Nowadays, the global climate is constantly being destroyed and the fluctuations in ambient temperature are becoming more frequent. However, conventional single-mode thermal management strategies(heating or cooling) fa...Nowadays, the global climate is constantly being destroyed and the fluctuations in ambient temperature are becoming more frequent. However, conventional single-mode thermal management strategies(heating or cooling) failed to resolve such dynamic temperature changes. Moreover, developing thermal management devices capable of accommodating these temperature variations while remaining simple to fabricate and durable has remained a formidable obstacle. To address these bottlenecks, we design and successfully fabricate a novel dual-mode hierarchical(DMH) composite film featuring a micronanofiber network structure, achieved through a straightforward two-step continuous electrospinning process. In cooling mode, it presents a high solar reflectivity of up to 97.7% and an excellent atmospheric transparent window(ATW) infrared emissivity of up to 98.9%. Noted that this DMH film could realize a cooling of 8.1 ℃ compared to the ambient temperature outdoors. In heating mode, it also exhibits a high solar absorptivity of 94.7% and heats up to 11.9 ℃ higher than black cotton fabric when utilized by individuals. In practical application scenarios, a seamless transition between efficient cooling and heating is achieved by simply flipping the film. More importantly, the DMH film combining the benefits of composites demonstrates portability, durability, and easy-cleaning, promising to achieve large-scale production and use of thermally managed textiles in the future. The energy savings offered by film applications provide a viable solution for the early realization of carbon neutrality.展开更多
During the Yellow River Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2023,Sichuan Province displayed the rich and vivid cultural and tourism image of the part of the Yellow River in Sichuan,specifically the cultural and tourism ...During the Yellow River Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2023,Sichuan Province displayed the rich and vivid cultural and tourism image of the part of the Yellow River in Sichuan,specifically the cultural and tourism resources of 2 prefectures and 5 counties in Sichuan where the Yellow River flows,fully demonstrating the beautiful scenery of Sichuan.展开更多
It’s been 10 days since I arrived in Eritrea,and during this time,I have been staying at the Midian Hotel in its capital,Asmara.Despite being a hotel,there was no water for shower,so I had to make do with sleeping fu...It’s been 10 days since I arrived in Eritrea,and during this time,I have been staying at the Midian Hotel in its capital,Asmara.Despite being a hotel,there was no water for shower,so I had to make do with sleeping fully clothed.During the stay of more than 10 days.展开更多
The operating theory of an evaporative condenser was expatiated.The difference between an evaporative condensing refrigeration system and a general refrigeration system was analyzed.Compared with the air-cooled and th...The operating theory of an evaporative condenser was expatiated.The difference between an evaporative condensing refrigeration system and a general refrigeration system was analyzed.Compared with the air-cooled and the water-cooled,the virtues of energy-conservation and water-conservation of evaporative condensers were analyzed.Some questions existing in the application of evaporative condensers were pointed out,the corresponding solving methods were analyzed accordingly,and the development trend of evaporative condensing technique in mechanical refrigeration system field and the applied foreground of evaporative condensers in comfortable air conditioning were prospected.展开更多
Through questionnaire survey and field interview of farmers and herdsmen,this paper studied the comfortable housing projects implemented since 2006 in Namling County of Shigatse City.Taking the comfortable housing pro...Through questionnaire survey and field interview of farmers and herdsmen,this paper studied the comfortable housing projects implemented since 2006 in Namling County of Shigatse City.Taking the comfortable housing projects in Namling County as an example,this paper elaborated the relationship between the poverty alleviation and the comfortable housing projects for farmers and herdsmen and discussed the necessities for implementing comfortable housing projects in the context of the poverty alleviation.There are some problems at the same time of social,economic and ecological benefits of implementing the comfortable housing projects for farmers and herdsmen.Finally,it came up with pertinent recommendations for strengthening and improving the construction of comfortable housing projects in Namling County.展开更多
Dow XLATM Elastic Fibers Leads the Trend Denim Today, when people are pursuing a free and comfortable life, fashionable style is no more the only criteria when choosing clothes. Whether the garment allows a great rang...Dow XLATM Elastic Fibers Leads the Trend Denim Today, when people are pursuing a free and comfortable life, fashionable style is no more the only criteria when choosing clothes. Whether the garment allows a great range of motion,展开更多
In the 1^(st) Session of the 9^(th) People's Congress of e Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),held on nuary 22,2008,Mr.Jampa Phuntsok was again ted Chairman of the Tibetan Government.There is no doubt that the election...In the 1^(st) Session of the 9^(th) People's Congress of e Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),held on nuary 22,2008,Mr.Jampa Phuntsok was again ted Chairman of the Tibetan Government.There is no doubt that the election outcome demonstrates once more that the population of over 2.8 million Tibetans ac- knowledges the achievements of the preceding leadership. Not surprisingly,in this five-year administrative展开更多
In 2006, a hot topic arose in regard to Tibetan economic development. This was the“ comfortable housing project”. A range of new houses and enumerable new villages are rising above the ground at accessible sights su...In 2006, a hot topic arose in regard to Tibetan economic development. This was the“ comfortable housing project”. A range of new houses and enumerable new villages are rising above the ground at accessible sights such as the sides of roads and grasslands close to villages. Beaming smiles are fixed on the faces of farmers and herders while they are moving into new houses. Since the beginning of 2006, Tibet has launched a comfortable housing project to settle herders, transferring living places for the sak...展开更多
Tourism soundscape is a new field of tourism landscape research, soundscape designs offer new concepts for the landscape research and development. Taking China Dinosaur Land in Changzhou City for example, visitors'...Tourism soundscape is a new field of tourism landscape research, soundscape designs offer new concepts for the landscape research and development. Taking China Dinosaur Land in Changzhou City for example, visitors' perception about soundscape comfort in theme parks was studied. The researches found that acoustic comfort was infl uenced by objective parameters of sound and subjective perception of visitors, and when the soundscape volume stayed at a certain threshold value, visitors would gain the most satisfi ed acoustic comfort experience, and they were most sensitive to sound elements that able to convey cultural connotations of the theme park. On this basis, this paper adopted positive design, negative design, and zero design, and proposed the concepts of optimizing theme park soundscapes.展开更多
Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile’s Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in...Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile’s Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in Chile’s indigenous and vernacular architecture, could meet these demands when coupled with sufficient thermal mass in the form of earth renders and floor finishes. This article presents measurements of dry bulb temperatures and relative humidity, both in physical test chambers and Chilean straw bale homes. The results of these measurements confirm that straw bale construction could provide hygro-thermal comfort with heating demands 28% less than those of constructions that meet the Chilean thermal building regulations. Straw bale, therefore, could provide a viable solution for comfortable, energy efficient, rural dwellings in Chile’s Central Valley. Whilst over 40 private straw bale projects have been completed in Chile to date, restrictions applying to projects receiving government subsidies prevent this technology being available to those who need it most.展开更多
With the continuous advancement of science and technology,our lifestyles are undergoing significant changes,with wearable technology emerging as a captivating trend.In this digital era,there is a growing demand for so...With the continuous advancement of science and technology,our lifestyles are undergoing significant changes,with wearable technology emerging as a captivating trend.In this digital era,there is a growing demand for solutions that cater to people’s needs for health and comfort.The wearable inflatable massage chair represents one such innovation designed to meet these evolving needs.This project is focused on creating a“wearable and portable massage chair”that is both convenient and lightweight.It serves as a massage solution particularly beneficial for the elderly and sedentary individuals.This innovative chair can be used by the elderly during outings or errands,as well as by office workers on business trips,while driving,or commuting via subway.Users can simply lean against the seat or a wall,enjoying moments of relaxation amid the busy and fast-paced modern era.展开更多
Maintaining thermal comfort within the human body is crucial for optimal health and overall well-being.By merely broadening the setpoint of indoor temperatures,we could significantly slash energy usage in building hea...Maintaining thermal comfort within the human body is crucial for optimal health and overall well-being.By merely broadening the setpoint of indoor temperatures,we could significantly slash energy usage in building heating,ventilation,and air-conditioning systems.In recent years,there has been a surge in advancements in personal thermal management(PTM),aiming to regulate heat and moisture transfer within our immediate surroundings,clothing,and skin.The advent of PTM is driven by the rapid development in nano/micro-materials and energy science and engineering.An emerging research area in PTM is personal radiative thermal management(PRTM),which demonstrates immense potential with its high radiative heat transfer efficiency and ease of regulation.However,it is less taken into account in traditional textiles,and there currently lies a gap in our knowledge and understanding of PRTM.In this review,we aim to present a thorough analysis of advanced textile materials and technologies for PRTM.Specifically,we will introduce and discuss the underlying radiation heat transfer mechanisms,fabrication methods of textiles,and various indoor/outdoor applications in light of their different regulation functionalities,including radiative cooling,radiative heating,and dual-mode thermoregulation.Furthermore,we will shine a light on the current hurdles,propose potential strategies,and delve into future technology trends for PRTM with an emphasis on functionalities and applications.展开更多
BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer progressively increase with age and become particularly prominent after the age of 50 years.Therefore,the population that is≥50 years in age requires l...BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer progressively increase with age and become particularly prominent after the age of 50 years.Therefore,the population that is≥50 years in age requires long-term and regular colonoscopies.Uncomfortable bowel preparation is the main reason preventing patients from undergoing regular colonoscopies.The standard bowel preparation regimen of 4-L polyethylene glycol(PEG)is effective but poorly tolerated.AIM To investigate an effective and comfortable bowel preparation regimen for hospitalized patients≥50 years in age.METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to group 1(2-L PEG+30-mL lactulose+a lowresidue diet)or group 2(4-L PEG).Adequate bowel preparation was defined as a Boston bowel preparation scale(BBPS)score of≥6,with a score of≥2 for each segment.Non-inferiority was prespecified with a margin of 10%.Additionally,the degree of comfort was assessed based on the comfort questionnaire.RESULTS The proportion of patients with a BBPS score of≥6 in group 1 was not significantly different from that in group 2,as demonstrated by intention-to-treat(91.2%vs 91.0%,P=0.953)and per-protocol(91.8%vs 91.0%,P=0.802)analyses.Furthermore,in patients≥75 years in age,the proportion of BBPS scores of≥6 in group 1 was not significantly different from that in group 2(90.9%vs 97.0%,P=0.716).Group 1 had higher comfort scores(8.85±1.162 vs 7.59±1.735,P<0.001),longer sleep duration(6.86±1.204 h vs 5.80±1.730 h,P<0.001),and fewer awakenings(1.42±1.183 vs 2.04±1.835,P=0.026)than group 2.CONCLUSION For hospitalized patients≥50 years in age,the bowel preparation regimen comprising 2-L PEG+30-mL lactulose+a low-residue diet produced a cleanse that was as effective as the 4-L PEG regimen and even provided better comfort.展开更多
Enhancing ride comfort has always constituted a crucial focus in the design and research of modern tracked vehicles,heavily reliant on the driving system's performance.While the road wheel is a key component of th...Enhancing ride comfort has always constituted a crucial focus in the design and research of modern tracked vehicles,heavily reliant on the driving system's performance.While the road wheel is a key component of the driving system,traditional road wheels predominantly adopt a solid structure,exhibiting subpar adhesion performance and damping effects,thereby falling short of meeting the demands for high-speed,stable,and long-distance driving in tracked vehicles.Addressing this issue,this paper proposes a novel type of flexible road wheel(FRW)characterized by a catenary construction.The study investigates the ride comfort of tracked vehicles equipped with flexible road wheels by integrating finite element and vehicle dynamic.First,three-dimensional(3D)finite element(FE)models of both flexible and rigid road wheels are established,considering material and contact nonlinearities.These models are validated through a wheel radial loading test.Based on the validated FE model,the paper uncovers the relationship between load and radial deformation of the road wheel,forming the basis for a nonlinear mathematical model.Subsequently,a half-car model of a tracked vehicle with seven degrees of freedom is established using Newton's second law.A random road model,considering the track effect and employing white noise,is constructed.The study concludes by examining the ride comfort of tracked vehicles equipped with flexible and rigid road wheels under various speeds and road grades.The results demonstrate that,in comparison to the rigid road wheel(RRW),the flexible road wheel enhances the ride comfort of tracked vehicles on randomly uneven roads.This research provides a theoretical foundation for the implementation of flexible road wheels in tracked vehicles.展开更多
Active suspension systems(ASSs)have been proposed and developed for a few decades,and have now once again become a thriving topic in both academia and industry,due to the high demand for driving comfort and safety and...Active suspension systems(ASSs)have been proposed and developed for a few decades,and have now once again become a thriving topic in both academia and industry,due to the high demand for driving comfort and safety and the compatibility of ASSs with vehicle electrification and autonomy.Existing review papers on ASSs mainly cover dynamics modeling and robust control;however,the gap between academic research outcomes and industrial application requirements has not yet been bridged,hindering most ASS research knowledge from being transferred to vehicle companies.This paper comprehensively reviews advances in ASSs for road vehicles,with a focus on hardware structures and control strategies.In particular,state-of-the-art ASSs that have been recently adopted in production cars are discussed in detail,including the representative solutions of Mercedes active body control(ABC)and Audi predictive active suspension;novel concepts that could become alternative candidates are also introduced,including series active variable geometry suspension,and the active wheel-alignment system.ASSs with compact structure,small mass increment,low power consumption,high-frequency response,acceptable economic costs,and high reliability are more likely to be adopted by car manufacturers.In terms of control strategies,the development of future ASSs aims not only to stabilize the chassis attitude and attenuate the chassis vibration,but also to enable ASSs to cooperate with other modules(e.g.,steering and braking)and sensors(e.g.,cameras)within a car,and even with high-level decision-making(e.g.,reference driving speed)in the overall transportation system-strategies that will be compatible with the rapidly developing electric and autonomous vehicles.展开更多
At present,air handling units are usually used indoors to improve the indoor environment quality.However,while introducing fresh air to improve air quality,air velocity has a certain impact on the occupants’thermal c...At present,air handling units are usually used indoors to improve the indoor environment quality.However,while introducing fresh air to improve air quality,air velocity has a certain impact on the occupants’thermal comfort.Therefore,it is necessary to explore the optimization of air-fluid-body interaction dynamics.In this study,the indoor air flow was changed by changing the opening and closing degree of the blower,and the thermal manikin is introduced to objectively evaluate the human thermal comfort under different air velocities.The main experimental results show that the air change rate increases with the increase of the opening and closing degree of the blower considering an ACH(air changes per hour)range between 3.8 and 10.For a better prediction,a linear correlation with a coefficient of 0.995 is proposed.As the blower’s opening is adjusted to 20%,25%,30%,35%,and 40%,the air velocity sensor positioned directly beneath the air inlet records average velocities of 0.19,0.20,0.21,0.28,and 0.34 m/s over four hours,respectively.Observations on thermal comfort and the average sensation experienced by individuals indicate an initial increase followed by a decline when the blower’s operation begins,with optimal conditions achieved at a 35%opening.These findings offer valuable insights for future indoor air ventilation and heat transfer design strategies.展开更多
Development of urban human settlement environments(HSEs)is an integral part of promoting high-quality and sustainable regional development and constructing a beautiful China.The city of Lanzhou,located at the geometri...Development of urban human settlement environments(HSEs)is an integral part of promoting high-quality and sustainable regional development and constructing a beautiful China.The city of Lanzhou,located at the geometric center of China,is the only provincial capital traversed by the Yellow River.Given the constraints posed by the valley topography and the need for economic development,the development of this HSE,which is located within an arid region,poses considerable challenges.Evidently,an understanding of the evolution of HSEs and drivers of changes in them contributes to high-quality,sustainable urban development in arid and semi-arid regions.An analytical model was developed using the parameters of relief degree of land surface,human comfort days,the land cover index,nighttime light index,and precipitation.This model was used in combination with population density and the gross domestic product to analyze the spatial distribution of Lanzhou's HSE and its drivers.The results showed that landscapes in Lanzhou underwent significant changes between 2000 and 2022,with an increase in building-up land(+0.946%),cultivated land(+0.134%),and forest land(+0.018%)and a decrease in grassland(-1.10%).There was significant outward expansion of the main urban zone of Lanzhou and of various county towns,with the increase in building-up land being most prominent.During this period,there were significant changes in the periphery of the core urban area and county towns in Lanzhou,with decreases moving from the urban center(the highest value)to the surrounding areas(Yongdeng County had the lowest value).The correlation between the HSE and population density grew stronger in Anning and Chengguan Districts but became weaker in Xigu and Qilihe Districts.Spatiotemporal variations in the HSE were primarily caused by climate change,followed by human activities,and were also influenced by the valley topography.Overall,the spatial distribution of population density and the HSE in Lanzhou demonstrated good consistency under the in-fluence of economic development and urbanization.展开更多
Mucosal ulcers are a common yet often overlooked complication during orthodontic treatment,significantly impacting patient comfort and compliance.This letter aims to highlight the prevalence,potential causes,and manag...Mucosal ulcers are a common yet often overlooked complication during orthodontic treatment,significantly impacting patient comfort and compliance.This letter aims to highlight the prevalence,potential causes,and management strategies for mucosal ulcers in orthodontic patients.By reviewing recent literature and clinical observations,we underscore the necessity for proactive measures and tailored interventions to mitigate the incidence and severity of these lesions.Emphasizing the role of patient education and the use of protective devices,we call for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.This discussion is particularly relevant in the context of evolving orthodontic techniques and materials,which necessitate continuous adaptation of clinical practices to ensure patient safety and well-being.展开更多
Discharging patients directly to home from the intensive care unit(ICU)is becoming a new trend.This review examines the feasibility,benefits,challenges,and considerations of directly discharging ICU patients.By analyz...Discharging patients directly to home from the intensive care unit(ICU)is becoming a new trend.This review examines the feasibility,benefits,challenges,and considerations of directly discharging ICU patients.By analyzing available evidence and healthcare professionals'experiences,the review explores the potential impacts on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.The practice of direct discharge from the ICU presents both opportunities and complexities.While it can potentially reduce costs,enhance patient comfort,and mitigate complications linked to extended hospitalization,it necessitates meticulous patient selection and robust post-discharge support mechanisms.Implementing this strategy successfully mandates the availability of home-based care services and a careful assessment of the patient's readiness for the transition.Through critical evaluation of existing literature,this review underscores the significance of tailored patient selection criteria and comprehensive post-discharge support systems to ensure patient safety and optimal recovery.The insights provided contribute evidence-based recommendations for refining the direct discharge approach,fostering improved patient outcomes,heightened satisfaction,and streamlined healthcare processes.Ultimately,the review seeks to balance patientcentered care and effective resource utilization within ICU discharge strategies.展开更多
基金financially Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2232021G-04 and 2232020D-20)Student Innovation Fund of Donghua University (GSIF-DH-M-2021003)。
文摘Nowadays, the global climate is constantly being destroyed and the fluctuations in ambient temperature are becoming more frequent. However, conventional single-mode thermal management strategies(heating or cooling) failed to resolve such dynamic temperature changes. Moreover, developing thermal management devices capable of accommodating these temperature variations while remaining simple to fabricate and durable has remained a formidable obstacle. To address these bottlenecks, we design and successfully fabricate a novel dual-mode hierarchical(DMH) composite film featuring a micronanofiber network structure, achieved through a straightforward two-step continuous electrospinning process. In cooling mode, it presents a high solar reflectivity of up to 97.7% and an excellent atmospheric transparent window(ATW) infrared emissivity of up to 98.9%. Noted that this DMH film could realize a cooling of 8.1 ℃ compared to the ambient temperature outdoors. In heating mode, it also exhibits a high solar absorptivity of 94.7% and heats up to 11.9 ℃ higher than black cotton fabric when utilized by individuals. In practical application scenarios, a seamless transition between efficient cooling and heating is achieved by simply flipping the film. More importantly, the DMH film combining the benefits of composites demonstrates portability, durability, and easy-cleaning, promising to achieve large-scale production and use of thermally managed textiles in the future. The energy savings offered by film applications provide a viable solution for the early realization of carbon neutrality.
文摘During the Yellow River Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2023,Sichuan Province displayed the rich and vivid cultural and tourism image of the part of the Yellow River in Sichuan,specifically the cultural and tourism resources of 2 prefectures and 5 counties in Sichuan where the Yellow River flows,fully demonstrating the beautiful scenery of Sichuan.
文摘It’s been 10 days since I arrived in Eritrea,and during this time,I have been staying at the Midian Hotel in its capital,Asmara.Despite being a hotel,there was no water for shower,so I had to make do with sleeping fully clothed.During the stay of more than 10 days.
基金Supported by the combined project of the Science and Technology Ministry of Guangdong province and the Science and Tech-nology Ministry of Guangzhou city(2007A04020004,2007C13G0161)
文摘The operating theory of an evaporative condenser was expatiated.The difference between an evaporative condensing refrigeration system and a general refrigeration system was analyzed.Compared with the air-cooled and the water-cooled,the virtues of energy-conservation and water-conservation of evaporative condensers were analyzed.Some questions existing in the application of evaporative condensers were pointed out,the corresponding solving methods were analyzed accordingly,and the development trend of evaporative condensing technique in mechanical refrigeration system field and the applied foreground of evaporative condensers in comfortable air conditioning were prospected.
文摘Through questionnaire survey and field interview of farmers and herdsmen,this paper studied the comfortable housing projects implemented since 2006 in Namling County of Shigatse City.Taking the comfortable housing projects in Namling County as an example,this paper elaborated the relationship between the poverty alleviation and the comfortable housing projects for farmers and herdsmen and discussed the necessities for implementing comfortable housing projects in the context of the poverty alleviation.There are some problems at the same time of social,economic and ecological benefits of implementing the comfortable housing projects for farmers and herdsmen.Finally,it came up with pertinent recommendations for strengthening and improving the construction of comfortable housing projects in Namling County.
文摘Dow XLATM Elastic Fibers Leads the Trend Denim Today, when people are pursuing a free and comfortable life, fashionable style is no more the only criteria when choosing clothes. Whether the garment allows a great range of motion,
文摘In the 1^(st) Session of the 9^(th) People's Congress of e Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),held on nuary 22,2008,Mr.Jampa Phuntsok was again ted Chairman of the Tibetan Government.There is no doubt that the election outcome demonstrates once more that the population of over 2.8 million Tibetans ac- knowledges the achievements of the preceding leadership. Not surprisingly,in this five-year administrative
文摘In 2006, a hot topic arose in regard to Tibetan economic development. This was the“ comfortable housing project”. A range of new houses and enumerable new villages are rising above the ground at accessible sights such as the sides of roads and grasslands close to villages. Beaming smiles are fixed on the faces of farmers and herders while they are moving into new houses. Since the beginning of 2006, Tibet has launched a comfortable housing project to settle herders, transferring living places for the sak...
基金Sponsored by National Social Science Foundation Program(11CGL054)Philosophical and Social Science Foundation of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education(2011SJD630039)
文摘Tourism soundscape is a new field of tourism landscape research, soundscape designs offer new concepts for the landscape research and development. Taking China Dinosaur Land in Changzhou City for example, visitors' perception about soundscape comfort in theme parks was studied. The researches found that acoustic comfort was infl uenced by objective parameters of sound and subjective perception of visitors, and when the soundscape volume stayed at a certain threshold value, visitors would gain the most satisfi ed acoustic comfort experience, and they were most sensitive to sound elements that able to convey cultural connotations of the theme park. On this basis, this paper adopted positive design, negative design, and zero design, and proposed the concepts of optimizing theme park soundscapes.
文摘Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile’s Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in Chile’s indigenous and vernacular architecture, could meet these demands when coupled with sufficient thermal mass in the form of earth renders and floor finishes. This article presents measurements of dry bulb temperatures and relative humidity, both in physical test chambers and Chilean straw bale homes. The results of these measurements confirm that straw bale construction could provide hygro-thermal comfort with heating demands 28% less than those of constructions that meet the Chilean thermal building regulations. Straw bale, therefore, could provide a viable solution for comfortable, energy efficient, rural dwellings in Chile’s Central Valley. Whilst over 40 private straw bale projects have been completed in Chile to date, restrictions applying to projects receiving government subsidies prevent this technology being available to those who need it most.
文摘With the continuous advancement of science and technology,our lifestyles are undergoing significant changes,with wearable technology emerging as a captivating trend.In this digital era,there is a growing demand for solutions that cater to people’s needs for health and comfort.The wearable inflatable massage chair represents one such innovation designed to meet these evolving needs.This project is focused on creating a“wearable and portable massage chair”that is both convenient and lightweight.It serves as a massage solution particularly beneficial for the elderly and sedentary individuals.This innovative chair can be used by the elderly during outings or errands,as well as by office workers on business trips,while driving,or commuting via subway.Users can simply lean against the seat or a wall,enjoying moments of relaxation amid the busy and fast-paced modern era.
基金support from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China(PolyU152052/21E)Green Tech Fund of Hong Kong(Project No.:GTF202220106)+1 种基金Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China(ITP/018/21TP)PolyU Endowed Young Scholars Scheme(Project No.:84CC).
文摘Maintaining thermal comfort within the human body is crucial for optimal health and overall well-being.By merely broadening the setpoint of indoor temperatures,we could significantly slash energy usage in building heating,ventilation,and air-conditioning systems.In recent years,there has been a surge in advancements in personal thermal management(PTM),aiming to regulate heat and moisture transfer within our immediate surroundings,clothing,and skin.The advent of PTM is driven by the rapid development in nano/micro-materials and energy science and engineering.An emerging research area in PTM is personal radiative thermal management(PRTM),which demonstrates immense potential with its high radiative heat transfer efficiency and ease of regulation.However,it is less taken into account in traditional textiles,and there currently lies a gap in our knowledge and understanding of PRTM.In this review,we aim to present a thorough analysis of advanced textile materials and technologies for PRTM.Specifically,we will introduce and discuss the underlying radiation heat transfer mechanisms,fabrication methods of textiles,and various indoor/outdoor applications in light of their different regulation functionalities,including radiative cooling,radiative heating,and dual-mode thermoregulation.Furthermore,we will shine a light on the current hurdles,propose potential strategies,and delve into future technology trends for PRTM with an emphasis on functionalities and applications.
基金The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University(Approval No.TRECKY2021-227).
文摘BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer progressively increase with age and become particularly prominent after the age of 50 years.Therefore,the population that is≥50 years in age requires long-term and regular colonoscopies.Uncomfortable bowel preparation is the main reason preventing patients from undergoing regular colonoscopies.The standard bowel preparation regimen of 4-L polyethylene glycol(PEG)is effective but poorly tolerated.AIM To investigate an effective and comfortable bowel preparation regimen for hospitalized patients≥50 years in age.METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to group 1(2-L PEG+30-mL lactulose+a lowresidue diet)or group 2(4-L PEG).Adequate bowel preparation was defined as a Boston bowel preparation scale(BBPS)score of≥6,with a score of≥2 for each segment.Non-inferiority was prespecified with a margin of 10%.Additionally,the degree of comfort was assessed based on the comfort questionnaire.RESULTS The proportion of patients with a BBPS score of≥6 in group 1 was not significantly different from that in group 2,as demonstrated by intention-to-treat(91.2%vs 91.0%,P=0.953)and per-protocol(91.8%vs 91.0%,P=0.802)analyses.Furthermore,in patients≥75 years in age,the proportion of BBPS scores of≥6 in group 1 was not significantly different from that in group 2(90.9%vs 97.0%,P=0.716).Group 1 had higher comfort scores(8.85±1.162 vs 7.59±1.735,P<0.001),longer sleep duration(6.86±1.204 h vs 5.80±1.730 h,P<0.001),and fewer awakenings(1.42±1.183 vs 2.04±1.835,P=0.026)than group 2.CONCLUSION For hospitalized patients≥50 years in age,the bowel preparation regimen comprising 2-L PEG+30-mL lactulose+a low-residue diet produced a cleanse that was as effective as the 4-L PEG regimen and even provided better comfort.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.11672127)Innovative Science and Technology Platform Project of Cooperation between Yangzhou City and Yangzhou University of China (Grant No.YZ2020266)+3 种基金Advance Research Special Technology Project of Army Equipment of China (Grant No.AGA19001)Innovation Fund Project of China Aerospace 1st Academy (Grant No.CHC20001)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (Grant No.NP2022408)Jiangsu Provincial Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of China (Grant No.SJCX23_1903)。
文摘Enhancing ride comfort has always constituted a crucial focus in the design and research of modern tracked vehicles,heavily reliant on the driving system's performance.While the road wheel is a key component of the driving system,traditional road wheels predominantly adopt a solid structure,exhibiting subpar adhesion performance and damping effects,thereby falling short of meeting the demands for high-speed,stable,and long-distance driving in tracked vehicles.Addressing this issue,this paper proposes a novel type of flexible road wheel(FRW)characterized by a catenary construction.The study investigates the ride comfort of tracked vehicles equipped with flexible road wheels by integrating finite element and vehicle dynamic.First,three-dimensional(3D)finite element(FE)models of both flexible and rigid road wheels are established,considering material and contact nonlinearities.These models are validated through a wheel radial loading test.Based on the validated FE model,the paper uncovers the relationship between load and radial deformation of the road wheel,forming the basis for a nonlinear mathematical model.Subsequently,a half-car model of a tracked vehicle with seven degrees of freedom is established using Newton's second law.A random road model,considering the track effect and employing white noise,is constructed.The study concludes by examining the ride comfort of tracked vehicles equipped with flexible and rigid road wheels under various speeds and road grades.The results demonstrate that,in comparison to the rigid road wheel(RRW),the flexible road wheel enhances the ride comfort of tracked vehicles on randomly uneven roads.This research provides a theoretical foundation for the implementation of flexible road wheels in tracked vehicles.
基金supported by the Imperial College Research Fellowship(ICRF 2022-2026)。
文摘Active suspension systems(ASSs)have been proposed and developed for a few decades,and have now once again become a thriving topic in both academia and industry,due to the high demand for driving comfort and safety and the compatibility of ASSs with vehicle electrification and autonomy.Existing review papers on ASSs mainly cover dynamics modeling and robust control;however,the gap between academic research outcomes and industrial application requirements has not yet been bridged,hindering most ASS research knowledge from being transferred to vehicle companies.This paper comprehensively reviews advances in ASSs for road vehicles,with a focus on hardware structures and control strategies.In particular,state-of-the-art ASSs that have been recently adopted in production cars are discussed in detail,including the representative solutions of Mercedes active body control(ABC)and Audi predictive active suspension;novel concepts that could become alternative candidates are also introduced,including series active variable geometry suspension,and the active wheel-alignment system.ASSs with compact structure,small mass increment,low power consumption,high-frequency response,acceptable economic costs,and high reliability are more likely to be adopted by car manufacturers.In terms of control strategies,the development of future ASSs aims not only to stabilize the chassis attitude and attenuate the chassis vibration,but also to enable ASSs to cooperate with other modules(e.g.,steering and braking)and sensors(e.g.,cameras)within a car,and even with high-level decision-making(e.g.,reference driving speed)in the overall transportation system-strategies that will be compatible with the rapidly developing electric and autonomous vehicles.
基金supported by the China Scholarship Council(Grant Number 202208120025).
文摘At present,air handling units are usually used indoors to improve the indoor environment quality.However,while introducing fresh air to improve air quality,air velocity has a certain impact on the occupants’thermal comfort.Therefore,it is necessary to explore the optimization of air-fluid-body interaction dynamics.In this study,the indoor air flow was changed by changing the opening and closing degree of the blower,and the thermal manikin is introduced to objectively evaluate the human thermal comfort under different air velocities.The main experimental results show that the air change rate increases with the increase of the opening and closing degree of the blower considering an ACH(air changes per hour)range between 3.8 and 10.For a better prediction,a linear correlation with a coefficient of 0.995 is proposed.As the blower’s opening is adjusted to 20%,25%,30%,35%,and 40%,the air velocity sensor positioned directly beneath the air inlet records average velocities of 0.19,0.20,0.21,0.28,and 0.34 m/s over four hours,respectively.Observations on thermal comfort and the average sensation experienced by individuals indicate an initial increase followed by a decline when the blower’s operation begins,with optimal conditions achieved at a 35%opening.These findings offer valuable insights for future indoor air ventilation and heat transfer design strategies.
基金supported by Longyuan Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Individual Project of Gansu Province in 2023 (Zhu Rong)Innovative Development Special Project of China Meteorological Administration (CXFZ2023J040)Science and Technology Plan Project of Gansu Province (22JR4ZA103)
文摘Development of urban human settlement environments(HSEs)is an integral part of promoting high-quality and sustainable regional development and constructing a beautiful China.The city of Lanzhou,located at the geometric center of China,is the only provincial capital traversed by the Yellow River.Given the constraints posed by the valley topography and the need for economic development,the development of this HSE,which is located within an arid region,poses considerable challenges.Evidently,an understanding of the evolution of HSEs and drivers of changes in them contributes to high-quality,sustainable urban development in arid and semi-arid regions.An analytical model was developed using the parameters of relief degree of land surface,human comfort days,the land cover index,nighttime light index,and precipitation.This model was used in combination with population density and the gross domestic product to analyze the spatial distribution of Lanzhou's HSE and its drivers.The results showed that landscapes in Lanzhou underwent significant changes between 2000 and 2022,with an increase in building-up land(+0.946%),cultivated land(+0.134%),and forest land(+0.018%)and a decrease in grassland(-1.10%).There was significant outward expansion of the main urban zone of Lanzhou and of various county towns,with the increase in building-up land being most prominent.During this period,there were significant changes in the periphery of the core urban area and county towns in Lanzhou,with decreases moving from the urban center(the highest value)to the surrounding areas(Yongdeng County had the lowest value).The correlation between the HSE and population density grew stronger in Anning and Chengguan Districts but became weaker in Xigu and Qilihe Districts.Spatiotemporal variations in the HSE were primarily caused by climate change,followed by human activities,and were also influenced by the valley topography.Overall,the spatial distribution of population density and the HSE in Lanzhou demonstrated good consistency under the in-fluence of economic development and urbanization.
文摘Mucosal ulcers are a common yet often overlooked complication during orthodontic treatment,significantly impacting patient comfort and compliance.This letter aims to highlight the prevalence,potential causes,and management strategies for mucosal ulcers in orthodontic patients.By reviewing recent literature and clinical observations,we underscore the necessity for proactive measures and tailored interventions to mitigate the incidence and severity of these lesions.Emphasizing the role of patient education and the use of protective devices,we call for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.This discussion is particularly relevant in the context of evolving orthodontic techniques and materials,which necessitate continuous adaptation of clinical practices to ensure patient safety and well-being.
文摘Discharging patients directly to home from the intensive care unit(ICU)is becoming a new trend.This review examines the feasibility,benefits,challenges,and considerations of directly discharging ICU patients.By analyzing available evidence and healthcare professionals'experiences,the review explores the potential impacts on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.The practice of direct discharge from the ICU presents both opportunities and complexities.While it can potentially reduce costs,enhance patient comfort,and mitigate complications linked to extended hospitalization,it necessitates meticulous patient selection and robust post-discharge support mechanisms.Implementing this strategy successfully mandates the availability of home-based care services and a careful assessment of the patient's readiness for the transition.Through critical evaluation of existing literature,this review underscores the significance of tailored patient selection criteria and comprehensive post-discharge support systems to ensure patient safety and optimal recovery.The insights provided contribute evidence-based recommendations for refining the direct discharge approach,fostering improved patient outcomes,heightened satisfaction,and streamlined healthcare processes.Ultimately,the review seeks to balance patientcentered care and effective resource utilization within ICU discharge strategies.