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Granular materials are widely prevalent in nature and industry, and the discrete element method (DEM) is the most effective method for the mechanical analysis of granular materials. Because of the difficulty inherent in friction coefficient determination, the friction behavior of granular geomaterials has always been a difficult problem in DEM. In order to study the variation rules of the sliding friction coefficients in DEM, an experiment designed to determine the sliding friction coefficient between particles with different shapes and different contact forms and an experiment designed to determine the sliding friction coefficient between particles and different boundaries were proposed, and the experimental results were fitted. In order to verify the reliability of the experiments, the fitting results were embedded into DEM software, and several packing experiments and simulation experiments were carried out and compared. The simulated results are detailed and discussed with reference to the experimental results as part of this paper. The results indicate that the simulation results are highly consistent with the experimental results, and the sliding friction coefficient obtained by the proposed experiment is in accordance with that determined theoretically. The sliding friction coefficient determined by fitting according to the experimental results can determine the sliding friction coefficient in DEM simulation and improve the accuracy of simulation results.

An embedding of a graph H in a graph G is an injection (i.e., a one-to-one function) σ from the vertices of H to the vertices of G such that σ(x)σ(y) is an edge of G for all edges xy of H. The image of H in G under σ is denoted by σ(H). A k-packing of a graph H in a graph G is a sequence (σ1, σ2,…, σk) of embeddings of H in G such that σ1(H), σ2(H),…, σk(H) are edge disjoint. We prove that for any tree T of order n, there is a 4-packing of T in a complete bipartite graph of order at most n + 12.

The dynamic point cloud is widely needed in 3D vision related applications such as virtual reality and telepresence. Due to the huge amount of data, a key technology before the effective application is the dynamic point cloud compression. The state-of-the-art dynamic point cloud compression scheme, video-based point cloud compression (V-PCC), generates 2D videos with some uncorrelation due to the patch segmentation and packing process, which will affect the compression efficiency. In this paper, we propose a Packing with Patch Correlation Improvement (PPCI) algorithm to adaptively remove the uncorrelated parts between matched patches in packing for the sake of inter-prediction performance. We first propose a basic unidirectional patch re-segmentation operator to remove the uncorrelated parts of the patches in the current point cloud relative to the patches in its reference point cloud. The removed parts will be formed as new patches and added to the patch collection of the current point cloud. Then we propose a back-and-forth structure, which is a combination of several basic patch re-segmentation operators, to bilaterally remove the uncorrelated parts of matched patches in a back-and-forth (BF) unit. Furthermore, we propose a framework to adaptively decide the best length of each BF unit in a point cloud sequence. Experimental results show that our method achieves noticeable bitrate savings compared with the existing V-PCC packing methods, particularly for sequences with small motion.

In mammals a central circadian clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, which regulates the innate physiological rhythms to the ambient 24-h light-dark cycle. Melatonin is an essential component of circadian rhythm. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin administration on the respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys subjected to packing (load carrying) during the hot-dry season. Twenty healthy pack donkeys, aged 2–3 years with average weight of 93 ± 2.7 kg were divided into two groups randomly for the experiment. Group 1 donkeys (packing with melatonin) were administered melatonin for seven days during the study and subjected to packing, while group 2 were packed without melatonin administration. Both groups of donkeys were packed three times within the week, one day apart, covering a total distance of 20 km on each experimental day. Meteorological parameters were recorded during the study period. RR and HR were measured pre- and immediately (15 min) post-packing. Continuous measurement of the parameters started 16 h later, after the last packing procedures for a period of 27 h at intervals of 3 h. Temperature-humidity index (THI) pre-packing (73.67 ± 0.7) was lower (P < 0.05) than that obtained post-packing (80.33 ± 1.2). The THI recorded during the continuous measurement was at its peak at 15:00 h (86), indicating that the afternoon hours were thermally stressful to the donkeys. The THI was strongly correlated with HR recorded in packing (without melatonin) compared to packing (with melatonin) donkeys. The RR and HR values in both groups of donkeys were significantly (P < 0.05) higher immediately after packing. However, the post-packing values of the parameters were not different (P > 0.05) between the two groups of donkeys. The mesor (adjusted arithmetic mean) and amplitude of RR and HR in packing (without melatonin) donkeys were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that recorded in packing (with melatonin) donkeys. In conclusion, melatonin reduced negative influence on the circadian rhythmicity (mesor and amplitude) of RR and HR in donkeys by exerting its anti-stress and antioxidant effects. The study has demonstrated the beneficial effect of melatonin and its administration may mitigate excessive respiratory and cardiac activities that may reduce the work output of donkeys during the hot-dry season.

Photo by Darth Liu on Unsplash INTRODUCTION Human consumption of meat sits at the intersection of culture and health and has profound bioethical implications. Here, we discuss how meat is interwoven with human history and traditions. We review the varied negative impacts of widespread modern meat consumption on health and the environment. Finally, we address the role that the principle of justice plays in allocating this resource. We argue that reducing meat consumption has health and environmental benefits. I. Historical Background Throughout history, some cultures have integrated meat into their traditions, from hunting rituals to religious celebrations to summer barbecues. While intimately connected to the human experience, meat consumption is not without consequences, ranging from increased incidence of chronic illness to environmental degradation. The mass production of meat began in the late 17th century as the rise of globalization led to widespread trade of goods, including meat products. While the sale and distribution of meat grew rapidly throughout the 18th century, it was not until 1818 that Elisha Mills opened the first mass-production plant to process pork. The advances made during the Industrial Revolution led to substantial technological improvements and greater efficiencies in meat processing and packing. During the 19th century, meat-packing plants flooded the United States, and eventually, meat became a staple grocery item for many Americans. While consumers enjoyed plentiful access to meat, skeptics such as Upton Sinclair detailed the horrors of the meat-packing industry and the associated health threats to the consumer. This new awareness resulted in the institution of federal regulations and a new era of quality control. Although meat safety has improved over the years, both human health and the environment remain profoundly affected by the externalities associated with meat consumption.[1] While mass production of meat is a relatively new phenomenon, regular yet limited meat consumption was an essential component of human evolution. Historians characterize the diets of hunter-gatherer tribes as varied and highly nutritious foods, including meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Anthropologists studying extant tribes have noticed significantly lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among other chronic illnesses when compared to populations with Western diets. In contrast, as agriculture has expanded and flourished, people have become increasingly dependent on the food and cattle produced by farmers. They were less inclined to eat the highly nutritious and varied meals their ancestors did. This shift in diet has led to periodontal disease, novel infections and parasites from cattle, iron deficiencies, and other health challenges. As communities adopt Western diets, rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes rise.[2] II. A Global Health Crisis A global human health crisis has resulted from excessive meat consumption and its health impacts. Recent research has found that the ten-year mortality risk for meat consumers increased by over a third and by almost 50 percent for those who consumed excessive quantities of red meat. Other analyses demonstrated the relationship between meat consumption and colorectal cancer. Oncologists have noticed an increased incidence of colorectal cancer and a shift in the age demographic most impacted by it. In one study, consumption of more than two ounces per day of processed meat correlated with an 18 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer.[3] These adverse impacts on human health highlight the systemic complications that arise from meat consumption and the human cost. III. Environmental Degradation In addition to impacting human health, these dietary changes have contributed to environmental degradation. Humans conducted animal farming at a staggering scale: in 1961, the world had a standing population of 4.4 billion chickens, a number that increased to 37 billion chickens in 2020. Livestock far outnumbers humans, with a standing population of roughly 46 billion today.[4] Deriving immense quantities of protein from animal sources consumes similarly large amounts of resources. In doing so, rearing animals for meat encroaches upon several planetary boundaries, defined as “boundaries within which we expect that humanity can operate safely,” and includes limits on global freshwater use, land-system change, and climate change.[5] Producing just 1,000 calories of beef consumes an estimated 1,600 liters of water, requires the occupation of an estimated 147 square meters of land for an entire year, and releases 10 kilograms of CO2 equivalent.[6] Additionally, beef production consumes land that farmers could use to produce other protein sources, such as vegetables and grains. Such strains on planetary boundaries and excessive use of environmental resources to produce protein is not sustainable, especially as the global population continues to expand. The United States has one of the highest rates of meat consumption, with the average American consuming over 250 pounds of meat per year.[7] If the global population consumed meat at this rate, there would be a devastating impact on both global health and planetary boundaries. Protein sources should be viewed as a health resource, as proper protein intake is vital to human health. If over-consuming communities such as the US decreased their intake of meat, the health of both over-consumers and those with limited access to dietary protein and meat would greatly benefit.[8] IV. Ethical Analysis Since food is a limited resource, ethicists and physicians should approach conversations regarding meat through the lens of justice. The principle of distributive justice demands that “the benefits and burdens” of meat be “fair, equitable, and appropriate.”[9] Currently, marginalized communities bear the environmental burdens of meat-heavy diets, while not always having access to the benefits. Encroachments upon planetary boundaries caused by meat production and poor health outcomes due to excessive consumption disproportionately impact the most disadvantaged communities. If we, as ethicists, are to encourage equitable distribution of resources around the world, we must also limit the distribution of harm. Though we do not always abide by or apply utilitarian perspectives, in crisis we often adopt a harm reducing principle and work to maximize good and pleasure. When balancing the benefits and burdens of meat consumption, it is vital that we choose a path forward that produces the greatest good or pleasure for the greatest number of people. Utilitarian philosopher Peter Singer, an advocate for animal rights and vegan diets, argues that decreasing meat consumption is “a means toward reducing both human and animal suffering, and leaving a more habitable planet for future generations.”[10] By drastically decreasing the number of cattle, fish, and birds killed and consumed every year, we limit greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable environment—a benefit not only for ourselves, but also for subsequent generations. As we limit human intake of meat and improve the environment, we decrease the acute and chronic disease burden among the population. It is essential to approach discussions regarding meat consumption with an appreciation of both the benefits and burdens to create equitable and health-conscious meat policy that maximizes benefits for the greatest number of people. CONCLUSION Meat consumption is causing a crisis in human health and hurting the environment. While meat is often attached to cultural celebrations and daily traditions, decreasing meat consumption and directing land use to more efficient, healthy food production would help both human health and the environment. Excessive consumption of animal protein negatively impacts public health both directly and indirectly through climate change, environmental degradation, and pollution. Current innovations, such as cultured agriculture and plant-based meats, provide promising alternatives, yet these novel technologies face numerous hurdles in widespread global implementation. An ethical and holistic approach to medicine demands that we advocate for the health of humanity through a balanced and climate-conscious approach to diet. - [1] Lisa, Andrew. History of America's Meat-Processing Industry. 18 Aug. 2020, https://stacker.com/stories/4402/history-americas-meat-processing-industry. [2] Gibbons, Ann, and Matthieu Paley. “The Evolution of Diet.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/evolution-of-diet/. [3] Battaglia Richi E, Baumer B, Conrad B, Darioli R, Schmid A, Keller U. Health Risks Associated with Meat Consumption: A Review of Epidemiological Studies. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2015;85(1-2):70-8. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000224. PMID: 26780279. [4] Chure, Griffin, et al. “Anthroponumbers.org: A Quantitative Database of Human Impacts on Planet Earth.” 2022, https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.04.483053. [5] Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K. et al. A safe operating space for humanity. Nature 461, 472–475 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/461472a [6] Chure, Griffin, et al. “Anthroponumbers.org: A Quantitative Database of Human Impacts on Planet Earth.” 2022, https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.04.483053. [7] Kuck, G. and G. Schnitkey. "An Overview of Meat Consumption in the United States." farmdoc daily (11):76, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 12, 2021. [8] Watts, Nick, et al. “The 2020 Report of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: Responding to Converging Crises.” The Lancet, vol. 397, no. 10269, 2021, doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32290-x. [9] Beauchamp, Tom L., and James F. Childress. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press, 2009. [10] Singer, Peter. Ethics in the Real World. Princeton University Press, 2016.

This article is about seeking a good feasible solution in a reasonable amount of computation time to the three-dimensional Multiple Bin Size Bin Packing Problem (MBSBPP). The MBSBPP studied considers additional constraints encountered in real world air transportation situations, such as cargo stability and the particular shape of containers. This MBSBPP has already been formulated as a Mixed Integer linear Programming problem, but as yet only poor results have been achieved for even fairly small problem sizes. The goal of the work this paper describes is to develop heuristics that are able to quickly provide good initial feasible solutions for the MBSBPP. Three methodologies are considered, which are based on the decomposition of the original problem into easier subproblems: the matheuristics Relax-and-Fix, Insert-and-Fix and Fractional Relax-and-Fix. They have been parametrised on real data sets and then compared to each other. In particular, two of these techniques show promising results in reasonable computational times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutting raw-material into smaller parts is a fundamental phase of many production processes. These operations originate raw-material waste that can be minimised. These problems have a strong economic and ecological impact and their proper solving is essential to many sectors of the economy, such as the textile, footwear, automotive and shipbuilding industries, to mention only a few. Two-dimensional (2D) nesting problems, in particular, deal with the cutting of irregularly shaped pieces from a set of larger containers, so that either the waste is minimised or the value of the pieces actually cut from the containers is maximised. Despite the real-world practical relevance of these problems, very few approaches have been proposed capable of dealing with concrete characteristics that arise in practice. In this paper, we propose a new general heuristic (H4NP) for all 2D nesting problems with limited-size containers: the Placement problem, the Knapsack problem, the Cutting Stock problem, and the Bin Packing problem. Extensive computational experiments were run on a total of 1100 instances. H4NP obtained equal or better solutions for 73% of the instances for which there were previous results against which to compare, and new benchmarks are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandwich structures with Miura-ori cores have been studied especially in aerospace industry. However, by removing the face sheets one can obtain esthetical, multifunctional, self-supporting structures for various applications, such as packaging. This study focuses on the mechanical performance of planar, self-supporting Miura-ori structures under compressive loads. Through systematic variations of both origami geometry and base material orientation, this study performs linear stress and stability analyses by utilizing the finite element method. The results reveal the effects of the geometric parameters and the material orthotropy on the structural performance, finally resulting in parameter ranges forming a basis for structural design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the battery field, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) attract much attention due to their potential as a supporting conducting material for anodes or cathodes. The performance of cathodes or anodes can be optimized by introducing densely packed CNTs, which can be achieved with high dispersibility. The efficiency of CNT usage can be maximized by enhancing their dispersibility. An effective technique to this end is to incorporate surfactants on the surface of CNTs. The surfactant produces a surface charge that can increase the zeta potential of CNTs, thereby preventing their agglomeration. Additionally, surfactants having long chains of tail groups can increase the steric hindrance, which also enhances the dispersibility. Notably, the dispersibility of CNTs depends on the type of surfactant. Therefore, the results of dispersibility studies of CNTs involving different surfactants must be comprehensively reviewed to enhance the understanding of the effects of different surfactants on dispersibility. Consequently, this paper discusses the effect of different types of surfactants on the dispersibility of CNTs and presents several perspectives for future research on dispersibility enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortier et al. proposed several research problems on packing arborescences and settled some of them. Others were later solved by Matsuoka and Tanigawa and by Gao and Yang. The last open problem is settled in this article. We show how to turn an inductive idea used in the latter two articles into a simple proof technique that allows to relate previous results on arborescence packings. We prove that a strong version of Edmonds' theorem on packing spanning arborescences implies Kamiyama, Katoh and Takizawa's result on packing reachability arborescences and that Durand de Gevigney, Nguyen and Szigeti's theorem on matroid-based packing of arborescences implies Király's result on matroid-reachability-based packing of arborescences. Further, we deduce a new result on matroid-reachability-based packing of mixed hyperarborescences from a theorem on matroid-based packing of mixed hyperarborescences due to Fortier et al.. Finally, we deal with the algorithmic aspects of the problems considered. We first obtain algorithms to find the desired packings of arborescences in all settings and then apply Edmonds' weighted matroid intersection algorithm to also find solutions minimizing a given weight function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overworking and overloading of donkeys may cause fatigue. The experiment aims to determine the effects of epicatechin-(4β-8)-catechin (EEC) on some fatigue biomarkers in packed donkeys during the dry season. 10 jacks, aged between four and five years were used for the study. Five were given EEC in feed seven days before packing (test), while another five were given feed only (control). Blood samples collected for biochemical analyses were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), creatine kinase (CK) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The SOD activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the test group during the cold-dry season after packing. The values of TAC during the packing period were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in test group during the hot-dry season. The TNF-α concentration was higher (P > 0.05) in the control group especially one-hour on route. The CK activity was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the control donkeys during the hot-dry season. In conclusion, packing donkeys during the dry season resulted in fatigue, but EEC served as an anti-fatigue agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was performed to compare the efficacy of the endoscopic modified cartilage over-underlay technique with and without packing for repairing chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. Methods: A total of 70 cases of chronic TM perforation were randomly allocated to endoscopic modified cartilage over-underlay myringoplasty groups with (n = 35) and without (n = 35) packing. The graft success rate and hearing outcomes were compared between the two groups. In addition, neovascularization scores were subjectively obtained. Results: At 12 months postoperatively, the difference in graft success rate between the packing and no-packing groups was not significant (94.3% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.473). In addition, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the pre- or postoperative air–bone gap (ABG) (15.18 ± 2.73 vs. 15.07 ± 4.02, P = 0.623 and 8.63 ± 3.03 vs. 8.52 ± 4.50, P = 0.591) or mean ABG gain (6.56 ± 3.23 vs. 6.54 ± 2.83, P = 0.751). However, the average operating times were 43.6 ± 7.1 and 32.7 ± 2.1 min in the packing and no-packing groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Surgical and hearing outcomes were comparable between patients with chronic TM perforation treated using the endoscopic modified over-underlay technique with and without packing. However, without packing, the procedure was less invasive and had a shorter operating time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown effectiveness of redistribution procedures for decreasing packing and increasing swallowing. Redistribution has been done using lower manipulated-texture foods on an infant gum brush in specialized U.S. hospitals. We extended this by using regular texture bites of food in a short-term (1–2 weeks) home-based program in Australia, showing decreased then absent use of the procedure, and following up. Two children with autism spectrum disorder participated. We used a modified withdrawal/reversal design. Latency to swallow decreased. Participants increased variety to 90 and 122 regular texture foods across food groups. All goals were met including increasing independence in self-feeding. Both parents were trained. Gains maintained to 6 months and redistribution was no longer needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background/aim: Pseudoaneurysm formation is a potentially fatal complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy. We developed a packing method in which the gastroduodenal artery stump is packed inside a falciform ligament to reduce the post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage due to pseudoaneurysm formation. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy., Patients and Methods: This study included 210 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies between January 2007 and December 2023. The study population was divided into two groups; the packing group (n=110) and the no-packing group (n=100), and the clinical variables were compared between the two groups., Results: Pseudoaneurysms were observed in six (2.9%) patients, and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage was observed in four (1.9%) patients. There was no significant difference in pseudoaneurysm formation between the packing and no-packing groups (p=0.477), and the mortality rates for both pseudoaneurysm and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage were zero. Two patients in the no-packing group were found to have shock, whereas four patients in the packing group (n=4) did not. Additionally, we encountered a 6 cm unruptured pseudoaneurysm following packing., Conclusion: The packing method did not reduce pseudoaneurysm formation after pancreaticoduodenectomy, but may prevent pseudoaneurysm rupture., (Copyright © 2024 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Shock and vibration generated during transport can lead to overload failure and fatigue fracture in museum objects. Damage can be prevented using transport packing providing both adequate shock absorption and vibration isolation. This research demonstrated that standardized packing with enhanced vibration mitigation is achievable for three-dimensional objects in a busy museum environment. Based on state-of-the art predictive modelling, extensive engineering and collection care expertise, a calculator tool was developed that allows users to create packing with improved vibration isolation by using the overall dimensions and weight of an object. This research highlighted that effective vibration mitigation can only be designed in a concerted cross-disciplinary effort by engineers and collection care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The administration of pycnogenol (PYC) prior to physical exertion had earlier shown to improve gait variables after work. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PYC on kinematic parameters of donkeys subjected to packing during the dry season. Ten male donkeys served as experimental subjects. Five donkeys were administered with PYC (10 mg/kg) in feed (test group) while another five donkeys were given feed only (control group) for one week pre-packing. Thermal environmental parameters of ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature humidity index (THI) were recorded. Kinematic parameters of speed (SP), stride length (SL), stride frequency (SF) and stride duration (SD) using videographic recordings 5 minutes post-packing with each animal walking at a self-selected speed were recorded. The THI values obtained pre-(95.4 ± 3.9) and during (85.3 ± 1.6) packing in the cold-dry season were significantly lower than the values of 148.8 ± 1.8 and 134.8 ± 1.1, respectively obtained during the hot-dry season. The speed recorded in test group (2.0 ± 0.3 m/s) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher when compared to the value (1.3 ± 0.2 m/s) obtained in control group during the hot-dry season while, during the cold-dry season, the test group recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) higher speed (1.3 ± 0.3 m/s) when compared with 1.0 ± 0.2 m/s recorded in control group. The increased speed recorded in the test group indicated that the group performed better as they were less fatigued when compared with the control group. Thus, PYC could be used as a potential agent in the management of fatigue in donkeys used for packing purposes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foldable structures have been of great interest due to their ability to reduce in size from deployed to folded state, enabling easier storage in scenarios with space constraints such as aerospace and medical applications. Hexagonal structural components have been of interest, due to their ability to tessellate, or cover without gap, 2D and 3D surfaces. However, the study on effective folding strategies for hexagon-based structures and the hexagon geometry itself is limited. Here, we report a strategy of snap-folding hexagonal rings, to result in folded states with only 10.6% the initial area of a single ring. Motivated by this significant packing, we utilize a combination of experiments and finite element analysis to study effective folding strategies and packing abilities of various 2D and 3D hexagonal ring assemblies, with structures that can be folded to 1.5% and 0.4% of their initial area and volume, respectively. The effect of geometric parameters of hexagonal rings on the mechanical stability of their assemblies is investigated. Additionally, the instabilities of rings can be utilized to facilitate the automatic deployment of folded ring assemblies under small perturbations. Furthermore, an assembly with rigid functional panels is explored to demonstrate the functionality and design space for hexagonal ring assemblies. With such significant demonstrated area and volume changes upon snap-folding, it is anticipated that hexagonal ring assemblies could inspire future aerospace or biomedical designs, where reconfiguration and large packing are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For k ∈ N , Ali et al. (Discrete Appl Math 160:1845-1850, 2012) introduce the Steiner k-Wiener index S W k (G) = ∑ S ∈ V (G) d (S) , where d(S) is the minimum size of a connected subgraph of G containing the vertices of S. The average Steiner k-distance μ k (G) of G is defined as n k - 1 S W k (G) . In this paper, we give some upper bounds on S W k (G) and μ k (G) in terms of minimum degree, maximum degree and girth in a triangle-free or a C 4 -free graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mononuclear Co(II) complex of a Schiff base ligand derived from 5-Bromo-vanillin and 4-aminoantipyrine, that has a compressed tetragonal bipyramidal geometry and exhibiting field-induced slow magnetic relaxation, has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and molecular spectroscopy. In the crystal packing, a hydrogen-bonded dimer structural topology has been observed with two distinct metal centers having slightly different bond parameters. The complex has been further investigated for its magnetic nature on a SQUID magnetometer. The DC magnetic data confirm that the complex behaves as a typical S = 3/2 spin system with a sizable axial zero-field splitting parameter D/hc = 38 cm−1. The AC susceptibility data reveal that the relaxation time for the single-mode relaxation process is τ = 0.16(1) ms at T = 2.0 K and BDC = 0.12 T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfluidic devices for comprehensive three-dimensional spatial liquid chromatography will ultimately require a body of stationary phase with multiple in- and outlets. In the present work, 3D printing with a transparent polymer resin was used to create a simplified device that can be seen as a unit cell for an eventual three-dimensional separation system. Complete packing of the device with 5-μm C18 particles was achieved, with reasonable permeability. The packing process could be elegantly monitored from the pressure profile, which implies that optical transparency may not be required for future devices. The effluent flow was different for each of the four outlets of the device, but all flows were highly repeatable, suggesting that correction for flow-rate variations is possible. The investigation into flow patterns through the device was supported by computational-fluid-dynamics simulations. A proof-of-principle separation of four standard peptides is described, with mass-spectrometric detection for each of the four channels separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packing involves not swallowing solids or liquids in the mouth. It is a significant mealtime behaviour to treat. Research has shown effectiveness of redistribution, but only two studies in highly specialised hospital settings in the United States have evaluated the use of a chaser. We extended this literature by conducting treatment in the home setting, and comparing a liquid and puree chaser separately to infant gum brush redistribution and a move-on to the next bite presentation component. A 4-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder and gastrostomy tube dependence participated in his home. We used a multielement single-case experimental design. With the liquid chaser, consumption increased to 100%. Swallowing latency was significantly lower with the liquid chaser compared to other packing treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aaron Brody,1 John Gallien,1 Brian Reed,1 John Hennessy,2 Michael J Twiner,1,3 Jerry Marogil4 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; 2College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; 3Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; 4Mar-Med Inc, Grand Rapids, MI, USACorrespondence: Michael J TwinerDepartment of Emergency Medicine, 4201 St Antoine, UHC-6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USATel +1 313-745-3040Email mtwiner@med.wayne.eduObjective: Traditional treatment of abscesses in the emergency department includes packing with gauze; however, this can add pain and discomfort to the procedure and frequently involves a follow-up visit for packing removal. Alternatives to gauze packing have been proposed, but they may have disadvantages in the context of emergency care. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the use of a novel silicone packing device — the Derma-Stent.Methods: This was a randomized controlled pilot study of 50 patients from two urban emergency departments with uncomplicated superficial abscesses. The primary outcome was the likelihood of self-removal of packing gauze versus the silicone device. Secondary outcome measures included subjective clinician and patient metrics, such as pain and ease of use.Results: Patients identified with simple cutaneous abscesses were randomized to intervention (packing with the novel silicone device, n=25) or standard care (gauze packing, n=25). Mean age was 36 years, 54% were female, and 96% identified as African American. Although it took longer to place, the silicone device (19.0 vs 15.3 minutes, p=0.03), pain scores were significantly lower (4.3/10 vs 7.1/10, p=0.008) and ease of use reported by physicians better in the silicone-device group (4.8/5 vs 4.0/5, p=0.002). A high unknown rate in the gauze-packing group limits discussion of the likelihood of self-removal; however, the silicone device was more likely to remain in place (60%) versus the gauze packing at 3 days (24%, p=0.01).Conclusion: This pilot randomized controlled trial compared the treatment of packing cutaneous abscesses with gauze versus using the silicone device. Limitations in the data prevent discussion on likelihood of self-removal. However, the silicone device was more likely to remain in place at day 3 follow-up and was equally effective to gauze packing in abscess reduction while also improving patient-reported pain scores. It did take longer to place the silicone device; however, physicians reported better ease of use and removal. This pilot study is encouraging for additional larger-scale trials that are required to further assess the utility of this device in the emergency department.Keywords: abscess, Derma-Stent, silicone device, gauze, packing

The power law η rel ∼ C a of maltodextrins with higher entanglement concentrations (C e) of dextrose equivalent (DE) 4, 10, and 18 exhibits an unusually high exponent a, ranging from 10.34 to 14.38 in congested solutions where particles occupy significant space. This contrasts with the dilute exponents (a ∼2) typically observed in polymer–solvent systems. To address this issue, several viscosity factors were evaluated using the Einstein–Roscoe and Mooney equations, which demonstrated viscosity dependence due to volume fraction (ϕ) > 0.35, shape, crowding factor (k) packing factor (1/ k ∼0.5) and centered cubic cell (CC), particularly for larger chain sizes (>20 glucoses) in DE-4. Chain electrical charges significantly stiffen the chain and increase its length beyond the theoretically predicted Kuhn persistent length (L p), which seems to be responsible for the exponential increase in viscosity. Normalizing the viscosity/charge data revealed a log–log plot consistent with the exponent a of the general power law theory. In addition to concentration, electrospinning processing is influenced by strong particle–particle charge interactions, (ϕ), packing factor (1/ k), CC, and chain sizes. The Maxwell model demonstrated poor interaction for DE-4 (modulus ∼286 Pa at maximum ϕ due to loose packing of CC, in contrast to DE-18, which exhibited a modulus of 994 Pa for a solution with maximum ϕ > 0.5 and a congested solution of 52% w/v, packing factor of 0.68, and high particle–particle interaction of the body-centered cubic (BCC) cell, favoring electrospun fiber formation. The packing factor, ϕ, and cell type, are highly sensitive and have potential applications in food systems, 3D bioprinting, among many other scientific domains. [Display omitted] • Electrospun fibers were successfully obtained from maltodextrins ethanol/water. • DE showed influence on electrospun fibers morphology with ethanol/water solvent. • Chain electrical charges stiffen the chain & affected electrospinning performance. • Assessing polymer conformations are critical in Chem Eng. 3-D printing & processing. • Dense packing 0.68 body centered cubic cell had good electrospun fiber performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a graph G = (V, E) and a set S ⊆ V of at least two vertices, an S-tree is a such subgraph T of G that is a tree with S ⊆ V (T). Two S-trees T1 and T2 are said to be internally disjoint if E(T1) ∩ E(T2) = ∅ and V (T1) ∩ V (T2) = S, and edge-disjoint if E(T1) ∩ E(T2) = ∅. The generalized local connectivity κG(S) (generalized local edge-connectivity λG(S), respectively) is the maximum number of internally disjoint (edge-disjoint, respectively) S-trees in G. For an integer k with 2 ≤ k ≤ n, the generalized k-connectivity (generalized k-edge-connectivity, respectively) is defined as κk(G) = min{κG (S) | S ⊆ V (G), |S| = k} (λk(G) = min{λG(S) | S ⊆ V (G), |S| = k}, respectively).

Large volumes of water containing tritium are generated during the operation, decommissioning, and incident-management of nuclear installations and related facilities, and are expected to increase with the ongoing expansion of nuclear power generation. If released into the environment, this water could pose a substantial environmental threat to living organisms. However, conventional isotope separation techniques, such as cryogenic distillation and catalytic exchange, are inadequate for efficiently isolating significant quantities of low-level tritiated water because of the complex machinery and excessive energy required, and the potential for hydrogen-gas detonation. In contrast, water distillation (WD), as a traditional technology, has the unique advantages of simple operation, no corrosive and toxic substances, and no hydrogen explosion risk, but problems of small separation coefficient and low efficiency always exist in this technique. However, the separation effect of WD can be effectively improved by improving the process variables in the process of WD, such as temperature, distillation column diameter, and packing dimensions, so as to adapt WD to the separation of industrial tritiated water. This study provides a thorough exposition of the basic principles and distinctive features of water distillation and examines the effect of various operational parameters on separation efficiency to adapt the process for the industrial separation of tritiated water. The impact of various process variables on the separation efficiency of tritiated water via distillation was investigated, and results show that optimizing these variables can markedly improve the separation efficiency of water distillation. In particular, decreasing the dimensions of the packing material or altering its properties can lead to higher separation factors and lower residual tritiated water concentration. These findings suggest that water distillation can be used for the separation of tritiated water. By optimizing its operational parameters, water distillation can become a viable method for the industrial separation of tritiated water and is expected to play a significant role in this field in the future.

In graph theory, a packing within graph G is defined as a collection H = { H 1 , H 2 } , where H 1 and H 2 are both equivalent to G , yet they exist as edge-disjoint subgraphs within K n. Considering a positive integer k , we introduce D k , a set comprising graphs within G , each with a maximum degree not exceeding k. Extending the concept of a packing, a near packing that accommodates D k in graph G emerges, realized by overlapping two iterations of G. In this configuration, the intersecting subgraph formed by edges shared in both G copies is a member of D k. The notation m (n , D k) represents the highest possible value of m , ensuring each graph with order n and size at most m can incorporate a near packing that accommodates D k. A notable case is m (n , D 0) = n − 2 , highlighting that a near packing which admits D 0 equates to a standard packing. This paper focuses on establishing the value of m (n , D 1) = ⌊ 3 n − 5 2 ⌋. • We show that each graph of order n and size at most ⌊ 3 n − 5 2 ⌋ has a near packing. • Our proof is constructive. • The bound of our result is sharp in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the two-dimensional strip-packing (2DSP) problem of placing a set of rectangular pieces onto a fixed-width rectangular sheet to minimize the total length used. We propose a Block-Based Heuristic Search Algorithm (BBHSA) to solve 2DSP problems with guillotine cut constraints. Initially, it converts the 2DSP problem into a series of 2D rectangular packing problems (2DRP), where the size of the sheet is fixed. In the BBHSA, rectangular pieces are aggregated into blocks, which are partial solutions without residual space. These blocks provide the ingredients for a good layout and are basic components in a tree-based constructive search process. Two basic operations, called placing & splitting and approximate binary search are used in the search process. Furthermore, several block-based placement rules are explored to speed up the search process and improve solution quality. To verify the performance of our proposed algorithm, we conducted extensive experiments using the zero-waste benchmark and non-zero-waste benchmark instances. The results show that BBHSA demonstrates computational effectiveness, particularly in zero-waste cases, achieving optimal solutions for almost all zero-waste benchmark instances reported in the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's automotive factories are essentially assembly plants that receive parts from a vast network of suppliers around the world. Transporting thousands of part types over very long distances is a major logistic problem whose solution is a critical factor in the factory management. In this study we have developed a statistical and optimization methodology implemented in a software tool to help the decision makers select the most appropriate container for each part. A key element is to determine the number of parts that fit in a given container. Two optimization procedures have been developed, depending on the type of part, and used to calculate costs of each container. These costs include not only transporting parts from supplier to factory, but also the costs of handling parts within the factory and returning the empty containers to the supplier. • Selection of optimal container for parts transport from suppliers to assembly plant. • A new method estimates the number of parts in a container when loaded in bulk. • An algorithm optimizes parts in a container via strategic placement, not bulk loading. • Software integrates databases, geometry, optimization, learning and economic analysis. • The software, validated in the real world, is used by a major vehicle manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]