Rate-limiting factors in hydrate decomposition through depressurization across various scales:A mini-review

Natural gas hydrate is an energy resource for methane that has a carbon quantity twice more than all traditional fossil fuels combined.However,their practical application in the field has been limited due to the challenges of long-term preparation,high costs and associated risks.Experimental studies,on the other hand,offer a safe and cost-effective means of exploring the mechanisms of hydrate dissociation and optimizing exploitation conditions.Gas hydrate decomposition is a complicated process along with intrinsic kinetics,mass transfer and heat transfer,which are the influencing factors for hydrate decomposition rate.The identification of the rate-limiting factor for hydrate dissociation during depressurization varies with the scale of the reservoir,making it challenging to extrapolate findings from laboratory experiments to the actual exploitation.This review aims to summarize current knowledge of investigations on hydrate decomposition on the subject of the research scale(core scale,middle scale,large scale and field tests)and to analyze determining factors for decomposition rate,considering the various research scales and their associated influencing factors.

A Novel Color Image Watermarking Method with Adaptive Scaling Factor Using Similarity-Based Edge Region

This study aimed to deal with three challenges:robustness,imperceptibility,and capacity in the image watermarking field.To reach a high capacity,a novel similarity-based edge detection algorithm was developed that finds more edge points than traditional techniques.The colored watermark image was created by inserting a randomly generated message on the edge points detected by this algorithm.To ensure robustness and imperceptibility,watermark and cover images were combined in the high-frequency subbands using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Singular Value Decomposition.In the watermarking stage,the watermark image was weighted by the adaptive scaling factor calculated by the standard deviation of the similarity image.According to the results,the proposed edge-based color image watermarking technique has achieved high payload capacity,imperceptibility,and robustness to all attacks.In addition,the highest performance values were obtained against rotation attack,to which sufficient robustness has not been reached in the related studies.

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Japanese Version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale

Background: Bonding disorders affect the growth and development of infants. In Japan, the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS-J) is widely used for early detection of bonding disorders. Repeated use of a questionnaire has problems of reduced validity. In order to correctly detect bonding disorders at multiple time points, it is necessary to confirm the measurement invariance of the scale. Baba et al. reported that invariance of the MIBS-J factor structure could only be obtained by abridging the scale into three items. Purpose: The aim of this study was to 1) confirm the factor structure and measurement invariance of the MIBS-J between two measurement times and 2) to examine factors that can be used without being affected by measurement time in order to identify item that contribute to measure met invariance. Methods: We analysed the data of 1049 and 878 mothers with a neonate collected in two waves: 5 days (Wave 1) and 1 month postpartum (Wave 2). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the data randomly divided into two groups in each wave. Results: The three-item model (MIBS-J items 1, 6, and 8) was most accepted. Measurement invariance and structural invariance were confirmed in the model. This was consistent with Baba et al.’s model. Conclusion: The three MIBS-J items showed measurement invariance and structural invariance in Japanese mothers during 1 month postpartum.

Factors affecting land dissection density in geomorphological regions of China

Land dissection density(LDD)provides morphological evidence regarding prior intense soil erosion and quantifies the distribution of land dissections.A comprehensive understanding of the potential factors influencing the spatial pattern and value of the LDD is vital in geological disasters,soil erosion,and other related domains.Land dissection phenomena in China affects large areas with different morphological,pedological,and climatic characteristics.Prior studies have focused on the potential factors influencing the LDD at a watershed scale.However,these results are insufficient to reflect the status quo of dissection development and its primary influencing factors on a national scale.LDD’s spatial patterns and the dominant factors at a regional scale in millions of square kilometers remain to be ascertained.This study used the geomorphon-based method and the geographical detector model to quantify the spatial pattern of LDD over China and identify the dominant factors affecting this pattern in China’s six first-order geomorphological regions(GR1~GR6).The results yield the following findings:(1)LDD in China ranges from 0~4.55 km/km^(2),which is larger in central and eastern regions than in other regions of China;(2)dominant factors and their dominant risk subcategories vary with each geomorphological region’s primary internal and external forces;(3)the influence of natural factors is more significant on the large regional scale in millions of square kilometers compared to anthropogenic factors;relief degree of land surface(RDLS)is dominant in GR1,GR2,and GR5;the slope is dominant in GR6,soil type is dominant in GR3 and GR4,and lithology plays a critical role in the dominant interactions of GR3,GR4,and GR6;(4)the interactions between factors on LDD’s spatial pattern have a more significant effect than individual factors.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

Clinical effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction and changes of serum inflammatory factors in depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common and serious psychological condition,which seriously affects individual well-being and functional ability.Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and psychological counseling;however,these methods have different degrees of side effects and limitations.In recent years,nonconvulsive electrotherapy(NET)has attracted increasing attention as a noninvasive treatment method.However,the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of NET on depression are still unclear.We hypothesized that NET has a positive clinical effect in the treatment of depression,and may have a regulatory effect on serum inflammatory factors during treatment.AIM To assess the effects of NET on depression and analyze changes in serum inflammatory factors.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 140 patients undergoing treatment for depression between May 2017 and June 2022,the observation group that received a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)and NET treatment(n=70)and the control group that only received MBSR therapy(n=70).The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing various factors,including the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-17,self-rating idea of suicide scale(SSIOS),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and levels of serum inflammatory factors before and after 8 wk of treatment.The quality of life scores between the two groups were compared.Comparisons were made using t and χ^(2) tests.RESULTS After 8 wk of treatment,the observation group exhibited a 91.43%overall effectiveness rate which was higher than that of the control group which was 74.29%(64 vs 52,χ^(2)=7.241;P<0.05).The HAMD,SSIOS,and PSQI scores showed a significant decrease in both groups.Moreover,the observation group had lower scores than the control group(10.37±2.04 vs 14.02±2.16,t=10.280;1.67±0.28 vs 0.87±0.12,t=21.970;5.29±1.33 vs 7.94±1.35,t=11.700;P both<0.001).Additionally,there was a notable decrease in the IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6 in both groups after treatment.Furthermore,the observation group exhibited superior serum inflammatory factors compared to the control group(70.12±10.32 vs 102.24±20.21,t=11.840;19.35±2.46 vs 22.27±2.13,t=7.508;32.25±4.6 vs 39.42±4.23,t=9.565;P both<0.001).Moreover,the observation group exhibited significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the control group(Social function:19.25±2.76 vs 16.23±2.34;Emotions:18.54±2.83 vs 12.28±2.16;Environment:18.49±2.48 vs 16.56±3.44;Physical health:19.53±2.39 vs 16.62±3.46;P both<0.001)after treatment.CONCLUSION MBSR combined with NET effectively alleviates depression,lowers inflammation(IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6),reduces suicidal thoughts,enhances sleep,and improves the quality of life of individuals with depression.

Vitamin D deficiency and increased inflammatory factor intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 indicate severe leukoaraiosis in northern China

Background and objective:Commonly plaguing in the frigid zone of the world,vitamin D deficiency,as indicated by low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D,exacerbated inflammatory responses and impaired endothelial function.Leukoaraiosis(LA)is a prevalent cause of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly and is potentially associated with inflammatory responses.This study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D on the severity of LA.Methods:Patients with LA were categorized based on 3.0 T brain MRI findings into mild(N=43),moderate(N=40),or severe groups(N=29)using the Fazekas scale(scoring 1-6).A control group consisting of 41 healthy individuals was included.Serum fibrinogen C,homocysteine,plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D,and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)levels were measured using ELISA.Results:All LA severity groups exhibited lower plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared to the control group,with a more pronounced decrease observed as LA severity increased.Low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was identified as an independent risk factor for LA(P<0.05)according to Multiple logistic regression analysis.Additionally,a negative association was observed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vascular inflammatory factor ICAM-1.Conclusions:Disease severity positively correlated with levels of the inflammatory marker ICAM-1,worsening as plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration decreased.Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D emerged as an independent risk factor for LA,potentially exacerbating the inflammatory response.These findings suggest 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic approach for LA.

New scale factor correction scheme for CORDIC algorithm

To overcome the drawbacks such as irregular circuit construction and low system throughput that exist in conventional methods, a new factor correction scheme for coordinate rotation digital computer（ CORDIC） algorithm is proposed. Based on the relationship between the iteration formulae, a new iteration formula is introduced, which leads the correction operation to be several simple shifting and adding operations. As one key part, the effects caused by rounding error are analyzed mathematically and it is concluded that the effects can be degraded by an appropriate selection of coefficients in the iteration formula. The model is then set up in Matlab and coded in Verilog HDL language. The proposed algorithm is also synthesized and verified in field-programmable gate array （FPGA）. The results show that this new scheme requires only one additional clock cycle and there is no change in the elementary iteration for the same precision compared with the conventional algorithm. In addition, the circuit realization is regular and the change in system throughput is very minimal.

Effect of radiation-induced mean wavelength shift in optical fibers on the scale factor of an interferometric fiber optic gyroscope at a wavelength of 1300 nm

In order to analyze the effect of wavelength-dependent radiation-induced attenuation （RIA） on the mean trans- mission wavelength in optical fiber and the scale factor of interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes （IFOGs）, three types of polarization-maintaining （PM） fibers are tested by using a 60Co γ-radiation source. The observed different mean wave- length shift （MWS） behaviors for different fibers are interpreted by color-center theory involving dose rate-dependent absorption bands in ultraviolet and visible ranges and total dose-dependent near-infrared absorption bands. To evaluate the mean wavelength variation in a fiber coil and the induced scale factor change for space-borne IFOGs under low radiation doses in a space environment, the influence of dose rate on the mean wavelength is investigated by testing four germanium （Ge） doped fibers and two germanium-phosphorus （Ge-P） codoped fibers irradiated at different dose rates. Experimental results indicate that the Ge-doped fibers show the least mean wavelength shift during irradiation and their mean wavelength of optical signal transmission in fibers will shift to a shorter wavelength in a low-dose-rate radiation environment. Finally, the change in the scale factor of IFOG resulting from the mean wavelength shift is estimated and tested, and it is found that the significant radiation-induced scale factor variation must be considered during the design of space-borne IFOGs.

Improvements of corner frequency and scaling factor for stochastic finite-fault modeling

In this paper, three existing source spectral models for stochastic finite-fault modeling of ground motion were reviewed. These three models were used to calculate the far-field received energy at a site from a vertical fault and the mean spectral ratio over 15 stations of the Northridge earthquake, and then compared. From the comparison, a necessary measure was observed to maintain the far-field received energy independent of subfault size and avoid overestimation of the long- period spectra/level. Two improvements were made to one of the three models （i.e., the model based on dynamic comer frequency） as follows： （i） a new method to compute the subfault comer frequency was proposed, where the subfault comer frequency is determined based on a basic value calculated from the total seismic moment of the entire fault and an increment depending on the seismic moment assigned to the subfault; and （ii） the difference of the radiation energy from each suhfault was considered into the scaling factor. The improved model was also compared with the unimproved model through the far-field received energy and the mean spectral ratio. The comparison proves that the improved model allows the received energy to be more independent of subfault size than the unimproved model, and decreases the overestimation degree of the long-period spectral amplitude.

Estimation of random errors for lidar based on noise scale factor

Estimation of random errors, which are due to shot noise of photomultiplier tube(PMT) or avalanche photodiode(APD) detectors, is very necessary in lidar observation. Due to the Poisson distribution of incident electrons, there still exists a proportional relationship between standard deviation and square root of its mean value. Based on this relationship,noise scale factor(NSF) is introduced into the estimation, which only needs a single data sample. This method overcomes the distractions of atmospheric fluctuations during calculation of random errors. The results show that this method is feasible and reliable.

Modifed Multifdelity Surrogate Model Based on Radial Basis Function with Adaptive Scale Factor

Multifdelity surrogates(MFSs)replace computationally intensive models by synergistically combining information from diferent fdelity data with a signifcant improvement in modeling efciency.In this paper,a modifed MFS(MMFS)model based on a radial basis function(RBF)is proposed,in which two fdelities of information can be analyzed by adaptively obtaining the scale factor.In the MMFS,an RBF was employed to establish the low-fdelity model.The correlation matrix of the high-fdelity samples and corresponding low-fdelity responses were integrated into an expansion matrix to determine the scaling function parameters.The shape parameters of the basis function were optimized by minimizing the leave-one-out cross-validation error of the high-fdelity sample points.The performance of the MMFS was compared with those of other MFS models(MFS-RBF and cooperative RBF)and single-fdelity RBF using four benchmark test functions,by which the impacts of diferent high-fdelity sample sizes on the prediction accuracy were also analyzed.The sensitivity of the MMFS model to the randomness of the design of experiments(DoE)was investigated by repeating sampling plans with 20 diferent DoEs.Stress analysis of the steel plate is presented to highlight the prediction ability of the proposed MMFS model.This research proposes a new multifdelity modeling method that can fully use two fdelity sample sets,rapidly calculate model parameters,and exhibit good prediction accuracy and robustness.

Numerical Study on Scale Effect of Form Factor for DTMB5415, KCS,KVLCC2, and 4000TEU Container Ship

Four ships,a twin-propeller naval ship,two single-propeller container ships,and a single-propeller very large crude carrier(VLCC),were studied to investigate the scale effect of the form factor.The viscous flow fields of the ships at different scales were solved numerically via the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes method combined with the shear stress transport k–ωturbulence model.The numerical method was validated through comparisons with experimental data,and numerical uncertainty analysis was carried out based on the ITTC recommended procedure.On this basis,scale effects of the form factor were analyzed using different friction lines,and scale effects of flow fields and the mean axial wake fractions were further analyzed in details.The results showed that the form factor exhibited scale effects when adopting the ITTC-1957 line,and it increased with the increase in the Reynolds number.The scale effect of the form factor reduces the prediction precision of the full-scale ship resistance.The friction line has a significant effect on the form factor.The form factor exhibits little dependence on the Reynolds number when using the numerical friction line or the Katsui line,which is useful for full-scale ship resistance predictions.With the increasing Reynolds number,the boundary layer thickness becomes thinner and the axial velocity contour contracts toward the center plane,and there is nearly a linear relationship between the reciprocal of mean axial wake fraction on propeller disc and Reynolds number in logarithmic scale for the three types of ship forms.

Analytic Theory of Finite Asymptotic Expansions in the Real Domain. Part II-A: The Factorizational Theory for Chebyshev Asymptotic Scales

This paper, divided into three parts (Part II-A, Part II-B and Part II-C), contains the detailed factorizational theory of asymptotic expansions of type (?)?, , , where the asymptotic scale?, , is assumed to be an extended complete Chebyshev system on a one-sided neighborhood of . It follows two pre-viously published papers: the first, labelled as Part I, contains the complete (elementary but non-trivial) theory for;the second is a survey highlighting only the main results without proofs. All the material appearing in §2 of the survey is here reproduced in an expanded form, as it contains all the preliminary formulas necessary to understand and prove the results. The remaining part of the survey—especially the heuristical considerations and consequent conjectures in §3—may serve as a good introduction to the complete theory.

A study on the factor market distortion and the carbon emission scale effect of two-way FDI

Based on the data of 30 Chinese provinces for the period from 2004 to 2015,this paper expounds the carbon emissions effect of two-way foreign direct investment (FDI) from the perspective of scale effect and factor market distortions.This study uses Kaya identity to decompose carbon emission and construct simultaneous equations model to empirically examine the factor market distortion and the carbon emission scale effect of two-way FDI.The results show that the inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) increase regional carbon emission through scale effect and also exacerbates factor market distortion in China,whereas the outward FDI trends reduce carbon emission and reduces factor market distortions in China.The study also shows that human capital,research and development (R&D),trade openness,and capital accumulation are important determinants of two-way FDI.Therefore,the study proposes that IFDI policies should focus on acquiring green technologies.In addition,the domestic enterprises should be encouraged to participate in global business.

Adaptive projective synchronization with different scaling factors in networks

We study projective synchronization with different scaling factors （PSDF） in N coupled chaotic systems networks. By using the adaptive linear control, some sufficient criteria for the PSDF in symmetrical and asymmetrical coupled networks are separately given based on the Lyapunov function method and the left eigenvalue theory. Numerical simulations for a generalized chaotic unified system are illustrated to verify the theoretical results.

Analysis of mental health status and related factors in patients with acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Acute cerebral infarction(ACI)is characterized by a high incidence of morbidity,disability,recurrence,death and heavy economic burden,and has become a disease of concern in global researchers.As ACI has serious effects on patients’physical status,life and economy,often causing anxiety,depression and other psychological problems,these problems can lead to the aggravation of physical symptoms;thus,it is very important to understand the factors affecting the mental health of these patients.AIM To understand the elements that affect the mental health of patients who have suffered an ACI.METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among patients with ACI admitted to three tertiary hospitals(Quanzhou First Hospital,Fuqing City Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University,and the 900 Hospital of the Joint Service Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army of China)in Fujian Province from January 2022 to December 2022 using the convenience sampling method.ACI inpatients who met the inclusion criteria were selected.Informed consent was obtained from the patients before the investigation,and a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted using a unified scale.The questionnaire included a general situation questionnaire,Zung’s self-rating depression scale and Zung’s self-rating anxiety scale.All questionnaires were checked by two researchers and then the data were input and sorted using Excel software.The general situation of patients with ACI was analyzed by descriptive statistics,the influence of variables on mental health by the independent sample t test and variance analysis,and the influencing factors on psychological distress were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression.RESULTS The average age of the 220 patients with ACI was 68.64±10.74 years,including 142 males and 78 females.Most of the patients were between 60 and 74 years old,the majority had high school or technical secondary school education,most lived with their spouse,and most lived in cities.The majority of patients had a personal income of 3001 to 5000 RMB yuan per month.The new rural cooperative medical insurance system had the largest number of participants.Most stroke patients were cared for by their spouses and of these patients,52.3%had previously smoked.Univariate analysis showed that gender,age,residence,course of disease,number of previous chronic diseases and smoking history were the main factors affecting the anxiety scores of patients with ACI.Age,living conditions,monthly income,course of disease and knowledge of disease were the primary variables influencing the depression score in patients with ACI.The findings of multivariate analysis revealed that the course of disease and gender were the most important factors influencing patients’anxiety scores,and the course of disease was also the most important factor influencing patients’depression scores.CONCLUSION Long disease course and female patients with ACI were more likely to have psychological problems such as a high incidence of emotional disorders.These groups require more attention and counseling.

Analytic Theory of Finite Asymptotic Expansions in the Real Domain. Part II-C: Constructive Algorithms for Canonical Factorizations and a Special Class of Asymptotic Scales

This part II-C of our work completes the factorizational theory of asymptotic expansions in the real domain. Here we present two algorithms for constructing canonical factorizations of a disconjugate operator starting from a basis of its kernel which forms a Chebyshev asymptotic scale at an endpoint. These algorithms arise quite naturally in our asymptotic context and prove very simple in special cases and/or for scales with a small numbers of terms. All the results in the three Parts of this work are well illustrated by a class of asymptotic scales featuring interesting properties. Examples and counterexamples complete the exposition.

Behavior of a Scale Factor for Wiener Integrals and a Fourier Stieltjes Transform on the Wiener Space

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior of a Wiener integral along the curve C of the scale factor ρ > 0 for the Wiener integral ∫C0[0,T]F(ρx)dm(x) about the function defined on the Wiener space C0[0,T], where θ(t,u) is a Fourier-Stieltjes transform of a complex Borel measure.

Behavior of a Scale Factor for Wiener Integrals of an Unbounded Function

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior of a scale factor for Wiener integrals about the unbounded function , where {a1,a2,...,an} is an orthonormal set of elements in L2[0,T] on the Wiener space C0[0,T].