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.

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.

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.

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%.

Adaptive linear active disturbance-rejection control strategy reduces the impulse current of compressed air energy storage connected to the grid

The merits of compressed air energy storage(CAES)include large power generation capacity,long service life,and environmental safety.When a CAES plant is switched to the grid-connected mode and participates in grid regulation,using the traditional control mode with low accuracy can result in excess grid-connected impulse current and junction voltage.This occurs because the CAES output voltage does not match the frequency,amplitude,and phase of the power grid voltage.Therefore,an adaptive linear active disturbance-rejection control(A-LADRC)strategy was proposed.Based on the LADRC strategy,which is more accurate than the traditional proportional integral controller,the proposed controller is enhanced to allow adaptive adjustment of bandwidth parameters,resulting in improved accuracy and response speed.The problem of large impulse current when CAES is switched to the grid-connected mode is addressed,and the frequency fluctuation is reduced.Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in reducing the impact of CAES on the grid connection was verified using a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform.The influence of the k value in the adaptive-adjustment formula on the A-LADRC was analyzed through simulation.The anti-interference performance of the control was verified by increasing and decreasing the load during the presynchronization process.

Contribution of the MERISE-Type Conceptual Data Model to the Construction of Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators of the Effectiveness of Training in Relation to the Needs of the Labor Market in the Republic of Congo

This study proposes the use of the MERISE conceptual data model to create indicators for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of vocational training in the Republic of Congo. The importance of MERISE for structuring and analyzing data is underlined, as it enables the measurement of the adequacy between training and the needs of the labor market. The innovation of the study lies in the adaptation of the MERISE model to the local context, the development of innovative indicators, and the integration of a participatory approach including all relevant stakeholders. Contextual adaptation and local innovation: The study suggests adapting MERISE to the specific context of the Republic of Congo, considering the local particularities of the labor market. Development of innovative indicators and new measurement tools: It proposes creating indicators to assess skills matching and employer satisfaction, which are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of vocational training. Participatory approach and inclusion of stakeholders: The study emphasizes actively involving training centers, employers, and recruitment agencies in the evaluation process. This participatory approach ensures that the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered, leading to more relevant and practical outcomes. Using the MERISE model allows for: • Rigorous data structuring, organization, and standardization: Clearly defining entities and relationships facilitates data organization and standardization, crucial for effective data analysis. • Facilitation of monitoring, analysis, and relevant indicators: Developing both quantitative and qualitative indicators helps measure the effectiveness of training in relation to the labor market, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation. • Improved communication and common language: By providing a common language for different stakeholders, MERISE enhances communication and collaboration, ensuring that all parties have a shared understanding. The study’s approach and contribution to existing research lie in: • Structured theoretical and practical framework and holistic approach: The study offers a structured framework for data collection and analysis, covering both quantitative and qualitative aspects, thus providing a comprehensive view of the training system. • Reproducible methodology and international comparison: The proposed methodology can be replicated in other contexts, facilitating international comparison and the adoption of best practices. • Extension of knowledge and new perspective: By integrating a participatory approach and developing indicators adapted to local needs, the study extends existing research and offers new perspectives on vocational training evaluation.

Study of the Optimization and Adjustment ofthe IndustrialStructure Subjected to Water Resource in the Drainage Area of the Yellow River

Since the 1990s, the Yellow River stream has been temporarily interrupted for several years, which affects the development of society, the economy and human life, limits the economic potential of the drainage areas, and especially causes great harm to regions on the lower reaches. Based on the analysis of the relationship between the development of society and economy and water scarcity, the author thinks it is necessary to optimize and adjust the industrial structure that has extravagantly consumed enormous amounts of water, and to develop ecological agriculture, industry and tourism which are balanced with the ecological environment. Finally, the author puts forward several pieces of advice and countermeasures about how to build the economic systems by which water can be used economically.

A SIMULTANEOUS APPROACH TO WATER - RESOURCE PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT—A Case Study of Guanzhong Region in the Huanghe River Basin, China

A regional multiple objective water resource and economic optimization model was developed using a quantitative method of systematic analysis. Input to the model includes indexes of economic structure and development, water resource utilization, wastewater and pollutant discharge, and investment in wastewater treatment. The model, which consists of production structure and industrial structure optimization modules, was applied to the Guanzhong region in the middle reaches of the Huanghe (Yellow) River basin in China. By evaluating several alternative production and industrialization schemes, the modal indicate that water pollution will get worsen though wastewater treatment improves if the economy continues to develop at the planned speed without structural adjustment. However, the results also show that not only economic goals but also water resource protection and pollution control targets can be achieved under an alternative, recommended production and industrial structure. This example illustrates that economic development and environmental protection can be improved coordinately by the regional multiple objective water resource and economic optimization model. It provides an operable approach to the simultaneous sustained development of water resources and economic growth.

Seasonal cycle of topography in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea and its relationships with atmospheric forcing and oceanic adjustment based on altimetry data

Seasonal cycle is the most significant signals of topography and circulation in the Bohai Sea (BS)and Yellow Sea (YS) forced by prevailing monsoon and is still poorly understood due to lack of data in their interiors. In the present study, seasonal cycles of topography in the BS and YS and its relationship with atmospheric forcing and oceanic adjustment were examined and discussed using TOPEX/Poseidon and ERS-1/2 Sea Level Anomalies (SLA) data. Analyses revealed complicated seasonal cycles of topography composed mainly of2 REOF modes, the winter-summer mode (WIM) and spring-autumn mode (SAM). The WIM with action center in the BS displayed peak and southward pressure gradient in July, and valley and northward pressure gradient in January, which is obviously the direct response to monsoon with about 1-month response time. The SAM with action center in the western south YS displayed peak and northward pressure gradient in October and valley and southward pressure gradient in April. After the mature period of monsoon, the action center in the BS became weakened while that in the western south YS became strengthened because of regional convergence or divergence induced by seasonal variations of the Taiwan Warm Current and Yellow Sea Coastal Current. The direct response of topography to monsoon resulted in the WIM, while oceanic adjustment of topography played an important role in the forming of the SAM.

Composite penalty method of a low order anisotropic nonconforming finite element for the Stokes problem

Composite penalty method of a low order anisotropic nonconforming quadrilateral finite element for the Stokes problem is presented. This method with a large penalty parameter can achieve the same accuracy as the stand method with a small penalty parameter and the convergence rate of this method is two times as that of the standard method under the condition of the same order penalty parameter. The superconvergence for velocity is established as well. The results of this paper are also valid to the most of the known nonconforming finite element methods.

Effects of chemical ecological adjustment and control experiment on phytoplankton community in the Aoshan Bay

There is a low nutrient level in the Aoshan Bay. In June 1999, the chemical adjustmentand control experiment was made in the Aoshan Bay. Following tracts investigation was carried out before the experiment and on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 45th day/after the experiment. While the variance of amount of phytoplankton, the replacement of superior species and the species composition of phytoplankton were researched. The results show that the amount of phytoplankton in the Aoshan Bay rises gradually after the experiment. Ceratium macroceros Cleve of pyrophyta was the dominant species before the experiment, its dominant index was 37.7%. Six days after the experiment, its dominant index dropped to 17.6% . Meanwhile the dominant index of Asterionella japonics Cleve rose from 7.1% to 39.2% , it became the first dominant species. Forty-five days after the experiment, the amount of phytoplankton in the Aoshan Bay was 5.15 to 137.32 times more than that in 1997.

Adjustment and Optimization of Public Art to the Folk Psychology

Public art has practical significance by showing a variety of forms to explore the various design factors on the psychological reactions of different people. Public art should fit the characteristics of human physiology and psychology. The mental aberration phenomenon induced by unhealthy circumstance could be adjusted and compensated by certain style of public art, and from which the optimization of psychological ecology is resulted. A variety of psychological ecology environment, such as gestalt, artistic exaggeration, implicit, pleasure, interesting, relax, mystery, intricacy, metaphor, and so on, could be constructed by different methods in public art. The excellent public art design optimizes the person's mental spiritual ecology, reduces the burden on people's lives and enhances the quality of life by using the meaningful forms and combinations to achieve the living environment and people's coordination.

A Two-Grid Technique for the Penalty Method of the Steady Navier-Stokes Equations

A two grid technique for solving the steady incompressible Navier Stokes equations in a penalty method was presented and the convergence of numerical solutions was analyzed. If a coarse size H and a fine size h satisfy H=O(h 13-s )(s=0(n=2);s=12(n=3), where n is a space dimension), this method has the same convergence accuracy as the usual finite element method. But the two grid method can save a lot of computation time for its brief calculation. Moreover, a numerical test was couducted in order to verify the correctness of above theoretical analysis.

Introspections and Suggestions on the Amount Fixing of Administrative Penalty for Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution has seriously damaged the health of mankind and the development of future generations. Because pollution damages are irreversible, taking effective measures to prevent contamination accidents is the primary task for administrative penalty on environmental pollution. However, the specific amount of such penalty is a little bit on the low side, and the standard for fixing the penalty is not rational somewhat. As a result, the original functions and purpose of administrative penalty on environmental pollution cannot be fully achieved. By comparing and using for reference related systems at home and abroad, this paper advances the drawbacks and suggestions for the amount fixing of China’s administrative penalty on environmental pollution in the hope of supplying theoretical basis for the improvement of China’s administrative penalty mechanism on environmental pollution.

Effect of Aging on Anticipatory Postural Adjustment and Reaction Times in the Pre-Crossing Phase of Obstacle Negotiation

Background: Obstacle crossing is the common reason of falling in older adults. Anticipatory postural adjustments phase (APAP) and reaction time phase (RTP) are two important factors in falling prediction. According to previous studies, these parameters increase in older adults at high risk falling. This study explored the effect of aging on APAP and RTP in obstacle negotiation. Method: Nineteen older adults (mean age: 66.73 ± 3.38 years) and twelve young adults (mean age: 26.5 ± 4.37 years), participated in this study. Participants take part in gait initiation task from a starting position on a force platform under two conditions, unobstructed and obstructed (obstacle placed at 1 m from the initial position). RTP and APAP were measured and Timed “Up” & “Go” test (TUG) as a functional test, recorded for all participants. Results: There was no significant difference between healthy young and older adults in RTP and APAP in the unobstructed and obstructed conditions. TUG test was the most sensitive indicator of falling between two groups. Conclusion: Information processing capacity for motor planning and proper strategy selection in pre crossing phase of obstacle negotiation did not have significant difference in healthy old and young groups. Maybe in respect to select healthy older adults without any neurological disorders and cognitive impairments, low attention demand of well learned walking and obstacle negotiation tasks, lead to perform both postural task more automatically and without any significant difference detection.

Seasonal Adjustment of China’s Monthly Data to Take into Account the Effect of Mobile Holidays

Based on the X-13-ARIMA-SEATS model, aiming at the problem of mobile holidays in China’s economic data, this paper introduces a new method of seasonal adjustment based on the AICC criterion to objectively select the parameters of dummy variables of mobile holidays. Taking the current total value of China’s import and export as an example, we expound a new method for seasonal adjustment of mobile holidays such as Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. Finally, the model is used to predict the total value of China’s import and export in and out of the sample. The prediction results show that the relative error of the out of sample data is less than 5%. The new method has advantages in the processing of macroeconomic data.

Proposing Adjustments to the Dry Season Inter-Reservoir Operation Rules of the Red River System to Improve Water Use Efficiency of the Reservoirs

The Red-Thai Binh River system is an important water resource to the Northern Delta, serving the development of agriculture, people’s livelihood and other economic sectors through its upstream reservoirs and a system of water abstraction works along the rivers. However, due to the impact of climate change and pressure from socio-economic development, the operation of the reservoir system according to Decision No. 740/QD-TTg was issued on June 17, 2019 by the Prime Minister of Government promulgating the Red-Thai Binh River system inter-reservoir operation rules (Operation rules 740) has some shortcomings that need adjustments for higher water use efficiency, meeting downstream water demand and power generation benefits. Through the results of water balance calculation and analysis of economic benefits from water use scenarios, this research proposed adjustment to the inter-reservoir operation during dry season in the Red River system. The result showed that an average water level of 1.0 - 1.7 m should be maintained at Hanoi during the increased release period.

Analysis on the Significance of Ancient Chinese Corporal Punishment Reform to the Progress of the Penalty System

Since the ＂five -punishment＂ system was established from the period of the slavery society of the Western Zhou Dynasty, corporal punishment has been always in existence as a tool used by the rulers to punish people in ancient China. Although corporal punishment was abolished in the punishment sentencing reform of Emperor Wen of Han, it was further developed and improved in the penalty system of the Sui and Tang dynasties. However, it was restored in the Song, Liao, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, etc. From the studies of the corporal punishment change, the reform law of the penal system in ancient China can be found, and also the significance of ancient Chinese corporal punishment reform to the progress of criminal penalty can be sought. Meanwhile, it is of vital significance to knowing well the development of China＇s legal history and improving the current penal system.

Identity Transformation of China through the Anti-Monopoly Law Penalty on Japanese Automotive Parts and Bearings Enterprises

The identity transformation of China is analyzed through the legal punishment given by China＇s National Development and Reform Commission on Japanese automotive parts and bearings enterprises that broke China＇s Monopoly Law by price- fixing in the automotive parts market of China for more than ten years. The standards for illegal conduction this penalty based are the international Cartel rules, the specific legal procedure is beyond the main concern of this study so the obscurity of how this penalty decided is kept aside for the sake of respecting the painstaking labor fruits of relevant executive departments as well as for dispensing political sensitivity related to any academic analysis developed. Three Japanese newspaper reports concerning this penalty fine are selected for critical discourse analysis. Emotional ambience of them is derogative, neutral, and approving respectively. Foucault＇s triad relationship of discourse-power-identity is borrowed and the postmodernists＇ view of the ＂other＂ is corroborated with the self-presentation of China. Positive self-presentation is underscored by the contrast of negative other-presentation and vice versa, the negative commendation on this punishment event revealed in certain news coverage is to lessen the negative image of Japanese enterprises because of their shared Japanese identity. However their fundamental tone maybe, the fact that China evolves to be able to handle the illegal international events in its confines with dignity is tacitly recognized as a warning in three newspapers. The new identity of China is thus highlighted as the role of the other by the Japanese media. The reason why Japanese accept it instead of staging substantial resistance is analyzed from the Japanese cultural considerations of the hierarchical sequence or the ＂weizhiyishi＂ （positional consciousness or postural consciousness）, and the practical reasons of why Hitachi and Nachi commit self-confession is analyzed. All these responses from Japanese side are the manifestation of China＇s being in charge of the situation, it has the ball at its feet in this power gaming.

Study on the Spatial Characteristics and Adjustments of the Tourist Demands in China

With the development of the social economy, Chinese tourism will surely change from medium scale to massive scale. As people are more and more focusing on the inner values of life style, new types of tourist demands will emerge at anytime, and the spatial structure of tourist demands will show new characteristics as well Until now there is few study on tourist demand, especially on its spatial pattern. Study on spatial characteristics of tourist demand will contribute to spatial optimization and adjustments of tourist flow and supply. So this article has put forward the spatial pattern of tourist demand in China and measures of spatial adjustments and grade system of the spatial adjustment of tourists demand.