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Due to the oil price fluctuations in recent decades, international and national oil companies have developed programs of strategically oriented development and assets optimization. Many companies have also promptly promoted opportunities for oilfield joint ventures. Therefore, a fast and accurate assessment methodology of oilfield assets, including planning and costs assessment, is expected to be proposed. Oilfield development cost assessment can be dynamically affected by a number of factors, including oilfield internal indexes and macroeconomic indexes. Based on a machine learning algorithm and combining mathematical and statistical methodology, the Microsoft Azure machine learning studio has been used for modeling the oilfield development cost. The proposed method has adopted three algorithms: a neural network, a boosted decision tree, and a decision forest. Results showed that the boosted decision tree and decision forest algorithms can achieve PFI ranking with stable training results. The results of the machine training model have been analyzed, and they showed that the permutation feature importance (PFI) model can provide reasonable scientific and technical support for oil companies and help to attain more effective and accurate estimation and prediction of oilfield assets.

High-resolution micro traffic data are important to traffic safety and efficiency analysis. In this study, a roadside LiDAR sensor is used to collect 3D point clouds of surrounding objects. An automatic background construction and object detection method is proposed on the basis of the operation principle of the LiDAR sensor. In the algorithm, the discrete horizontal and vertical angular values can be considered as coordinates of pixels in digital images, and the farthest and mean distance of each azimuth are used to construct the background dataset. Then, vehicle and pedestrian points are extracted on the basis of the distance difference of each point with the same angular value between the target frame dataset and the background dataset. A density-based spatial clustering method is employed to group points into clusters and identify vehicles and pedestrians automatically. Finally, the performance of the algorithm is tested for roadside LiDAR data preprocessing under different traffic conditions. Our algorithm can perform well with high accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm can achieve a larger detection range and exhibit lower time complexity in comparison with a previously proposed algorithm.

Purpose Pneumonia is one of the common complications of hip fracture. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and apply a nomogram to predict postoperative pneumonia in elderly hip fracture patients. Materials and Methods From August 2014 to October 2019, 1113 hip fracture patients who were older than 65 years and underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were subjects of this study. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify independent risk factors. A predictive nomogram model was built, and the discrimination and calibration were determined by receiver operating characteristic and calibration plot. Results A total of 166 patients developed pneumonia after operation (14.91%, pneumonia group) while the remaining 947 patients did not (85.09%, non-pneumonia group). According to the results, body mass index (OR, 0.76, 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.84, P

Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 virus and pathological features of multiple organs in COVID-19 patients remains unclear, which interferes with the improvement of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we summarize the pathological findings obtained from systematic autopsy (37 cases) and percutaneous multiple organ biopsy (“minimally invasive autopsy”, 54 cases). These findings should shed light on better understanding of the progression of COVID-19 infection and the means of more effective intervention.

As a kind of typical structure, the hat-shaped structure (HSS) is widely used in carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) aircraft parts. In this work, a scheme of filling fillers and adding reinforcing plies in R-regions was proposed to strengthen the R-regions of HSS. Moreover, the force analysis of R-region with or without strengthening in R-region under pull-off load was presented. A finite element model was developed to study the failure behavior of R-regions. A series of HSS samples were fabricated by co-curing process. The pull-off tests of HSS were conducted to validate the model, and the failure mechanism of R-regions was further studied by characterizing the macro-micro structure of R-regions in HSS under pull-off load. Results showed that the structural bearing capacity of HSS can be improved by strengthening in R-regions. After strengthening in R-regions, the pull-off load was borne by multiple interfaces, and the interlaminar interface pull-off strength can increase by 38.8 %.

Location-based Service has become the fastest growing activity related service that people use in their daily life due to the boom of location-aware mobile devices. In edge computing along with the benefits brought by LBS, privacy preservation becomes a more challenging issue because of the nature of the paradigm, in which peers may cooperate with each other to collect and analyze user's location data. To avoid potential information leakage and usage, user's exact location should not be exposed to the edge node. In this paper, we propose a stochastic location privacy protection scheme for edge computing, in which the geographical distribution of surrounding users is obtained by analyzing proposed long-term density map and short-term density map. The cloaking scheme transfers user's exact location to a cloaked location to satisfy predefined probability of having k-users in that area. Our scheme does not reveal any exact location information, thus it is practicable for the real scenario when edge computing is honest but curious. Extensive experimental results are conducted to verify the efficiency and effectiveness of our method. By varying the privacy protection requirements, the corresponding performance have been examined and discussed.

Offshore oil and gas resources are major sources of future global oil and gas increments. Suction bucket foundations are a new type of foundation that is widely used for offshore oil and gas exploitation platforms. Such platforms are often subjected to dynamic loads caused by storms, waves, or earthquakes, which cause the instability and liquefaction of seabed sand layer foundations. These loads jeopardize the safe operation of offshore oil and gas platforms. For this reason, the cyclic elastoplastic constitutive model is adopted in the ocean liquefaction stratum, in consideration of the foundation liquefaction and large deformation effects. To study the changes in the excess pore water pressure of the suction bucket foundation in different ocean liquefaction formation thicknesses under the action of seismic loads.

Angioedema is one of the dreaded side effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It has been well established in the literature and the timing of onset is variable from months to years after initiation of therapy. Patients remain at risk of recurrence of angioedema even after discontinuation of the drug if they developed it once while on the drug. While only recurrences of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema are described in the literature, our patient did not develop angioedema while being on the drug and had the first occurrence of angioedema one month after the medication was discontinued. We argue that since our patient did report an ACE inhibitor-related dry cough, this case emphasizes the strength of the relation between the two common side effects of the ACE inhibitors. This favors that among the risk factors that predispose individuals to develop angioedema, ACE inhibitor-associated cough is a major one. Although the mechanism of ACE inhibitor-related cough is poorly understood, bradykinin seems to be the common culprit mediator for these two side effects. Hence, clinicians need to be aware of this potential threat and be cautioned when they witness an ACE inhibitor-related cough.

At present, hard coating structures are widely studied as a new passive damping method. Generally, the hard coating material is completely covered on the surface of the thin-walled structure, but the local coverage cannot only achieve better vibration reduction effect, but also save the material and processing costs. In this paper, a topology optimization method for hard coated composite plates is proposed to maximize the modal loss factors. The finite element dynamic model of hard coating composite plate is established. The topology optimization model is established with the energy ratio of hard coating layer to base layer as the objective function and the amount of damping material as the constraint condition. The sensitivity expression of the objective function to the design variables is derived, and the iteration of the design variables is realized by the Method of Moving Asymptote (MMA). Several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate that this method can obtain the optimal layout of damping materials for hard coating composite plates. The results show that the damping materials are mainly distributed in the area where the stored modal strain energy is large, which is consistent with the traditional design method. Finally, based on the numerical results, the experimental study of local hard coating composites plate is carried out. The results show that the topology optimization method can significantly reduce the frequency response amplitude while reducing the amount of damping materials, which shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.

This paper deals with the integrated position and attitude adaptive control problem during the de-tumbling of space debris via eddy brake. To do so, a nonlinear coupled translation and rotation dynamics with electromagnetic effect is firstly formulated. The unknown system parameters are then analyzed and the regressor matrices are derived as well. In what follows, a nonlinear integrated position and attitude control scheme is proposed by adaptive backstepping technique to ensure a concurrent position and attitude stabilization. The closed-loop stability analysis is given in the Lyapunov framework. At last, numerical simulation verifies the effect of the proposed nonlinear control scheme.

PURPOSE We aimed to determine the global effects of the Cheneau brace combined with Schroth exercises on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS We analyzed 192 patients with AIS who underwent the Cheneau brace treatment alone or combined with Schroth best practice (SBP) from June 2013 to October 2019. There were 138 patients in the Brace group and 54 patients in the Brace + SBP group. Radiographs were obtained at various treatment durations. Answers to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire were recorded before the intervention and at the time of treatment wean. RESULTS The Cobb angle (-3.55°; p

Background: Asians with atrial fibrillation carry a higher risk of ischemic stroke than non-Asians even under treatment of nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. The purpose of the study was to observe the feasibility of intravenous thrombolytic therapy after administering a reversal agent, idarucizumab, in dabigatran-treated patients with acute ischemic stroke in Taiwan. Methods: Dabigatran-treated patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) after idarucizumab reversal were enrolled in the retrospective nationwide study. The clinical data, treatment course, and outcomes were recorded. Stroke severity was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after rt-PA was detected by neuroimaging studies. Results: Ten dabigatran-treated patients (6 men, mean age 71.10 ± 7.96 years) with acute ischemic stroke were included. Before stroke, the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.50 ± 1.57 and 8 patients (80%) received dabigatran 110 mg twice daily. All patients were treated with 5 g idarucizumab, following which the activated partial thromboplastin time normalized. Intravenous rt-PA (mean dose .78 mg/kg) was initiated a mean time of 11.11 minutes after idarucizumab infusion. The NIHSS score improved significantly after thrombolysis (16.0 ± 6.67 at admission to 9.38 ± 4.75 at discharge, P = .016). ICH developed in 3 patients (30%). Two of them were asymptomatic and 1 patient suffered from symptomatic ICH leading to mortality. Conclusion: Our data reconfirmed the feasibility of intravenous rt-PA for Asian stroke patients after reversal of dabigatran effect with idarucizumab.

Background Piper nigrum L. and Piper longum L. consist a classic formula in traditional Chinese Hui medicine and are widely used in treatment of stroke. To examine the therapeutic effect of neuron injury after apoplexy, we used a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model in rats to investigate the effects of dichloromethane fraction (DF) of Piper nigrum L. and Piper longum L. Materials and Methods After subjecting the rats to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, DF (100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered for 14 days. Neurological deficits and the degree of cerebral tissue injury was detected by 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride Staining Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining. Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), synapsin-I (syn-I), and α-synuclein (α-syn) were stained by immunohistochemistry. PSD-95, Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II), phosphorylated CaMK II (p-CaMK II), CaM, N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) expression were detected by Western blot. Meanwhile, phytochemical profile of DF was determined through ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Results DF alleviated neurological deficits and markedly prevented ischemia-induced cellular damage. Immunohistochemical micrographs revealed that PSD-95 and syn-I proteins increased, and α-syn presented reduced expression in brain samples from the sham group. Western blot analyses revealed that the model group exhibited a noticeable reduction in PSD-95, p-CaMK II, CaM, and NR2B. The DF-treated model group exhibited increased PSD-95, p-CaMK II, CaM, and NR2B. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis revealed eight main components of DF, of which piperine accounted for the largest proportion.

Background There is an increasing need to organize the care around the patient and not the disease, while considering the complex realities of multiple physical and psychosocial conditions, and polypharmacy. Integrated patient-centered care delivery platforms have been developed for both patients and clinicians. These platforms could provide a promising way to achieve a collaborative environment that improves the provision of integrated care for patients via enhanced information and communication technology solutions for semiautomated clinical decision support. Objective The Collaborative Care and Cure Cloud project (C3-Cloud) has developed 2 collaborative computer platforms for patients and members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and deployed these in 3 different European settings. The objective of this study is to pilot test the platforms and evaluate their impact on patients with 2 or more chronic conditions (diabetes mellitus type 2, heart failure, kidney failure, depression), their informal caregivers, health care professionals, and, to some extent, health care systems. Methods This paper describes the protocol for conducting an evaluation of user experience, acceptability, and usefulness of the platforms. For this, 2 “testing and evaluation” phases have been defined, involving multiple qualitative methods (focus groups and surveys) and advanced impact modeling (predictive modeling and cost-benefit analysis). Patients and health care professionals were identified and recruited from 3 partnering regions in Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom via electronic health record screening. Results The technology trial in this 4-year funded project (2016-2020) concluded in April 2020. The pilot technology trial for evaluation phases 3 and 4 was launched in November 2019 and carried out until April 2020. Data collection for these phases is completed with promising results on platform acceptance and socioeconomic impact. We believe that the phased, iterative approach taken is useful as it involves relevant stakeholders at crucial stages in the platform development and allows for a sound user acceptance assessment of the final product. Conclusions Patients with multiple chronic conditions often experience shortcomings in the care they receive. It is hoped that personalized care plan platforms for patients and collaboration platforms for members of MDTs can help tackle the specific challenges of clinical guideline reconciliation for patients with multimorbidity and improve the management of polypharmacy. The initial evaluative phases have indicated promising results of platform usability. Results of phases 3 and 4 were methodologically useful, yet limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03834207; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03834207 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/21994

Purpose The purpose of our study was to determine the risk factors for reduction loss in patients with proximal humeral fractures after locking plate fixation and establish a nomogram prediction model. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of proximal humeral fractures patients who had been surgically treated for locking plate in our institution from January 2016 to December 2018. Perioperative information was obtained through the electronic medial record system, univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to determine the risk factors of reduction loss, and a nomogram model was constructed to predict the risk of reduction loss. The predictive performance and consistency of the model were evaluated by the consistency coefficient (C-index) and the calibration curve, respectively. Results 115 patients were finally enrolled in our study. Multivariate analysis results showed that age, fracture classification, medial comminution, and calcar screw status were independent risk factors for reduction loss. The accuracy of the contour map for predicting transfusion risk was 0.944. Conclusion We found a correlation between reduction loss and age, fracture classification, medial comminution, and calcar screw status after locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures patients. Our nomogram is helpful for clinicians to identify high-risk patients, early intervention and reduce the incidence of reduction loss.

In view of the high noise and contrast of the images of infrared temperature measurement in the environment of high temperature, high dust and high air flow, this paper proposes a linear method of grayscale transformation with the statistical method of grayscale histogram and according to the principle of "the display of narrow space areas by the grayscales of infrared images", so as to find out two wave valleys with the maximum grayscale area from the perspectives of high and low grayscales respectively, and use them as segmented transformation points to stretch and suppress different grayscale ranges of infrared images. As shown by the experimental results, in the high-noise environment, the enhancement effect of infrared images is obvious, the grayscales are uniform, the image details can be maintained desirably, and the computational efficiency of the algorithm is high.

With the continuous deepening of curriculum reform, teaching evaluation has become an important part of investigating the effectiveness of classroom teaching. This study improved the original S-T analysis method with speaker recognition technology that tracks the speaker's identity in class speech in real time. Combining the theoretical research of information technology-driven intelligent evaluation of classroom teaching, 6 lessons were selected as samples, and the original S-T analysis method and real-time S-T method were used for comparative study, which verified the effectiveness of the proposed real-time S-T analysis method.

With the gradual integration of information technology and education and teaching, the innovative application of education informatization has brought new opportunities for teacher evaluation and professional development. The article integrates “recognition in action” and “reflection in practice” with artificial intelligence technology, and establishes a new framework for teacher development evaluation based on teaching reflection, and integrates process diagnosis and reflective practice supported by intelligent technology into the teaching evaluation link. It solves the longstanding practical problems of “conflict between evaluation and feedback” and “disconnection between feedback and development” in the past teaching evaluation, so as to provide theory and application reference for the implementation of teacher development evaluation in the context of wisdom education.

Purpose. Due to the rarity, it is difficult to predict the survival of patients with fibrosarcoma. This study aimed to apply a nomogram to predict survival outcomes in patients with fibrosarcoma.Methods. A total of 2235 patients with diagnoses of fibrosarcoma were registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, of whom 663 patients were eventually enrolled. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors. Nomograms were constructed to predict 3-year and 5‐year overall survival and cancer‐specific survival of patients with fibrosarcoma.Results. In univariate and multivariate analyses of OS, age, sex, race, tumor stage, pathologic grade, use of surgery, and tumor size were identified as independent prognostic factors. Age, sex, tumor stage, pathologic grade, use of surgery, and tumor size were significantly associated with CSS. These characteristics were further included to establish the nomogram for predicting 3-year and 5-year OS and CSS. For the internal validation of the nomogram predictions of OS and CSS, theC-indices were 0.784 and 0.801.Conclusion. We developed the nomograms that estimated 3-year and 5-year OS and CSS. These nomograms not only have good discrimination performance and calibration but also provide patients with better clinical benefits.

In this paper, the diversified users’ demand response method based on the real-time electricity price is studied, considering the diversified demand side subject, including photovoltaic users and distributed energy storage users. For ordinary users, photovoltaic users and distributed energy storage users, etc., according to the operating characteristics, the users’ loads or electrical equipment are classified and modeled. And through the seasonal ARIMA model, real-time electricity price and photovoltaic power of the future are forecasted, providing reference for the optimization of user demand response. At the same time, considering reducing electric charge as the objective function of the user. Thus, a demand response model adapted to multiple subjects and diversified users based on real-time electricity price is established. By solving the demand response model, and proposing a benchmark electricity consumption scheme for comparison, the validity of the demand response model in promoting the consumption of renewable energy and improving the user benefits is verified.

In the context of the energy Internet, research on regional energy management is of great significance. Focusing on this topic, this paper proposes a model of demand-responsive(DR)energy cells, and establishes a hierarchical optimization scheduling model. The upper layer takes the total cost of the smart community as the objective function, and the lower layer, considering the DR management, takes the lowest comprehensive cost of each energy cells as the objective function. This study is aimed at presenting a two-layer optimization model for the smart community based on the DR energy cell. In this paper, the optimization strategy of maximizing economic benefits is obtained through the iteration of the upper and lower models. The model can improve the economics of the smart community.

For the first time, we identified 15 cases of Candida auris in Shenyang, China, and then performed a risk factor assessment for these patients compared with 30 control subjects who were hospitalized in the same ward during the same period of time as the infected patients. We found that diarrhea, gastrointestinal decompression, infection, or colonization with other Candida isolates (especially Candida albicans) and tetracycline antibiotics were all risk factors for C. auris infection or colonization. Diarrhea and tetracycline antibiotics were independent risk factors. We suggest clinicians pay special attention to the emergence of multidrug-resistant C. auris infections or colonization.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are widely researched to improve the traffic situation. In ITS, vehicle detection system plays a significant role. At present, vehicle detection is often conducted by inductive loops, which are very expensive and inconvenient to install and maintain. Video camera is another frequently used detector, but it needs high computing power. In order to solve these problems, this paper focuses on the development of a roadside magnetic sensor system for vehicle detection. The device is installed at the side of the road and measures traffic in the adjacent lane (the closest lane to the sensor node). The data are transmitted by the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol. A novel adapted threshold state machine algorithm is proposed to detect vehicles. Since false judgments created by large vehicles passing in the nonadjacent lane (the lane next to the closest lane to the sensor node) are frequent in urban environments, a novel feature extracted by fusion of three magnetic sensor signals are proposed to reduce this error. The developed magnetic sensor system is wireless, compact, and cost-effective. The experimental results show that the proposed system achieves high accuracy and is viable in urban environments.

Cable transmission has its intrinsic advantages and it is the development tendency of intelligent drilling among all kinds of signal transmission. According to the structure characteristics of the intelligent drill string, this paper analyzes the transmission line distribution parameters of intelligent drill string combined with average transmission theory; transfer matrixes of single drill pipe, drill pipe joint and that of cascaded transmission line between them are all calculated by the transmission line transfer function; impedance model of intelligent drill string communication channel model are built according to that transfer matrix based on the two-port network, then this model is simulated by experiment and the result is analyzed; curve of error rate is got and the influence of different signal-noise ratio, different transmission rate and different transmission distance on signal transmission performance are analyzed. This model simplifies the calculation, and the frequency characteristics and attenuation characteristics of transmission line are obtained under the analog signal and the digital signal, then the average transmission signal characteristics of intelligent drill string is analyzed by intuitive squiggle. Maybe this paper could provide some theoretical guidance for intelligent drill string.

As software systems become increasingly large, the logic becomes more complex, resulting in a large number of bug reports being submitted to the bug repository daily. Due to tight schedules and limited human resources, developers may not have enough time to inspect all the bugs. Thus, they often concentrate on the bugs that have large impacts. However, there are two main challenges limiting the automation technology that would help developers to become aware of high-impact bug reports early, namely, low quality and class distribution imbalance. To address these two challenges, we propose an approach to identify high-impact bug reports that combines the data reduction and imbalanced learning strategies. In the data reduction phase, we combine feature selection with the instance selection method to build a small-scale and high-quality set of bug reports by removing the bug reports and words that are redundant or noninformative, in the imbalanced learning strategies phase, we handle the imbalanced distributions of bug reports through four imbalanced learning strategies. We experimentally verified that the method of combining the data reduction and imbalanced learning strategies could effectively identify high-impact bug reports.

MiRNAs are integral for maintaining immune homeostasis and self-tolerance. In this study, qPCR analyses were performed to determine which miRNAs play an important role in wound healing. Next, an experiment in a model of wound healing was performed, and histology, mRNA expression and T-cell subpopulations in wound tissue were analyzed. The accelerated experiments were performed by local injection of either rIL-17A and/or rIL-9 after wound healing. In vitro, the differentiation of Th17/Th9 in miR-155+/+ or miR-155-/- mice was investigated, and the target genes of miR155 were analyzed. From our findings, miR-155-/- in mice promoted wound healing and weakened T cell-mediated inflammation, especially in IL-17/IL-9, and less severe skin fibrosis developed in the mice. rIL-17A and/or rIL-9 could exacerbate inflammatory injury and delay wound healing. We also demonstrated that miR-155-/- led to a defect in the differentiation of Th17/Th9 in vitro, and this effect of IL-17/IL-9 might be related to the expression of C-maf, which is a target gene of miR155. MiR-155 regulated IL-17/IL-9-related inflammation in wound healing and might be a potential therapeutic target to attenuate the inflammatory response in wound tissue and promote the closure of wound injuries.

With the image correction technology, a deep study and analysis was performed on the mutual relationships among a series of key parameters, including the coagulant dosage and the equivalent diameter, fractal dimension and concentration characteristics of the flocculation image, in the correction process of the chemical wastewater. Considering the actual operation environment and the real-time requirements of automatic dosing control, the Retinex algorithm was adopted in this article to solve the problems of uneven light distribution occurring in the process of experiment. In addition, another algorithm, the simple algorithm, was also applied to the calculation in the link of image correction, so as to shrink the program scale. According to the simulation results, it was indicated that the simulation operation was of relatively good practicability in the practical automatic control.

In this paper, periodic nanostructures were fabricated on GaAs wafers by four-beam UV pulsed laser interference patterning. Significant different results were observed on epi-ready and homo-epitaxial GaAs substrate surfaces, which suggests GaAs oxide layer has an important effect on pulsed laser irradiation process. In the case of two-pulse patterning, a noticeable morphology transformation induced by the second pulse was observed on homo-epitaxial GaAs substrate. Based on photo-thermal mode, temperature distribution on sample surface as a function of time and position was calculated by solving the heat diffusion equations.

In order to provide some theoretical and technical basis for the vibration test and analysis of GIS, this paper introduces two vibration fault simulation experiments of GIS. One is the simulation experiment of spike discharge, the other is the simulation experiment of flange bolt loosening. It includes both discharge fault and mechanical fault. The experiment shows that the vibration signal can reflect the discharge fault and mechanical fault well, and show different characteristics, which is very instructive for the field application of GIS vibration test.

In the case of deep peak shaving of thermal power units, it can absorb more photovoltaics and wind power, and also reduce the efficiency of thermal power plants and increase the environmental cost of society. This paper analyses the thermal power units under unconventional conditions from several influencing factors. The economics of operation, and innovative consideration of the current on-grid price and the latest government peaking subsidy factor. Firstly, according to the operating state and energy consumption characteristics of thermal power units, the peaking process is divided into conventional peaking, no oil depth adjustment and oil injection depth peaking, and the main factors affecting the deep peaking capacity of thermal power plants are analysed. The peaking energy cost model of thermal power units at different stages, and the actual power plant as the research object, the simulation results under different scheduling strategies are given. The results show that it is the most economical to increase the peaking depth of the unit to 54% of the rated capacity. The research results will provide a reference for better consumption of new energy.

Character recognition algorithm can directly affect the accuracy and speed of character recognition. This algorithm uses BP neural network to train samples, preserve neural network weights, and recognize photographed images. The software algorithm integrates image-processing and neural network modules. Image-processing modules include pre-treatment processes, such as, binaryzation, denoising, dilation, erosion, rotation and character segmentation and extraction of images collected by cameras. Neural network modules include network training, identification, display, saving, loading, and other modules, such as image preprocessing and recognition. A prototype of online engineering character recognition system has been developed. Test results indicate that the duration of a single picture is approximately 100 ms, and the detection time displayed by the interface includes the zooming time of display interface that is approximately 200 ms.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are very suitable candidates for using in airfield lighting due to the high efficiency, long lifetime and good monochromaticity. In this paper, an optical system is designed for LED taxiway centreline light, a combined modelling and experiment is carried out to show the designed system can meet the performance requirements of taxiway centreline light. This system has several advantages, compared with traditional light sources, such as structural reliability, long lifetime and low power consumption.

Aluminum honeycomb is a good energy-absorption material because of its high strength and low density. To estimate the buffering and energy absorbing capacity of aluminum honeycomb, we designed and tested a cylindrical cushioning structure with two types of aluminum honeycomb. In the experiments, the out-of-plane crushing behavior of aluminum honeycombs was investigated on three types of samples including single honeycomb sample, stacked samples with two honeycombs, and three honeycombs at a fixed quasi-static loading condition. The results show that the energy-absorbing capacity of combined honeycomb sample is slightly better than that of the single honeycomb sample with the same total thickness in the concerned range. However, the collapse stress will significantly increase when two specimens with approximately the same thickness insert into each other completely, which should be avoided in the cushioning design. The design of combined honeycomb consisted of three stacked honeycombs can obtain a relatively smooth stress state, which is beneficial to protect the cylinder. As a result, one can draw a conclusion that combined honeycomb buffer consisted of multi-layered honeycomb samples should be given priority in the optimization design of aluminum honeycomb buffer.

The energy band structure and optical properties of the (1 1 0) strain Ca 2 P 0.25 Si 0.75 have been calculated by the first-principle pseudo-potential method. The results show that the simple orthorhombic Ca 2 P 0.25 Si 0.75 bulk is a direct semiconductor and the band gap value increased with increasing of strain in the range of 100–104%, but it is decreased with increasing of strain in the range of 104–120% and 88–100%. Simple orthorhombic Ca 2 P 0.25 Si 0.75 bulk is turned to metal with exceeding of the compressive strain 88%. The optical properties have a significant changed by straining. So straining is a useful method for modulating the photoelectric transmission property of the simple orthorhombic Ca 2 P 0.25 Si 0.75 bulk.

A water reuse system was formulated for the Xi'an International Metropolitan Urban Planning Project, with the aim of mitigating water stress in the central city of Xi'an, China in 2020. The main reuse purposes of the reclaimed water were agriculture, industry, municipal, ecological, and indoor uses. A wastewater reuse potential capacity of 427.2 × 106 m3/yr was deduced by analyzing the water demand for the different reuse purposes. This reuse capacity makes significant contribution to increasing the total urban water supply capacity and mitigating the water shortage problems imposed by the process of urbanization. A supply scheme for the reclaimed water was configured, which comprised the reclaimed water sources, water supply service areas, and the main reuse purposes. As a result, a wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)-centered reclaimed water supply system was formed, and the main reuse purposes of the 15 WWTPs and their service districts were defined. Through an economic analysis, the feasibility and benefits of the water reuse system were ascertained. Overall, this study provided the theoretical basis and implementation strategies for a system configuration of water reuse in Xi'an City and also contributed to solving the water-deficiency problems associated with the rapidly developing urban areas in China.

The most significant factors influencing beer quality are the variety of aroma flavours that stem from a complex system of interactions between many hundreds of compounds. With increasing demand for flavour control and enhanced productivity, the presence of consistent and balanced amounts of higher alcohols and esters are critical aspects of process control. Extensive research has focused on the formation of flavour compounds by the brewing yeast and the factors that influence their synthesis. Fermenting wort is a complex medium from which the brewing yeast utilizes nutrients for living and growth and to where it places its metabolic by-products. Thus, changes in wort composition will greatly influence final beer aroma. The current paper reviews up-to-date knowledge on the contribution of wort composition to the flavour quality of the final product, in particular higher alcohols and esters. Different wort constituents involved in the biosynthesis of these aromatic substances, and which therefore require control during brewery fermentations, are reviewed. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

For an industrial robots with unknown parameters, on the basis of preliminary measurement and data of the Cartesian and joints coordinates which are shown on the FlexPendant, the kinematic parameters is identified by using genetic algorithms and accurate kinematics modeling of the robot is established. Experimental data could prove the validity of this method.

Objective: Finite element analysis was used to compare preoperative and postoperative stress distribution of a bone healing model of femur fracture, to identify whether broken ends of fractured bone would break or not after fixation dislodgement one year after intramedullary nailing. Method s: Using fast, personalized imaging, bone healing models of femur fracture were constructed based on data from multi-slice spiral computed tomography using Mimics, Geomagic Studio, and Abaqus software packages. The intramedullary pin was removed by Boolean operations before fixation was dislodged. Loads were applied on each model to simulate a person standing on one leg. The von Mises stress distribution, maximum stress, and its location was observed. Results : According to 10 kinds of display groups based on material assignment, the nodes of maximum and minimum von Mises stress were the same before and after dislodgement, and all nodes of maximum von Mises stress were outside the fracture line. The maximum von Mises stress node was situated at the bottom quarter of the femur. The von Mises stress distribution was identical before and after surgery. Conclusion : Fast, personalized model establishment can simulate fixation dislodgement before operation, and personalized finite element analysis was performed to successfully predict whether nail dislodgement would disrupt femur fracture or not.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Cornus officinalis (Cornaceae), known in Chinese as “Shanzhuyu,” is a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine. It tastes sour and is astringent and slightly warm in nature. Its fruits have long been used to treat kidney deficiency, high blood pressure, waist and knee pain, dizziness, tinnitus, impotence, spermatorrhea, menorrhagia, and other diseases in China. The main distribution areas are Shanxi and Gansu. Aim of the study This review focused on the ethnopharmacological uses of the herb. We also focus on the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies on C. officinalis. The recent analytical methods developed for the quality control of the herb’s constituents are also reviewed. Additionally, future trends and prospects in the study of this herb are proposed. Materials and methods Information on C. officinalis was gathered by searching the internet (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Scifinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar) and libraries. Results This review compiled the ethnopharmacological uses, including the classic prescriptions and historical applications. Approximately 300 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from C. officinalis. The major active components of the plant are organic acids and iridoids, among which morroniside and loganin have been extensively investigated. The fruit of the plant has been used in treating many diseases in traditional medicine. Scientific studies indicated the herb’s wide range of pharmacological activities, such as hepatic and renal protection, antidiabetes activity, cardioprotection, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antitumor activity, anti-inflammation, analgesic effects, antiaging activity, antiamnesia, antiosteoporosis, and immunoregulation. The analytical methods developed for the quantitative and qualitative determination of various compounds in the herb were further reviewed. Conclusions In this paper, we reviewed various studies conducted on C. officinalis, especially in areas of its ethnopharmacological use, as well as on its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and modern analytical methods used. Some of the herb’s ethnomedical indications have been confirmed by the herb’s pharmacological effects, such as its hepatic and renal protection and the antidiabetic effects. In particular, the crude extract and its chemical composition have exerted good therapeutic effect in diabetic treatment. C. officinalis entails additional attention on its pharmacological effects and drug development to expand its effective use clinically. Many advanced technologies are used for quality testing, but the detection component is exceedingly scarce for synthetically evaluating the quality of C. officinalis herbs. Thus, further research is necessary to investigate the quality control and toxicology of the plant, to further elucidate its clinical use, and to control herbal quality.

The Safety City of the Internet of Things (SCIOT) is a kind of multi-level, multi-service, polymorphic and multi-mechanism complex system of systems. The SCIOT system is so complex that the risk of system development is high. Thus, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the risk. This paper proposed a Rapid Interactive top-level Design & Demonstration Environment (RID2E) for the risk reducing of this kind of complex system of systems. RID2E adopts a feedback-based top-level design method which divided the design process into six sub-processes consisting of top-level design, rapid prototype development, system integration test, system simulation & emulation, visualization demonstration and sequential feedback. RID2E provided a platform that can achieve cooperative top-level design, full dimensions simulation &emulation, interactive demonstration, systematization display and sequential feedback for SCIOT system. As a typical design process, an emergency command and control system was constructed quickly and effectively based on the RID2E and it proves the method is feasible.