One-step preparation of robust elastic plastic polyvinyl chloride sponges with a layered structure for highly efficient separation of water-in-oil emulsions

To address the environmental pollution and human health issues caused by oily wastewater and PVC plastic waste, a practical zero-waste solution has been developed. In this study, PVC sponges with superlipophilic and superhydrophobic properties were prepared using vapor induced phase inversion and recycling PVC food wrap, without the use of any additives. This sponge effectively separates oil and water. The pore size of PVC sponges could be adjusted by varying the PVC concentration and solvent ratio, which led to improvements in pore density, specific surface area, porosity, oil sorption capacity, and emulsion separation performance. The emulsion separation experiment demonstrated that the 7 wt% PVC sponge (7-0-1) can efficiently separate oil from water-in-oil emulsion, with excellent separation efficiency and a flux of 161.5 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1. Moreover, the sponge exhibits impressive properties such as elastic recovery, flexibility, self-cleaning, and mechanical strength. Remarkably, even after recycling, the sponge maintains its hydrophobicity and emulsion separation performance. This hydrophobic sponge has great potential for mass production and oil–water separation such as in oil spill accidents.publishedVersio

Simulation-assisted investigation on the formation of layer bands and the microstructural evolution in directed energy deposition of Ti6Al4V blocks

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis Group in Virtual and Physical Prototyping on 2021, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/17452759.2021.1942077Additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloy entails severe microstructural heterogeneity and layer bands due to diverse thermal histories. While the thermal-microstructure relationship in AM has been reported, the details on how complex thermal histories influence the microstructural evolution have not been so addressed, and the formation of layer bands in multi-layer multi-pass builds is still unclear. To undertake such investigation, a thermal model is firstly calibrated using two part-scale blocks fabricated on differently sized substrates, and then used to study the relationship between key microstructural characteristics and the thermal cycling involved. Results show that the different evolutions of the temperature ranges just underneath the ß-transus temperature (Tß) controlled by the printing path are responsible for the different band distributions at the centre and corner of the blocks. Also, the a sizes in the normal region are closely linked to the integral area obtained from the thermal curve as temperature fluctuates between Tß and a dissolution temperature, which helps linking AM variables to metallurgy. This further demonstrates that the a coarsening during thermal cycles is primarily driven by multi dissolution and precipation transformations instead of Ostwald ripening. Finally, the quantitative thermal-microstructure-microhardness relationship is established, helpful for the microstructural design.This work was funded by the National Key Technologies R & D Program (No. 2016YFB1100100), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants No. 51874245), the European KYKLOS 4.0 project (No. 872570), the Severo Ochoa Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D (CEX2018-000797-S) and the China Scholarship Council (No. 201906290011).Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

FlashDecoding++: Faster Large Language Model Inference on GPUs

As the Large Language Model (LLM) becomes increasingly important in various domains. However, the following challenges still remain unsolved in accelerating LLM inference: (1) Synchronized partial softmax update. The softmax operation requires a synchronized update operation among each partial softmax result, leading to ~20% overheads for the attention computation in LLMs. (2) Under-utilized computation of flat GEMM. The shape of matrices performing GEMM in LLM inference is flat, leading to under-utilized computation and >50% performance loss after padding zeros in previous designs. (3) Performance loss due to static dataflow. Kernel performance in LLM depends on varied input data features, hardware configurations, etc. A single and static dataflow may lead to a 50.25% performance loss for GEMMs of different shapes in LLM inference. We present FlashDecoding++, a fast LLM inference engine supporting mainstream LLMs and hardware back-ends. To tackle the above challenges, FlashDecoding++ creatively proposes: (1) Asynchronized softmax with unified max value. FlashDecoding++ introduces a unified max value technique for different partial softmax computations to avoid synchronization. (2) Flat GEMM optimization with double buffering. FlashDecoding++ points out that flat GEMMs with different shapes face varied bottlenecks. Then, techniques like double buffering are introduced. (3) Heuristic dataflow with hardware resource adaptation. FlashDecoding++ heuristically optimizes dataflow using different hardware resource considering input dynamics. Due to the versatility of optimizations in FlashDecoding++, FlashDecoding++ can achieve up to 4.86x and 2.18x speedup on both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs compared to Hugging Face implementations. FlashDecoding++ also achieves an average speedup of 1.37x compared to state-of-the-art LLM inference engines on mainstream LLMs

OR-044 Effect of Elastic Band Exercise, Brisk Walking and the Diabolo Exercise on the Serum Lipid Level of Women with dyslipidemia between 60 to 69 Years Old

Objective This study investigated the effect of elastic band exercise, brisk walking and the diabolo exercise on the serum lipid level of abnormal blood lipids women between 60 to 69 years old. Methods  252 subjects were randomly divided into the elastic band exercise group (EBG), the brisk walking group (BWG), the diabolo exercise group (DEG) and the control group (CG), each group of 63 people. In the end, 186 people (NEBEG=63, NBWG=45, NDEG=32, NCG=46) completed all the tests in 12 weeks due to various reasons, such as withdrawal, travel abroad, and hospitalization. The EBG and the DEG respectively carry on the self-braiding and the Diabolo exercise(DE) training for 1 h, 3 times per week for12 weeks. Participants in the BWG wore pedometers for brisk walking, 5 times per week, and 8,000 to 10,000 steps per time. The CG did not intervene. Measurement on height, body weight, TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C were made at two time points—baseline, 12 weeks. Results After 12 weeks of exercise, TG, TC and LDL-C levels of the EBG, BWG and DEG were significantly lower than those in the pre-test group, and the difference was statistically significant, there was no significant change in the control group. The average level of HDL-C in the BWG and DEG was higher than that before the experiment, and the difference was statistically significant. The average level of TG change rate (P50= 0.16) of DEG was greater than EBG (P50=0.09) and BWG(P50=0.05), all of the experimental group were greater than the CG, and the difference was statistically significant. The average level of TC change rate of the EBG, BWG and DEG was greater than the CG, and the difference was statistically significant. The average level of HDL-C change rate in both BWG (P50=0.06) and DEG (P50=0.14) was greater than that of the EBG (P50=0.01) and the CG (P50=0), and the difference was statistically significant. The average level of LDL-C change rate of the EBG(P50=0.06) and the BWG(P50=0.13) was larger than that of the CG (P50= -0.04) and the DEG (P50= -0.08), and the difference was statistically significant. The EBG is compared with the BWG, and the comparison between DEG and CG, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions The TG level in the blood was significantly reduced in the EBG, BWG and DEG, and the effect of the diabolo exercise(DE)was better than that of the elastic band exercise (EBE)and the brisk walking(BW). The EBE, BW and DE can significantly reduce the TC level in blood. Both BW and EBE can raise the level of HDL-C in the blood. Both the EBE and BW can reduce the level of LDL-C in the blood。Therefore, all three types of exercise can effectively regulate the Serum Lipid Level of elderly women with dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of ASCVD

PO-254 Progression in rehabilitation of Upper Crossed Syndrome

Objective  At present, there is a growing number of potential people in the country who are prone to upper crossed syndrome (UCS), and compared with other musculoskeletal diseases, the etiology and treatments of the syndrome are still at an initial stage. On the other hand, the syndrome is a transitional stage between the normal cervical vertebra and cervical spondylosis, so it may be one of the important factors of cervical spondylosis which becomes younger in average age and happens more frequently. Domestic researches for UCS are not sufficient. There is no clear and unified conclusion on the pathogenesis of the disease, and there is also no systematic and efficient standard for its treatment. Therefore, the study of the UCS will help people fully understand the occurrence of cervical spondylosis, the mechanism of muscle imbalance and neck pain, it could lead to new further treatments of physical therapy and exercise therapy.  Methods A literature search was conducted for UCS studies using CNKI, Wan Fang database, VIP database, Pubmed, web of science, EMbase, Cochrane Library. The Medical Subject Headings search terms used included rehabilitation therapy, neck pain, head pain, etiology, treatment, and combined keywords using upper crossed syndrome and UCS. According to the characteristics of the different databases, there is a joint search method for the keywords and free words. Two authors independently extracted relevant data according to the proposed inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then carry out full text reading after the literature that may be qualified or cannot be confirmed, so as to identify the literature that needs to be included. In the end,40 literatures were finally included. Results The causes of UCS may have bad posture, abnormalities of respiratory patterns, psychological factors, over excitation of sympathetic nerve, abnormalities of proprioception, acute and chronic injury. And, once that balance is broken, without interference, the neck and shoulders will form a vicious circle, and the human body's stress reaction will form osteophyte in the corresponding place，and damage intervertebral disc. According to the studies, all treatment methods have certain effects such as massage, acupuncture, strength training, breathing training, nerve sensation training, cognitive-behavioral therapy and so on. 1.Bad posture can cause the cervical vertebra physiological curvature to disappear, neck muscle length changes, abnormal tension, force imbalance. It can be treated with exercise therapy, including corrective training, north European walking, etc. We need to use strength training, posture correction, elastic band training and so on, to strengthen the relatively weakened or elongated muscles, and make the joints and muscles of shoulder or neck work under the correct rhythm, followed by the bone-setting manipulation(traction therapy, joint mobilization, Chinese traditional vertebra restoration method) can also have a good effect by solving problems such as abnormal cervical vertebra curvature, local nerve compression, small joint disorders and limited range of motion in a joint. 2.Abnormal breathing patterns make the accessory respiratory muscles constantly perform low load contraction, which gradually causes muscle fatigue. For some people with respiratory disorders or difficulties, in order to breathe more smoothly, will take a head forward posture to alleviate the resistance of the airway, so that they can not fully complete the original function of the accessory respiratory muscle. To this, abdominal respiration training can regulate the balance of the major respiratory and accessory respiratory muscles function, and reduce the excitability of sympathetic nervous, thus relaxing the dominant muscles. 3.Most psychological problems are characterized by progressive and concealed, which not only have a negative impact on people's psychology, but also can not be ignored in physiology. Psychological effects may change the neurotransmitter, 5-HT and corticotropinreleasing factors in the body, which causes the human body to suffers the muscle pain, the tension, the movement uneasiness manifestation. It is the first time that the human body has suffered from muscle pain, nervous and fidgety movements. Therefore, some scholars proposed to use the cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) to carry on the improvement to this problem. It includes specific behavior and cognitive corrections to correct body and mental abnormalities. 4.At present, some researchers have found that the neural sensation, especially the abnormalities of proprioception, is closely related to the abnormal postures. For UCS, long term abnormal posture, the abnormal signals that feed back to the proprioceptionare gradually weakened and eventually ignored or considered normal by the brain center. Therefore, the proprioceptionshould be reactivated under the correct posture. The correct feedback signal can be activated by proprioceptiontraining and Kinesio taping. And the Kinesio taping can make indirect effect on the sensory system, at the same time it can reduce the pressure of local tissue and speed up the blood circulation. This can accelerate the metabolism of muscle and help the recovery of muscle fatigue. 5.Most of these causes of UCS will lead to pain, inflammatory, fascia adhesion. Chinese traditional methods of rehabilitation and physiotherapy are commonly used in treatment. Massage therapy, Chinese acupuncture treatment including acupuncture point injection therapy, and Chinese needle-knife therapy can play a role in warming Yang and eliminating cold, reducing swelling and relieving fatigue. Chinese needle-knife therapy by cutting muscle fascia, stripping, relaxation, unclogging, promoting blood circulation, etc. It is necessary to adjust the biomechanics of the human body and restore the balance of motion. The Chinese herbal medicine can make the human body live blood for pain and pain, and it can be applied outside, taken inside and combined with other treatment methods.Medium and low frequency treatment, infrared treatment, waxwork and other physical therapy methods, using sound, light, cold, heat, electricity, magnetic，force (motion and pressure) and other physical factors for treatment, aiming at local or systemic functional disorders or diseases of the human body. The physical factors therapy is non-invasive and non-drug treatment，which is necessary to restore the original physiological functions of the body.  6.China has a variety of martial arts since ancient times, including Baduanjin exercise, five-animal exercises and Tai Chi. With the aim of physical fitness and relatively gentle physical activity as the basis, the physical and mental state need combine body，breath and heart adjustment, which play a role in strengthening the body, adjusting breathing and maintaining health. Conclusions In summary,traction therapy, Chinese traditional needle-knife have high requirements for equipment and venues, and are expensive and not suitable for public use. The Chiropractic therapy ，joint mobilization and Chinese traditional vertebra restoration method have high risks, and the requirements on the experience and technique of the operator are higher. And Other treatments have their own characteristics. Therefore, in the actual treatment process, various factors should be considered comprehensively to carry out treatment. Treatment of primary and secondary order, consider, from the pathogenesis of UCS should give top priority to posture correction, daily lifestyle management, including breathing training, strength training, relaxation therapy, second along with Chinese acupuncture and physical therapy, such as nerve sensation training, finally martial arts, as an education and mission project ，guide the patient carry out the rehabilitation by themselves. It is still not clear how to prevent UCS and what treatment sequence should be used to treat different causes of UCS at home and abroad, which need to make further study.    &nbsp

Film bulk acoustic resonators integrated on arbitrary substrates using a polymer support layer

The film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) is a widely-used MEMS device which can be used as a filter, or as a gravimetric sensor for biochemical or physical sensing. Current device architectures require the use of an acoustic mirror or a freestanding membrane and are fabricated as discrete components. A new architecture is demonstrated which permits fabrication and integration of FBARs on arbitrary substrates. Wave confinement is achieved by fabricating the resonator on a polyimide support layer. Results show when the polymer thickness is greater than a critical value, d, the FBARs have similar performance to devices using alternative architectures. For ZnO FBARs operating at 1.3–2.2 GHz, d is ~9 μm, and the devices have a Q-factor of 470, comparable to 493 for the membrane architecture devices. The polymer support makes the resonators insensitive to the underlying substrate. Yields over 95% have been achieved on roughened silicon, copper and glass