Inadequate Flexibility Research Articles

BAFusion: Bidirectional Attention Fusion for 3D Object Detection Based on LiDAR and Camera.

3D object detection is a challenging and promising task for autonomous driving and robotics, benefiting significantly from multi-sensor fusion, such as LiDAR and cameras. Conventional methods for sensor fusion rely on a projection matrix to align the features from LiDAR and cameras. However, these methods often suffer from inadequate flexibility and robustness, leading to lower alignment accuracy under complex environmental conditions. Addressing these challenges, in this paper, we propose a novel Bidirectional Attention Fusion module, named BAFusion, which effectively fuses the information from LiDAR and cameras using cross-attention. Unlike the conventional methods, our BAFusion module can adaptively learn the cross-modal attention weights, making the approach more flexible and robust. Moreover, drawing inspiration from advanced attention optimization techniques in 2D vision, we developed the Cross Focused Linear Attention Fusion Layer (CFLAF Layer) and integrated it into our BAFusion pipeline. This layer optimizes the computational complexity of attention mechanisms and facilitates advanced interactions between image and point cloud data, showcasing a novel approach to addressing the challenges of cross-modal attention calculations. We evaluated our method on the KITTI dataset using various baseline networks, such as PointPillars, SECOND, and Part-A2, and demonstrated consistent improvements in 3D object detection performance over these baselines, especially for smaller objects like cyclists and pedestrians. Our approach achieves competitive results on the KITTI benchmark.

Functional Performance Testing to Evaluate Stretching Programs for Sprinters and Jumpers

Flexibility is a crucial element for success in various sports, notably in athletics, especially for runners and jumpers. Inadequate flexibility heightens the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal issues. This article forms part of a project aimed at devising warm-up and cool-down stretching routines. The study population is adolescent athletes. The following assessment methods are used: Trunk Power Test (Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw); Lower Extremity Power Tests (Vertical Jump; Standing Long Jump); Upper Extremity Power Test (Seated Shot-Put Medicine Ball Throw); Sprint Test (30 Meter Flying Start). Conclusion. The warm-up program is designed to facilitate dynamic muscle engagement and prepare the body for activity. Meanwhile, the relaxation program focuses on enhancing muscle and tendon flexibility; thereby decreasing the risk of overuse injuries and improving overall lower extremity resilience. Determining the influence of various stretching programs on speed-power metrics will aid in adjusting training protocols and enhancing competitive performances.

A two-stage optimization configuration model for multi-type flexible resource considering spatiotemporal response characteristics

As China gradually transitions towards a low-carbon energy structure, the proportion of grid-connected new energy sources like wind and solar power continues to increase. To ensure the safe and reliable operation of the power system while meeting the capacity planning for future new energy installations, there is a need for flexible resources with corresponding adjustment capabilities in the power system. In response to this situation, this paper presents an optimization model for the allocation of multiple types of flexible resources that takes into account spatiotemporal response characteristics. Firstly, a flexibility evaluation model is developed based on spatial and temporal response characteristics. Flexibility evaluation indices, such as flexibility average deficit and flexibility coverage index, are constructed. These indices are used for screening nodes with inadequate flexibility in the power system and analyzing the flexibility adequacy at various nodes. Next, the adjustment characteristics of multiple types of flexible resources are analyzed, and a model for their adjustment capabilities is established. Finally, by considering constraints based on time flexibility evaluation indices, a two-stage optimization model for flexible resource allocation is constructed. This model leverages the multiscale matching characteristics between flexibility resources and the fluctuation patterns of new energy sources to guide the allocation of flexible resources at nodes with insufficient flexibility. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed flexible resource allocation method are validated using the IEEE 9-node system.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dynamic Stretching Versus Static Stretching in Improving Flexibility and Preventing Injuries in Young Basketball Players

Stretching exercises encompass the act of moving the human body into diverse positions with the intention of elongating muscles and enhancing flexibility. These exercises can be categorized into two major types, namely static and dynamic. Static stretches necessitate sustaining a specific position for a predetermined duration, while dynamic stretches involve executing controlled movements throughout the entire range of motion. The implementation of stretching exercises can yield improvements in flexibility, a reduction in muscle tension, an augmentation of blood flow, and a mitigation of injuries. Consequently, they are frequently integrated into warm-up and cool-down routines for various physical activities. The possession of flexibility is of utmost importance for young individuals participating in the sport of basketball as it serves as a preventative measure against injuries and contributes to an improved level of performance. Inadequate flexibility, particularly in regions such as the lower back, hips, and ankles, is a common contributor to the occurrence of injuries. Engaging in dynamic stretching exercises before engaging in games or practices can prove advantageous as it aids in the enhancement of flexibility and minimizes the risk of injury by augmenting the range of motion and blood circulation within the muscles. However, it is crucial to note that excessive stretching or the imposition of flexibility beyond natural limits may result in injuries such as muscle strains or ligament tears.

A tempo-spatial controllable microfluidic shear-stress generator for in-vitro mimicking of the thrombus

Pathological conditions linked to shear stress have been identified in hematological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These conditions often exhibit significantly elevated shear stress levels, surpassing 1000 dyn/cm2 in severely stenotic arteries. Heightened shear stress can induce mechanical harm to endothelial cells, potentially leading to bleeding and fatal consequences. However, current technology still grapples with limitations, including inadequate flexibility in simulating bodily shear stress environments, limited range of shear stress generation, and spatial and temporal adaptability. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the impact of shear stress on physiological and pathological conditions, like thrombosis, remains inadequate. To address these limitations, this study presents a microfluidic-based shear stress generation chip as a proposed solution. The chip achieves a substantial 929-fold variation in shear stress solely by adjusting the degree of constriction in branch channels after PDMS fabrication. Experiments demonstrated that a rapid increase in shear stress up to 1000 dyn/cm2 significantly detached 88.2% cells from the substrate. Long-term exposure (24 h) to shear stress levels below 8.3 dyn/cm2 did not significantly impact cell growth. Furthermore, cells exposed to shear stress levels equal to or greater than 8.3 dyn/cm2 exhibited significant alterations in aspect ratio and orientation, following a normal distribution. This microfluidic chip provides a reliable tool for investigating cellular responses to the wide-ranging shear stress existing in both physiological and pathological flow conditions.Graphical

Reliability of Ensemble Climatological Forecasts

AbstractEnsemble climatological forecasts play a critical part in benchmarking the predictive performance of hydroclimatic forecasts. Accounting for the skewness and censoring characteristics of hydroclimatic variables, ensemble climatological forecasts can be generated by the log, Box‐Cox and log‐sinh transformations, by the combinations of the Bernoulli distribution with the Gaussian, Gamma, log‐normal, generalized extreme value, generalized logistic and Pearson type III distributions and by the non‐parametric resampling, empirical cumulative distribution function and kernel density estimation methods. This paper is concentrated on the reliability of the 12 types of ensemble climatological forecasts. Specifically, mathematical formulations are presented and large‐sample tests are devised to verify the forecast reliability for the Multi‐Source Weighted‐Ensemble Precipitation version 2 across the globe. Climatological forecasts of monthly precipitation over 18,425 grid cells are generated for 30 years under leave‐one‐year‐out cross validation, leading to 6,633,000 (12 × 18425 × 30) sets of ensemble climatological forecasts. The results point out that the reliability of climatological forecasts considerably varies across the 12 methods, particularly in regions with high hydroclimatic variability. One observation is that climatological forecasts tend to deviate from the distributions of observations when there is inadequate flexibility to fit precipitation data. Another observation is that ensemble spreads can be overly wide when there exist overfits of sample‐specific noises in cross validation. Through the tests of global precipitation, the robustness of the log‐sinh transformation and the Bernoulli‐Gamma distribution is highlighted. Overall, the investigations can serve as a guidance on the uses of transformations, distributions and non‐parametric methods in generating climatological forecasts.

A South African institution perspective of a framework for enterprise resource planning systems

Background: Public sector organisations encounter many challenges because of their complex legislative requirements, social responsibilities and higher public expectations. In the early 1980s, governments worldwide started experimenting with improving functions and processes through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of South African government institutions in adopting a guideline that will assist in implementing a sustainable ERP system to improve their information systems strategy. Method: This study followed the qualitative dominating mixed research methodology. A survey was distributed to 20 participants with closed-ended questions to collect quantitative data and open-ended questions to collect qualitative data. Results: Thirteen factors that allow ERP systems to be successfully implemented were identified. Some of the factors included effective change management policies, end-user specialised knowledge, organisation culture fit, top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, visibility of activities throughout the workflow, and willingness to change. Sixteen issues that restrict ERP implementation were also identified. Some of the restricting factors include ERP system complexity, high levels of customisation, inadequate flexibility, budget, maintenance costs, lack of vendor support, implementation delays and cost overruns. The current state of ERP implementation in the investigated organisation is of acceptance with growth being achieved gradually and steadily. Conclusion: The proposed framework provides core competencies such as top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, and effective change management policies among others, that can be used to establish corrective measures before and during the installation of ERP systems. Contribution: This study contributed to the body of knowledge by identifying the success and hindering factors of ERP system implementation. The proposed framework outlines guidelines for organisations to successfully adopt and implement ERP systems.

A South African institution perspective of a framework for enterprise resource planning systems

Background: Public sector organisations encounter many challenges because of their complex legislative requirements, social responsibilities and higher public expectations. In the early 1980s, governments worldwide started experimenting with improving functions and processes through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of South African government institutions in adopting a guideline that will assist in implementing a sustainable ERP system to improve their information systems strategy. Method: This study followed the qualitative dominating mixed research methodology. A survey was distributed to 20 participants with closed-ended questions to collect quantitative data and open-ended questions to collect qualitative data. Results: Thirteen factors that allow ERP systems to be successfully implemented were identified. Some of the factors included effective change management policies, end-user specialised knowledge, organisation culture fit, top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, visibility of activities throughout the workflow, and willingness to change. Sixteen issues that restrict ERP implementation were also identified. Some of the restricting factors include ERP system complexity, high levels of customisation, inadequate flexibility, budget, maintenance costs, lack of vendor support, implementation delays and cost overruns. The current state of ERP implementation in the investigated organisation is of acceptance with growth being achieved gradually and steadily. Conclusion: The proposed framework provides core competencies such as top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, and effective change management policies among others, that can be used to establish corrective measures before and during the installation of ERP systems. Contribution: This study contributed to the body of knowledge by identifying the success and hindering factors of ERP system implementation. The proposed framework outlines guidelines for organisations to successfully adopt and implement ERP systems.

Inadequate Flexibility and Resistance to Change Hindering Effectiveness of ERP System in Accounting

The Enterprise Management Planning (ERP) software applications allow companies to integrate key daily activities such as procurements, financial, production, human resources, and project activities and helps organizational stakeholders to facilitate efficient decision making based on integrated data from various departments. Many accountants have not been able to realize the effectiveness of the ERP system due to its inadequate flexibility to adapt to change and resistance among some accountants that use the system. This research aims at showing the role that the inadequate flexibility of the system plays in impeding the ERP software from guaranteeing effectiveness and depicts how resistance to change among different stakeholders in an organization hinders the effectiveness of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in accounting. It uses a qualitative research method entailing semi-structured interviews with multiple employees working in the accounts department in different organizations. The study revealed that many accountants are driven by fear of new technology, making them resist the ERP system. Participants also affirmed that ERP does not readily adapt to organizational changes in the accounting departments. The major limitation of this study is that it focused on a small sample population because of the limited funds to cater to many participants.

HRM: H-tree based reconfiguration mechanism in reconfigurable homogeneous PE array

In order to accommodate the variety of algorithms with different performance in specific application and improve power efficiency, reconfigurable architecture has become an effective methodology in academia and industry. However, existing architectures suffer from performance bottleneck due to slow updating of contexts and inadequate flexibility. This paper presents an H-tree based reconfiguration mechanism (HRM) with Huffman-coding-like and mask addressing method in a homogeneous processing element (PE) array, which supports both programmable and data-driven modes. The proposed HRM can transfer reconfiguration instructions/contexts to a particular PE or associated PEs simultaneously in one clock cycle in unicast, multicast and broadcast mode, and shut down the unnecessary PE/PEs according to the current configuration. To verify the correctness and efficiency, we implement it in RTL synthesis and FPGA prototype. Compared to prior works, the experiment results show that the HRM has improved the work frequency by an average of 23.4%, increased the updating speed by 2×, and reduced the area by 36.9%; HRM can also power off the unnecessary PEs which reduced 51% of dynamic power dissipation in certain application configuration. Furthermore, in the data-driven mode, the system frequency can reach 214 MHz, which is 1.68× higher compared with the programmable mode.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Use of Cardiovascular Fixed-Dose Combination Medication (Polypills) in Andhra Pradesh, India: A Mixed-Methods Study

BackgroundPolypills, fixed-dose combinations of blood pressure–lowering drug(s), and statin, with or without aspirin, improve the use of these recommended drugs in patients with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease. However, in India, there has been poor uptake of polypills despite market availability. ObjectivesThis study sought to assess availability and cost of polypills and explore barriers and facilitators to their use in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted. Availability and cost of polypills as well as individual component drugs was assessed through a survey of pharmacies across urban, urban slum, and rural regions in state of Andhra Pradesh in India. In-depth interviews with stakeholders at each level of the health system explored barriers and facilitators to use of polypills. ResultsOverall, 30 pharmacies were surveyed (10 in each of urban, urban slum, and rural region). In urban region, 2 pharmacies stocked polypills (without aspirin) costing 121 Indian rupees (INR) per 10 pills, and 1 other pharmacy stocked a polypill (with aspirin) costing 24 INR per 10 pills. All pharmacies stocked a wide range of component drugs as separate pills with combined cost of the cheapest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, statin, and aspirin INR 124 per 10 pills. Patients were willing to use polypills if prescribed by their doctor, and pharmacies were willing to stock polypills if there was market demand. For prescribers, key barriers included perceptions that current polypills contained outdated drugs and inadequate flexibility in prescribing. ConclusionsIn a market in which polypill use is licensed, their availability and use is very low. Lack of prescription of polypills was the predominant barrier to polypill use; therefore, making polypills with drugs that are more acceptable and at different available strengths, in conjunction with broader prescriber education and training, may improve their use.

Beyond Religious Rigidities: Religious Firmness and Religious Flexibility as Complementary Loyalties in Faith Transmission

Research has found that intergenerational transmission of religiosity results in higher family functioning and improved family relationships. Yet the Pew Research Center found that 44% of Americans reported that they had left the religious affiliation of their childhood. And 78% of the expanding group of those who identify as religiously unaffiliated (“Nones”) reported that they were raised in “highly religious families.” We suggest that this may be, in part, associated with religious parents exercising excessive firmness with inadequate flexibility (rigidity). We used a multiphase, systematic, team-based process to code 8000+ pages of in-depth interviews from 198 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim families from 17 states in all 8 major religio-cultural regions of the United States. We framed firmness as mainly about loyalty to God and God’s purposes, and flexibility as mainly about loyalty to family members and their needs and circumstances. The reported findings provided a range of examples illustrating (a) religious firmness, (b) religious flexibility, as well as (c) efforts to balance and combine firmness and flexibility. We discuss conceptual and practical implications of treating firmness and flexibility as complementary loyalties in intergenerational faith transmission.

Resource allocation processes at multilateral organizations working in global health.

International institutions provide well over US$10 billion in development assistance for health (DAH) annually and between 1990 and 2014, DAH disbursements totaled $458 billion but how do they decide who gets what, and for what purpose? In this article, we explore how allocation decisions were made by the nine convening agencies of the Equitable Access Initiative. We provide clear, plain language descriptions of the complete process from resource mobilization to allocation for the nine multilateral agencies with prominent agendas in global health. Then, through a comparative analysis we illuminate the choices and strategies employed in the nine international institutions. We find that resource allocation in all reviewed institutions follow a similar pattern, which we categorized in a framework of five steps: strategy definition, resource mobilization, eligibility of countries, support type and funds allocation. All the reviewed institutions generate resource allocation decisions through well-structured and fairly complex processes. Variations in those processes seem to reflect differences in institutional principles and goals. However, these processes have serious shortcomings. Technical problems include inadequate flexibility to account for or meet country needs. Although aid effectiveness and value for money are commonly referenced, we find that neither performance nor impact is a major criterion for allocating resources. We found very little formal consideration of the incentives generated by allocation choices. Political issues include non-transparent influence on allocation processes by donors and bureaucrats, and the common practice of earmarking funds to bypass the normal allocation process entirely. Ethical deficiencies include low accountability and transparency at international institutions, and limited participation by affected citizens or their representatives. We find that recipient countries have low influence on allocation processes themselves, although within these processes they have some influence in relatively narrow areas.

Design challenges for electronic medication administration record systems in residential aged care facilities: a formative evaluation.

Electronic medication administration record (eMAR) systems are promoted as a potential intervention to enhance medication safety in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-practice evaluation of an eMAR being piloted in one Australian RACF before its roll out, and to provide recommendations for system improvements. A multidisciplinary team conducted direct observations of workflow (n=34 hours) in the RACF site and the community pharmacy. Semi-structured interviews (n=5) with RACF staff and the community pharmacist were conducted to investigate their views of the eMAR system. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach to identify challenges associated with the design of the eMAR system. The current eMAR system does not offer an end-to-end solution for medication management. Many steps, including prescribing by doctors and communication with the community pharmacist, are still performed manually using paper charts and fax machines. Five major challenges associated with the design of eMAR system were identified: limited interactivity; inadequate flexibility; problems related to information layout and semantics; the lack of relevant decision support; and system maintenance issues. We suggest recommendations to improve the design of the eMAR system and to optimize existing workflows. Immediate value can be achieved by improving the system interactivity, reducing inconsistencies in data entry design and offering dedicated organisational support to minimise connectivity issues. Longer-term benefits can be achieved by adding decision support features and establishing system interoperability requirements with stakeholder groups (e.g. community pharmacies) prior to system roll out. In-practice evaluations of technologies like eMAR system have great value in identifying design weaknesses which inhibit optimal system use.

Patients' perceptions of web self-service applications in primary healthcare.

This paper presents the preliminary findings of a case study of patients' acceptance and usage of web self-service - online appointment system - in a primary health care centre in a regional area in Australia. After two months of implementation, structured interviews were undertaken over three months to ascertain patients' perceptions of the web self-service application. The findings indicates that patients' acceptance of the web self-service application maybe hindered by their relative lower computer ownership or inadequate computer skills and access to the internet, their preference for flexible personal communication for appointment making and inadequate flexibility of the appointment system compared to phone call. Our preliminary findings may suggest that more than half of the healthcare consumers in this area are likely to accept the PCEHR initiative, however the decision makers of the PCEHR system need to carefully design the strategies and practice for the introduction of the innovation to overcome the substantial barriers to consumers' ability to access the internet-based e-health solutions.

Improving food services for elderly, long‐stay patients in Australian hospitals: Adding food fortification, assistance with packaging and feeding assistance

AbstractAim: The study aims to highlight barriers and feasible opportunities to enhance nutrition support of elderly, long‐stay patients in Australian hospitals.Methods: A total of 218 dietitians, nurse unit managers and food service managers from medical and rehabilitation wards of 184 hospitals completed a web‐based survey about current practices, perceived barriers and priority opportunities to enhance nutrition support in their context.Results: Cook‐fresh food was the most commonly reported food‐service system (50%). Eighty‐eight percent still used paper menus and one‐ or two‐week cycles were the most common menu cycle lengths. Lack of choice due to special diet, boredom arising from the length of stay, a lack of feeding assistance, limited variety and inadequate flexibility of food service were the key barriers identified. Food fortification, assistance with packaging, additional feeding assistance by nurses, non‐nursing feeding assistance and further nutrition assessment were key priorities for improvement.Conclusion: A ‘toolbox’ of strategies is needed as no one intervention will improve nutrition support of all patients. Further practice‐based outcomes and cost‐benefit studies are needed to enhance support and advocacy for feasible food service interventions in the future.

Associação entre baixos níveis de aptidão física e fatores sociodemográficos em adolescentes de área urbanas e rurais

The objective was to evaluate the association between low levels of physical fitness and sociodemographic factors in adolescents from rural and urban areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 627 adolescents (299 from urban areas and 328 from rural areas) aged 14 to 17 years, who attended state public schools. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measures and health-related physical fitness data (Physical Best) were collected. With respect to flexibility, adolescents from urban areas presented a 56% higher chance of inadequate flexibility than schoolchildren from rural areas. In the sit-up test, adolescents from rural areas presented an almost 10 times higher chance of inadequate muscle strength/endurance than those from urban areas. Regarding cardiorespiratory fitness, adolescents from urban areas showed a 91% higher chance of inadequate fitness than those from rural areas. In conclusion, adolescents from urban areas attending state public schools are more prone to inadequate health-related physical fitness than adolescents from rural areas.

INDEPENDENT FISCAL AGENCIES

Abstract There has been a considerable literature regarding the incentives of policymakers as a prime reason for persistent fiscal deficits and a variety of fiscal rules have been proposed as a remedy. However, the often inadequate flexibility of rules and the success of policy delegation in the monetary realm have motivated a small but growing number of studies that suggest delegating some aspects of fiscal policy to what will here be called ‘independent fiscal agencies’. This paper surveys the related literature with a focus on three aspects: the motivation for the establishment of such agencies; their potential design; and the experience with these types of institutions.

Continuous quality improvement and assisted reproductive technology multiple gestations: some progress, some answers, more questions

The past decade has seen a fall in the number of embryos transferred accompanied by a reduction in the rate of higher order multiple pregnancies occurring from U.S. assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, which is temporally related to voluntary adherence to embryo transfer guidelines. The twin rate has remained relatively constant. The ability to continue the reduction in multiple pregnancies while maintaining advocacy positions for both patient couples and offspring will best occur with attention to scientific, sociologic, economic, and provider issues.

Sustainability and Governance of Microfinance Institutions: Recent Experiences and Some Lessons for Southeast Asia

Microfinance has become an important tool for poverty reduction in many parts of the world, including Asia and the Pacific region. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) target the poor through innovative approaches which include group lending, progressive lending, regular repayment schedules, and collateral substitutes. This paper reviews the experiences of microfinance institutions in different parts of the world in the areas of sustainability and governance, and draws lessons for Southeast Asian countries. In microfinance, sustainability can relate to organisational, managerial and financial aspects but the issue of financial sustainability of MFIs has attracted more attention in mainstream analysis. In the region, the South East Asian MFIs fare well in terms of financial sustainability as they earn positive returns on assets and equity, covering much higher cost levels by earning more from their loan portfolios. In contrast, South Asian MFIs have negative returns on assets and equity, despite having one of the lowest expense structures in the world. MFIs face an apparent tension between achieving financial sustainability and contributing to poverty reduction. Exclusion of the poorest from microfinance schemes is a well-known challenge. While some of the poorest fail to participate in such schemes either because of their lack of awareness or inability to overcome their social exclusion, many more are excluded because of arbitrariness in the selection of beneficiaries and inadequate flexibility in the design of the scheme. If MFIs have to serve the poor in remote rural areas, it may be difficult for them to achieve financial self-sufficiency. In such a case, some level of subsidy may be justified if they can be shown to be more effective than alternative strategies to reduce poverty. Nonetheless, these MFIs should strive to achieve financial sustainability by reducing operational costs and charging market rates of interest. The higher the degree of self-sufficiency, the greater the extent to which an MFI can leverage donor and government funds to expand outreach.