Lower Performance Index Research Articles

Examination of factors related to the performance index of patients with cardiovascular disease in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital.

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of patients with cardiovascular disease who received cardiac rehabilitation (CR) at a convalescent rehabilitation hospital (rehabilitation hospital) after treatment at an acute-care hospital and whose performance index was 40 or higher. A total of 43 patients with cardiovascular disease were admitted to two rehabilitation hospitals. Based on the performance index, which is an indicator of the effectiveness of rehabilitation in rehabilitation hospitals, patients were classified into two groups: a "high-performance index group" (performance index of 40 or higher) and a "low-performance index group" (performance index of less than 40). We then compared the patient characteristics of the two groups. The high-performance group accounted for 62.8% of the total. Compared to patients in the low-performance group, high-performers were significantly younger at the time of admission to the rehabilitation hospital and had significantly higher physical function and exercise tolerance. The results of the effect size measurement showed that the effect size was 0.98 and 0.93 on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at admission to the rehabilitation hospital and on the pre-illness Kihon checklist, respectively, which were related to the achievement of the performance index. This study suggests that the SPPB at admission to a rehabilitation hospital and the pre-illness Kihon checklist are associated with obtaining a performance index of 40 or higher in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Optimizing the outcome of non-pre-stented flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy regarding the quality of life, when to remove the stent?

ObjectivesTo investigate the safety of short-term stenting following flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (fURL) for patients without preoperative stents. Retaining double-J stent for 1–2 weeks after fURL is a common practice. At present, data on short-term stenting after non-pre-stented fURL is still lacking.Methods182 patients who met inclusion criteria were retrospectively divided into the 2-days group (2-day removal, 76 cases) and the 1-week group (1-week removal, 106 cases). The study endpoint was stent-associated adverse symptoms assessed by follow-up and completed validated questionnaires on postoperative days (POD) 7 and 12. A postoperative imaging review was performed 1 month after the surgery.ResultsNo statistical differences were found in the patients’ demographic and stone-related characteristics. The 2-days group showed fewer urinary tract symptoms and lower scores on the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire on POD 7: less backache during urination (p = 0.004), less hematuria (p = 0.031), less frequent urination (p = 0.004), lower urinary symptoms index (p < 0.001), lower general health index (p < 0.001), and lower performance index (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in fever (p = 0.372), visual analogue scale score (p = 0.760), and painkiller requirements (p = 0.160) on POD 7. The average general health score and work performance score remained significantly higher in the 1-week group patients at 5 days after removal compared to the 2-days group patients at 5 days after removal. (p < 0.001, p = 0.005). Five patients in the 2-days group and 15 patients in the 1-week group returned to the emergency department for additional treatments. No patient required rehospitalization. Stone-free rates were 85.5% in the 2-days group and 80.2% in the 1-week group (p = 0.499), respectively, and none of the patients got aggravating hydronephrosis.ConclusionsCompared to the common 1-week stent removal option, short-term stenting after non-pre-stented fURL is safe, which can enhance the patient’s quality of life.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on the Outcome of Glioblastoma.

Rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020 led to an indirect effect on non-COVID patients. Since neuro-oncology cases are unique and brain tumors need a specific therapeutic protocol at proper doses and at the right times, the effects of the pandemic on health care services for patients with glioblastomas (GBs) and their impact on overall survival (OS) and quality of life are not yet known. We conducted a retrospective study of 142 GB patients who underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy before and after the lockdown period, aiming to determine the differences in access to care, treatment modality, and adjuvant therapies, and how the lockdown changed the prognosis. The number of procedures performed for GB during the pandemic was comparable to that of the prepandemic period, and patients received standard care. There was a significant difference in the volume of lesions measured at diagnosis with a decreased number of "accidental" diagnoses and expression of a reduced use by the patient for a checkup or follow-up examinations. Patients expressed a significantly lower performance index in the lockdown period with longer progression-free survival (PFS) in the face of a comparable mean time to OS. Patients treated surgically for GB during the pandemic period had a more pronounced and earlier reduction in performance status than patients treated during the same period the year before. This appears to be primarily due to lower levels of care in the rehabilitation centers and more frequent discontinuation of adjuvant care.

Comparative Analysis of Government Communication Strategies in Environmental Law Enforcement: A Case Study of Indonesia (DKI Jakarta) and Singapore

This study explores the communication strategies of Indonesia and Singapore in enforcing environmental law, particularly in the context of the Awyu and Moi tribes' refusal to give up their customary forests for palm oil plantations. Using a descriptive-comparative qualitative method, it highlights the differences in the two countries' environmental legal frameworks and communication approaches. With a low Environmental Performance Index (EPI) rating, Indonesia struggles with bureaucratic challenges in implementing its environmental laws, based on the 1945 Constitution and the 2009 Law on Environmental Protection and Management (UUPPLH). In contrast, Singapore ranked fourth globally for environmental quality, uses a common law system and specific legislation, such as the Environmental Protection and Management Act, with specialized regulatory agencies ensuring effective law enforcement and communication. Based on the WHO Strategic Communications Framework, the analysis reveals that Indonesia faces infrastructure and internet access issues and a lack of coordination between community initiatives and the central government. Conversely, Singapore effectively uses technology and media to spread environmental information, supported by well-structured community programs and strong government support. The study emphasizes the crucial role of strategic communication in enforcing environmental law and the need for Indonesia to streamline its law enforcement and improve its communication strategies for better environmental protection.

Hemostatic radiotherapy: a narrative review of the literature.

In locally advanced cancer, bleeding is a common clinical presentation and radiotherapy (RT) provides a noninvasive, well-tolerated, cost-effective treatment. However, the choice for fractionation dose and schedule seem to merely depend on physician's preference rather than specific guidelines. We reviewed the available literature on palliative hemostatic RT for response rate (RR) and bleeding duration in relation with the given dose. The PubMed database was used to search for articles, which were assessed by predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 54 articles, published over the last 20 years until December 2023 were analyzed for dose and/or fractionation regimen and their relation to the RR. A variety of fractionation schedules are used for palliative symptom control, including hemostasis. Research focusing on hemostatic irradiation specifically and prospective studies are rare. Moreover, to our knowledge, there are no specific (prospective) studies ongoing. Both external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy lead to bleeding control and daily or weekly hypofractionated irradiation is safe and effective for both high and low biological equivalent dose (BED) regimens. If feasible, based on patient condition, some studies favor higher BED regimens to obtain more durable tumor/higher bleeding response. Higher radiation dose for thoracic irradiation may be indicative for simultaneous presentation of obstruction and/or dysphagia. Brachytherapy may be used solely or in combination with EBRT or in the setting of re-irradiation. Short-course regimens are preferred in patients in with low performance index scores. For future studies, multivariate analysis, including BED, can be important to assess efficacy of different fractionation schedules for a variety of tumor etiologies. Hemostatic RT, both by EBRT and brachytherapy, appears to be a safe and effective palliative treatment that clinically and statistically significantly reduces bleeding in cancer patients. The available literature is limited regarding prospective and uniform evaluation of hemostatic RT, including fractionation schedules. BED seems to be indicative for a better RR for specific indications. Current evidence suggests that treatment decisions should be tailored according to the patients' condition, tumor etiology and other clinical symptoms. More (prospective) research focusing on hemostasis is necessary to develop clear guidelines.

Enhancing the Pitch-Rate Control Performance of an F-16 Aircraft Using Fractional-Order Direct-MRAC Adaptive Control

This study presents a comparative analysis of classical model reference adaptive control (IO-DMRAC) and its fractional-order counterpart (FO-DMRAC), which are applied to the pitch-rate control of an F-16 aircraft longitudinal model. The research demonstrates a significant enhancement in control performance with fractional-order adaptive control. Notably, the FO-DMRAC achieves lower performance indices such as the Integral Square-Error criterion (ISE) and Integral Square-Input criterion (ISU) and eliminates system output oscillations during transient periods. This study marks the pioneering application of FO-DMRAC in aircraft pitch-rate control within the literature. Through simulations on an F-16 short-period model with a relative degree of 1, the FO-DMRAC design is assessed under specific flight conditions and compared with its IO-DMRAC counterpart. Furthermore, the study ensures the boundedness of all signals, including internal ones such as ω(t).

ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN KINERJA KEUANGAN BANK UMUM SYARIAH DENGAN METODE ISLAMICITY PERFORMANCE INDEX DAN MARKET VALUE ADDED

This study aims to analyze the comparison of the financial performance of Islamic Commercial Banks using the Islamicity Performance Index (IPI) and Market Value Added (MVA) methods. The study period covers the years 2018-2021. This research employs a quantitative method with a descriptive approach. The study population includes all Islamic Commercial Banks registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) during 2018-2021. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling, resulting in three Islamic Commercial Banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The data analysis method involves descriptive analysis and using the Cartesian Diagram of IPI and MVA to determine the position of the Islamic Commercial Banks. The results of this study show that there are four quadrants in the Cartesian diagram, but only two quadrants are occupied by Islamic Commercial Banks. Firstly, Quadrant I, or the Upper Left Quadrant (ULQ), is occupied by Bank Tabungan Pensiunan Negara Syariah (BTPNS) and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), indicating that these two banks have high Market Value Added (MVA) but low Islamicity Performance Index (IPI). Secondly, Quadrant IV, or the Lower Right Quadrant (LRQ), is occupied by Bank Panin Dubai Syariah, indicating that this bank has a high Islamicity Performance Index (IPI) but a low Market Value Added (MVA). Meanwhile, no banks occupy Quadrant II or the Lower Left Quadrant (LLQ) and Quadrant III or the Upper Right Quadrant (URQ), indicating that no banks have both low IPI and MVA or both high IPI and MVA.

Exploring How Environmental Accounting Impact Company Value: A Literature Review

This research aims to adress the persistent environmental challenges in Indonesia, drawing attention to its low Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranking and escalating carbon emissions. Despite governmental regulations, many corporations continue to inadequately comply. By using the literature review method, this research explores the contemporary understanding of corporate environmental practices and their impact on corporate value, revealing inconsistent findings. The study emphasizes the potential positive impact of effective environmental management, urging companies to view environmental costs as strategic investments in corporate reputation and long-term value. In conclusion, the study advocates for future research to delve into the intricate mechanisms through which environmental factors influence corporate value across industries, regions, and emerging trends in sustainable finance. This research aspires to provide valuable insights for refining policies and business practices in Indonesia, fostering sustainable development and environmental responsibility

High genetic merit dairy heifers grazing low quality forage had similar weight gain and urinary nitrogen excretion to those of low genetic merit heifers.

Climate variability and increasing drought events have become significant concerns in recent years. However, there is limited published research on body weight (BW) change of dairy heifers with different genetic merit when grazing on drought impacted pastures in southern Australia. Achieving target body weight (BW) is vital for dairy heifers, especially during critical stages like mating and calving. This study aimed to assess dry matter (DM) intake, BW change, urinary nitrogen excretion, and grazing behaviours of high vs. low genetic dairy heifers grazing pasture during a 43-day experimental period in a drought season. Forty-eight Holstein Friesian heifers grazed on ryegrass-dominant pasture and were divided into two groups based on their high and low Balanced Performance Index (HBPI and LBPI, respectively). Each group was further stratified into six plots, with similar BW, resulting in four heifers per replication group. Data from the five measurement days were averaged for individual cows to analyse the dry matter intake, nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion. The statistical model included the treatment effect of BPI (H and L) and means were analysed using ANOVA. The pasture quality was poor, with metabolizable energy 9.3 MJ/Kg DM and crude protein 5.9% on a DM basis. Nitrogen intake and urinary nitrogen excretion were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HBPI compared to the LBPI. However, despite these differences, the study did not find any advantages of having HBPI heifer grazing on low quality forage in terms of BW performance.

Reproductive performance and transcriptome analysis of ovaries at different parities in female rabbits.

This study investigated the reproductive performance and ovarian molecular regulation associated with parity in commercial rabbit systems. The pregnancy data of 658 female rabbits from the first to sixth parities (P1 to P6) under the same mating pattern were analyzed, showing a significant decrease in the conception rate in P6. Compared to P1 (N = 120) and P2 (N = 105), P6 (N = 99) had significantly lower performance indices in terms of total litter size, live litter size, survival rate at birth, and weight of 3 and 5 wk old kits (P < 0.05). Using H&E staining, we found that the ovarian primordial follicle reservoir of P6 was significantly lower than that of P1 and P2, and the number of atretic follicles at P6 was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Blood (N = 30 per group) and ovaries (N = 6 per group) in P1, P2, and P6 were collected for measurement of the serum anti-oxidant capacity and indices of ovarian function by ELISA. It was found that serum glutathione, ovarian Klotho protein, and telomeres of P1 and P2 were significantly higher than those of P6 (P < 0.05). The serum levels of ROS and MDA at P1 and P2 were significantly lower than those at P6 (P < 0.05). Additionally, transcriptome analysis showed 213 up-regulated and 747 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between P2 and P6 ovaries. Several DEGs were related to reproduction, including CYP21A2, PTGFR, SGK1, PIK3R6, and SRD5A2. These results demonstrate the influence of parity on reproduction in female rabbits, reflected in a loss of follicle reservoir, disordered levels of anti-oxidants, and indices associated with ovarian function and molecular regulation. This study provides a basis for the strategies to increase reproductive rate in female rabbits.

Parâmetros de produção e qualidade da carne de frangos Label Rouge em diferentes idades de abate

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the performance parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Label Rouge chickens raised under an alternative system as a function of age at slaughter. The design was completely randomized with a 5×2 factorial arrangement, with slaughtering at five ages (70, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days) and two sexes. A total of 240 birds (Pescoço Pelado strain) were used, including 120 females and 120 males. Performance, carcass, physicochemical, proximate composition, and muscle fiber traits were evaluated. Rearing time and sex had significant effects on performance-related traits, with better results for males. The interaction between slaughter age and sex had a significant effect on the carcass and physicochemical parameters, which cause different responses in males and females with increasing slaughter age. For the proximate composition and muscle fiber analysis, the interaction between the parameters studied only had a significant effect on ether extract in the breast. The increase in age resulted in chickens with higher live and carcass weight at slaughter but lower performance indices. Females had lower carcass yield and greater deposition of abdominal fat. Females had lower tenderness in the drumstick and males in the breast with increasing slaughter age, and both cuts had more intense color and redness and reduced lightness starting at the slaughter age of 90 days.

Combustion characteristics and fire hazard of polystyrene exterior wall thermal insulation materials

AbstractTo study the combustion characteristics and fire hazard of polystyrene building exterior wall thermal insulation materials, the combustion, fire, and pyrolysis characteristics of thermosetting polystyrene (TPS) insulation, graphite polystyrene (GEPS), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are compared and analyzed using a cone calorimeter and a thermo‐gravimetric analyzer. From the structure and flame retardant components of thermal insulation board, their flame retardant mechanisms are described. Results show that in a nitrogen atmosphere, the pyrolysis range is 30–600°C. Only one weight loss stage in EPS and GEPS and two weight loss stages in TPS are observed. Comparison of the combustion characteristics of the three demonstrates that TPS has short ignition time, low fire performance index. This result indicates that TPS has the characteristics of good flammability and easy to explode. The smoke generation rate, total smoke production, time heat release index and total heat release of TPS are lower than those of EPS and GEPS. This result indicates that the fire thermal hazard and fire smoke risk of TPS are relatively small. Comparison of various indexes presents that the flammability and fire risk of TPS are evidently better than those of EPS and GEPS.

Breastfeeding performance index and associated factors among children aged 0-6 months in Ethiopia: Analysis of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey.

BackgroundInfants under the age of 6 months are commonly affected by malnutrition globally. The higher the breastfeeding performance index (BPI), the greater the advantage of breastfeeding will be. However, there is a lack of literature in the context of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the magnitude and determinants of the breastfeeding performance index score among mothers of children under the age of 6 months in Ethiopia.MethodsThis study was conducted using the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS) dataset. A stratified, two-stage cluster sampling technique was used in the study. The survey data were weighted using the “svy” function in STATA version 16. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed in the analysis. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. The results were considered statistically significant if the p-value was < 0.05. The goodness of fit of the model was checked using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test.ResultsA total of 4,273 mothers with children under the age of 6 months were included in the analysis. Our analysis revealed that the prevalence of low breastfeeding performance index was 79.05% (95% CI: 78.01, 81.59). A unit increase in child age (AOR = 11.56; 95% CI: 6.97, 19.17), the richest wealth quintile (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.18, 6.5), a higher level of education (AOR = 5.41; 95% CI: 2.08, 14.05), being married or living with partner (AOR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.18, 6.27), being women from Somali (AOR = 5.11; 95% CI: 2.08, 12.56), Afar (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.16, 7.91), Oromia (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.41), Diredawa city administration (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.04, 8.07), and antenatal care (ANC) visit (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.19) were positively associated with the low breastfeeding performance index.ConclusionThe prevalence of the low breastfeeding performance index was found to be high. Hence, the findings of the study suggest the need to target interventions aimed at improving breastfeeding performance toward mothers with higher socioeconomic and demographic status and educational status. Antenatal care clients are among the targets of the intervention.

The integration of logistics and marketing practice into baseline supply chain practices in the emerging markets

PurposeThis study aims to draw on the strategy–structure–performance framework to investigate baseline supply chain (BSC) practices as a function of how firms structure logistics and marketing mix activities to achieve market share in the emerging market (EM) supply chain ecosystems.Design/methodology/approachThe authors validate the study’s conceptual framework with survey data collected in two contrasting EM supply chain ecosystems. They include supply chains in EM economies with an advanced logistics/distribution infrastructure such as China and those in economies with poor logistics/distribution infrastructure such as Ghana. The authors use ordinary least squares regression and structural equation modeling analysis to examine the relative market share outcomes of different configurations of logistics-marketing practices (logistics-affordability marketing, logistics-accessibility marketing, logistics-acceptability marketing, logistics-and awareness and full integration into BSC).FindingsKey findings confirm that the integration of logistics with marketing activities into BSC practice is more pervasive in EMs with high logistics performance index, such as China than in firms in EMs with low logistics performance index, such as Ghana. Moreover, the authors confirm that integrating logistics and marketing into BSC generates higher market share performance than logistics- or marketing-only practices in China and Ghana. These differences are driven more by the firm’s strategic orientation than the demands of competitive market conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on BSC integration activities in the logistics and marketing functions because researchers have not updated this issue for the past two decades.Practical implicationsThe study results provide managers with much-needed empirical evidence of the strategic benefit of BSC integration under different supply chain ecosystems in the EMs.Originality/valueLinking BSC activities in logistics management and marketing management mix activities within the 4As marketing mix framework provides evidence to support the argument that the 4As marketing mix is an appropriate planning framework for EMs’ unique ecosystems.

The world-wide waste web

Countries globally trade with tons of waste materials every year, some of which are highly hazardous. This trade admits a network representation of the world-wide waste web, with countries as vertices and flows as directed weighted edges. Here we investigate the main properties of this network by tracking 108 categories of wastes interchanged in the period 2001–2019. Although, most of the hazardous waste was traded between developed nations, a disproportionate asymmetry existed in the flow from developed to developing countries. Using a dynamical model, we simulate how waste stress propagates through the network and affects the countries. We identify 28 countries with low Environmental Performance Index that are at high risk of waste congestion. Therefore, they are at threat of improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. We find evidence of pollution by heavy metals, by volatile organic compounds and/or by persistent organic pollutants, which are used as chemical fingerprints, due to the improper handling of waste in several of these countries.

Evaluación del desempeño del modelo asistencial de una policlínica pública La mirada de los usuarios

This article describes the results of an investigation carried out throughout 2019, in the context of the Uruguayan health system, sub public sector. In this, an evaluation of the performance of the care model of a public provider was carried out, through the perception of the users in relation to the health care received. The health service addressed belongs to a health network that provides care to users with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and which, in turn, is a benchmark in the treatment of this pathology at the national level. The objective was to evaluate the performance of the care model of said polyclinic. The research used a descriptive, cross-sectional design, with a simple random sampling, in which the universe consisted of 179 users. The Procedure to Evaluate the Performance of Integrated Health Services Networks was used, addressing the Healthcare Model component. This component has several dimensions that analyze aspects of both accessibility to services, as well as aspects of knowledge that the user has about the pathology and their rights. As a result, a network with a low performance index (0.49 %) was evidenced. It was concluded that the service falls short of the quality standards established both by the health provider to which it belongs, and by international organizations. In this way, possible risks were established in relation to the accessibility to health care that users perceive, as well as a possible violation of their rights as individuals.

Satellite-based rainfall estimates evaluation using a parsimonious hydrological model in the complex climate and topography of the Nile River Catchments

Satellite-based rainfall products with high spatial and temporal resolutions can provide an excellent data source for regions where rain-gauge networks are missing or unevenly and sparsely distributed. The objective of this study was to examine the suitability of six high-resolution satellite-based rainfall products, Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations Version 8 (CHIRPSv8), African Rainfall Estimation Algorithm Version 2 (RFEv2), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis version 7 (TMPA3B42v7), Integrated Multi-SatelliteE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement version 6 (IMERGv6), Multi-Source Weighted Ensemble Precipitation version 2.8 (MSWEPv2.8) and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN), for the complex topography and climate of the Nile headwater catchments. The reliability of these products was assessed using rainfall estimates as an input to force a parsimonious and high-resolution hydrological model. A spatially distributed and parsimonious hydrological model was developed in Wflow-PCRaster/Python modelling framework to simulate streamflow using rain-gauge and satellite-based rainfall inputs. The model was calibrated and validated at three locations for each rainfall product and ground rainfall measurement. The accuracy of satellite-based rainfall products as input to the hydrological model for daily streamflow forecasting was dependent upon the product type. CHIRPSv8, IMERGv6 and RFEv2 demonstrated a reliable capability to simulate the streamflow at different spatial scales. In contrast, the TMPA3B42v7 and PERSIANN products failed to capture the ground streamflow measurements. All products performed inconsistently when simulating large floods and low flows. While TMPA3B42v7 and MSWEPv2.8 underestimated the streamflow with a large magnitude of variation in peak flow, the remaining products underestimated it throughout the study period. CHIRPSv8 and IMERGv6 product outperformed all other products consistently across all periods and locations followed by RFEv2. PERSIANN failed to capture the observed streamflow with lower performance indices. A better agreement of simulated streamflow with ground streamflow measurements was attained from CHIRPSv8 and IMERGv6 compared to the gauge-driven rainfall inputs. Performance of streamflow simulations improved when catchment area was increased from 481 to 46,000 km2. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of CHIRPSv8 and IMERGv6 rainfall products as an alternate source of rainfall data for hydrological applications in the Nile basin catchments and the potential for its use in other regions which lack direct rainfall measurement capacity.

Socio-Economic Indexes for Water Use in Irrigation in a Representative Basin of the Tropical Semiarid Region

Performance evaluation of irrigated agriculture is an important tool that assists in decision-making on water management in the river basin, particularly in tropical semiarid regions. This study was carried out using information from the Jaguaribe River basin, located in the Northeast region of Brazil, which has an important restriction in the availability of water resources and high competition for water use. From a set of indicators (production, water, economic, and social), the overall performance index of irrigated agriculture was estimated (ranging from zero to 1.0) for two scenarios: high water scarcity and low water scarcity. The performance index used was based on the mean value of these security criteria normalized with respect to the maximum value of the indicator for the crop obtained in the sub-basin. A low performance index of irrigated agriculture (less than 0.3) has always been associated with inadequacy of more than one security indicator. Crops with significant cultivated areas and, therefore, requiring a high volume of irrigation, such as rice, sugar cane, banana, and green coconut, require technical interventions related to the management of the soil–water–plant system aiming at improving yield with less water. Under conditions of water restrictions, crops with performance indexes higher than 0.3 should be prioritized. The study presented here for Jaguaribe River basin may support public policies related to irrigation and agronomic techniques necessary to improve the performance of agricultural under tropical dry lands.

An Improved Method for Constructing Health Factors of Rolling Bearing

Aiming at the problems of low performance index and redundant information of multi-class physical health factors, a method of building rolling bearing health factors based on improved restricted Boltzmann machine is proposed. By fusing multi-class physical health factors, the virtual health factor of rolling bearings is constructed. Extracting physical health factors in time domain and frequency domain of rolling bearing vibration monitoring signals as inputs; the performance degradation mechanism model is added to the regularization term of the Restricted Boltzmann Machine, the performance degradation information contained in the input data is mined, the virtual health factor construction model of rolling bearings is built, and the model parameters are adjusted by the health factor evaluation criteria to improve the performance of the virtual health factor. The life cycle test of rolling bearings shows that compared with the principal component analysis method, the monotonicity of virtual health factors based on the improved restricted Boltzmann mechanism is increased by 147.6% and 38.5%, the trend is increased by 113.8% and 16.1%, and the robustness is increased by 60% and 8.42%, respectively.

Design and Implementation of GSO Based PI Controller for Non Linear Spherical Tank System

From literature point of view process parameter control for non linear process found to be issue in process control industries. The main dilemma lies on managing liquid level in globular tank which is non linear in nature owing to its area disparity in cross section consequent to the change in shape. System identification is made with black box model which is nonlinear and approximated to first order plus dead time model using the worst case model parameter criterion. Group Search Optimization based Proportional Integral controller is implemented to control the non linear system. The real time work is implemented in MATLAB using VMAT-01 module. The servo and regulatory responses of GSO based proportional integral controller intended for different operating region is noted and results are compared with the algorithms such as Big Bang - Big Crunch optimization, Particle swarm optimization and Bacterial Foraging optimization . The most admirable controlling method is determined based on indices such as reduced overshoot, better set point tracking, disturbance rejection , lower performance indices, faster settling time and rise time.