Eye Movement Modeling Examples as a Teaching Tool for Epidural Block

Introduction: Video examples with task demonstrations by experts, with the expert’s eye movements superimposed on the task, are known as “eye movement modeling examples” (EMME). We performed this study to evaluate if there were improvements in the performance of anesthesia novice trainees when executing the epidural technique after an EMME of epidural block procedure. Methods: We developed an eye movement modeling example (EMME) from eye tracking recordings made by experienced anesthesiologists with more than 20 years of experience. Forty-two PGY3 anesthesia trainees who had never previously performed an epidural block were randomized to receive (study group) or not receive (control group) the EMME video before their institutional training. All the trainees were evaluated every 10 epidural blocks until the end of the rotation period, by an independent, blinded observer using the Global Rating Scale for Epidural Anesthesia (GRS). Results: Trainees who received the EMME training exhibited more respect for the patient’s tissues (P Discussion: This is the first study that has used the EMME for a practical, clinical teaching purpose on real patients and that has used it as an aid in teaching epidural anesthesia. We demonstrated that inexperienced trainees who received the EMME training improved their proficiency at epidural blocks as compared to those who had no EMME training beforehand. Given this result, we welcome further studies to investigate the impact and the role of EMME on clinical teaching in the field of anesthesia.

耦合优化蚁群算法与P-Median model的选址模型设计

为节省城建部门对于公共体育设施的投入成本以及提高城市人民生活质量,以运动场所优化选址为例,提出一种新型设施选址模型。该模型主要基于P-Median model(最小化阻抗模型)根据需求点数量从全部候选设施选址中选择设施空间位置,让用户达到离自己最近设施距离成本总和最小的目的,对选址的基本原则和实际情况提出要求,构造目标函数用于优化后蚁群算法求解进行选址工作。优化蚁群算法实现基于Python语言模块,通过改进蚁群原始信息素,提升原有算法的收敛速度,求出目标函数最优解,可以很好地模拟对于运动场所的选址。用二者耦合进行优势互补所设计的选址模型来搜寻研究区蚁群信息素浓度残留最大的栅格像元,从而确定未被已有设施点服务半径覆盖的最佳设施点建立位置。实验结果表明,该新型选址模型相较于最小化阻抗模型与最大化覆盖模型,新增优化设施点使整体服务半径覆盖率分别高出10.42%和6.95%,适合求解较为精确且小规模空间下的选址问题。

Centrifuge modeling of a large-scale surcharge on adjacent foundation

This study investigates the ground and structural response of adjacent raft foundations induced by largescale surcharge by ore in soft soil areas through a 130g centrifuge modeling test with an innovative layered loading device.The prototype of the test is a coastal iron ore yard with a natural foundation of deep soft soil.Therefore,it is necessary to adopt some measures to reduce the influence of the large-scale surcharge on the adjacent raft foundation,such as installing stone columns for foundation treatment.Under an acceleration of 130 g,the model conducts similar simulations of iron ore,stone columns,and raft foundation structures.The tested soil mass has dimensions of 900 mm×700 mm×300 mm(lengthwidthdepth),which is remodeled from the soil extracted from the drilling holes.The test conditions are consistent with the actual engineering conditions and the effects of four-level loading conditions on the composite foundation of stone columns,unreinforced zone,and raft foundations are studied.An automatic layer-by-layer loading device was innovatively developed to simulate the loading process of actual engineering more realistically.The composite foundation of stone columns had a large settlement after the loading,forming an obvious settlement trough and causing the surface of the unreinforced zone to rise.The 12 m surcharge loading causes a horizontal displacement of 13.19 cm and a vertical settlement of 1.37 m in the raft foundation.The stone columns located on both sides of the unreinforced zone suffered significant shear damage at the sand-mud interface.Due to the reinforcement effect of stone columns,the sand layer below the top of the stone columns moves less.Meanwhile,the horizontal earth pressure in the raft foundation zone increases slowly.The stone columns will form new drainage channels and accelerate the dissipation of excess pore pressure.

Present-day movement characteristics of the Qinghai Nanshan fault and its surrounding area from GPS observation

The Qinghai Nanshan fault is a larger fault in the Northeastern Xizang Plateau.In previous studies,its movement characteristics are mainly investigated with geological and seismic observations,and the tectonic transformation role of the fault on its east is not yet clear.This study uses data fusion to obtain denser GPS observations near the Qinghai Nanshan fault.Based on tectonic characteristics,we establish a block model to investigate the fault slip rate,locking degree,and slip deficit.The results show that the Qinghai Nanshan fault slip rate is characterized by sinistral and convergent movement.Both the sinistral and convergent rates display a decreasing trend from west to east.The locking degree and slip deficit are higher in the western segment(with an average of about 0.74 and 1.1 mm/a)and lower in the eastern segment.Then,we construct a strain rate field using GPS observations to analyze the regional strain characteristics.The results indicate that along the fault,the western segment shows a larger shear strain rate and negative dilation rate.Regional earthquake records show that the frequency of earthquakes is lower near the fault.The joint results suggest that the western segment may have a higher earthquake risk.In addition,the insignificant fault slip rate in the eastern segment may indicate that it does not participate in the tectonic transformation among the Riyueshan,Lajishan,and West Qinling faults.

Experimental study on the movement of oil spill under freeze-thaw action

Oil leakages cause environmental pollution,economic losses,and even engineering safety accidents.In cold regions,researchers urgently investigate the movement of oil spill in soils exposed to freeze-thaw cycles.In this study,a series of laboratory model experiments were carried out on the migration of oil leakage under freeze-thaw action,and the distributions of the soil temperature,unfrozen water content,and displacement were analyzed.The results showed that under freeze-thaw action,liquid water in soils migrated to the freezing front and accumulated.After the pipe cracked,oil pollutants first gathered at one side of the leak hole,and then moved around.The pipe wall temperature affected the soil temperature field,and the thermal influence range below and transverse the pipe wall(35–40 cm)was larger than that above the pipe wall(8 cm)owing to the soil surface temperature.The leaked oil's temperature would make the temperature of the surrounding soil rise.Oil would inhibit the cooling of the soils.Besides,oil migration was significantly affected by the gravity and water flow patterns.The freeze-thaw action would affect the migration of the oil,which was mainly manifested as inhibiting the diffusion and movement of oil when soils were frozen.Unfrozen water transport caused by freeze-thaw cycles would also inhibit oil migration.The research results would provide a scientific reference for understanding the relationship between the movement of oil pollutants,water,and soil temperature,and for establishing a waterheat-mass transport model in frozen soils.

Research progress of 24-hour movement behaviors in chronic non-communicable disease

Chronic non-communicable diseases(NCDs)represent a significant impediment to improve life expectancy and remain a focal point in global public health and disease prevention efforts.24-hour movement behaviors,which include sleep,sedentary behavior(SED),and physical activity,underscore the inherent connections between different daily activities and the comprehensive impact of overall movement patterns on health.Evidence suggested that modifying patterns of 24-hour movement behaviors can aid in preventing and attenuating the progression of NCDs.This study systematically delineated the concept,evolution,analytical methods,and intrinsic associations of 24-hour movement behaviors,emphasizing their pivotal role in the prevention and management of NCDs such as obesity,mental disorders,cardiovascular diseases,diabetes,and renal diseases.Future research endeavors should focus on refining methodologies,broadening study populations,developing research tools,and exploring precise intervention strategies and interdisciplinary approaches to comprehensively enhance the effectiveness of NCDs prevention and management from a temporal perspective.Such efforts are poised to provide substantive guidance and support for public health practices.

SIMULATING RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT OF HUMAN ELBOW JOINT USING A NEURAL NETWORK PREDICTIVE MODEL

Human brain is hypothesized to store a geometry and dynamic model of the limb.A multilayer perceptron (or MLP) network is used to stand for the model.In this paper the human elbow joint rhythmic movement is simulated in three cases:1)Parameters of the MLP,the limb geometry and dynamic model match completely,2)Parameters mismatch between them,and 3)Disturbance exists.The results show that parameters mismatch is the main error source,which causes the elbow joint movement to be aberrant.From this we can infer that movement study is a process in which the internal model is updated continuously to match the geometry and dynamic model of limb.

Application of jet main region specification model in CFD simulation for room air movement analysis

This paper analyzes the applications of four air terminal device（ATD）models（i.e.,the basic model,the box model,the N-point momentum model,the jet main region specification model）in computational fluid dynamics（CFD）simulation and their performance in case study.A full-scale experiment is performed in an environment chamber,and the measured air velocity and temperature fields are compared with the simulation results by using four ATD models.The velocity and temperature fields are measured by an omni-directional thermo-anemometer system.It demonstrates that the basic model and the box model are not applicable to complicated air terminal devices.At the occupant area,the relative errors between simulated and measured air velocities are less than 20% based on the N-point momentum model and the jet main region specification model.Around the ATD zone,the relative error between the numerical and measured air velocity based on the jet main region specification model is less than 15%.The jet main region specification model is proved to be an applicable approach and a more accurate way to study the airflow pattern around the ATD with complicated geometry.

Using Quantile Regression Approach to Analyze Price Movements of Agricultural Products in China

This paper studies how the price movements of pork,chicken and egg respond to those of related cost factors in short terms in Chinese market.We employ a linear quantile approach not only to explore potential data heteroscedasticity but also to generate confidence bands for the purpose of price stability study.We then evaluate our models by comparing the prediction intervals generated from the quantile regression models with in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts.Using monthly data from January 2000 to October 2010,we observed these findings：（i） the price changes of cost factors asymmetrically and unequally influence those of the livestock across different quantiles;（ii） the performance of our models is robust and consistent for both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts;（iii） the confidence intervals generated from 0.05th and 0.95th quantile regression models are good methods to forecast livestock price fluctuation.

Discrete-time movement model of a group of trains on a rail line with stochastic disturbance

This paper presents a discrete-time model to describe the movements of a group of trains, in which some operational strategies, including traction operation, braking operation and impact of stochastic disturbance, are defined. To show the dynamic characteristics of train traffic flow with stochastic disturbance, some numerical experiments on a railway line are simulated. The computational results show that the discrete-time movement model can well describe the movements of trains on a rail line with the moving-block signalling system. Comparing with the results of no disturbance, it finds that the traffic capacity of the rail line will decrease with the influence of stochastic disturbance. Additionally, the delays incurred by stochastic disturbance can be propagated to the subsequent trains, and then prolong their traversing time on the rail line. It can provide auxiliary information for rescheduling trains When the stochastic disturbance occurs on the railway.

Modeling and simulation of high-speed passenger train movements in the rail line

In this paper, we propose a new formula of the real-time minimum safety headway based on the relative velocity of consecutive trains and present a dynamic model of high-speed passenger train movements in the rail line based on the proposed formula of the minimum safety headway. Moreover, we provide the control strategies of the high-speed passenger train operations based on the proposed formula of the real-time minimum safety headway and the dynamic model of highspeed passenger train movements. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategies of the passenger train operations can greatly reduce the delay propagation in the high-speed rail line when a random delay occurs.

Research and application of mechanical models for the whole process of 110 mining method roof structural movement

For the 110 mining method,it is challenging to accurately calculate the support resistance of the roadway due to the lack of understanding of the dynamic movement of the overlying strata in this method.The consequential excessive support results in a significant increase in the cost of roadway support.The authors explored the overlying strata movement and roadway deformation of the gob-entry retaining in the 110 mining method to solve this problem.First,the typical stages of the roof-cutting gob-side entry were defined.Second,the mechanical model and calculation formula of the support resistance on the roof were explored.Then,using numerical simulation software,the starting ranges of the specific supports at different stages were verified and the feasibility of the support scheme was examined.Finally,combined with the field measurement data,the stress and the deformation of the gob roadway at different stages under the influence of two mining processes in the 110 mining method were obtained.The numerical simulation results obtained are consistent with the field test results,providing a theoretical basis for precision support at different stages by the 110 mining method.

Discrete event model-based simulation for train movement on a single-line railway

The aim of this paper is to present a discrete event model-based approach to simulate train movement with the con- sidered energy-saving factor. We conduct extensive case studies to show the dynamic characteristics of the traffic flow and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The simulation results indicate that the proposed discrete event model-based simulation approach is suitable for characterizing the movements of a group of trains on a single railway line with less iterations and CPU time. Additionally, some other qualitative and quantitative characteristics are investigated. In particular, because of the cumulative influence from the previous trains, the following trains should be accelerated or braked frequently to control the headway distance, leading to more energy consumption.

Research on Data Routing Model Based on Ant Colony Algorithms

Improved traditional ant colony algorithms,a data routing model used to the data remote exchange on WAN was presented.In the model,random heuristic factors were introduced to realize multi-path search.The updating model of pheromone could adjust the pheromone concentration on the optimal path according to path load dynamically to make the system keep load balance.The simulation results show that the improved model has a higher performance on convergence and load balance.

Aseismic negative dislocation model and deformation analysis of crustal horizontal movement during 1999--2001 in the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang block

Through numerical simulation for GPS data, aseismic negative dislocation model for crustal horizontal movement during 1999~2001 in the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang block is presented, combined with the spatial distribution of apparent strain field in this area, the characteristics of motion and deformation of active blocks and their boundary faults, together with the place and intensity of strain accumulation are analyzed. It is shown that: a) 9 active blocks appeared totally clockwise motion from eastward by north to eastward by south. Obvious sinistral strike-slip and NE-NEE relative compressive motion between the blocks separated by Qilianshan-Haiyuan fault zone was discovered; b) 20 fault segments (most of them showed compression) locked the relative motion between blocks to varying degrees, among the total, the mid-east segment of Qilianshan fault (containing the place where it meets Riyueshan-Lajishan fault) and the place where it meets Haiyuan fault and Zhuanglanghe fault, more favored accumulation of strain. Moreover, the region where Riyueshan-Lajishan fault meets north boundary of Qaidam block may have strain accumulation to some degree. c) Obtained magnitude of block velocities and locking of their boundaries were less than relevant results for observation in the period of 1993~1999.

Modelling and Simulation for Train Movement Control Using Car-Following Strategy

Based on optimM velocity car-following model, in this paper, we propose a new railway tramc model for describing the process of train movement control. In the proposed model, we give an improved form of the optimal velocity function V^opt, which is considered as the desired velocity function for train movement control under different control conditions. In order to test the proposed model, we simulate and analyze the trajectories of train movements, moreover, discuss the relationship curves between the train allowable velocity and the site of objective point in detail. Analysis results indicate that the proposed model can well capture some realistic futures of train movement control.

Improved Ant Colony Algorithm for Vehicle Scheduling Problem in Airport Ground Service Support

Support vehicles are part of the main body of airport ground operations,and their scheduling efficiency directly impacts flight delays.A mathematical model is constructed and the responsiveness of support vehicles for current operational demands is proposed to study optimization algorithms for vehicle scheduling.The model is based on the constraint relationship of the initial operation time,time window,and gate position distribution,which gives an improvement to the ant colony algorithm(ACO).The impacts of the improved ACO as used for support vehicle optimization are compared and analyzed.The results show that the scheduling scheme of refueling trucks based on the improved ACO can reduce flight delays caused by refueling operations by 56.87%,indicating the improved ACO can improve support vehicle scheduling.Besides,the improved ACO can jump out of local optima,which can balance the working time of refueling trucks.This research optimizes the scheduling scheme of support vehicles under the existing conditions of airports,which has practical significance to fully utilize ground service resources,improve the efficiency of airport ground operations,and effectively reduce flight delays caused by ground service support.

Simulating train movement in railway traffic using a car-following model

Based on a car-following model, in this paper, we propose a new traffic model for simulating train movement in railway traffic. In the proposed model, some realistic characteristics of train movement are considered, such as the distance headway and the safety stopping distance. Using the proposed traffic model, we analyse the space-time diagram of traffic flow, the trajectory of train movement, etc. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model can be successfully used for simulating the train movement. Some complex phenomena can be reproduced, such as the complex acceleration and deceleration of trains and the propagation of train delay.

Monitoring the little fire ant,Wasmannia auropunctata(Roger 1863),in the early stage of its invasion in China:Predicting its geographical distribution pattern under climate change

Invasive alien ants(IAAs)are among the most aggressive,competitive,and widespread invasive alien species(IAS)worldwide.Wasmannia auropunctata,the greatest IAAs threat in the Pacific region and listed in“100 of the world’s worst IAS”,has established itself in many countries and on islands worldwide.Wild populations of W.auropunctata were recently reported in southeastern China,representing a tremendous potential threat to China’s agricultural,economic,environmental,public health,and social well-being.Estimating the potential geographical distribution(PGD)of W.auropunctata in China can illustrate areas that may potentially face invasion risk.Therefore,based on the global distribution records of W.auropunctata and bioclimatic variables,we predicted the geographical distribution pattern of W.auropunctata in China under the effects of climate change using an ensemble model(EM).Our findings showed that artificial neural network(ANN),flexible discriminant analysis(FDA),gradient boosting model(GBM),Random Forest(RF)were more accurate than categorical regression tree analysis(CTA),generalized linear model(GLM),maximum entropy model(MaxEnt)and surface distance envelope(SRE).The mean TSS values of ANN,FDA,GBM,and RF were 0.820,0.810,0.843,and 0.857,respectively,and the mean AUC values were 0.946,0.954,0.968,and 0.979,respectively.The mean TSS and AUC values of EM were 0.882 and 0.972,respectively,indicating that the prediction results with EM were more reliable than those with the single model.The PGD of W.auropunctata in China is mainly located in southern China under current and future climate change.Under climate change,the PGD of W.auropunctata in China will expand to higher-latitude areas.The annual temperature range(bio7)and mean temperature of the warmest quarter(bio10)were the most significant variables affecting the PGD of W.auropunctata in China.The PGD of W.auropunctata in China was mainly attributed to temperature variables,such as the annual temperature range(bio7)and the mean temperature of the warmest quarter(bio10).The populations of W.auropunctata in southern China have broad potential invasion areas.Developing strategies for the early warning,monitoring,prevention,and control of W.auropunctata in southern China requires more attention.