Assessment of Nutritional Status and Associated Factors in Infants Aged 6 to 23 Months in Rural Burundi

This study was carried out in the Health districts of Kayanza and Gahombo. Its aim was to assess the nutritional status and associated factors of infants aged between 6 and 23 months. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the health centers of the action zone during medical consultations in community medicine from 13 to 22 February 2023. For this purpose, 53.0% of a sample of 398 mothers of infants aged 6 - 23 months were male, and the most represented age group was 12 - 23 months with 53.8%. Mothers were asked about the diet of their children. All the children involved in this study were vaccinated, whereas 99.2% were given vitamin A supplements. The most frequent illnesses in this age group were acute respiratory infection (ARI) (73.4%), fever (66.6%), diarrhea (53.8%), and vomiting (40.5%). Analysis of nutritional status showed that infants had severe (8.3%) and moderate (70.4%) acute malnutrition. Factors associated with infant nutritional status comprised the occupation of mother (P = 0.009), level of education of mother (P = 0.0625), and prolonged diarrhea (P = 0.004). To remedy this problem, concrete nutritional and educational interventions are needed to promote optimal infant nutrition during the first two years of life.

“一带一路”视域下职业院校伴随企业“走出去”的多向度探究

"一带一路"战略下,伴随企业"走出去"是职业院校的重要使命。基于对职业院校伴随企业"走出去"的多维理论阐释和多方动因分析,探索以政府为主导的项目模式,发挥其统筹性强、执行力强、资源整合能力强的优势;以企业为主导的市场模式,发挥企业的主导作用和核心地位;以学校为主导的合作模式,发挥职业院校技术技能人才培养主力军的作用。进而提出,从区域、国家和国际三个层面构建横向发展的职教发展共同体,从人才培养模式、企业培训模式和社会服务模式三个层面拓宽面向纵向发展的职业院校新领域,从合作机制、办学形式和评价方式三个层面探索立足综合发展的校企协同新方式等有效路径。

Dynamic stiffness matrix of a poroelastic multi-layered site and its Green's functions

Few studies of wave propagation in layered saturated soils have been reported in the literature.In this paper,a general solution of the equation of wave motion in saturated soils,based on one kind of practical Blot's equation, was deduced by introducing wave potentials.Then exact dynamic-stiffness matrices for a poroelastic soil layer and half- space were derived,which extended Wolf's theory for an elastic layered site to the case of poroelasticity,thus resolving a fundamental problem in the field of wave propagation and soil-structure interaction in a poroelastic layered soil site.By using the integral transform method,Green's functions of horizontal and vertical uniformly distributed loads in a poroelastic layered soil site were given.Finally,the theory was verified by numerical examples and dynamic responses by comparing three different soil sites.This study has the following advantages:all parameters in the dynamic-stiffness matrices have explicitly physical meanings and the thickness of the sub-layers does not affect the precision of the calculation which is very convenient for engineering applications.The present theory can degenerate into Wolf's theory and yields numerical results approaching those for an ideal elastic layered site when porosity tends to zero.

Green's functions for uniformly distributed loads acting on an inclined line in a poroelastic layered site

Based on one type of practical Biot＇s equation and the dynamic-stiffness matrices ofa poroelastic soil layer and half-space, Green＇s functions were derived for unitformly distributed loads acting on an inclined line in a poroelastie layered site. This analysis overcomes significant problems in wave scattering due to local soil conditions and dynamic soil-structure interaction. The Green＇s functions can be reduced to the case of an elastic layered site developed by Wolf in 1985. Parametric studies are then carried out through two example problems.

Damage localization under ambient vibration using changes in flexibility

In recent years,Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has emerged as a new research area in civil engineering.Most existing health monitoring methodologies require direct measurement of input excitation for implementation.However,in many cases,there is no easy way to measure these inputs-or alternatively to externally excite the structure.Therefore,SHM methods based on ambient vibration have become important in civil engineering.In this paper,an approach is proposed based on the Damage Location Vector (DLV) method to handle the ambient vibration case.Here,this flexibility-matrix-based damage localization method is combined with a modal expansion technique to eliminate the need to measure the input excitation.As a by-product of this approach,in addition to determining the location of the damage,an estimate of the damage extent also can be determined.Finally,a numerical example analyzing a truss structure with limited sensors and noisy measurement is provided to verify the efficacy of the proposed approach.

基于真实世界研究“补肾生髓成肝”治疗晚期肝癌的临床疗效

目的 基于真实世界的临床数据,探讨基于“补肾生髓成肝”的治疗方案治疗晚期肝癌的临床疗效。方法采用真实世界研究方法收集2014年3月至2018年3月在陕西省中医医院治疗的207例晚期肝癌患者作为研究对象,根据治疗方案的不同将患者分为综合治疗组(97例)和补肾生髓成肝组(110例)。比较患者治疗后3个月、6个月的生存率,以及治疗前后的肝功能指标改善情况,血清白细胞(WBC)、甲胎蛋白(AFP)水平变化。结果补肾生髓成肝组治疗后3个月的生存率为85.45%,高于综合治疗组的72.16%(P<0.05);补肾生髓成肝组治疗后6个月的生存率为45.45%,高于综合治疗组的27.84%(P<0.05)。两组治疗后凝血酶原活动度(PTA)、白蛋白(ALB)水平与治疗前相比升高(P均<0.05),总胆红素(TBIL)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)与治疗前相比降低(P均<0.05)。补肾生髓成肝组治疗后的PTA、ALB水平高于综合治疗组(P均<0.05),TBIL、ALT水平高于综合治疗组(P均<0.05)。两组治疗后血清WBC水平与治疗前相比升高(P均<0.05),AFP水平与治疗前相比降低(P均<0.05);治疗后补肾生髓成肝组的WBC水平高于综合治疗组(P<0.05),AFP水平低于综合治疗组(P<0.05)。结论补肾生髓成肝治疗肝癌晚期患者疗效显著,可有效改善患者的肝功能,增加血清WBC计数,降低AFP水平,提高患者的生存率。

A technique to improve the empirical mode decomposition in the Hilbert-Huang transform

The Hilbert-based time-frequency analysis has promising capacity to reveal the time-variant behaviors of a sys- tem.To admit well-behaved Hilbert transforms,component decomposition of signals must be performed beforehand.This was first systematically implemented by the empirical mode decomposition(EMD)in the Hilbert-Huang transform,which can provide a time-frequency representation of the signals.The EMD,however,has limitations in distinguishing different components in narrowband signals commonly found in free-decay vibration signals.In this study,a technique for decompo- sing components in narrowband signals based on waves' beating phenomena is proposed to improve the EMD,in which the time scale structure of the signal is unveiled by the Hilbert transform as a result of wave beating,the order of component ex- traction is reversed from that in the EMD and the end effect is confined.The proposed technique is verified by performing the component decomposition of a simulated signal and a free decay signal actually measured in an instrumented bridge structure.In addition,the adaptability of the technique to time-variant dynamic systems is demonstrated with a simulated time-variant MDOF system.

Representation of near-fault pulse-type ground motions

Near-fault ground motions with long-period pulses have been identified as critical in the design of structures. To aid in the representation of this special type of motion, eight simple pulses that characterize the effects of either the flingstep or forward-directivity are considered. Relationships between pulse amplitudes and velocity pulse period for different pulses are discussed. Representative ratios and peak acceleration amplification can exhibit distinctive features depending on variations in pulse duration, amplitude and the selected acceleration pulse shape. Additionally, response spectral characteristics for the equivalent pulses are identified and compared in terms of fixed PGA and PGV, respectively. Response spectra are strongly affected by the duration of pulses and the shape of the basic pulses. Finally, dynamic time history response features of a damped SDOF system subjected to pulse excitations are examined. These special aspects of pulse waveforms and their response spectra should be taken into account in the estimation of ground motions for a project site close to a fault.

Seismic performance of an existing bridge with scoured caisson foundation

This paper presents in-situ seismic performance tests of a bridge before its demolition due to accumulated scouring problem. The tests were conducted on three single columns and one caisson-type foundation. The three single columns were 1.8 m in diameter,reinforced by 30-D32 longitudinal reinforcements and laterally hooped by D16 reinforcements with spacing of 20 cm. The column height is 9.54 m,10.59 m and 10.37 m for Column P2,P3,and P4,respectively. Column P2 had no exposed foundation and was subjected to pseudo-dynamic tests with peak ground acceleration of 0.32 g first,followed by one cyclic loading test. Column P3 was the benchmark specimen with exposed length of 1.2 m on its foundation. The exposed length for Column P4 was excavated to 4 m,approximately 1/3 of the foundation length,to study the effect of the scouring problem to the column performance. Both Column P3 and Column P4 were subjected to cyclic loading tests. Based on the test results,due to the large dimension of the caisson foundation and the well graded gravel soil type that provided large lateral resistance,the seismic performance among the three columns had only minor differences. Lateral push tests were also conducted on the caisson foundation at Column P5. The caisson was 12 m long and had circular cross-sections whose diameters were 5 m in the upper portion and 4 m in the lower portion. An analytical model to simulate the test results was developed in the OpenSees platform. The analytical model comprised nonlinear flexural elements as well as nonlinear soil springs. The analytical results closely followed the experimental test results. A parametric study to predict the behavior of the bridge column with different ground motions and different levels of scouring on the foundation are also discussed.

Identification of acceleration pulses in near-fault ground motion using the EMD method

In this paper, response spectral characteristics of one-, two-, and three-lobe sinusoidal acceleration pulses are investigated, and some of their basic properties are derived. Furthermore, the empirical mode decomposition （EMD） method is utilized as an adaptive filter to decompose the near-fault pulse-like ground motions, which were recorded during the September 20, 1999, Chi-Chi earthquake. These ground motions contain distinct velocity pulses, and were decomposed into high-frequency （HF） and low-frequency （LF） components, from which the corresponding HF acceleration pulse （if existing） and LF acceleration pulse could be easily identified and detected. Finally, the identified acceleration pulses are modeled by simplified sinusoidal approximations, whose dynamic behaviors are compared to those of the original acceleration pulses as well as to those of the original HF and LF acceleration components in the context of elastic response spectra. It was demonstrated that it is just the acceleration pulses contained in the near-fault pulse-like ground motion that fundamentally dominate the special impulsive dynamic behaviors of such motion in an engineering sense. The motion thus has a greater potential to cause severe damage than the far-field ground motions, i.e. they impose high base shear demands on engineering structures as well as placing very high deformation demands on long-period structures.

Blast Pressure Measurements of an Underwater Detonation in the Sea

Blast pressure measurements of a controlled underwater explosion in the sea were carried out.An explosive of 25-kg trinitro-toluene(TNT)equivalent was detonated,and the blast pressures were recorded by eight diferent high-performance pressure sensors that work at the nonresonant high-voltage output in adverse underwater conditions.Recorded peak pressure values are used to establish a relationship in the well-known form of empirical underwater explosion(UNDEX)loading formula.Constants of the formula are redetermined by employing the least-squares method in two diferent forms for best ftting to the measured data.The newly determined constants are found to be only slightly diferent from the generally accepted ones.

Studies on structural vibration control with MR dampers using μGA

A new approach to reducing the seismic response of spatial structures with magneto-theological （MR） dampers is presented in this paper. The Genetic Algorithm with small populations （μGA） is used to optimize the control for the MR dampers to reduce structural vibration, which is difficult to achieve using classical optimal control. The advantages of μGA are the use of global properties and that fewer conditions are required to obtain the optimal function. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing the seismic response of structures.

Neural network analysis of overturning response under near-fault type excitation

Under strong seismic excitation, a rigid block will uplift from its support and undergo rocking oscillations which may lead to （complete） overturning. Numerical and analytical solutions to this highly nonlinear vibration problem are first highlighted in the paper and then utilized to demonstrate how sensitive the overturning behavior is not only to the intensity and frequency content of the base motion, but also to thc presence of strong pulses, to their detailed sequence, and even to their asymnletry. Five idealised pulses capable of representing ＂rupture-directivity＂ and ＂fling＂ affected ground motions near the fault, are utilized to this end ： the one-cycle sinus, the one-cycle cosinus, the Ricker wavelet, the truncated （T）-Ricker wavelet, and the rectangular pulse ＂Overturning-Acceleration Amplification＂ and ＂Rotation＂ spectra are introduced and presented. Artificial neural network modeling is then developed as an alternative numerical solution. The neural network analysis leads to closed-form expressions for predicting the overturning failure or survival of a rigid block, as a function of its geometric properties and the characteristics of the excitation time history. The capability of the developed neural network modeling is validated through comparisons with the numerical solution. The derived analytical expressions could also serve as a tool for assessing the destructiveness of near-fault ground motions, for structures sensitive to rocking with foundation uplift.

PGA and structural dynamics input motion at a given site

The computation of the representative ground motions,to be used as input for the dynamic analyses of a struc- ture at a particular site,can be approached by several methods.The choice of the approach depends on two factors:the da- ta available and the type of problem to be solved.This paper reports the experience of the authors in approaching a specific case study:the Southern Memnon Colossus,located in Luxor,Egypt.The results are of interest when the hazard analysis estimation in developing countries and the safeguard of cultural heritage are concerned.Monuments have to be treated as important structures,due to their historical and economical value.Hence,standard procedures of probabilistic seismic haz- ard analysis for the seismic classification of common buildings have to be disregarded.On the other hand,the consequences of the collapse of a monument are not comparable to those related to structures such as nuclear power plants and large dams, for which the deterministic seismic hazard analysis provides a straightforward framework for evaluation of the worst case ground motions.An'intermediate'approach,which requites a lower amount of input data with respect to the deterministic one,is adopted.Its stochastic component can eapture significant eharacteristics of earthquakes,primarily the frequency contents which depend on the magnitude(often referred to as the earthquake scaling law).

Chinas Strategic Response to Global Governance

The international community currently has high expectations for a rising China to play a greater role in global governance. China＇s role in global governance has even become a prominent theme for academic and policy research in some countries.1 China, as an increasingly integrated member of the global community, must further participate in global governance. This will not only satisfy the needs of China＇s own development and safety, but also fulfill Chinas responsibilities as a great power.

Experimental adsorption equilibrium study and comparison of zeolite with water and ethanol for cooling systems

Two adsorption refrigeration working pairs of zeolite with water and ethanol were studied and the parameters of Dubinin-Astakhov model were regressed using the experimental data of equilibrium. The coefficient of heterogeneity varied from 1.305 to 1.52 for the zeolite-water pair and from 1.73 to 2.128 for zeolite-ethanol pair. The maximum adsorption capacity varied from 0.315 to 0.34 for zeolite-water and 0.23 to 0.28 for zeolite-ethanol, respectively. The results showed that the zeolite-water pair is suitable for solar energy cooling not only because of the high latent heat of vaporization of water but also because of the better equilibrium performance. On the other hand, zeolite-ethanol gives a high adsorption capacity at high regeneration tem-perature, which means it can be used in heat engine systems like buses and cars.

Breaking Criteria for Regular Waves on Gentle Slopes

Nelson pointed out that the wave breaking criterion( H/d)(b) for gentle slopes( i < 1/100), in which H is the wave height and d is the water depth at the breaking point, is smaller than that for beach slopes of i > 1/100, i. e., the value oft H/d)(b) for gentle slopes may be smaller than 0.6. Goda indicated that the wave breaking criterion given by himself is a result based on theoretical study, so it should be also correct and can be used for gentle beaches, i.e., the value of(H/d)(b) for gentle slopes may be still larger than 0.7. By use of high order nonlinear wave theory, this problem is analyzed in this study and the reason why there is a large difference between different studies is explained. Moreover, the bottom energy loss during wave propagation is considered and the critical slope for the absence of wave breaking is also analyzed.

On Democratic Deficit in the European Union

The problem of democratic deficit has always existed in the European Union(EU).After the end of the Cold War,this problem has become more conspicuous.The EU constitutional crisis in 2005 was virtually brought on by it.How to solve this problem has become a key to the EU's future development.

Utilization of Ripe Coconut Fiber in Stone Matrix Asphalt Mixes

Stone Matrix Asphalt(SMA)is a gap graded mix;characterized by higher proportion of coarse aggregate,lower proportion of middle size aggregate and higher proportion of mineral filler.In the present laboratory study,commonly available one conventional VG 30 bitumen and another modified binder,namely CRMB 60 have been used along with a non-conventional natural fiber,namely coconut fiber which is abundantly available in India to provide improved engineering properties and at the same time preventing the usual draining of binder in SMA.The role of a particular binder and fiber with respect to their concentrations in the mix is studied for various engineering properties.Marshall procedure has been followed to determine the optimum binder and optimum fiber contents and also to study the relative advantages of fiber addition in the SMA mixtures.Thereafter,the engineering properties under both static as well as repeated load conditions and moisture susceptibility characteristics have been studied.It is observed that only a marginal 0.3%coconut fiber addition brings significant improvement in the engineering properties of SMA mixes.