Consolidation Model Research Articles

Technology acceptance and critical mass: Development of a consolidated model to explain the actual use of mobile health care communication tools

ObjectiveSecure mobile communication technologies are being implemented at an increasing rate across health care organizations, though providers’ use of these tools can remain limited by a perceived lack of other users to communicate with. Enabling acceptance and driving provider utilization of these tools throughout an organization requires attention to the interplay between perceived peer usage (i.e. perceived critical mass) and local user needs within the social context of the care team (e.g. inpatient nursing access to the mobile app). To explain these influences, we developed and tested a consolidated model that shows how mobile health care communication technology acceptance and utilization are influenced by the moderating effects of social context on perceptions about the technology. MethodsThe theoretical model and questionnaire were derived from selected technology acceptance models and frameworks. Survey respondents (n = 1254) completed items measuring perceived critical mass, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, personal innovativeness in information technology, behavioral intent, and actual use of a recently implemented secure mobile communication tool. Actual use was additionally measured by logged usage data. Use group was defined as whether a hospital’s nurses had access to the tool (expanded use group) or not (limited use group). ResultsThe model accounted for 61% and 72% of the variance in intent to use the communication tool in the limited and expanded use groups, respectively, which in turn accounted for 53% and 33% of actual use. The total effects coefficient of perceived critical mass on behavioral intent was 0.57 in the limited use group (95% CI 0.51–0.63) and 0.70 in the expanded use group (95% CI 0.61–0.80). ConclusionOur model fit the data well and explained the majority of variance in acceptance of the tool amongst participants. The overall influence of perceived critical mass on intent to use the tool was similarly large in both groups. However, the strength of multiple model pathways varied unexpectedly by use group, suggesting that combining sociotechnical moderators with traditional technology acceptance models may produce greater insights than traditional technology acceptance models alone. Practically, our results suggest that healthcare institutions can drive acceptance by promoting the recruitment of early adopters though liberal access policies and making these users and the technology highly visible to others.

Simulation of water storage in a reclamation cover incorporating tailings consolidation

Successful reclamation of mine tailings requires effective management of the contaminated water generated by the consolidation of tailings over time. Due to uncertainty in predicting consolidation-induced water release, mine planners often use simulation models to prepare for a range of anticipated scenarios. This paper describes the development of the Tailings Management Simulation Consolidation model (TMSim-Consol) using the GoldSim software. TMSim-Consol simulates tailings settlement over time and the upward flow of pore water due to consolidation. The advantages of using system dynamics simulation tools are illustrated by the inherent transparency of the numerical method to end users. A hypothetical reclamation set-up consisting of an oil sands thickened tailings (OSTT) deposit capped by a sand layer was simulated under a range of initial tailings properties. The simulation results showed that soil water storage in the sand cap was highly sensitive to the initial solids contents of the underlying OSTT. To limit the release of contaminated water at the surface, the initial solids content of OSTT needs to be at least 65% before sand capping.

The influence of dynamic capabilities on startup growth

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between dynamic service innovation capabilities (DSICs) and startup growth in an emerging country. Design/methodology/approach This paper used a theoretical DSIC model to process data on 137 Brazilian startups, using a stepwise regression. Findings Service startup growth is related to the capability of enterprises to understand market signals, learn from customers and design a scalable, repetitive and profitable business model. Research limitations/implications Despite the innovative nature of startups, this paper found that technological and networking capacities are not a determinant of growth. Practical implications Managers should commit themselves to improve their competence in terms of understanding market signals, even when they already have a consolidated business model, products and service offerings. The findings also function as a warning about the dangers of an excessive focus on technological capabilities. Social implications Innovative startups, which achieve high growth create a disproportionate number of new jobs. Hence, by indicating the dynamic capabilities that are more conducive to firm growth, this paper contributes to society and the economy at large. Originality/value The findings challenge the myth of technological capacity and networking skills as the main sources of startup growth. This paper shows that founders and managers of service startups who want to achieve rapid growth should concentrate more effort on other skills. Marketing competence and building scalable business models – abilities that are common to successful traditional firms – are more relevant for short-term growth than technological innovation.

Evidence supporting a time-limited hippocampal role in retrieving autobiographical memories

The necessity of the human hippocampus for remote autobiographical recall remains fiercely debated. The standard model of consolidation predicts a time-limited role for the hippocampus, but the competing multiple trace/trace transformation theories posit indefinite involvement. Lesion evidence remains inconclusive, and the inferences one can draw from functional MRI (fMRI) have been limited by reliance on covert (silent) recall, which obscures dynamic, moment-to-moment content of retrieved memories. Here, we capitalized on advances in fMRI denoising to employ overtly spoken recall. Forty participants retrieved recent and remote memories, describing each for approximately 2 min. Details associated with each memory were identified and modeled in the fMRI time-series data using a variant of the Autobiographical Interview procedure, and activity associated with the recall of recent and remote memories was then compared. Posterior hippocampal regions exhibited temporally graded activity patterns (recent events > remote events), as did several regions of frontal and parietal cortex. Consistent with predictions of the standard model, recall-related hippocampal activity differed from a non-autobiographical control task only for recent, and not remote, events. Task-based connectivity between posterior hippocampal regions and others associated with mental scene construction also exhibited a temporal gradient, with greater connectivity accompanying the recall of recent events. These findings support predictions of the standard model of consolidation and demonstrate the potential benefits of overt recall in neuroimaging experiments.

Piecewise-Linear Model for One-Dimensional Consolidation Considering Non-Darcian Flow under Continuous Drainage Boundary

Abstract Based on the piecewise-linear consolidation model, this paper presents a consolidation model that considers the drainage conditions and non-Darcian flow of clayey soils. In the proposed mo...

Unsaturated thermal consolidation around a heat source

Thermal loadings in saturated (two-phase) clays induce excess pore water pressure due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of the pore volume and the pore water. The gradual dissipation of the excess pore water pressure causes thermal volume reduction which is known as thermal consolidation. However, thermal consolidation in a three-phase soil system such as unsaturated soil is more sophisticated. In this paper, an analytical model for thermal consolidation around a heat source embedded in unsaturated clay or in calyey soils containing two immiscible fluids is developed based on the effective stress concept. Governing equations, including energy, mass, and momentum balance equations are developed. Coexisting solid and pore fluids are assumed to be in local thermal equilibrium. First, a solution is provided using Fourier-Laplace transformation by considering constant coefficients. The inverse transformation is carried out fully analytically and thus, a closed-form solution is proposed. Then, the variations of soil properties during the thermal consolidation process are considered through a temporal discretization process. The developed model is validated using Green’s function theory and the equations and results are compared with the available models in the literature. Results indicate the capability of the model to accurately predict thermal consolidation in a three-phase clayey soil.

A Comparison of Three Methods for Determining Thermal Inactivation Kinetics: A Case Study on Salmonella enterica in Whole Milk Powder

Different methods for determining the thermal inactivation kinetics of microorganisms can result in discrepancies in thermal resistance values. In this study, thermal resistance of Salmonella in whole milk powder was determined with three methods: thermal death time (TDT) disk in water bath, pouches in water bath, and the TDT Sandwich system. Samples from three production lots of whole milk powder were inoculated with a five-strain Salmonella cocktail and equilibrated to a water activity of 0.20. The samples were then subjected to three isothermal treatments at 75, 80, or 85°C. Samples were removed at six time points and cultures were enumerated for survivors. The inactivation data were fitted to two consolidated models: two primary models (log linear and Weibull) and one secondary model (Bigelow). Normality testing indicated that all the model parameters were normally distributed. None of the model parameters for both consolidated models were significantly different (α = 0.05). The amount of inactivation during the come-up time was also not significantly different among the methods (α = 0.05). However, the TDT Sandwich resulted in less inactivation during the come-up time and overall less variation in model parameters. The survivor data from all three methods were combined and fitted to both consolidated models. The Weibull had a lower root mean square error and a better fit, according to the corrected Akaike's information criterion. The three thermal treatment methods produced results that were not significantly different; thus, the methods are interchangeable, at least for Salmonella in whole milk powder. Comparisons with more methods, other microorganisms, and larger varieties of food products using the same framework presented in this study could provide guidance for standardizing thermal inactivation kinetics studies for microorganisms in foods.

77822 PSD95-nNOS interaction alters the basolateral amygdala transcriptome following fear conditioning: implications for molecular mechanisms underlying PTSD

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This research takes a transcriptomic approach to parse genes and molecular pathways that underlie the fear memory circuitry and, in doing so, identifies therapeutic targets that can further be developed into treatments for fear disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Normal fear learning produces avoidance behavior that promotes survival, but excessive and persistent fear after trauma can lead to development of phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our goal is to understand the mechanism and identify novel genetic targets underlying fear responses. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Involvement of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in fear acquisition is well established and requires activation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDARs). At a cellular level, NMDAR activation leads to production of nitric oxide (NO) by a process mediated by interaction between postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). To elucidate mechanisms underlying the role of the PSD95-nNOS-NO pathway in conditioned fear, here we use rodent behavioral paradigms, pharmacological treatment with a small molecule PSD95-nNOS inhibitor, RNA-sequencing, and an AAV-mediated knockdown of the nNOS gene in the BLA. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We show that treatment with ZL006 attenuates rodent cued-fear consolidation. Additionally, with RNA-sequencing, expression of 516 genes was altered in the BLA following fear expression; of these genes, 83 were restored with systemic ZL006 treatment. Network data and gene ontology enrichment analyses further revealed that cGMP effects, insulin-like growth factor binding, and cognition-related pathways were significantly altered. Finally, we show that a BLA-specific knockdown of nNOS attenuates cued fear consolidation, without adverse effects on other memory and motor behaviors. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Via a model of NMDAR-mediated fear consolidation, our results reveal novel pathways and genetic targets that underlie plasticity of fear memory circuitry. Importantly, these results will inform future therapeutic strategies for targeting fear related disorders like PTSD.

Finite Element Analysis of Equivalent Diameter of Prefabricated Vertical Drains

To clarify some of the inconsistencies in the research of equivalent diameter of PVDs, we constructed 3-D consolidation models of PVDs and sand drains using ABAQUS and compared models with and without sand drain resistance. When the sand drain resistance was included in the model, the equivalent diameters of the sand drains were 30, 65, 78, and 100 mm (for a 100-mm-wide, 4-mm-thick PVD) corresponding to PVD drainage depths (or soft soil layer thickness) of 2, 5, 8, and 10 m. Except for the depth of 2 m, the other results were higher than the values found in previous studies. The equivalent diameters increased with increasing consolidation depths. When the well resistance was ignored, the equivalent diameters were 20 mm for all the ground consolidation depths, which was less than the value in most previous research findings.

КОНСОЛИДИРОВАННОЕ НАЛОГООБЛОЖЕНИЕ: ЗАРУБЕЖНАЯ ПРАКТИКА

Consolidation involves combining several interconnected organizations into a single taxpayer, however, it is worth noting that consolidation is possible for only certain taxes - most often corporate income tax, value added tax, and less often excise taxes and other taxes. Such a regime is aimed at unifying tax administration and changing the distribution of tax revenues from their activities between territorial entities. Note that each country has its own model of tax consolidation, which differs in one way or another from the models of other countries. Many countries allow groups of companies to calculate tax liabilities as a combined taxpayer, or develop special rules for group members, which, in principle, can have the same result. Tax regulation can also be carried out through transfer prices. However, despite the country differences, the mechanism of action of consolidated taxation always depends on the company's status in the group, which is the basis of the method of tax consolidation. The purpose of introducing tax regimes for related companies in all countries is the same-joint taxation of all group members. At the same time, the methods used to achieve this goal and establish a special tax procedure are different. The article is devoted to the review of the world practice of taxation of consolidated taxpayers. The author paid special attention to the international practice of submission of claims to the equity of the parent company in the equity of subsidiaries, the method of electing the mode of participation of non-resident companies and taxes for the calculation and payment of which allowed the Association. The study of foreign practice of combining companies into consolidated groups for tax purposes revealed similarities and differences in the regimes in force in a number of foreign countries.

HvRNASET2 Regulate Connective Tissue and Collagen I Remodeling During Wound Healing Process

Several studies have recently demonstrated that the correct regeneration of damaged tissues and the maintaining of homeostasis after wounds or injuries are tightly connected to different biological events, involving immune response, fibroplasia, and angiogenetic processes, in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In this context, our previous data demonstrated that the Hirudo verbana recombinant protein rHvRNASET2 not only plays a pivotal role in innate immune modulation, but is also able to activate resident fibroblasts leading to new collagen production, both in vivo and in vitro. Indeed, when injected in the leech body wall, which represents a consolidated invertebrate model for studying both immune response and tissue regeneration, HvRNASET2 induces macrophages recruitment, fibroplasia, and synthesis of new collagen. Based on this evidence, we evaluate the role of HvRNASET2 on muscle tissue regeneration and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in rHvRNASET2-injected wounded leeches, compared to PBS-injected wounded leeches used as control. The results presented here not only confirms our previous evidence, reporting that HvRNASET2 leads to an increased collagen production, but also shows that an overexpression of this protein might influence the correct progress of muscle tissue regeneration. Moreover, due to its inhibitory effect on vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, HvRNASET2 apparently interfere with the recruitment of the myoendothelial vessel-associated precursor cells that in turn are responsible for muscle regeneration during wound healing repair.

A large-strain consolidation model incorporating vacuum pressure growth propagation

A large-strain consolidation model incorporating vacuum pressure growth propagation (VPGP) under vacuum preloading is proposed. A finite-difference method was developed to predict the vacuum consolidation behaviour. The proposed model can be degenerated into the existing model when the vacuum pressure growth factor reaches 10/day. The rationality of the proposed model was verified and compared with experimental results. The effect of VPGP on the consolidation behaviour of two typical soils was then analysed. A growth in vacuum pressure has a significant effect on consolidation, especially for a growth factor in the range 0–0.5/day. The radial and vertical propagation of vacuum pressure obviously slowed down the dissipation of excess pore-water pressure (EPWP). The maximum difference reached 48% and 37.5% when the radial attenuation factor and the vertical residual factor were in the range 0–0.1/cm and 0.25–1.00, respectively. The maximum value of the EPWP difference of two typical soils reached 65 kPa.

A Cyclic Macro-Element Framework for Consolidation-Dependent Three-Dimensional Capacity of Plate Anchors

This paper presents a new macro-element modelling framework for plate anchors which enables the effect of pore water pressure changes and the related evolution of soil strength during the process of cyclic loading and consolidation to be captured. The proposed modelling framework combines an advanced macro-element model for plate anchors, expanded to capture the cyclic loading behaviour, with a simple one-dimensional model of undrained shearing and consolidation for a soil element representative of the whole soil mass around the anchor. The representative soil element tracks the effects of changes in effective stress on the soil strength, which in turn governs the anchor capacity in the macro-element model. The two modelling components are linked through a mobilised capacity compatibility condition. It will be firstly shown that such modelling framework is able to capture the expected changes in an anchor’s capacity related to cyclic pore pressure generation and consolidation under one-dimensional cyclic loading of the anchor. Then, the model will be used to explore the plate anchor’s behaviour and failure mechanisms under loading conditions which mobilise its full three-dimensional cyclic loading capacity. The macro-element model will identify some conflicting mechanisms (i.e., the anchor’s kinematic/rotation and soil weakening/strengthening) governing the three-dimensional capacity of the anchor.

Nonlinear consolidation model for the prediction of constant pressure expression of semi-solid materials

Nonlinear model of constant pressure expression is proposed for semi-solid materials and filter cakes. In this model the compressive pressure PS is replaced by the special power-law pressure function θ=1+PSPa1-nconsidering constitutive equation for the specific cake resistance α=α01+PSPan, where α0, Pa and n are the constants. The linearized form of obtained equation has analytical solution, which is similar to the solution of classical Terzaghi equation, but in terms of the proposed power-law pressure functionθ. Consequently, pressure profiles and local characteristics of compressed semi-solid materials can be better described. Constitutive relations for the compressibility modulus G and consolidation coefficient C are presented as power-law functions of the compressive pressure PS and used for the approximative analytical and numerous solutions of the obtained nonlinear consolidation equation. Consolidation coefficient (filtration diffusivity) of highly compressible filter cakes can vary little with compressive pressure increase or even remain constant due to the concurrency between G and α, which are both rise with higher compressive pressure PS.Several examples of the application of proposed model are presented for different moderately and highly compressible filter cakes (H.K. kaolin, CaCO3, silica, activated sludge, water treatment (WT) plant residue). The profiles of local compressive pressure PS and local cake characteristics (specific cake resistanceα and solidosity εS) are simulated and compared for different filter cakes based on the analytical and numerical solutions of this model. The values of apparent consolidation coefficient Ca are simulated based on the adjustment of numerical and analytical solutions of the proposed model. These values can be used for better prediction of solid–liquid expression behavior.

Applying machine learning, text mining, and spatial analysis techniques to develop a highway-railroad grade crossing consolidation model

The consolidation of Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing (HRGC) is one of the effective approaches to decrease the number of crashes between trains and vehicles. From 2015–2019, there were 57 HRGC crashes at crossings in East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP), resulting in thirteen injuries with $346,875 cost of vehicle damages. Consolidation programs help to close redundant crossings and thereby decrease the crash risks; however, it is difficult to find the best crossing in a neighborhood for closure. In our previous research working on HRGC consolidation models in 2019, from among four Machine Learning algorithms, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost) performed better in HRGC prediction models. In continuation of our previous studies on developing a HRGC prediction model, this research employed Text Mining Techniques, and Geospatial Analysis in addition to the XGboost Machine Learning algorithm. The aim was to develop a consolidation model that is customized for local implementation. The results indicated an overall accuracy of 88 % for the proposed model. The relative importance of the variables input to the model was also reported and offers an in-depth understanding of the model’s behavior. Considering the different correlation threshold, a sensitivity analysis was also performed on different aggregation gain values. Subsequently, it resulted in the development of a simplified model utilizing 14 variables, with aggregated gain values of 95 % and a correlation threshold of 0.5. Based on this model, 15 % of current highway-rail grade crossings should be closed.

Workload Stability-Aware Virtual Machine Consolidation Using Adaptive Harmony Search in Cloud Datacenters

Owing to the increasing complexity of managing IT infrastructure caused by rapid technological advancements, organizations are transforming their datacenter management environments from on-premises to the cloud. Datacenters operating in the cloud environment have large amounts of IT infrastructure, such as servers, storage devices, and network equipment, and are operational on all days of the year, thus causing power overconsumption problems. However, efforts to reduce power consumption are not the first priority as datacenters seek stable operation to avoid violating their service level agreements. Therefore, a research model that reduces power consumption of the datacenter while enabling stable operation by utilizing virtual machine (VM) consolidation is proposed here. To obtain the optimal solution for the proposed VM consolidation model, an adaptive harmony search methodology is developed, which expends less effort to set the parameters of the model compared to existing harmony search methods. Comparative experiments were conducted to validate the accuracy and performance of the proposed model. As a result, Original harmony search (HS) showed better performance than the existing heuristic algorithm, and novel self-adaptive (NS)-HS showed the best result among Adaptive HS. In addition, when considering workload stability, it showed better results in terms of datacenters (DC) stability than otherwise.

Online Child Sexual Exploitation: A New MIS Challenge

This paper deals with the difficult yet increasingly important MIS phenomenon of online child sexual exploitation (online CSE). Through the use of secondary and publicly available data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as primary data from a cybercrime police unit in the United Kingdom, this study takes a grounded theory approach and organizes the role that technologies and social actors play in shaping online CSE. The paper contributes to IS theory by providing a consolidated model for online CSE, which we call the technology and imagery dimensions model. This model combines the staging of the phenomenon and the key dimensions that depict how the use of technology and imagery both fuels and defuses the phenomenon. In informing the construction of the model, the paper extracts, organizes, and generalizes the affordances of technology and discusses the role of information systems in detecting online CSE.

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) for Estimation of Hydraulic Parameters in the Porous Aquifer

Similarities in both water and electric current flows allow the relation of hydraulic and geoelectric parameters of porous aquifers. Based on this assumption and the importance of the hydraulic parameters for groundwater analyses, this study aimed to estimate hydraulic conductivity (K) and transmissivity (T) with vertical electrical sounding (VES) in the porous aquifer at the experimental farm of the University of Brasilia, Brazil. VES is a geophysical technique that provides electrical resistivity (ρ, Ω m) and thickness (h) of the subsurface layers. The ρ and h aquifer data, associated with lithology, water table level (WTL), and groundwater electrical resistivity (ρw, Ω m), allowed the calculation of complementary geoelectric parameters (formation factor, F, and Dar Zarrouk parameters) and the relation with K and T, determined via slug test. VES data allowed the elaboration of geoelectric models, with mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) below 6% compared to field data, and the identification of the aquifer in each VES station. Significant exponential regression models (R2 > 0.5 and p-value < 0.05) showed the possibility of using geoelectric parameters to estimate hydraulic parameters. This study allowed the verification of the applicability of consolidated models and the identification of appropriate empirical relationships for hydrogeological characterization in the Brazilian tropical porous aquifers. The results of this work, besides the rapid sampling and low cost of performing vertical electrical sounding (VES), may justify the use of this geophysical technique for preliminary porous aquifer characterization, especially in regions absent of or with insufficient monitoring wells.

Multiple memories can be simultaneously reactivated during sleep as effectively as a single memory

Memory consolidation involves the reactivation of memory traces during sleep. If different memories are reactivated each night, how much do they interfere with one another? We examined whether reactivating multiple memories incurs a cost to sleep-related benefits by contrasting reactivation of multiple memories versus single memories during sleep. First, participants learned the on-screen location of different objects. Each object was part of a semantically coherent group comprised of either one, two, or six items (e.g., six different cats). During sleep, sounds were unobtrusively presented to reactivate memories for half of the groups (e.g., “meow”). Memory benefits for cued versus non-cued items were independent of the number of items in the group, suggesting that reactivation occurs in a simultaneous and promiscuous manner. Intriguingly, sleep spindles and delta-theta power modulations were sensitive to group size, reflecting the extent of previous learning. Our results demonstrate that multiple memories may be consolidated in parallel without compromising each memory’s sleep-related benefit. These findings highlight alternative models for parallel consolidation that should be considered in future studies.

On the locking-free three-field virtual element methods for Biot’s consolidation model in poroelasticity

We propose and analyze two locking-free three-field virtual element methods for Biot’s consolidation model in poroelasticity. One is a high-order scheme, and the other is a low-order scheme. For time discretization, we use the backward Euler scheme. The proposed methods are well-posed, and optimal error estimates of all the unknowns are obtained for fully discrete solutions. The generic constants in the estimates are uniformly bounded as the Lamé coefficient λ tends to infinity, and as the constrained specific storage coefficient is arbitrarily small. Therefore the methods are free of both Poisson locking and pressure oscillations. Numerical results illustrate the good performance of the methods and confirm our theoretical predictions.