Functional Model Research Articles

Mapping Electrophile Chemoselectivity in DalPhos/Nickel N-Arylation Catalysis: The Unusual Influence of Remote Sterics.

We disclose herein our evaluation of competitive (hetero)aryl-X (X: Br>Cl>OTf) reactivity preferences in bisphosphine/Ni-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling catalysis, using furfurylamine as a prototypical nucleophile, and employing DalPhos and DPPF as representative ancillary ligands with established efficacy. Beyond this general (pseudo)halide ranking, other intriguing structure-reactivity trends were noted experimentally, including the unexpected observation that bulky alkyl (e. g., R=tBu) substitution in para-R-aryl-X electrophiles strongly discourages (pseudo)halide reactivity relative to smaller substituents (e. g., nBu, Et, Me), despite being both remote from, and having a similar electronic influence on, the reacting C-X bond; such effects on nickel oxidative addition have not been documented previously and were not observed in our comparator reactions presented herein involving palladium. Density functional theory modeling of such PhPAd-DalPhos/Ni-catalyzed C-N cross-couplings revealed the origins of competitive turnover of C-Br over C-Cl, and possible ways in which bulky para-alkyl substitution might discourage net electrophile uptake/turnover, leading to inversion of halide selectivity.

Sensitivity analysis for multi-measurement points based SHM in the mooring lines of floating offshore wind turbines

Abstract Structural health monitoring in floating offshore wind turbines’ mooring lines is vital for detecting early faults and preventing disruptions. Currently, sporadic and expensive monitoring is conducted via remote-operating vehicles. Efficient, automated, economical monitoring methods based on a continuous stream of data acquired via multiple measurement points in the wind turbine, are required. Such methods based on vibration signals have been investigated limitedly for steel chains. Recently, faulty synthetic mooring lines of a simulated 10MW semi-submersible wind turbine have been detected under varying environmental conditions and via the Functional Model Based Method (FMBM) equipped with functional models. The uncertainty due to the conditions’ stochasticity has been addressed by training the models using ten signal realizations per condition (wind) under the healthy wind turbine and from each of two measurement points. The current study presents a preliminary sensitivity analysis of the FMBM’s capability in detecting the simulated wind turbine’s faulty mooring lines when the functional models are trained using one signal realization per varying condition (wind) from each measurement point. The method’s effectiveness is evaluated with acceleration signals from 11 healthy/ 66 faulty (reduced stifness in one mooring line) cases. The FMBM detects all cases even when trained using one signal realization.

ПОДХОДЫ К ОСУЩЕСТВЛЕНИЮ РИСК-МЕНЕДЖМЕНТА В УСЛОВИЯХ НЕОПРЕДЕЛЕННОЙ И ТУРБУЛЕНТНОЙ ВНЕШНЕЙ СРЕДЫ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ЗЕРНОВОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА)

In the modern Russian socio-economic system, there is an objective increase in uncertainty and turbulence, which requires adequate management responses. In connection with the sanctions pressure, in agriculture the strategy of reducing the risks of import dependence is becoming a stimulating factor for development. The study was conducted on the example of grain production development, which has some specifics from the standpoint of management and, in particular, risk management. The purpose of the study is to generalize approaches to risk management in an uncertain and turbulent external environment and to develop on this basis a risk distribution scheme between management entities in the risk management system adapted to the specifics of grain production. It is shown that the increase in the values of economic indicators of grain production is influenced by natural and climatic conditions, they determine the quality of grain products, costs and the complex of applied agrotechnological measures. In addition to the observed "standard" variability of natural and climatic conditions, the study also identifies extreme risk events that require forecasting and consideration when managing grain production. Also, risks in the considered sphere are caused by diversity and interdependence of such factors as natural and climatic, soil, technological, economic, social, legal, etc. In their mutual interweaving, these factors determine annual fluctuations of economic indicators (yield, gross harvest, sown area) in grain production in Russia. As a result of the study, it was established that risk management procedures in the sphere of grain production should be carried out according to the hierarchical principle with the allocation of at least two levels: the coordinating level - the executive level. Based on this idea, an industry structural and functional model of risk management at various levels of decision-making has been developed. This model has the property of dualism: some levels are simultaneously coordinating, offering strategic solutions to lower levels, and executive - for higher structures. Implementation of the developed model in the practice of risk management in grain production will increase its sustainability and predictability.

ПОДХОДЫ К ОСУЩЕСТВЛЕНИЮ РИСК-МЕНЕДЖМЕНТА В УСЛОВИЯХ НЕОПРЕДЕЛЕННОЙ И ТУРБУЛЕНТНОЙ ВНЕШНЕЙ СРЕДЫ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ЗЕРНОВОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА)

In the modern Russian socio-economic system, there is an objective increase in uncertainty and turbulence, which requires adequate management responses. In connection with the sanctions pressure, in agriculture the strategy of reducing the risks of import dependence is becoming a stimulating factor for development. The study was conducted on the example of grain production development, which has some specifics from the standpoint of management and, in particular, risk management. The purpose of the study is to generalize approaches to risk management in an uncertain and turbulent external environment and to develop on this basis a risk distribution scheme between management entities in the risk management system adapted to the specifics of grain production. It is shown that the increase in the values of economic indicators of grain production is influenced by natural and climatic conditions, they determine the quality of grain products, costs and the complex of applied agrotechnological measures. In addition to the observed "standard" variability of natural and climatic conditions, the study also identifies extreme risk events that require forecasting and consideration when managing grain production. Also, risks in the considered sphere are caused by diversity and interdependence of such factors as natural and climatic, soil, technological, economic, social, legal, etc. In their mutual interweaving, these factors determine annual fluctuations of economic indicators (yield, gross harvest, sown area) in grain production in Russia. As a result of the study, it was established that risk management procedures in the sphere of grain production should be carried out according to the hierarchical principle with the allocation of at least two levels: the coordinating level - the executive level. Based on this idea, an industry structural and functional model of risk management at various levels of decision-making has been developed. This model has the property of dualism: some levels are simultaneously coordinating, offering strategic solutions to lower levels, and executive - for higher structures. Implementation of the developed model in the practice of risk management in grain production will increase its sustainability and predictability.

Correlation between functional tests and biomarker in return to sport tests of athletes with injuries to the knee region

A sports injury is a condition where damage occurs to the body tissue caused by sports activities. Data in the United States shows a high incidence rate of sports injuries which reaches 1.5 million per year, with half being serious injuries. Injuries to the lower limbs can generally lead to decreased performance, often preventing athletes from continuing as professionals. The Sports Physiotherapist is responsible for aiding recovery and improving the athlete’s performance so that they can return to their sport. Assessing an athlete’s ability to return to sport (RTS) requires tests that can predict their ability after injury. There is currently no consensus from the literature on the decision to return to sport given the lack of standardization and objective criteria. This research is a quantitative descriptive research in the form of a correlation study to analyze the relationship between the functional test model and the bilogical test of the success of the post-injury sports therapy program. Bivariate analysis shows that that the sit and reach test, and the hexagonal test are correlated with TGF Beta 1 results. Where the value r = 0,194 p = 0,160 yng means that there is no meaningful relationship between the Single Leg stance and the Beta 1 TGF.

Multi-criteria decision-making model for sustainability functions integrated Industry 4.0 technologies within small and medium enterprises in emerging countries

PurposeIn the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) era, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face significant pressure to make their manufacturing operations more sustainable. However, SMEs often lack the knowledge and information needed to leverage I4.0 technologies for achieving sustainability. This paper aims to develop a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to prioritize sustainability functions supported by I4.0 technologies in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe fuzzy-DEMATEL method was developed to classify sustainability functions based on their prominence and influence, categorizing them into cause-and-effect groups. Experts in I4.0 technologies, sustainability and SMEs from Brazil were consulted during the data collection phase. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to validate the results obtained through the DEMATEL method.FindingsThe results indicate that the most prominent and influential sustainability functions include organizing production processes, employee skill development and simplifying production planning and control. Therefore, investing in I4.0 technologies to support these functions can enable SMEs to amplify the impact of their sustainability initiatives and improve operational efficiency. The authors also observed that improving quality monitoring is the primary function within the effect group.Practical implicationsThis paper serves as a roadmap for SME managers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their sustainability practices using I4.0 technologies, thereby maximizing impact while minimizing the complexity of implementation.Originality/valueThis study ranks key sustainability functions as actions and practices that SMEs can implement using I4.0 technologies to achieve sustainability. It also identifies the most prominent and influential functions managers should prioritize when investing in I4.0 technologies.

Simile in Abdullah Farea and Sameer Nassar Translations of Hemingway's Men Without Women Short Stories

This study investigates the translation of similes in two Arabic versions of Ernest Hemingway’s Men Without Women, translated by Abdullah Fadhel Farea (2007) and Sameer Izzat Nassar (2003). Focusing on the cultural and stylistic importance of similes in Hemingway’s work, it examines the translation techniques used by each translator and evaluates their success in bridging linguistic and cultural differences. Using Katharina Reiss’s functional model (2000), the analysis assesses how semantic, lexical, and stylistic elements affect the translation of similes. It examines strategies like figurative equivalence, literal translation, and adaptation, highlighting both successful and problematic examples. The study reveals that while both translators aim to preserve Hemingway’s vivid imagery, their approaches to cultural nuances differ. The findings emphasize the importance of considering cultural context and audience expectations when translating similes to ensure both fidelity to the original text and resonance with the target readership.

Low-dose cement stabilized large particle size graded crushed stone: Laboratory and field investigations

Compared with traditional graded crushed stone (GCS), the maximum aggregate size of large particle size GCS (LPS-GCS) is larger and the content of large-size aggregates is more, which can form an interlocking skeletal structure with a stronger bearing capacity. Nevertheless, LPS-GCS occasionally exhibits unstable performance, and one effective way to enhance LPS-GCS's mechanical and physical properties is to stabilize it with low-dose cement. In this study, four cement contents (1.5 %, 2.0 %, 2.5 %, and 3.0 %, by mass) were selected to form low-dose cement stabilized LPS-GCS (LCS-LPS-GCS) mixtures with a maximum aggregate particle size of 53 mm. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and compressive resilient modulus (CRM) tests were performed on LCS-LPS-GCS samples for different cement contents and curing times. Moreover, prediction models and correlations for the UCS and CRM at different curing times were established. Furthermore, a test road was used to evaluate the LCS-LPS-GCS's field compaction level and deflection. Laboratory test results indicated that while the California bearing ratio was significantly higher than that of conventional GCS, the maximum dry density of LPS-GCS designed in this study was close to that of conventional GCS. With the same cement content, LCS-LPS-GCS outperformed conventional GCS in terms of UCS and CRM. Based on the variation law of the mechanical properties, the ideal cement content should be around 2.5 %. There was a strong positive correlation between UCS and CRM scores from LCS-LPS-GCS. The UCS and CRM were appropriate to be predicted by exponential and growth functions models, respectively. The field investigations indicated that asphalt pavements reconstructed with LCS-LPS-GCS had high compaction and low deflection, resulting in better bearing capacity and durability. The results of this investigation can serve as a reference for the design and application of LCS-LPS-GCS base for long-lasting and resilient pavements.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Anatomy and its Contribution to Penile Erection in Olive Baboons.

Despite the number of studies on the contribution of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) to the penile erection process, their significance is still underestimated. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of PFM in the erection process in non-human primates. First, we performed an anatomical study of the penile structures in 12 baboon cadavers. Next, we created chronic electrophysiological models of normal erectile function in 25 olive baboons. We implanted electrodes on the cavernous nerves to control penile blood filling and placed other electrodes on the pudendal nerve to stimulate the ischiocavernosus muscles (ICM) contractions after sufficient blood filling, thus simulating both vascular and muscular phases of penile erection. We controlled the intracavernous pressure (ICP) during nerve stimulations and further performed a mathematical analysis of the collected data. We described the main pro-erectile muscle anatomy and its relationship with penile structures in monkeys. During neurostimulation studies, we showed the key role of ICM in achieving full penile rigidity with suprasystolic ICP up to 120-300 mm Hg. We also developed a math model for calculating the pro-erectile muscle's contraction force with high accuracy. In this study, we demonstrated the crucial role of PFM in the penile erection process using the monkey model, supporting the previous studies' data. We consider these results essential for a better, more complex understanding of the penile erection process and the participating structures in each stage. This is essential for further improving and designing novel erectile dysfunction diagnostics and treatment techniques.

Cerebral hyperactivation across the Alzheimer’s disease pathological cascade

Abstract Neuronal dysfunction in specific brain regions or across distributed brain networks is a known feature of Alzheimer’s disease. An often reported finding in the early stage of the disease is the presence of increased functional MRI (fMRI) BOLD signal under task conditions relative to cognitively normal controls, a phenomenon known as “hyperactivation”. However, research in the past decades yielded complex, sometimes conflicting results. The magnitude and topology of fMRI hyperactivation patterns have been found to vary across the preclinical and clinical spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease, including concomitant “hypoactivation” in some cases. These incongruences are likely due to a range of factors, including the disease stage at which the cohort is examined, the brain areas or networks studied, and the fMRI paradigm utilised to evoke these functional abnormalities. Additionally, a perennial question pertains to the nature of hyperactivation in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Some propose it reflects compensatory mechanisms to sustain cognitive performance while others suggest it is linked to the pathological disruption of a highly regulated homeostatic cycle that contributes to, or even drives, disease progression. Providing a coherent narrative for these empirical and conceptual discrepancies is paramount to develop disease models, understand the synergy between hyperactivation and the Alzheimer’s disease pathological cascade, and tailor effective interventions. We first provide a comprehensive overview of functional brain changes spanning the course from normal ageing to the clinical spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease. We then highlight evidence supporting a close relationship between fMRI hyperactivation and in vivo markers of Alzheimer’s pathology. We primarily focus on task-based fMRI studies in humans, but also consider studies using different functional imaging techniques and animal models. We then discuss the potential mechanisms underlying hyperactivation in the context of Alzheimer’s disease, and provide a testable framework bridging hyperactivation, ageing, cognition, and the Alzheimer’s disease pathological cascade. We conclude with a discussion of future challenges and opportunities to advance our understanding of the fundamental disease mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease, and the promising development of therapeutic interventions incorporating or aimed at hyperactivation and large-scale functional systems.

Risky decision-making and nonsuicidal self-injury among university students: Examining the role of criticism feedback.

Risky decision-making putatively contributes to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) yet empirical support for this association is inconsistent. Studies have not simulated socioemotional contexts most closely linked to NSSI, which may partially explain mixed findings. Accordingly, we examined the association between NSSI and risky decision-making following the receipt of criticism from a close other, a key interpersonal context. The study included 286 university students (Mage = 21.11) oversampled for a lifetime history of NSSI. Participants completed a modified Iowa Gambling Task, in which they chose to play or pass on "good" and "bad" decks associated with monetary gains and losses. Participants also completed the Criticism Gambling Task, which was identical to the Iowa Gambling Task except critical audio comments preceded each block of trials. Based on results of multilevel growth curve analyses, decreases in risky decision-making were steeper on the Iowa Gambling Task compared to the Criticism Gambling Task, suggesting poorer learning in the context of criticism. Further, how past-month NSSI was related to changes in risky decision-making across blocks differed between the two tasks, b = -0.004, t(3140.00) = 2.48, p = .013. On the Iowa Gambling Task, all participants decreased their risky decision-making, whereas on the Criticism Gambling Task, higher past-month NSSI frequencies were associated with riskier decision-making. Our findings support associations between risky decision-making and NSSI in negative socioemotional contexts, consistent with functional models of NSSI.

Technique of functional simulation as a tool for providing the required quality of fortified bakery products

Relevance. The problem of irrational and unbalanced nutrition is relevant for almost all regions of Russia. There is a need to enrich everyday products with micronutrients that are of particular importance in the diet. Fortified bread and bakery products with specified consumer properties in the diet can be one of such valuable products.Methods. The methodology of structural analysis and design of systems (Structured Analysis and Design Technique, SADT) is often used in life cycle management of complex high-tech products and has not found wide application in the food industry. The authors substantiate the need to introduce tools for functional and graphical modeling of business processes that implement the SADT methodology in life cycle management to ensure the quality of finished bakery products.Results. An original generalized functional and logical model of the process “To produce enriched bread (bakery products) with regionally significant micronutrients” has been developed. The analysis of the technology of enriched bakery products, carried out at various levels of decomposition of the process, revealed that the quality of the finished product is significantly influenced by the choice of the technological stage of applying the components of the mixture proposed for the enriching composition. It has been established that preference should be given to organic forms of additives — components of the enriching composition. To preserve the nutritional properties of bakery products, an enriching composition is proposed to be applied to the surface of the finished product. The proposed method has been tested in experimental production conditions. Its manufacturability and controllability of the proposed technical solutions are proved. The approach to functional and graphical modeling of food technologies developed by the authors on the example of bakery products opens up prospects for improving the quality of finished products and can be widely used in food engineering.

Arbitration in the Age of Globalization: Addressing Cultural and Legal Diversity in Commercial Disputes to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Society

Objective: The article aims to identify the most effective ways to improve arbitration in the context of considering the influence of cultural and legal diversity factors in commercial disputes to achieve sustainable development goals in society. Theoretical Framework: Special attention is paid to the analysis of effective ways to improve arbitration in the context of considering the influence of cultural and legal diversity factors in commercial disputes to achieve sustainable development goals in society. Method: The methodology of the study involves the use of the IDEF3 functional modelling method. As a result of the study, a model for improving the processes of information support for arbitration processes in the context of taking into account the influence of cultural and legal diversity factors in commercial disputes was formed. Results and Discussion: The results obtained indicate the need for a more flexible approach to arbitration procedures in a globalized context, in particular, taking into account the cultural and legal characteristics of the parties to achieve sustainable development goals in society. Research Implications: The implications of the study are the dependence of the findings on the availability and quality of data on international arbitration procedures, which may be incomplete or heterogeneous across different legal cultures. Originality/Value: The practical significance lies in the disclosure of modern trends in the development of effective ways to improve arbitration in the context of considering the influence of cultural and legal diversity factors in commercial disputes to achieve sustainable development goals in society.

Validation of a functional human AD model with four AD therapeutics utilizing patterned ipsc-derived cortical neurons integrated with microelectrode arrays

Preclinical methods are needed for screening potential Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapeutics that recapitulate phenotypes found in the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) stage or even before this stage of the disease. This would require a phenotypic system that reproduces cognitive deficits without significant neuronal cell death to mimic the clinical manifestations of AD during these stages. Long-term potentiation (LTP), which is a correlate of learning and memory, was induced in mature human iPSC-derived cortical neurons cultured on microelectrode arrays utilizing circuit patterns connecting two adjacent electrodes. We demonstrated an LTP system that modeled the MCI and pre-MCI stages of Alzheimer’s and validated this functional system utilizing four AD therapeutics, which was also verified utilizing patch-clamp electrophysiology. LTP was induced by tetanic electrical stimulation, and LTP maintenance was significantly reduced in the presence of Amyloid-Beta 42 (Aβ42) oligomers compared to the controls, however, co-treatment with AD therapeutics (Donepezil, Memantine, Rolipram and Saracatinib) corrected Aβ42-induced LTP impairment. The results illustrate the utility of the system as a validated platform to model MCI AD pathology, and potentially for the pre-MCI phase before significant neuronal death. This system also has the potential to become an ideal platform for high-content therapeutic screening for other neurodegenerative diseases.

Vital Dye Uptake of YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI Depends Upon Mechanoelectrical Transduction Function in Zebrafish Hair Cells.

Vital dyes allow the visualization of cells in vivo without causing tissue damage, making them a useful tool for studying lateral line and inner ear hair cells in living zebrafish and other vertebrates. FM1-43, YO-PRO-1, and DASPEI are three vital dyes commonly used for hair cell visualization. While it has been established that FM1-43 enters hair cells of zebrafish and other organisms through the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel, the mechanism of entry into hair cells for YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI has not been established despite widespread use. We hypothesize that YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI entry into zebrafish hair cells is MET channel uptake dependent similar to FM1-43. To test this hypothesis, we used both genetic and pharmacologic means to block MET channel function. Genetic based MET channel assays were conducted with two different mechanotransduction defective zebrafish lines, specifically the myo7aa-/- loss of function mutant tc320b (p.Y846X) and cdh23-/- loss of function mutant (c.570-571del). Pharmacologic assays were performed with Gadolinium(III) Chloride (Gad(III)), a compound that can temporarily block mechanotransduction activity. Five-day post fertilization (5dpf) myo7aa-/- and cdh23-/- larvae incubated with FM1-43, YO-PRO-1, and DASPEI all showed nearly absent uptake of each vital dye. Treatment of wildtype zebrafish larvae with Gad(III) significantly reduces uptake of FM1-43, YO-PRO-1, and DASPEI vital dyes. These results indicate that YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI entry into zebrafish hair cells is MET channel dependent similar to FM1-43. This knowledge expands the repertoire of vital dyes that can be used to assess mechanotransduction and MET channel function in zebrafish and other vertebrate models of hair cell function.

Analytical modelling and analysis of the meander-line coil EMATs

The meander-line coil electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is widely used in the field of ultrasonic nondestructive testing due to its convenience to generate specific mode of guided waves. Some design methods of the meander-coil EMATs are developed in the frequency-wavenumber domain while others in the time–space domain. In this paper, a unified theoretical framework is developed by proposing an analytical model from the system perspective. Signal transfers between different physical fields in EMAT excitation, wave propagation and EMAT reception are represented as linear time–space-invariant systems. Taking the Rayleigh wave EMAT detection as an example, the analytical model for the transfer functions of these systems is established. The analytical model is experimentally verified by different Rayleigh wave detection techniques: the conventional EMAT, the spatial pulse compression (SPC) EMAT, temporal-spatial pulse compression (TSPC) EMAT and detection cases employing the same receiving EMAT. From the system perspective, the received signal of EMAT is interpreted as the response of the filter system to the input signal. It is found that the meander-coil EMAT can be regarded as the frequency domain expression during the detection. And the frequency domain expression plays different roles in different techniques.

How to Bridge Cognitive and Cultural Models of Religious Evolution

The scientific study of religion has roots in at least two traditions: a cognitive tradition which typically uses experimental studies to examine the proximal psychological processes underlying religious belief and ritual, and an anthropological tradition which uses historical and ethnographic data to examine how religious systems culturally evolve in social groups. In Religion Evolving, Purzycki and Sosis bridge both traditions and encourage a more integrated evolutionary science of religion. In this essay, I present three suggestions for how to make this science as ambitious and collaborative as possible. These suggestions are: (1) to move beyond straw man debates that pit byproduct models against functional models of religious evolution and acknowledge that these models are compatible from a dual inheritance perspective, (2) to evaluate functionalist claims with caution, recognizing how and when religion is adaptive vs. maladaptive for secular society, and (3) to avoid reductive definitions of religion and embrace religious pluralism. With these lessons in mind, we can usher in a bolder evolutionary science of religion that draws from both cognitive and cultural traditions.

An Innovative Logic Model Design to Produce High Performing Public Health Programs: Focus on Need-Based Functional Model for Effective Management of COVID-19

Logic models are valuable tools in the field of public health to picturize the relationships between program input, activities and desired outcomes. A logic model provides a clear and seamless method of designing, applying and analyzing public health programs. This article aims at understanding the different types of logic models and their use in different situations by taking into account the pros and cons of each type of model. A specific focus is placed on using Type III Logic model in preventing communicable diseases like Covid-19. This article tries to use this type of logic model in the planning phase to develop programs to address communicable diseases. Public health practitioners, managers and leaders could use this type of model in planning, implementing and evaluating their current and future health promotion and protection programs. Keywords: Logic model, Public Health Programs, COVID-19

Interdisciplinary Approach to Consumer Financial Behavior: Developing a Conceptual Framework

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual framework of consumer financial behavior with a multidisciplinary approach. Consumer financial behavior is the subject of research in many scientific disciplines, although it is of greatest interest to economists, sociologists, psychologists, and philosophers. The frailty and still insufficient functionality, as well as the lack of application of the models may result from constantly changing macro and microeconomic factors, changing trends, the impact of generational affiliation, and conceptual‐theoretical inconsistencies. Taking into consideration current attitudes toward understanding consumer financial behavior, a contribution to literature is an attempt to diagnose the components of a functional model for financial behaviors, in particular, the diagnosis of input and output factors in the decision‐making process. The proposed model of consumer financial behavior consists of five elements: type of consumer, type of financial product, motivation, abilities, and opportunities, and the factors determining them may be both economic and noneconomic.

Mathematical modeling for the efficiency function of the Retiro small hydroelectric power plant turbine-generator set

ABSTRACT Many authors use an efficiency constant for the turbine-generator set to calculate energy generation in hydroelectric projects. This often does not reflect reality because the efficiency of this system is relative and is related to the potential of the net head height and the flow of turbine discharge. The present work aims to perform a mathematical modeling for an analysis of the efficiency of the Turbine-Generator Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP) Retiro. To perform this analysis, a model based on a second-degree polynomial function was employed. A multivariate regression technique was applied by the Least Square Method (LSM) to obtain the coefficients of the function. To verify the behavior of the measured and adjusted data, the Determination Coefficient (R2) of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) algorithm was applied. The RMSE Mean of 0.022 and the RMSE Std of 0.029 suggest that the second-degree polynomial function is more consistent and stable across different training and validation datasets. The R2 value of 0.993 indicates that 99.3% of the variability in the data is explained by the model. The Omnibus, Durbin-Watson, and Jarque-Bera tests were applied to diagnose potential issues related to normality, autocorrelation, and adequacy, thereby validating the accuracy and significance of the model. The Hessian matrix technique was also used to verify the critical points of the function. The critical point corresponding to a water head of 11.47 meters and a turbine flow of 145.1 m3/s presented the highest operational efficiency. This study allows presenting a turbine efficiency function, its Hill Curve and a generator efficiency function with its corresponding Efficiency Curve. For efficiency analysis in several flow, height and power settings. The technique has proved efficient and can be an applicable tool in energy parameter studies for other hydroelectric projects with the same characteristics as SHPP Retiro.