Consolidation Model Research Articles

Theta Activity During Encoding Interacts With NREM Sleep Oscillations to Predict Memory Generalization.

Relatively little is known regarding the interaction between encoding-related neural activity and sleep-based memory consolidation. One suggestion is that a function of encoding-related theta power may be to “tag” memories for subsequent processing during sleep. This study aimed to extend previous work on the relationships between sleep spindles, slow oscillation-spindle coupling, and task-related theta activity with a combined Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) and nap paradigm. This allowed us to examine the influence of task- and sleep-related oscillatory activity on the recognition of both encoded list words and associative theme words. Thirty-three participants (29 females, mean age = 23.2 years) learned and recognised DRM lists separated by either a 2 h wake or sleep period. Mixed-effects modelling revealed the sleep condition endorsed more associative theme words and fewer list words in comparison to the wake group. Encoding-related theta power was also found to influence sleep spindle density, and this interaction was predictive of memory outcomes. The influence of encoding-related theta was specific to sleep spindle density, and did not appear to influence the strength of slow oscillation-spindle coupling as it relates to memory outcomes. The finding of interactions between wakeful and sleep oscillatory-related activity in promoting memory and learning has important implications for theoretical models of sleep-based memory consolidation.

Piecewise-Linear Model for Large-Strain Consolidation with Threshold Hydraulic Gradient

Piecewise-Linear Model for Large-Strain Consolidation with Threshold Hydraulic Gradient

Effect of the initial resin distribution in partially impregnated thermoplastic prepregs on consolidation

The relation between the initial resin distribution in partially-impregnated thermoplastic UD prepregs and the gas evacuation mechanism as they are consolidated under oven vacuum bagging (OVB) process is explored. To conduct the investigation, carbon fiber (CF) tows were partially impregnated using poly (ether ketone) (PEEK) powders to fabricate three specific prepreg architectures with different surface and through-thickness resin distributions. The initial through-thickness resin distributions, porosity, surface impregnation and surface roughness of the prepregs were measured. Next, OVB consolidation experiments were performed. The effectiveness of gas evacuation and void reduction were quantified based on the initial and the final porosity state of their consolidated laminates. The results show that dry prepreg surfaces provide the most effective gas evacuation through interlayer air pathways, whereas, uniform impregnation in the midzone likely reduces the interconnectedness of voids potentially reducing the ability to evacuate voids both in the through-thickness and the in-plane directions. To achieve void-free consolidation, extra attention must be attributed to design features of prepregs to create more discontinuous through-thickness and surface resin distributions to reduce the distance between dry fiber zones on the surface while maintaining interconnectedness of interlayer and intralayer voids. A preliminary 1D single-ply consolidation model was developed, and a numerical study was carried out. The model predictions were assessed by comparison with single-ply (prepreg) consolidation experiments. It was found that the model gives plausible predictions however the model can be improved by coupling it with other simultaneous phenomena occurring during the consolidation process.

A Comparison of Single- and Multi-Echo Processing of Functional MRI Data During Overt Autobiographical Recall.

Recent years have seen an increase in the use of multi-echo fMRI designs by cognitive neuroscientists. Acquiring multiple echoes allows one to increase contrast-to-noise; reduce signal dropout and thermal noise; and identify nuisance signal components in BOLD data. At the same time, multi-echo acquisitions increase data processing complexity and may incur a cost to the temporal and spatial resolution of the acquired data. Here, we re-examine a multi-echo dataset previously analyzed using multi-echo independent components analysis (ME-ICA) and focused on hippocampal activity during the overtly spoken recall of recent and remote autobiographical memories. The goal of the present series of analyses was to determine if ME-ICA’s theoretical denoising benefits might lead to a practical difference in the overall conclusions reached. Compared to single-echo (SE) data, ME-ICA led to qualitatively different findings regarding hippocampal contributions to autobiographical recall: whereas the SE analysis largely failed to reveal hippocampal activity relative to an active baseline, ME-ICA results supported predictions of the Standard Model of Consolidation and a time limited hippocampal involvement. These data provide a practical example of the benefits multi-echo denoising in a naturalistic memory paradigm and demonstrate how they can be used to address long-standing theoretical questions.

A large-strain radial consolidation model incorporating soil destructuration and isotache concept

Prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) are widely applied for soft soil improvement to accelerate the consolidation process. The soil destructuration caused by mandrel-driven PVD installation, the varying strain-rates with time and the occurrence of large-strains in soft soils are commonly encountered, however, there is currently a lack of analytical model that can capture the combined effects of these issues. This study thus presents a semi-analytical solution for large-strain radial consolidation model that incorporates the effects of destructuration and strain-rate based on the isotache concept. The proposed method is compared with previous radial consolidation models through an appropriate case study (i.e., Ballina Bypass trial embankment), where the destructuration and isotache parameters could be determined experimentally. The results show that the current method adopting the isotache concept can predict the consolidation behaviour with improved accuracy, especially in large-strain situations where soil destructuration has been ignored. Furthermore, a parametric study is carried out using the proposed model, which helps clarify when the effects of large strain and varying strain-rate must be considered in practical designs.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ АНАЛИЗА ТРАЕКТОРИЙ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ КОНСОЛИДАЦИИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПОЛИЭТНИЧЕСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ ЮГА РОССИИ

The purpose of the study is the development of a methodological construct of interdisciplinary scientific research aimed at assessing the systemic advantages and disadvantages of existing social development trajectories of multi-ethnic regions of the South of Russia, as well as the formation of optimal models of social consolidation of the development of these regions in the future. Methodological basis of the research is subject-activity research method that allows to verify its theoretical construct based on the analysis of social practices of various population groups within the framework of regional society. When constructing a structural-activity model for studying the role, place, ways and mechanisms of social consolidation in the conditions of multiethnic regions, constructivism is used, which involves both the study of objective connections between different positions, interests of people involved in social structures, and taking into account certain ideas of individuals obtained in the process of socialization and subsequent social practices. Research results. It is proposed to consider the role and place of regional communities in society, taking into account both the system of subject-practical relations and the system of value-normative relations characteristic of this society. It is proved that it is methodologically justified to take into account the dynamics of the movement of society from socio-class uniformity to the diversity of the social space that is not yet structured and rather amorphous. However, only in this way it is possible to predict with a sufficient degree of probability the directions of society’s consolidation through the optimization of its process in the regions, given that their consolidation potential is multidimensional in a number of primary characteristics: demographic, settlement, forms of employment, belonging to various ethnic groups and confessions. Prospects for the study. The use of situational factor and configuration modeling of social consolidation trajectories in the conditions of multiethnic regions of the South of Russia will make it possible to develop effective social projects and technologies both in the South of Russia as a whole and at the level of its individual regions, as a necessary condition for society’s consolidation and ensuring its security.

Ski Resort Closures and Opportunities for Sustainability in North America

More than half of the ski resorts in North America have closed since the early building booms—many facing a warming climate and pressures to find water to make artificial snow. Researching and documenting all resorts between 1969–2019, we find that 59% of all resorts in North America have closed since the resort boom of the 1960s and 70s (65% in the United States, 31% in Canada). This shift has left some states or provinces with only one or no resorts remaining. To proactively persevere with a variable climate, less water, and a need for more energy to make snow, we suggest mountains holistically plan for sustainability. Recommendations include third party environmental certification, commitment to sustainability at the management level, communication to customers about sustainability practices and implementing unique models for remaining open and competitive. These practices include resort consolidation, multi-mountain passes, and/or unique ownership models. We believe that ski resorts must focus on positive environmental practices, sustainability planning, and climate change adaptation if they want to remain viable and competitive in the coming decades.

The nature space. A reflexive thematic analysis of therapists' experiences of 1:1 nature‐based counselling and psychotherapy with children and young people: Exploring perspectives on the influence of nature within the therapeutic process

AbstractNature‐based therapy is an emerging and rapidly developing field within counselling and psychotherapy, yet there is little published empirical research, or integrated models relating to its practice with Children and Young People (CYP). The present study aimed to explore therapists’ experiences of one‐to‐one nature‐based counselling and psychotherapy with CYP, eliciting perspectives on the interaction between nature and the therapeutic process. A reflexive thematic analysis provides preliminary insights into possible mechanisms of action with the potential to inform a longer‐term exploration of whether nature‐based therapy is effective, for whom and why. The study highlights the need to better explore and understand how nature‐based therapy supports relational and intrapsychic change in interaction with developmental processes, to inform construction of coherent and consolidated theory and models for practice.

An analytical model for 3D consolidation and creep process of layered fractional viscoelastic soils considering temperature effect

The behavior of long-term deformation of saturated soil under external loads has been one of the research focuses in geological engineering and geotechnical engineering. The temperature change, especially in the fields of geological radioactive waste disposal and geothermal system, usually significantly influence the consolidation and creep process of soils. This paper presents an analytical three-dimensional (3D) model for investigating the consolidation and creep behavior of layered soils considering temperature effect. Based on the analytical layer element elastic solution, fractional calculus theory and elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle, an analytical 3D model is built by introducing the coefficients of thermal expansion and viscosity varying with temperature into the fractional Merchant model (FMM). Verifications against published analytical and numerical results are provided, followed by extensive parametric studies to investigate the effects of type of viscoelastic model, temperature change, fractional order and viscosity of FMM, layered characteristic of soils on consolidation and creep process. It’s evident that the present model predicts long-term behavior of layered viscoelastic soils well and can be used to evaluate the effect of temperature change on consolidation and creep process in geological engineering and geotechnical engineering.

An imperfect thermal contact problem for consolidation of bilayered saturated soil subjected to ramp-type heating

This study proposes a generalized imperfect thermal contact model to simulate the thermal contact resistance existing at the interface between the two adjacent soil layers. Based on the generalized imperfect thermal contact model, a thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled consolidation model for bilayered saturated soil under ramp-type heating load is established. By means of the Laplace transform, the semi-analytical solutions of temperature increment, excess pore water pressure and displacement of the bilayered saturated soil are obtained. Based on the present solutions, the THM coupled consolidation behaviors are investigated through comparative and parametric analysis. The results show that the generalized imperfect thermal contact model can realistically describe the imperfect thermal contact problem and can be degenerated into other commonly-used thermal contact models. Due to the existence of interfacial thermal contact resistance, only a portion of heat flux passes through the interface, weakening the influence of the thermal load on the consolidation behaviors of non-heated layer. With the decrease of contact transfer coefficient and the increase of partition coefficient, the interfacial thermal contact resistance increases, and the influence of the thermal conductivity of soil grains reduces.

Vacuum-induced lateral deformation around a vertical drain in dredged slurry

The horizontal strain in the vacuum preloading/dewatering of dredged slurry is significant to the apparent clogging effect and estimation of surface settlement around a drain; however, it has seldom been investigated in previous studies. In this study, a vacuum consolidation model test assisted by particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology was conducted. The displacement vector field was obtained through PIV analysis and image processing; it was used to visually observe the deformation features around a drain. Based on the displacement field, the vertical/horizontal strains at varied radial distances were calculated to explain the ‘soil pile’ and apparent clogging effect. From the strain distribution with radial distances, a significant lateral compression zone near the drain and an extension zone at farther areas were confirmed. Furthermore, a simple explicit model was established to evaluate the horizontal strain within a prefabricated vertical drain unit cell considering a horizontal attenuated vacuum and compression/extension zone. Finally, this method was applied to predict the horizontal displacement in the model test. The results showed that the proposed method can estimate the lateral displacement of soft clay slurry fairly well.

Analysis of one‐dimensional nonlinear rheological consolidation of saturated clay considering self‐weight stress and Swartzendruber's flow rule

AbstractConsidering the nonlinear rheological properties of saturated clay, the modified unified hardening (UH) constitutive relation was introduced to describe the nonlinear rheological deformation. Meanwhile, Swartzendruber's flow law was used to simulate the non‐Darcian flow of pore water in the progress of rheological consolidation. Consequently, a nonlinear rheological consolidation model (NRCM), for one‐dimensional consolidation, that simultaneously incorporates nonlinear stress‐strain‐time relationship, Swartzendruber's flow, self‐weight stress, and variable permeability coefficient has been developed here. The finite volume method (FVM) was utilized to solve the NRCM system, and its effectiveness was verified by comparing with the existing consolidation data. The parametric analysis results indicate that the soil's nonlinear rheological effect induced the excess pore water pressure (EPWP)’s accumulation in the initial loading. This phenomenon became more significant when considering the self‐weight stress or as the initial overconsolidated parameter, soil thickness, and seepage parameter increased. In contrast, it weakened with the increase of external loading. Additionally, considering the self‐weight stress slowed down the whole dissipation of EPWP in the initial period of loading. Nevertheless, it accelerated the nonlinear consolidation process in the middle and late loading stages.

Theoretical Framework in Student Debt Research: Linking Economic, Finance and Education Theories to Student Debt Literature

There has been a growing interest in student debt research in recent years among researchers and graduate students. Student loan has become a popular means of financing the increasing cost of higher education among millennia, thus spurring the rising interest of researchers in this area. However, the availability of established theories related to the student debt topic is limited. The purpose of this study is to add to the limited literature of theories in student debt scholarship. This study links two economic theories, four finance theories, and two education theories to student debt literature. The economic theories (human capital theory and life cycle Model) emphasize the role of student loans in fostering investment in human capital and its impact on future consumption. This study also examines four debt repayment models (the debt snowball model, the balance-matching model, the debt avalanche model, and the debt consolidation model) suggested by various financial advisors on debt repayments, which postulate four distinct strategies on how debtors can settle their loans. The education theories (Tinto student departure model and John Bean’s explanatory theory of student retention model) highlight the importance of student retention at colleges to ensure college completion, which in turn increases the chances of getting a job; thus, guaranteeing loan repayment. These theories will serve as a theoretical framework guide to researchers, especially graduate students who are working on their thesis or dissertation on the student loan debt topic.

Assessing the innovation policy implementation effectiveness through clustering: The Russian Federation regions case study

Subject. This article discusses the role of cluster analysis in assessing the effectiveness of regional innovation policy implementation. Objectives. The article aims to develop a conceptual approach to assessment of the effectiveness of regional innovation policy implementation through clustering and test it considering the Russian Federation subjects. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of complex rate setting, integral estimation, and cluster analysis (tree-type clustering, k-means). Results. The article proposes a stepwise algorithm for assessing the effectiveness of regional innovation policy implementation, taking into account the relevant methodological and mathematical apparatus. Conclusions and Relevance. The developed algorithm helps create a consolidated model that characterizes the level of effectiveness of innovation policy implementation by the Russian Federation subjects in the context of cluster groups. Subject to improvement and adjustment depending on strategic priorities, the proposed tools can serve as a basis for decision-making on the development of mechanisms for implementing innovation policy at the regional level.

Analysis of prefabricated vertical drains with surcharge preloading of Hiep Phuoc clay

Finite-difference analysis of soft ground treatment with prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) was performed using a newly developed consolidation model. The model uses the concept of multi-compression indices and coefficients of consolidation (CoCs) to investigate the behaviour of a soft ground deposit (pore water pressure dissipation, surface settlement and sub-layer ground settlement) and to validate the newly developed Consopro finite-difference procedure. The pre-consolidation pressures of the soft ground deposit were characterised using a combination of piezocone penetration profiling and constant rate-of-strain (CRS) consolidation tests (0.02%/min) on undisturbed samples that were retrieved from the Saigon premier container terminal in the south of Vietnam. After comparison of the back-calculated results with field-observed data, a correlation between the CoCs determined by CRS consolidation tests and the CoCs from piezocone dissipation tests, which were carried out after soil improvement, was determined.

Direct-to-Consumer Testing (DTC): Destined to Connect or Disrupt. Buyer Be Aware (An Infectious Disease Perspective)

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing continues to be a subject of debate throughout the medical community. DTC testing may be viewed as expanding access to health care. Additionally, caution is needed in defining the role of DTC testing in the overall health care continuum of the consumer, particularly with limited provider resources. The recent COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a shift of consumer health care expectations and triggered providers to restructure their health care delivery services to create a more consolidated care model. There are several benefits from DTC testing that can help address this new restructure of health care, such as easy access to an available product and decreased person-to-person contact. However, there have been controversies regarding ethical considerations, appropriate specimen sampling, and evidence-based practices. This article provides an overview of DTC testing, advantages and concerns, considerations around infectious disease, and the potential role of the clinical laboratory to ensure safe and effective DTC testing services.

Minor cases in civil procedure

The author within the work revealed two limits of insignificant cases of civil proceedings: the limit of correctness and the limit of timeliness. When limiting the principles of civil proceedings in simplified proceedings, it is necessary to be guided by these limits. It was found that the limit of timeliness should be understood as the procedural term of consideration of a minor civil case, which should be much shorter than the general term of consideration of civil cases within the ordinary procedural procedure. The limit of correctness should be understood as the grounds for the revocation of a judicial act. For simplified civil proceedings, the limits of correctness will be violated in the event of an illegal and unreasonable decision; time limits - in the case of consideration of the case within a period similar to or exceeding the term of consideration in the ordinary procedural procedure.
 The problem of efficiency and accessibility of justice is one of the most important problems of modern procedural law. One way to increase the availability and efficiency of justice is the emergence of expedited proceedings in civil proceedings. The simplified procedure for consideration of cases is applied based on the formal criteria of the insignificance of property claims and the complexity of the disputed legal relationship. Such circumstances do not exclude not only the complexity of the case, its potential practical significance but also the presence of trivial confrontation between the parties, which requires a court hearing. Sometimes this confrontation turns into a restriction of the court by the procedural regime granted to it by law.
 Maintaining the model of imperative consolidation of the list of cases that the court is obliged to consider expeditiously and simplified requires adequate verification capabilities. That is, the court should be able to verify all the arguments of the complaining party against imaginary and actual violations and shortcomings. The objection of one of the parties to the adopted judicial act, albeit in a simplified manner, deserves careful attention.

Impact of different models of rural land consolidation on rural household poverty vulnerability

Poverty elimination poses a great challenge to all countries around the world, and the Chinese government is consistently concerned with poverty issues. Rural land consolidation (RLC) is the important measure to alleviate poverty in rural China by improving the efficiency of land use. From the perspective of future poverty, the study analyzes the mechanism by which different RLC models, the government-dominant model and the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, decrease poverty vulnerability by enhancing capabilities and endowing rights under the framework of the theory of capacity poverty proposed by Amartya Sen. Based on survey data of 562 rural households from Hubei and Guizhou Provinces, this study explores the role of and differences between two RLC models in decreasing the poverty vulnerability of registered and non-registered households through the PSM-DID estimator. The main findings are as follows: (1) The proportions of poor households and poverty vulnerability households in both registered and non-registered households have declined after the implementation of RLC, revealing that poverty vulnerability occurs along with poverty; (2) Both RLC models can significantly reduce the poverty vulnerability of both types of rural households. Furthermore, the effect of reducing the poverty vulnerability of non-registered households is greater than that of registered households; (3) The PPP RLC model reduces the poverty vulnerability much more effectively than the government-led model. Based on the above findings, the paper proposes corresponding policy recommendations for improving stability of RLC for poverty alleviation, thereby decreasing the probability of future poverty. Additionally, this study provides references for the developing areas and countries to make long-acting RLC policies for poverty alleviation.

A Systemised Approach to Smart Pump Integration with an Electronic Medical Record System – An Australian Experience

ABSTRACT Background: Smart pump integration with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems offers an opportunity to introduce a closed-loop medication management system in hospital settings. Closed-loop medication management systems minimise human errors, improve nursing workflow and efficiency, and optimise patient safety. In this descriptive observational study, we will outline some of the key steps required to successfully integrate a smart pump dataset with EMR computerised provider/physician order entry (CPOE) systems. Methodology: The triple C model of consultation, collaboration and consolidation was used for the development and implementation of a smart infusion pump and EMR integration at a 160-bed specialist Australian hospital. This systemised approach allowed a methodical implementation process and ensured sustainability of the intervention. Key stakeholders were identified and engaged to establish a working group to align medication orders in the EMR and the smart pump library to ensure readiness of pump-EMR integration phase. Validation testing was conducted for each EMR infusion order to check successful auto-programming to a corresponding medication on the smart pump. The steps discussed are applicable to all hospital settings with EMR systems and smart pumps. Results: The smart pump dataset contained a total of 217 unique medications and fluids that were tested for interoperability. A total of 87% (188/217) passed full record testing. The remaining 13 % (29/217) were excluded from interoperability. The 13% of medication and fluids that were excluded was due to the medication being prescribed on paper (i.e. medicines with desensitisation regimen), the medication unable to be prescribed as a medicine in the EMR (i.e. blood products), the smart pump limitations to build safety limits around only one medicine (i.e. multi-additive infusions) or excluded due to specialist hospital formulary. Conclusion: This study using a systemised approach, that described and identified key stages and phases required for integration of smart pump infusions with an EMR system, to create a closed-loop medication management system in an Australian hospital setting. Highlights

Зміна парадигми регулювання фінансового ринку.

The modern financial market is a complex and dynamic mechanism that is being rapidly digitalized, new innovative technologies are emerging that change the nature of financial business and the relations between participants. All these phenomena expand the range of challenges and risks, and the threat of their implementation causes the need to change the paradigm of regulation of the financial market. A review of expert studies and conclusions showed that traditional prudential regulation mechanisms are not able to take into account the currrent changes and challenges. The article is aimed at forming a holistic view of determinants and challenges that lead to the need to change the paradigm of financial market regulation, as well as substantiation of the components of the new model of consolidated regulation and supervision. The necessity of forming a risk-oriented model of proportional regulation, focused on preventing growing threats and challenges of the digitalized financial market and its stabilization, is substantiated. It is specified that the evolution of approaches to regulation took place with different dynamics – from simple to synergistic, from adaptive to bifurcation-based, from limited to inclusive. The main determinants of the changes are asserted the following: financial and digital globalization, deregulation, development of information-communication technologies and innovations, digitalization of the market, volatility of market parameters, system risks. It is substantiated that the paradigm shift should take place on the principle of complementarity of traditional monetary policy, prudential and macroprudential regulation on the basis of consolidated supervision and the suptech (Supervisory Technologies). The basis of the new consolidated regulatory model should be a risk-oriented proportional approach that focuses on the volumes and levels of risks taken by different financial institutions. At that, it is expected that the proportionality of regulatory requirements depending on the types of instruments, operations and the level of risk taken will contribute to ensuring market stability, protecting consumers of financial services and stimulating the development of financial business. Prospect for further research is to substantiate the methods and instruments of a proportional risk-oriented regulation.