Water use efficiency(WUE),as a pivotal indicator of the coupling degree within the carbon–water cycle of ecosystems,holds considerable importance in assessment of the carbon–water balance within terrestrial ecosyste...Water use efficiency(WUE),as a pivotal indicator of the coupling degree within the carbon–water cycle of ecosystems,holds considerable importance in assessment of the carbon–water balance within terrestrial ecosystems.However,in the context of global warming,WUE evolution and its primary drivers on the Tibetan Plateau remain unclear.This study employed the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method and the random forest algorithm to decipher the nonlinear trends and drivers of WUE on the Tibetan Plateau in 2001–2020.Results indicated an annual mean WUE of 0.8088 gC/mm·m^(2)across the plateau,with a spatial gradient reflecting decrease from the southeast toward the northwest.Areas manifesting monotonous trends of increase or decrease in WUE accounted for 23.64%and 9.69%of the total,respectively.Remarkably,66.67%of the region exhibited trend reversals,i.e.,39.94%of the area of the Tibetan Plateau showed transition from a trend of increase to a trend of decrease,and 26.73%of the area demonstrated a shift from a trend of decrease to a trend of increase.Environmental factors accounted for 70.79%of the variability in WUE.The leaf area index and temperature served as the major driving forces of WUE variation.展开更多
Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize...Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.展开更多
Wide-temperature applications of sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)are severely limited by the sluggish ion insertion/diffusion kinetics of conversion-type anodes.Quantum-sized transition metal dichalcogenides possess unique ...Wide-temperature applications of sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)are severely limited by the sluggish ion insertion/diffusion kinetics of conversion-type anodes.Quantum-sized transition metal dichalcogenides possess unique advantages of charge delocalization and enrich uncoordinated electrons and short-range transfer kinetics,which are crucial to achieve rapid low-temperature charge transfer and high-temperature interface stability.Herein,a quantum-scale FeS_(2) loaded on three-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene skeletons(FeS_(2) QD/MXene)fabricated as SIBs anode,demonstrating impressive performance under wide-temperature conditions(−35 to 65).The theoretical calculations combined with experimental characterization interprets that the unsaturated coordination edges of FeS_(2) QD can induce delocalized electronic regions,which reduces electrostatic potential and significantly facilitates efficient Na+diffusion across a broad temperature range.Moreover,the Ti_(3)C_(2) skeleton reinforces structural integrity via Fe-O-Ti bonding,while enabling excellent dispersion of FeS_(2) QD.As expected,FeS_(2) QD/MXene anode harvests capacities of 255.2 and 424.9 mAh g^(−1) at 0.1 A g^(−1) under−35 and 65,and the energy density of FeS_(2) QD/MXene//NVP full cell can reach to 162.4 Wh kg^(−1) at−35,highlighting its practical potential for wide-temperatures conditions.This work extends the uncoordinated regions induced by quantum-size effects for exceptional Na^(+)ion storage and diffusion performance at wide-temperatures environment.展开更多
Automated essay scoring(AES)systems have gained significant importance in educational settings,offering a scalable,efficient,and objective method for evaluating student essays.However,developing AES systems for Arabic...Automated essay scoring(AES)systems have gained significant importance in educational settings,offering a scalable,efficient,and objective method for evaluating student essays.However,developing AES systems for Arabic poses distinct challenges due to the language’s complex morphology,diglossia,and the scarcity of annotated datasets.This paper presents a hybrid approach to Arabic AES by combining text-based,vector-based,and embeddingbased similarity measures to improve essay scoring accuracy while minimizing the training data required.Using a large Arabic essay dataset categorized into thematic groups,the study conducted four experiments to evaluate the impact of feature selection,data size,and model performance.Experiment 1 established a baseline using a non-machine learning approach,selecting top-N correlated features to predict essay scores.The subsequent experiments employed 5-fold cross-validation.Experiment 2 showed that combining embedding-based,text-based,and vector-based features in a Random Forest(RF)model achieved an R2 of 88.92%and an accuracy of 83.3%within a 0.5-point tolerance.Experiment 3 further refined the feature selection process,demonstrating that 19 correlated features yielded optimal results,improving R2 to 88.95%.In Experiment 4,an optimal data efficiency training approach was introduced,where training data portions increased from 5%to 50%.The study found that using just 10%of the data achieved near-peak performance,with an R2 of 85.49%,emphasizing an effective trade-off between performance and computational costs.These findings highlight the potential of the hybrid approach for developing scalable Arabic AES systems,especially in low-resource environments,addressing linguistic challenges while ensuring efficient data usage.展开更多
The advent of sixth-generation(6G)networks introduces unprecedented challenges in achieving seamless connectivity,ultra-low latency,and efficient resource management in highly dynamic environments.Although fifth-gener...The advent of sixth-generation(6G)networks introduces unprecedented challenges in achieving seamless connectivity,ultra-low latency,and efficient resource management in highly dynamic environments.Although fifth-generation(5G)networks transformed mobile broadband and machine-type communications at massive scales,their properties of scaling,interference management,and latency remain a limitation in dense high mobility settings.To overcome these limitations,artificial intelligence(AI)and unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)have emerged as potential solutions to develop versatile,dynamic,and energy-efficient communication systems.The study proposes an AI-based UAV architecture that utilizes cooperative reinforcement learning(CoRL)to manage an autonomous network.The UAVs collaborate by sharing local observations and real-time state exchanges to optimize user connectivity,movement directions,allocate power,and resource distribution.Unlike conventional centralized or autonomous methods,CoRL involves joint state sharing and conflict-sensitive reward shaping,which ensures fair coverage,less interference,and enhanced adaptability in a dynamic urban environment.Simulations conducted in smart city scenarios with 10 UAVs and 50 ground users demonstrate that the proposed CoRL-based UAV system increases user coverage by up to 10%,achieves convergence 40%faster,and reduces latency and energy consumption by 30%compared with centralized and decentralized baselines.Furthermore,the distributed nature of the algorithm ensures scalability and flexibility,making it well-suited for future large-scale 6G deployments.The results highlighted that AI-enabled UAV systems enhance connectivity,support ultra-reliable low-latency communications(URLLC),and improve 6G network efficiency.Future work will extend the framework with adaptive modulation,beamforming-aware positioning,and real-world testbed deployment.展开更多
Trochoidal milling is known for its advantages in machining difficult-to-machine materials as it facilitates chip removal and tool cooling.However,the conventional trochoidal tool path presents challenges such as lowe...Trochoidal milling is known for its advantages in machining difficult-to-machine materials as it facilitates chip removal and tool cooling.However,the conventional trochoidal tool path presents challenges such as lower machining efficiency and longer machining time due to its time-varying cutter-workpiece engagement angle and a high percentage of non-cutting tool paths.To address these issues,this paper introduces a parameter-variant trochoidal-like(PVTR)tool path planning method for chatter-free and high-efficiency milling.This method ensures a constant engagement angle for each tool path period by adjusting the trochoidal radius and step.Initially,the nonlinear equation for the PVTR toolpath is established.Then,a segmented recurrence method is proposed to plan tool paths based on the desired engagement angle.The impact of trochoidal tool path parameters on the engagement angle is analyzed and coupled this information with the milling stability model based on spindle speed and engagement angle to determine the desired engagement angle throughout the machining process.Finally,several experimental tests are carried out using the bull-nose end mill to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
Although phase-change random-access memory(PCRAM)is a promising next-generation nonvolatile memory technology,challenges remain in terms of reducing energy consumption.This is primarily be-cause the high thermal condu...Although phase-change random-access memory(PCRAM)is a promising next-generation nonvolatile memory technology,challenges remain in terms of reducing energy consumption.This is primarily be-cause the high thermal conductivities of phase-change materials(PCMs)promote Joule heating dissi-pation.Repeated phase transitions also induce long-range atomic diffusion,limiting the durability.To address these challenges,phase-change heterostructure(PCH)devices that incorporate confinement sub-layers based on transition-metal dichalcogenide materials have been developed.In this study,we engi-neered a PCH device by integrating HfTe_(2),which has low thermal conductivity and excellent stability,into the PCM to realize PCRAM with enhanced thermal efficiency and structural stability.HEAT sim-ulations were conducted to validate the superior heat confinement in the programming region of the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device.Moreover,electrical measurements of the device demonstrated its outstanding performance,which was characterized by a low RESET current(∼1.6 mA),stable two-order ON/OFF ratio,and exceptional cycling endurance(∼2×10^(7)).The structural integrity of the HfTe_(2)confinement sub-layer was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The material properties,including electrical conductivity,cohesive energy,and electronegativity,substantiated these findings.Collectively,these results revealed that the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device can achieve significant improvements in performance and reliability compared with conventional PCRAM devices.展开更多
Ultra-low emission of nitrogen oxide(NO_(x))is an irreversible trend for the development of waste-to-energy industry.But traditional approaches to remove NO_(x) face significant challenge s,such as low denitration eff...Ultra-low emission of nitrogen oxide(NO_(x))is an irreversible trend for the development of waste-to-energy industry.But traditional approaches to remove NO_(x) face significant challenge s,such as low denitration efficiency,complex denitration system,and high investment and operating cost.Here we put forward a novel polymer non-catalytic reduction(PNCR)technology that utilized a new type of polymer agent to remove NO_(x),and the proposed PNCR technology was applied to the existing waste-to-energy plant to test the denitration performance.The PNCR technology demonstrated excellent denitration performance with a NO_(x) emission concentration of<100 mg/Nm^(3) and high denitration efficiency of>75%at the temperature range of 800-900℃,which showed the application feasibility even on the complex and unstable industrial operating conditions.In addition,PNCR and hybrid polymer/selective non-catalytic reduction(PNCR/SNCR)technology possessed remarkable economic advantages including low investment fee and low operating cost of<10 CNY per ton of municipal solid waste(MSW)compared with selective catalytic reduction(SCR)technology.The excellent denitration performance of PNCR technology forebodes a broad industrial application prospect in the field of flue gas cleaning for waste-to-energy plants.展开更多
Trap-assisted charge recombination is one of the primary limitationsof restricting the performance of organic solar cells. However, effectivelyreducing the presence of traps in the photoactive layer remains challengin...Trap-assisted charge recombination is one of the primary limitationsof restricting the performance of organic solar cells. However, effectivelyreducing the presence of traps in the photoactive layer remains challenging.Herein, wide bandgap polymer donor PTzBI-dF is demonstrated as an effectivemodulator for enhancing the crystallinity of the bulk heterojunction active layerscomposed of D18 derivatives blended with Y6, leading to dense and orderedmolecular packings, and thus, improves photoluminescence quenching properties.As a result, the photovoltaic devices exhibit reduced trap-assisted charge recombinationlosses, achieving an optimized power conversion efficiency of over 19%.Besides the efficiency enhancement, the devices comprised of PTzBI-dF as athird component simultaneously attain decreased current leakage, improved chargecarrier mobilities, and suppressed bimolecular charge recombination, leading toreduced energy losses. The advanced crystalline structures induced by PTzBI-dFand its characteristics, such as well-aligned energy level, and complementaryabsorption spectra, are ascribed to the promising performance improvements.Our findings suggest that donor phase engineering is a feasible approach to tuning the molecular packings in the active layer, providingguidelines for designing effective morphology modulators for high-performance organic solar cells.展开更多
The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use e...The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and enhancing crop stress resistance.Nevertheless,the precise interaction between soil warming(SW)and SN remains unclear.In order to ascertain the impact of SW on maize growth and whether SN can improve the tolerance of maize to SW,a two-year field experiment was conducted(2022-2023).The aim was to examine the influence of two SW ranges(MT,warming 1.40℃;HT,warming 2.75℃)and two nitrogen application methods(N1,one-time basal application of nitrogen fertilizer;N2,one third of base nitrogen fertilizer+two thirds of jointing stage supplemental nitrogen fertilizer)on maize root growth,photosynthetic characteristics,nitrogen use efficiency,and yield.The results demonstrated that SW impeded root growth and precipitated the premature aging of maize leaves following anthesis,particularly in the HT,which led to a notable reduction in maize yield.In comparison to N1,SN has been shown to increase root length density by 8.54%,root bleeding rate by 8.57%,and enhance root distribution ratio in the middle soil layers(20-60 cm).The interaction between SW and SN had a notable impact on maize growth and yield.The SN improved the absorption and utilization efficiency of nitrogen by promoting root development and downward canopy growth,thus improving the tolerance of maize to SW at the later stage of growth.In particular,the N2HT resulted in a 14.51%increase in the photosynthetic rate,a 18.58%increase in nitrogen absorption efficiency,and a 18.32%increase in maize yield compared with N1HT.It can be posited that the SN represents a viable nitrogen management measure with the potential to enhance maize tolerance to soil high-temperature stress.展开更多
In this paper,a wideband true time delay line for X-band is designed to overcome the beam dispersion problem in a high-resolution spaceborne synthetic aperture radar phased array antenna system.The delay line loads th...In this paper,a wideband true time delay line for X-band is designed to overcome the beam dispersion problem in a high-resolution spaceborne synthetic aperture radar phased array antenna system.The delay line loads the electromagnetic bandgap structure on the upper surface of the substrate integrated waveguide.This is equivalent to including an additional inductance-capacitance for energy storage,which realizes the slow-wave effect.A microstrip line-SIW tapered transition structure is introduced to achieve a low loss and a large bandwidth.In the frequency band between 8-12 GHz,the measured results show that the delay multiplier of the delay line reaches 4 times,i.e.,delay line’s delay time is 4 times larger than 50Ωmicrostrip line with same length.Furthermore,the delay fluctuation,i.e.,the difference between the maximum and minimum delay as a percentage of the standard delay is only 2.5%,the insertion loss is less than-2.5 dB,and the return loss is less than-15 dB.Compared with the existing delay lines,the proposed delay line has the advantages of high delay efficiency,low delay error,wide bandwidth and low loss,which has good practical value and application prospects.展开更多
Conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors(SNSPDs)have been typically limited in their applications due to their size,weight,and power consumption,which confine their use to laboratory settings.Howe...Conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors(SNSPDs)have been typically limited in their applications due to their size,weight,and power consumption,which confine their use to laboratory settings.However,with the rapid development of remote imaging,sensing technologies,and long-range quantum communication with fewer topographical constraints,the demand for high-efficiency single-photon detectors integrated with avionic platforms is rapidly growing.We herein designed and manufactured the first drone-based SNSPD system with a system detection efficiency(SDE)as high as 91.8%.This drone-based system incorporates high-performance NbTiN SNSPDs,a self-developed miniature liquid helium dewar,and custom-built integrated electrical setups,making it capable of being launched in complex topographical conditions.Such a drone-based SNSPD system may open the use of SNSPDs for applications that demand high SDE in complex environments.展开更多
In order to accurately forecast the main engine fuel consumption and reduce the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator(EEOI)of merchant ships in polar ice areas,the energy transfer relationship between ship-machine-p...In order to accurately forecast the main engine fuel consumption and reduce the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator(EEOI)of merchant ships in polar ice areas,the energy transfer relationship between ship-machine-propeller is studied by analyzing the complex force situation during ship navigation and building a MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform based on multi-environmental resistance,propeller efficiency,main engine power,fuel consumption,fuel consumption rate and EEOI calculation module.Considering the environmental factors of wind,wave and ice,the route is divided into sections,the calculation of main engine power,main engine fuel consumption and EEOI for each section is completed,and the speed design is optimized based on the simulation model for each section.Under the requirements of the voyage plan,the optimization results show that the energy efficiency operation index of the whole route is reduced by 3.114%and the fuel consumption is reduced by 9.17 t.展开更多
The growing need for sustainable energy solutions,driven by rising energy shortages,environmental concerns,and the depletion of conventional energy sources,has led to a significant focus on renewable energy.Solar ener...The growing need for sustainable energy solutions,driven by rising energy shortages,environmental concerns,and the depletion of conventional energy sources,has led to a significant focus on renewable energy.Solar energy,among the various renewable sources,is particularly appealing due to its abundant availability.However,the efficiency of commercial solar photovoltaic(PV)modules is hindered by several factors,notably their conversion efficiency,which averages around 19%.This efficiency can further decline to 10%–16%due to temperature increases during peak sunlight hours.This study investigates the cooling of PV modules by applying water to their front surface through Computational fluid dynamics(CFD).The study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cooling the PV module by analyzing the interplay between water film thickness,Reynolds number,and their effects on temperature reduction and heat transfer.The CFD analysis revealed that the most effective cooling condition occurred with a 5 mm thick water film and a Reynolds number of 10.These specific parameters were found to maximize the heat transfer and temperature reduction efficiency.This finding is crucial for the development of practical and efficient cooling systems for PV modules,potentially leading to improved performance and longevity of solar panels.Alternative cooling fluids or advanced cooling techniques that might offer even better efficiency or practical benefits.展开更多
This study reviewed developments in provider utilization related to health care in the metropolitan area of the Syracuse hospitals between the twentieth century and the twenty first century with respect to major hospi...This study reviewed developments in provider utilization related to health care in the metropolitan area of the Syracuse hospitals between the twentieth century and the twenty first century with respect to major hospital services. In this study, a decline in the utilization of inpatient hospitals developed between 2020 and 2022. During this period, use of additional outpatient services such as ambulatory surgery, individual practitioners, outside hospitals, and the use of hospital emergency departments developed in the community. The study data demonstrated that between 2020 and 2022, the numbers of discharges from the combined hospitals declined for both adult medicine and adult surgery. Inpatient discharges declined by 2730 patients for adult medicine and 1961 patients for adult surgery. The data also demonstrated that between 2022 and 2024, the numbers of discharges increased by 1998 discharges for adult medicine and by 229 for adult surgery. As followup to this study, health care providers and payors should review approaches to efficiency in their communities and evaluate their impact on health care efficiency.展开更多
Ports are crucial to the economy of many nations;thus, numerous studies have been conducted on port efficiency and productivity. This study analyses the efficiency and productivity of some major global ports namely, P...Ports are crucial to the economy of many nations;thus, numerous studies have been conducted on port efficiency and productivity. This study analyses the efficiency and productivity of some major global ports namely, Port of Singapore, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Durban. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of operational efficiency of the mentioned ports, measure and evaluate the ports’ productivity changes and lastly to investigate the factors influencing the productivity changes of the ports studied. To achieve these objectives, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA-BCC) model was used to determine the technical and operational efficiencies of the ports and Malmquist productivity index was employed to calculate the various productivity levels. The results of the study can guide stakeholders to formulate their operational strategies for port efficiency and productivity. The study also has policy suggestions that are uniquely targeted to Africa’s issues and potential.展开更多
This work focuses on maximizing the minimum user’s security energy efficiency(SEE)in an unmanned aerial vehicle-mounted reconfigurable intelligent surface(UAV-RIS)enhanced short-packet communication(SPC)system.The ba...This work focuses on maximizing the minimum user’s security energy efficiency(SEE)in an unmanned aerial vehicle-mounted reconfigurable intelligent surface(UAV-RIS)enhanced short-packet communication(SPC)system.The base station(BS)provides short packet services to ground users using the non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA)protocol through UAV-RIS,while preventing eavesdropper attacks.To optimize SEE,a joint optimization is performed concerning power allocation,UAV position,decoding order,and RIS phase shifts.An iterative algorithm based on block coordinate descent is proposed for mixed-integer non-convex SEE optimization problem.The original problem is decomposed into three sub-problems,solved alternately using successive convex approximation(SCA),quadratic transformation,penalty function,and semi-definite programming(SDP).Simulation results demonstrate the performance of the UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet system under different parameters and verify the algorithm’s convergence.Compared to benchmark schemes such as orthogonal multiple access,long packet communication,and sum SEE,the proposed UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet scheme achieves the higher minimum user’s SEE.展开更多
With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared...With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared at the seedling stage.P-efficient cultivars showed root morphological adaptation,high P uptake activity,and greater phospholipid degradation under low P stress.Improving root morphological adaptation and reducing lipid-P allocation could allow increasing PUE in rapeseed seedlings.展开更多
The integration of digital tools and effective knowledge management practices is critical for enhancing administrative efficiency and institutional continuity in higher education. This study investigates the relations...The integration of digital tools and effective knowledge management practices is critical for enhancing administrative efficiency and institutional continuity in higher education. This study investigates the relationships between knowledge modeling, institutional memory, leadership styles, technology, and administrative efficiency at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The study sought to identify the challenges and opportunities in integrating digital tools into administrative processes and to provide actionable recommendations for improvement. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with qualitative thematic analysis of interviews. The findings revealed key challenges, including resistance to change, fragmented knowledge repositories, and inadequate funding, alongside opportunities such as centralized knowledge systems, cost-effective open-source tools, and capacity-building initiatives. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership, robust policies, and investments in digital infrastructure to enhance administrative practices. Policy implications include the need for clear digital transformation guidelines and leadership training to foster innovation and collaboration. Recommendations include investing in scalable digital tools, implementing comprehensive capacity-building programs, and promoting stakeholder engagement to drive successful digital integration. These insights provide a roadmap for UCC and similar institutions seeking to optimize administrative efficiency through digital transformation.展开更多
BACKGROUND In 2017,our institution implemented a high efficiency(HE)pathway for lower limb orthopedic surgery.The employed strategy included patient selection,surgical instrument standardization,preoperative surgical ...BACKGROUND In 2017,our institution implemented a high efficiency(HE)pathway for lower limb orthopedic surgery.The employed strategy included patient selection,surgical instrument standardization,preoperative surgical nerve blocks,avoidance of general anesthesia and bypassing phase one recovery.We conducted a historic cohort study whose primary outcome was the postoperative recovery time between the HE and traditional(T)pathway.AIM To determine whether the implementation of a HE pathway was correlated with a reduction in postoperative recovery time.METHODS Patients who had unilateral elective lower limb orthopedic procedures through the T and HE pathway were screened between 2017 to 2019.Patients were at least 18 years old,and American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)Physical Status I to III without major systemic comorbidities were included.Propensity score was generated using multivariable regression taking age,body mass index,sex,ASA class and surgical type as covariates using nearest neighbour methods between the two pathways.Mann Whitney U test were used to analyzed total postoperative time.RESULTS There was an associated reduction in total postoperative recovery time of 63 minutes(95%CI:-69 to-57)in the HE group.The operating room time and total length of stay also had an associated decrease of 20 minutes(95%CI:-23 to-17)and 84 minutes(95%CI:-92 to-75)respectively.CONCLUSION Utilizing multifaceted strategies to improve perioperative efficiency was associated with a reduction in the postoperative recovery time in our retrospective study.This model can be a potential strategy to deal with surgical backlog in the face of ongoing human resource challenges.展开更多
基金National Nonprofit Institute Research Grant of CAF,No.CAFYBB2018ZA004,No.CAFYBB2023ZA009Fengyun Application Pioneering Project,No.FY-APP-ZX-2023.02。
文摘Water use efficiency(WUE),as a pivotal indicator of the coupling degree within the carbon–water cycle of ecosystems,holds considerable importance in assessment of the carbon–water balance within terrestrial ecosystems.However,in the context of global warming,WUE evolution and its primary drivers on the Tibetan Plateau remain unclear.This study employed the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method and the random forest algorithm to decipher the nonlinear trends and drivers of WUE on the Tibetan Plateau in 2001–2020.Results indicated an annual mean WUE of 0.8088 gC/mm·m^(2)across the plateau,with a spatial gradient reflecting decrease from the southeast toward the northwest.Areas manifesting monotonous trends of increase or decrease in WUE accounted for 23.64%and 9.69%of the total,respectively.Remarkably,66.67%of the region exhibited trend reversals,i.e.,39.94%of the area of the Tibetan Plateau showed transition from a trend of increase to a trend of decrease,and 26.73%of the area demonstrated a shift from a trend of decrease to a trend of increase.Environmental factors accounted for 70.79%of the variability in WUE.The leaf area index and temperature served as the major driving forces of WUE variation.
基金supported by STI 2030-Major Projects,No.2021ZD0201603(to JL)the Joint Foundation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.8091A170201(to JL)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.T2293730(to XC),T2293731(to XC),T2293734(to XC),62471291(to YW),62121003(to XC),61960206012(to XC),62333020(to XC),and 62171434(to XC)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,Nos.2022YFC2402501(to XC),2022YFB3205602(to XC).
文摘Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.52202335 and 52171227)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20221137)National Key R&D Program of China(2024YFE0108500).
文摘Wide-temperature applications of sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)are severely limited by the sluggish ion insertion/diffusion kinetics of conversion-type anodes.Quantum-sized transition metal dichalcogenides possess unique advantages of charge delocalization and enrich uncoordinated electrons and short-range transfer kinetics,which are crucial to achieve rapid low-temperature charge transfer and high-temperature interface stability.Herein,a quantum-scale FeS_(2) loaded on three-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene skeletons(FeS_(2) QD/MXene)fabricated as SIBs anode,demonstrating impressive performance under wide-temperature conditions(−35 to 65).The theoretical calculations combined with experimental characterization interprets that the unsaturated coordination edges of FeS_(2) QD can induce delocalized electronic regions,which reduces electrostatic potential and significantly facilitates efficient Na+diffusion across a broad temperature range.Moreover,the Ti_(3)C_(2) skeleton reinforces structural integrity via Fe-O-Ti bonding,while enabling excellent dispersion of FeS_(2) QD.As expected,FeS_(2) QD/MXene anode harvests capacities of 255.2 and 424.9 mAh g^(−1) at 0.1 A g^(−1) under−35 and 65,and the energy density of FeS_(2) QD/MXene//NVP full cell can reach to 162.4 Wh kg^(−1) at−35,highlighting its practical potential for wide-temperatures conditions.This work extends the uncoordinated regions induced by quantum-size effects for exceptional Na^(+)ion storage and diffusion performance at wide-temperatures environment.
基金funded by Deanship of Graduate studies and Scientific Research at Jouf University under grant No.(DGSSR-2024-02-01264).
文摘Automated essay scoring(AES)systems have gained significant importance in educational settings,offering a scalable,efficient,and objective method for evaluating student essays.However,developing AES systems for Arabic poses distinct challenges due to the language’s complex morphology,diglossia,and the scarcity of annotated datasets.This paper presents a hybrid approach to Arabic AES by combining text-based,vector-based,and embeddingbased similarity measures to improve essay scoring accuracy while minimizing the training data required.Using a large Arabic essay dataset categorized into thematic groups,the study conducted four experiments to evaluate the impact of feature selection,data size,and model performance.Experiment 1 established a baseline using a non-machine learning approach,selecting top-N correlated features to predict essay scores.The subsequent experiments employed 5-fold cross-validation.Experiment 2 showed that combining embedding-based,text-based,and vector-based features in a Random Forest(RF)model achieved an R2 of 88.92%and an accuracy of 83.3%within a 0.5-point tolerance.Experiment 3 further refined the feature selection process,demonstrating that 19 correlated features yielded optimal results,improving R2 to 88.95%.In Experiment 4,an optimal data efficiency training approach was introduced,where training data portions increased from 5%to 50%.The study found that using just 10%of the data achieved near-peak performance,with an R2 of 85.49%,emphasizing an effective trade-off between performance and computational costs.These findings highlight the potential of the hybrid approach for developing scalable Arabic AES systems,especially in low-resource environments,addressing linguistic challenges while ensuring efficient data usage.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MSIT)(RS-2025-00559546)supported by the IITP(Institute of Information&Coummunications Technology Planning&Evaluation)-ITRC(Information Technology Research Center)grant funded by the Korea government(Ministry of Science and ICT)(IITP-2025-RS-2023-00259004).
文摘The advent of sixth-generation(6G)networks introduces unprecedented challenges in achieving seamless connectivity,ultra-low latency,and efficient resource management in highly dynamic environments.Although fifth-generation(5G)networks transformed mobile broadband and machine-type communications at massive scales,their properties of scaling,interference management,and latency remain a limitation in dense high mobility settings.To overcome these limitations,artificial intelligence(AI)and unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)have emerged as potential solutions to develop versatile,dynamic,and energy-efficient communication systems.The study proposes an AI-based UAV architecture that utilizes cooperative reinforcement learning(CoRL)to manage an autonomous network.The UAVs collaborate by sharing local observations and real-time state exchanges to optimize user connectivity,movement directions,allocate power,and resource distribution.Unlike conventional centralized or autonomous methods,CoRL involves joint state sharing and conflict-sensitive reward shaping,which ensures fair coverage,less interference,and enhanced adaptability in a dynamic urban environment.Simulations conducted in smart city scenarios with 10 UAVs and 50 ground users demonstrate that the proposed CoRL-based UAV system increases user coverage by up to 10%,achieves convergence 40%faster,and reduces latency and energy consumption by 30%compared with centralized and decentralized baselines.Furthermore,the distributed nature of the algorithm ensures scalability and flexibility,making it well-suited for future large-scale 6G deployments.The results highlighted that AI-enabled UAV systems enhance connectivity,support ultra-reliable low-latency communications(URLLC),and improve 6G network efficiency.Future work will extend the framework with adaptive modulation,beamforming-aware positioning,and real-world testbed deployment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U22A20202 and 52275477).
文摘Trochoidal milling is known for its advantages in machining difficult-to-machine materials as it facilitates chip removal and tool cooling.However,the conventional trochoidal tool path presents challenges such as lower machining efficiency and longer machining time due to its time-varying cutter-workpiece engagement angle and a high percentage of non-cutting tool paths.To address these issues,this paper introduces a parameter-variant trochoidal-like(PVTR)tool path planning method for chatter-free and high-efficiency milling.This method ensures a constant engagement angle for each tool path period by adjusting the trochoidal radius and step.Initially,the nonlinear equation for the PVTR toolpath is established.Then,a segmented recurrence method is proposed to plan tool paths based on the desired engagement angle.The impact of trochoidal tool path parameters on the engagement angle is analyzed and coupled this information with the milling stability model based on spindle speed and engagement angle to determine the desired engagement angle throughout the machining process.Finally,several experimental tests are carried out using the bull-nose end mill to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
基金financially supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korean government(No.2016R1A3B1908249,RS202400407199).
文摘Although phase-change random-access memory(PCRAM)is a promising next-generation nonvolatile memory technology,challenges remain in terms of reducing energy consumption.This is primarily be-cause the high thermal conductivities of phase-change materials(PCMs)promote Joule heating dissi-pation.Repeated phase transitions also induce long-range atomic diffusion,limiting the durability.To address these challenges,phase-change heterostructure(PCH)devices that incorporate confinement sub-layers based on transition-metal dichalcogenide materials have been developed.In this study,we engi-neered a PCH device by integrating HfTe_(2),which has low thermal conductivity and excellent stability,into the PCM to realize PCRAM with enhanced thermal efficiency and structural stability.HEAT sim-ulations were conducted to validate the superior heat confinement in the programming region of the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device.Moreover,electrical measurements of the device demonstrated its outstanding performance,which was characterized by a low RESET current(∼1.6 mA),stable two-order ON/OFF ratio,and exceptional cycling endurance(∼2×10^(7)).The structural integrity of the HfTe_(2)confinement sub-layer was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The material properties,including electrical conductivity,cohesive energy,and electronegativity,substantiated these findings.Collectively,these results revealed that the HfTe_(2)-based PCH device can achieve significant improvements in performance and reliability compared with conventional PCRAM devices.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.92367107)。
文摘Ultra-low emission of nitrogen oxide(NO_(x))is an irreversible trend for the development of waste-to-energy industry.But traditional approaches to remove NO_(x) face significant challenge s,such as low denitration efficiency,complex denitration system,and high investment and operating cost.Here we put forward a novel polymer non-catalytic reduction(PNCR)technology that utilized a new type of polymer agent to remove NO_(x),and the proposed PNCR technology was applied to the existing waste-to-energy plant to test the denitration performance.The PNCR technology demonstrated excellent denitration performance with a NO_(x) emission concentration of<100 mg/Nm^(3) and high denitration efficiency of>75%at the temperature range of 800-900℃,which showed the application feasibility even on the complex and unstable industrial operating conditions.In addition,PNCR and hybrid polymer/selective non-catalytic reduction(PNCR/SNCR)technology possessed remarkable economic advantages including low investment fee and low operating cost of<10 CNY per ton of municipal solid waste(MSW)compared with selective catalytic reduction(SCR)technology.The excellent denitration performance of PNCR technology forebodes a broad industrial application prospect in the field of flue gas cleaning for waste-to-energy plants.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62275057)the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation(2023GXNSFFA026004 and 2022GXNSFDA035066)+2 种基金the Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education(YCBZ2024034)Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo under grant(2022J149)Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo under grant(2022A-230-G)
文摘Trap-assisted charge recombination is one of the primary limitationsof restricting the performance of organic solar cells. However, effectivelyreducing the presence of traps in the photoactive layer remains challenging.Herein, wide bandgap polymer donor PTzBI-dF is demonstrated as an effectivemodulator for enhancing the crystallinity of the bulk heterojunction active layerscomposed of D18 derivatives blended with Y6, leading to dense and orderedmolecular packings, and thus, improves photoluminescence quenching properties.As a result, the photovoltaic devices exhibit reduced trap-assisted charge recombinationlosses, achieving an optimized power conversion efficiency of over 19%.Besides the efficiency enhancement, the devices comprised of PTzBI-dF as athird component simultaneously attain decreased current leakage, improved chargecarrier mobilities, and suppressed bimolecular charge recombination, leading toreduced energy losses. The advanced crystalline structures induced by PTzBI-dFand its characteristics, such as well-aligned energy level, and complementaryabsorption spectra, are ascribed to the promising performance improvements.Our findings suggest that donor phase engineering is a feasible approach to tuning the molecular packings in the active layer, providingguidelines for designing effective morphology modulators for high-performance organic solar cells.
基金supported by the Natural Science Fund of China(31771724)the Key Research and Development Project of Shaanxi Province(2024NC-ZDCYL-01-10).
文摘The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and enhancing crop stress resistance.Nevertheless,the precise interaction between soil warming(SW)and SN remains unclear.In order to ascertain the impact of SW on maize growth and whether SN can improve the tolerance of maize to SW,a two-year field experiment was conducted(2022-2023).The aim was to examine the influence of two SW ranges(MT,warming 1.40℃;HT,warming 2.75℃)and two nitrogen application methods(N1,one-time basal application of nitrogen fertilizer;N2,one third of base nitrogen fertilizer+two thirds of jointing stage supplemental nitrogen fertilizer)on maize root growth,photosynthetic characteristics,nitrogen use efficiency,and yield.The results demonstrated that SW impeded root growth and precipitated the premature aging of maize leaves following anthesis,particularly in the HT,which led to a notable reduction in maize yield.In comparison to N1,SN has been shown to increase root length density by 8.54%,root bleeding rate by 8.57%,and enhance root distribution ratio in the middle soil layers(20-60 cm).The interaction between SW and SN had a notable impact on maize growth and yield.The SN improved the absorption and utilization efficiency of nitrogen by promoting root development and downward canopy growth,thus improving the tolerance of maize to SW at the later stage of growth.In particular,the N2HT resulted in a 14.51%increase in the photosynthetic rate,a 18.58%increase in nitrogen absorption efficiency,and a 18.32%increase in maize yield compared with N1HT.It can be posited that the SN represents a viable nitrogen management measure with the potential to enhance maize tolerance to soil high-temperature stress.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61971401)。
文摘In this paper,a wideband true time delay line for X-band is designed to overcome the beam dispersion problem in a high-resolution spaceborne synthetic aperture radar phased array antenna system.The delay line loads the electromagnetic bandgap structure on the upper surface of the substrate integrated waveguide.This is equivalent to including an additional inductance-capacitance for energy storage,which realizes the slow-wave effect.A microstrip line-SIW tapered transition structure is introduced to achieve a low loss and a large bandwidth.In the frequency band between 8-12 GHz,the measured results show that the delay multiplier of the delay line reaches 4 times,i.e.,delay line’s delay time is 4 times larger than 50Ωmicrostrip line with same length.Furthermore,the delay fluctuation,i.e.,the difference between the maximum and minimum delay as a percentage of the standard delay is only 2.5%,the insertion loss is less than-2.5 dB,and the return loss is less than-15 dB.Compared with the existing delay lines,the proposed delay line has the advantages of high delay efficiency,low delay error,wide bandwidth and low loss,which has good practical value and application prospects.
基金the Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology(Grant No.2023ZD0300100)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.2023YFB3809600 and 2023YFC3007801)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62301543 and U24A20320)the Shanghai Sailing Program(Grant No.21YF1455700).
文摘Conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors(SNSPDs)have been typically limited in their applications due to their size,weight,and power consumption,which confine their use to laboratory settings.However,with the rapid development of remote imaging,sensing technologies,and long-range quantum communication with fewer topographical constraints,the demand for high-efficiency single-photon detectors integrated with avionic platforms is rapidly growing.We herein designed and manufactured the first drone-based SNSPD system with a system detection efficiency(SDE)as high as 91.8%.This drone-based system incorporates high-performance NbTiN SNSPDs,a self-developed miniature liquid helium dewar,and custom-built integrated electrical setups,making it capable of being launched in complex topographical conditions.Such a drone-based SNSPD system may open the use of SNSPDs for applications that demand high SDE in complex environments.
文摘In order to accurately forecast the main engine fuel consumption and reduce the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator(EEOI)of merchant ships in polar ice areas,the energy transfer relationship between ship-machine-propeller is studied by analyzing the complex force situation during ship navigation and building a MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform based on multi-environmental resistance,propeller efficiency,main engine power,fuel consumption,fuel consumption rate and EEOI calculation module.Considering the environmental factors of wind,wave and ice,the route is divided into sections,the calculation of main engine power,main engine fuel consumption and EEOI for each section is completed,and the speed design is optimized based on the simulation model for each section.Under the requirements of the voyage plan,the optimization results show that the energy efficiency operation index of the whole route is reduced by 3.114%and the fuel consumption is reduced by 9.17 t.
文摘The growing need for sustainable energy solutions,driven by rising energy shortages,environmental concerns,and the depletion of conventional energy sources,has led to a significant focus on renewable energy.Solar energy,among the various renewable sources,is particularly appealing due to its abundant availability.However,the efficiency of commercial solar photovoltaic(PV)modules is hindered by several factors,notably their conversion efficiency,which averages around 19%.This efficiency can further decline to 10%–16%due to temperature increases during peak sunlight hours.This study investigates the cooling of PV modules by applying water to their front surface through Computational fluid dynamics(CFD).The study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cooling the PV module by analyzing the interplay between water film thickness,Reynolds number,and their effects on temperature reduction and heat transfer.The CFD analysis revealed that the most effective cooling condition occurred with a 5 mm thick water film and a Reynolds number of 10.These specific parameters were found to maximize the heat transfer and temperature reduction efficiency.This finding is crucial for the development of practical and efficient cooling systems for PV modules,potentially leading to improved performance and longevity of solar panels.Alternative cooling fluids or advanced cooling techniques that might offer even better efficiency or practical benefits.
文摘This study reviewed developments in provider utilization related to health care in the metropolitan area of the Syracuse hospitals between the twentieth century and the twenty first century with respect to major hospital services. In this study, a decline in the utilization of inpatient hospitals developed between 2020 and 2022. During this period, use of additional outpatient services such as ambulatory surgery, individual practitioners, outside hospitals, and the use of hospital emergency departments developed in the community. The study data demonstrated that between 2020 and 2022, the numbers of discharges from the combined hospitals declined for both adult medicine and adult surgery. Inpatient discharges declined by 2730 patients for adult medicine and 1961 patients for adult surgery. The data also demonstrated that between 2022 and 2024, the numbers of discharges increased by 1998 discharges for adult medicine and by 229 for adult surgery. As followup to this study, health care providers and payors should review approaches to efficiency in their communities and evaluate their impact on health care efficiency.
文摘Ports are crucial to the economy of many nations;thus, numerous studies have been conducted on port efficiency and productivity. This study analyses the efficiency and productivity of some major global ports namely, Port of Singapore, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Durban. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of operational efficiency of the mentioned ports, measure and evaluate the ports’ productivity changes and lastly to investigate the factors influencing the productivity changes of the ports studied. To achieve these objectives, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA-BCC) model was used to determine the technical and operational efficiencies of the ports and Malmquist productivity index was employed to calculate the various productivity levels. The results of the study can guide stakeholders to formulate their operational strategies for port efficiency and productivity. The study also has policy suggestions that are uniquely targeted to Africa’s issues and potential.
基金co-supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U23A20279,62271094)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.SQ2023YFB2500024)+2 种基金the Science Foundation for Youths of Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Provincial,China(No.2022NSFSC0936)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2022M720666)the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Big Data Intelligent Computing,Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications,China(No.BDIC-2023-B-002).
文摘This work focuses on maximizing the minimum user’s security energy efficiency(SEE)in an unmanned aerial vehicle-mounted reconfigurable intelligent surface(UAV-RIS)enhanced short-packet communication(SPC)system.The base station(BS)provides short packet services to ground users using the non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA)protocol through UAV-RIS,while preventing eavesdropper attacks.To optimize SEE,a joint optimization is performed concerning power allocation,UAV position,decoding order,and RIS phase shifts.An iterative algorithm based on block coordinate descent is proposed for mixed-integer non-convex SEE optimization problem.The original problem is decomposed into three sub-problems,solved alternately using successive convex approximation(SCA),quadratic transformation,penalty function,and semi-definite programming(SDP).Simulation results demonstrate the performance of the UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet system under different parameters and verify the algorithm’s convergence.Compared to benchmark schemes such as orthogonal multiple access,long packet communication,and sum SEE,the proposed UAV-RIS-enhanced short-packet scheme achieves the higher minimum user’s SEE.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFD2301200)National Nature Science Foundation of China(32172662).
文摘With the objective of investigating the basis of phosphorus(P)utilization efficiency(PUE),physiological and morphological traits,two P-efficient and two P-inefficient rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)cultivars were compared at the seedling stage.P-efficient cultivars showed root morphological adaptation,high P uptake activity,and greater phospholipid degradation under low P stress.Improving root morphological adaptation and reducing lipid-P allocation could allow increasing PUE in rapeseed seedlings.
文摘The integration of digital tools and effective knowledge management practices is critical for enhancing administrative efficiency and institutional continuity in higher education. This study investigates the relationships between knowledge modeling, institutional memory, leadership styles, technology, and administrative efficiency at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The study sought to identify the challenges and opportunities in integrating digital tools into administrative processes and to provide actionable recommendations for improvement. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with qualitative thematic analysis of interviews. The findings revealed key challenges, including resistance to change, fragmented knowledge repositories, and inadequate funding, alongside opportunities such as centralized knowledge systems, cost-effective open-source tools, and capacity-building initiatives. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership, robust policies, and investments in digital infrastructure to enhance administrative practices. Policy implications include the need for clear digital transformation guidelines and leadership training to foster innovation and collaboration. Recommendations include investing in scalable digital tools, implementing comprehensive capacity-building programs, and promoting stakeholder engagement to drive successful digital integration. These insights provide a roadmap for UCC and similar institutions seeking to optimize administrative efficiency through digital transformation.
文摘BACKGROUND In 2017,our institution implemented a high efficiency(HE)pathway for lower limb orthopedic surgery.The employed strategy included patient selection,surgical instrument standardization,preoperative surgical nerve blocks,avoidance of general anesthesia and bypassing phase one recovery.We conducted a historic cohort study whose primary outcome was the postoperative recovery time between the HE and traditional(T)pathway.AIM To determine whether the implementation of a HE pathway was correlated with a reduction in postoperative recovery time.METHODS Patients who had unilateral elective lower limb orthopedic procedures through the T and HE pathway were screened between 2017 to 2019.Patients were at least 18 years old,and American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)Physical Status I to III without major systemic comorbidities were included.Propensity score was generated using multivariable regression taking age,body mass index,sex,ASA class and surgical type as covariates using nearest neighbour methods between the two pathways.Mann Whitney U test were used to analyzed total postoperative time.RESULTS There was an associated reduction in total postoperative recovery time of 63 minutes(95%CI:-69 to-57)in the HE group.The operating room time and total length of stay also had an associated decrease of 20 minutes(95%CI:-23 to-17)and 84 minutes(95%CI:-92 to-75)respectively.CONCLUSION Utilizing multifaceted strategies to improve perioperative efficiency was associated with a reduction in the postoperative recovery time in our retrospective study.This model can be a potential strategy to deal with surgical backlog in the face of ongoing human resource challenges.