Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Coping:U.S.Students in Taiwan Residents Higher Education

The aim of this study was to investigate the adjustment problems of students from the United States enrolled in universities in the East,specifically in Taiwan,their problems related to cultural adaptation,and the process of adjustment to student life in Taiwan.Under investigation were cultural adjustment and coping skills as these students transitioned from West to East.Qualitative data were collected from interviews with participants and faculty members as well as participant observations.Results indicated that U.S.students found their own ways to acclimate to their new academic setting as well as to social relations,cross-cultural issues,and the linguistic environment in Taiwan to achieve effective adaptation.They made changes in themselves to cope with all situations they encountered.This study provides suggestions for international students abroad in Taiwan,for the Taiwan Residents government,and for universities or colleges in terms of what they should offer to current and future international students.

Ultrafast Response and Threshold Adjustable Intelligent Thermoelectric Systems for Next‑Generation Self‑Powered Remote IoT Fire Warning

Fire warning is vital to human life,economy and ecology.However,the development of effective warning systems faces great challenges of fast response,adjustable threshold and remote detecting.Here,we propose an intelligent self-powered remote IoT fire warning system,by employing single-walled carbon nanotube/titanium carbide thermoelectric composite films.The flexible films,prepared by a convenient solution mixing,display p-type characteristic with excellent high-temperature stability,flame retardancy and TE(power factor of 239.7±15.8μW m^(-1) K^(-2))performances.The comprehensive morphology and structural analyses shed light on the underlying mechanisms.And the assembled TE devices(TEDs)exhibit fast fire warning with adjustable warning threshold voltages(1–10 mV).Excitingly,an ultrafast fire warning response time of~0.1 s at 1 mV threshold voltage is achieved,rivaling many state-of-the-art systems.Furthermore,TE fire warning systems reveal outstanding stability after 50 repeated cycles and desired durability even undergoing 180 days of air exposure.Finally,a TED-based wireless intelligent fire warning system has been developed by coupling an amplifier,analogto-digital converter and Bluetooth module.By combining TE characteristics,high-temperature stability and flame retardancy with wireless IoT signal transmission,TE-based hybrid system developed here is promising for next-generation self-powered remote IoT fire warning applications.

On calculating glacial isostatic adjustment

Modeling the earth's fluid and elastic response to the melting of the glaciers of the last ice age is the most direct way to infer the earth's radial viscosity profile.Here,we compare two methods for calculating the viscoelastic response to surface loading.In one,the elastic equation of motion is converted to a viscoelastic equation using the Correspondence Principle.In the other,elastic deformation is added to the viscous flow as isostatic adjustment proceeds.The two modeling methods predict adjustment histories that are different enough to potentially impact the interpretation of the observed glacial isostatic adjustment(GIA).The differences arise from buoyancy and whether fluid displacements are subjected to hydrostatic pre-stress.The methods agree if they use the same equations and boundary conditions.The origin of the differences is determined by varying the boundary conditions and pre-stress application.

Adjustment mechanism of blasting dynamic-static action in the water decoupling charge

Water decoupling charge blasting excels in rock breaking,relying on its uniform pressure transmission and low energy dissipation.The water decoupling coefficients can adjust the contributions of the stress wave and quasi-static pressure.However,the quantitative relationship between the two contributions is unclear,and it is difficult to provide reasonable theoretical support for the design of water decoupling blasting.In this study,a theoretical model of blasting fracturing partitioning is established.The mechanical mechanism and determination method of the optimal decoupling coefficient are obtained.The reliability is verified through model experiments and a field test.The results show that with the increasing of decoupling coefficient,the rock breaking ability of blasting dynamic action decreases,while quasi-static action increases and then decreases.The ability of quasi-static action to wedge into cracks changes due to the spatial adjustment of the blast hole and crushed zone.The quasi-static action plays a leading role in the fracturing range,determining an optimal decoupling coefficient.The optimal water decoupling coefficient is not a fixed value,which can be obtained by the proposed theoretical model.Compared with the theoretical results,the maximum error in the model experiment results is 8.03%,and the error in the field test result is 3.04%.

Early clinical outcome with lens position adjustment following implantable collamer lens surgery

AIM:To observe early clinical outcome with lens position adjustment following the implantable collamer lens(ICL)surgery.METHODS:Sixty patients were selected for this retrospective study.One eye from each patient received Toric ICL for astigmatism correction,and the other received non-astigmatic ICL surgery using horizontal position.Patients with higher postoperative arch height were selected,and their non-astigmatic eye clinical outcome were observed after ICL surgery at 1wk,1,and 3mo.The clinical measurements included uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA),intraocular pressure(IOP),refractive state,corneal endothelium cell count,and arch height.Three months later,the ICL in each patient’s non-astigmatic eye was adjusted to the vertical from the horizontal position.The results were compared before and 1wk,1,and 3mo after adjustment.RESULTS:UCVA and IOP were significantly reduced 1wk after position adjustment compared to 1wk after ICL implantation(P<0.05).The patients demonstrated significantly reduced arch height and corneal endothelium cell count 1wk,1,and 3mo after adjusting position compared to 1wk,1,and 3mo after ICL implantation(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in refraction between 1wk,1,and 3mo after ICL implantation and position adjustment(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Early positioning adjustment postphakic ICL implantation can benefit patients with adjusted arch height or higher IOP.Despite the good clinical effects,the doctors should pay attention to the potential for adverse effects on UCVA and corneal endothelium cells following early position adjustment after posterior chamber phakic ICL implantation.

An extended state observer with adjustable bandwidth for measurement noise

In this paper,a bandwidth-adjustable extended state observer(ABESO)is proposed for the systems with measurement noise.It is known that increasing the bandwidth of the observer improves the tracking speed but tolerates noise,which conflicts with observation accuracy.Therefore,we introduce a bandwidth scaling factor such that ABESO is formulated to a 2-degree-of-freedom system.The observer gain is determined and the bandwidth scaling factor adjusts the bandwidth according to the tracking error.When the tracking error decreases,the bandwidth decreases to suppress the noise,otherwise the bandwidth does not change.It is proven that the error dynamics are bounded and converge in finite time.The relationship between the upper bound of the estimation error and the scaling factor is given.When the scaling factor is less than 1,the ABESO has higher estimation accuracy than the linear extended state observer(LESO).Simulations of an uncertain nonlinear system with compound disturbances show that the proposed ABESO can successfully estimate the total disturbance in noisy environments.The mean error of total disturbance of ABESO is 15.28% lower than that of LESO.

Impact of an official accountability audit on industrial structure adjustment:a case study of environmental regulation in China

As a unique environmental regulation in China,the official accountability audit was piloted in 2014.With a focus on prioritizing the ecological environment,officials in pilot districts have implemented economic construction,adjusted industrial structures,and promoted coordinated development between the economy and environment.The effects of implementation have garnered widespread attention from society.However,there is limited research on the impact of an accountability audit on industrial structure adjustments.Using the“Accountability Audit of Officials for Natural Resource Assets(Trial)”released in 2015 as a quasi-natural experiment,this study collected panel data from 279 cities between 2013 and 2017.It then empirically analyzed the impact mechanism and effects of the accountability audit on industrial structure adjustment using the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences model.The research findings indicate that the accountability audit directly impacted industrial structure adjustment,promoting the upgrading of the primary industry to the secondary industry and restricting the development of the tertiary industry.In addition,the audit is beneficial for enterprise entry,but not conducive to technological innovation,and has no significant impact on foreign direct investment.This conclusion fills a gap in the existing research and provides valuable insights for policymakers.

Rigidloop Adjustable可调袢钢板治疗踝关节骨折并下胫腓联合损伤

目的比较Rigidloop Adjustable(RLA)可调袢钢板与螺钉治疗踝关节骨折合并下胫腓联合损伤的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2019年9月至2022年5月武汉市第三医院收治的44例踝关节骨折合并下胫腓联合损伤的患者。踝关节骨折行切开复位内固定后,下胫腓联合采用RLA可调袢钢板固定22例,2枚皮质骨螺钉三皮质骨固定22例。应用AOFAS踝与后足功能评分、术侧与健侧踝关节活动度平均差值及术前、术后随访时正位X线片下胫腓间隙(tibiofibular bottom clear space,TBCS)、下胫腓重叠距离(tibiofibular bottom overlap,TBOL)比较两组临床效果。结果患者均获得随访,随访时间12~18个月,平均(16.41±1.66)个月。患者踝关节功能满意,无伤口感染、皮肤激惹等并发症。术后3、6、12个月时,RLA可调袢钢板组双侧踝关节活动度差值均显著小于螺钉组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3、6、12个月时,两组的AOFAS评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);TBCS、TBOL术前、术后即刻、术后3个月及末次随访时,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论RLA可调袢钢板和螺钉均可有效固定下胫腓联合,与螺钉固定相比,RLA可调袢钢板组可早期功能锻炼,获得更好的踝关节活动度。

Evaluation of Multi-Temporal-Spatial Scale Adjustment Capability and Cluster Optimization Operation Method for Distribution Networks with Distributed Photovoltaics

Themassive integration of high-proportioned distributed photovoltaics into distribution networks poses significant challenges to the flexible regulation capabilities of distribution stations.To accurately assess the flexible regulation capabilities of distribution stations,amulti-temporal and spatial scale regulation capability assessment technique is proposed for distribution station areas with distributed photovoltaics,considering different geographical locations,coverage areas,and response capabilities.Firstly,the multi-temporal scale regulation characteristics and response capabilities of different regulation resources in distribution station areas are analyzed,and a resource regulation capability model is established to quantify the adjustable range of different regulation resources.On this basis,considering the limitations of line transmission capacity,a regulation capability assessment index for distribution stations is proposed to evaluate their regulation capabilities.Secondly,considering different geographical locations and coverage areas,a comprehensive performance index based on electrical distance modularity and active power balance is established,and a cluster division method based on genetic algorithms is proposed to fully leverage the coordination and complementarity among nodes and improve the active power matching degree within clusters.Simultaneously,an economic optimization model with the objective of minimizing the economic cost of the distribution station is established,comprehensively considering the safety constraints of the distribution network and the regulation constraints of resources.This model can provide scientific guidance for the economic dispatch of the distribution station area.Finally,case studies demonstrate that the proposed assessment and optimization methods effectively evaluate the regulation capabilities of distribution stations,facilitate the consumption of distributed photovoltaics,and enhance the economic efficiency of the distribution station area.

Research on Demand Response Potential of Adjustable Loads in Demand Response Scenarios

To address the issues of limited demand response data,low generalization of demand response potential evaluation,and poor demand response effect,the article proposes a demand response potential feature extraction and prediction model based on data mining and a demand response potential assessment model for adjustable loads in demand response scenarios based on subjective and objective weight analysis.Firstly,based on the demand response process and demand response behavior,obtain demand response characteristics that characterize the process and behavior.Secondly,establish a feature extraction and prediction model based on data mining,including similar day clustering,time series decomposition,redundancy processing,and data prediction.The predicted values of each demand response feature on the response day are obtained.Thirdly,the predicted data of various characteristics on the response day are used as demand response potential evaluation indicators to represent different demand response scenarios and adjustable loads,and a demand response potential evaluation model based on subjective and objective weight allocation is established to calculate the demand response potential of different adjustable loads in different demand response scenarios.Finally,the effectiveness of the method proposed in the article is verified through examples,providing a reference for load aggregators to formulate demand response schemes.

Cameroon Climate Predictions Using the SARIMA-LSTM Machine Learning Model: Adjustment of a Climate Model for the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

It is acknowledged today within the scientific community that two types of actions must be considered to limit global warming: mitigation actions by reducing GHG emissions, to contain the rate of global warming, and adaptation actions to adapt societies to Climate Change, to limit losses and damages [1] [2]. As far as adaptation actions are concerned, numerical simulation, due to its results, its costs which require less investment than tests carried out on complex mechanical structures, and its implementation facilities, appears to be a major step in the design and prediction of complex mechanical systems. However, despite the quality of the results obtained, biases and inaccuracies related to the structure of the models do exist. Therefore, there is a need to validate the results of this SARIMA-LSTM-digital learning model adjusted by a matching approach, “calculating-test”, in order to assess the quality of the results and the performance of the model. The methodology consists of exploiting two climatic databases (temperature and precipitation), one of which is in-situ and the other spatial, all derived from grid points. Data from the dot grids are processed and stored in specific formats and, through machine learning approaches, complex mathematical equations are worked out and interconnections within the climate system established. Through this mathematical approach, it is possible to predict the future climate of the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon and to propose adaptation strategies.

Evaluation of Moving Grid Adjustment (MGA) Method in Field Variation Control

Spatial variation is often encountered when large scale field trials are conducted which can result in biased estimation or prediction of treatment (i.e. genotype) values. An effective removal of spatial variation is needed to ensure unbiased estimation or prediction and thus increase the accuracy of field data evaluation. A moving grid adjustment (MGA) method, which was proposed by Technow, was evaluated through Monte Carlo simulation for its statistical properties regarding field spatial variation control. Our simulation results showed that the MGA method can effectively account for field spatial variation if it does exist;however, this method will not change phenotype results if field spatial variation does not exist. The MGA method was applied to a large-scale cotton field trial data set with two representative agronomic traits: lint yield (strong field spatial pattern) and lint percentage (no field spatial pattern). The results suggested that the MGA method was able to effectively separate the spatial variation including blocking effects from random error variation for lint yield while the adjusted data remained almost identical to the original phenotypic data. With application of the MGA method, the estimated variance for residuals was significantly reduced (62.2% decrease) for lint yield while more genetic variation (29.7% increase) was detected compared to the original data analysis subject to the conventional randomized complete block design analysis. On the other hand, the results were almost identical for lint percentage with and without the application of the MGA method. Therefore, the MGA method can be a useful addition to enhance data analysis when field spatial pattern exists.

Optimized CUDA Implementation to Improve the Performance of Bundle Adjustment Algorithm on GPUs

The 3D reconstruction pipeline uses the Bundle Adjustment algorithm to refine the camera and point parameters. The Bundle Adjustment algorithm is a compute-intensive algorithm, and many researchers have improved its performance by implementing the algorithm on GPUs. In the previous research work, “Improving Accuracy and Computational Burden of Bundle Adjustment Algorithm using GPUs,” the authors demonstrated first the Bundle Adjustment algorithmic performance improvement by reducing the mean square error using an additional radial distorting parameter and explicitly computed analytical derivatives and reducing the computational burden of the Bundle Adjustment algorithm using GPUs. The naïve implementation of the CUDA code, a speedup of 10× for the largest dataset of 13,678 cameras, 4,455,747 points, and 28,975,571 projections was achieved. In this paper, we present the optimization of the Bundle Adjustment algorithm CUDA code on GPUs to achieve higher speedup. We propose a new data memory layout for the parameters in the Bundle Adjustment algorithm, resulting in contiguous memory access. We demonstrate that it improves the memory throughput on the GPUs, thereby improving the overall performance. We also demonstrate an increase in the computational throughput of the algorithm by optimizing the CUDA kernels to utilize the GPU resources effectively. A comparative performance study of explicitly computing an algorithm parameter versus using the Jacobians instead is presented. In the previous work, the Bundle Adjustment algorithm failed to converge for certain datasets due to several block matrices of the cameras in the augmented normal equation, resulting in rank-deficient matrices. In this work, we identify the cameras that cause rank-deficient matrices and preprocess the datasets to ensure the convergence of the BA algorithm. Our optimized CUDA implementation achieves convergence of the Bundle Adjustment algorithm in around 22 seconds for the largest dataset compared to 654 seconds for the sequential implementation, resulting in a speedup of 30×. Our optimized CUDA implementation presented in this paper has achieved a 3× speedup for the largest dataset compared to the previous naïve CUDA implementation.

Adjustment of Administrative Divisions and Upgrading of Industrial Structure in Hefei Metropolitan Area:Taking"Partitions of Chaohu"as a Quasi-natural Experiment

Administrative regions are an important environment for the operation of China's market economy.The relevant economic subjects cannot predict the policy of adjustment of administrative divisions and carry out conscious migration behavior,adjustment of administrative divisions can be regarded as a quasi-natural experiment.The three cities of Hefei,Wuhu,and Ma'anshan,which are directly related to the adjustment of the administrative division of Chaohu,are taken as the treatment group,and the seven adjacent cities of Lu'an,Huainan,Chuzhou,Bengbu,Anqing,Chizhou,and Tongling are taken as the control group.Differences-in-Differences method and relevant control variables affecting the upgrading of industrial structure are used to test.The test results show that"Partitions of Chaohu"has a significant industrial structure upgrading effect by promoting the optimization of spatial layout,the cross-regional flow of production factors and the effective management of Chaohu Lake Basin.At the same time,the increase of total retail sales of consumer goods,urban fixed assets investment,public utility expenses in science,education,culture and health,and population plays a significant positive role in promoting the upgrading of industrial structure,while foreign direct investment plays a certain inhibition role in the upgrading of industrial structure.In order to meet the ever-developing space demands and enhance the impact on surrounding areas,the Hefei metropolitan area should be driven by technological innovation,strengthen the integration of industrial chains,improve the business environment and transportation network,and continuously promote the upgrading of industrial structure and the formation and development of new productive forces.

Reevaluating health metrics:Unraveling the limitations of disabilityadjusted life years as an indicator in disease burden assessment

In 1993,the World Bank released a global report on the efficacy of health promotion,introducing the disability-adjusted life years(DALY)as a novel indicator.The DALY,a composite metric incorporating temporal and qualitative data,is grounded in preferences regarding disability status.This review delineates the algorithm used to calculate the value of the proposed DALY synthetic indicator and elucidates key methodological challenges associated with its application.In contrast to the quality-adjusted life years approach,derived from multi-attribute utility theory,the DALY stands as an independent synthetic indicator that adopts the assumptions of the Time Trade Off utility technique to define Disability Weights.Claiming to rely on no mathematical or economic theory,DALY users appear to have exempted themselves from verifying whether this indicator meets the classical properties required of all indicators,notably content validity,reliability,specificity,and sensitivity.The DALY concept emerged primarily to facilitate comparisons of the health impacts of various diseases globally within the framework of the Global Burden of Disease initiative,leading to numerous publications in international literature.Despite widespread adoption,the DALY synthetic indicator has prompted significant methodological concerns since its inception,manifesting in inconsistent and non-reproducible results.Given the substantial diffusion of the DALY indicator and its critical role in health impact assessments,a reassessment is warranted.This reconsideration is imperative for enhancing the robustness and reliability of public health decisionmaking processes.

A Self-calibration Bundle Adjustment Algorithm Based on Block Matrix Cholesky Decomposition Technology

In this study,the problem of bundle adjustment was revisited,and a novel algorithm based on block matrix Cholesky decomposition was proposed to solve the thorny problem of self-calibration bundle adjustment.The innovation points are reflected in the following aspects:①The proposed algorithm is not dependent on the Schur complement,and the calculation process is simple and clear;②The complexities of time and space tend to O(n)in the context of world point number is far greater than that of images and cameras,so the calculation magnitude and memory consumption can be reduced significantly;③The proposed algorithm can carry out self-calibration bundle adjustment in single-camera,multi-camera,and variable-camera modes;④Some measures are employed to improve the optimization effects.Experimental tests showed that the proposed algorithm has the ability to achieve state-of-the-art performance in accuracy and robustness,and it has a strong adaptability as well,because the optimized results are accurate and robust even if the initial values have large deviations from the truth.This study could provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the image-based positioning and 3D reconstruction in the fields of photogrammetry,computer vision and robotics.

Vertical deformation analysis based on combined adjustment for GNSS and leveling data

A method is proposed to fuse the velocity data of the global navigation satellite system(GNSS) and leveling height via combined adjustment with constraints. First, stable GNSS-leveling points are uniformly selected, and the constraints of the geodetic height change velocity and normal height change velocity are given. Then, the GNSS vertical velocities and leveling height difference are used as observations of combined adjustment, and robust least-squares estimation are used to estimate the velocities of the unknown points. Finally, a vertical movement model is established with the GNSS vertical velocities and leveling vertical velocities obtained via combined adjustment. Data from the second-order leveling network and GNSS control points in Shandong Province are taken as test data, and eight calculation schemes are used for discussion. One of the schemes, the bifactor robust combined adjustment method based on variance component estimation with two kinds of vertical velocity constraints achieves the optimal results. The method applied in the scheme can be recommended for data fusion of GNSS and leveling, further improving the reliability of vertical crustal movement in Shandong Province.

Reconfigurable source illusion device for airborne sound using an enclosed adjustable piezoelectric metasurface

Source illusion is an important issue in acoustic fields that has significant applications in various practical scenarios.Recent progress in acoustic metasurfaces has broken the limitation of manipulating large-scale waves at subwavelength scales and enables a better illusion capability,while there is still a problem that most previous studies are hampered by a lack of tuning capability.Here we propose a reconfigurable source illusion device capable of providing azimuthallydependent phase delay in real-time via changing the static voltage distribution.The resulting device is implemented by employing an adjustable piezoelectric metasurface with a subwavelength thickness that can achieve a full 2π-phase shift while maintaining efficient transmittance.The effectiveness of our mechanism is demonstrated via two distinctive source illusion phenomena of shifting and transforming a simple point source without changing the device geometry.We anticipate that our methodology,which does not require a large device size or a complicated phased array,will open up new avenues for the miniaturization and integration of source illusion devices and may promote their on-chip applications in a variety of fields,such as acoustic camouflage and manipulation precision.

Novel Radiation-Adjustable Heating Terminal Based on Flat Heat Pipe Combined with Air Source Heat Pump

The electrification of building heating is an effective way to meet the global carbon target. As a clean and sustainable electrified heating technology, air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) are widely used in areas lacking central heating. However, as a major component of space heating, heating terminals might not fit well with ASHP in order to achieve both intermittency and comfort. Therefore, this study proposes a novel radiation-adjustable heating terminal combined with an ASHP to achieve electrification, intermittency, and better thermal comfort. Radiant terminals currently suffer from three major problems: limited maximum heating capacity, inability to freely adapt, and difficulty with combining them with ASHPs. These problems were solved by improving the structural design of the novel terminal (Improvement A–E). Results showed that the maximum heating capacity increased by 23.6% and radiation heat transfer ratio from 10.1% to 30.9% was provided for users with the novel terminal. Further, new flat heat pipe (FHP) design improved stability (compressor oil return), intermittency (refrigerant thermal inertia), and safety (refrigerant leakage risk) by reducing the length of exposed refrigerant pipes. Furthermore, a new phased operation strategy was proposed for the novel terminal, and the adjustability of the terminal was improved. The results can be used as reference information for decarbonizing buildings by electrifying heating terminals.

Verification of Depth Adjustment Factor in Eurocode 5 for Tropical Hardwood Timbers

The depth adjustment factor for bending strength stated in Eurocode 5(EC5)is only applicable to timbers having a characteristic density below 700 kg/m^(3).However,most Malaysian timbers are hardwood,some with a characteristic density reaching above 700 kg/m^(3).Therefore,the objective of this study was to examine whether the depth adjustment factor stipulated in EC5 is valid for Malaysian hardwood timbers.Six timber species were selected for this study,namely Kapur(Dryobalanops C.F.Gaertn.),Kempas(Koompassia Maingay ex Benth.),Keruing(Dipterocarpus C.F.Gaertn.),Light red meranti(Shorea Roxb.ex C.F.Gaertn.),Geronggang(Cratoxylum Blume)and Balau(Shorea Roxb.ex C.F.Gaertn.).The determination of bending strength and characteristic density was conducted according to BS EN 408:2010 and BS EN 384:2016,respectively.A graph for mean bending strength vs.(150/h)was plotted for each timber species.The power function was selected to analyze the relationship between the two variables.The power of the regression equations varied depending on the characteristic density of the timber species.For species with a characteristic density below 700 kg/m^(3),such as Kapur,Keruing,and Light red meranti,the power was between 0.16 to 0.17.In contrast,for species having a characteristic density above 700 kg/m^(3),namely Kempas and Balau,the power was higher at 0.23 and 0.24,respectively.Geronggang was an exception to this pattern.These values are close to the depth adjustment factor given in EC5,which is 0.2.Based on the results,it can be suggested that the adjustment factor of 0.2 is also applicable to Malaysian hardwood timbers with a characteristic density above 700 kg/m^(3).