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Accurate fatigue life prediction of polycrystalline materials is crucial for many engineering applications. In polycrystalline materials, a significant portion of life is spent in the crack nucleation phase at the microstructural scale. Hence, the total fatigue life shows high sensitivity to the local microstructure. To predict fatigue life accurately, the microstructure models of polycrystalline material i.e., titanium alloy are virtually generated with the help of the Voronoi tessellation technique. These models incorporate critical microstructural features such as grain size, grain shape, and the volume fraction of different phases within the material. To efficiently predict microstructure sensitive fatigue life, the smooth finite element method (SFEM) is coupled with continuum damage mechanics (CDM). The SFEM provides flexibility in the meshing of complex microstructure geometries as it alleviates the need to use only triangular and quadrilateral elements. Moreover, there is no need of isoparametric mapping and explicit form of shape function derivatives in SFEM, hence it requires less computation time. To obtain the fatigue life (in number of cycles), jump in cycles algorithm is implemented using SFEM-CDM. The numerical results of fatigue life data obtained from simulations are compared with experimental data, which reveals the validity of the present approach. This approach is useful to find out the scatter in fatigue life data of polycrystalline materials along with the source of scatter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional methods have failed to show the ability of articular cartilage to completely restore. Decellularized extracellular matrix has achieved interest as a potential biomaterial for cartilage tissue engineering approaches. The decellularized cartilage-derived matrix (CDM) scaffolds retain the native composition of cartilage tissue, providing a conducive microenvironment for cellular growth and differentiation, while exhibit limited mechanical support. Our investigation involved the fabrication of a new hybrid CDM- polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel scaffold with four different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), followed by a comprehensive characterization of the construct's physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties to elucidate their potential in cartilage regeneration applications. Our results demonstrated that hybridization of the CDM with PVA enhanced the mechanical properties besides ensuring biocompatibility. FTIR and DSC results also confirmed the mechanical improvements in hybrid scaffolds. The hybrid CDM/PVA (15%/5%, 15%/10%, 15%/15%, and 15%/20%) scaffolds showed significantly different compressive strengths (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0004, p < 0.0001, p < 0.012 respectively). Moreover, resazurin test showed cell attachment and growth on all four types of hybrid scaffolds during seven days of three dimensional culture. The cross-linked CDM15%/PVA5% group, demonstrated acceptable mechanical strength, pore size, physicochemical properties, swelling behavior, and cell growth and attachment. Our data indicate that our hybrid CDM/PVA scaffold possess bioactive properties suitable for a promising candidate for cartilage tissue engineering studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychological Science is the property of Psychological Science Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Population growth affects the generation of plastic waste and could potentially increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the burning process. This has become a severe problem as it contributes to global warming. Therefore, plastic waste management is required, for instance, by using pyrolysis technology on a community scale. Such a project will reduce plastic waste and GHG emissions by processing plastic into valuable products. This study aims (1) to estimate potential GHG emissions before the project implementation, (2) to estimate potential GHG emissions reduction after the project implementation, and (3) to assess both potential revenue and profit of pyrolysis products. This study employs SNI 19-3694-1994 method to estimate household waste generated, the clean development mechanism (CDM) method to estimate GHGs emissions reduction, and the profit comparison method (PCM) to asses both revenue and profit of pyrolysis products. The results show that GHG emissions before the project will be 3.69 t CO2e in 2021 and could increase to 4.61 t CO2e in 2030. Potential GHG emissions reduction depends on the fuel types to heat the reactor. Only electric pyrolysis will reduce GHG emissions by up to 0.46 t CO2e (13%) annually. This project is not financially feasible because operational costs (15,772,779 IDR) exceed the annual revenue (1,014,000 IDR). Keywords: CDM, climate change, GHG emission, plastic waste, pyrolysis

Based on elasticity theory, this paper discusses the static analysis of a cracked double-beam system in the presence of a Winkler-type medium. It is further assumed that the double-beam system is constrained at both ends by elastically flexible springs with transverse and rotational stiffness. Using a variational formulation, the governing static equations are derived and solved using analytical and numerical approaches. In the first approach, closed-form solutions for the displacement functions are obtained based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. In the second approach, the Cell Discretisation Method (CDM) is performed, whereby the two beams are reduced to a set of rigid bars connected by elastic constraints, in which the flexural stiffness of the bars is concentrated. The resulting stiffness matrix is easily deduced, and the governing equations of the static problem can be immediately solved. A comparative analysis is performed to verify the accuracy and validity of the proposed method. The study focuses on the effect of various parameters, including crack depth and position, boundary conditions, elastic medium and slenderness. The validity of the proposed analysis is confirmed by comparing the current results with those obtained from other approaches. In particular, the results obtained by closed-form solution and CDM are compared with the Finite Element Method (FEM). The accuracy of the results was assessed by making comparisons with results found in the literature and reported in the bibliography. It was shown that the proposed algorithm provides a simple and powerful tool for dealing with the static analysis of a double-beam system. Finally, some concluding remarks are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooling magma plutons and intrusions are the heat sources for hydrothermal systems in volcanic settings. To explain system longevity and observed heat transfer at rates higher than those explained by pure conduction, the concept of fluid convection in fractures that deepen because of thermal rock contraction has been proposed as a heat‐source mechanism. While recent numerical studies have supported this half a century old hypothesis, understanding of the various regimes where convective downward migration of fractures can be an effective mechanism for heat transfer is lacking. Using a numerical model for fluid flow and fracture propagation in thermo‐poroelastic media, we investigate scenarios for which convective downward migration of fractures may occur. Our results support convective downward migration of fractures as a possible mechanism for development of hydrothermal systems, both for settings within active zones of volcanism and spreading and, under favorable conditions, in older crust away from such zones. Plain Language Summary: Geothermal energy is transferred through and stored in the rock and fluids of the Earth's crust. If temperature increases sufficiently with depth and the crust provides sufficient pathways for water to flow through, colder water sinks and percolates downward, gets heated at depth and then rises due to its lower density at higher temperature. This creates a hydrothermal circulation system that transports heat from the deep crust to shallower depths from where it can be produced. Wells drilled into these systems produce hot water and/or steam for direct heat utilization or electricity production. To understand the renewability of hydrothermal systems, we need to understand how heat is transferred deep in the crust. A hypothesis has been proposed, suggesting that fractures, propagating downwards because of contraction of the water‐cooled surrounding rock, are central to maintaining the heat transfer from the deep crust. Our computer simulations corroborate this hypothesis. Based on settings found in Iceland, we show how fluid flow and propagation of fractures can be important for development of hydrothermal systems both in active regions of volcanism and, under favorable conditions, also in older crust away from such regions. The latter results are important for the identification of hidden geothermal systems. Key Points: Numerical modeling supports convective downward migration of fractures as a source mechanism for hydrothermal systemsFluid flow, fracture opening and propagation in a thermo‐poroelastic rock mass are simulated in different geological settings in the crustCrustal stresses are key to understanding whether a hydrothermal system can evolve in regions away from active zones of volcanism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the damage initiation/propagation mechanisms and failure modes of open-hole carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites and thermosetting composites with tension, compression, and bearing loads are investigated, respectively, by experiments and finite element simulations. The experimental evaluations are performed on the specimens using the Combined Loading Compression (CLC) test method, the tensile test method, and the single-shear test method. The differences in macroscopic damage initiation, evolution mode, and damage characteristics between thermoplastic composite materials and thermosetting composite material open-hole structures are obtained and analyzed under compressive load. Based on scanning electron microscope SEM images, a comparative analysis is conducted on the micro-failure modes of fibers, matrices, and fiber/matrix interfaces in the open-hole structures of thermoplastic and thermosetting composites under compressive load. The differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting composites were analyzed from the micro-failure mechanism. Finally, based on continuum damage mechanics (CDM), a damage model is also developed for predicting the initiation and propagation of damage in thermoplastic composites. The model, which can capture fiber breakage and matrix crack, as well as the nonlinear response, is used to conduct virtual compression tests, tensile test, and single-shear test, respectively. Numerical simulation results are compared with the extracted experimental results. The displacement-load curve and failure modes match the experimental result, which indicates that the finite element model has good reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on elasticity theory, this paper discusses the static analysis of a cracked double-beam system in the presence of a Winkler-type medium. It is further assumed that the double-beam system is constrained at both ends by elastically flexible springs with transverse and rotational stiffness. Using a variational formulation, the governing static equations are derived and solved using analytical and numerical approaches. In the first approach, closed-form solutions for the displacement functions are obtained based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. In the second approach, the Cell Discretisation Method (CDM) is performed, whereby the two beams are reduced to a set of rigid bars connected by elastic constraints, in which the flexural stiffness of the bars is concentrated. The resulting stiffness matrix is easily deduced, and the governing equations of the static problem can be immediately solved. A comparative analysis is performed to verify the accuracy and validity of the proposed method. The study focuses on the effect of various parameters, including crack depth and position, boundary conditions, elastic medium and slenderness. The validity of the proposed analysis is confirmed by comparing the current results with those obtained from other approaches. In particular, the results obtained by closed-form solution and CDM are compared with the Finite Element Method (FEM). The accuracy of the results was assessed by making comparisons with results found in the literature and reported in the bibliography. It was shown that the proposed algorithm provides a simple and powerful tool for dealing with the static analysis of a double-beam system. Finally, some concluding remarks are made.

Abstract Cooling magma plutons and intrusions are the heat sources for hydrothermal systems in volcanic settings. To explain system longevity and observed heat transfer at rates higher than those explained by pure conduction, the concept of fluid convection in fractures that deepen because of thermal rock contraction has been proposed as a heat‐source mechanism. While recent numerical studies have supported this half a century old hypothesis, understanding of the various regimes where convective downward migration of fractures can be an effective mechanism for heat transfer is lacking. Using a numerical model for fluid flow and fracture propagation in thermo‐poroelastic media, we investigate scenarios for which convective downward migration of fractures may occur. Our results support convective downward migration of fractures as a possible mechanism for development of hydrothermal systems, both for settings within active zones of volcanism and spreading and, under favorable conditions, in older crust away from such zones.

Aim: This study aims to develop a cloud-based digital healthcare system for precision medical hospital information systems (P-HIS). Methods: In 2020, international standardization of P-HIS clinical terms and codes was performed. In 2021, South Korea's first tertiary hospital cloud was established and implemented successfully. Results: P-HIS was applied at Korea's first tertiary general hospital. Common data model-compatible precision medicine/medical service solutions were developed for medical support. Ultrahigh-quality medical data for precision medicine were acquired and built using big data. Joint global commercialization and dissemination/spreading were achieved using the P-HIS consortium and global common data model-based observational medical outcome partnership network. Conclusion: To provide personalized precision medical services in the future, establishing and using big medical data is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dermatologie Pro Praxi is the property of SOLEN sro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Paradigma is the property of Universidad Pedagogica Experimental Libertador and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spectrum scarcity for wireless communication and data transfers has prompted interest to analyze interference among wireless links. As more bandwidth is utilized for communication links, there is a growing need to mitigate interference. By exploiting code division multiplexing (CDM) across an ultra-wideband (UWB) spectrum, it is possible to combat dynamic interference scenarios, including spot, sweep, barrage, or base interference. With this in mind, this paper presents a more generalized theoretical analysis of bit error rates (BER) in presence of dynamic interference scenarios. The presented approach is validated using an ultra-wideband secure communication link over a large contiguous 1.3 GHz bandwidth with direct digital conversion. To our knowledge, this is the first-ever validation for such UWB channel. As part of our assessment, this UWB system uses direct RF sampling of the received and transmitted signals. Overall, for the first time, code spreading across a 1.3 GHz band demonstrated up to 1000-fold interference mitigation. This new capability was evaluated experimentally using a custom wireless BER test bench.

Radar systems got very popular in sensing applications in the last two decades besides the traditional military sector. Nowadays, many applications favor multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar over phased-array radar. Here, time-division multiplexing (TDM) and code-division multiplexing (CDM), like a phase-modulated continuous wave (PMCW), are well-known techniques. However, every method needs special components on the MMIC. In this article, a $\text{125}\,\text{GHz}$ vector modulator (VM) circuit is presented, which can operate as a switchable amplifier in TDM systems, as a binary-phase modulator in CDM systems, and as a phase-shifter in phased-array systems. Based on simulations and $S$-parameter measurements, the VM itself and the three different operating modes are analyzed. We also present a technique to separate coupler imperfections from the $S$-parameter measurements to analyze the VM separately. We designed the VM with the B11HFC silicon-germanium technology ($f_{t} / f_{max} = 250/370\, \text{GHz}$), using both HBTs (heterojunction bipolar transistors) and CMOS transistors. Inside the VM, two cross-connected power amplifiers (PAs) are fed by an in-phase (I), and two cross-connected PAs are fed by a quadrature-phase (Q) signal. The four PAs are controlled by a 4-bit interface to switch them on or off, thus generating output signals in the range of $0^\circ$ to $360^\circ$.

On-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is required for all integrated circuits (ICs). Conventional on-chip ESD protection relies on in-Si PN junction-based device structures for ESD. However, such in-Si PN-based ESD protection solutions pose significant challenges related to ESD protection design overhead, including parasitic capacitance, leakage current, and noises, as well as large chip area consumption and difficulty in IC layout floor planning. The design overhead effects of ESD protection devices are becoming unacceptable to modern ICs as IC technologies continuously advance, which is an emerging design-for-reliability challenge for advanced ICs. In this paper, we review the concept development of disruptive graphene-based on-chip ESD protection comprising a novel graphene nanoelectromechanical system (gNEMS) ESD switch and graphene ESD interconnects. This review discusses the simulation, design, and measurements of the gNEMS ESD protection structures and graphene ESD protection interconnects. The review aims to inspire non-traditional thinking for future on-chip ESD protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the quantity and cost of in-person and telehealth exercise physiology (EP) reimbursed under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in Australia before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This study uses publicly available MBS data to describe EP services (in-person and telehealth) reimbursed by Medicare between January 2020 and December 2021. Data were extracted at state and national levels. Results: Despite a reduction in quantity and cost in quartile (Q) 2 2020 (41% reduction), MBS-reimbursed EP services have remained relatively constant at a national level through the 2-year observation period. Service claims averaged 88 555 per quarter in 2020 and 95 015 in 2021. The proportion of telehealth consultations relative to total quarterly claims for EP was <1% in Q1 2020, 6.0% in Q2 2020, 2.4% in Q3 2020 and 1.7% in Q4 2020. This dropped to an average of 1.4% across 2021 (Q1–Q4). States undergoing lockdown periods reported decreased service rates relative to February 2020 (i.e. pre-lockdown). EP services were associated with a Medicare expenditure of AUD17.9M in 2020 (telehealth = 2.4% of total) and AUD19.7M (telehealth = 1.5% of total) in 2021. Conclusions: Quantity and cost of MBS-reimbursed EP services remained relatively constant throughout the height of service disruption due to COVID-19 (2020/21). Telehealth uptake during this time has been minimal for EP. What is known about the topic? Telehealth item numbers were introduced to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS – part of Australia's health scheme) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate continued access to health services, including exercise physiology (EP). What does this paper add? The uptake of telehealth service modalities has been minimal for EP through 2020–21. What are the implications for practitioners? The minimal uptake telehealth suggests that further research, advocacy and promotion is needed to ensure that telehealth can be a viable option for patients to consider when accessing EP services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In research applications, mental health problems such as alcohol-related problems and depression are commonly assessed and evaluated using scale scores or latent trait scores derived from factor analysis or item response theory models. This tutorial paper demonstrates the use of cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) as an alternative approach to characterizing mental health problems of young adults when item-level data are available. Existing measurement approaches focus on estimating the general severity of a given mental health problem at the scale level as a unidimensional construct without accounting for other symptoms of related mental health problems. The prevailing approaches may ignore clinically meaningful presentations of related symptoms at the item level. The current study illustrates CDMs using item-level data from college students (40 items from 719 respondents; 34.6% men, 83.9% White, and 16.3% first-year students). Specifically, we evaluated the constellation of four postulated domains (i.e., alcohol-related problems, anxiety, hostility, and depression) as a set of attribute profiles using CDMs. After accounting for the impact of each attribute (i.e., postulated domain) on the estimates of attribute profiles, the results demonstrated that when items or attributes have limited information, CDMs can utilize item-level information in the associated attributes to generate potentially meaningful estimates and profiles, compared to analyzing each attribute independently. We introduce a novel visual inspection aid, the lens plot, for quantifying this gain. CDMs may be a useful analytical tool to capture respondents' risk and resilience for prevention research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporal monitoring of reactive nitrogen atmospheric deposition is essential for understanding its impact on sensitive ecosystems and quantifying cumulative effects. However, the sparsity of direct surface flux measurements combined with barriers in dissemination are major limiting factors in providing this information to decision makers and non-experts in a timely manner. This work addresses both aspects of this information gap by, 1) utilizing satellite-derived reactive nitrogen dry deposition data products that can be used by decision-makers to supplement the sparse direct surface flux measurements and 2) fill in measurement gaps. Therefore, we have developed a Reactive Nitrogen Flux Mapper (RNFM) component of the interactive Cloud-based Data Mapper (CDM) for providing easy access of satellite-derived reactive nitrogen (defined here as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3)) dry deposition flux spatial maps/data to decision-makers/stakeholders over North America. The RNFM component of CDM has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows users to specify the geographical regions and time periods for computing the average fluxes on the fly using an integrated cloud-based computing platform. The CDM architecture is flexible and can be upgraded in the future to take advantage of upstream satellite data directly on cloud platforms to provide results in near real-time.

The Kyoto Protocol established the Clean Development system (CDM), a cooperative system that might help developing nations achieve sustainable development by encouraging environmentally conscious investment from firms and governments in affluent nations. An overview of the CDM's history, composition, and project cycle is given in this publication, which also looks at the benefits and potential value for participating developing nations like India. The Ozone layer is being weakened by pollution brought on by an increasing population. On our earth, every species is in danger of being extinct. The primary conclusions are: With the aid of the Kyoto Protocol, three formal methods for global emission reduction were established: Joint Implementation (JI), Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and International Emissions Trading (IET). It raises public awareness, and with the aid of certified emission reduction units, some environmental organizations developed the idea of carbon trading. The CDM offers both industrialized and developing nations a win-win scenario. Businesses in India such as Gujarat Fluoro Chemicals, Tata Steel, NTPC, ONGC, and others can obtain several facilities abroad by using CERs. Through the exchange of credits and reduction of GHG emissions, carbon trading and CER "claims" to avert the impending disaster. Therefore, it can be concluded that imposing carbon prices with refunds is an effective strategy to address the pre-existing issue. Since reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a worldwide public good and the location of emission reductions has no bearing on the global stock of GHG, the CDM's premise is that reductions in emissions should be made where they can be done for the least amount of money. The findings shed light on potential difficulties in navigating market mechanisms in the future and show how the Carbon Offset Management (CDM) program has provided nearly 20 years of knowledge and expertise in the area of global carbon offset governance.

In this paper, the damage initiation/propagation mechanisms and failure modes of open-hole carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites and thermosetting composites with tension, compression, and bearing loads are investigated, respectively, by experiments and finite element simulations. The experimental evaluations are performed on the specimens using the Combined Loading Compression (CLC) test method, the tensile test method, and the single-shear test method. The differences in macroscopic damage initiation, evolution mode, and damage characteristics between thermoplastic composite materials and thermosetting composite material open-hole structures are obtained and analyzed under compressive load. Based on scanning electron microscope SEM images, a comparative analysis is conducted on the micro-failure modes of fibers, matrices, and fiber/matrix interfaces in the open-hole structures of thermoplastic and thermosetting composites under compressive load. The differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting composites were analyzed from the micro-failure mechanism. Finally, based on continuum damage mechanics (CDM), a damage model is also developed for predicting the initiation and propagation of damage in thermoplastic composites. The model, which can capture fiber breakage and matrix crack, as well as the nonlinear response, is used to conduct virtual compression tests, tensile test, and single-shear test, respectively. Numerical simulation results are compared with the extracted experimental results. The displacement-load curve and failure modes match the experimental result, which indicates that the finite element model has good reliability.

Clinical data repositories often use entity-attribute-value (EAV) data models. To be valuable for secondary use, these health data can be transformed to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM). The present paper describes the lessons learned from such an endeavour based on the concept of registering transformation functions on source data elements. We further provide future work directions for follow-up projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burkina Faso like many other African countries hosts many renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) projects that are not registered to the clean development mechanism (CDM), but which could represent potential CDM opportunities. This study seeks to determine these projects’ impact on the level of CO2 emissions in the country, and to determine their CDM potential by quantifying their carbon emissions reduction, using approved CDM methodologies adapted to the projects. 21 RE projects and 7 EE projects were considered, and all proven to be additional. Results revealed that, 68709.424 MWh and 9430.446MWh were saved and displaced by the EE and RE projects respectively annually, accounting for 48157.668 tCO2e emissions reduced annually. This accounts for a 63.12% emissions reduction from the baseline scenario and represents a huge potential for the CDM, ready to be harnessed. The total amount of emissions reduced could generate about 48157.668 Certified Emissions Reduction (CERs) yearly. Considering a carbon price of $10/tCO2e and a 10-year fixed crediting period starting from 2020 would imply a total revenue of $4815766.8 in 2030 from the CERs , which will increase the sector’s attractiveness to investors. Policies promoting the registration of these projects to the CDM are essential to boost the development of more of such projects in the country/ region, which will benefit from the sustainable development the CDM offers, while contributing to the achievement of its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.

Purpose – Climate finance is regularly not only seen as a tool to efficiently combat global warming but also to solve development problems in the recipient countries and to support the attainment of sustainable development goals. Thereby, conflicts between distributive and allocative objectives arise, which threaten the overall performance of such transfer schemes. Given the severity of the climate change problem, this study aims to raise concerns about whether the world can afford climate transfer schemes that do not focus on prevention of (and adaptation to) climate change but might be considered as a vehicle of rent-seeking by many agents. Design/methodology/approach – Future designs of international transfer schemes within the framework of the Paris Agreement are to be based on experience gained from existing mechanisms. Therefore, the authors examine different existing schemes using a graphical technique first proposed by David Pearce and describe the conflicts between allocative and distributional goals that arise. Findings – In line with the famous Tinbergen rule, the authors argue that other sustainability problems and issues of global fairness should not be primarily addressed by climate finance but should be mainly tackled by other means. Research limitations/implications – As there is still ongoing, intense discussion about how the international transfer schemes addressed in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement should be designed, the research will help to sort some of the key arguments. Practical implications – There are prominent international documents (like the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development) seeking to address different goals simultaneously. While synergies between policies is desirable, there are major challenges for policy coordination. Addressing several different goals using fewer policy instruments, for example, will not succeed as the Tinbergen Rule points out. Social implications – The integration of co-benefits in the analysis allows for taking into account the social effects of climate policy. As the authors argue, climate finance approaches could become overstrained if policymakers would consider them as tools to also solve local sustainability problems. Originality/value – In this paper, the authors will not only examine what can be learnt from the clean development mechanism (CDM) for future schemes under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement but also observe the experiences gained from a non-CDM scheme. So the authors pay attention to the Trust Fund of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which was established with global benefit orientation, i.e. – unlike the CDM – it was not regarded as an additional goal to support local sustainable development. Yet, despite its disregard of local co-benefits, the authors think that it is of particular importance to include the GEF in the analysis, as some important lessons can be learnt from it.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection remains a major challenge to integrated circuits (ICs), particularly for complex chips implemented at advanced technology nodes. Over decades, substantial advances have been made to on-chip ESD protection. This paper, instead of reviewing various specific ESD protection structures reported, provides an overview of selected key topics on practical ESD protection designs, focusing on new ESD protection concepts and design methodologies, as well as an outlook to future ESD protection designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gazi University Journal of Gazi Educational Faculty (GUJGEF) is the property of Gazi University Journal of Gazi Educational Faculty (GUJGEF) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The 21st century arrived with global growth of energy demand caused by population and standard of living increases. In this context, a suitable alternative to produce COx-free H2 is the catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM), which also allows for obtaining high-value-added carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs), such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This work presents the results obtained in the co-production of COx-free hydrogen and CNTs by CDM using Ni–Cu and Co–Cu catalysts supported on carbon derived from Argan (Argania spinosa) shell (ArDC). The results show that the operation at 900 °C and a feed-ratio CH4:H2 = 2 with the Ni–Cu/ArDC catalyst is the most active, producing 3.7 gC/gmetal after 2 h of reaction (equivalent to average hydrogen productivity of 0.61 g H2/gmetal∙h). The lower productivity of the Co–Cu/ArDC catalyst (1.4 gC/gmetal) could be caused by the higher proportion of small metallic NPs (<5 nm) that remain confined inside the micropores of the carbonaceous support, hindering the formation and growth of the CNTs. The TEM and Raman results indicate that the Co–Cu catalyst is able to selectively produce CNTs of high quality at temperatures below 850 °C, attaining the best results at 800 °C. The results obtained in this work also show the elevated potential of Argan residues, as a representative of other lignocellulosic raw materials, in the development of carbonaceous materials and nanomaterials of high added-value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the Kyoto Protocol, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) expects to facilitate the North-South knowledge spillovers for climate-friendly technologies. This paper examines the effect of this voluntary international climate cooperation on firm innovation and knowledge spillovers through the lens of CDM projects in China. Using a matched Difference-in-Differences (DID) approach, we find that CDM projects contribute to firms' innovation quantity, quality, and direction in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. These effects are more pronounced in inducing wind, hydro, and solar energy. We explore the role of foreign sponsors in knowledge spillovers. Sponsoring firms play the technology supplier role by raising the innovation quantity and quality, while sponsoring governments perform the information intermediary role by facilitating citation flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to find out the distribution of Extended-spectrum â lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli isolates from diarrhoeic lambs in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 212 rectal swabs were collected from 1 to 90-dayold diarrhoeic lambs from Vizianagaram, West Godavari, and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh of which 170 (80.18%) E. coli were isolated based on cultural, biochemical, and molecular characterization. Among the E. coli isolates 140 (87.05%) were Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). An ESBL phenotype was confirmed in a total of 72 STEC isolates of which 51.38% (37/72) of isolates showed ESBL production when tested with CCL combination discs whereas 51.38% (37/72) and 48.61% (35/72) of the isolates exhibited ESBL production when tested with CEC and CAC combination discs, respectively. DDST test revealed Only 47.79 isolates were ESBL producers. This study concluded that CCL and CEC combination discs were found more sensitive in the detection of ESBL in STEC. Further, these methods in conjunction with antibiotic sensitivity tests will be useful in formulating therapeutic strategies to control lamb diarrhoea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports a study of Clean Development Mechanism implementation in landfills in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. CDM is supposed to promote sustainable development through projects of GHG emission reductions. This analysis focuses on the power relationships behind the socio-political process of adopting the mechanism in landfills where emissions have been reduced by the breakdown of biodegradable waste. Sociological concepts such as 'ecological practices'; 'market' and 'environmental justice' were used for the analysis. CDM's neoliberal traits combined with local economic interests that shape the waste management domain in Rio can affect the mechanism's capacity to promote local social-environmental progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) based on service quality criteria and customer satisfaction can never be overemphasized due to its derivative, such as optimizing the performance of the transportation industry. Thus, this study employs the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method for the evaluation of service quality and customer satisfaction of the BRT system in Nigeria using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and visekriterijumska optimizacija i kompromisno resenje (VIKOR), which are components of multicriteria optimization and compromise solution to evaluate notable factors responsible for the user's perspective. Research design is quantitative and analytical in nature through a survey of experts who are users of BRT services. Samples were drawn through a multi-stage sampling procedure and a total of 402 copies of questionnaires were administered to BRT users based on their experience with the system. Hence, VIKOR and FAHP methods are applied to analyse data retrieved from the field on services quality and performance level. The service quality (SERVQUAL) model (a multi-dimensional research instrument designed to capture consumer expectations and perceptions of service) was modified thereby generating six dimensions and thirty-six service criteria for this research. The FAHP method was employed to determine the weights of the decision criteria because there is a need to measure commuters' perceptions and expectations based on numerical linguistic variables due to the vague, imprecise and complexity related to the nature of services. The criteria weights and responses of the survey analysis (data) related with the BRT are input for the VIKOR method for ranking. As measuring the perception of service quality based on crispy value can often be misleading, hence, the use of the fuzzy MCDM method can give a more realistic measurement. The result of the multi-criteria decision analysis revealed that pricing quality is the most relevant service quality dimension to users' satisfaction, followed by the empathy quality dimension. The summary of strength and weakness areas of service quality discovered through the research and its managerial implications with recommendations were related to the appropriate authority in charge of the BRT system for improved performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter species cause infections that are difficult to control due to multi-drug resistance and are noted for their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and for their ability to acquire genes encoding resistance for the production of beta-lactamases and Aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes. MBLs are molecular class B and functional group 3 beta-lactamases which have the capability of hydrolyzing all β-lactams except the Monobactam, Aztreonam. Of several MBLs, only IMP, VIM and SIM types have been detected in these species. To analyze the antibiotic resistance patterns among Acinetobacter isolates and to detect Carbapenemase and MBL among MDR Acinetobacter isolates. The descriptive study of all phenotypically identified strains and multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter species was conducted. A total of 303 isolates were isolated from various samples. They were processed and identified by standard Microbiological procedures. The antibiotics susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby- Bauer disc diffusion method using CLSI guidelines. Carbapenemase production was detected by employing 3 phenotypic test methods (MHT, CDM and DDST). Of 6355 samples processed, 303 were found to be Acinetobacter species, among those 50 were multidrug-resistant strains. The highest isolation of MDR Acinetobacter was from endotracheal tube tip (42%) and pus sample (32%). The majority of MDR Acinetobacter infection was found in male patients 36 (72%) compared to female patients 14 (28%). The majority of the strains were isolated from patients >/ 60 years of age group (%). A number of these isolates were more from ICU wards (30%) followed by Surgery wards (24%). Higher resistance for the Piperacillin/tazobactam ((82%), followed by Ceftazidime (80%), Imipenem (76%) etc. and the most susceptible drug was found to be the Tigecycline (82%) followed by Colistin (80%). Carbapenemase production was detected by MHT and 24 (48%) isolates were MHT positive. MBL production was detected by CDM and 34 (68%) isolates were CDM positive and by DDST 30 (60%) isolates were positive. Acinetobacter species are increasingly important nosocomial pathogens and are capable of rapid adaptation to the hospital environment. The variety of potential source of contamination or infection with these species in the hospital environment makes control of outbreaks caused by these difficult.

Abstract Background Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are regarded as a major cause of death and a major contributor to public health costs. For the active surveillance of drug safety, the use of real-world data and real-world evidence as part of the overall pharmacovigilance process is important. In this regard, many studies apply the data-driven approaches to support pharmacovigilance. We developed a pharmacovigilance data-processing pipeline (PDP) that utilized electronic health records (EHR) and spontaneous reporting system (SRS) data to explore pharmacovigilance signals. Methods To this end, we integrated two medical data sources: Konyang University Hospital (KYUH) EHR and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). As part of the presented PDP, we converted EHR data on the Observation Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) data model. To evaluate the ability of using the proposed PDP for pharmacovigilance purposes, we performed a statistical validation using drugs that induce ear disorders. Results To validate the presented PDP, we extracted six drugs from the EHR that were significantly involved in ADRs causing ear disorders: nortriptyline, (hazard ratio [HR] 8.06, 95% CI 2.41–26.91); metoclopramide (HR 3.35, 95% CI 3.01–3.74); doxycycline (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.14–2.62); digoxin (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.08–2.38); acetaminophen (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.47–1.72); and sucralfate (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.38). In FAERS, the strongest associations were found for nortriptyline (reporting odds ratio [ROR] 1.94, 95% CI 1.73–2.16), sucralfate (ROR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01–1.45), doxycycline (ROR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20–1.40), and hydroxyzine (ROR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06–1.29). We confirmed the results in a meta-analysis using random and fixed models for doxycycline, hydroxyzine, metoclopramide, nortriptyline, and sucralfate. Conclusions The proposed PDP could support active surveillance and the strengthening of potential ADR signals via real-world data sources. In addition, the PDP was able to generate real-world evidence for drug safety.

[Display omitted] Establishing collaborations between cohort studies has been fundamental for progress in health research. However, such collaborations are hampered by heterogeneous data representations across cohorts and legal constraints to data sharing. The first arises from a lack of consensus in standards of data collection and representation across cohort studies and is usually tackled by applying data harmonization processes. The second is increasingly important due to raised awareness for privacy protection and stricter regulations, such as the GDPR. Federated learning has emerged as a privacy-preserving alternative to transferring data between institutions through analyzing data in a decentralized manner. In this study, we set up a federated learning infrastructure for a consortium of nine Dutch cohorts with appropriate data available to the etiology of dementia, including an extract, transform, and load (ETL) pipeline for data harmonization. Additionally, we assessed the challenges of transforming and standardizing cohort data using the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) common data model (CDM) and evaluated our tool in one of the cohorts employing federated algorithms. We successfully applied our ETL tool and observed a complete coverage of the cohorts' data by the OMOP CDM. The OMOP CDM facilitated the data representation and standardization, but we identified limitations for cohort-specific data fields and in the scope of the vocabularies available. Specific challenges arise in a multi-cohort federated collaboration due to technical constraints in local environments, data heterogeneity, and lack of direct access to the data. In this article, we describe the solutions to these challenges and limitations encountered in our study. Our study shows the potential of federated learning as a privacy-preserving solution for multi-cohort studies that enhance reproducibility and reuse of both data and analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposed a novel strain difference-based nonlocal damage model for quasi-brittle failure. • The damage distribution is influenced by parameter α for a given interaction radius. • 2D and 3D case studies with crack and hole showcase the model's effectiveness. • The % error in peak load prediction with respect to reference results is within 3% The nonlocal integral approaches are established methods known for their effectiveness in dealing with the challenges of ill-posed behaviour and mesh sensitivity during the strain softening process, especially within classical continuum theories. The present work extends the strain difference-based nonlocal approach to continuum damage mechanics (CDM) theories for predicting the failure behaviour of quasi-brittle materials. The strain difference approach is adopted for two reasons: (i) it maintains physical realism and indirectly incorporates nonlocal effects while computing both the damage variable and the damage energy release rate, and (ii) the constitutive model maintains a symmetry nature in constructing the nonlocal part of the stiffness matrix, reducing the computational cost in strain-softening problems. The state and damage evolution equations for the present nonlocal approach are formulated within the thermodynamic framework. Numerical examples involving 2D and 3D cases are solved: (i) to study the influence of nonlocal parameter ' α ' on the damage distribution while capturing the post-peak behaviours, (ii) to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present methodology by obtaining mesh-independent results and accurately predicting damage propagation paths, and (iii) to compare the experimental results and numerical structural response for coarse mesh, highlighting both computational efficiency and reduction of mesh-bias dependency. The results obtained by the strain difference-based nonlocal damage model agree well with the experimental results in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]