Improving existing products plays a vital role in enhancing customer satisfaction and coping with changes in the market. Analyzing user experience (UX) to find the deficiencies of existing products and establishing improved schemes is the key to UX-driven product improvement, especially at the conceptual design stage. Although some tools used in conceptual design, such as requirements analysis and knowledge reasoning, have advanced recently, they lack targeted goals and sufficient efficiency in identifying insufficient product attributes and improving existing functions and structures. The challenge lies in considering the influence imposed on design activities by the original product features (including attributes, functions, and structure). In this study, a knowledge-enabled approach and framework that integrates the conceptual design process, online reviews for UX, and knowledge is proposed to support product improvement. Specifically, a decision-making algorithm based on UX analysis is proposed to identify to-be-improved product attributes. Then, through optimizing the previous knowledge application model from knowledge requirement transformation, knowledge modeling, and knowledge reasoning, a smart knowledge reasoning model is established to push knowledge for functional solving of the to-be-improved attributes. A knowledge configuration method is used to modify product features to generate an improved scheme. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, a case study of improving an agricultural sprayer is conducted. Through discussion, this study can help to regulate design activities for product improvement, enhance data and knowledge application, and promote divergent thinking during scheme modification.

To contribute to the treatment decision and optimize coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) control programs, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance rates of coagulase-negative staphylococcus associated with bovine mastitis in China. Three databases (PubMed, Google scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database) were utilized to obtain relevant publications. A total of 18 publications were included in our research, and 3 of them included antimicrobial resistant (AMR) test. The pooled prevalence of coagulase-negative staphylococcus was 17.28%. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence was higher in South China than in North China, was higher in 2011–2020 than in 2000–2010 and was higher in clinical bovine mastitis cases than in subclinical cases. The pooled AMR were most resistant to β-lactams, followed by tetracyclines, quinolones, nitrofurans, lincosamides, sulfonamides, amphenicol and aminoglycosides. The pooled AMR rate of coagulase-negative staphylococcus was lower in 2011–2020 than in 2000–2010. Although the prevalence of CNS showed an increasing trend over 20 years, the AMR rate showed a decreasing trend, and the clinical type of mastitis was the most frequent and the prevalence was highest in South China. Finally, CNS was most resistant to β-lactams amongst the eight groups of antimicrobial agents.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The goal of this study was to develop a clinically applicable technique to increase the precision of in vivo dose monitoring during radiation therapy by mapping the dose deposition and resolving the temporal dose accumulation while the treatment is being delivered in real time. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Ironizing radiation acoustic imaging (iRAI) is a novel imaging concept with the potential to map the delivered radiation dose on anatomic structure in real time during external beam radiation therapy without interrupting the clinical workflow. The iRAI system consisted of a custom-designed two-dimensional (2D) matrix transducer array with integrated preamplifier array, driven by a clinic-ready ultrasound imaging platform. The feasibility of iRAI volumetric imaging in mapping dose delivery and real-time monitoring of temporal dose accumulation in a clinical treatment plan were investigated with a phantom, a rabbit model, and a cancer patient. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The total dose deposition and temporal dose accumulation in 3D space of a clinical C-shape treatment plan in a targeted region were first imaged and optimized in a phantom. Then, semi-quantitative iRAI measurements were achieved in an in vivo rabbit model. Finally, for the first time, real-time visualization of radiation dose delivered deep in a patient with liver metastases was performed with a clinical linear accelerator. These studies demonstrate the potential of iRAI to monitor and quantify the radiation dose deposition during treatment. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Described here is the pioneering role of an iRAI system in mapping the 3D radiation dose deposition of a complex clinical radiotherapy treatment plan. iRAI offers a cost-effective and practical solution for real-time visualization of 3D radiation dose delivery, potentially leading to personalized radiotherapy with optimal efficacy and safety.

We examine the effects of implementing a U.S. approach to the enforcement of mandatory disclosure in China. Using a hand-collected sample of comment letters (CLs) issued by the Shanghai Stock Exchange over the period of 2013 to 2018, we show that stock price reactions to CL receipts and replies are negative and significant. Using textual analysis to match issues raised by regulators to targeted firms’ changes in disclosure, we show that these firms do address CL issues point by point, but do not experience significant improvements in their information environments. Our article highlights the importance of incentives rather than regulation/enforcement in reducing information asymmetry.

Objectives: Improper reprocessing of endoscopes may result in healthcare-associated infections. Regular microbiological surveillance is an important means of evaluating the quality of endoscope reprocessing. We evaluated the effectiveness of reprocessing endoscopes (including the protocols on steps to be taken in the event of any positive microbiological results) in a sterile supply unit (SSU) and an endoscopy unit in a Singapore tertiary-care academic hospital. Methods: Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is a 1,750-bed, tertiary-care, academic medical center in Singapore with 2 main SSUs: 1 inpatient endoscopy unit and 1 outpatient endoscopy unit. We reviewed microbiological surveillance results from endoscopes following reprocessing from January 2018 to December 2021. In total, 160 endoscopes (27 bronchoscopes, 58 gastroscopes, 52 colonoscopes, 6 duodenoscopes, 5 echoscopes, 5 cystoscopes, 5 rhinolaryngoscopes, and 5 enteroscopes) and 15 automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) were evaluated for the presence of microorganisms. Samples were obtained by swabbing the tip of the scope and the biopsy channel. Fluid was flushed from the biopsy channel after reprocessing, and this water from the AERs was sampled after waterline disinfection. Results: Of the 15,783 samples collected, 15,667 (99.3%) yielded no growth; 36 (0.2%) were positive for gut and environmental flora; and 80 (0.5%) were positive for low-concern organisms such as skin flora. Conclusions: Microbiological surveillance yielded a high percentage of negative results confirming the effectiveness of endoscope reprocessing. This quality-assurance process is necessary and beneficial in achieving patient safety.

The surface wave instability (SWI) of thermocapillary migration is examined by linear stability analysis for a droplet on a unidirectional heated plane. Both a Newtonian fluid and an Oldroyd-B fluid are considered. The droplet, flattened by gravity, is susceptible to two kinds of instabilities: convective instability (CI), which is independent of surface deformation; and SWI, which occurs only when the Galileo number and the surface-tension number are not too large. The wavenumber of the latter is much smaller than that of the former, while the reverse is true for the wave speed. SWI is found at different Prandtl numbers (Pr), while its mode includes streamwise and oblique waves. Energy analysis suggests that the energy of the long-wave mode comes from the shear stress induced by the surface deformation, the energy source for the mode with finite wavelength is the work done by Marangoni forces, while the energy from the basic flow is only important in some cases at small Pr. For the Oldroyd-B fluid, a small elasticity slightly changes the critical Marangoni number of SWI, while larger elasticity changes the preferred mode from SWI to CI. The instability mechanism is discussed and comparisons are made with experimental results.

China plays a critical role in global biodiversity conservation, as both a biodiversity hotspot and for its role in international and domestic animal trade. Efforts to promote wildlife conservation have sparked interest in the attitudes held by Chinese citizens towards animals. Using a questionnaire, we sought to investigate the attitudes of 317 Chinese nationals across 22 provincial-level administrative units regarding their uses of animals, their perceived emotional capacities and views on exotic pets. We reduced the variables related to perceived uses of animals via Principal Component Analysis and ran Generalised Linear Models and Structural Equation Modelling to test relationships between questionnaire-derived variables. Perceptions of animals were divided into two Kellert categories — Utilitarian and Humanistic uses — and 97% of participants believed in animals’ capacities to have and express emotions. We found few interactions, with exotic pets, ie playing with or taking photographs, but the acceptability of owning an exotic pet influenced the likelihood of purchasing one. A belief that animals express emotions encouraged people to look for them as pets but thinking that pets make people happy made exotic pet ownership less acceptable. The shift in attitudes to include humanistic perceptions of animals, a belief in animals as emotive beings and understanding of terminology changed from the previous utilitarian views of pre-reform China, suggesting a readiness to embrace further conservation efforts in China. This deeper understanding of Chinese attitudes toward animals and drivers of the exotic pet trade within China may enable conservation efforts to better target future campaigns.

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) contribute to dough elasticity and bread baking quality in wheat. In this study, wheat varieties were classified based on their HMW-GS composition into three groups: 1Dx5 (5 + 10, Gaoyou 8901, Xinmai 28, Xinmai 19, Xinmai 26 and Jinbaoyin), 1Dx2 (2 + 12, Zhoumai 24, Xinmai 9 and Yumai) and 1Dx4 (4 + 12, Aikang 58). Sequence analysis showed that 1Dx-GY8901, 1Dx-XM28, 1Dx-XM19 and 1Dx-XM26 were similar to the 1Dx5 gene and clustered on the same branch, while 1Dx-AK58, 1Dx-ZM24, 1Dx-JBY, 1Dx-YM, 1Dx-XM9 and 1Dx-JBY were more similar to the 1Dx2 gene and clustered on the same branch with 1Dx.2.2. There was a mutation of Ser to Cys at position S2, for an extra Cys in the repeat regions of 1Dx-XM19, 1Dx-XM26, 1Dx-XM28 and 1Dx-GY8901. The wheat HMW-GS genes exhibited similar percentages of α-helix, extended strand, β-turn and random coil structure, with ranges of 13.33–13.59, 4.77–5.78, 7.08–9.18 and 72.3–73.94%, respectively. Sequence conservation and the composition of HMW-GS subunits were also analysed for a series of strong gluten wheat varieties, Xinmai 9 (1, 7 + 8, 2 + 12), Xinmai 19 (1, 7 + 9, 5 + 10), Xinmai 26 (1, 7 + 8, 5 + 10) and Xinmai 28 (1, 7 + 9, 5 + 10). The results of this work should facilitate future breeding efforts and provide the theoretical basis for wheat quality improvement.

We reveal the effects of sweep on the wake dynamics around NACA 0015 wings at high angles of attack using direct numerical simulations and resolvent analysis. The influence of sweep on the wake dynamics is considered for sweep angles from $0^\circ$ to $45^\circ$ and angles of attack from $16^\circ$ to $30^\circ$ for a spanwise periodic wing at a chord-based Reynolds number of $400$ and a Mach number of $0.1$. Wing sweep affects the wake dynamics, especially in terms of stability and spanwise fluctuations with implications on the development of three-dimensional (3-D) wakes. We observe that wing sweep attenuates spanwise fluctuations. Even as the sweep angle influences the wake, force and pressure coefficients can be collapsed for low angles of attack when examined in wall-normal and wingspan-normal independent flow components. Some small deviations at high sweep and incidence angles are attributed to vortical wake structures that impose secondary aerodynamic loads, revealed through the force element analysis. Furthermore, we conduct global resolvent analysis to uncover oblique modes with high disturbance amplification. The resolvent analysis also reveals the presence of wavemakers in the shear-dominated region associated with the emergence of 3-D wakes at high angles of attack. For flows at high sweep angles, the optimal convection speed of the response modes is shown to be faster than the optimal wavemakers speed suggesting a mechanism for the attenuation of perturbations. The present findings serve as a fundamental stepping stone to understanding separated flows at higher Reynolds numbers.

In the treatment of infertile patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) caused by the deletion of the azoospermia factor c region (AZFc) on the Y chromosome, synchronous and asynchronous surgical strategies are discussed. Clinical data from NOA patients with the AZFc deletion who underwent micro-TESE were analyzed retrospectively. The sperm retrieval rate (SRR) and sperm utilization rate of synchronous and asynchronous operation groups were followed up and compared. The fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and cumulative live birth rate of ICSI in patients with successful sperm retrieval were compared between the two groups. The two groups had sperm utilization rates of 98.9% (93/94) and 50.0% (14/28), respectively. The asynchronous group’s sperm consumption rates were much lower than those of the synchronous operation group. Fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate of fresh transfer cycle, abortion rate, and cumulative live birth rate of patients in the synchronous operation group with fresh sperm, and the asynchronous operation group with thawed sperm, respectively, were 30.6% vs 33.8%, 33.8% vs 40.7%, 40.0% vs 12.5%, 30.4% vs 7.1%. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference. This suggests that individuals with NOA caused by the AZFc deletion have a high possibility of successfully acquiring sperm using micro-TESE and ICSI to conceive their own offspring. Synchronous micro-TESE is recommended to improve sperm utilization rate and the cumulative live birth rate.

High-performance mullite-based composite ceramics were prepared successfully using natural kaolin and alumina as raw materials and ZrO2 as an additive. The influence of sintering temperature and ZrO2 content on the sintering behaviour and mechanical properties of zirconia-toughened mullite ceramics was studied systematically. With increasing sintering temperature from 1450°C to 1560°C, the primary phases of as-sintered composite ceramics were mullite and corundum with a small amount of ZrO2, and the bulk density of the composite ceramics increased from 2.29 to 2.72 g cm–3. Furthermore, the ZrO2 phase transition promoted transgranular fracture, and ZrO2 grains were pinned at the grain boundaries, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength of the composite ceramics. Moreover, the AZS12 sample, with 12 wt.% ZrO2 and sintered at 1560°C, had the greatest flexural strength and fracture toughness of 91.6 MPa and 2.47 MPa m–1/2, respectively. Adding ZrO2 to the composite ceramics increased their flexural strength by ~37.6%.

Linear modal instabilities of flow over untapered wings with aspect ratios $AR=4$ and 8, based on the NACA 0015 profile, have been investigated numerically over a range of angles of attack, $\alpha$, and angles of sweep, $\varLambda$, at chord Reynolds numbers $100\le Re\le 400$. Laminar base flows have been generated using direct numerical simulation and selective frequency damping, as appropriate. Several families of unstable three-dimensional linear global (TriGlobal) eigenmodes have been identified and their dependence on geometric parameters has been examined in detail at $Re=400$. The leading global mode A is associated with the peak recirculation in the three-dimensional laminar separation bubble formed on the wing and becomes unstable when recirculation reaches $\textit {O}(10\,\%)$. On unswept wings, this mode peaks in the midspan region of the wake and moves towards the wing tip with increasing $\varLambda$, following the displacement of peak recirculation; its linear amplification leads to wake unsteadiness. Additional amplified modes exist at nearly the same and higher frequencies compared to mode A. The critical $Re$ has been identified and it is shown that amplification increases with increasing sweep, up to $\varLambda \approx 10^\circ$. At higher $\varLambda$, all global modes become less amplified and are ultimately stable at $\varLambda =30^\circ$. An increase in amplification of the leading mode with sweep was not observed over the $AR=4$ wing, where tip vortex effects were shown to dominate.

Pneumatic muscle actuator (PMA) similar to biological muscle is a new type of pneumatic actuator. The flexible manipulator based on PMAs was constructed to simulate the actual movement of the human upper arm. Considering the model errors and external disturbances, the fuzzing sliding mode control based on the saturation function was proposed. Compared with other fuzzy control methods, fuzzy control and saturation function are used to adjust the robust terms to improve the tracking accuracy and reduce the high-frequency chattering.

This research communication aims to characterize the prevalence, molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance profiling of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from clinical mastitis in China. A total of 140 Strep. agalactiae isolates were identified from 12 out of 201 farms in 6 provinces, overall herd prevalence was 18.6% and the MLST analysis showed clonal complexes (CC) 103 and CC 67 were present in these herds with CC 103 predominant, accounting for 97.9%. Isolates were mostly sensitive to the tested antimicrobials: penicillin, ceftiofur, amoxi/clav, cefquinome, and vancomycin (100%), followed by cefalexin (97.9%), oxacillin (96.4%), enrofloxacin (95.7%), erythromycin (89.3%), and clindamycin (88.6%). Only 19.3 and 0.7% of isolates were sensitive to tetracycline and daptomycin, respectively, and sequence type (ST) 103 was most resistant to antimicrobials. In conclusion, CC 103 was the predominant subgroup of bovine mastitis Strep. agalactiae in China, and most antimicrobials apart from tetracycline and daptomycin were effective.

Technology that develops rapidly has profoundly affected the business field and reshaped some behaviours of corporations, and the discussion on startup risk-taking behaviour in the new era is still insufficient. Based on social network theory and social capital theory, this article studies how social networks and entrepreneurial ecosystems support startup risk-taking behaviour. This article cuts into this issue through the perspective of coopetition. Based on 737 responses, this article employs regression and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to explore the relationships between networks, ecosystem coopetition, and risk-taking behaviour. Results indicate that networks and coopetition may stimulate startup risk-taking behaviour, and coopetition may weaken the impacts of networks. There are replacement effects between different characteristics of networks, and there are several configurations, which may lead to high-level risk-taking. This article may help us understand startup risk-taking behaviour in the digital era and the positive impacts of ecosystems.