Prospective randomized study to evaluate and compare the post-procedural sexual function in patients undergoing semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones in three different operating room settings

Objective:To evaluate and compare the effect of semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy on post-procedural sexual function with three different operating room settings.Methods:In this prospective randomized study,consecutive sexually active patients with normal pre-operative sexual function undergoing uncomplicated semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones were randomized into three groups,with three different operating room settings.Procedure-related anxiety and sexual function were assessed pre-operatively using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale and Brief Sexual Function Inventory(in males)and Female Sexual Function Index-6(in females),respectively.All the participants were stented following the procedure,and the stent was removed after 3 weeks.Post-procedural sexual function and general discomfort were assessed and compared between three groups at 1 week,3 weeks,and 12 weeks.The effect of surgery-related anxiety,preoperative sexual function,age,and general discomfort(including stent-related discomfort)on post-procedural sexual function were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Totally,327 eligible patients were randomized into three groups.The group of patients who underwent the procedural with a screen separating the operating area from the patient vision,while the patient could watch the endoscopy through a separate monitor,had better post-procedural sexual function compared to those who had total vision of the operating area as well as to those whose eyes were blocked.This difference was statistically significant.This post-procedural reduction in sexual function could not be attributed to in situ stent alone.Conclusions:Our study showed that semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy can have significant negative effect on sexual function,which can be reduced with proper preoperative counseling and an ideal operating room settings.

The Njiki’s Fundamental Theorem-Definition on Fractions in the Mathematical Set ℚ and by Extension in ℝ and ℂ, for the Purpose of Leading to the Construction of Some Algebraic Structures as Its Theoretical Applications and for the Practical Ones

The purpose of the research in the NJIKI’s fundamental THEOREM-DEFINITION on fractions in the mathematical set ℚand by extension in ℝand ℂand in order to construct some algebraic structures is about the proved EXISTENCE and the DEFINITION by NJIKI of two INNOVATIVE, IMPORTANT and TEACHABLE operations of addition or additive operations, in ℚ, marked ⊕and +α,β, and taken as VECTORIAL, TRIANGULAR, of THREE or PROPORTIONAL operations and in order to make THEM not be different from the RATIONAL ONE, +, but to bring much more and new information on fractions, and, by extension in ℝand ℂ. And the very NJIKI’s fundamental THEOREM-DEFINITION having many APPLICATIONS in the everyday life of the HUMAN BEINGS and without talking about computer sciences, henceforth being supplied with very interesting new ALGORITHMS. And as for the work done in the research, it will be waiting for its extension to be done after publication and along with the research results concerned.

Vandewiele Sweden pioneers new e-commerce platform

Vandewiele Sweden is spearheading a transformation in B2B operations for the industry,with a first-of-itskind new e-commerce platform developed in Sweden.The company,a member of TMAS,the Swedish Textile Machinery Association,has taken on the task of developing the digital solution that will successfully meet the future demands for Vandewiele Group customers worldwide.

The Clinical Application of Computerized Three-Dimensional Mimic Operation for Maxillofacial Bone Tumor

Facial bone, as the frame to support maxillofacial region and with several sinuses and cavities, is structurally complicated and the maxillofacial tumors,benign or malignant, in this region usually grows into the deep tissues, sinus-cav-ities and orbit and destroys the bone. In this study, the maxillofacial tumors were subjected to a mimic operation on a computer following CT scanning and 3-dimen-sional reconstruction. The data similar to those of real operation were obtained,which could be used for developing operative plans. As compared with data on the basis of conditions in the real operation, computerized mimic operation reflected the real conditions during operation. Computerized mimic operation is valuable for the preoperative planning and the prediction of probable intraoperative events.

Oxidative Stress before and after Operation in Patients with Chronic Cholecystitis Containing Gallstone

To study the relationship of oxidative, antioxidative constituents and antioxidases in blood with chronic cholecystitis containing gallstone, levels of lipoperoxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), vitamin C(VC), vitamin E (VE) and β carotene (β CAR) in plasma as well as level of LPO, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) in erythrocytes were investigated by spectrophotometric assay in 107 patients with this condition (PCg) and 100 healthy volunteers (HVs). Compared with HVs group, the average value of LPO and NO in plasma and that of LPO in erythrocytes of PCg group were significantly increased ( P <0.0001), while that of VC, VE and β CAR in plasma and the average activities of SOD, CAT and GSH Px in erythrocytes were significantly decreased ( P <0.0001). Linear regression and correlation analysis for 107 preoperative PCg showed that the value of LPO and NO in plasma and that of LPO in erythrocytes of PCg gradually increased ( P <0.0001), representing a significant linear positive correlation. The value of VC, VE and β CAR in plasma and that of SOD, CAT and GSH Px in erythrocytes of PCg gradually decreased ( P <0.0001), representing a significant linear negative correlation. Stepwise regression and correlation analysis for 107 preoperative PCg suggested that the closest correlation was observed between the course of disease and the value of NO and VC in plasma and that of SOD, GSH Px and LPO in erythrocytes, r =0.7306, F =32.1408, P <0.0001. Compared with the preoperative PCg group, the average value of LPO and NO in plasma and that of LPO in erythrocytes of the postoperative PCg group were significantly decreased ( P <0.0001). Furthermore, the average value of VC in plasma and that of SOD, CAT and GSH Px in erythrocytes of the postoperative PCg group were significantly increased ( P <0.0001), whereas no significant difference was found between their average value of VE and β CAR in plasma. These findings suggested that oxidative stress was an aggravating pathological condition in PCg group. Therefore, we recommend that in treating PCg, antioxidants such as VC, VE, β CAR should be given in order to alleviate their potential oxidative damages.

OPERATIONAL ENSEMBLE FORECASTING AND ANALYSIS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC(INCLUDING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA)

Based on the tropical cyclone data from the Central Meteorological Observatory of China, Japan Meteorological Agency, Joint Typhoon Warning Center and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts （ECMWF） during the period of 2004 to 2009, three consensus methods are used in tropical cyclone （TC） track forecasts. Operational consensus results show that the objective forecasts of ECMWF help to improve consensus skill by 2%, 3%-5% and 3%-5%, decrease track bias by 2.5 kin, 6-9 km and 10-12 km for the 24 h, 48 h and 72 h forecasts respectively over the years of 2007 to 2009. Analysis also indicates that consensus forecasts hold positive skills relative to each member. The multivariate regression composite is a method that shows relatively low skill, while the methods of arithmetic averaging and composite （in which the weighting coefficient is the reciprocal square of mean error of members） have almost comparable skills among members. Consensus forecast for a lead time of 96 h has negative skill relative to the ECMWF objective forecast.

Maintenance Strategies and Spare Parts Inventory Management for Use of Reconditioned Items

The maintenance management of construction equipment occupies a prominent place in the overall strategy for managing the equipment fleet. It is also linked to the management of the stock of spare parts and particularly reconditioned spare parts. Because of the relatively low purchase cost of these, most companies are tempted by this option. The purpose of this article is precisely to study the impact of this category of parts in the stock and also in the optimization of maintenance costs, knowing that to do this;their use must obey certain constraints. It is therefore important to be able to characterize these reconditioned parts by estimating their optimal age, and studying their advantages and also their limits. The determination of the optimal age of reconditioned parts will be such that the total cost of replacement with used parts is at most equal to the total cost of replacement with new parts at the end of the operating period.

A Novel Operation Policy for Dilute Component Separation-Quasi-batch Distillation

A new operation policy--quasi-batch distillation for recovering infinitesimal amounts species existing in a mixture is presented. In quasi-batch distillation operation, feed is introduced with a constant flow rate onto the feed stage of the column, and the flow rate of the distillate is the same as that of the feed, whereas the bottom product is withdrawn periodically. The behavior of quasi-batch distillation is simulated and analyzed through an example on heavy water separation. Comparing with continuous or batch distillation, the new operation policy is more reliable and efficient to achieve higher recovery of dilute component. This is especially suitable for separating small amount of precious species from large amount of raw material.

Iterative Solution for Systems of Binary Non-mixed Monotone Operator Equations

With using the cone and partial ordering t heory and mixed monotone operator theory, the existence and uniqueness for solut ion of systems of non-monotone binary nonliear operator equations are discussed. And the iterative sequences which converge to solution of systems of operator e quations and the error estimates are also given. Some corresponding results for the mixed monotone operations and the unary operator equations are improved and generalized.

Effect of the adaptive intermittent ventilation before radical operation for lung cancer under one-lung ventilation on the non-ventilated lung tissue injury and apoptosis molecule protein expression

Objective: To study the effect of the adaptive intermittent ventilation before radical operation for lung cancer under one-lung ventilation on non-ventilated lung tissue injury and apoptosis molecule protein expression. Methods: A total of 288 patients who received radical operation for lung cancer in the hospital between February 2015 and January 2017 were divided into control group and observation group by random number table method, each with 144 cases. Control group received routine one-lung ventilation, and observation group received preoperative adaptive intermittent ventilation of non-ventilated lung tissue. The differences in the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indexes in serum as well as the apoptosis molecule protein expression in affected-side normal lung tissue were compared between the two groups of patients immediately after intubation and at two-lung ventilation (T0) as well as 10 min before operation ended and at one-lung ventilation (T1). Results: At T0, the differences in the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indexes in serum as well as the apoptosis molecule protein expression in affected-side normal lung tissue were not significantly significant between the two groups of patients;at T1, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, MPO and MDA levels in serum as well as Bax, caspase-2 and caspase-3 protein expression in normal lung tissue of observation group were lower than those of control group while SOD level in serum and Bcl-2 protein expression in normal lung tissue were higher than those of control group. Conclusion: Adaptive intermittent ventilation before radical operation for lung cancer under one-lung ventilation can effectively reduce the non-ventilated lung tissue injury and inhibit the apoptosis of normal lung cells.

“Zero‑Strain” NiNb_(2)O_(6) Fibers for All‑Climate Lithium Storage

Niobates are promising all-climate Li^(+)-storage anode material due to their fast charge transport,large specific capacities,and resistance to electrolyte reaction.However,their moderate unit-cellvolume expansion(generally 5%–10%)during Li^(+)storage causes unsatisfactory long-term cyclability.Here,“zero-strain”NiNb_(2)O_(6) fibers are explored as a new anode material with comprehensively good electrochemical properties.During Li^(+)storage,the expansion of electrochemical inactive NiO_(6) octahedra almost fully offsets the shrinkage of active NbO_(6) octahedra through reversible O movement.Such superior volume-accommodation capability of the NiO_(6) layers guarantees the“zero-strain”behavior of NiNb_(2)O_(6) in a broad temperature range(0.53%//0.51%//0.74%at 25//−10//60℃),leading to the excellent cyclability of the NiNb_(2)O_(6) fibers(92.8%//99.2%//91.1%capacity retention after 1000//2000//1000 cycles at 10C and 25//−10//60℃).This NiNb_(2)O_(6) material further exhibits a large reversible capacity(300//184//318 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 25//−10//60℃)and outstanding rate performance(10 to 0.5C capacity percentage of 64.3%//50.0%//65.4%at 25//−10//60℃).Therefore,the NiNb_(2)O_(6) fibers are especially suitable for large-capacity,fast-charging,long-life,and all-climate lithium-ion batteries.

Numerical analysis for the free-boundary current reversal equilibrium in the AC plasma current operation in a tokamak

In recent decades, tokamak discharges with zero total toroidal current have been reported in tokamak experiments, and this is one of the key problems in alternating current(AC) operations.An efficient free-boundary equilibrium code is developed to investigate such advanced tokamak discharges with current reversal equilibrium configuration. The calculation results show that the reversal current equilibrium can maintain finite pressure and also has considerable effects on the position of the X-point and the magnetic separatrix shape, and hence also on the position of the strike point on the divertor plates, which is extremely useful for magnetic design, MHD stability analysis, and experimental data analysis etc. for the AC plasma current operation on tokamaks.

JR East aims for driverless Shinkansen operation

East Japan Railway Company(JR East)is aiming to“realize driverless train operation”as one of the key measures to respond to rapid changes in the business environment.Currently,Automatic Train Operation(ATO)equipment is not installed on the Shinkansen,but there are plans to introduce ATO or driverless operation in the near future.From 2018-2021,the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,Transport and Tourism(MLIT)held the“ATO Technology Study Group for Railways”in which the concept of technical requirements necessary for driverless operation was discussed.In 2021,JR East conducted the GOA4 demonstration test on the Joetsu Shinkansen.In this test,we were able to confirm the basic functions of Shinkansen vehicles such as automatic departure control,speed control,fixed position stop control,and remote stop control using ATO.We aim to realize unattended operation(GOA4)for deadhead trains between Niigata Station and the Niigata Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center by the end of the 2020 s,and driverless operation(GOA3)for passenger trains of the Joetsu Shinkansen by the mid-2030s and continue to develop the necessary technologies and build systems.

Review of Fault-tolerant Control for Motor Inverter Failure with Operational Quality Considered

In recent years,motor drive systems have garnered increasing attention due to their high efficiency and superior control performance.This is especially apparent in aerospace,marine propulsion,and electric vehicles,where high performance,efficiency,and reliability are crucial.The ability of the drive system to maintain long-term fault-tolerant control(FTC)operation after a failure is essential.The likelihood of inverter failures surpasses that of other components in the drive system,highlighting its critical importance.Long-term FTC operation ensures the system retains its fundamental functions until safe repairs or replacements can be made.The focus of developing a FTC strategy has shifted from basic FTC operations to enhancing the post-fault quality to accommodate the realities of prolonged operation post-failure.This paper primarily investigates FTC strategies for inverter failures in various motor drive systems over the past decade.These strategies are categorized into three types based on post-fault operational quality:rescue,remedy,and reestablishment.The paper discusses each typical control strategy and its research focus,the strengths and weaknesses of various algorithms,and recent advancements in FTC.Finally,this review summarizes effective FTC techniques for inverter failures in motor drive systems and suggests directions for future research.

A Planning Method for Operational Test of UAV Swarm Based on Mission Reliability

The unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)swarm plays an increasingly important role in the modern battlefield,and the UAV swarm operational test is a vital means to validate the combat effectiveness of the UAV swarm.Due to the high cost and long duration of operational tests,it is essential to plan the test in advance.To solve the problem of planning UAV swarm operational test,this study considers the multi-stage feature of a UAV swarm mission,composed of launch,flight and combat stages,and proposes a method to find test plans that can maximize mission reliability.Therefore,a multi-stage mission reliability model for a UAV swarm is proposed to ensure successful implementation of the mission.A multi-objective integer optimization method that considers both mission reliability and cost is then formulated to obtain the optimal test plans.This study first constructs a mission reliability model for the UAV swarm in the combat stage.Then,the launch stage and flight stage are integrated to develop a complete PMS(Phased Mission Systems)reliability model.Finally,the Binary Decision Diagrams(BDD)and Multi Objective Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization(MOQPSO)methods are proposed to solve the model.The optimal plans considering both reliability and cost are obtained.The proposed model supports the planning of UAV swarm operational tests and represents a meaningful exploration of UAV swarm test planning.

Optimizing near-carbon-free nuclear energy systems:advances in reactor operation digital twin through hybrid machine learning algorithms for parameter identification and state estimation

Accurate and efficient online parameter identification and state estimation are crucial for leveraging digital twin simulations to optimize the operation of near-carbon-free nuclear energy systems.In previous studies,we developed a reactor operation digital twin(RODT).However,non-differentiabilities and discontinuities arise when employing machine learning-based surrogate forward models,challenging traditional gradient-based inverse methods and their variants.This study investigated deterministic and metaheuristic algorithms and developed hybrid algorithms to address these issues.An efficient modular RODT software framework that incorporates these methods into its post-evaluation module is presented for comprehensive comparison.The methods were rigorously assessed based on convergence profiles,stability with respect to noise,and computational performance.The numerical results show that the hybrid KNNLHS algorithm excels in real-time online applications,balancing accuracy and efficiency with a prediction error rate of only 1%and processing times of less than 0.1 s.Contrastingly,algorithms such as FSA,DE,and ADE,although slightly slower(approximately 1 s),demonstrated higher accuracy with a 0.3%relative L_2 error,which advances RODT methodologies to harness machine learning and system modeling for improved reactor monitoring,systematic diagnosis of off-normal events,and lifetime management strategies.The developed modular software and novel optimization methods presented offer pathways to realize the full potential of RODT for transforming energy engineering practices.

Energy Storage Operation Modes in Typical Electricity Market and Their Implications for China

As the Chinese government proposes ambitious plans to promote low-carbon transition,energy storage will play a pivotal role in China’s future power system.However,due to the lack of a mature electricity market environment and corresponding mechanisms,current energy storage in China faces problems such as unclear operational models,insufficient cost recovery mechanisms,and a single investment entity,making it difficult to support the rapid development of the energy storage industry.In contrast,European and American countries have already embarked on certain practices in energy storage operation models.Through exploration of key issues such as investment entities,market participation forms,and cost recovery channels in both front and back markets,a wealth of mature experiences has been accumulated.Therefore,this paper first summarizes the existing practices of energy storage operation models in North America,Europe,and Australia’s electricity markets separately from front and back markets,finding that perfect market mechanisms and reasonable subsidy policies are among the main drivers for promoting the rapid development of energy storage markets.Subsequently,combined with the actual development of China’s electricity market,it explores three key issues affecting the construction of costsharing mechanisms for energy storage under market conditions:Market participation forms,investment and operation modes,and cost recovery mechanisms.Finally,in line with the development expectations of China’s future electricitymarket,suggestions are proposed fromfour aspects:Market environment construction,electricity price formation mechanism,cost sharing path,and policy subsidy mechanism,to promote the healthy and rapid development of China’s energy storage industry.

Key Issues for Modelling, Operation, Management and Diagnosis of Lithium Batteries: Current States and Prospects

1 Introduction.With the continuous growth of the global population,the energy demand continues to increase.However,due to the dominance of fossil fuels in global energy and fossil fuels are non-renewable,it has led to the global energy crisis[1].Besides,the use of fossil fuels will generate a mass of air pollutants(e.g.,carbon dioxide,sulfur dioxide,etc.),which will cause serious environmental pollution,climate change[2],etc.To resolve the aforementioned issues,countries around the world have implemented a variety of measures hoping to fundamentally adjust the global energy structure and achieve sustainable development.Thereinto,“Paris Agreement”reached in 2015 under the framework of“United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”aims to control the increase in the average temperature of the globe to within 2°C below preindustrial levels,and thereafter to peak global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible,continuously decreasing thereafter[3].United Kingdom plans to reduce the average exhaust emissions of“new cars”to approximately 50–70 g/km by 20230,which is roughly half of what it is now[4].In addition,China proposed a plan at“United Nations General Assembly”in 2020 to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.It is a fact that the whole world is committed to changing the current energy structure,protecting the Earth’s ecology,and achieving global sustainable development[5].

Committed to Safe Production China-Indonesia joint venture HBAP strives to ensure safe, stable operations while fulfilling social responsibility

Recently,PT Huadian Bukit Asam Power (HBAP) was awarded the"Zero Accident Award"by the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia.This national-level award for safe production in Indonesia serves to testify to the enterprise's achievements in safe and stable operations from June 1,2018,to December 31,2023.