kilometers namely 0-1km,1-2km,2-3km,3-4km.Retail Outlets were grouped into ten classes.Data was analysed using distance in kilometers from the Central Business District as variable Y1.The independent variables X1,X2,X3,X4,X5 and X6 were the six major arteries represented by the location of each specific retail outlet group.Utilising SPSS version 20 software the results reflected centre a 47.9 percent variation in retail outlets location with correlation coefficient(R)of 69.2%revealing a strong relationship between the distances from the Central Business Districts and the location of retail outlets located across the six major arteries.H1 was accepted which states a significant relationship in the location of retail outlets as distance increase from the city centre across the linkages.This confirms a strong intensity of location of retail outlets in the city centre with a gradual decline as distance increase from the centre.Although there was an increase in intensity of retail outlets in junctions away from the Central Business Districts according to multiple nuclei concept.It is recommended that urban expansion through growth poles.Aim:To access the relationship between retail outlets location and distance from central business district in a Uyo.Research Questions:This work provided answers to the following questions:1.Where are these retail outlets located in the city space?2.What is the relationship between Retail outlets and the distance from the City Centre?Objectives:1.To explain the distribution of location of retail outlets in city space.2.To reveal the relationship between Retail Outlets and distance from the City Centre.Hypothesis:There is no significant relationship between the distance from the central business district and the location of retail outlets.展开更多
Mixed convection of heat and mass transfer in an isosceles trapezoidal cavity has been studied numerically. Constant heat flux is imposed through four outlets and the grid is insulated. The inclined walls are maintain...Mixed convection of heat and mass transfer in an isosceles trapezoidal cavity has been studied numerically. Constant heat flux is imposed through four outlets and the grid is insulated. The inclined walls are maintained in natural convection while the lower horizontal wall is adiabatic. These conditions reflect the air draft zone of the ASUTO charcoal stove. The governing two-di- mensional flow equations have been solved by using the finite difference method and Thomas’s algorithm. The investigations are conducted for different values of Richardson (R<sub>i</sub>), Reynolds number (R<sub>e</sub>) and inclination angles of sidewalls. The results are presented in terms of streamlines, isotherms, moisture contours. It was found that for Reynolds number (R<sub>e</sub>) equal to 100, the flow pattern is strongly dependent on the inclination angle and Richardson number. Thus, for high Richardson number (R<sub>i</sub>) values (10, 100), the dominance of natural convection over the flow structure decreases with the decreasing of the inclination angle of sidewalls of the cavity. For R<sub>i</sub> = 1, an optimum air draft corresponds to an inclination angle in the vicinity of 22° while for R<sub>i</sub> = 10 or 100 (in dominance of natural convection), the optimum inclination angle for air draft is in the vicinity of 15°.展开更多
Snacks are an important part of the catering industry,whose spatial pattern distribution will directly affect the behavior of residents and tourists decision-making.Therefore,this paper chose 'Shaxian snacks' ...Snacks are an important part of the catering industry,whose spatial pattern distribution will directly affect the behavior of residents and tourists decision-making.Therefore,this paper chose 'Shaxian snacks' and 'Chengdu snacks' outlets in the downtown area of Beijing as the research object,taking POI data and GIS spatial data as data sources,using GIS spatial analysis and nuclear density estimation method,to make a comparative analysis of the spatial distribution characteristics of snack outlets in downtown of Beijing.The results showed that(1) distribution characteristics of snacks outlets in each district varied greatly.(2) Distribution differences of both snacks outlets in each circle was in significant.(3) Distribution of snacks outlets from the center to the periphery along the ring roads took on the "pyramid type".(4) Distribution of snacks outlet show stronger proximity to road than to subway.Distribution characteristics of the snack outlets included(1) Spatial distribution of the snacks outlets showed weak centrality.(2) The snacks outlets showed significant characteristics of spatial aggregation with great differences in internal structure.According to the above conclusions,combined with municipal planning,this paper according to the classification of the city,put forward suggestions on the distribution of snack outlets in Beijing,(1) Recombine the snack outlets in old urban districts.(2) According to the city functional orientation,redistribute the snack outlets in new urban districts.展开更多
The scope of management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction is ever-expanding.The therapeutic use of endoscopy is gaining popularity not just owing to its technical advancement and satisfactory patient outcomes.Wi...The scope of management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction is ever-expanding.The therapeutic use of endoscopy is gaining popularity not just owing to its technical advancement and satisfactory patient outcomes.With technical success rates close to 96%,stent placement for palliating gastric obstruction has ensured a median survival of about 2 months post-deployment of gastro-duodenal stents.Understanding the correct concept of palliation is the need of the hour in management.Identifying the right patient for palliation,selecting the appropriate intervention and auditing the outcome are vital in delivering optimal care.Also,newer procedures such as endoscopic gastro-enterostomy offer promising outcomes in palliative care.展开更多
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)is emerging as a preferred approach for managing malignant gastric outlet obstruction.This technique offers a balance between the durability of surgical gastrojeju...Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)is emerging as a preferred approach for managing malignant gastric outlet obstruction.This technique offers a balance between the durability of surgical gastrojejunostomy(SGJ)and the minimally invasive nature of endoscopic methods.Compared to enteral stenting,EUS-GE shows superior outcomes,including higher long-term patency,lower symptom recurrence,and fewer reinterventions.It also demonstrates comparable or better efficacy than SGJ,with faster oral intake,shorter hospital stays,and reduced complications.However,EUS-GE requires specialized expertise,and long-term outcome data remain limited,so further research is needed to refine protocols and optimize patient selection.展开更多
Duodenal stenting is a widely used palliative treatment for gastric outlet obstru-ction(GOO)caused by unresectable malignancies.Compared to surgical gastroje-junostomy,duodenal stenting allows for earlier oral intake,...Duodenal stenting is a widely used palliative treatment for gastric outlet obstru-ction(GOO)caused by unresectable malignancies.Compared to surgical gastroje-junostomy,duodenal stenting allows for earlier oral intake,shorter hospita-lization,and earlier chemotherapy initiation.However,its long-term efficacy is limited by stent occlusion,which typically occurs 2-4 months post-procedure,due to tumor ingrowth,overgrowth,or food impaction.Covered stents can reduce tumor ingrowth but increase the migration risk,particularly in patients receiving chemotherapy.This review provides a comprehensive comparison of duodenal stenting,surgical gastrojejunostomy,and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroen-terostomy,by discussing their clinical outcomes,advantages,and limitations.We further explore stent selection based on stricture characteristics,optimal placement techniques,post-procedural management,and for handling complic-ations including occlusion,migration,bleeding,and perforation.Additionally,we address technical challenges and troubleshooting strategies,including mana-gement of guidewire-induced perforation,incomplete stent expansion,and bile duct obstruction for overlapping biliary and duodenal stricture cases.Despite its widespread clinical use,no prior review has comprehensively covered both the technical and clinical aspects of duodenal stenting so extensively.By providing a clinically oriented,practical guide,this review serves as a valuable resource for endoscopists and gastroenterologists,facilitating optimized decision-making and improved outcomes for patients with GOO in real-world practice.展开更多
BACKGROUND Groove pancreatitis(GP)is a rare focal chronic pancreatitis of the pancreaticoduodenal groove that is usually diagnosed in chronic alcoholics.However,it is often difficult to differentiate from pancreatic o...BACKGROUND Groove pancreatitis(GP)is a rare focal chronic pancreatitis of the pancreaticoduodenal groove that is usually diagnosed in chronic alcoholics.However,it is often difficult to differentiate from pancreatic or periampullary cancers.In this study,we report a case of GP with the rare symptom of severe gastric outlet obstruction.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man presented to our institution with severe gastric outlet obstruction accompanied by vomiting persisted for 3 days,severe electrolyte imbalance,and altered mental status with cardiac arrest.Differential diagnosis of cancers of the ampulla of Vater or duodenum was difficult due to discordant findings from preoperative imaging and an endoscopic biopsy of the lesion.In addition,the gastric outlet obstruction did not improve with conservative treatment;therefore,pancreatoduodenectomy was performed.Postoperatively,the histological findings revealed multiple cystic lesions in the duodenal wall that were collectively diagnosed as GP.The patient underwent a follow-up 3 years postoperatively and was found to have no postoperative sequelae.CONCLUSION In this case of GP,pancreatoduodenectomy safely treated severe gastric outlet obstruction when a cancer diagnosis could not be excluded.展开更多
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)has emerged as an effective and minimally invasive alternative for treating gastric outlet obstruction.Compared to traditional options,including duodenal stenting ...Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)has emerged as an effective and minimally invasive alternative for treating gastric outlet obstruction.Compared to traditional options,including duodenal stenting and surgical gastrojejunostomy,EUS-GE offers comparable technical and clinical success while providing longer-lasting patency,fewer adverse events,and lower reintervention rates.The technique has expanded beyond malignant obstruction to include benign etiologies and complex conditions such as afferent loop syndrome.EUSGE enables rapid recovery and early resumption of oral intake,which is crucial for oncologic patients.However,the procedure remains technically demanding,and optimal techniques,device selection,and management of complications are still under investigation.This mini-review summarizes current evidence,compares EUS-GE with alternative therapies,discusses patient selection and procedural aspects,and outlines key areas for future research.展开更多
Objective:To observe the effect of Xipayimaizibizi oral liquid(XP)in an overactive bladder(OAB)experimental rat model and to explore its pharmacological mechanisms.Methods:Network pharmacology was used to explore the ...Objective:To observe the effect of Xipayimaizibizi oral liquid(XP)in an overactive bladder(OAB)experimental rat model and to explore its pharmacological mechanisms.Methods:Network pharmacology was used to explore the potential mechanisms of action of XP.The rats underwent bladder outlet obstruction surgery and were administered the corresponding drug concentrations by gavage for 4 weeks.The study observed the body weight,water intake,bladder and kidney indices(to evaluate their general status),urination behavior pattern(to observe frequency and urgency),and urodynamics(to measure bladder parameters).Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichome staining were used to observe changes in the bladder structure.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of nerve growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and acetylcholine in the urine.The key targets involved in these mechanisms were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,and western blot in vivo/vitro experiments.Result:Network pharmacological analysis predicted that XP may alleviate OAB by affecting the cholinergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways.XP treatment significantly reduced the bladder index,improved urine behavior and urodynamic parameters,decreased the neurotransmitters in urine,and reduced the thickness of the bladder wall and collagen ratio.These results indicate that XP can alleviate OAB symptoms and improve the bladder structure.In vivo/vitro experiments further demonstrated that XP can inhibit targets,such as muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2,and participate in cholinergic synapses to further regulate the parasympathetic nervous system.It can also reduce the overexpression of Ca^(2+) caused by agonists,inhibit targets such as transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1,and participate in calcium signaling pathways to maintain Ca^(2+) homeostasis.Conclusion:These results suggest that XP inhibited bladder overactivity by maintaining Ca^(2+) homeostasis and regulating the parasympathetic nervous system.展开更多
Background:Bladder outlet obstruction(BOO)is a prevalent urinary system disease main caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)in males.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)Danzhi qing’e decoction(DZQE)has the functions...Background:Bladder outlet obstruction(BOO)is a prevalent urinary system disease main caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)in males.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)Danzhi qing’e decoction(DZQE)has the functions of strengthening“Yang Qi”(one of the fundamental concept in TCM,representing the active,warming,and energizing force within the body.It governs physiological functions,maintains body temperature,and promotes vitality.Balanced“Yang Qi”supports immunity and metabolism,while deficiency may lead to fatigue,cold intolerance,or weakened resilience),promoting blood circulation,and removing blood stasis,and nourishing yin based on the TCM theory.Previous studies have found that it significantly improved BPH and regulate urinary function in estrogen and androgen-induced rats.However,it is unclear whether DZQE has an inhibitory effect on BOO rats.Methods:Male Wistar rats underwent retropubic partial bladder neck ligation to induce BOO.DZQE extract(2.7/5.4 g/kg)was administered orally for 35 days.Anesthetized rats underwent cystometry to assess BOO and treatment effects on urinary parameters.Bladder histopathology,fibrosis,and PCNA expression were evaluated via HE,Masson’s,and IHC staining.Western blot quantified bladder tissue levels of choline acetyltransferase(ChAT),rho-associated protein kinase 1(ROCK1),myosin light chain kinase(MLCK),myosin light chain 2(MLC-2),extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax).Primary bladder smooth muscle cells were cultured,exposed to hydrostatic pressure(HP,3 h/24 h)using a custom apparatus to mimic BOO,and treated with DZQE components for Western blot analysis of ROCK1,MLCK,ERK,PCNA,and Bax.Results:The bladder hyperplasia,bladder index(BI)increased,and histopathological alteration were easily observed in BOO group,which were significantly inhibited by DZQE administration.DZQE also significantly inhibited the up-regulation of maximum voiding pressure(MVP)and down-regulation of residual urine volume(RV)observed in BOO rats.The expressions of ChAT and MLCK and the activation of ERK were much increased,while the expressions of ROCK1,MLC-2 and Bax were obviously decreased in BOO rats,all of which were then significantly inhibited by DZQE.In rat bladder smooth muscle cells(RBSMC),3 h or 24 h duration of HP successfully simulated the BOO compensation and decompensation respectively in vitro.DZQE or its active components reduced the abnormal gene expressions in HP stimulated RBSMC.Conclusion:DZQE improves the urinary function in BOO rats mainly through the activation of ERK.Bakuchiol,salvianolic acid A,kaempferol,and tanshinoneⅡA are possibly the important active components of its therapeutic effects.展开更多
The spatiotemporal distribution of soot concentration in aero-engine combustor is important for assessing its combustion performance.Here,we report experimental measurements of soot concentration in terms of Soot Volu...The spatiotemporal distribution of soot concentration in aero-engine combustor is important for assessing its combustion performance.Here,we report experimental measurements of soot concentration in terms of Soot Volume Fraction(SVF)and its spatiotemporal distribution in a single-sector dual-swirl aero-engine combustor using Two-Color Laser-Induced Incandescence(2C-LII).It is shown that soot predominantly forms in the symmetrical vortices of the primary combustion zone,exhibiting a V-type distribution with higher concentration in the lower half of the zone than the upper half,with a small amount distributed in the secondary recirculation zone.Soot emissions at the combustor outlet are relatively low under three typical operating conditions by LII experiments,which is aligned with Smoke Number(SN)from gas analysis.The effect of inlet air temperature on SVF distribution and dynamics in the primary combustion zone is studied,which suggests that the SVF level in the primary combustion zone monotonically increases with the temperature.Meanwhile,the SVF distribution becomes more symmetrical as the inlet temperature increases,although the overall SVF level in the lower half of the zone is still higher.We also investigate the influence of the inlet air pressure on the SVF distribution at the combustor outlet.The soot concentration at the combustor outlet increases with inlet pressure,mainly distributed irregularly across both sides and the center.On both sides,the distribution is continuous,while the center exhibits dot-like and linear patterns.Numerical simulations correlated SVF distribution with the flow field in the primary combustion zone,qualitatively explaining the observed SVF distribution behavior.These results under various conditions can provide valuable insights for improving the performance of this specific combustor and designing high-temperature-rise combustors in the future.展开更多
This study involved numerical simulations of a double tube heat exchanger using the ANSYS FLUENT programversion 22.The study aims to examine methods for minimizing pressure loss and consequently enhancing the thermal ...This study involved numerical simulations of a double tube heat exchanger using the ANSYS FLUENT programversion 22.The study aims to examine methods for minimizing pressure loss and consequently enhancing the thermal performance index(TPI)of a heat exchanger fitted with wavy edge tape that is a heat recovery system(the hot air in simulation instead of t heat from the exhaust gases of the brick factory furnaces and return it to warm the heavy fuel oil by substituting the electrical heater with a heat exchanger to recuperate waste heat from the flue gases,so elevating the temperature of Heavy fuel oil(HFO)to inject from the roof nozzles of combustion chamber of the furnace furthermore reducing cost(by finding the optimal design of wavy edge tape))and energy consumption.Air was selected as the hot gas in the inner pipe instead of furnace exhaust gases due to their similar thermal characteristics.A numerical analysis was conducted to create a novel wavy edge tape with varying widths(50%Di,75%Di,and 95%Di),lengths(1000,1200,1400)mm,amplitudes(5,10,15)mm,and periods of wavy length(5,10,15)mm.The flow rate of the outer pipe fluid(oil)ranges from(0.06 to 0.1)kg/s,while the velocity of the hot fluid(air)varies from(1 to 27)m/s,Re_(air)(6957 to 187,837).The entrance temperature of the hot fluid can be either(200,225,and 250)℃.The study finds that wavy edge tape tubes are more effective than smooth tubes in terms of oil outlet temperature;results revealed that an increase in the oil mass flow rate leads to a decrease in the oil outlet temperature and an increase in the heat transfer rate,at the air temperature 250℃.Additionally,the results indicate that increasing the width,length,and amplitude also leads to an increase in the oil outlet temperature of(94-94.12)℃,the pressure drop of(568.3)Pa,and the Nusselt number(65.7-66.5)respectively on the oil side.Finally,the heat exchanger’s best thermal performance index was found by investigating temperature contour at amplitude(A=5),period(p=15),width(w=75%Di),and length(L=1200 mm).The values for these parameters are,in order(1.02,1.025,1.02,and 1.0077).展开更多
The hydraulic characteristics at the side inlet/outlet of pumped storage plants is studied by numerical simulations,covering the flow distribution,head loss,vortex,and others.Based on the physical model test,the reali...The hydraulic characteristics at the side inlet/outlet of pumped storage plants is studied by numerical simulations,covering the flow distribution,head loss,vortex,and others.Based on the physical model test,the realizable k-εturbulence model is used in the 3-D simulation of the side inlet/outlet.A new scheme is suggested to obtain the uneven flow distribution over three branch orifices.The variation of the free surface with the reservoir water level under the pumped condition is simulated,with results consistent with the experimental results.展开更多
Standpipes,or downcomers,are commonly used in fluidized beds to transport particles.The outlet structure of the downcomer greatly affects the performance of flow from it and even overall reactor performance.In this st...Standpipes,or downcomers,are commonly used in fluidized beds to transport particles.The outlet structure of the downcomer greatly affects the performance of flow from it and even overall reactor performance.In this study,the hydrodynamics in commercial-scale internally circulating fluidized beds(ICFBs)with central downcomers having different outlet structures was investigated using computational fluid dynamics simulations with an energy minimization multi-scale drag model.The predicted results closely agreed with experimental data.Results showed that in an ICFB with a downcomer outlet directly open to the bed(model A),nearly 12.7%to 5.4%of the gas in the draft tube bypasses into the downcomer.In the ICFB models B and C with a conic baffle below the downcomer,the gas bypass is significantly weakened or even eliminated when the diameter of the conic baffle is 1.1 times that of the downcomer(model C).In addition,the solids circulation mass flux in ICFBs increased by about 62.5%,from 126.8 kg/(m2 s)in model A to 206 kg/(m2 s)in model C.展开更多
Since the 8th National Public Ice and Snow Season began,winter sports in Wuhan have significantly gained in popularity and attracted the attention of several state media outlets.
BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB)is the causative agent of TB,a chronic granulo-matous illness.This disease is prevalent in low-income countries,posing a significant global health challenge.Gastrointestinal TB...BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB)is the causative agent of TB,a chronic granulo-matous illness.This disease is prevalent in low-income countries,posing a significant global health challenge.Gastrointestinal TB is one of the three forms.The disease can mimic other intra-abdominal conditions,leading to delayed diagnosis owing to the absence of specific symptoms.While gastric outlet obs-truction(GOO)remains a frequent complication,its incidence has declined with the advent of proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Gastroduodenal TB can cause upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage,obstruction,and malignancy-like tumors.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male presented with recurrent epigastric pain,distension,nausea,vomiting,and weight loss,prompting a referral to a gastroenterologist clinic.Endoscopic examination revealed distorted gastric mucosa and signs of chronic inflammation.However,treatment was interrupted,possibly owing to vomiting or comorbidities such as human immunodeficiency virus infection or diabetes.Subsequent surgical intervention revealed a dilated stomach and diffuse thickening of the duodenal wall.Resection revealed gastric wall effacement with TB.CONCLUSION Primary gastric TB is rare,frequently leading to GOO.Given its rarity,suspicions should be promptly raised when encountering relevant symptoms,often requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis and treatment.展开更多
文摘Outlets are a new challenge to the retail industry after the continuous development of the market economy.However,academic research on outlets is very scarce.The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between outlets'marketing methods and customer perception.This research cooperates with Shanghai International Fashion Education Center(SIFEC),and conducts convenience sampling on the research objects as the samples.By using quantitative research methods and questionnaire survey tools,the researchers studied the relationships among experience marketing,perceived value,customer satisfaction and loyalty of customers to outlets.The research found that outlets'experience marketing will influence customer perceived value effectively and affect consumer satisfaction and loyalty indirectly.
文摘The study aimed at analyzing the most important factors affecting the retail marketing of honey in Saudi Arabia. Cross sectional survey was employed using field interview (direct contact) with a random sample of 343 retail outlets represented all its forms and patterns in seven major cities in Saudi Arabia. Measurements like market share, Gini coefficient and Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI) were used to estimate the indicators of market structure and its performance. The result showed that the structure of honey retail market is generally closer to pure competition with a small concentration in some areas. Gini coefficients of concentration, as well as the values of the Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI) were relatively low for retailers. The average marketing margin was about SAR 6.4/Kg for local honey while the marketing margin of imported honey was about SAR 113/Kg. The high profit margin variation between local and imported honey is due to the high marketing costs, lower supplied quantity and higher demand for local honey. The estimated cost of marketing of onekilogram of honey was about 8 SAR at the retail level. From retailers’ point of view, low quality, lack of marketing services, improper display, high rental property, lack of knowledge and experience of the consumer about properties and quality characteristics honey, high prices and shortage of some varieties of honey in some specific season are the most important problems of honey marketing in the Saudi market. Setting priorities between different brands of honey plays a noticeable role in marketing. Some honey producers and traders were very concerned about unfair competition of honey market through high promotion as a brand based on their long history in the production and supply of high-quality varieties of honey from specific and well-known varieties. Hence, intensive awareness creation effort through training, exhibition, media and advertisement are required to improve the perception of consumers towards the local honey.
文摘Sub-Saharan African cities are uniquely characterized by retail competition influencing outlet location.This work focused on revealing retail outlet location in Uyo and its relationship with distances from the Central Business Districts.Distance was measured along the six major arterial roads that link the city to the central business districts by the use of Google Map[5]Distance Calculator and itouch maps[7]technology.Six arteries were divided into four distinct spaces in kilometers namely 0-1km,1-2km,2-3km,3-4km.Retail Outlets were grouped into ten classes.Data was analysed using distance in kilometers from the Central Business District as variable Y1.The independent variables X1,X2,X3,X4,X5 and X6 were the six major arteries represented by the location of each specific retail outlet group.Utilising SPSS version 20 software the results reflected centre a 47.9 percent variation in retail outlets location with correlation coefficient(R)of 69.2%revealing a strong relationship between the distances from the Central Business Districts and the location of retail outlets located across the six major arteries.H1 was accepted which states a significant relationship in the location of retail outlets as distance increase from the city centre across the linkages.This confirms a strong intensity of location of retail outlets in the city centre with a gradual decline as distance increase from the centre.Although there was an increase in intensity of retail outlets in junctions away from the Central Business Districts according to multiple nuclei concept.It is recommended that urban expansion through growth poles.Aim:To access the relationship between retail outlets location and distance from central business district in a Uyo.Research Questions:This work provided answers to the following questions:1.Where are these retail outlets located in the city space?2.What is the relationship between Retail outlets and the distance from the City Centre?Objectives:1.To explain the distribution of location of retail outlets in city space.2.To reveal the relationship between Retail Outlets and distance from the City Centre.Hypothesis:There is no significant relationship between the distance from the central business district and the location of retail outlets.
文摘Mixed convection of heat and mass transfer in an isosceles trapezoidal cavity has been studied numerically. Constant heat flux is imposed through four outlets and the grid is insulated. The inclined walls are maintained in natural convection while the lower horizontal wall is adiabatic. These conditions reflect the air draft zone of the ASUTO charcoal stove. The governing two-di- mensional flow equations have been solved by using the finite difference method and Thomas’s algorithm. The investigations are conducted for different values of Richardson (R<sub>i</sub>), Reynolds number (R<sub>e</sub>) and inclination angles of sidewalls. The results are presented in terms of streamlines, isotherms, moisture contours. It was found that for Reynolds number (R<sub>e</sub>) equal to 100, the flow pattern is strongly dependent on the inclination angle and Richardson number. Thus, for high Richardson number (R<sub>i</sub>) values (10, 100), the dominance of natural convection over the flow structure decreases with the decreasing of the inclination angle of sidewalls of the cavity. For R<sub>i</sub> = 1, an optimum air draft corresponds to an inclination angle in the vicinity of 22° while for R<sub>i</sub> = 10 or 100 (in dominance of natural convection), the optimum inclination angle for air draft is in the vicinity of 15°.
基金Sponsored by Connotative Development-2018 Undergraduate Teaching Construction and Reform Project of College of Resource Environment and Tourism,Capital Normal University
文摘Snacks are an important part of the catering industry,whose spatial pattern distribution will directly affect the behavior of residents and tourists decision-making.Therefore,this paper chose 'Shaxian snacks' and 'Chengdu snacks' outlets in the downtown area of Beijing as the research object,taking POI data and GIS spatial data as data sources,using GIS spatial analysis and nuclear density estimation method,to make a comparative analysis of the spatial distribution characteristics of snack outlets in downtown of Beijing.The results showed that(1) distribution characteristics of snacks outlets in each district varied greatly.(2) Distribution differences of both snacks outlets in each circle was in significant.(3) Distribution of snacks outlets from the center to the periphery along the ring roads took on the "pyramid type".(4) Distribution of snacks outlet show stronger proximity to road than to subway.Distribution characteristics of the snack outlets included(1) Spatial distribution of the snacks outlets showed weak centrality.(2) The snacks outlets showed significant characteristics of spatial aggregation with great differences in internal structure.According to the above conclusions,combined with municipal planning,this paper according to the classification of the city,put forward suggestions on the distribution of snack outlets in Beijing,(1) Recombine the snack outlets in old urban districts.(2) According to the city functional orientation,redistribute the snack outlets in new urban districts.
文摘The scope of management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction is ever-expanding.The therapeutic use of endoscopy is gaining popularity not just owing to its technical advancement and satisfactory patient outcomes.With technical success rates close to 96%,stent placement for palliating gastric obstruction has ensured a median survival of about 2 months post-deployment of gastro-duodenal stents.Understanding the correct concept of palliation is the need of the hour in management.Identifying the right patient for palliation,selecting the appropriate intervention and auditing the outcome are vital in delivering optimal care.Also,newer procedures such as endoscopic gastro-enterostomy offer promising outcomes in palliative care.
文摘Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)is emerging as a preferred approach for managing malignant gastric outlet obstruction.This technique offers a balance between the durability of surgical gastrojejunostomy(SGJ)and the minimally invasive nature of endoscopic methods.Compared to enteral stenting,EUS-GE shows superior outcomes,including higher long-term patency,lower symptom recurrence,and fewer reinterventions.It also demonstrates comparable or better efficacy than SGJ,with faster oral intake,shorter hospital stays,and reduced complications.However,EUS-GE requires specialized expertise,and long-term outcome data remain limited,so further research is needed to refine protocols and optimize patient selection.
文摘Duodenal stenting is a widely used palliative treatment for gastric outlet obstru-ction(GOO)caused by unresectable malignancies.Compared to surgical gastroje-junostomy,duodenal stenting allows for earlier oral intake,shorter hospita-lization,and earlier chemotherapy initiation.However,its long-term efficacy is limited by stent occlusion,which typically occurs 2-4 months post-procedure,due to tumor ingrowth,overgrowth,or food impaction.Covered stents can reduce tumor ingrowth but increase the migration risk,particularly in patients receiving chemotherapy.This review provides a comprehensive comparison of duodenal stenting,surgical gastrojejunostomy,and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroen-terostomy,by discussing their clinical outcomes,advantages,and limitations.We further explore stent selection based on stricture characteristics,optimal placement techniques,post-procedural management,and for handling complic-ations including occlusion,migration,bleeding,and perforation.Additionally,we address technical challenges and troubleshooting strategies,including mana-gement of guidewire-induced perforation,incomplete stent expansion,and bile duct obstruction for overlapping biliary and duodenal stricture cases.Despite its widespread clinical use,no prior review has comprehensively covered both the technical and clinical aspects of duodenal stenting so extensively.By providing a clinically oriented,practical guide,this review serves as a valuable resource for endoscopists and gastroenterologists,facilitating optimized decision-making and improved outcomes for patients with GOO in real-world practice.
文摘BACKGROUND Groove pancreatitis(GP)is a rare focal chronic pancreatitis of the pancreaticoduodenal groove that is usually diagnosed in chronic alcoholics.However,it is often difficult to differentiate from pancreatic or periampullary cancers.In this study,we report a case of GP with the rare symptom of severe gastric outlet obstruction.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man presented to our institution with severe gastric outlet obstruction accompanied by vomiting persisted for 3 days,severe electrolyte imbalance,and altered mental status with cardiac arrest.Differential diagnosis of cancers of the ampulla of Vater or duodenum was difficult due to discordant findings from preoperative imaging and an endoscopic biopsy of the lesion.In addition,the gastric outlet obstruction did not improve with conservative treatment;therefore,pancreatoduodenectomy was performed.Postoperatively,the histological findings revealed multiple cystic lesions in the duodenal wall that were collectively diagnosed as GP.The patient underwent a follow-up 3 years postoperatively and was found to have no postoperative sequelae.CONCLUSION In this case of GP,pancreatoduodenectomy safely treated severe gastric outlet obstruction when a cancer diagnosis could not be excluded.
文摘Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy(EUS-GE)has emerged as an effective and minimally invasive alternative for treating gastric outlet obstruction.Compared to traditional options,including duodenal stenting and surgical gastrojejunostomy,EUS-GE offers comparable technical and clinical success while providing longer-lasting patency,fewer adverse events,and lower reintervention rates.The technique has expanded beyond malignant obstruction to include benign etiologies and complex conditions such as afferent loop syndrome.EUSGE enables rapid recovery and early resumption of oral intake,which is crucial for oncologic patients.However,the procedure remains technically demanding,and optimal techniques,device selection,and management of complications are still under investigation.This mini-review summarizes current evidence,compares EUS-GE with alternative therapies,discusses patient selection and procedural aspects,and outlines key areas for future research.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(Urumqi,China,2023D01F38).
文摘Objective:To observe the effect of Xipayimaizibizi oral liquid(XP)in an overactive bladder(OAB)experimental rat model and to explore its pharmacological mechanisms.Methods:Network pharmacology was used to explore the potential mechanisms of action of XP.The rats underwent bladder outlet obstruction surgery and were administered the corresponding drug concentrations by gavage for 4 weeks.The study observed the body weight,water intake,bladder and kidney indices(to evaluate their general status),urination behavior pattern(to observe frequency and urgency),and urodynamics(to measure bladder parameters).Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichome staining were used to observe changes in the bladder structure.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of nerve growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and acetylcholine in the urine.The key targets involved in these mechanisms were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,and western blot in vivo/vitro experiments.Result:Network pharmacological analysis predicted that XP may alleviate OAB by affecting the cholinergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways.XP treatment significantly reduced the bladder index,improved urine behavior and urodynamic parameters,decreased the neurotransmitters in urine,and reduced the thickness of the bladder wall and collagen ratio.These results indicate that XP can alleviate OAB symptoms and improve the bladder structure.In vivo/vitro experiments further demonstrated that XP can inhibit targets,such as muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2,and participate in cholinergic synapses to further regulate the parasympathetic nervous system.It can also reduce the overexpression of Ca^(2+) caused by agonists,inhibit targets such as transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1,and participate in calcium signaling pathways to maintain Ca^(2+) homeostasis.Conclusion:These results suggest that XP inhibited bladder overactivity by maintaining Ca^(2+) homeostasis and regulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
基金supported by The National Key Research and Development Project of China(No.2023YFC3504302)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program No.82074105).
文摘Background:Bladder outlet obstruction(BOO)is a prevalent urinary system disease main caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)in males.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)Danzhi qing’e decoction(DZQE)has the functions of strengthening“Yang Qi”(one of the fundamental concept in TCM,representing the active,warming,and energizing force within the body.It governs physiological functions,maintains body temperature,and promotes vitality.Balanced“Yang Qi”supports immunity and metabolism,while deficiency may lead to fatigue,cold intolerance,or weakened resilience),promoting blood circulation,and removing blood stasis,and nourishing yin based on the TCM theory.Previous studies have found that it significantly improved BPH and regulate urinary function in estrogen and androgen-induced rats.However,it is unclear whether DZQE has an inhibitory effect on BOO rats.Methods:Male Wistar rats underwent retropubic partial bladder neck ligation to induce BOO.DZQE extract(2.7/5.4 g/kg)was administered orally for 35 days.Anesthetized rats underwent cystometry to assess BOO and treatment effects on urinary parameters.Bladder histopathology,fibrosis,and PCNA expression were evaluated via HE,Masson’s,and IHC staining.Western blot quantified bladder tissue levels of choline acetyltransferase(ChAT),rho-associated protein kinase 1(ROCK1),myosin light chain kinase(MLCK),myosin light chain 2(MLC-2),extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax).Primary bladder smooth muscle cells were cultured,exposed to hydrostatic pressure(HP,3 h/24 h)using a custom apparatus to mimic BOO,and treated with DZQE components for Western blot analysis of ROCK1,MLCK,ERK,PCNA,and Bax.Results:The bladder hyperplasia,bladder index(BI)increased,and histopathological alteration were easily observed in BOO group,which were significantly inhibited by DZQE administration.DZQE also significantly inhibited the up-regulation of maximum voiding pressure(MVP)and down-regulation of residual urine volume(RV)observed in BOO rats.The expressions of ChAT and MLCK and the activation of ERK were much increased,while the expressions of ROCK1,MLC-2 and Bax were obviously decreased in BOO rats,all of which were then significantly inhibited by DZQE.In rat bladder smooth muscle cells(RBSMC),3 h or 24 h duration of HP successfully simulated the BOO compensation and decompensation respectively in vitro.DZQE or its active components reduced the abnormal gene expressions in HP stimulated RBSMC.Conclusion:DZQE improves the urinary function in BOO rats mainly through the activation of ERK.Bakuchiol,salvianolic acid A,kaempferol,and tanshinoneⅡA are possibly the important active components of its therapeutic effects.
基金support of the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(No.J2019-V-0005-0096)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2020YFA0405700).
文摘The spatiotemporal distribution of soot concentration in aero-engine combustor is important for assessing its combustion performance.Here,we report experimental measurements of soot concentration in terms of Soot Volume Fraction(SVF)and its spatiotemporal distribution in a single-sector dual-swirl aero-engine combustor using Two-Color Laser-Induced Incandescence(2C-LII).It is shown that soot predominantly forms in the symmetrical vortices of the primary combustion zone,exhibiting a V-type distribution with higher concentration in the lower half of the zone than the upper half,with a small amount distributed in the secondary recirculation zone.Soot emissions at the combustor outlet are relatively low under three typical operating conditions by LII experiments,which is aligned with Smoke Number(SN)from gas analysis.The effect of inlet air temperature on SVF distribution and dynamics in the primary combustion zone is studied,which suggests that the SVF level in the primary combustion zone monotonically increases with the temperature.Meanwhile,the SVF distribution becomes more symmetrical as the inlet temperature increases,although the overall SVF level in the lower half of the zone is still higher.We also investigate the influence of the inlet air pressure on the SVF distribution at the combustor outlet.The soot concentration at the combustor outlet increases with inlet pressure,mainly distributed irregularly across both sides and the center.On both sides,the distribution is continuous,while the center exhibits dot-like and linear patterns.Numerical simulations correlated SVF distribution with the flow field in the primary combustion zone,qualitatively explaining the observed SVF distribution behavior.These results under various conditions can provide valuable insights for improving the performance of this specific combustor and designing high-temperature-rise combustors in the future.
文摘This study involved numerical simulations of a double tube heat exchanger using the ANSYS FLUENT programversion 22.The study aims to examine methods for minimizing pressure loss and consequently enhancing the thermal performance index(TPI)of a heat exchanger fitted with wavy edge tape that is a heat recovery system(the hot air in simulation instead of t heat from the exhaust gases of the brick factory furnaces and return it to warm the heavy fuel oil by substituting the electrical heater with a heat exchanger to recuperate waste heat from the flue gases,so elevating the temperature of Heavy fuel oil(HFO)to inject from the roof nozzles of combustion chamber of the furnace furthermore reducing cost(by finding the optimal design of wavy edge tape))and energy consumption.Air was selected as the hot gas in the inner pipe instead of furnace exhaust gases due to their similar thermal characteristics.A numerical analysis was conducted to create a novel wavy edge tape with varying widths(50%Di,75%Di,and 95%Di),lengths(1000,1200,1400)mm,amplitudes(5,10,15)mm,and periods of wavy length(5,10,15)mm.The flow rate of the outer pipe fluid(oil)ranges from(0.06 to 0.1)kg/s,while the velocity of the hot fluid(air)varies from(1 to 27)m/s,Re_(air)(6957 to 187,837).The entrance temperature of the hot fluid can be either(200,225,and 250)℃.The study finds that wavy edge tape tubes are more effective than smooth tubes in terms of oil outlet temperature;results revealed that an increase in the oil mass flow rate leads to a decrease in the oil outlet temperature and an increase in the heat transfer rate,at the air temperature 250℃.Additionally,the results indicate that increasing the width,length,and amplitude also leads to an increase in the oil outlet temperature of(94-94.12)℃,the pressure drop of(568.3)Pa,and the Nusselt number(65.7-66.5)respectively on the oil side.Finally,the heat exchanger’s best thermal performance index was found by investigating temperature contour at amplitude(A=5),period(p=15),width(w=75%Di),and length(L=1200 mm).The values for these parameters are,in order(1.02,1.025,1.02,and 1.0077).
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50579048)
文摘The hydraulic characteristics at the side inlet/outlet of pumped storage plants is studied by numerical simulations,covering the flow distribution,head loss,vortex,and others.Based on the physical model test,the realizable k-εturbulence model is used in the 3-D simulation of the side inlet/outlet.A new scheme is suggested to obtain the uneven flow distribution over three branch orifices.The variation of the free surface with the reservoir water level under the pumped condition is simulated,with results consistent with the experimental results.
文摘Standpipes,or downcomers,are commonly used in fluidized beds to transport particles.The outlet structure of the downcomer greatly affects the performance of flow from it and even overall reactor performance.In this study,the hydrodynamics in commercial-scale internally circulating fluidized beds(ICFBs)with central downcomers having different outlet structures was investigated using computational fluid dynamics simulations with an energy minimization multi-scale drag model.The predicted results closely agreed with experimental data.Results showed that in an ICFB with a downcomer outlet directly open to the bed(model A),nearly 12.7%to 5.4%of the gas in the draft tube bypasses into the downcomer.In the ICFB models B and C with a conic baffle below the downcomer,the gas bypass is significantly weakened or even eliminated when the diameter of the conic baffle is 1.1 times that of the downcomer(model C).In addition,the solids circulation mass flux in ICFBs increased by about 62.5%,from 126.8 kg/(m2 s)in model A to 206 kg/(m2 s)in model C.
文摘Since the 8th National Public Ice and Snow Season began,winter sports in Wuhan have significantly gained in popularity and attracted the attention of several state media outlets.
文摘BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB)is the causative agent of TB,a chronic granulo-matous illness.This disease is prevalent in low-income countries,posing a significant global health challenge.Gastrointestinal TB is one of the three forms.The disease can mimic other intra-abdominal conditions,leading to delayed diagnosis owing to the absence of specific symptoms.While gastric outlet obs-truction(GOO)remains a frequent complication,its incidence has declined with the advent of proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Gastroduodenal TB can cause upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage,obstruction,and malignancy-like tumors.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male presented with recurrent epigastric pain,distension,nausea,vomiting,and weight loss,prompting a referral to a gastroenterologist clinic.Endoscopic examination revealed distorted gastric mucosa and signs of chronic inflammation.However,treatment was interrupted,possibly owing to vomiting or comorbidities such as human immunodeficiency virus infection or diabetes.Subsequent surgical intervention revealed a dilated stomach and diffuse thickening of the duodenal wall.Resection revealed gastric wall effacement with TB.CONCLUSION Primary gastric TB is rare,frequently leading to GOO.Given its rarity,suspicions should be promptly raised when encountering relevant symptoms,often requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis and treatment.
