Exploring the Applicability of Building Energy Performance Certification Systems in Underground Stations in China

To improve the energy efficiency of underground metro stations, and in view of the absence of a comprehensive energy performance evaluation system for underground stations, this study introduced building Energy Performance Certification (EPC) tools into underground stations and conducted a comparative analysis of their applicability. The findings indicated that due to the unique characteristics of underground stations, China’s current EPC system was inapplicable to them. Specifically, (1) for basic items, although evaluation methods were available, due to the limited energy use data for the statistical method, the self-reference method was preferred, but its calculation encountered issues with missing reference values; (2) for prescribed items, the emphasis should be placed on the energy efficiency requirements of energy use systems rather than those of the thermal performance of envelopes; (3) for alternative items, the energy recovery measures related to the heat dissipation of trains and the piston wind should be addressed. Furthermore, a case study was conducted for verification of the proposed energy evaluation method, and the EPC system was updated based on the results of the comparison. The authors hope that this study will help improve China’s energy evaluation methods for underground stations and serve as a reference for expanding the EPC system to include public transportation buildings

Characteristics and assessment of the electricity consumption of metro systems: A case study of Tianjin, China

Owing to the complexity of metros, the energy consumption characteristics of metro systems exhibit variability and the energy‐saving management of the systems encounters challenges. To encapsulate the essential characteristics of energy usage and to objectively assess the energy performance of metro systems, this study presents a generalized framework and applies it to a case study conducted in Tianjin. The study also employs correlation analysis to investigate the applicability of the indicators relevant to ridership. The results indicate that the monthly traction electricity consumption exhibits slight variation, while station electricity usage demonstrates substantial fluctuation with seasonal changes. For Tianjin Metro, the passenger factor hardly shows any effect on the electricity use of metro lines. The median value of traction electricity use is approximately 2.0 kWh/(car‐km) and that of the average annual station electricity use of underground lines ranges from 95 to 155 kWh/m2. The emission from the traction sector is 12.2 kgCO2/(vehicle‐km) and from the station sector is 118.6 kgCO2/m2. The study also identifies the energy‐intensive lines of the Tianjin Metro and compares the energy utilization among various global metro systems. The authors hope that this study can help shed light on the assessment of the energy status of metro systems and serve as a source of information for other City‐Metros to implement energy‐saving management

PK-PD integration of enrofloxacin and cefquinome alone and in combination against Klebsiella pneumoniae using an in vitro dynamic model

Introduction:Klebsiella pneumoniae is classified as a critical pathogen in both animals and humans and infections can be fatal in chickens resulting in substantial economic losses. However, the misuse of antibiotics can also lead to drug resistance and a potential transmission chain between animals and humans. Three K. pneumoniae strains with different susceptibility phenotypes were chosen to study the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration of enrofloxacin (ENR) and cefquinome (CEQ) alone and in combination.Results: Checkerboard assay results indicated that the combination treatment for type strain ATCC 700603 was synergistic effect with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of ≤0.5. The other two clinical strains demonstrated an additive effect (FICI >0.5 to ≤1). Furthermore, static time-kill curves indicated that enrofloxacin and cefquinome added singly were effective in killing K. pneumoniae at concentrations of >2 MIC and ≥1 MIC, respectively. Additionally, the combination of enrofloxacin and cefquinome led to an enhanced antibacterial activity of cefquinome. The dynamic time-kill curves indicated that enrofloxacin and cefquinome had bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities, respectively at ≥1.5 mg/L (single-dose) and 4 mg/L (8 h split-dose) causing a decrease in bacterial counts of ≥4.45 and >2 log10 CFU/mL. Enrofloxacin possessed no bacteriostatic effects against K. pneumoniae at a constant concentration of 1× MIC. Cefquinome used in combination with 1× MIC enrofloxacin exhibited bactericidal activity at ≥4 mg/L (12 h split-dose) with reductions of ≥3.65 log10 CFU/mL. The PK/PD parameters were also analyzed to determine the concentration and duration of the drugs needed to reduce bacteria by 3 log10 CFU/mL. For enrofloxacin alone, the AUC24h/MIC was 23.29 h and the Cmax/MIC was 3.18. For cefquinome alone, the %T > MIC was 48.66 and when used in combination with enrofloxacin was 18.04. The combined use of cefquinome and enrofloxacin can increase the antibacterial activity of cefquinome against K. pneumoniae under a 12-h split-dose regimen regardless of individual drug susceptibility.Discussion: The static and dynamic time-kill curves indicated that enrofloxacin exhibited concentration-dependent activity, while cefquinome exhibited time-dependent activity. In the in vitro dynamic model, enrofloxacin alone exhibited better antimicrobial effects against K. pneumoniae compared to cefquinome alone. However, the antibacterial effect of cefquinome can be enhanced by combining it with enrofloxacin. These findings suggest a potentially effective approach for combating K. pneumoniae infections

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides for post-silicon electronics

Rapid advancements in information technology push the explosive growth in data volume, requiring greater computing-capability logic circuits. However, conventional computing-capability improving technology, which mainly relies on increasing transistor number, encounters a significant challenge due to the weak field-effect characteristics of bulk silicon-based semiconductors. Still, the ultra-thin layered bodies of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDCs) materials enable excellent field-effect characteristics and multiple gate control ports, facilitating the integration of the functions of multiple transistors into one. Generally, the computing-capability improvement of the transistor cell in logic circuits will greatly alleviate the challenge in transistor numbers. In other words, one can only use a small number, or even just one, 2D-TMDCs-based transistors to conduct the sophisticated logic operations that have to be realized by using many traditional transistors. In this review, from material selection, device structure optimization, and circuit architecture design, we discuss the developments, challenges, and prospects for 2D-TMDCs-based logic circuits.</p

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides for post-silicon electronics

Rapid advancements in information technology push the explosive growth in data volume, requiring greater computing-capability logic circuits. However, conventional computing-capability improving technology, which mainly relies on increasing transistor number, encounters a significant challenge due to the weak field-effect characteristics of bulk silicon-based semiconductors. Still, the ultra-thin layered bodies of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDCs) materials enable excellent field-effect characteristics and multiple gate control ports, facilitating the integration of the functions of multiple transistors into one. Generally, the computing-capability improvement of the transistor cell in logic circuits will greatly alleviate the challenge in transistor numbers. In other words, one can only use a small number, or even just one, 2D-TMDCs-based transistors to conduct the sophisticated logic operations that have to be realized by using many traditional transistors. In this review, from material selection, device structure optimization, and circuit architecture design, we discuss the developments, challenges, and prospects for 2D-TMDCs-based logic circuits

Current trends in tai chi for stroke rehabilitation

Background There are an increasing number of studies focusing on the effect of tai chi for different diseases. As a special form of physical activity, tai chi may be beneficial for the rehabilitation of stroke, a leading cause of disability worldwide. Objective This review summarizes the existing literature on the potential benefits of tai chi for stroke rehabilitation and offers recommendations for future research. Methods Studies on the biomechanics and physiology of tai chi for stroke rehabilitation are reviewed. Research on tai chi for stroke rehabilitation and related diseases are summarized. Finally, the shortcomings of existing studies and recommendations for future studies are discussed. Conclusions Tai chi appears to be beneficial for stroke rehabilitation. But reporting quality of existing studies are sub-optimal. Future trials should define tai chi style, apply rigorous methodology to sample size calculation, randomization, recruiting criteria, and outcome measures. To avoid inadequacies during the research and reporting processes, investigators may wish to follow CONSORT guidelines and refer to well-conducted clinical studies on tai chi

Prediction formulae of sagittal alignment in thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis after osteotomy

Abstract To construct and validate prediction formulae of sagittal alignment in thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) after osteotomy. A total of 115 AS patients who suffered from thoracolumbar kyphosis and underwent osteotomy were enrolled, with 85 patients in derivation group and 30 patients in validation group. Radiographic parameters were measured on lateral radiographs, including thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (LL), T1 pelvic angel (TPA), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), osteotomized vertebral angle, pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and PI and LL mismatch (PI-LL). Prediction formulae of SS, PT, TPA and SVA were established; and their effectiveness was evaluated. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups (p > 0.05). In derivation group, LL and PI-LL were correlated with SS, and were then used to establish the prediction formula of SS[SS = − 12.791–0.765 × (LL) + 0.357 × (PI-LL), R2 = 68.3%]; PI and PI-LL were correlated with PT, and the prediction formula of PT were thus established[PT = 12.108 + 0.402 × (PI-LL) + 0.252 × (PI), R2 = 56.8%]; PT, PI-LL and LL were correlated with TPA, and were used to establish the prediction formula of TPA[TPA = 0.225 + 0.597 × (PT) + 0.464 × (PI-LL)-0.161 × (LL), R2 = 87.4%]; PT, PI-LL and age were correlated with SVA, and were used to establish the prediction formula of SVA[SVA = 36.157 + 2.790 × (PI-LL) + 1.657 × (Age)-1.813 × (PT), R2 = 41.5%]. In validation group, the predictive SS, PT, TPA and SVA were basically consistent with corresponding real values; and the mean error between predictive values and real values was of 1.3° in SS, 1.2° in PT, 1.1° in TPA and 8.6 mm in SVA. Postoperative SS, PT, TPA and SVA could be predicted with PI and the planned LL and PI-LL using prediction formulae, providing a method for AS kyphosis to plan postoperative sagittal alignment. Change of pelvic posture after osteotomy was quantitatively evaluated using the formulae