Malawi Opens Tourism Doors No visa’s needed for Chinese tourists and others,as Malawi makes visits more convenient

When Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera delivered a State of the Nation Address at the 50th Parliamentary Session and Budget Meeting in February,tourism was top of mind.

基于CAPE-OPEN标准的简捷炼油过程建模及常减压蒸馏流程在线模拟

简捷炼油过程模型广泛应用于运行监测、在线计算、实时优化等领域,但大多数模型只是将输入、输出变量进行关联,无法计算出各组分流量组成,难以集成在模拟软件中进行全流程模拟。本研究简化了炼油分离过程,开发了基于CAPE-OPEN标准的简捷炼油塔模型。首先,将炼油过程简化为连续的分离单元,根据实际产品数据校正模型参数,实现某一实际工况流程模拟;其次,将模型参数与实际工况操作变量数据相结合,采用径向基函数插值确定操作变量对模型参数的影响关系,实现多种工况流程模拟;最后,通过常减压蒸馏工业装置实例的3种工况进行验证。结果表明:各工况模拟结果与Aspen计算结果相比,初馏塔塔顶油馏出温度点偏差大多在2%以内,常减压蒸馏塔各侧线油的馏出温度点平均偏差在3%以内;与实际结果相比,平均误差都在5%以内,符合工程允许误差范围要求。所建模型的计算速度快,各塔均在0.2 s左右完成计算,适用于在线生产、调度等。

我国高质量教育资源供给机制创新与路径研究——来自美国“#GoOpen”计划的启示

数字化是当下教育改革的重点,也是未来教育发展的趋势。无论是作为“十四五”规划中的战略举措,还是党的二十大中提出的必然要求,构建数字化教育资源为主体的高质量教育资源体系在当下具有必要性与迫切性。美国#GoOpen计划自实施以来,在教育资源数字化、个性化、均等化三个方面均取得了一定成果。通过对该计划官方文件与政策进行解读,对其内涵与特点进行分析,我国在进行高质量教育资源建设及其供给路径探究过程中应当重视统筹规划,循序渐进,同时完善多重考核与评估机制,结合社会多方力量,保证每个学习者的享有权利,最终走向教育公平,共同发展。

基于YOLO-OpenMax的水声通信信号开集识别方法

水声通信信号调制方式随着技术进步从典型的传统调制方式发展为水声通信机厂商私有开发的新型调制方式,这使得现有的水声通信信号闭集调制识别技术实用性受到制约,但现阶段鲜有研究基于深度学习的水声通信信号调制方式的开集识别方法。针对此现状,提出一种基于YOLO图像检测识别网络和OpenMax模型的开集识别方法。利用YOLOv5网络的输出特点,将传统OpenMax模型的处理方法进行改进,提出一种两步测试方法,实现了在多径信道下的水声通信信号的开集识别。仿真实验表明:在归一化系数为0.5,信噪比等于10 dB条件下的归一化开集识别准确率达到90%以上,实测数据同样验证了本文方法的有效性。

Artificial Self-Recovery Opens up a New Journey of Autonomous Health of Mechanical Equipments

1.Introduction With the implementation of modern production strategies,such as“Industry 4.0”and“Made in China 2025,”the development of high-end mechanical equipment is gradually reaching a high degree of parameterization,digitalization,networking,and intelligence[1].High-end mechanical equipment no longer consists of traditional single devices,but is closely linked to the overall production process;that is,a variety of devices interact with each other and collectively form a complex system.However,faults can lead to production delays throughout the system and even seriously threaten the safety of workers[2].In addition,equipment operating in unmanned air or space vehicles(including space robots)cannot be repaired by humans if they break down[3].Until recently,the typical method of addressing machine faults was primarily the“fault cure”method,which involves manually shutting down,inspecting,and repairing the equipment to restore normal operation.Accordingly,the maintenance cycle of the traditional“fault cure”method is time-consuming,and the quality of the maintenance depends on the skills of the technician[4].

Dust-Holding Capacity and Bio-Chemical Changes of Plant Species Growing in an Around Opencast Mining Area of Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study has been carried out on a total of 50 available plant species to assess their dust-capturing capacity and biochemical performances in and around open cast granite mine areas of Jhansi district and Bundelkhand University campus treated as control site. Plant species existing under a polluted environment for a long time may be considered as potentially resistant species and recommended for green belt design in mining areas, especially to cope with dust pollution. Results showed the pollution level, especially of mining-originated dust particles holding capacity of leaves and effects of different biochemical parameters (Total Chlorophyll, Protein and Carotenoid) of existing plant species both from mining areas as well as from Bundelkhand University campus. Based on their performances, Tectona grandis L., Ficus hispida L., Calotropis procera Aiton., Butea monosperma Lam. and Ficus benghalensis L., etc. are highly tolerant species while Ficus infectoria L., Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., Ipomoea purpurea L., Allianthus excelsa Roxb. and Bauhinia variegata L. are intermediate tolerant species. T. grandis had shown the highest dust-holding capacity (2.566 ± 0.0004 mg/cm2) whereas Albizia procera (0.018 ± 0.0002 mg/cm2) was found to be the lowest dust-holding capacity. Our findings also showed that the T. grandis and F. hispida have significant dust deposition with minimal effect of dust on their leaf chlorophyll (17.447 ± 0.019 mg/g and 14.703 ± 0.201 mg/g), protein (0.699 ± 0.001 mg/g and 0.604 ± 0.002 mg/g) and carotenoid (0.372 ± 0.003 mg/g and 0.354 ± 0.003 mg/g) content respectively among all selected plant species. Therefore, in the present investigation, plant species with high tolerance to high dust-holding capacity on their leaf surfaces are preferable for green corridors as open cast granite mines and their adjacent areas.

基于CAPE-OPEN标准的乙苯脱氢反应器模块开发与全流程模拟

基于某乙苯负压绝热脱氢制苯乙烯装置转化率低于设计值的现状,建立了包括小分子水蒸气转化反应在内的乙苯绝热脱氢制苯乙烯反应动力学模型和反应器模型,基于工业数据,估计了模型动力学参数,模型具有较高的精度;采用C++语言和COM技术开发了符合CAPE-OPEN标准的乙苯脱氢制苯乙烯反应器单元模块;在Aspen Plus平台构建了内嵌反应器模块的乙苯脱氢制苯乙烯全流程模型,反应器与精馏塔的模拟结果与实际相吻合;进一步考察了工艺参数对装置运行中期反应的影响,提出了适宜的工艺参数,为乙苯脱氢制苯乙烯的工艺设计、生产优化提供有益的支持。

Effect of Mouth Opening Training Stick Combined with Oral Massage on Mouth Opening Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer Patients after Treatment

Objective: To study the application effect of mouth-opening training sticks combined with oral massage on patients with mouth-opening difficulty after treatment for head and neck cancer. Methods: Using convenient sampling, 60 patients with mouth-opening difficulty after treatment for head and neck cancer admitted to the Oncology Department from February 2022 to October 2023 were selected for a 2-week exercise and nursing program. The patients were divided into a control group (February 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022) and an observation group (December 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023), with 30 patients in each group. The control group underwent routine mouth-opening functional exercises combined with cork for oral support training, while the observation group underwent routine mouth-opening functional exercises combined with oral massage and mouth-opening training sticks for oral support training. The mouth-opening degree, mouth-opening difficulty level, comfort level, compliance, and quality of life were observed in both groups. Results: Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in mouth-opening degree and mouth-opening difficulty level between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the mouth-opening degree, mouth-opening difficulty level, oral comfort level, compliance, and QLICP-HN scores in the observation group were all better than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of mouth-opening training sticks and oral massage with mouth-opening functional exercises can effectively improve the degree of mouth-opening difficulty, enhance oral comfort, increase compliance with mouth-opening exercises, and improve quality of life.

Establishment and evaluation of an improved rat model of open abdomen

Introduction:This study aimed to establish an animal model of open abdomen(OA)through temporary abdominal closure via different techniques.Methods:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:group A(OA with polypropylene mesh alone);group B(OA with polypro-pylene mesh combined with a patch);and group C(OA with polypropylene mesh and a sutured patch).Vital signs,pathophysiological changes,and survival rates were closely monitored in the rats for 7 days after surgery.Abdominal X-rays and histopathological examinations were performed to assess abdominal organ changes and wound healing.Results:The results showed no significant difference in mortality rates among the three groups(p>0.05).However,rats in group B exhibited superior overall condi-tion,cleaner wounds,and a higher rate of wound healing compared to the other groups(p<0.05).Abdominal X-rays indicated that varying degrees of distal intestinal obstruction in all groups.Histopathological examinations revealed fibrous hyperpla-sia,inflammatory cell infiltration,neovascularization,and collagen deposition in all groups.Group B demonstrated enhanced granulation tissue generation,neovasculari-zation,and collagen deposition compared to the other groups(p<0.05).Conclusions:Polypropylene mesh combined with patches is the most suitable method for establishing an animal model of OA.This model successfully replicated the patho-logical and physiological changes in postoperative patients with OA,specifically the progress of abdominal skin wound healing.It provides a practical and reliable animal model for OA research.

OpenAI发布首个文生视频模型Sora

2024年2月16日,OpenAI发布首个文生视频模型Sora。Sora模型可以通过文本描述生成60秒长视频,还可以对视频色彩风格等要素精确理解,创造出人物表情丰富、情感生动的视频内容。据介绍,Sora模型有三大突出亮点,实现了AIGC领域的里程碑式进展。

Open-Source Software Defined Networking Controllers:State-of-the-Art,Challenges and Solutions for Future Network Providers

Software Defined Networking(SDN)is programmable by separation of forwarding control through the centralization of the controller.The controller plays the role of the‘brain’that dictates the intelligent part of SDN technology.Various versions of SDN controllers exist as a response to the diverse demands and functions expected of them.There are several SDN controllers available in the open market besides a large number of commercial controllers;some are developed tomeet carrier-grade service levels and one of the recent trends in open-source SDN controllers is the Open Network Operating System(ONOS).This paper presents a comparative study between open source SDN controllers,which are known as Network Controller Platform(NOX),Python-based Network Controller(POX),component-based SDN framework(Ryu),Java-based OpenFlow controller(Floodlight),OpenDayLight(ODL)and ONOS.The discussion is further extended into ONOS architecture,as well as,the evolution of ONOS controllers.This article will review use cases based on ONOS controllers in several application deployments.Moreover,the opportunities and challenges of open source SDN controllers will be discussed,exploring carriergrade ONOS for future real-world deployments,ONOS unique features and identifying the suitable choice of SDN controller for service providers.In addition,we attempt to provide answers to several critical questions relating to the implications of the open-source nature of SDN controllers regarding vendor lock-in,interoperability,and standards compliance,Similarly,real-world use cases of organizations using open-source SDN are highlighted and how the open-source community contributes to the development of SDN controllers.Furthermore,challenges faced by open-source projects,and considerations when choosing an open-source SDN controller are underscored.Then the role of Artificial Intelligence(AI)and Machine Learning(ML)in the evolution of open-source SDN controllers in light of recent research is indicated.In addition,the challenges and limitations associated with deploying open-source SDN controllers in production networks,how can they be mitigated,and finally how opensource SDN controllers handle network security and ensure that network configurations and policies are robust and resilient are presented.Potential opportunities and challenges for future Open SDN deployment are outlined to conclude the article.

Atomically Dispersed Ruthenium Catalysts with Open Hollow Structure for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries

Lithium–oxygen battery with ultrahigh theoretical energy density is considered a highly competitive next-generation energy storage device,but its practical application is severely hindered by issues such as difficult decomposition of discharge products at present.Here,we have developed N-doped carbon anchored atomically dispersed Ru sites cathode catalyst with open hollow structure(h-RuNC)for Lithium–oxygen battery.On one hand,the abundance of atomically dispersed Ru sites can effectively catalyze the formation and decomposition of discharge products,thereby greatly enhancing the redox kinetics.On the other hand,the open hollow structure not only enhances the mass activity of atomically dispersed Ru sites but also improves the diffusion efficiency of catalytic molecules.Therefore,the excellent activity from atomically dispersed Ru sites and the enhanced diffusion from open hollow structure respectively improve the redox kinetics and cycling stability,ultimately achieving a high-performance lithium–oxygen battery.

Suicide risk in juvenile open angle glaucoma patients

AIM:To investigate the association between juvenile open angle glaucoma(JOAG)and mental health among Koreans.METHODS:This study used nationally representative data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES)2021.Glaucoma diagnosis followed the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria based on glaucomatous structural defects,visual field defects,corrected vision,and intraocular pressure.As outcomes,suicidal behaviors,psychiatric counseling,and depression were evaluated through mental health questionnaires.Odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were estimated using logistic regression models,adjusting for covariates.RESULTS:Among 7090 participants,3446 met the inclusion criteria for analysis,and 88(2.6%)were diagnosed with open angle glaucoma(OAG).After adjusting for age,sex,and best-corrected visual acuity(VA),participants with OAG were revealed to have significantly higher odds of suicidal behaviors(i.e.,ideation,planning,or attempts)compared with those without OAG(OR:2.70;95%CI:1.12-6.54;P=0.028).This association remained significant after further adjustments for socioeconomic status,lifestyle factors,and presence of chronic conditions(P=0.031 and 0.035,respectively).However,there was no significant difference for the other two outcomes,psychiatric counseling and depression.An age-stratified analysis revealed a stronger association between OAG and suicidal behaviors in younger JOAG participants(<40y)than in older OAG participants(≥40y;OR:3.80 vs 2.22;95%CI:0.79-18.22 vs 0.56-8.80,respectively).CONCLUSION:OAG patients show a higher risk of suicidal behaviors than those without glaucoma particularly in JOAG patients.

The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement in Progressive Rehabilitation of Large-Scale Open Pit Mines—A Case Study of Lumwana Mine

Mining globally contributes to the growth of many economies of the world. Since its inception, the Zambian mining industry has contributed largely to the country’s economy. The various developments both in technology and knowledge have contributed to the scale at which mining is being done. Challenges in such a setting arise due to the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining, which create multidimensional problems. The study investigated the importance of engaging stakeholders in progressive rehabilitation programs for large-scale open pit mines, using a case study of the Lumwana Mine and its host community, Manyama. A qualitative approach was used, and data was collected through one-on-one interviews. A combination of convenient and quota sampling was used to engage with host community leaders, professionals and academicians from various fields and institutions. Results showed that most participants had agreed that stakeholder engagement is important for progressive rehabilitation, but the challenge was that the host community and municipal council representatives were not aware of any progressive rehabilitation efforts at Lumwana Mine. This was attributed to a lack of stakeholder engagement and communication of mitigation progress activities by the Lumwana Mine. Results also revealed that the lack of environmental impact assessment regulations to compel companies to involve stakeholders throughout the entire life of the mine other than just at the pre-mining stage led to a lack of compliance and accountability in rehabilitation.

基于Open CASCADE的拱桥建模研究

几何引擎是三维BIM建模软件中的核心组件,对软件的性能、准确性、互操作性和用户体验等方面有着重要影响。商业软件的几何引擎虽然经过了多年的发展和优化具有较好的性能和稳定性,但常受限于软件厂商提供的API接口和商业软件所需要的系统环境,无法对底层数据进行访问或修改,灵活性较差,且不具备完全自主商业版权。基于开源几何引擎的应用在很多领域已有相关的研究成果,但在桥梁工程领域较少,基于开源几何引擎Open CASCADE对桥梁工程领域的模型构建技术进行探索,实现自主可控的桥梁工程三维建模平台,以拱桥为研究对象,结合几何引擎的模型构建技术,实现拱桥模型的创建。探索开源几何引擎在桥梁工程领域的建模实现能力,为实现更多桥型的三维建模以及基于模型更进一步的衍生应用积累经验,并为打造自主可控的桥梁工程建模软件提供参考。

Surface Water Quality Profiling Using Physicochemical Parameters in Open Defecation Free and Non-Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria

Physicochemical parameters of surface water sources in the study of local government areas (LGAs) were assessed using standard procedures. The mean physicochemical parameters for pH (5.49), NO2 (0.23 mg/L), SO4 (0.77 mg/L), Na (28.72 mg/L), Ca (28.94 mg/L), Mg (17.50 mg/L), Cl (11.65 mg/L), TSS (6.27 mg/L), TDS (104.23 mg/L), BOD (2.83 mg/L) and F (0.87 mg/L) were below WHO standards irrespective of their defecation status. The values for electrical conductivity (EC) (2770.50 µs/cm, turbidity (481.24 NTU), dissolved oxygen (DO) (5.32 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (445.50 mg/L), K (125.06 mg/L), PO4 (0.78 mg/L) and Fe (0.57 mg/L) were above the WHO limits for safe water. Higher EC and COD values obtained in the study is evidence of pollution of the water sources by organic matter.

The Effect of Uterine Artery Occlusion with Tourniquet on Ovarian Reserve during Open Myomectomy at a University Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: The most common surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, particularly in women with fertility concerns, is open myomectomy. Given the high vascularity of the uterus, haemorrhage during the procedure is a serious risk that is often mitigated with a uterine tourniquet. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the effect of uterine artery occlusion with a tourniquet during open myomectomy on ovarian reserve using serial anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) measurements. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study with a quasi-experimental design and a convenient sampling technique. The study enrolled 47 women who had abdominal myomectomy between September 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Blood samples were collected before anaesthesia was administered in theatre, on day two, and three months after open abdominal myomectomy for anti-Mullerian hormone assay. The data was collected using a semi-structured proforma, entered into an Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The pre-surgery AMH mean value was 1.67 ± 1.44 ng/ml, while the values after using a uterine tourniquet at myomectomy on the second day and three months later were 1.22 ± 1.24 ng/ml and 1.59 ± 1.43 ng/ml, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in AMH levels, and there was no statistically significant relationship between blood loss and tourniquet time and AMH after open abdominal myomectomy. Conclusion: The use of a uterine tourniquet and blood loss during open myomectomy has no effect on ovarian reserve.

A comparative study on characteristics of retracted publications across different open access levels

Purpose:Recently,global science has shown an increasing open trend,however,the characteristics of research integrity of open access(OA)publications have rarely been studied.The aim of this study is to compare the characteristics of retracted articles across different OA levels and discover whether OA level influences the characteristics of retracted articles.Design/methodology/approach:The research conducted an analysis of 6,005 retracted publications between 2001 and 2020 from the Web of Science and Retraction Watch databases.These publications were categorized based on their OA levels,including Gold OA,Green OA,and non-OA.The study explored retraction rates,time lags and reasons within these categories.Findings:The findings of this research revealed distinct patterns in retraction rates among different OA levels.Publications with Gold OA demonstrated the highest retraction rate,followed by Green OA and non-OA.A comparison of retraction reasons between Gold OA and non-OA categories indicated similar proportions,while Green OA exhibited a higher proportion due to falsification and manipulation issues,along with a lower occurrence of plagiarism and authorship issues.The retraction time lag was shortest for Gold OA,followed by non-OA,and longest for Green OA.The prolonged retraction time for Green OA could be attributed to an atypical distribution of retraction reasons.A comparative study on characteristics of retracted publications across different open access levels Research limitations:There is no exploration of a wider range of OA levels,such as Hybrid OA and Bronze OA.Practical implications:The outcomes of this study suggest the need for increased attention to research integrity within the OA publications.The occurrences offalsification,manipulation,and ethical concerns within Green OA publications warrant attention from the scientific community.Originality/value:This study contributes to the understanding of research integrity in the realm of OA publications,shedding light on retraction patterns and reasons across different OA levels.

HiLog:OpenHarmony的高性能日志系统

日志是计算机系统中记录事件状态信息的的重要载体,日志系统负责计算机系统的日志生成、收集和输出.OpenHarmony是新兴的、面向全设备、全场景的开源操作系统.在所述工作之前,包括日志系统在内OpenHarmony有许多关键子系统尚未构建,而OpenHarmony的开源特性使第三方开发者可以为其贡献核心代码.为了解决Open Harmony日志系统缺乏的问题,主要开展如下工作:(1)分析当今主流日志系统的技术架构和优缺点;(2)基于OpenHarmony操作系统的异构设备互联特性设计HiLog日志系统模型规范;(3)设计并实现第1个面向OpenHarmony的日志系统HiLog,并贡献到OpenHarmony主线;(4)对HiLog日志系统的关键指标进行测试和对比试验.实验数据表明,在基础性能方面,HiLog和Log的日志写入阶段吞吐量分别为1500 KB/s和700 KB/s,相比Android日志系统吞吐量提升114%;在日志持久化方面,HiLog可以3.5%的压缩率进行持久化,并且丢包率小于6‰,远低于Log.此外,HiLog还具备数据安全、流量控制等新型实用能力.

Spatial Distribution Feature Extraction Network for Open Set Recognition of Electromagnetic Signal

This paper proposes a novel open set recognition method,the Spatial Distribution Feature Extraction Network(SDFEN),to address the problem of electromagnetic signal recognition in an open environment.The spatial distribution feature extraction layer in SDFEN replaces convolutional output neural networks with the spatial distribution features that focus more on inter-sample information by incorporating class center vectors.The designed hybrid loss function considers both intra-class distance and inter-class distance,thereby enhancing the similarity among samples of the same class and increasing the dissimilarity between samples of different classes during training.Consequently,this method allows unknown classes to occupy a larger space in the feature space.This reduces the possibility of overlap with known class samples and makes the boundaries between known and unknown samples more distinct.Additionally,the feature comparator threshold can be used to reject unknown samples.For signal open set recognition,seven methods,including the proposed method,are applied to two kinds of electromagnetic signal data:modulation signal and real-world emitter.The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the other six methods overall in a simulated open environment.Specifically,compared to the state-of-the-art Openmax method,the novel method achieves up to 8.87%and 5.25%higher micro-F-measures,respectively.