After reading the above mentioned article of [1], we identified a mistake considering the results of the paragraph “3.6. Nonlinear Parameters AP” and the related Table 5 (both on p. 512). Unfortunately, published Ta...After reading the above mentioned article of [1], we identified a mistake considering the results of the paragraph “3.6. Nonlinear Parameters AP” and the related Table 5 (both on p. 512). Unfortunately, published Table 5 is a duplicate of Table 4, and therefore it is not possible for the reader to comprehend any underlying interrelations. To correct this mistake, we would like to offer the corrected table (Table 5) as follows.展开更多
Mental health literacy(MHL)refers to knowledge and attitudes that shape the recognition,management,and prevention of mental disorders.While the topic has been exhaustively researched in Western countries,research from...Mental health literacy(MHL)refers to knowledge and attitudes that shape the recognition,management,and prevention of mental disorders.While the topic has been exhaustively researched in Western countries,research from Southeast Asia still is limited.Previous studies in this field showed a moderate recognition of mental disorders,a high prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes and a low willingness to seek professional help among Southeastern-Asian populations.This study explored the level of MHL among university students from different parts of Vietnam and Cambodia.Correlations with influencing factors(gender,age,study year,educational attainment of the parents,urban/rural origin,ethnicity,personal experiences with mental disorders)were also explored.An online survey,using a 30-item Vietnamese version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale(MHLS),was conducted at six university sites in Vietnam and Cambodia.Data of 1032 students from different study branches were included.The MHL of Vietnamese and Cambodian university students was lower,compared to samples from Australia or the UK.Females and students with a personal experience of mental disorders(self or family)showed a significantly higher MHL.No differences in MHL were found between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds(professional attainment of parents,urban/rural origin).Findings on the influence of ethnicity were inconclusive.MHL needs to be improved among the university students of Vietnam and Cambodia.Mental health promotion should specifically target male students,students from STEM branches,and international students.展开更多
Melamine sponge is a major concern for oil-water separation due to its lightweight,high porosity(>99%),cost-effectiveness,impressive mechanical properties,and chemical/thermal stability.However,its amphiphilic natu...Melamine sponge is a major concern for oil-water separation due to its lightweight,high porosity(>99%),cost-effectiveness,impressive mechanical properties,and chemical/thermal stability.However,its amphiphilic nature hinders selective oil absorption in water.Recent strategies to enhance hydrophobicity are reviewed,including synthetic methods and materials,with comprehensive explanations of the mechanisms driven by surface energy and roughness.Key performance indicators for MS in oil-water separation,including adsorption capacity,wettability,stability,emulsion separation,reversible wettability switching,flame retardancy,mechanical properties,and recyclability,are thoroughly discussed.In conclusion,this review provides insights into the future potential and direction of functional melamine sponges in oil-water separation.展开更多
Objective: A correlation study was conducted between AIDS awareness and condom use among 3128 freshmen in a border university to understand their knowledge of AIDS, their mastery of preventive measures, and their atti...Objective: A correlation study was conducted between AIDS awareness and condom use among 3128 freshmen in a border university to understand their knowledge of AIDS, their mastery of preventive measures, and their attitudes, and to explore the factors influencing their willingness to use condoms, with the aim of providing targeted and effective scientific recommendations for the prevention and treatment of AIDS and sexual health education in the region. Methods: A random whole-cluster sampling method was used, and a self-constructed questionnaire was administered to university freshmen via the Questionnaire Star platform to conduct a survey study, and SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used to analyze the relevant statistics. The c2 test and binary logistic regression were applied to analyze the influence factors. Results: The knowledge rate of freshmen about AIDS was 80.3%, and 5.7% of freshmen were not willing to use condoms when having sex. Multifactorial analysis showed that female students (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 2.66 - 5.89), knowledge of AIDS (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19 - 2.42), unwillingness to have sex with others (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.45 - 3.10), and having received AIDS education (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.22 - 0.52) as facilitators influencing condom use. Conclusions: Freshmen in a border university have relatively good knowledge of AIDS and overall high willingness to use condoms, but still need to be improved. Schools should emphasize AIDS entrance education, focusing on health interventions for male students, establishing correct sexual concepts for new students, and improving AIDS knowledge to increase the rate of condom use among new students.展开更多
Peripheral nerve injuries induce a severe motor and sensory deficit. Since the availability of autologous nerve transplants for nerve repair is very limited, alternative treatment strategies are sought, including the ...Peripheral nerve injuries induce a severe motor and sensory deficit. Since the availability of autologous nerve transplants for nerve repair is very limited, alternative treatment strategies are sought, including the use of tubular nerve guidance conduits(tNGCs). However, the use of tNGCs results in poor functional recovery and central necrosis of the regenerating tissue, which limits their application to short nerve lesion defects(typically shorter than 3 cm). Given the importance of vascularization in nerve regeneration, we hypothesized that enabling the growth of blood vessels from the surrounding tissue into the regenerating nerve within the tNGC would help eliminate necrotic processes and lead to improved regeneration. In this study, we reported the application of macroscopic holes into the tubular walls of silk-based tNGCs and compared the various features of these improved silk^(+) tNGCs with the tubes without holes(silk^(–) tNGCs) and autologous nerve transplants in an 8-mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. Using a combination of micro-computed tomography and histological analyses, we were able to prove that the use of silk^(+) tNGCs induced the growth of blood vessels from the adjacent tissue to the intraluminal neovascular formation. A significantly higher number of blood vessels in the silk^(+) group was found compared with autologous nerve transplants and silk^(–), accompanied by improved axon regeneration at the distal coaptation point compared with the silk^(–) tNGCs at 7 weeks postoperatively. In the 15-mm(critical size) sciatic nerve defect model, we again observed a distinct ingrowth of blood vessels through the tubular walls of silk^(+) tNGCs, but without improved functional recovery at 12 weeks postoperatively. Our data proves that macroporous tNGCs increase the vascular supply of regenerating nerves and facilitate improved axonal regeneration in a short-defect model but not in a critical-size defect model. This study suggests that further optimization of the macroscopic holes silk^(+) tNGC approach containing macroscopic holes might result in improved grafting technology suitable for future clinical use.展开更多
Wind turbines are continuously exposed to harsh environmental and operational conditions throughout their lifetime,leading to the gradual degradation of their components.If left unaddressed,these degraded components c...Wind turbines are continuously exposed to harsh environmental and operational conditions throughout their lifetime,leading to the gradual degradation of their components.If left unaddressed,these degraded components can adversely affect turbine performance and significantly increase the likelihood of failure.As degradation progresses,the risk of failure escalates,making it essential to implement appropriate risk control measures.One effective risk control method involves performing inspection and monitoring activities that provide valuable insights into the condition of the structure,enabling the formulation of appropriate maintenance strategies based on accurate assessments.Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA)systems offer low-resolution condition monitoring data that can be used for fault detection,diagnosis,quantification,prognosis,and maintenance planning.One commonly used method involves predicting power generation using SCADA data and comparing it against measured power generation.Significant discrepancies between predicted and measured values can indicate suboptimal operation,natural aging,or unnatural faults.Various predictive models,including parametric and non-parametric(statistical)approaches,have been proposed for estimating power generation.However,the imperfect nature of these models introduces uncertainties in the predicted power output.Additionally,SCADA monitoring data is prone to uncertainties arising from various sources.The presence of uncertainties from these two sources-imperfect predictive models and imperfect SCADA data-introduces uncertainty in the predicted power generation.This uncertainty complicates the process of determining whether discrepancies between measured and predicted values are significant enough to warrant maintenance actions.Depending on the nature of uncertainty-aleatory,arising from inherent randomness,or epistemic,stemming from incomplete knowledge or limited data-different analytical approaches,like Probabilistic and Possibilistic,can be applied for effective management.Both,Probabilistic and Possibilistic,Approaches offer distinct advantages and limitations.The Possibilistic Approach,rooted in fuzzy set theory,is particularly well suited for addressing epistemic uncertainties,especially those caused by imprecision or sparse statistical information.This makes it especially relevant for applications such as wind turbines,where it is often challenging to construct accurate probability distribution functions for environmental parameters due to limited sensor data from hard-to-access locations.This research focuses on developing a methodology for identifying suboptimal operation in wind turbines by comparing Grid Produced Power(Measured Produced Power)with Predicted Produced Power.To achieve this,the paper introduces a Possibilistic Approach for power prediction that accounts for uncertainties stemming from both model imperfections and measurement errors in SCADA data.The methodology combines machine learning models,used to establish predictive relationships between environmental inputs and power output,with a Possibilistic Framework that represents uncertainty through possibility distribution functions based on fuzzy logic and interval analysis.A real-world case study using operational SCADA data demonstrates the approach,with XGBoost selected as the final predictive model due to its strong accuracy and computational efficiency.展开更多
Rural tourism has emerged as a key strategy for sustainable development in underdeveloped regions,offering vital opportunities for economic and social revitalization.This study examines the impact and prospects of rur...Rural tourism has emerged as a key strategy for sustainable development in underdeveloped regions,offering vital opportunities for economic and social revitalization.This study examines the impact and prospects of rural tourism in Jezerc village,Kosovo,using a mixed-methods approach that integrates both quantitative and qualitative data.Quantitative analysis of survey responses from 120 residents and 72 tourists reveals that 57% of residents believe tourism increases household income,while 62% see it as a means of preserving local traditions.However,only 21% report sufficient institutional support,and 74% call for stronger promotion efforts.The findings also show that tourists are primarily drawn to the natural environment(72%)and to peace and relaxation(61%),but express dissatisfaction with infrastructure,particularly signage and roads.A Chi-square test confirmed significant differences in stakeholder views on tourism development strategies(p<0.001),underscoring the need for inclusive planning.While rural tourism’s general benefits,such as job creation,income diversification,and infrastructure improvement,are well known,this study provides new insights by highlighting the disconnect between community potential and institutional support,and by revealing specific demographic and perceptual trends among domestic tourists.The research concludes by advocating for policy frameworks that prioritize local engagement,targeted investment,and strategic promotion to ensure the sustainable and inclusive development of rural tourism in Kosovo.展开更多
Purpose–This paper aims to offer a novel viewpoint for improving performance and reliability by developing and optimizing suspension components in a Y25 bogie through material optimization based on wheel–rail intera...Purpose–This paper aims to offer a novel viewpoint for improving performance and reliability by developing and optimizing suspension components in a Y25 bogie through material optimization based on wheel–rail interactions under variable load and track conditions.Design/methodology/approach–The suspension system,a critical component ensuring adaptation to road and load conditions in all vehicle types,is especially vital in heavy freight and passenger trains.In this context,the suspension set of the Y25 bogie–commonly used in T€urkiye and Europe–was modelled using CATIAV5,and stress analyses have been performed by way of ANSYS using the finite element analysis(FEA)method.E300-520-M cast steel was selected for the bogie frame,while two different spring steels,61SiCr7 and 51CrV4,were considered for the suspension springs.The modeled system was subjected to numerical analysis under loading conditions.The resulting stresses and displacements were compared with the mechanical properties of the selected materials to validate the design.Findings–The results demonstrate that the mechanical strength and deformation characteristics of the suspension components vary according to the applied external loads.The stress and displacement responses of the system were found to be within the allowable limits of the selected materials,confirming the structural integrity and reliability of the design.The suspension set is deemed suitable for the prescribed material and environmental conditions,suggesting potential for practical application in real-world rail systems.Originality/value–This research contributes to the design and optimization of bogie suspension systems using advanced CAD/CAE tools.It thinks that the material selection and numerical validation approach presented here can guide future designs in heavy load rail applications and potentially improve both safety and performance.展开更多
In order to address the widespread data shortage problem in battery research,this paper proposes a generative adversarial network model that combines it with deep convolutional networks,the Wasserstein distance,and th...In order to address the widespread data shortage problem in battery research,this paper proposes a generative adversarial network model that combines it with deep convolutional networks,the Wasserstein distance,and the gradient penalty to achieve data augmentation.To lower the threshold for implementing the proposed method,transfer learning is further introduced.The W-DC-GAN-GP-TL framework is thereby formed.This framework is evaluated on 3 different publicly available datasets to judge the quality of generated data.Through visual comparisons and the examination of two visualization methods(probability density function(PDF)and principal component analysis(PCA)),it is demonstrated that the generated data is hard to distinguish from the real data.The application of generated data for training a battery state model using transfer learning is further evaluated.Specifically,Bi-GRU-based and Transformer-based methods are implemented on 2 separate datasets for estimating state of health(SOH)and state of charge(SOC),respectively.The results indicate that the proposed framework demonstrates satisfactory performance in different scenarios:for the data replacement scenario,where real data are removed and replaced with generated data,the state estimator accuracy decreases only slightly;for the data enhancement scenario,the estimator accuracy is further improved.The estimation accuracy of SOH and SOC is as low as 0.69%and 0.58%root mean square error(RMSE)after applying the proposed framework.This framework provides a reliable method for enriching battery measurement data.It is a generalized framework capable of generating a variety of time series data.展开更多
Objective:Patient safety culture is a concern in every healthcare organization,therefore,the healthcare leadership is encountering issues related to patient safety across the globe.In India,there is limited research a...Objective:Patient safety culture is a concern in every healthcare organization,therefore,the healthcare leadership is encountering issues related to patient safety across the globe.In India,there is limited research and information about patient safety culture among healthcare stakeholders and there is relatively little qualitative research available that captures the factors of patient safety culture.Hence,this study aims to explore the perception of healthcare professionals on patient safety culture.Methods:An exploratory qualitative study design was adopted in a tertiary care hospital.Structured focus group discussion(FGD)(n=4)among healthcare professionals and two in-depth interview focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed.Two coders reviewed transcripts using the editing approach and organized codes into themes.The data were analyzed through MAXQDA 2022(VERBI Software GmbH,Berlin,Germany),qualitative data analysis software,and descriptive analysis technique.The main codes and themes were generated using inductive and deductive method and smart coding was done.Results:Overall,there were 190 unique mentions of codes related to patient safety culture from 4 FGDs.They were categorized into 6 major themes and subcodes were derived via smart coding using the MAXQDA software.“Resources and constraints”was the most prominent code,followed by management support,manpower shortage,burnout,and lack of personnel commitment.Conclusions:The study highlights significant gaps in patient safety culture within the healthcare setting,with resource constraints,management support,and manpower shortages emerging as critical challenges.Burnout and lack of personnel commitment further exacerbate these issues,underscoring the need for targeted interventions.展开更多
Objectives:The effect of attentional focusing on muscular activities and motor skills has been well established.It is known that internal focusing(on body movement or the action itself)results in increased muscular ac...Objectives:The effect of attentional focusing on muscular activities and motor skills has been well established.It is known that internal focusing(on body movement or the action itself)results in increased muscular activity.However,external focusing(on apparatus or the effect of action)results in decreased motor responses.In this study,the impact of attentional focusing has been investigated by exploring the three major components of hamstrings:the semitendinosus,the semimembranosus and the biceps femoris via EMG activity on 20 amateur football players during leg curl exercises.Methods:To measure muscle activities of the participants,Integrated EMG(IEMG)was calculated on the data’s MVC values.Paired sampled t-tests with Bonferroni correction(α=0.0167)were performed on the average IEMG values to determine if there is a significant difference between participants’muscles activities under various attentional focus conditions.Results:The results showed that the semimembranosus exhibited significantly reduced activity under both external(p=0.0124)and internal focus(p=0.0008),while the semitendinosus displayed a small but non-significant reduction under external focus(p=0.0355>0.0167).The biceps femoris showed no significant motor response regarding change between attentional focus instructions.Conclusions:This study improves understanding of the mind-muscle connection by showing muscle-specific differences in attentional focus effects,with semimembranosus being most responsive.展开更多
Germany aims to achieve a national climate-neutral energy system by 2045.The residential sector still accounts for 29%of end energy consumption,with 74%attributed to the direct use of fossil fuels for heating and hot ...Germany aims to achieve a national climate-neutral energy system by 2045.The residential sector still accounts for 29%of end energy consumption,with 74%attributed to the direct use of fossil fuels for heating and hot water.In order to reduce fossil energy use in the household sector,great efforts are being made to design new energy concepts that expand the use of renewable energies to supply electricity andheat.Onepossibility is toconvertparts of the natural gas grid to a hydrogen-based gas grid to deliver and store energy for urban quarters of buildings,especially with older building stock where electrification of heat via heat pumps is difficult due to technical,acoustical,and economic reasons.A comprehensive dataset was generated by a bottom-up analysis with open governmental and statistical data to determine regional building types regarding energy demand,solar potential,and existing grid infrastructure.The buildings’connections to the electricity,gas,and district heating networks are considered.From this,a representative sample dataset was chosen as input for a newly developed energy system model based on energy flow simulation.The model simulates the interaction of hydrogen generation(HG)(from excess solar energy by electrolysis),storage in a metal-hydride storage(MHS)tank,and hydrogen use in a connected fuel cell(FC),forming a local PVPtGtHP(Photovoltaic Power-to-Gas-to-Heat-and-Power)network.Next to the seasonal hydrogen storage path(HSP),a battery will complete the system to forma hybrid energy storage system(HESS).Paired with seasonal time series for PV power,electricity and heat demand,and a model for connection to grid infrastructure,the simulation of different hydrogen applications and MHS placements aims to analyze operating times and energy share of the systems’equipment and existing infrastructure.The method to obtain the data set together with the simulationmodel presented can be used by energy planners for cities,communities,and building developers to analyze the potentials of a quarter or region and plan a transition towards a more energy-efficient and sustainable energy system.展开更多
The incremental capacity analysis(ICA)technique is notably limited by its sensitivity to variations in charging conditions,which constrains its practical applicability in real-world scenarios.This paper introduces an ...The incremental capacity analysis(ICA)technique is notably limited by its sensitivity to variations in charging conditions,which constrains its practical applicability in real-world scenarios.This paper introduces an ICA-compensation technique to address this limitation and propose a generalized framework for assessing the state of health(SOH)of batteries based on ICA that is applicable under differing charging conditions.This novel approach calculates the voltage profile under quasi-static conditions by subtracting the voltage increase attributable to the additional polarization effects at high currents from the measured voltage profile.This approach's efficacy is contingent upon precisely acquiring the equivalent impedance.To obtain the equivalent impedance throughout the batteries'lifespan while minimizing testing costs,this study employs a current interrupt technique in conjunction with a long short-term memory(LSTM)network to develop a predictive model for equivalent impedance.Following the derivation of ICA curves using voltage profiles under quasi-static conditions,the research explores two scenarios for SOH estimation:one utilizing only incremental capacity(IC)features and the other incorporating both IC features and IC sampling.A genetic algorithm-optimized backpropagation neural network(GABPNN)is employed for the SOH estimation.The proposed generalized framework is validated using independent training and test datasets.Variable test conditions are applied for the test set to rigorously evaluate the methodology under challenging conditions.These evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves an estimation accuracy of 1.04%for RMSE and 0.90%for MAPE across a spectrum of charging rates ranging from 0.1 C to 1 C and starting SOCs between 0%and 70%,which constitutes a major advancement compared to established ICA methods.It also significantly enhances the applicability of conventional ICA techniques in varying charging conditions and negates the necessity for separate testing protocols for each charging scenario.展开更多
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms(MOEAs)have significantly advanced the domain of MultiObjective Optimization(MOO),facilitating solutions for complex problems with multiple conflicting objectives.This review exp...Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms(MOEAs)have significantly advanced the domain of MultiObjective Optimization(MOO),facilitating solutions for complex problems with multiple conflicting objectives.This review explores the historical development of MOEAs,beginning with foundational concepts in multi-objective optimization,basic types of MOEAs,and the evolution of Pareto-based selection and niching methods.Further advancements,including decom-position-based approaches and hybrid algorithms,are discussed.Applications are analyzed in established domains such as engineering and economics,as well as in emerging fields like advanced analytics and machine learning.The significance of MOEAs in addressing real-world problems is emphasized,highlighting their role in facilitating informed decision-making.Finally,the development trajectory of MOEAs is compared with evolutionary processes,offering insights into their progress and future potential.展开更多
This study aims to assess the potential of natural tourism in Kosovo,especially in the Dukagjin region as a case study.The main objective is to identify and analyze this region’s tourism potential to understand its i...This study aims to assess the potential of natural tourism in Kosovo,especially in the Dukagjin region as a case study.The main objective is to identify and analyze this region’s tourism potential to understand its impact and importance.180 respondents from the Dukagjin region participated in this study,and the quantitative method was used as a methodology.The measurement instrument consisted of 30 closed questions,which aimed to collect detailed information on the potential of natural tourism in this area.The study results showed that mountain,cultural,winter,healing,and rural tourism are especially important for developing the Dukagjin region.Furthermore,the analysis shows that 30%of the tourism potential is explained by rural tourism,underlining its importance in the local economy.Finally,the study’s findings are discussed,emphasizing their practical value for promoting and developing sustainable tourism in the region.展开更多
Due to the continuously increasing building and construction industry,sand has become one of the most questioned raw materials worldwide.However,the available amount of sand suitable for concrete production is orders ...Due to the continuously increasing building and construction industry,sand has become one of the most questioned raw materials worldwide.However,the available amount of sand suitable for concrete production is orders of magnitude lower that the demand and consumption.Even though desert sand is sufficiently available,it is not usable for realizing stable concrete due to its surface shape.Against this background,the suitability of energy-efficient‘cold'dielectric barrier discharge plasma operated at atmospheric pressure for improving the properties of concrete produced from desert sand was investigated in this contribution.It is shown that such plasma treatment allows for a certain roughening and re-shaping of sand grains.As a result,the mass flow of treated sand is decreased due to an improved wedging of sand grains.This leads to a certain increase in compressive strength of concrete samples.Even though this increase is marginal,the suitability of the applied type of plasma for modification of the geometry and surface chemistry of sand grains was proven,showing its basic potential for the treatment and preconditioning of sand used for concrete,mortar or plastering.展开更多
Schottky mass spectrometry utilizing heavy-ion storage rings is a powerful technique for the precise mass and decay half-life measurements of highly charged ions.Owing to the nondestructive ion detection features of S...Schottky mass spectrometry utilizing heavy-ion storage rings is a powerful technique for the precise mass and decay half-life measurements of highly charged ions.Owing to the nondestructive ion detection features of Schottky noise detectors,the number of stored ions in the ring is determined by the peak area in the measured revolution frequency spectrum.Because of their intrinsic amplitude-frequency characteristic(AFC),Schottky detector systems exhibit varying sensitivities at different frequencies.Using low-energy electron-cooled stored ions,a new method is developed to calibrate the AFC curve of the Schottky detector system of the Experimental Cooler Storage Ring(CSRe)storage ring located in Lanzhou,China.Using the amplitude-calibrated frequency spectrum,a notable refinement was observed in the precision of both the peak position and peak area.As a result,the storage lifetimes of the electron-cooled fully ionized^(56)Fe^(26+)ions were determined with high precision at beam energies of 13.7 and 116.4 MeV/u,despite of frequency drifts during the experiment.When electron cooling was turned off,the effective vacuum condition experienced by the 116.4 MeV/u^(56)Fe^(26+)ions was determined using amplitude-calibrated spectra,revealing a value of 2×10^(−10)mbar,which is consistent with vacuum gauge readings along the CSRe ring.The method reported herein will be adapted for the next-generation storage ring of the HIAF facility under construction in Huizhou,China.It can also be adapted to other storage ring facilities worldwide to improve precision and enhance lifetime measurements using many ions in the ring.展开更多
We are pleased to introduce this special thematic section on Nanofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer that is being included in Acta Mechanica Sinica(AMS).This thematic issue consists of 6 papers selected from papers tha...We are pleased to introduce this special thematic section on Nanofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer that is being included in Acta Mechanica Sinica(AMS).This thematic issue consists of 6 papers selected from papers that were presented at the 18th International Symposium on Numer-ical Analysis of Fluid Flows,Heat and Mass Transfer-Nu-merical Fluids 2023,held in Heraklion,Crete Greece,11-17 September 2023,and invited through a general call.The symposium covers various subjects:from new numerical methods and fundamental research until engineering appli-cations,and it is a part of the International Conference of Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics(ICNAAM),held annually.展开更多
The study aims to analyze the synergistic effect of hybrid fiber reinforcements on wear resistance of epoxy based natural fiber reinforced polymer composites(NFPCs).The study employed jute and sisal fibers as reinforc...The study aims to analyze the synergistic effect of hybrid fiber reinforcements on wear resistance of epoxy based natural fiber reinforced polymer composites(NFPCs).The study employed jute and sisal fibers as reinforcements.Two distinct reinforcements were incorporated in equal percentages to each type of composite sample.Five distinct composite specimens were identified as follows:NFPC⁃8(containing 4%sisal and jute fibers each),NFPC⁃16(containing 8%sisal and jute fibers each),NFPC⁃24(containing 12%sisal and jute fibers each),NFPC⁃32(containing 16%sisal and jute fibers each),and epoxy(EP)(containing 0%reinforcements).The hand layup technique was used for developing hybrid natural composites.In accordance with ASTM G99,pin⁃on⁃disc wear test rig was used for the dry sliding wear tests.The effect of applied load and sliding velocities on wear volume loss and specific wear rate was studied.The obtained results indicated that wear volume and specific wear rate are significantly affected by applied load and sliding velocity.NFPC⁃32 composite exhibited minimum wear loss and specific wear rate compared to other specimens.Besides,wear loss and specific wear rate were found to increase with the increase in applied load owing to the high contact stress at counterface during sliding.Further,wear volume and specific wear rate have increased with the increase in sliding velocity.It may be due to the fact that,high shearing force has resulted in sheared transfer layer at higher velocity.Worn surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy images showed the evidence of fragmented fibers and their pullout.展开更多
AIM:To analyze the environmental impact of patient travel for cataract surgery at a German ophthalmology center.METHODS:All cataract surgeries performed between October 23 and October 27,2023,were analyzed,and all pat...AIM:To analyze the environmental impact of patient travel for cataract surgery at a German ophthalmology center.METHODS:All cataract surgeries performed between October 23 and October 27,2023,were analyzed,and all patient records were reviewed for follow-up visits.All travel distances were calculated,and the associated emissions were quantified.Additionally,patients’utilization of geographically closer branch practices for follow-up care was evaluated,along with the corresponding effects on travel-related emissions.RESULTS:A total of 69 patients underwent unilateral cataract surgery.The average one-way travel distance was 40.1 km(24.9 mi;SD=23.6 km).Corresponding emissions were 1284.8 kg of greenhouse gas(GHG),2.477 kg of nitrogen oxides,and 0.101 kg of particulates.All patients attended at least two follow-up visits.Conducting followup visits at branch practices reduced travel distance by 49.1%.The associated GHG emissions from all travel were 1984.3 kg.Emissions from follow-up visits were 54.4%higher than those from the surgery itself.Total GHG emissions amounted to 3269.1 kg,with an average of 47.4 kg of GHG per patient for all travel associated with cataract surgery.CONCLUSION:A dense network of branch practices contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of cataract surgery-related patient travel;however,the development of digital health approaches for follow-up care is necessary to further optimize the environmental sustainability of cataract surgery.展开更多
文摘After reading the above mentioned article of [1], we identified a mistake considering the results of the paragraph “3.6. Nonlinear Parameters AP” and the related Table 5 (both on p. 512). Unfortunately, published Table 5 is a duplicate of Table 4, and therefore it is not possible for the reader to comprehend any underlying interrelations. To correct this mistake, we would like to offer the corrected table (Table 5) as follows.
文摘Mental health literacy(MHL)refers to knowledge and attitudes that shape the recognition,management,and prevention of mental disorders.While the topic has been exhaustively researched in Western countries,research from Southeast Asia still is limited.Previous studies in this field showed a moderate recognition of mental disorders,a high prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes and a low willingness to seek professional help among Southeastern-Asian populations.This study explored the level of MHL among university students from different parts of Vietnam and Cambodia.Correlations with influencing factors(gender,age,study year,educational attainment of the parents,urban/rural origin,ethnicity,personal experiences with mental disorders)were also explored.An online survey,using a 30-item Vietnamese version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale(MHLS),was conducted at six university sites in Vietnam and Cambodia.Data of 1032 students from different study branches were included.The MHL of Vietnamese and Cambodian university students was lower,compared to samples from Australia or the UK.Females and students with a personal experience of mental disorders(self or family)showed a significantly higher MHL.No differences in MHL were found between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds(professional attainment of parents,urban/rural origin).Findings on the influence of ethnicity were inconclusive.MHL needs to be improved among the university students of Vietnam and Cambodia.Mental health promotion should specifically target male students,students from STEM branches,and international students.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52372093 and 52102145)the Key R&D Program of Shaanxi Province(Nos.2023GXLH-045 and 2022SF-168)+4 种基金the Xi’an Programs for Science and Technology Plan(Nos.2020KJRC0090 and 21XJZZ0045)the Opening Project of Shanxi Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology(No.XJZZ202001)the Xi’an Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology(No.21XJZZ0054)the Open Foundation of Key Laboratory of Auxiliary Chemistry and Technology for Chemical Industry,Ministry of Education,Shaanxi University of Science and Technology(No.KFKT2021-01)the Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Industrial Auxiliary Chemistry and Technology,Shaanxi University of Science and Technology(No.KFKT2021-01).
文摘Melamine sponge is a major concern for oil-water separation due to its lightweight,high porosity(>99%),cost-effectiveness,impressive mechanical properties,and chemical/thermal stability.However,its amphiphilic nature hinders selective oil absorption in water.Recent strategies to enhance hydrophobicity are reviewed,including synthetic methods and materials,with comprehensive explanations of the mechanisms driven by surface energy and roughness.Key performance indicators for MS in oil-water separation,including adsorption capacity,wettability,stability,emulsion separation,reversible wettability switching,flame retardancy,mechanical properties,and recyclability,are thoroughly discussed.In conclusion,this review provides insights into the future potential and direction of functional melamine sponges in oil-water separation.
文摘Objective: A correlation study was conducted between AIDS awareness and condom use among 3128 freshmen in a border university to understand their knowledge of AIDS, their mastery of preventive measures, and their attitudes, and to explore the factors influencing their willingness to use condoms, with the aim of providing targeted and effective scientific recommendations for the prevention and treatment of AIDS and sexual health education in the region. Methods: A random whole-cluster sampling method was used, and a self-constructed questionnaire was administered to university freshmen via the Questionnaire Star platform to conduct a survey study, and SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used to analyze the relevant statistics. The c2 test and binary logistic regression were applied to analyze the influence factors. Results: The knowledge rate of freshmen about AIDS was 80.3%, and 5.7% of freshmen were not willing to use condoms when having sex. Multifactorial analysis showed that female students (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 2.66 - 5.89), knowledge of AIDS (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19 - 2.42), unwillingness to have sex with others (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.45 - 3.10), and having received AIDS education (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.22 - 0.52) as facilitators influencing condom use. Conclusions: Freshmen in a border university have relatively good knowledge of AIDS and overall high willingness to use condoms, but still need to be improved. Schools should emphasize AIDS entrance education, focusing on health interventions for male students, establishing correct sexual concepts for new students, and improving AIDS knowledge to increase the rate of condom use among new students.
基金supported by the Lorenz B?hler Fonds,#2/19 (obtained by the Neuroregeneration Group,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology)the City of Vienna project ImmunTissue,MA23#30-11 (obtained by the Department Life Science Engineering,University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien)。
文摘Peripheral nerve injuries induce a severe motor and sensory deficit. Since the availability of autologous nerve transplants for nerve repair is very limited, alternative treatment strategies are sought, including the use of tubular nerve guidance conduits(tNGCs). However, the use of tNGCs results in poor functional recovery and central necrosis of the regenerating tissue, which limits their application to short nerve lesion defects(typically shorter than 3 cm). Given the importance of vascularization in nerve regeneration, we hypothesized that enabling the growth of blood vessels from the surrounding tissue into the regenerating nerve within the tNGC would help eliminate necrotic processes and lead to improved regeneration. In this study, we reported the application of macroscopic holes into the tubular walls of silk-based tNGCs and compared the various features of these improved silk^(+) tNGCs with the tubes without holes(silk^(–) tNGCs) and autologous nerve transplants in an 8-mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. Using a combination of micro-computed tomography and histological analyses, we were able to prove that the use of silk^(+) tNGCs induced the growth of blood vessels from the adjacent tissue to the intraluminal neovascular formation. A significantly higher number of blood vessels in the silk^(+) group was found compared with autologous nerve transplants and silk^(–), accompanied by improved axon regeneration at the distal coaptation point compared with the silk^(–) tNGCs at 7 weeks postoperatively. In the 15-mm(critical size) sciatic nerve defect model, we again observed a distinct ingrowth of blood vessels through the tubular walls of silk^(+) tNGCs, but without improved functional recovery at 12 weeks postoperatively. Our data proves that macroporous tNGCs increase the vascular supply of regenerating nerves and facilitate improved axonal regeneration in a short-defect model but not in a critical-size defect model. This study suggests that further optimization of the macroscopic holes silk^(+) tNGC approach containing macroscopic holes might result in improved grafting technology suitable for future clinical use.
文摘Wind turbines are continuously exposed to harsh environmental and operational conditions throughout their lifetime,leading to the gradual degradation of their components.If left unaddressed,these degraded components can adversely affect turbine performance and significantly increase the likelihood of failure.As degradation progresses,the risk of failure escalates,making it essential to implement appropriate risk control measures.One effective risk control method involves performing inspection and monitoring activities that provide valuable insights into the condition of the structure,enabling the formulation of appropriate maintenance strategies based on accurate assessments.Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA)systems offer low-resolution condition monitoring data that can be used for fault detection,diagnosis,quantification,prognosis,and maintenance planning.One commonly used method involves predicting power generation using SCADA data and comparing it against measured power generation.Significant discrepancies between predicted and measured values can indicate suboptimal operation,natural aging,or unnatural faults.Various predictive models,including parametric and non-parametric(statistical)approaches,have been proposed for estimating power generation.However,the imperfect nature of these models introduces uncertainties in the predicted power output.Additionally,SCADA monitoring data is prone to uncertainties arising from various sources.The presence of uncertainties from these two sources-imperfect predictive models and imperfect SCADA data-introduces uncertainty in the predicted power generation.This uncertainty complicates the process of determining whether discrepancies between measured and predicted values are significant enough to warrant maintenance actions.Depending on the nature of uncertainty-aleatory,arising from inherent randomness,or epistemic,stemming from incomplete knowledge or limited data-different analytical approaches,like Probabilistic and Possibilistic,can be applied for effective management.Both,Probabilistic and Possibilistic,Approaches offer distinct advantages and limitations.The Possibilistic Approach,rooted in fuzzy set theory,is particularly well suited for addressing epistemic uncertainties,especially those caused by imprecision or sparse statistical information.This makes it especially relevant for applications such as wind turbines,where it is often challenging to construct accurate probability distribution functions for environmental parameters due to limited sensor data from hard-to-access locations.This research focuses on developing a methodology for identifying suboptimal operation in wind turbines by comparing Grid Produced Power(Measured Produced Power)with Predicted Produced Power.To achieve this,the paper introduces a Possibilistic Approach for power prediction that accounts for uncertainties stemming from both model imperfections and measurement errors in SCADA data.The methodology combines machine learning models,used to establish predictive relationships between environmental inputs and power output,with a Possibilistic Framework that represents uncertainty through possibility distribution functions based on fuzzy logic and interval analysis.A real-world case study using operational SCADA data demonstrates the approach,with XGBoost selected as the final predictive model due to its strong accuracy and computational efficiency.
文摘Rural tourism has emerged as a key strategy for sustainable development in underdeveloped regions,offering vital opportunities for economic and social revitalization.This study examines the impact and prospects of rural tourism in Jezerc village,Kosovo,using a mixed-methods approach that integrates both quantitative and qualitative data.Quantitative analysis of survey responses from 120 residents and 72 tourists reveals that 57% of residents believe tourism increases household income,while 62% see it as a means of preserving local traditions.However,only 21% report sufficient institutional support,and 74% call for stronger promotion efforts.The findings also show that tourists are primarily drawn to the natural environment(72%)and to peace and relaxation(61%),but express dissatisfaction with infrastructure,particularly signage and roads.A Chi-square test confirmed significant differences in stakeholder views on tourism development strategies(p<0.001),underscoring the need for inclusive planning.While rural tourism’s general benefits,such as job creation,income diversification,and infrastructure improvement,are well known,this study provides new insights by highlighting the disconnect between community potential and institutional support,and by revealing specific demographic and perceptual trends among domestic tourists.The research concludes by advocating for policy frameworks that prioritize local engagement,targeted investment,and strategic promotion to ensure the sustainable and inclusive development of rural tourism in Kosovo.
文摘Purpose–This paper aims to offer a novel viewpoint for improving performance and reliability by developing and optimizing suspension components in a Y25 bogie through material optimization based on wheel–rail interactions under variable load and track conditions.Design/methodology/approach–The suspension system,a critical component ensuring adaptation to road and load conditions in all vehicle types,is especially vital in heavy freight and passenger trains.In this context,the suspension set of the Y25 bogie–commonly used in T€urkiye and Europe–was modelled using CATIAV5,and stress analyses have been performed by way of ANSYS using the finite element analysis(FEA)method.E300-520-M cast steel was selected for the bogie frame,while two different spring steels,61SiCr7 and 51CrV4,were considered for the suspension springs.The modeled system was subjected to numerical analysis under loading conditions.The resulting stresses and displacements were compared with the mechanical properties of the selected materials to validate the design.Findings–The results demonstrate that the mechanical strength and deformation characteristics of the suspension components vary according to the applied external loads.The stress and displacement responses of the system were found to be within the allowable limits of the selected materials,confirming the structural integrity and reliability of the design.The suspension set is deemed suitable for the prescribed material and environmental conditions,suggesting potential for practical application in real-world rail systems.Originality/value–This research contributes to the design and optimization of bogie suspension systems using advanced CAD/CAE tools.It thinks that the material selection and numerical validation approach presented here can guide future designs in heavy load rail applications and potentially improve both safety and performance.
基金funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science,Research and Art(Grant number:H.2-F1116.WE/52/2)。
文摘In order to address the widespread data shortage problem in battery research,this paper proposes a generative adversarial network model that combines it with deep convolutional networks,the Wasserstein distance,and the gradient penalty to achieve data augmentation.To lower the threshold for implementing the proposed method,transfer learning is further introduced.The W-DC-GAN-GP-TL framework is thereby formed.This framework is evaluated on 3 different publicly available datasets to judge the quality of generated data.Through visual comparisons and the examination of two visualization methods(probability density function(PDF)and principal component analysis(PCA)),it is demonstrated that the generated data is hard to distinguish from the real data.The application of generated data for training a battery state model using transfer learning is further evaluated.Specifically,Bi-GRU-based and Transformer-based methods are implemented on 2 separate datasets for estimating state of health(SOH)and state of charge(SOC),respectively.The results indicate that the proposed framework demonstrates satisfactory performance in different scenarios:for the data replacement scenario,where real data are removed and replaced with generated data,the state estimator accuracy decreases only slightly;for the data enhancement scenario,the estimator accuracy is further improved.The estimation accuracy of SOH and SOC is as low as 0.69%and 0.58%root mean square error(RMSE)after applying the proposed framework.This framework provides a reliable method for enriching battery measurement data.It is a generalized framework capable of generating a variety of time series data.
文摘Objective:Patient safety culture is a concern in every healthcare organization,therefore,the healthcare leadership is encountering issues related to patient safety across the globe.In India,there is limited research and information about patient safety culture among healthcare stakeholders and there is relatively little qualitative research available that captures the factors of patient safety culture.Hence,this study aims to explore the perception of healthcare professionals on patient safety culture.Methods:An exploratory qualitative study design was adopted in a tertiary care hospital.Structured focus group discussion(FGD)(n=4)among healthcare professionals and two in-depth interview focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed.Two coders reviewed transcripts using the editing approach and organized codes into themes.The data were analyzed through MAXQDA 2022(VERBI Software GmbH,Berlin,Germany),qualitative data analysis software,and descriptive analysis technique.The main codes and themes were generated using inductive and deductive method and smart coding was done.Results:Overall,there were 190 unique mentions of codes related to patient safety culture from 4 FGDs.They were categorized into 6 major themes and subcodes were derived via smart coding using the MAXQDA software.“Resources and constraints”was the most prominent code,followed by management support,manpower shortage,burnout,and lack of personnel commitment.Conclusions:The study highlights significant gaps in patient safety culture within the healthcare setting,with resource constraints,management support,and manpower shortages emerging as critical challenges.Burnout and lack of personnel commitment further exacerbate these issues,underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
文摘Objectives:The effect of attentional focusing on muscular activities and motor skills has been well established.It is known that internal focusing(on body movement or the action itself)results in increased muscular activity.However,external focusing(on apparatus or the effect of action)results in decreased motor responses.In this study,the impact of attentional focusing has been investigated by exploring the three major components of hamstrings:the semitendinosus,the semimembranosus and the biceps femoris via EMG activity on 20 amateur football players during leg curl exercises.Methods:To measure muscle activities of the participants,Integrated EMG(IEMG)was calculated on the data’s MVC values.Paired sampled t-tests with Bonferroni correction(α=0.0167)were performed on the average IEMG values to determine if there is a significant difference between participants’muscles activities under various attentional focus conditions.Results:The results showed that the semimembranosus exhibited significantly reduced activity under both external(p=0.0124)and internal focus(p=0.0008),while the semitendinosus displayed a small but non-significant reduction under external focus(p=0.0355>0.0167).The biceps femoris showed no significant motor response regarding change between attentional focus instructions.Conclusions:This study improves understanding of the mind-muscle connection by showing muscle-specific differences in attentional focus effects,with semimembranosus being most responsive.
基金supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action[BMWK SimBench-Sektor project,grant number 03EI1058C].
文摘Germany aims to achieve a national climate-neutral energy system by 2045.The residential sector still accounts for 29%of end energy consumption,with 74%attributed to the direct use of fossil fuels for heating and hot water.In order to reduce fossil energy use in the household sector,great efforts are being made to design new energy concepts that expand the use of renewable energies to supply electricity andheat.Onepossibility is toconvertparts of the natural gas grid to a hydrogen-based gas grid to deliver and store energy for urban quarters of buildings,especially with older building stock where electrification of heat via heat pumps is difficult due to technical,acoustical,and economic reasons.A comprehensive dataset was generated by a bottom-up analysis with open governmental and statistical data to determine regional building types regarding energy demand,solar potential,and existing grid infrastructure.The buildings’connections to the electricity,gas,and district heating networks are considered.From this,a representative sample dataset was chosen as input for a newly developed energy system model based on energy flow simulation.The model simulates the interaction of hydrogen generation(HG)(from excess solar energy by electrolysis),storage in a metal-hydride storage(MHS)tank,and hydrogen use in a connected fuel cell(FC),forming a local PVPtGtHP(Photovoltaic Power-to-Gas-to-Heat-and-Power)network.Next to the seasonal hydrogen storage path(HSP),a battery will complete the system to forma hybrid energy storage system(HESS).Paired with seasonal time series for PV power,electricity and heat demand,and a model for connection to grid infrastructure,the simulation of different hydrogen applications and MHS placements aims to analyze operating times and energy share of the systems’equipment and existing infrastructure.The method to obtain the data set together with the simulationmodel presented can be used by energy planners for cities,communities,and building developers to analyze the potentials of a quarter or region and plan a transition towards a more energy-efficient and sustainable energy system.
基金funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of ScienceResearch and Art(Grant number:H.2-F1116.WE/52/2)。
文摘The incremental capacity analysis(ICA)technique is notably limited by its sensitivity to variations in charging conditions,which constrains its practical applicability in real-world scenarios.This paper introduces an ICA-compensation technique to address this limitation and propose a generalized framework for assessing the state of health(SOH)of batteries based on ICA that is applicable under differing charging conditions.This novel approach calculates the voltage profile under quasi-static conditions by subtracting the voltage increase attributable to the additional polarization effects at high currents from the measured voltage profile.This approach's efficacy is contingent upon precisely acquiring the equivalent impedance.To obtain the equivalent impedance throughout the batteries'lifespan while minimizing testing costs,this study employs a current interrupt technique in conjunction with a long short-term memory(LSTM)network to develop a predictive model for equivalent impedance.Following the derivation of ICA curves using voltage profiles under quasi-static conditions,the research explores two scenarios for SOH estimation:one utilizing only incremental capacity(IC)features and the other incorporating both IC features and IC sampling.A genetic algorithm-optimized backpropagation neural network(GABPNN)is employed for the SOH estimation.The proposed generalized framework is validated using independent training and test datasets.Variable test conditions are applied for the test set to rigorously evaluate the methodology under challenging conditions.These evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves an estimation accuracy of 1.04%for RMSE and 0.90%for MAPE across a spectrum of charging rates ranging from 0.1 C to 1 C and starting SOCs between 0%and 70%,which constitutes a major advancement compared to established ICA methods.It also significantly enhances the applicability of conventional ICA techniques in varying charging conditions and negates the necessity for separate testing protocols for each charging scenario.
文摘Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms(MOEAs)have significantly advanced the domain of MultiObjective Optimization(MOO),facilitating solutions for complex problems with multiple conflicting objectives.This review explores the historical development of MOEAs,beginning with foundational concepts in multi-objective optimization,basic types of MOEAs,and the evolution of Pareto-based selection and niching methods.Further advancements,including decom-position-based approaches and hybrid algorithms,are discussed.Applications are analyzed in established domains such as engineering and economics,as well as in emerging fields like advanced analytics and machine learning.The significance of MOEAs in addressing real-world problems is emphasized,highlighting their role in facilitating informed decision-making.Finally,the development trajectory of MOEAs is compared with evolutionary processes,offering insights into their progress and future potential.
文摘This study aims to assess the potential of natural tourism in Kosovo,especially in the Dukagjin region as a case study.The main objective is to identify and analyze this region’s tourism potential to understand its impact and importance.180 respondents from the Dukagjin region participated in this study,and the quantitative method was used as a methodology.The measurement instrument consisted of 30 closed questions,which aimed to collect detailed information on the potential of natural tourism in this area.The study results showed that mountain,cultural,winter,healing,and rural tourism are especially important for developing the Dukagjin region.Furthermore,the analysis shows that 30%of the tourism potential is explained by rural tourism,underlining its importance in the local economy.Finally,the study’s findings are discussed,emphasizing their practical value for promoting and developing sustainable tourism in the region.
基金funded by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung(Nos.13FH6I06IA and 13FH6I08IA)。
文摘Due to the continuously increasing building and construction industry,sand has become one of the most questioned raw materials worldwide.However,the available amount of sand suitable for concrete production is orders of magnitude lower that the demand and consumption.Even though desert sand is sufficiently available,it is not usable for realizing stable concrete due to its surface shape.Against this background,the suitability of energy-efficient‘cold'dielectric barrier discharge plasma operated at atmospheric pressure for improving the properties of concrete produced from desert sand was investigated in this contribution.It is shown that such plasma treatment allows for a certain roughening and re-shaping of sand grains.As a result,the mass flow of treated sand is decreased due to an improved wedging of sand grains.This leads to a certain increase in compressive strength of concrete samples.Even though this increase is marginal,the suitability of the applied type of plasma for modification of the geometry and surface chemistry of sand grains was proven,showing its basic potential for the treatment and preconditioning of sand used for concrete,mortar or plastering.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2023YFA1606401 and 2018YFA0404401)the Young Scholar of Regional Development,CAS ([2023] 15)+1 种基金Chinese Academy of Sciences Stable Support for Young Teams in Basic Research (No. YSBR-002)Special Fund for Strategic Pilot Technology of Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. XDB34000000)
文摘Schottky mass spectrometry utilizing heavy-ion storage rings is a powerful technique for the precise mass and decay half-life measurements of highly charged ions.Owing to the nondestructive ion detection features of Schottky noise detectors,the number of stored ions in the ring is determined by the peak area in the measured revolution frequency spectrum.Because of their intrinsic amplitude-frequency characteristic(AFC),Schottky detector systems exhibit varying sensitivities at different frequencies.Using low-energy electron-cooled stored ions,a new method is developed to calibrate the AFC curve of the Schottky detector system of the Experimental Cooler Storage Ring(CSRe)storage ring located in Lanzhou,China.Using the amplitude-calibrated frequency spectrum,a notable refinement was observed in the precision of both the peak position and peak area.As a result,the storage lifetimes of the electron-cooled fully ionized^(56)Fe^(26+)ions were determined with high precision at beam energies of 13.7 and 116.4 MeV/u,despite of frequency drifts during the experiment.When electron cooling was turned off,the effective vacuum condition experienced by the 116.4 MeV/u^(56)Fe^(26+)ions was determined using amplitude-calibrated spectra,revealing a value of 2×10^(−10)mbar,which is consistent with vacuum gauge readings along the CSRe ring.The method reported herein will be adapted for the next-generation storage ring of the HIAF facility under construction in Huizhou,China.It can also be adapted to other storage ring facilities worldwide to improve precision and enhance lifetime measurements using many ions in the ring.
文摘We are pleased to introduce this special thematic section on Nanofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer that is being included in Acta Mechanica Sinica(AMS).This thematic issue consists of 6 papers selected from papers that were presented at the 18th International Symposium on Numer-ical Analysis of Fluid Flows,Heat and Mass Transfer-Nu-merical Fluids 2023,held in Heraklion,Crete Greece,11-17 September 2023,and invited through a general call.The symposium covers various subjects:from new numerical methods and fundamental research until engineering appli-cations,and it is a part of the International Conference of Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics(ICNAAM),held annually.
文摘The study aims to analyze the synergistic effect of hybrid fiber reinforcements on wear resistance of epoxy based natural fiber reinforced polymer composites(NFPCs).The study employed jute and sisal fibers as reinforcements.Two distinct reinforcements were incorporated in equal percentages to each type of composite sample.Five distinct composite specimens were identified as follows:NFPC⁃8(containing 4%sisal and jute fibers each),NFPC⁃16(containing 8%sisal and jute fibers each),NFPC⁃24(containing 12%sisal and jute fibers each),NFPC⁃32(containing 16%sisal and jute fibers each),and epoxy(EP)(containing 0%reinforcements).The hand layup technique was used for developing hybrid natural composites.In accordance with ASTM G99,pin⁃on⁃disc wear test rig was used for the dry sliding wear tests.The effect of applied load and sliding velocities on wear volume loss and specific wear rate was studied.The obtained results indicated that wear volume and specific wear rate are significantly affected by applied load and sliding velocity.NFPC⁃32 composite exhibited minimum wear loss and specific wear rate compared to other specimens.Besides,wear loss and specific wear rate were found to increase with the increase in applied load owing to the high contact stress at counterface during sliding.Further,wear volume and specific wear rate have increased with the increase in sliding velocity.It may be due to the fact that,high shearing force has resulted in sheared transfer layer at higher velocity.Worn surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy images showed the evidence of fragmented fibers and their pullout.
文摘AIM:To analyze the environmental impact of patient travel for cataract surgery at a German ophthalmology center.METHODS:All cataract surgeries performed between October 23 and October 27,2023,were analyzed,and all patient records were reviewed for follow-up visits.All travel distances were calculated,and the associated emissions were quantified.Additionally,patients’utilization of geographically closer branch practices for follow-up care was evaluated,along with the corresponding effects on travel-related emissions.RESULTS:A total of 69 patients underwent unilateral cataract surgery.The average one-way travel distance was 40.1 km(24.9 mi;SD=23.6 km).Corresponding emissions were 1284.8 kg of greenhouse gas(GHG),2.477 kg of nitrogen oxides,and 0.101 kg of particulates.All patients attended at least two follow-up visits.Conducting followup visits at branch practices reduced travel distance by 49.1%.The associated GHG emissions from all travel were 1984.3 kg.Emissions from follow-up visits were 54.4%higher than those from the surgery itself.Total GHG emissions amounted to 3269.1 kg,with an average of 47.4 kg of GHG per patient for all travel associated with cataract surgery.CONCLUSION:A dense network of branch practices contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of cataract surgery-related patient travel;however,the development of digital health approaches for follow-up care is necessary to further optimize the environmental sustainability of cataract surgery.
