Search Results (2,010)

Australian author Garth Nix has set six critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling novels and several shorter works in and around the fictional world of the Old Kingdom, beginning with Sabriel (1995) and continuing most recently with Terciel & Elinor (2021). This loose series of texts, with its bellringing protagonists, is the prime contributor to his reputation as an author of high fantasy fiction, although he is also marketed as and known for writing science fiction and other related subgenres. Most notably, his work prominently features elements of the Gothic. This aspect of his work and the ways in which it creates tension within the “high” fantasy genre becomes increasingly apparent when examined through the lens of sound—a critical method that has potential for charting the entanglements of this genre with other popular genres of fiction. Full article

During natural gas development, the gas–water two-phase flows in upward and horizontal wellbores are complex and variable. The accurate calculation of the water holdup in each production layer using appropriate methods based on the logging data collected by fluid identification instruments can enable the precise identification of primary oil-producing and water-producing layers and facilitate subsequent water shutoff operations. In this study, we first investigated the measurement techniques and calculation methods for gas–water two-phase holdups both in China and internationally. Second, we conducted gas–water two-phase simulation experiments in upward and horizontal large-diameter wellbores using a Triangular Arm Array Imager (TAAI) equipped with six fiber-optic probes in a multiphase flow simulation laboratory. We then categorized the flow patterns observed in the physical simulation experiments based on typical theoretical classifications of gas–water two-phase flow patterns. Subsequently, we calculated the spatial positions of the fiber-optic probes and the local water holdup in the wellbore cross-section from the data collected by TAAI and compared the results obtained by Gaussian radial basis function (GRBF) or inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation algorithms. We processed the experimental data and found significant discrepancies between the holdup calculated by the two algorithms and the actual wellbore holdup. Therefore, we applied the Levenberg–Marquardt (L-M) algorithm to optimize these interpolation algorithms and discovered that the holdup obtained from the optimized algorithms aligned more closely with the actual wellbore holdup with reduced errors. Finally, we applied the optimized algorithms to the processing of measured data from a gas–water two-phase horizontal well. The results indicate that the L-M algorithm can improve the accuracy of 4–5% of holdup calculations. In the actual production process, the output situation of each production layer can be more accurately judged to provide important opinions for the subsequent actual production by this study. Full article

Background: The evaluation of internationally comparable indicators of medicine use is important to devise strategies to promote the rational use of medicines (RUM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from January to June 2024. Prescriptions were collected from the outpatient pharmacy using systematic random sampling and analyzed for WHO/INRUD core prescribing indicators, index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) and completeness (general, treatment and prescribers’ details). Results: Out of 844 prescriptions collected, 607 were analyzed. A total of 1837 drugs were prescribed, with a mean (SD) of 3.03 (1.51) drugs per prescription; 1378 (75%) drugs were prescribed as generic names; 125 prescriptions (20.59%) had an antibiotic prescribed; and injectables were given in 7 (1.15%) prescriptions. Of the total 1837 drugs, 1018 (55.4%) were mentioned in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022, while 934 (50.8%) were included in the Haryana state essential medicines list (2013–2014). The IRDP was calculated as 3.86. The mean (SD) completeness score of the prescriptions was 10.33 (0.8) (range 5 to 11). Conclusions: There was a high incidence of polypharmacy, brand name and non-essential drug prescribing, while antibiotic and injection use were in accordance with WHO standards. Full article

Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is considered a potentially internationally invasive forest pest with limited knowledge about its phototactic behavior. This study investigated the phototaxis of L. xylina males and females using various insecticidal lamps in the field. The results showed that all lamps attracted both males and females, but females were captured in a very low numbers, with a female-to-male ratio of 1:322. The insecticidal lamp with a peak wavelength of 363 nm was most effective for male trapping. Males exhibited a distinct light-trapping rhythm, peaking around midnight (23:00–0:00), with 29.5% capture, while females were most active at dusk (19:00–20:00), with 44.4% capture. Light-trapped females were smaller and lighter than indoor-emerged females and had lower egg-carrying capacity. Females, when laying eggs, did not exhibit phototactic behavior. Only 14.6% of non-ovipositing females showed phototactic behavior, and only 0.6% flew directly toward the lamp. These findings suggest that while non-ovipositing females can exhibit phototaxis, only a small proportion will, potentially reducing the risk of long-distance dispersal of L. xylina via ocean-going freighters. The results showed that the non-ovipositing females could fly under phototaxis, but their phototaxis was limited. This study provides a basis for the risk assessment of the long-distance dispersal of L. xylina via ocean-going freighters through female moth phototactic flight. Full article

With the rise in patients traveling worldwide for medical treatment in recent years, the importance of patient care continuum has become increasingly evident. We aimed to analyze the role of video consultations in facilitating medical care for patients traveling internationally for medical care in South Korea. In this retrospective study, data were gathered on video consultations for international medical travelers conducted between January 2021 and December 2023 at a single tertiary hospital. We analyzed information on patient demographics, the content of video consultation, and how these factors were associated with the patient’s decision to travel for treatment. A total of 16.5% of international medical travel patients who underwent video consultation subsequently traveled for treatment. Patients who engaged directly with the institution were more likely (aOR 5.74, [95% CI 1.20–27.33]) to travel for treatment compared to those who relied on domestic or international travel services. Additionally, patients who participated in follow-up video consultations were more likely (aOR 4.06, [95% CI 1.04–15.92]) to travel compared to those who underwent their first video consultation. International medical travel patients utilized video consultations for a range of medical conditions, with the likelihood of subsequent treatment travel being associated with both the medium through which consultations were initiated and prior experience with the institution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Comprehensive cancer centers (CCCs) remain at the forefront of cancer control efforts. Limited clarity and variation exist around the models, scope, characteristics, and impacts of CCCs around the globe. This scoping review systematically searched and synthesized the international literature, describing core attributes and anticipated and realized impacts of CCCs, detailing changes over time. Methods: Searches for English language sources were conducted across PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Epistemonikos, and the gray literature from January 2002 to April 2024. Data were extracted and appraised by two authors. Results were narratively synthesized. Results: Of 3895 database records and 843 gray literature sources screened, 81 sources were included. Papers were predominantly opinion-based, from the USA and Europe, and published between 2011 and 2020. Internationally, the interconnected attributes of CCCs included (1) clinical service provision; (2) research, data, and innovation; (3) education and clinical support; (4) networks and leadership; (5) health equity and inclusiveness; and (6) accountability and governance. Largely anticipated impacts were synergistic and included delivery of optimal, person-centered, complex care; development of a highly qualified cancer workforce; greater research activity and funding; effective, strategic alliances; and reduction in cancer-related inequalities. Limited evidence was found demonstrating measurable broad outcomes of CCCs. The early literature highlighted the establishment, development, and accreditation of CCCs. The ongoing literature has reflected the evolution of cancer care, key areas for growth, and limitations of CCCs. Recently, the CCC literature has increased exponentially and focused on the need for CCCs to drive networks and leadership to address health equity and inclusiveness. Conclusions: Results suggest that CCCs are yet to reach their full potential, with future efforts ideally focusing on accountability, effective networking, and health equity at a local, national, and international level. CCCs must generate evidence of impact, and continue to evolve in line with contemporary healthcare, to fulfil their role in cancer control efforts. Full article

Superconducting dynamic synchronous condensers (SDSCs) exhibit significant potential for replacing traditional dynamic synchronous condensers (DSCs) due to their powerful reactive power output capability and low thermal losses, which are attributed to their large short-circuit capacity, high air-gap magnetic density, and low synchronous reactance. This study comprehensively reviews the development trajectory and current research status of SDSC, both domestically and internationally, and conducts an in-depth analysis of their advantages. Based on this, this paper highlights three typical cases of SDSC and summarizes the key technologies of SDSC from the perspectives of the excitation winding, stator structure, rotor magnet, and cooling system. Finally, it proposes that cooling and insulation technology, quench issues of AC windings under magnetic fields, and torque tube transmission technology will be the key technical challenges for future research and resolution in SDSC. Full article

With the intensification of armed conflicts driven by regional incentives, global geopolitical conflicts are becoming increasingly intense. In addition, the possibility of another financial crisis is approaching, and global inflation is rapidly rising. As a result, Europe and the United States must restart coal-fired power generation to cope with energy shortages and delay carbon neutrality goals. However, the current political and public opinion about the environment has led to a one-sided exaggeration and political criticism of China’s carbon emissions, resulting in China’s contribution to carbon neutrality being intentionally or unintentionally ignored. The uncertainty surrounding future low-carbon policies has made climate observers increasingly concerned about the threat of environmental degradation to fragile intergovernmental decarbonization efforts. This article aims to clarify the one-sided view of China’s carbon emissions internationally, clarify China’s measurement indicators for carbon emissions, analyze China’s advantages in responding to the global warming crisis under complex historical and political conditions, summarize China’s efforts to achieve its dual carbon goals in the current situation, and thus summarize China’s unique and absolute advantages in cooperation in clean energy, energy storage, and ultra-high voltage transmission networks that are beneficial to global climate change. This will clarify the truth regarding China’s carbon emissions in the global context and boost global confidence in addressing climate change. Full article

Background/Objective: The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) and the Japanese Dysphagia Diet 2021 (JDD2021) are prominent systems that classify thickened beverages for dysphagia management. We herein aim to establish a correspondence between these systems through systematic viscosity measurements. Methods: We analyzed 49 thickened beverage samples using an E-type viscometer, IDDSI flow test, and JDD syringe test. Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the following viscosity cutoffs for IDDSI levels: 0–1 at 72.0 mPa·s (area under the curve [AUC] 0.94), 1–2 at 112.0 mPa·s (AUC 0.95), and 2–3 at 303.0 mPa·s (AUC 0.97). Multiple regression analysis revealed that beverage characteristics, including fat, sodium content, and settling time, significantly influenced viscosity (R² = 0.803). The findings established that IDDSI Level 0 corresponds to a thinner viscosity than JDD Stage 1 and Stage 1 (0–72 mPa·s), Level 1 to Stage 1 (72–112 mPa·s), Level 2 to Stages 1–2 (112–303 mPa·s), and Level 3 to Stage 3 (>303 mPa·s). Moreover, the measurement methods had high correlations (r = 0.83–0.93, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The comprehensive map between IDDSI and JDD2021 classifications developed from the results of this study enables healthcare providers to translate between the classification systems, improving dysphagia management internationally while supporting evidence-based care and global research. Full article

Background: The global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has prompted the critical importance of regular monitoring. Escherichia coli, a widely distributed facultative anaerobic pathogen, is significant both in terms of the clinical diseases that it causes and as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance, with notable implications for both animal and public health. Within the poultry industry, the turkey sector is an emerging and internationally significant branch. Methods: Our objective was to assess the antimicrobial resistance profile of commensal Escherichia coli strains isolated from large-scale turkey flocks in Hungary using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. Results: A total of 470 isolates were analyzed, revealing that 61.5% of the strains were resistant to amoxicillin, while 18.5% were resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. The resistance observed against enrofloxacin (62.8%) and ceftriaxone (24%) is concerning. Comparison with human resistance data showed a similar resistance rate for amoxicillin and ampicillin, as well as amoxicillin–clavulanic acid and cephalosporins. However, for other active substances, the situation was significantly worse in veterinary medicine. Conclusions: The lower resistance to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid indicates that most strains are β-lactamase producers. Our findings underscore the necessity of regular and comprehensive surveillance, which can establish temporal trends over time. Incorporating data on antibiotic usage into future studies could facilitate the exploration of relevant correlations. Additionally, the next-generation sequencing of multidrug-resistant strains could help elucidate the genetic basis of resistance. Full article

The internationalization process helps firms accumulate business knowledge and experience; however, firms also enjoy the benefit of decreasing risk due to diversification. The Taiwanese food industry has encountered some difficulties in internationalization, including insufficient production capacity, high tariffs, the lack of long-term planning by the government, and inadequate support from internal organizations. Overall, it is relatively problematic for the food industry to achieve internationalization, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is the trend of sustainable development for enterprises to fulfill. This paper empirically explores the joint impact of the degree of internationalization and ESG ratings on the financial performance of the Taiwanese food industry from 2015 to 2021. Our empirical results found that international diversification and ESG performance have joint positive and significant effects on the return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and return on sales (ROS) of the food industry, respectively. This means that the higher the internationalization of overseas companies in the food industry, the better the ESG performance would significantly improve its financial performance. Full article

This study investigates the application of network audio technology in performing arts and media art collaborations within virtual environments, analyzing its impact through four case studies. Employing a practice-based research methodology through using a variety of open-source software and communication protocols, it examines the cultural and social dynamics, creative workflows, and technical frameworks of ensembles leveraging network audio technology for remote recording and virtual production. These projects, recognized internationally within the electroacoustic music community, underscore the potential of network audio to transform virtual music performance, industry practices, and education. The research addresses challenges in internet-based production, particularly in real-time multichannel audio recording, mixing, and production with limited home setups. Insights into managing multiple audio networks effectively and capturing distinct tracks across virtual spaces are presented, offering both creative and technical strategies for virtual music performance and production in emerging digital environments. Full article

Radome stealth technology is a key research area in aircraft stealth design. Traditional aircraft stealth methods primarily focus on optimizing the shape to scatter radar waves and using absorbing materials to absorb radar waves. However, when these methods are applied to radomes, they can negatively impact antenna performance. By combining Frequency-Selective Surface (FSS) technology with radome design, it is possible to ensure good transmission performance for the antenna within its operating frequency range while simultaneously reducing the radar cross-section outside the operating frequency range, achieving an integrated design for both transmission and stealth. This paper outlines the technical approaches for radome stealth, reviews the research status of scattering stealth radomes and absorbing stealth radomes based on FSS both domestically and internationally, and provides an outlook on the future development of FSS radomes from the perspectives of omnidirectional broadband, conformal design, and intelligent control. Full article

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) refers to the flow of groundwater that enters seawater through the seabed surface at the edge of the coastal shelf. During this discharge process, seepage and initiation can easily trigger seabed instability, which significantly influences the breeding, occurrence, and evolution of marine geological events. The narrow distribution of land near the coastline and the substantial flux of groundwater discharge are closely associated with typical seabed geological events, such as submarine landslides and collapse pits, which are prevalent in the sea area. This paper analyzes the current research status of SGD both domestically and internationally, elucidates the interaction mechanisms between groundwater discharge and the seabed, and integrates existing studies on discharge-induced slope instability, collapse pit formation, and seabed erosion and resuspension. It summarizes and evaluates the existing research on the influence of seabed groundwater discharge on the evolution of seabed geological structures, identifies key scientific problems that urgently need to be addressed, and proposes future research directions that require further emphasis. Additionally, the paper conducts research on the mechanisms by which groundwater discharge affects seabed stability, providing valuable insights for the study of coastal zones in China. It also offers a scientific basis for enhancing the understanding of the generation mechanisms of marine geological events and improving the technological capabilities for their prevention and control. Full article

The coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops has been a subject of considerable concern, particularly in the context of the extensive utilisation of GM crops. In response to this concern, various countries have devised coexistence strategies that are tailored to their respective national contexts, taking into account economic, political, technological and public acceptability factors. In the context of planting, countries such as the United States and Brazil have adopted a strategy of coexistence management, whereby the responsibility for implementing isolation measures falls upon premium producers. In contrast, the European Union, Japan and other countries that import GM crops have enacted legislation requiring growers to adhere to stringent isolation measures to prevent the mixing of GM and non-GM crops. Internationally, GM products are distinguished by a labelling management system to satisfy the public’s right to know and choose and to realise the coexistence of GM and non-GM during circulation and consumption. When considered in the context of China’s specific national conditions, particularly the prevalence of a small-scale peasant economy, it is recommended that China draw upon the lessons learned from the field coexistence strategies employed in countries that have adopted GM planting. This recommendation involves the refinement and enhancement of existing labelling management practices as well as the formulation of a coexistence management policy that is characterised by cost savings, efficiency gains and robust operational capabilities. The implementation of these measures is expected to foster the commercialisation of GM soybean and maize in China. Full article