Need For Such Methods Research Articles

A Practical Fault Location Algorithm With Increased Adaptability for Active Low Voltage Grids

Quick power restoration has always been one of the grid operators' major goals and could be facilitated by the application of automatized fault location methods. The need for such methods is particularly visible in the low voltage (LV) grids which have been overlooked until now. Hence, this paper presents a novel turnkey solution to the fault location problem in LV grids. The proposed algorithm takes advantage of the growing data availability and employs a machine learning (ML) model for the prediction of the faulted point. In order to ensure the applicability of the method all the steps of its implementation are analyzed. The study begins by addressing the algorithm's data collection requirements and proposing a smart storage strategy. It continues with the implementation of advanced data processing and minimization techniques, such as the feature selection, and addresses the generalizability limitations of ML–based algorithms by proposing a retraining scheme. Finally, the algorithm's performance during load changes and data contamination is studied. For the validation of the algorithm a modified version of the CIGRE European LV benchmark was simulated. The results verify the algorithm's robustness against the main influencing parameters and reveal low mean absolute errors throughout the tests; the default study case error was 0.5 m.

A Study on Executive Performance Appraisal System in NALCO

The international employment climate expects a huge deal of commitment, loyalty, effort and dedication for the employees. Employees in turn also have high expectations from their employers. Performance appraisal must be viewed as an intrinsic or an already in-built part of a manager’s responsibility. It is a systematic way of ensuring that superiors and subordinates gather on a periodic basis and discuss the past, present and future performance and expectation issue and reach on common or neutral grounds on various dimensions or aspects of it. The gatherings should be established on a clear and mutual understanding of the work concerned and its standards, levels and outcomes. It is also to be understood that such procedures and systems are kept in place to fulfil and achieve certain goals and not only for formalities or paperwork’s. The paper intends to focus light upon the need of such methods which benefits all the concerned parties of a work environment, with giving a special reference to National Aluminium Company Limited or commonly known as NALCO.

Sparse Temporal Disaggregation

AbstractTemporal disaggregation is a method commonly used in official statistics to enable high-frequency estimates of key economic indicators, such as gross domestic product (GDP). Traditionally, such methods have relied on only a couple of high-frequency indicator series to produce estimates. However, the prevalence of large, and increasing, volumes of administrative and alternative data-sources motivates the need for such methods to be adapted for high-dimensional settings. In this article, we propose a novel sparse temporal-disaggregation procedure and contrast this with the classical Chow–Lin method. We demonstrate the performance of our proposed method through simulation study, highlighting various advantages realised. We also explore its application to disaggregation of UK GDP data, demonstrating the method's ability to operate when the number of potential indicators is greater than the number of low-frequency observations.

Neurology Exit Examination System in India: A Survey of Examiners' Perceptions and Recommendations.

Background:The traditional Neurology exit examination in India has remained unchanged over the last few decades. In developed countries, objective evaluation methods have replaced the traditional ones. A need for such methods has not been explored in India.Objective:We aimed to study the perceptions and key recommendations of Neurology examiners on the existing examination pattern.Material and Methods:We conducted an online survey of examiners perceptions and recommendations using a set of 10 multiple-choice questions and an open-ended question.Results:46 examiners provided completed responses suitable for analysis. Nearly equal proportions (30%) of the examiners had 10 years, 10–25 years and >25 years’ experience. 92% were not satisfied with current system, 95% did not find adequate time for correction of theory scripts, 90% felt that theory questions were random, and 95% had legibility issues. 84% felt that the practical exams do not test true learning, 98% felt the examination stress impairs the performance and 85% felt that there are no objective criteria to pass the candidate. 83% felt the current system-needed changes. The key suggestions provided by the examiners to improve the system included objective assessments like MCQ, OSCE, OSLER and DOPS, inclusion of larger number of short answer type questions and periodic internal assessments of the candidates.Conclusions:A vast majority of examiners favoured changes to the current examination system and provided key recommendations. A larger study is needed to extrapolate these findings to the rest of India.

Socio-philosophical paradigmatic approaches to the typology of modern humanitarian expertise

The aim of the article is to define socio-philosophical paradigms for typology of humanitarian expertise, to show its possibilities and role in the life of society and the world for the solution of modern sociocultural problems. Objectives: With the help of historical paradigmatic approaches to demonstrate theoretical grounding of socio-philosophical foundations of expertise in humanitarian fields and the purpose of humanitarian expertise for the individual, society and professional organizations. This research is methodologically based on the socio-philosophical analysis of some works of famous sociologists and philosophers of the 20th–21st centuries which created preconditions for formation of methodological foundations of humanitarian expertise, and it also includes presentation of three types of humanitarian expertise and demonstration of their distinctive features. Thanks to the developed methods and techniques in sociology, philosophy, culturology, etc., experts and expert communities had some new approaches for studying various problems of society and quickly eliminating the consequences of negative results of scientific and technological progress on it. Developed methods and techniques underlying humanitarian expertise allowed experts to go beyond the subjectivism of the individual and consider sociocultural phenomena objectively based on facts in justification of social actions. When the role of science in the life of society becomes predominant there is a need for such methods, techniques, and technologies that would make it possible to stop the use of scientific achievements to the detriment of society, to determine the unethical behavior of scientists and every member of society, to anticipate dangerous man-made situations. The focus of expert knowledge should be the monitoring of unethical behavior of professionals in the humanitarian spheres of society protecting the interests and health of people.

Christopher Cotter and David Robertson of The Religious Studies Project

The Religious Studies Project is now a well-known fixture in the field, but it was not always as well-known as it is today. In this interview, Dr. Richard Newton from the Bulletin sat down with Dr. Chris Cotter and Dr. David Robertson to discuss their journey in creating the religious studies podcast from simple pub talk in 2010 to its current collection of some 300 episodes. In relaying their strides and struggles in this venture, Cotter and Robertson answer many of the questions that prominently face scholars in digital work and help showcase the need for such methods to gain acceptance in an academic world whose needs are swiftly changing.

The prevalence of selected genes involved in biofilm formation in Candida albicans isolated from the oral cavity

Abstract Introduction. C. albicans genome sequencing enables investigation of the role of particular genes in biofilm formation involving the yeast-like fungi. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the genotypes of C. albicans isolates on the basis of the presence of the selected genes involved in biofilm formation. Material and methods. The study material included C. albicans strains isolated from the oral cavity of 654 healthy individuals. The strain biofilm-forming capacity was estimated with the MTT assay and menadione. The presence of HWP1, ALS3, TUP1, NGR1, SAM2 and CYS3 genes was investigated. Results. In total, 15 gene combinations were found, including nine gene combinations for strains with a confirmed biofilm-forming capacity, 11 – for the strains without this capacity, and five – independent of biofilm-forming capacity. A combination involving all the genes occurred in 72.5% of all biofilm-forming strains and in 53.8% of all strains that do not form biofilm. Moreover, the genetic material of 14.3% of all strains not involved in biofilm formation did not contain any of the studied genes. For one of the biofilm-species, no analyzed genes were found. Conclusions 1. The absence of correlation between gene combinations HWP1, ALS3, TUP1, NGR1, SAM2 and CYS3 and biofilm-forming capacity of the studied C. albicans strains confirms the multigenetic – and not yet fully known – molecular basis of the formation of this structure. This result corresponds to the data reported by other researchers. 2. Knowledge on the genetic foundations of biofilm formation is still developing and the list of biofilm-related genes has been considerably extended. 3. The absence of correlation between the combinations of investigated genes and the biofilm-forming capacity of the studied C. albicans strains confirms a multigenetic, basis of this structure. 4. The research on genes activated or inhibited during biofilm formation is extremely important, because it would enable the development of effective methods to disturb the biofilm forming process at the molecular level. There is a need for such methods in our clinical practice to prevent biofilm formation in the oral cavity.

Layer potential approach for fast eigenvalue characterization of the Helmholtz equation with mixed boundary conditions

Our goal is to propose an efficient approach to characterize the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Helmholtz equation with mixed (Dirichlet and Neumann) boundary conditions. Our approach is based on layer potentials. We extend the eigenvalue characterization known for Neumann boundary conditions to the case of mixed boundary conditions. The problem is motivated by the need of such methods for real-time wave-field shaping by electronically tunable surfaces.

Crowdsourcing conservation: The role of citizen science in securing a future for seagrass

Seagrass meadows are complex social-ecological systems. Understanding seagrass meadows demands a fresh approach integrating “the human dimension”. Citizen science is widely acknowledged for providing significant contributions to science, education, society and policy. Although the take up of citizen science in the marine environment has been slow, the need for such methods to fill vast information gaps is arguably great. Seagrass meadows are easy to access and provide an example of where citizen science is expanding. Technological developments have been pivotal to this, providing new opportunities for citizens to engage with seagrass. The increasing use of online tools has created opportunities to collect and submit as well as help process and analyse data. Citizen science has helped researchers integrate scientific and local knowledge and engage communities to implement conservation measures. Here we use a selection of examples to demonstrate how citizen science can secure a future for seagrass.

Variable selection in the functional linear concurrent model.

We propose methods for variable selection in the context of modeling the association between a functional response and concurrently observed functional predictors. This data structure, and the need for such methods, is exemplified by our motivating example: a study in which blood pressure values are observed throughout the day, together with measurements of physical activity, location, posture, affect or mood, and other quantities that may influence blood pressure. We estimate the coefficients of the concurrent functional linear model using variational Bayes and jointly model residual correlation using functional principal components analysis. Latent binary indicators partition coefficient functions into included and excluded sets, incorporating variable selection into the estimation framework. The proposed methods are evaluated in simulations and real-data analyses, and are implemented in a publicly available R package with supporting interactive graphics for visualization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Methods and solutions for galvanic waste water treatment

Currently galvanic sludge is considered as one of the most dangerous wastes, which are formed during purification of galvanic wastewater. The slimes of galvanic production are the most toxic industrial waste and sources of heavy metals emitted into the environment. Galvanic sludge belongs to the third hazard class; these wastes need to be deposited in special landfills for toxic waste. These polygons are complex and require significant costs. In this regard, there is a need for such methods of purification of galvanic sewage sludge, which may be used in other industries or will have fourth class of hazard or below. This article compares the main methods of purification of galvanic waste waters in general and galvanic sludge in particular, currently introducing new techniques for treating industrial effluents. One of them considers treatment of galvanic waste water by means of suspensions of ferriferous hydrosol that is an electric generated coagulant derived from waste forming, steel wool, etc. There is a sort of experience already acquired in some countries how to use of ferropericlase.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Strain Elastography for Diagnosis of Malignant Breast Lesions

Introduction: Current era has brought with it a dramatic climb in the incidence of malignancies especially breast carcinoma among females. It is known to be the top most diagnosed life threatening malignancy in females across the world. Such changes lead to increase need for such methods of immediate diagnosis that would lead to prompt diagnosis of the pathology, hence minimizing any delay in treatment initiation. Elastography is a technique based on the concept that hardness of the tissue increases proportionately with the pathology developing within it as compared to the normal tissue parenchyma surrounding it. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound strain elastography for determination of malignant breast lesions. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional prospective study was carried out in the Department of Radiology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from 1st November 2014 till 30th March 2015.Patients were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criterias. Logic V5 ultrasound machine was used for evaluation of patient. Biopsy sample was then collected which was studied by consultant pathologist. Results: Total of 43 patients was selected for the study. All were females.42 were married while 01 was unmarried. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound strain elastography was calculated to be75%, 94%, and 91% respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound strain elastography is an accurate, reliable and non invasive technique in the assessment of malignant breast lesions.

Suggested Interactivity: Seeking Perceived Affordances for Information Visualization.

In this article, we investigate methods for suggesting the interactivity of online visualizations embedded with text. We first assess the need for such methods by conducting three initial experiments on Amazon's Mechanical Turk. We then present a design space for Suggested Interactivity (i. e., visual cues used as perceived affordances-SI), based on a survey of 382 HTML5 and visualization websites. Finally, we assess the effectiveness of three SI cues we designed for suggesting the interactivity of bar charts embedded with text. Our results show that only one cue (SI3) was successful in inciting participants to interact with the visualizations, and we hypothesize this is because this particular cue provided feedforward.

Assessment of quantitative structure-activity relationship of toxicity prediction models for Korean chemical substance control legislation.

ObjectivesFor successful adoption of legislation controlling registration and assessment of chemical substances, it is important to obtain sufficient toxicological experimental evidence and other related information. It is also essential to obtain a sufficient number of predicted risk and toxicity results. Particularly, methods used in predicting toxicities of chemical substances during acquisition of required data, ultimately become an economic method for future dealings with new substances. Although the need for such methods is gradually increasing, the-required information about reliability and applicability range has not been systematically provided.MethodsThere are various representative environmental and human toxicity models based on quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR). Here, we secured the 10 representative QSAR-based prediction models and its information that can make predictions about substances that are expected to be regulated. We used models that predict and confirm usability of the information expected to be collected and submitted according to the legislation. After collecting and evaluating each predictive model and relevant data, we prepared methods quantifying the scientific validity and reliability, which are essential conditions for using predictive models.ResultsWe calculated predicted values for the models. Furthermore, we deduced and compared adequacies of the models using the Alternative non-testing method assessed for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals Substances scoring system, and deduced the applicability domains for each model. Additionally, we calculated and compared inclusion rates of substances expected to be regulated, to confirm the applicability.ConclusionsWe evaluated and compared the data, adequacy, and applicability of our selected QSAR-based toxicity prediction models, and included them in a database. Based on this data, we aimed to construct a system that can be used with predicted toxicity results. Furthermore, by presenting the suitability of individual predicted results, we aimed to provide a foundation that could be used in actual assessments and regulations.

Unimodal regression using Bernstein-Schoenberg splines and penalties.

Research in the field of nonparametric shape constrained regression has been intensive. However, only few publications explicitly deal with unimodality although there is need for such methods in applications, for example, in dose-response analysis. In this article, we propose unimodal spline regression methods that make use of Bernstein-Schoenberg splines and their shape preservation property. To achieve unimodal and smooth solutions we use penalized splines, and extend the penalized spline approach toward penalizing against general parametric functions, instead of using just difference penalties. For tuning parameter selection under a unimodality constraint a restricted maximum likelihood and an alternative Bayesian approach for unimodal regression are developed. We compare the proposed methodologies to other common approaches in a simulation study and apply it to a dose-response data set. All results suggest that the unimodality constraint or the combination of unimodality and a penalty can substantially improve estimation of the functional relationship.

Special issue on mathematical methods in network management

Special issue on mathematical methods in network management

A systematic methodology for optimising the energy performance of buildings in Bahrain

Today, a great deal of effort is ongoing all over the world to find methods for optimising the energy performance of buildings. Such efforts can be seen in the European Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD). This directive aims to ensure energy saving and CO 2 emission reduction without compromising the local conditions and people's comfort. In the Gulf States, however, there is a need for such methods due to their economic and environmental benefits. This study introduces a simple but reliable methodology for optimising building energy performance in Bahrain. The methodology is based on building management systems (monitoring, analysing and targeting future performance), simulation tools and other technologies. This methodology was implemented using Visual DOE and was directly related to collectively gathered data gained form experimental works and practical applications. By means of the introduced methodology, energy consumption was obtained together with energy cost and CO 2 emissions. The applicability of this methodology was demonstrated through optimising a case office building in Bahrain.

Thinking the Unthinkable: Modern Non-Parametric Re-sampling Methods

Classical parametric tests compare observed statistics to theoretical sampling distributions. Re-sampling is a revolutionary methodology because it departs from theoretical distributions; the inference is based upon repeated sampling within the same empirical sample. This definition encompasses Monte Carlo simulation, cross validation tests, jackknife and bootstrap procedures. The need for such methods is heightened by the vast amounts of data being collected in the modern information age, and by the increasingly complex scientific questions being asked. These factors have together led to the rapid development of modern non-parametric methods. An appealing feature of re-sampling methods is the way they combine an intuitive and layman-friendly applied aspect with challenging and elegant mathematics. Purpose of this review is to divulge the theoretical foundations of re-sampling and to facilitate a coherent use of this computational intensive research method.

Assessment and modeling of the toxicity of organic chemicals to Chlorella vulgaris: development of a novel database.

This study reports a database of toxicity values for 91 compounds assessed in a novel, rapid, and economical 15 min algal toxicity test. The toxicity data were measured using the unicellular green alga Chlorella vulgaris in an assay that determined the disappearance of fluorescein diacetate. The chemicals tested covered a wide range of physicochemical properties and mechanisms of action. Quantitative activity-activity relationships with the toxicity of the chemicals to other species (Tetrahymena pyriformis, Vibrio fischeri, and Pimephales promelas) showed strong relationships, although some differences resulting from different protocols were established. Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) were determined using linear [multiple linear regression (MLR)] and nonlinear [k-nearest neighbors (KNN)] methods. Three descriptors, accounting for hydrophobicity, electrophilicity, and a function of molecular size corrected for the presence of heteroatoms, were found to be important to model toxicity. The predictivity of MLR was compared to KNN using leave-one-out cross-validation and the simulation of an external test set. MLR demonstrated greater stability in validation. The results of this study showed that method selection in QSAR is task-dependent and it is inappropriate to resort to more complicated but less transparent methods, unless there are clear indications (e.g., inability of MLR to deal with the data set) for the need of such methods.

Positioning For Anesthetic Induction Of Neonates With Encepalocele

This is to describe a method of building a platform for positioning and intubation of a neonate with a large posteriorly-located encepalocele. INTRODUCTION Encephalocele, midline defect of cranial bone fusion, occurs most frequently in the occipital region. In those presenting with an intact encephalocele sac every measure should be applied to prevent rupture, and so preventing infection [1]. When the anesthesiologist is faced with a large posterior located encephalocele, endotracheal intubation becomes a challenge [2]. This is mostly related to difficulty in positioning the neonate on the back without pressing on the delicate encephalocele sac. CASE Our patient presented with a large encephalocele for anesthesia and surgical repair. Figure 1 Figure 1: Encephalocele A method for positioning this neonate for intubation is described. In this method (figure 2) the available cushions, headrests, donut head support or blankets may be used. In our case a blanket and bed cover were put down on top of each other under the neonate body until the height matched that of the encephalocele sac. The neonate was put in the supine position with the body on the platform while an assistant temporarily supported the head. The encephalocele is then circled by a “C” shaped gel foam donut. Under the donut a hollow head cushion, or if not available rolled soft towels, is inserted to build the same height as the platform. By doing so the encephalocele sac should be hanging freely in between the edges of the gel foam and towels, and just touching the table mattress, thus preventing pressure on it and possible rupture. Figure 2 Figure 2: Positioning for intubation The platform method is a great help to anesthesiologists and neurosurgeons especially when dealing with a large posterior located encephalocele. The same method may be applied for patients with meningocele [3]. This method may be well known to the practicing senior anesthesiologists and Positioning For Anesthetic Induction Of Neonates With Encepalocele 2 of 3 neurosurgeons. This communication is mainly directed to the resident in training in both branches to reinforce the need of such methods to protect encephalocele sac. Medical equipment companies may also construct a ready-made platforms and head supports for use by neurosurgical centers.