Integral Metrics Research Articles

Mapping Micro-Pollutants and Their Impacts on the Size Structure of Streambed Communities

Recently there has been increasing concern over the vast array of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) detected in streams and rivers worldwide. Understanding of the ecological implications of these compounds is limited to local scale case studies, partly as a result of technical limitations and a lack of integrative analyses. Here, we apply state-of-the-art instrumentation to analyze a complex suite of EOCs in the streambed of 30 UK streams and their effect on streambed communities. We apply the abundance–body mass (N–M) relationship approach as an integrative metric of the deviation of natural communities from reference status as a result of EOC pollution. Our analysis includes information regarding the N and M for individual prokaryotes, unicellular flagellates and ciliates, meiofauna, and macroinvertebrates. We detect a strong significant dependence of the N–M relationship coefficients with the presence of EOCs in the system, to the point of shielding the effect of other important environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and productivity. However, contrary to other stressors, EOC pollution showed a positive effect on the N–M coefficient in our work. This phenomenon can be largely explained by the increase in large-size tolerant taxa under polluted conditions. We discuss the potential implications of these results in relation to bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes. Our findings shed light on the impact of EOCs on the organization and ecology of the whole streambed community for the first time.

A Self-Organizing Evolutionary Method to Model and Optimize Correlated Multiresponse Metrics for Additive Manufacturing Processes

Abstract The use of robust multiresponse constrained optimization techniques in which multiple-objective responses are involved is becoming a crucial part in additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Common and popular techniques, in most cases, rely on the assumption of independent responses. In practice, however, many of the desired quality characteristics can be correlated. In this work, we propose a technique based on three ingredients: hybrid self-organizing (HSO) method, desirability function (DF), and evolutionary algorithms to analyze, model, and optimize the multiple correlated responses for the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, one of the most popular AM technologies. The multiobjective functions are formulated by employing the HSO method and DF, where structural integrity and process efficiency metrics are considered for the data-driven correlated multiresponse models. Subsequently, layer thickness, nozzle temperature, printing speed, and raster angles are taken as process parameters (decision variables). The operational settings and capabilities for the FDM machine are defined as boundary constraints. Different EA algorithms, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm, and the multiobjective particle swarm optimization method, are then deployed to model the AM criteria accordingly to extract the Pareto-front curve for the correlated multiresponse functions. FDM experimental design and data collection for the proposed method are provided and used to validate our approach. This study sheds light on formulating robust and efficient data-driven modeling and optimizations for AM processes.

Passive element free variation aware decision circuit for 40 Gb/s CDR application

The signal integrity metrics such as jitter, noise, peak-to-peak signal swing and power dissipation play a pivotal role in determining the quality of high data rate on-chip wireline communication and a decision circuit is the most vital section of it. This article explores an area efficient 40 Gb/s configuration of passive element free current mode decision module implemented in 90 nm CMOS technology. The simulation using Cadence Virtuoso platform is carried out at a power supply of 1.2 V along with a clock frequency of 40 GHz and pseudo random bit sequence data input of (27 − 1) having 1 ns bit period. The device foot print of entire arrangement is (76 × 23) µm2, which reads a power dissipation, delay, PDP, peak-to-peak jitter and RMS jitter of 7.02 mW, 198.1 ps, 1.391 pJ, 58.00 ps and 13.12 ps respectively. Monte Carlo runs with ‘no skew’ and 5% process skew are performed at different corners to prove the robustness of the design. The whole circuit is finally validated at lower technology node like 28 nm UMC.

Approximation theorems for multivariate Taylor-Abel-Poisson means

We obtain direct and inverse approximation theorems of functions of several variables by Taylor-Abel-Poisson means in the integral metrics. We also show that norms of multipliers in the spaces $L_{p,Y}(\mathbb T^d)$ are equivalent for all positive integers $d.$

Hierarchical integrated and segregated processing in the functional brain default mode network within attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The hierarchical modular organization of functional networks in the brain is crucial for supporting diverse cognitive functions. Functional disorders in the brain are associated with an abnormal hierarchical modular organization. The default mode network (DMN) is a complex dynamic network that is linked to specialized cognitive functions and clinically relevant information. In this study, we hypothesize that hierarchical functional segregation and integration of the DMN within attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is abnormal. We investigated topological metrics of both segregation and integration in different hierarchical subnetworks of the DMN between patients with ADHD and healthy controls. We found that the hierarchical functional integration and segregation of the DMN decreased and increased, respectively, in ADHD. Our results also indicated that the abnormalities in the DMN are intrinsically caused by changes in functional segregation and integration in its higher-level subnetworks. To better understand the temporally dynamic changes in the hierarchical functional integration and segregation of the DMN within ADHD, we further analyzed the dynamic transitions between functional segregation and integration. We found that the adaptive reorganizational ability of brain network states decreased in ADHD patients, which indicated less adaptive regulation between the DMN subnetworks in ADHD for supporting correspondingly normal cognitive function. From the perspective of hierarchical functional segregation and integration, our results further provide evidence to support dysfunctional brain cognitive functions within ADHD linked to brain network segregation and integration.

A Unifying Framework for Probabilistic Validation Metrics

Abstract Probabilistic modeling methods are increasingly being employed in engineering applications. These approaches make inferences about the distribution for output quantities of interest. A challenge in applying probabilistic computer models (simulators) is validating output distributions against samples from observational data. An ideal validation metric is one that intuitively provides information on key differences between the simulator output and observational distributions, such as statistical distances/divergences. Within the literature, only a small set of statistical distances/divergences have been utilized for this task; often selected based on user experience and without reference to the wider variety available. As a result, this paper offers a unifying framework of statistical distances/divergences, categorizing those implemented within the literature, providing a greater understanding of their benefits, and offering new potential measures as validation metrics. In this paper, two families of measures for quantifying differences between distributions, that encompass the existing statistical distances/divergences within the literature, are analyzed: f-divergence and integral probability metrics (IPMs). Specific measures from these families are highlighted, providing an assessment of current and new validation metrics, with a discussion of their merits in determining simulator adequacy, offering validation metrics with greater sensitivity in quantifying differences across the range of probability mass.

Higher-Order Assessment of OCT in Diabetic Macular Edema from the VISTA Study: Ellipsoid Zone Dynamics and the Retinal Fluid Index

To investigate retinal fluid features and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity dynamics on spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in the VISTA-DME study. A post hoc subanalysis of a phase III, prospective clinical trial. Eyes received either IAI 2 mg every 4 weeks (2q4) or every 8 weeks after 5 initial monthly doses (2q8). All eyes from the VISTA Phase III study in the IAI groups imaged with the Cirrus HD-OCT system (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) were included. The OCT macular cube datasets were evaluated using a novel software platform to generate retinal layer and fluid boundary lines that were manually corrected for assessment of change in EZ parameters and volumetric fluid parameters from baseline. The retinal fluid index (i.e., proportion of the retinal volume consisting of cystic fluid) was also calculated at each time point. The feasibility of volumetric assessment of higher-order OCT-based retinal parameters and its correlation with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Overall, 106 eyes of 106 patients were included. Specifically, 52 eyes of 52 patients were included in the IAI 2q4 arm, and 54 eyes of 54 patients were included in the IAI 2q8 arm. Ellipsoid zone integrity metrics significantly improved from baseline to week 100, including central macular mean EZ to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) thickness (2q4: 26.6 μm to 31.6 μm, P < 0.001; 2q8: 25.2 μm to 31.4 μm, P < 0.001). At week 100, central macular intraretinal fluid volume was reduced by >65% (P < 0.001) and central macular subretinal fluid volume was reduced by >99% in both arms (P < 0.001). Central macular retinal fluid index (RFI) significantly improved in both arms (2q4: 17.9% to 7.2%, P < 0.001; 2q8: 19.8% to 4.2%, P < 0.001). Central macular mean EZ-RPE thickness (i.e., a surrogate for photoreceptor outer segment length) and central RFI were independently correlated with BCVA at multiple follow-up visits. Intravitreal aflibercept injection resulted in significant improvement in EZ integrity and quantitative fluid metrics in both 2q4 and 2q8 arms and correlated with visual function.

Redesigning the user interface of a healthcare management system for the elderly with a systematic usability testing method

ABSTRACTMyriad medical advances and lengthening human longevity increasingly draw our focus toward ways to stay healthy. Healthcare management systems, both videos and apps, prosper now in the marketplace under that focus. Usability and interfaces have been identified as two critical components of these systems, yet to date, few studies have focused on improving these components for older users, who comprise a unique, expanding ethnic group. This study aimed to integrate both objective and subjective perspectives to analyze a health management system’s usability and its interface for senior. We developed an integrative usability metrics set collating both psychological and physiological data. An empirical study verified a resulting improvement of the system and its interface. Results showed more consistent data when the system user’s cognition was positive with respect to usability. Suggestions for enhancing the system’s usability among the older persons are given.

Integrating Program/Project Management and Systems Engineering in Practice

AbstractTwo practitioners who have experience integrating program/project management and systems engineering conducted two workshops titled ‘Integrating Systems Engineering, Project Management, and Quality Management’ as an INCOSE Enchantment Chapter tutorial and at the 2018 International Symposium (IS18), respectively. The workshops included presentations by the researchers about their organization's integration implementations followed by small group discussion exercises on topics/issues to consider when making integration decisions. Discussion topics were drawn from Rebentisch (Ed., 2017) and included motivations to integrate, organizational environments that support or inhibit integration, influencers and influence, integration metrics, and success and failure contributors. Each exercise concluded with out‐briefs of the small groups' observations, analyses, and recommendations to the collective. A synthesis of these observations, analyses, and recommendations provide the bases for this paper.

Pharyngeal Jaws Converge by Similar Means, Not to Similar Ends, When Minnows (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae) Adapt to New Dietary Niches.

Convergent evolution is at the forefront of many form-function studies. There are many examples of multiple independent lineages evolving a similar morphology in response to similar functional demands, providing a framework for testing hypotheses of form-function evolution. However, there are numerous clades with underappreciated convergence, in which there is a perceived homogeneity in morphology. In these groups, it can be difficult to investigate causal relationships of form and function (e.g., diet influencing the evolution of jaw morphology) without the ability to disentangle phylogenetic signal from convergence. Leuciscids (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae; formerly nested within Cyprinidae) are a species-rich clade of fishes that have diversified to occupy nearly every freshwater trophic niche, yet are considered to have relatively low morphological diversity relative to other large freshwater clades. Within the North American leuciscids, many genera contain at least one herbivore, insectivore, and larvaphage. We created 3D models from micro-computed tomography scans of 165 leuciscid species to measure functionally relevant traits within the pharyngeal jaws of these fishes. Using a published phylogeny, we tested these metrics for evolutionary integration, phylogenetic signal, and correlation with diet. Measurements of the pharyngeal jaws, muscle attachment areas, and teeth showed strong positive evolutionary correlation with each other and negative evolutionary correlation with measurements of the inter-ceratobranchial ligament (ICB ligament). Using diet data from published literature, we found extensive dietary convergence within Leuciscidae. The most common transitions we found were between herbivorous and invertivorous taxa and between insectivore types (aquatic vs. terrestrial). We document a trade-off in which herbivorous leuciscids have large teeth, short ICB ligaments, and large muscle attachment areas, whereas insectivorous leuciscids showed the opposite pattern. Inverse patterns of morphological integration between the ICB ligament the rest of the pharyngeal jaw correspond this dietary trade-off, which indicates that coordinated evolution of morphological traits contributes to functional diversity in this clade. However, these patterns only emerge in the context of phylogeny, meaning that the pharyngeal jaws of North American leuciscids converge by similar means (structural changes in response to dietary demands), but not necessarily to similar ends (absolute phenotype).

Digital Transformation Increases Value in an Omani Thermal EOR Asset

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 190419, “Increasing Value Through Digital Transformation: A Case Study From the A Field EOR Asset, Sultanate of Oman,” by S. Holyoak, SPE, A. Alwazeer, S. Choudhury, M. Sawafi, A. Belghache, T. Aulaqi, SPE, S. Bahri, R. Yazidi, A. Yahyai, and K. D’Amours, Petroleum Development Oman, prepared for the 2018 SPE EOR Conference at Oil and Gas West Asia, Muscat, Oman, 26–28 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed. A thermal asset in Oman is characterized by a large-scale steam-drive/cyclic-steam-soak (CSS) development project, underpinned by extensive data gathering. Efficient execution of data management and analysis within a visualization-intensive, collaborative work environment is critical to success. In this paper, the authors aim to demonstrate that working in this manner enables rapid identification and execution of cost-effective optimization opportunities and risk reduction. Introduction The A West and A East fields are located in the south of Oman. Thick, high net-to-gross sandstones belonging to the Haima Group form the main reservoir unit. The targeted Haima oil is heavy, with viscosities increasing with depth, and reaching up to 400 000 cp close to the oil/water contact (OWC) at the A East field. Following 25 years of cold production at A West, a development plan addressing thermal redevelopment for both fields was approved in 2009. In A West, a steam-drive pilot began in 2008, whereas, in A East, with its limited production history, CSS was selected for initial production and started in 2014. Thermal development is characterized by operational complexity and high well counts. Currently, almost 500 wellbores exist in A Field (including sidetracks). The wells are closely spaced, typically 50–100 m at the top reservoir level. Expansion and infill of the development is ongoing, and the well count is increasing steadily. A challenging environment exists for maximizing oil recovery in a safe, manpower-efficient, and cost-effective manner. On an annual basis, the asset’s decision-based surveillance plan is reviewed, challenged, and updated as required. The execution of this plan, together with incorporation of the field’s reservoir-performance data, translates to a significant amount of diverse information acquired on a daily basis. A combination of highly visual tools and innovative processes is used in a cross-disciplinary work environment to facilitate effective management and analysis of this data. Data Collection and Transmission This section provides three examples of current methods used to acquire and transmit data related to A Field’s reservoir integrity, thermal response, and production metrics. Microseismic. Microseismic wells are being used in other thermal-development projects to monitor for fracturing and fault reactivation. Typically, an array of geophones is cemented into a dedicated wellbore with a data-transmission cable to surface. A microseismic event created by induced fracturing, for example, is detected by the geophones across one or more monitoring wells. Signal processing allows the location, magnitude, and character of the events to be derived. To assess the feasibility of replicating this approach in A Field, additional modeling was carried out, varying the number and placement of the monitoring wells. This showed that the main development areas of A West and A East fields could be covered with six microseismic wells, with three in each field. Furthermore, modeling indicated favorable detection thresholds and event accuracy with this six-well scenario.

Analog of the Riesz Identity and Sharp Inequalities for Derivatives and Differences of Splines in the Uniform Metric

An analog of the Riesz interpolation formula is established. It allows us to obtain a sharp estimate for the first order derivative of a spline of minimal defect with equidistant knots $$ \frac{j\pi}{\sigma },j\in \mathrm{\mathbb{Z}}, $$ in terms of the first order difference in the integral metric. Moreover, the constructed identity makes it possible to strengthen the inequality by replacing its right-hand side with a linear combination of differences, including higher order differences, of the spline. In the case of the difference step $$ \frac{\pi }{\sigma } $$ , iterations of this identity lead to formulas analogous to the Riesz formula for higher order derivatives and differences; this allows us to obtain Riesz and Bernstein type inequalities for them, also in a stronger form.

REVIEW OF METRICS EXTRACTION TOOL USING UML

In the present consequence, whole world depends on software. It is a cost effective way is essential because all countries depend on complex computer based systems. So it is a big challenge of the developers and researchers to adopt latest technologies which convert a highly complex system design into a simple design. Intended for this purpose, developers inspire the design and construction of computer-based systems by using reusable software which is called as component. A component can be deployed, as they possess the qualities such as reusability, stability, proper communication, modularity, testability, and complexity. The reusable components on integration interoperate with each other resulting in an operational application which is developed with minimum effort and low maintenance cost. We used Component Based Software Development (CBSD) process, which is based on the basic concepts of Object Orientated Techniques where Unified Modelling Language (UML) shows an important role. Different quality factors of a component are measured with the help of metrics, and there are number of metrics proposed for components. In this paper we proposed a methodology of static metrics for integration of software components, complexity metrics for UML Component-based System Specification (CBSS) and interface complexity metrics in a component assembly. These metrics are derived using UML artifacts. We derived these metrics by developing a tool named “CAME” (Component Assembly Metrics Extractor) in NetBeans which parses through the XMI file (XML Meta Data Interchange) generated by UML tool and produces different component metrics through graphic user interface. These metrics will help the software developer in making the system more stable, better and efficient.

Proportioning wind, solar, and in-stream tidal electricity generating capacity to co-optimize multiple grid integration metrics

With an increasing amount of electricity generation coming from renewable sources, integrating that variable output is of concern for electricity system reliability. This study investigates the proportioning of generating capacity between three co-located but uncorrelated variable renewable resources; wind, solar, and in-stream tidal, so that they complement each other and reduce grid integration costs. One year of resource data from various sites in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada was used. These data were analysed with respect to four metrics of importance to grid operators and electric utilities; coincident minimum and maximum power production, average power output, and ramp rates. These metrics were then combined, on an equal weighting basis, to find an “optimal” combination of generating capacities. The results were also compared to electrical load during the same year to determine the impact that increasing amounts of renewable generating capacity have on the required conventional dispatchable generating capacity. It was determined that a mix of installed generating capacities of 61% wind, 27% solar, and 12% in-stream tidal optimizes the energy, power, and ramp rate metrics. However, even with three independently varying resources, a large increase in renewable generating capacity results in only a small decrease in required dispatchable generation, due to a few coincident low renewable resources occurrences throughout the year.

The prospective relationship between prehypertension, race, and whole-brain white matter microstructure.

Compared to whites, blacks develop hypertension earlier in life, progress from prehypertension to hypertension at an accelerated rate, and exhibit greater hypertension mediated organ damage (e.g., kidney disease, stroke). In this paper we tested whether the longitudinal associations between elevated systolic blood pressure and disruption of brain white matter structural integrity differs as a function of race. A community sample of 100 middle-aged adults with prehypertension underwent diffusion imaging to quantify indirect metrics of white matter structural integrity, including fractional anisotropy. Blood pressure and diffusion imaging measurements were collected at baseline and at a two-year follow-up. Regression analyses showed that higher systolic blood pressure at baseline was associated with a decrease in fractional anisotropy over two years in blacks only (β = −0.51 [95% C.I. = −0.85, −0.16], t = −2.93, p = .004, ΔR2 = .09). These findings suggest that blacks are more susceptible to the impact of systolic prehypertension on white matter structural integrity.

Methodology for Developing an Educational and Research Video Library in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Explore the methods used and costs necessary for the creation and maintenance of a surgical video library with an emphasis on its applications in surgical education and scholarship. A methodology paper highlighting how to develop and utilize a surgical video library for trainee operative preparation, development of research projects, and surgeon credentialing. The study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a tertiary care medical center. Not applicable. The video library includes all recorded robotic operations performed by the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh from 2010 to 2018. It includes 929 videos of which 110 selected videos are uploaded for trainee review online to prepare for upcoming operations. These procedures are broken into steps to create intraoperative time metrics for trainee integration. Fellows operated from console in 85% of robotic cases and all 30 fellows could obtain robotic privileges based on case logs. To date 102 short scholarly videos have been created: 7 for manuscripts, 13 as video submissions, 27 in book chapters, and 55 for presentations. Three papers have been published using video review to determine clinical outcomes with four more under evaluation. The cost of the program is <$10,000 annually. Video libraries can be efficiently created utilizing intraoperative recorders for minimally invasive surgery. Breaking surgeries into distinct steps can aid in deliberate integration and answer clinical questions. Overall video libraries are cost effective tools for trainee education, research, and ultimately surgeon credentialing.

Optimization of multi-gigabit transceivers for high speed data communication links in HEP Experiments

The scheme of the data acquisition (DAQ) architecture in High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments consist of data transport from the front-end electronics (FEE) of the online detectors to the readout units (RU), which perform online processing of the data, and then to the data storage for offline analysis. With major upgrades of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments at CERN, the data transmission rates in the DAQ systems are expected to reach a few TB/sec within the next few years. These high rates are normally associated with the increase in the high-frequency losses, which lead to distortion in the detected signal and degradation of signal integrity. To address this, we have developed an optimization technique of the multi-gigabit transceiver (MGT) and implemented it on the state-of-the-art 20 nm Arria-10 FPGA manufactured by Intel Inc. The setup has been validated for three available high-speed data transmission protocols, namely, GBT, TTC-PON and 10 Gbps Ethernet. The improvement in the signal integrity is gauged by two metrics, the Bit Error Rate (BER) and the Eye Diagram. It is observed that the technique improves the signal integrity and reduces BER. The test results and the improvements in the metrics of signal integrity for different link speeds are presented and discussed.

Addition of Equex STM to Extender Improves Post-Thawing Longevity of Collared Peccaries' Sperm.

The effect of Equex STM® paste supplementation on the Tris-extender for collared peccaries' semen cryopreservation was assessed. Semen from 12 mature individuals was obtained by electroejaculation and evaluated for morphology, membrane integrity, osmotic response, and sperm kinetic metrics. Samples were diluted in Tris plus 20% egg yolk and divided into three aliquots. The first aliquot was without any supplementation, the second and third contained 0.5 and 1.0% Equex STM, respectively. The samples were added with 3% glycerol, frozen in liquid nitrogen, thawed, and assessed for the same parameters after a thermal resistance test (TRT) for 120 minutes. Similar values were detected for the different treatments immediately after thawing, except for the amplitude lateral head that was reduced in samples containing Equex (p < 0.05). During TRT, samples containing Equex were more efficient in preserving the sperm motility (at 0.5%: 25.5% ± 4.4%; at 1%: 33.3% ± 6.3%) at 30 minutes, in comparison with the control group (16.6% ± 6.0%), in which sperm motility decreased at 15 minutes (p < 0.05). Moreover, Equex, especially at 0.5% concentration, was able to maintain plasma membrane integrity and sperm motility in all the samples after incubation for 60 minutes. In conclusion, we recommend the addition of Equex STM at 0.5% to the Tris-extender to improve post-thawing sperm longevity in collared peccaries.

Approximation in the Mean of Classes of the Functions with Fractional Derivatives by their Abel-Poisson Integrals

The constant development of the applied mathematics is due to its close connection with the fundamental directions of research in the related fields of natural sciences. One of the most important areas of modern science is the study of linear and nonlinear mathematical game models of various phenomena and processes of nature. The emergence of such models is due to the use in modern physics and techniques of influence on matter of electric fields of high intensity, beams of high-energy particles, powerful laser coherent radiation of shock waves of high intensity and powerful heat fluxes. The differential equations in partial derivatives, one of which is the equation of the elliptic type, describing the stationary processes of different physical nature, are the basis of such models. The simplest and most widespread equation of the elliptic type is the Laplace equation whose solution, under given conditions, on the boundary of the considered region, is the well-known Abel-Poisson integral. Approximate properties of the solution of an elliptic boundary value problem with the given boundary conditions at the boundary of the domain on classes of functions with fractional derivatives have been investigated. The solution to this problem finds its application in the study and further application of methods of resolving functions for game dynamics problems. Here we found the asymptotic equalities for the exact upper bounds of the deviations of classes of functions with fractional derivatives from their Abel-Poisson integrals in the integral metric. We establish the equivalence of the approximation characteristics of solutions of an elliptic boundary value problem with the given boundary conditions at the boundary of domain both in the uniform and in integral metrics for classes of functions with fractional derivatives.

Quality management assurance using data integrity model

High complexity of modern quality management systems (QMS) leads to the need for new tools aimed to support them and implement continuous improvement. The key process to manage the quality level is quality assurance. The paper investigates process information integrity and consistency as properties or quality assurance process. Some basic approach for organizing data integrity metrics is described. An approach for QMS requirements assurance based on SysML modelling language is proposed.