Extraction of Acoustic Normal Mode Depth Functions Using Range-Difference Method with Vertical Linear Array Data

Data-derived normal mode extraction is an effective method for extracting normal mode depth functions in the absence of marine environmental data.However,when the corresponding singular vectors become nonunique when two or more singular values obtained from the cross-spectral density matrix diagonalization are nearly equal,this results in unsatisfactory extraction outcomes for the normal mode depth functions.To address this issue,we introduced in this paper a range-difference singular value decomposition method for the extraction of normal mode depth functions.We performed the mode extraction by conducting singular value decomposition on the individual frequency components of the signal's cross-spectral density matrix.This was achieved by using pressure and its range-difference matrices constructed from vertical line array data.The proposed method was validated using simulated data.In addition,modes were successfully extracted from ambient noise.

Deep reinforcement learning using least-squares truncated temporal-difference

Policy evaluation(PE)is a critical sub-problem in reinforcement learning,which estimates the value function for a given policy and can be used for policy improvement.However,there still exist some limitations in current PE methods,such as low sample efficiency and local convergence,especially on complex tasks.In this study,a novel PE algorithm called Least-Squares Truncated Temporal-Difference learning(LST2D)is proposed.In LST2D,an adaptive truncation mechanism is designed,which effectively takes advantage of the fast convergence property of Least-Squares Temporal Difference learning and the asymptotic convergence property of Temporal Difference learning(TD).Then,two feature pre-training methods are utilised to improve the approximation ability of LST2D.Furthermore,an Actor-Critic algorithm based on LST2D and pre-trained feature representations(ACLPF)is proposed,where LST2D is integrated into the critic network to improve learning-prediction efficiency.Comprehensive simulation studies were conducted on four robotic tasks,and the corresponding results illustrate the effectiveness of LST2D.The proposed ACLPF algorithm outperformed DQN,ACER and PPO in terms of sample efficiency and stability,which demonstrated that LST2D can be applied to online learning control problems by incorporating it into the actor-critic architecture.

Keep in mind sex differences when prescribing psychotropic drugs

Women represent the majority of patients with psychiatric diagnoses and also the largest users of psychotropic drugs.There are inevitable differences in efficacy,side effects and long-term treatment response between men and women.Psychopharmacological research needs to develop adequately powered animal and human trials aimed to consider pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of central nervous system drugs in both male and female subjects.Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to prescribe sex-specific psychopharmacotherapies with a priority to differentiate between men and women in order to minimize adverse drugs reactions,to maximize therapeutic effectiveness and to provide personalized management of care.

Fuzzy Difference Equations in Diagnoses of Glaucoma from Retinal Images Using Deep Learning

The intuitive fuzzy set has found important application in decision-making and machine learning.To enrich and utilize the intuitive fuzzy set,this study designed and developed a deep neural network-based glaucoma eye detection using fuzzy difference equations in the domain where the retinal images converge.Retinal image detections are categorized as normal eye recognition,suspected glaucomatous eye recognition,and glaucomatous eye recognition.Fuzzy degrees associated with weighted values are calculated to determine the level of concentration between the fuzzy partition and the retinal images.The proposed model was used to diagnose glaucoma using retinal images and involved utilizing the Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)and deep learning to identify the fuzzy weighted regularization between images.This methodology was used to clarify the input images and make them adequate for the process of glaucoma detection.The objective of this study was to propose a novel approach to the early diagnosis of glaucoma using the Fuzzy Expert System(FES)and Fuzzy differential equation(FDE).The intensities of the different regions in the images and their respective peak levels were determined.Once the peak regions were identified,the recurrence relationships among those peaks were then measured.Image partitioning was done due to varying degrees of similar and dissimilar concentrations in the image.Similar and dissimilar concentration levels and spatial frequency generated a threshold image from the combined fuzzy matrix and FDE.This distinguished between a normal and abnormal eye condition,thus detecting patients with glaucomatous eyes.

Analyzing the Differences in the Concepts of Love Between Korean and American Women Using the Female Characters in Kim Ji-young,Born in 1982 and The Sun Also Rises as Examples

This paper scrutinizes the differences in the conceptualization of love between Korean and American women.Grounded in an analysis of literary figures,Brett and Kim Ji-young,the study unravels the intricate interplay of cultural,historical,and societal forces shaping these perspectives.The contrasting landscapes of the United States,driven by ideals of freedom and individualism,and Korea,entrenched in Confucian values and collectivism,serve as crucibles for forming women’s roles,self-perception,and societal expectations.The examination extends to communication styles,illuminating the directness of American expression versus Korea’s reliance on formalism.Through this exploration,the paper illustrates the profound impact of cultural contexts on the intricate tapestry of love,offering a nuanced understanding of divergent viewpoints within a global context.

Age-specific differences in the association between prediabetes and cardiovascular diseases in China:A national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,the global burden of which is rising.It is still unclear the extent to which prediabetes contributes to the risk of CVD in various age brackets among adults.To develop a focused screening plan and treatment for Chinese adults with prediabetes,it is crucial to identify variations in the connection between prediabetes and the risk of CVD based on age.AIM To examine the clinical features of prediabetes and identify risk factors for CVD in different age groups in China.METHODS The cross-sectional study involved a total of 46239 participants from June 2007 through May 2008.A thorough evaluation was conducted.Individuals with prediabetes were categorized into two groups based on age.Chinese atherosclerotic CVD risk prediction model was employed to evaluate the risk of developing CVD over 10 years.Random forest was established in both age groups.SHapley Additive exPlanation method prioritized the importance of features from the perspective of assessment contribution.RESULTS In total,6948 people were diagnosed with prediabetes in this study.In prediabetes,prevalences of CVD were 5(0.29%)in the younger group and 148(2.85%)in the older group.Overall,11.11%of the younger group and 29.59% of the older group were intermediate/high-risk of CVD for prediabetes without CVD based on the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China equation in ten years.In the younger age group,the 10-year risk of CVD was found to be more closely linked to family history of CVD rather than lifestyle,whereas in the older age group,resident status was more closely linked.CONCLUSION The susceptibility to CVD is age-specific in newly diagnosed prediabetes.It is necessary to develop targeted approaches for the prevention and management of CVD in adults across various age brackets.

Differential pressure difference based altitude control of a stratospheric satellite

An autonomous altitude adjustment system for a stratospheric satellite(StratoSat)platform is proposed.This platform consists of a helium balloon,a ballonet,and a two-way blower.The helium balloon generates lift to balance the platform gravity.The two-way blower inflates and deflates the ballonet to regulate the buoyancy.Altitude adjustment is achieved by tracking the differential pressure difference(DPD),and a threshold switching strategy is used to achieve blower flow control.The vertical acceleration regulation ability is decided not only by the blower flow rate,but also by the designed margin of pressure difference(MPD).Pressure difference is a slow-varying variable compared with altitude,and it is adopted as the control variable.The response speed of the actuator to disturbance can be delayed,and the overshoot caused by the large inertia of the platform is inhibited.This method can maintain a high tracking accuracy and reduce the complexity of model calculation,thus improving the robustness of controller design.

TSCND:Temporal Subsequence-Based Convolutional Network with Difference for Time Series Forecasting

Time series forecasting plays an important role in various fields, such as energy, finance, transport, and weather. Temporal convolutional networks (TCNs) based on dilated causal convolution have been widely used in time series forecasting. However, two problems weaken the performance of TCNs. One is that in dilated casual convolution, causal convolution leads to the receptive fields of outputs being concentrated in the earlier part of the input sequence, whereas the recent input information will be severely lost. The other is that the distribution shift problem in time series has not been adequately solved. To address the first problem, we propose a subsequence-based dilated convolution method (SDC). By using multiple convolutional filters to convolve elements of neighboring subsequences, the method extracts temporal features from a growing receptive field via a growing subsequence rather than a single element. Ultimately, the receptive field of each output element can cover the whole input sequence. To address the second problem, we propose a difference and compensation method (DCM). The method reduces the discrepancies between and within the input sequences by difference operations and then compensates the outputs for the information lost due to difference operations. Based on SDC and DCM, we further construct a temporal subsequence-based convolutional network with difference (TSCND) for time series forecasting. The experimental results show that TSCND can reduce prediction mean squared error by 7.3% and save runtime, compared with state-of-the-art models and vanilla TCN.

Study on sex differences and potential clinical value of threedimensional computerized tomography pelvimetry in rectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery is a complex procedure affected by various factors.However,the existing literature lacks standardized parameters for the pelvic region and soft tissues,which hampers the establishment of consistent conclusions.AIM To comprehensively assess 16 pelvic and 7 soft tissue parameters through computerized tomography(CT)-based three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction,providing a strong theoretical basis to address challenges in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery.METHODS We analyzed data from 218 patients who underwent radical laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer,and utilized CT data for 3D pelvic reconstruction.Specific anatomical points were carefully marked and measured using advanced 3D modeling software.To analyze the pelvic and soft tissue parameters,we emp-loyed statistical methods including paired sample t-tests,Wilcoxon rank-sum tests,and correlation analysis.RESULTS The investigation highlighted significant sex disparities in 14 pelvic bone parameters and 3 soft tissue parameters.Males demonstrated larger measurements in pelvic depth and overall curvature,smaller measurements in pelvic width,a larger mesorectal fat area,and a larger anterior-posterior abdominal diameter.By contrast,females exhibited wider pelvises,shallower depth,smaller overall curvature,and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat tissue.However,there were no significant sex differences observed in certain parameters such as sacral curvature height,superior pubococcygeal diameter,rectal area,visceral fat area,waist circumference,and transverse abdominal diameter.CONCLUSION The reconstruction of 3D CT data enabled accurate pelvic measurements,revealing significant sex differences in both pelvic and soft tissue parameters.This study design offer potential in predicting surgical difficulties and creating personalized surgical plans for male rectal cancer patients with a potentially“difficult pelvis”,ultimately improving surgical outcomes.Further research and utilization of these parameters could lead to enhanced surgical methods and patient care in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery.

Analysis of Extended Fisher-Kolmogorov Equation in 2D Utilizing the Generalized Finite Difference Method with Supplementary Nodes

In this study,we propose an efficient numerical framework to attain the solution of the extended Fisher-Kolmogorov(EFK)problem.The temporal derivative in the EFK equation is approximated by utilizing the Crank-Nicolson scheme.Following temporal discretization,the generalized finite difference method(GFDM)with supplementary nodes is utilized to address the nonlinear boundary value problems at each time node.These supplementary nodes are distributed along the boundary to match the number of boundary nodes.By incorporating supplementary nodes,the resulting nonlinear algebraic equations can effectively satisfy the governing equation and boundary conditions of the EFK equation.To demonstrate the efficacy of our approach,we present three numerical examples showcasing its performance in solving this nonlinear problem.

Influences of clean fracturing fluid viscosity and horizontal in-situ stress difference on hydraulic fracture propagation and morphology in coal seam

The viscosity of fracturing fluid and in-situ stress difference are the two important factors that affect the hydraulic fracturing pressure and propagation morphology. In this study, raw coal was used to prepare coal samples for experiments, and clean fracturing fluid samples were prepared using CTAB surfactant. A series of hydraulic fracturing tests were conducted with an in-house developed triaxial hydraulic fracturing simulator and the fracturing process was monitored with an acoustic emission instrument to analyze the influences of fracturing fluid viscosity and horizontal in-situ stress difference on coal fracture propagation. The results show that the number of branched fractures decreased, the fracture pattern became simpler, the fractures width increased obviously, and the distribution of AE event points was concentrated with the increase of the fracturing fluid viscosity or the horizontal in-situ stress difference. The acoustic emission energy decreases with the increase of fracturing fluid viscosity and increases with the increase of horizontal in situ stress difference. The low viscosity clean fracturing fluid has strong elasticity and is easy to be compressed into the tip of fractures, resulting in complex fractures. The high viscosity clean fracturing fluids are the opposite. Our experimental results provide a reference and scientific basis for the design and optimization of field hydraulic fracturing parameters.

Stability and accuracy of central difference method for real-time dynamic substructure testing considering mass participation coefficient

For real-time dynamic substructure testing(RTDST),the influence of the inertia force of fluid specimens on the stability and accuracy of the integration algorithms has never been investigated.Therefore,this study proposes to investigate the stability and accuracy of the central difference method(CDM)for RTDST considering the specimen mass participation coefficient.First,the theory of the CDM for RTDST is presented.Next,the stability and accuracy of the CDM for RTDST considering the specimen mass participation coefficient are investigated.Finally,numerical simulations and experimental tests are conducted for verifying the effectiveness of the method.The study indicates that the stability of the algorithm is affected by the mass participation coefficient of the specimen,and the stability limit first increases and then decreases as the mass participation coefficient increases.In most cases,the mass participation coefficient will increase the stability limit of the algorithm,but in specific circumstances,the algorithm may lose its stability.The stability and accuracy of the CDM considering the mass participation coefficient are verified by numerical simulations and experimental tests on a three-story frame structure with a tuned liquid damper.

A High Order Accurate Bound-Preserving Compact Finite Difference Scheme for Two-Dimensional Incompressible Flow

For solving two-dimensional incompressible flow in the vorticity form by the fourth-order compact finite difference scheme and explicit strong stability preserving temporal discretizations,we show that the simple bound-preserving limiter in Li et al.(SIAM J Numer Anal 56:3308–3345,2018)can enforce the strict bounds of the vorticity,if the velocity field satisfies a discrete divergence free constraint.For reducing oscillations,a modified TVB limiter adapted from Cockburn and Shu(SIAM J Numer Anal 31:607–627,1994)is constructed without affecting the bound-preserving property.This bound-preserving finite difference method can be used for any passive convection equation with a divergence free velocity field.

Exploring Phonetic Differences and Cross-Linguistic Influences: A Comparative Study of English and Mandarin Chinese Pronunciation Patterns

Exploring the differences in phonemes and cross-linguistic influences, particularly by comparing the pronunciation patterns of English and Mandarin, is crucial for language learners. Such comparative studies can help learners better understand and overcome the pronunciation difficulties encountered during second language acquisition. English and Mandarin have significant differences in their vowel and consonant systems, tones, intonation, and syllable structures. A deep understanding of these differences allows learners to engage in targeted pronunciation training, reducing accent interference. This research provides guidance for improving language teaching methods, enabling teachers to design more effective pronunciation strategies and exercises based on the students’ native language backgrounds, thus enhancing learning outcomes. Additionally, cross-linguistic studies aid in improving speech recognition and conversion technologies, achieving higher accuracy and naturalness in multilingual speech processing systems. From a cultural exchange perspective, understanding and respecting the phonetic characteristics of different languages help to enhance the effectiveness and mutual understanding in cross-cultural communication. The comparative study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns not only provides a theoretical foundation for language education and technological applications but also promotes effective communication in multilingual environments. This thesis uses a comparative research method to elucidate the study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns. It begins with an analysis of the characteristics and similarities of the pronunciation patterns in both languages. The thesis then examines the differences between English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns through four aspects: the number and complexity of vowel phonemes, types and distribution of consonant phonemes, tones and stress, and intonation and phonetic phenomena. Finally, based on the comparative analysis of the differences, the thesis offers targeted policy recommendations for learning English and Mandarin.

A Comprehensive Study on Gender Language and Its Differences in China

The study of language and gender,especially the study of gender language differences involves many fields such as psychology,sociology,anthropology,language and literature,news media,education,and so on.Starting from the broad definition of gender language,this paper composes and reviews the research history of domestic gender language and its differences.Around the research history of domestic gender language,the research period is divided according to the timeline into germination,genesis,and growth.Divided by theme and content,the main content is the phenomenon of sexism in language;the second is the study of gender language style differences;the third is the root causes of sexism and verbal gender differences,i.e.,the construction of the corresponding theories;and the fourth is the discussion of the limitations of the study of gender language in foreign countries.

Assessment of vegetation cover changes and the contributing factors in the Al-Ahsa Oasis using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)

The abandonment of date palm grove of the former Al-Ahsa Oasis in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia has resulted in the conversion of delicate agricultural area into urban area.The current state of the oasis is influenced by both expansion and degradation factors.Therefore,it is important to study the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover for the sustainable management of oasis resources.This study used Landsat satellite images in 1987,2002,and 2021 to monitor the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover in the Al-Ahsa Oasis,applied multi-temporal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)data spanning from 1987 to 2021 to assess environmental and spatiotemporal variations that have occurred in the Al-Ahsa Oasis,and investigated the factors influencing these variation.This study reveals that there is a significant improvement in the ecological environment of the oasis during 1987–2021,with increase of NDVI values being higher than 0.10.In 2021,the highest NDVI value is generally above 0.70,while the lowest value remains largely unchanged.However,there is a remarkable increase in NDVI values between 0.20 and 0.30.The area of low NDVI values(0.00–0.20)has remained almost stable,but the region with high NDVI values(above 0.70)expands during 1987–2021.Furthermore,this study finds that in 1987–2002,the increase of vegetation cover is most notable in the northern region of the study area,whereas from 2002 to 2021,the increase of vegetation cover is mainly concentrated in the northern and southern regions of the study area.From 1987 to 2021,NDVI values exhibit the most pronounced variation,with a significant increase in the“green”zone(characterized by NDVI values exceeding 0.40),indicating a substantial enhancement in the ecological environment of the oasis.The NDVI classification is validated through 50 ground validation points in the study area,demonstrating a mean accuracy of 92.00%in the detection of vegetation cover.In general,both the user’s and producer’s accuracies of NDVI classification are extremely high in 1987,2002,and 2021.Finally,this study suggests that environmental authorities should strengthen their overall forestry project arrangements to combat sand encroachment and enhance the ecological environment of the Al-Ahsa Oasis.

The Influence of Depression on Different Age and Gender Groups in Bahawalpur

In Bahawalpur,a cross-sectional study assessed depression prevalence across age and gender groups,involving 442 participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and settings.Utilizing the PHQ9 questionnaire,84%were found to meet depression levels.The findings revealed a higher incidence in females(88%)than males(79%),with the greatest disparity among young adults,particularly young women,due to factors like academic pressure and financial stress.School children had the lowest depression rates(68%),possibly due to better immunity.Elderly individuals exhibited more severe depression,likely related to aging and domestic challenges.The study’s findings highlight a significant variation in depression severity across different demographic groups,with an overall higher incidence in women.The research underscores the necessity for targeted mental health resources and interventions tailored to the specific needs of each demographic group.It also points to the importance of addressing academic and socioeconomic stressors to mitigate depression,particularly among young women.While the study provides valuable insights,it relies on self-reported data,which may introduce bias.Therefore,future research should include clinical assessments to validate these findings and ensure a more accurate representation of depression within the community.

Gender Differences in the Incidence and Related Factors of Low Social Support among Adolescents with Subthreshold Depression

Background:Social support is related to depression,but the gender differences and related factors that contribute to low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression remain to be elucidated.This study explores the relationship between social support and depression,in addition to the gender difference in the incidence of low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression and its related factors.Methods:A total of 371 Chinese adolescents with subthreshold depression were recruited.All subjects were rated on the Social Support Scale for Adolescents,the Response Style Scale,the Self-Perception Profile for Children,the Individualism-collectivism scale.Results:Binary logistic regression indicated that the stability dimension of cognitive style,the generality dimension of the Cognitive Style Questionnaire,and the social acceptance dimension of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale were significantly correlated with social support level in male adolescents with subthreshold depression.In contrast,the total score of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale,the social acceptance of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale,total individualism,and total collectivism were significantly correlated with social support level in female adolescents with subthreshold depression.Limitations:This study is a cross-sectional study,and its effectiveness in explaining factors that influence levels of social support is limited.Conclusions:The gender difference between low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression is related to cognitive style,self-perception,and collectivism–individualism.

EPS混合土地基-沉箱抗震性能振动台模型试验

采用振动台试验研究了饱和砂土地基(CSS)和EPS混合土地基(CES)两种地基模型下沉箱结构的抗震性能。对比了两种不同地基模型下土体动力响应特征及沉箱结构动力稳定性,探讨了动力作用下沉箱的受力状态及失稳机制,分析了EPS混合土地基对上部沉箱结构地震稳定性的影响。试验结果表明:振动过程中CES工况的超孔压发展速率明显低于CSS,EPS混合土可显著提高模型抗液化性能。墙后填土作用于沉箱的动土压力沿深度方向呈三角形分布,沉箱中部位置动土压力最大。CES工况沉箱动力响应,包括加速度、位移及转动角等均小于CSS,表现出更好的抗震性能。CES沉箱所受动土推力与惯性力存在明显的相位差,有利于提高沉箱结构的稳定性。

基于CLSI指南EP09-A3比对2套化学发光免疫分析系统血清TT_3测定结果

目的 基于美国临床实验室标准化协会(CLSI)指南EP09-A3探讨2套化学发光免疫分析系统血清总三碘甲状腺原氨酸(TT_3)测定结果的可比性。方法 根据EP09-A3指南要求,使用2个品牌化学发光免疫分析系统(分别命名为系统一和系统二)分别测定111例血清样本TT_3水平。通过广义极端学生化偏差(ESD)法检验离群值,选用EP09-A3指南列举的5种回归模型分析2套系统TT_3检测结果,并计算医学决定水平处的偏移。结果 散点图目测和ESD法检验均未发现离群值。2套系统TT_3检测结果的5种回归分析结果显示,一般线性回归、加权最小二乘法回归、Deming回归、Passing-Bablock回归分析在TT_3医学决定水平处(0.75和1.91 ng·mL~(-1))的偏移均<可接受范围[允许总误差(TEa)±12.5%],偏移的95%可信区间(CI)结果类型解读为可接受的A型和B型,加权Deming回归分析得到的偏移的95%CI部分超出可接受范围,结果类型解读为C型。结论 EP09-A3指南适用于2套系统检测TT_3的方法学比对和偏移评估,且该指南更新的离群值判断方法、回归分类分析法和对应的解读分型方式更为科学、合理。