面向Critical MTC的无连接传输

关键机器类通信(Critical MTC)对时延和可靠性都有极高的要求。支持海量Critical MTC的终端是一个巨大挑战。提出了一种面向海量Critical MTC终端的无连接传输方案。为了降低时延,提出了基于竞争的无连接单次传输方案;为了实现高可靠性,设计了具有极低导频碰撞概率的稀疏正交多导频。进一步利用大规模多输入多输出(MIMO)的增益来提高可靠性以及在空域复用大量用户。仿真结果表明,提出的方案可以支持海量Critical MTC终端,同时满足低时延和高可靠的严格要求。

Mental health status among COVID-19 patients survivors of critical illness in Saudi Arabia:A 6-month follow-up questionnaire study

BACKGROUND Psychological assessment after intensive care unit(ICU)discharge is increasingly used to assess patients'cognitive and psychological well-being.However,few studies have examined those who recovered from coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).There is a paucity of data from the Middle East assessing the post-ICU discharge mental health status of patients who had COVID-19.AIM To evaluate anxiety and depression among patients who had severe COVID-19.METHODS This is a prospective single-center follow-up questionnaire-based study of adults who were admitted to the ICU or under ICU consultation for>24 h for COVID-19.Eligible patients were contacted via telephone.The patient’s anxiety and depression six months after ICU discharge were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).The primary outcome was the mean HADS score.The secondary outcomes were risk factors of anxiety and/or depression.RESULTS Patients who were admitted to the ICU because of COVID-19 were screened(n=518).Of these,48 completed the questionnaires.The mean age was 56.3±17.2 years.Thirty patients(62.5%)were male.The main comorbidities were endocrine(n=24,50%)and cardiovascular(n=21,43.8%)diseases.The mean overall HADS score for anxiety and depression at 6 months post-ICU discharge was 11.4(SD±8.5).A HADS score of>7 for anxiety and depression was detected in 15 patients(30%)and 18 patients(36%),respectively.Results from the multivariable ordered logistic regression demonstrated that vasopressor use was associated with the development of anxiety and depression[odds ratio(OR)39.06,95% confidence interval:1.309-1165.8;P<0.05].CONCLUSION Six months after ICU discharge,30% of patients who had COVID-19 demonstrated a HADS score that confirmed anxiety and depression.To compare the psychological status of patients following an ICU admission(with vs without COVID-19),further studies are warranted.

Critical Solvation Structures Arrested Active Molecules for Reversible Zn Electrochemistry

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs)have attracted increasing attention in next-generation energy storage systems due to their high safety and economic.Unfortunately,the side reactions,dendrites and hydrogen evolution effects at the zinc anode interface in aqueous electrolytes seriously hinder the application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.Here,we report a critical solvation strategy to achieve reversible zinc electrochemistry by introducing a small polar molecule acetonitrile to form a“catcher”to arrest active molecules(bound water molecules).The stable solvation structure of[Zn(H_(2)O)_(6)]^(2+)is capable of maintaining and completely inhibiting free water molecules.When[Zn(H_(2)O)_(6)]^(2+)is partially desolvated in the Helmholtz outer layer,the separated active molecules will be arrested by the“catcher”formed by the strong hydrogen bond N-H bond,ensuring the stable desolvation of Zn^(2+).The Zn||Zn symmetric battery can stably cycle for 2250 h at 1 mAh cm^(-2),Zn||V_(6)O_(13) full battery achieved a capacity retention rate of 99.2%after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g^(-1).This paper proposes a novel critical solvation strategy that paves the route for the construction of high-performance AZIBs.

Semi-analytical solution for drained expansion analysis of a hollow cylinder of critical state soils

The expansion of a thick-walled hollow cylinder in soil is of non-self-similar nature that the stress/deformation paths are not the same for different soil material points.As a result,this problem cannot be solved by the common self-similar-based similarity techniques.This paper proposes a novel,exact solution for rigorous drained expansion analysis of a hollow cylinder of critical state soils.Considering stress-dependent elastic moduli of soils,new analytical stress and displacement solutions for the nonself-similar problem are developed taking the small strain assumption in the elastic zone.In the plastic zone,the cavity expansion response is formulated into a set of first-order partial differential equations(PDEs)with the combination use of Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions,and a novel solution algorithm is developed to efficiently solve this complex boundary value problem.The solution is presented in a general form and thus can be useful for a wide range of soils.With the new solution,the non-self-similar nature induced by the finite outer boundary is clearly demonstrated and highlighted,which is found to be greatly different to the behaviour of cavity expansion in infinite soil mass.The present solution may serve as a benchmark for verifying the performance of advanced numerical techniques with critical state soil models and be used to capture the finite boundary effect for pressuremeter tests in small-sized calibration chambers.

Sustainable nitrogen fixation by bubble discharge plasma:Performance optimization and mechanism

Sustainable nitrogen fixation driven by renewable energy sources under mild conditions has been widely sought to replace the industrial Haber-Bosch process.The fixation of nitrogen in the form of NO_(x)^(-)and NH_4^(+)into aqueous solutions using electricity-driven gas-liquid discharge plasma is considered a promising prescription.In this paper,a scalable bubble discharge excited by nanosecond pulse power is employed for nitrogen fixation in the liquid phase.The nitrogen fixation performance and the mechanisms are analyzed by varying the power supply parameters,working gas flow rate and composition.The results show that an increase in voltage and frequency can result in an enhanced NO_(3)^(-)yield.Increases in the gas flow rate can result in inadequate activation of the working gas,which together with more inefficient mass transfer efficiencies can reduce the yield.The addition of O_(2) effectively elevates NO_(3)^(-)production while simultaneously inhibiting NH_4^(+) production.The addition of H_(2)O vapor increases the production of OH and H,thereby promoting the generation of reactive nitrogen and enhancing the yield of nitrogen fixation.However,the excessive addition of O_(2) and H_(2)O vapor results in negative effect on the yield of nitrogen fixation,due to the significant weakening of the discharge intensity.The optimal nitrogen fixation yield was up to 16.5 μmol/min,while the optimal energy consumption was approximately 21.3 MJ/mol in this study.Finally,the mechanism related to nitrogen fixation is discussed through the optical emission spectral(OES) information in conjunction with the simulation of energy loss paths in the plasma by BOLSIG+.The work advances knowledge of the effect of parameter variations on nitrogen fixation by gas-liquid discharge for higher yield and energy production.

Comparative analysis of single-crater parameters in ultrasonic-assisted and unassisted micro-EDM of Ti6Al4V using discharge plasma imaging

Ultrasonic-assisted micro-electro-discharge machining(EDM)has the potential to enhance processing responses such as material removal rate(MRR)and surface finish.To understand the reasons for this enhancement,the physical mechanisms responsible for the individual discharges and the craters that they form need to be explored.This work examines features of craters formed by single discharges at various parameter values in both conventional and ultrasonic-assistedEDM of Ti6Al4V.High-speed imaging of the plasma channel is performed,and data on the individual discharges are captured in real-time.A 2D axisymmetric model using finite element software is established to model crater formation.On the basis of simulation and experimental results,a comparative study is then carried out to examine the effects of ultrasonic vibrational assistance on crater geometry.For every set ofEDM parameters,the crater diameter and depth from a single discharge are found to be higher in ultrasonic-assistedEDM than in conventionalEDM.The improved crater geometry and the reduced bulge formation at the crater edges are attributed to the increased melt pool velocity and temperature predicted by the model.

Effect of dielectric material on the uniformity of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

Dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)is considered as a promising technique to produce large volume uniform plasma at atmospheric pressure,and the dielectric barrier layer between the electrodes plays a key role in the DBD processes and enhancing discharge uniformity.In this work,the uniformity and discharge characteristics of the nanosecond(ns)pulsed DBD with dielectric barrier layers made of alumina,quartz glass,polycarbonate(PC),and polypropylene(PP)are investigated via discharge image observation,voltage-current waveform measurement and optical emission spectral diagnosis.Through analyzing discharge image by gray value standard deviation method,the discharge uniformity is quantitatively calculated.The effects of the space electric field intensity,the electron density(Ne),and the space reactive species on the uniformity are studied with quantifying the gap voltage Ug and the discharge current Ig,analyzing the recorded optical emission spectra,and simulating the temporal distribution of Ne with a one-dimensional fluid model.It is found that as the relative permittivity of the dielectric materials increases,the space electric field intensity is enhanced,which results in a higher Ne and electron temperature(Te).Therefore,an appropriate value of space electric field intensity can promote electron avalanches,resulting in uniform and stable plasma by the merging of electron avalanches.However,an excessive value of space electric field intensity leads to the aggregation of space charges and the distortion of the space electric field,which reduce the discharge uniformity.The surface roughness and the surface charge decay are measured to explain the influences of the surface properties and the second electron emission on the discharge uniformity.The results in this work give a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the dielectric materials on the DBD uniformity,and contribute to the selection of dielectric materials for DBD reactor and the realization of atmospheric pressure uniform,stable,and reactive plasma sources.

On the evolution and formation of discharge morphology in pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

The discharge morphology of pulsed dielectric barrier discharge(PDBD) plays important roles in its applications. Here, we systematically investigated the effects of the voltage amplitude,discharge gap, and O_(2)content on the PDBD morphology, and revealed the possible underlying mechanism of the U-shaped formation. First, the morphological evolution under different conditions was recorded. A unique U-shaped region appears in the middle edge region when the gap is larger than 2 mm, while the entire discharge region remains columnar under a 2 mm gap in He PDBD. The width of the discharge and the U-shaped region increase with the increase in voltage, and decrease with the increase of the gap and O_(2)content. To explain this phenomenon,a two-dimensional symmetric model was developed to simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of different species and calculate the electric thrust. The discharge morphology evolution directly corresponds to the excited-state atomic reduction process. The electric thrust on the charged particles mainly determines the reaction region and strongly influences the U-shaped formation.When the gap is less than 2 mm, the electric thrust is homogeneous throughout the entire region,resulting in a columnar shape. However, when the gap is larger than 2 mm or O_(2)is added, the electric thrust in the edge region becomes greater than that in the middle, leading to the U-shaped formation. Furthermore, in He PDBD, the charged particles generating electric thrust are mainly electrons and helium ions, while in He/O_(2)PDBD those that generate electric thrust at the outer edge of the electrode surface are mainly various oxygen-containing ions.

Predictors of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast Nigeria

Background: An abnormal vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women of reproductive age, and it can indicate serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 women of reproductive age group attending the clinic at Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, in Imo State, Nigeria. Respondents were recruited using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge. Statistical significance was set at p Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30 ± 4.5 years. Predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge were: age 36 - 45 years (OR: 4.5;95% C.I: 1.023 - 8.967, p = 0.041), being a student (OR: 2.4: 95% C.I: 1.496 - 7.336, p = 0.003), use of oral contraceptives (OR: 3.4;95% C.I: 1.068 - 6.932, p = 0.010), use of water cistern (OR: 4.7;C.I: 1.654 - 5.210, p = 0.028) anal hygiene practices (OR: 2.7;95% C.I: 1.142 - 4.809, p Conclusion: These findings suggest that targeted sexual and reproductive health interventions should be provided to reduce the risk of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group.

Discharge and mass transfer characteristics of atmospheric pressure gas-solid two-phase gliding arc

In this work,a gas-solid two-phase gliding arc discharge(GS-GAD)reactor was built.Gliding arc was formed in the gap between the blade electrodes,and solid powder was deposited on the sieve plate positioned beneath the blade electrodes.A range of experimental parameters,including the inter-electrode spacing,gas flow rate,applied voltage,and the type of the powder,were systematically varied to elucidate the influence of solid powder matter on the dynamics of gliding arc discharge(GAD).The discharge images were captured by ICCD and digital camera to investigate the mass transfer characteristics of GS-GAD,and the electrical parameters,such as the effective values of voltage,current,and discharge power were record to reveal the discharge characteristics of GS-GAD.The results demonstrate that powder undergoes spontaneous movement towards the upper region of the gliding arc due to the influence of electric field force.Increasing the discharge voltage,decreasing relative dielectric constant of the powder and reducing the electrode-to-sieve-plate distance all contribute to a greater involvement of powder in the GAD process,subsequently resulting in an enhanced powder concentration within the GAD region.Additionally,powder located beneath the gliding arc experiences downward resistance caused by the opposing gas flow and arc.Excessive gas flow rate notably hampers the powder concentration within the discharge region,and the velocity of powder motion in the upper part of the GAD region is reduced.Under the condition of electrode-to-sieve-plate distance of 30 mm,gas flow rate of 1.5 L/min,and peak-to-peak voltage of 31 kV,the best combination of arc gliding and powder spark discharge phenomena can be achieved with the addition of Al_(2)O_(3) powder.

Experimental study on the effect of H_(2)O and O_(2) on the degradation of SF_(6) by pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

SF_(6) has excellent insulation performance and arc extinguishing ability,and is widely used in the power industry.However,its global warming potential is about 23,500 times that of C0_(2),it can exist stably in the atmosphere,it is not easily degradable and is of great potential harm to the environment.Based on pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma technology,the effects of H_(2)O and 0_(2) on the degradation of SF_(6) were studied.Studies have shown that H_(2)O can effectively promote the decomposition of SF_(6) and improve its degradation rate and energy efficiency of degradation.Under the action of a pulse input voltage and input frequency of 15 kV and 15 kHz,respectively,when H_(2)O is added alone the effect of 1% H_(2)O is the best,and the rate and energy efficiency of degradation of SF_(6) reach their maximum values,which are 91.9% and 8.25 g kWh^(-1),respectively.The synergistic effect of H_(2)O and O_(2) on the degradation of SF_(6) was similar to that of H_(2)O.When the concentration of H_(2)O and O_(2) was 1%,the system obtained the best rate and energy efficiency of degradation,namely 89.7% and 8.05 g kWh~(-1),respectively.At the same time,different external gases exhibit different capabilities to regulate decomposition products.The addition of H_(2)O can effectively improve the selectivity of S0_(2).Under the synergistic effect of H_(2)O and O_(2),with increase in O_(2) concentration the degradation products gradually transformed into SO_(2)F_(2).From the perspective of harmless treatment of the degradation products of SF_(6),the addition of O_(2) during the SF_(6) degradation process should be avoided.

Novel method for identifying the stages of discharge underwater based on impedance change characteristic

It is difficult to determine the discharge stages in a fixed time of repetitive discharge underwater due to the arc formation process being susceptible to external environmental influences. This paper proposes a novel underwater discharge stage identification method based on the Strong Tracking Filter(STF) and impedance change characteristics. The time-varying equivalent circuit model of the discharge underwater is established based on the plasma theory analysis of the impedance change characteristics and mechanism of the discharge process. The STF is used to reduce the randomness of the impedance of repeated discharges underwater, and then the universal identification resistance data is obtained. Based on the resistance variation characteristics of the discriminating resistance of the pre-breakdown, main, and oscillatory discharge stages, the threshold values for determining the discharge stage are obtained. These include the threshold values for the resistance variation rate(K) and the moment(t).Experimental and error analysis results demonstrate the efficacy of this innovative method in discharge stage determination, with a maximum mean square deviation of Scrless than 1.761.

Enhancing Critical Path Problem in Neutrosophic Environment Using Python

In the real world,one of the most common problems in project management is the unpredictability of resources and timelines.An efficient way to resolve uncertainty problems and overcome such obstacles is through an extended fuzzy approach,often known as neutrosophic logic.Our rigorous proposed model has led to the creation of an advanced technique for computing the triangular single-valued neutrosophic number.This innovative approach evaluates the inherent uncertainty in project durations of the planning phase,which enhances the potential significance of the decision-making process in the project.Our proposed method,for the first time in the neutrosophic set literature,not only solves existing problems but also introduces a new set of problems not yet explored in previous research.A comparative study using Python programming was conducted to examine the effectiveness of responsive and adaptive planning,as well as their differences from other existing models such as the classical critical path problem and the fuzzy critical path problem.The study highlights the use of neutrosophic logic in handling complex projects by illustrating an innovative dynamic programming framework that is robust and flexible,according to the derived results,and sets the stage for future discussions on its scalability and application across different industries.

Predicted Critical State Based on Invariance of the Lyapunov Exponent in Dual Spaces

Critical states in disordered systems,fascinating and subtle eigenstates,have attracted a lot of research interests.However,the nature of critical states is difficult to describe quantitatively,and in general,it cannot predict a system that hosts the critical state.We propose an explicit criterion whereby the Lyapunov exponent of the critical state should be 0 simultaneously in dual spaces,namely the Lyapunov exponent remains invariant under the Fourier transform.With this criterion,we can exactly predict a one-dimensional quasiperiodic model which is not of self-duality,but hosts a large number of critical states.Then,we perform numerical verification of the theoretical prediction and display the self-similarity of the critical state.Due to computational complexity,calculations are not performed for higher dimensional models.However,since the description of extended and localized states by the Lyapunov exponent is universal and dimensionless,utilizing the Lyapunov exponent of dual spaces to describe critical states should also be universal.Finally,we conjecture that some kind of connection exists between the invariance of the Lyapunov exponent and conformal invariance,which can promote the research of critical phenomena.

Tilting homeostatic and dyshomeostatic microglial balance in health and disease:transforming growth factor-beta1 as a critical protagonist

Adult microglia,by continuously sensing changes in their environment and communicating with nearly all brain cell types,are considered to be the immune sentinels of the brain.In the healthy central nervous system(CNS),microglia display a unique molecular homeostatic signature(i.e.,Tmem119,P2ry12,Sall1,Siglech,Gpr34,and Hexb)(Figure 1A).

Anisotropic s-Wave Gap in the Vicinity of a Quantum Critical Point in Superconducting BaFe_(2)(As_(1-x)P_(x))_(2) Single Crystals:A Study of Point-Contact Spectroscopy

We report on soft c-axis point-contact Andreev reflection(PCAR)spectroscopy combining with resistivity measurements on BaFe_(2)(As_(0.7)P_(0.3))_(2),to elucidate the superconducting gap structure in the vicinity of the quantum critical point.A double peak at the gap edge plus a dip feature at zero-bias has been observed on the PCAR spectra,indicative of the presence of a nodeless gap in BaFe_(2)(As_(0.7)P_(0.3))_(2).Detailed analysis within a sophisticated theoretical model reveals an anisotropic gap with deep gap minima.The PCARs also feature additional structures related to the electron-bosonic coupling mode.Using the extracted superconducting energy gap value,a characteristic bosonic energy Ω_(b) and its temperature dependence are obtained,comparable with the spin-resonance energy observed in neutron scattering experiment.These results indicate a magnetism-driven quantum critical point in the BaFe_(2)(As_(1-x)P_(x))_(2) system.

Engineering Quantum Criticality for Quantum Dot Power Harvesting

Coupling of quantum-dot circuits to microwave photons enables us to investigate photon-assisted quantum transport.Here,we revisit this typical circuit quantum electrodynamical setup by introducing the Kerr nonlinearity of photons.By exploiting quantum critical behavior,we propose a powerful scheme to control the power-harvesting efficiency in the microwave regime,where the driven-dissipative optical system acts as an energy pump.It drives electron transport against a load in the quantum-dot circuit.The energy transfer and,consequently,the harvesting efficiency are enhanced near the critical point.As the critical point moves towards to low input power,high efficiency within experimental parameters is achieved.Our results complement fundamental studies of photon-to-electron conversion at the nanoscale and provide practical guidance for designs of integrated photoelectric devices through quantum criticality.

Unlocking hypoglycemia–associated brain microvascular dysfunction:critical insights from proteomic analysis

Hypoglycemia-a critical complication linked to worsened brain function in diabetic subjects:Hypoglycemia is characterized by a decline in circulatory glucose levels below sta nda rd physiological thresholds.Mild hypoglycemia,classified as level 1 hypoglycemia,is defined by blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL and can be effectively addressed through carbohydrate intake.Severe hypoglycemia,denoted by blood glucose levels less than 54 mg/dL,poses a life-threatening risk if left untreated.Individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes undergoing insulin treatment are particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia due to impaired counterregulatory mechanisms.

Characterization of bright betatron radiation generated by direct laser acceleration of electrons in plasma of near critical density

Directed x-rays produced in the interaction of sub-picosecond laser pulses of moderate relativistic intensity with plasma of near-critical density are investigated. Synchrotron-like (betatron) radiation occurs in the process of direct laser acceleration (DLA) of electrons in a relativisticlaser channel when the electrons undergo transverse betatron oscillations in self-generated quasi-static electric and magnetic fields. In anexperiment at the PHELIX laser system, high-current directed beams of DLA electrons with a mean energy ten times higher than the ponderomotive potential and maximum energy up to 100 MeV were measured at 10^(19) W/cm^(2)laser intensity. The spectrum of directed x-raysin the range of 5–60 keV was evaluated using two sets of Ross filters placed at 0°and 10°to the laser pulse propagation axis. The differential x-ray absorption method allowed for absolute measurements of the angular-dependent photon fluence. We report 10^(13) photons/sr withenergies >5 keV measured at 0°to the laser axis and a brilliance of 10^(21) photons s^(−1) mm^(−2) mrad−2(0.1%BW)−1. The angular distributionof the emission has an FWHM of 14°–16°. Thanks to the ultra-high photon fluence, point-like radiation source, and ultra-short emissiontime, DLA-based keV backlighters are promising for various applications in high-energy-density research with kilojoule petawatt-class laserfacilities.

21st century critical care medicine:An overview

Critical care medicine in the 21st century has witnessed remarkable advancements that have significantly improved patient outcomes in intensive care units(ICUs).This abstract provides a concise summary of the latest developments in critical care,highlighting key areas of innovation.Recent advancements in critical care include Precision Medicine:Tailoring treatments based on individual patient characteristics,genomics,and biomarkers to enhance the effectiveness of therapies.The objective is to describe the recent advancements in Critical Care Medicine.Telemedicine:The integration of telehealth technologies for remote patient monitoring and consultation,facilitating timely interventions.Artificial intelligence(AI):AI-driven tools for early disease detection,predictive analytics,and treatment optimization,enhancing clinical decision-making.Organ Support:Advanced life support systems,such as Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy provide better organ support.Infection Control:Innovative infection control measures to combat emerging pathogens and reduce healthcare-associated infections.Ventilation Strategies:Precision ventilation modes and lung-protective strategies to minimize ventilatorinduced lung injury.Sepsis Management:Early recognition and aggressive management of sepsis with tailored interventions.Patient-Centered Care:A shift towards patient-centered care focusing on psychological and emotional wellbeing in addition to medical needs.We conducted a thorough literature search on PubMed,EMBASE,and Scopus using our tailored strategy,incorporating keywords such as critical care,telemedicine,and sepsis management.A total of 125 articles meeting our criteria were included for qualitative synthesis.To ensure reliability,we focused only on articles published in the English language within the last two decades,excluding animal studies,in vitro/molecular studies,and non-original data like editorials,letters,protocols,and conference abstracts.These advancements reflect a dynamic landscape in critical care medicine,where technology,research,and patient-centered approaches converge to improve the quality of care and save lives in ICUs.The future of critical care promises even more innovative solutions to meet the evolving challenges of modern medicine.