Practical Aspects Of Implementation Research Articles

Monte Carlo Processing on a Chip (MCoaC)-preliminary experiments toward the realization of optimal-hardware for TOPAS/Geant4 to drive discovery

Amongst the scientific frameworks powered by the Monte Carlo (MC) toolkit Geant4 (Agostinelli et al., 2003), the TOPAS (Tool for Particle Simulation) (Perl et al., 2012) is one. TOPAS focuses on providing ease of use, and has significant implementation in the radiation oncology space at present. TOPAS functionality extends across the full capacity of Geant4, is freely available to non-profit users, and is being extended into radiobiology via TOPAS-nBIO (Ramos-Mendez et al., 2018). A current “grand problem” in cancer therapy is to convert the dose of treatment from physical dose to biological dose, optimized ultimately to the individual context of administration of treatment. Biology MC calculations are some of the most complex and require significant computational resources. In order to enhance TOPAS’s ability to become a critical tool to explore the definition and application of biological dose in radiation therapy, we chose to explore the use of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips to speedup the Geant4 calculations at the heart of TOPAS, because this approach called “Reconfigurable Computing” (RC), has proven able to produce significant (around 90x) (Sajish et al., 2012) speed increases in scientific computing. Here, we describe initial steps to port Geant4 and TOPAS to be used on FPGA.We provide performance analysis of the current TOPAS/Geant4 code from an RC implementation perspective. Baseline benchmarks are presented. Achievable performance figures of the subsections of the code on optimal hardware are presented; Aspects of practical implementation of “Monte Carlo on a chip” are also discussed.

Mapping of Geochemical Landscapes in the South of Russia (Some Aspects of Practical Implementation)

This article analyzes the current state and relevance of using landscape-geochemical mapping. A case study for southern Russia is presented, with a focus on the principles of the geochemical landscape typology, the compilation methodology and the main areas of practical implementation of particular maps. An analysis is made of the major landscape-forming factors for the south of Russia and the methods of their systematics and cartographic presentation. We suggest the matrix legend to the map of geochemical landscapes, visualizing all their diversity as well as modeling landscapes which could exist in the past (or in the future) as a result of the realization of existing combinations of natural and man-made factors. The landscape structure in the Southern Federal District and the North Caucasian Federal District has been analyzed, including assessments of the natural differentiation and specificity of the technogenic transformation of the biosphere. The analysis revealed a high level of anthropogenic transformation of the region so that only 54 of the 232 landscape types as identified at a scale of 1:1 000 000 are natural, and all the others have been to a certain extent transformed by economic activity or created by man. As a result, technogenically transformed landscapes occupy more than 70% of the southern territory of the European part of the Russian Federation, which reduces the region’s ecosystem stability. Suggestions are made on practical implementation of landscape-geochemical mapping in environmental management.

Mapping of geochemical landscapes in the south of Russia (some aspects of practical implementation).

Mapping of geochemical landscapes in the south of Russia (some aspects of practical implementation).

Ammonia-based aeration control with optimal SRT control: improved performance and lower energy consumption.

Ammonia-based aeration control (ABAC) is a cascade control concept for controlling total ammonia nitrogen (NHx-N) in the activated sludge process. Its main goals are to tailor the aeration intensity to the NHx-N loading and to maintain consistent nitrification, to meet effluent limits but minimize energy consumption. One limitation to ABAC is that the solids retention time (SRT) control strategy used at a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) may not be consistent with the goals of ABAC. ABAC-SRT control is a strategy for aligning the goals of ammonia-based aeration control and SRT control. A supervisory controller is used to ensure that the SRT is always optimal for ABAC. The methodology has the potential to reduce aeration energy consumption by over 30% as compared to traditional dissolved oxygen (DO) control. Practical implementation aspects are highlighted for implementation at full scale, such as proper selection of the set point for the supervisory controller, proper calculation of the rate of change in sludge inventory, using a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) controller, and tuning of the controllers. In conclusion, ABAC-SRT is a promising approach for coordinated control of SRT, total ammonia nitrogen, and dissolved oxygen in the activated sludge process that balances both treatment performance and energy savings.

Practical aspects of anti-corruption implementation for state and municipal employees of Kazakhstan and Russia

Practical aspects of anti-corruption implementation for state and municipal employees of Kazakhstan and Russia

ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК УПРУГОСТИ КОМПОЗИТА ПО ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫМ ДАННЫМ О МОДАЛЬНЫХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАХ ОБРАЗЦОВ

In order to determine the elastic parameters of polymer composites, a mixed numerical-experimental method of identification was developed in the 1990s - 2000s, based on the use of experimental data on natural frequencies and eigenmodes of oscillation of samples. Its practical application involves the choice of a shape and a size of samples, a set used to identify the natural frequencies and eigenmodes of vibration, a methods of their experimental determination, a finite-element model for modal analysis, and an algorithm for solving the identification problem.The object of the research is laminated polymer composite materials reinforced with carbon or glass fibers. The aim of the work is to develop practical aspects of implementation and assessment of the accuracy of the mixed experimental-calculation method for identifying of the elastic parameters of such materials based on experimental data on natural frequencies and eigenmodes of vibration of standard samples. Parameter identification for the material is considered as an optimization problem with an optimization function, which is a weighted sum of squares of differences between the experimental and calculated values of natural frequencies. A procedure was developed to implementing the main steps of the suggested technique: experiments, calculations and control of results. An error analysis of main steps was carried out, and the accuracy of the determined parameters of the ply was estimated. To determine the natural frequencies and eigenmodes of oscillation of the samples, the method of three-component scanning laser vibrometry was used. The experimental technique was established and parameters of the technique were chosen to ensure the necessary accuracy in determining of the natural frequencies. The parameters of the identification procedure and the finite-element model of the sample were selected. To control the obtained values of the elastic parameters, the natural frequencies of the samples were calculated, including those not used in the identification procedure. The error assessment of the in determined elastic parameters was performed on three different series of samples of carbon-fiber-reinforced laminates with the same material of the plies and different ply numbers and stacking orders. The developed technique can be recommended to determine the parameters of material models required for strength and vibrations assessment of products manufactured with layered composites.

To a question of development of the scenario of breakthrough development of the industrial enterprises in the conditions of the fourth industrial revolution

The fourth industrial revolution gives hope for continuation of development of human society which has already led to sharp improvement of quality of life of billions of people after 1800. To achieve it, collaboration of a set of interested parties is necessary for performance of three main tasks: it is fair to distribute the benefits from technological breaks, to constrain their inevitable negative effects and to guarantee that new technologies will expand, but not to limit a possibility of all inhabitants of Earth. The fourth industrial revolution represents a new stage in development of humanity. Her base – three previous industrial revolutions, and driving force – the growing availability of the latest technologies. This revolution only begins therefore the mankind can – and is obliged – not only to develop new technologies, but also to create more flexible forms of government and positive values which will change how we live we work and we communicate. Customization, change of balance of forces between the value of experience of certain designers and value of digital models, decentralization of design and production, new requirements to certification – all these changes become a reality of the global competitive industry. Theoretical and practical aspects of development and implementation of the scenario of breakthrough technological development of the industrial enterprises in the conditions of the Fourth industrial revolution are presented in article. The characteristic and distinctive features of the Fourth industrial revolution is considered on the basis of what the conclusion is drawn that breakthrough technological development can give huge advantages to economy and society. When developing the scenario of technological breakthrough by authors it is offered to use bilateral approach which it is possible to call the strategy of scaling (zoom-in, zoomout). The most perspective directions which the industrial enterprises need to develop for implementation of the scenario of digital transformation today are allocated.

The practical aspects of implementation of the thrust allocation procedure for a multi-propulsor underwater robot

Abstract This article addresses the practical aspects of the synthesis of an automatic control system for the thrust allocation strategy in the propulsion system of an unmanned underwater vehicle. The vehicle under consideration is a robot submarine equipped with a multi-propulsion system providing four degrees of freedom of movement. The power distribution algorithms are based on limited optimisation methods that allow the determination, on the basis of generalised torques and forces, of how much thrust is required to be produced by individual propulsors. Considering the issue of power distribution as a task of square and linear programming, two algorithms of thrust allocation were proposed and compared. The conducted model tests made it possible to evaluate their quality and efficiency in relation to speed and computational complexity.

Analysis of modern approaches to the creation of information systems of marketing companies

The paper substantiates the role of marketing information systems (MIS) in modern enterprise management. The main elements of the MIS methodology are considered, its essence is revealed, and the possibilities of its implementation in practice are determined. A model of the MIS functioning and the main directions of its optimization are developed. The practical aspects of implementation and prospects for the development of the MIS methodology in the conditions of the modern Ukrainian economy are investigated

Moderating the impact of patent linkage on access to medicines: lessons from variations in South Korea, Australia, Canada, and the United States

BackgroundThe inclusion of patent linkage mechanisms in bilateral and plurilateral trade and investment agreements has emerged as a key element in the United States’ TRIPS-Plus intellectual property (IP) negotiating agenda. However, the provisions establishing patent linkage mechanisms in several agreements appear to reflect a degree of ambiguity, potentially enabling some flexibility in their implementation. In this study, we reviewed the features of the prototypic patent linkage mechanism established by the Hatch-Waxman Act in the United States, and compared these with the implementation of systems in three countries whose agreements with the US include patent linkage obligations. From these analyses, we draw lessons for moderating the impact of these mechanisms on access to generic medicines.MethodsWe reviewed the features of the patent linkage mechanism in the US, and undertook a detailed analysis of relevant treaty provisions and the manner of implementation in Canada, Australia, and South Korea.ResultsA key difference between the US implementation of patent linkage and that of its trading partners is the disparate treatment afforded to biologics. Because of the significant differences in the regulatory frameworks applying to small molecule and biologic medicines in the US, the Hatch- Waxman provisions do not apply to biologics and they are not subject to patent linkage. By contrast, the regulatory frameworks in Canada, Australia and South Korea do not reflect similar distinctions and thus patent linkage mechanisms also capture biologics. Additional variations in implementation, mainly the result of constructive ambiguities in the respective treaty texts, offer potential opportunity for mitigating the adverse impact of patent linkage provisions on market entry of generic medicines. Practical measures include ensuring the availability of an accessible, transparent and easily searchable database of patent information; avoiding automatic stays of generic marketing approval where possible; and requiring certification by rights holders to prevent abuse of the system.ConclusionsWhere countries accept treaty obligations to establish patent linkage mechanisms, the impact on access to generic medicines may be moderated to a degree by retaining and exploiting constructive ambiguities in the treaty text and addressing practical aspects of implementation.

ІНФОРМАЦІЙНО-АНАЛІТИЧНА СИСТЕМА ДЕРЖАВНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ РИЗИКАМИ ВИНИКНЕННЯ НАДЗВИЧАЙНИХ СИТУАЦІЙ

The research of the scientific and practical aspects of development and implementation of the information and analytical system of public administration concerning risks of emergencies is carried out in the work. The Government information and analytical system on emergencies can function in the modes of daily activity, increased readiness or emergency depending on the current situation and scale of possible or current emergency. However the present state system of the environment monitoring, which is a subsystem of the Government information and analytical system on emergencies, can't fully solve the given tasks and doesn't fit the established requirements actually even in the conditions of daily activity. Accordingly, the specified system demands essential improvement. The questions of public administration concerning risks of emergencies are investigated nowadays in various scientific works of numerous scientists. However information and analytical components of the specified processes still need essential completion. The purpose of this work is research of the scientific and practical aspects of development and implementation of the information and analytical system of public administration concerning risks of emergences. The problems of functioning of the state system of the environment monitoring are defined. The key tasks of public authorities and local government concerning organization of the environment monitoring are allocated. The conceptual model of the information and analytical system of public administration concerning risks of emergencies is developed. The method of the system analysis, heuristic method, and method of logical modelling are used in the work. The following problems of functioning of the state system of the environment monitoring are defined: imperfection of standard and legal support; insufficient coordination of activity of the subjects, which are carrying out environmental monitoring; lack of financial extra budgetary funds; obsolescence of material support of the subjects, who are engaged in environmental monitoring etc. The key tasks of public authorities and local government concerning organization of the environment monitoring are allocated. It is emphasized that the following ones have to be the prime components: coordination of functioning of the organizations and institutions at the regional, local and object levels on collecting and exchange of information concerning results of observation and control of condition of environment and formation of systems of information and communication appointment for the solution of problems of monitoring and forecasting of emergencies' risks. The conceptual model of information and analytical system of public administration concerning risks of emergencies is developed. This conceptual model integrates in its structure the technologies of collecting, transfer, exchange and storage of information on sources of emergencies and objects of monitoring and also includes the analysis technique, methods of modelling and forecasting of emergencies for territories. The given conceptual model is the system of information and analytical support of decision-making in Public service of Ukraine on emergency situations. The developed information and analytical system of public administration of emergencies' risks provides realization of the information processes in public authorities and local governments providing adoption of administrative decisions concerning emergencies' risks due to information collecting, processing, storage, transfer and security received as result of functioning of the state system of monitoring and forecasting of emergencies' risks with the corresponding accompanying documentation formation.

The autonomy-oriented approach as a way to develop higher medical education

Abstract The paper emphasises the potential of the autonomy-oriented approach as a scientific basis for the development of innovative training practices in medical universities of Russia. Based on a review of research, theory, and current teaching practices in Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, the paper considers both theoretical and practical aspects of the autonomy-oriented approach implementation in higher medical education. The benefits of the autonomy-oriented approach for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students are demonstrated from the perspective of the Self-Determination Theory. Our findings indicate that the autonomy-oriented approach in higher medical education is associated with a more “personalised” teaching style through supporting students’ self-determination, engagement and autonomy. The summative evaluation of the results of the study with participation of 54 medical students and 33 medical university teachers suggests that the use of the autonomy-oriented approach in higher medical education leads to effective implementation of creative, innovative, contextual and problem-based training techniques as well as students’ and teachers’ personal and professional self-development.

A District-Wide Qualitative Study of Yoga in the Schools: Outcomes and Challenges

Yoga programs to enhance student well-being are being integrated into school settings at increasing rates. Addressing the issues and challenges of implementing yoga programs in schools is essential for effective program delivery and outcomes. Prior literature has identified the need for further qualitative research from major stakeholders that sheds light on these challenges. For this study, researchers interviewed school personnel and affiliates (N = 32) at an elementary school district in California. Data was analyzed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Through an iterative process, two core constructs and their major themes and subthemes emerged: district level rollout and tips for districts. Under district level rollout, major themes included: initial phase of district-wide yoga program implementation; practical aspects of yoga implementation; creation of yoga curriculum; delivery of yoga implementation challenges; district climate regarding yoga program; opting out of yoga; upper grade and gender challenges; and parent concerns. Under tips for districts, themes identified actionable practices useful for districts considering implementing yoga. Overall, findings of this study detail the outcomes and challenges of the implementation of a district-wide yoga program and provide recommendations for development of yoga programs in schools. Suggestions for future research and limitations of this study are discussed.

Model for BPM implementation assessment: evidence from companies in Indonesia

PurposeEnterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation commonly fails to recognize the need to treat it as a business process automation that must be managed and monitored continuously. Moreover, many studies on business process management (BPM) assessment focus on snapshots of different areas of BPM and not on the different stages of the lifecycle. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that combines the BPM lifecycle, program/project implementation framework, principles of good practice, maturity and critical practices to assess how companies implementing ERP apply different BPM practices, as well as which areas are lacking and why.Design/methodology/approachThe relevant literature was examined to develop the model for the study. Case studies of three companies in Indonesia were then conducted. The state of BPM implementation in each case was assessed through interviews, document reviews and observations.FindingsThis study found that three leading companies in Indonesia, implementing ERP for more than five years, obtained high scores for BPM implementation. They perform well in terms of process identification, implementation, monitoring and control, but are weak in process discovery and re-design, mainly because they do not optimally use specific tools for process modeling and there is a lack of process governance. The studies also pinpoint potential linkages between competition intensity and the nature of the industry with the need for good BPM.Research limitations/implicationsThe model has only been tested in three cases in different industries and therefore the results, while providing good insights, cannot be generalized. More detailed assessment of certain BPM practices is needed. Furthermore, the assessment for each stage of BPM implementation was made at a single time, potentially yielding less detailed results than by assessing each stage of the BPM lifecycle.Practical implicationsThe companies implementing ERP began with business process definition, but employ different process governance. The model developed here can be useful for leaders and teams to identify weak areas of practice within the stage of the BPM lifecycle; it can be used as an assessment tool for companies currently conducting BPM projects or programs including ERP implementation. It can also provide a roadmap for companies intending to conduct BPM programs.Originality/valueMost of the BPM literature focuses on specific aspects. This study proposes a different perspective by providing a model to assess BPM implementation in each stage of its lifecycle and at the same time considers practical aspects of implementation, principles of good practice, maturity factors and critical practices.

Seismic response of viscously damped braced thin-wall piping system: a proof-of-concept case study

Thin-wall water piping systems are key to the functionality of important facilities, such as hospitals and schools. Recent earthquakes have demonstrated the vulnerability of these systems. Conventional bracing of thin-wall water piping systems does not guarantee adequate seismic performance. Due to their flexibility, dynamic amplification of long piping runs between bracing elements can occur. This paper evaluates, through a case study, the feasibility of introducing viscous dampers within bracing elements of suspended thin-wall water piping systems to improve seismic performance. Three-dimensional dynamic response analyses were conducted on a suspended thin-wall water piping system under seismic floor motions of various intensities. The dynamic response of the piping system with viscously damped bracing is compared to that of the unbraced and conventionally braced piping system. The numerical results indicate an improvement in seismic response for viscously damped braced configurations. The properties of the viscous dampers that causes the largest reductions in the seismic response of the piping system are noted and practical implementation aspects are discussed.

What's in a Name? Revisiting Pilot Studies in Nursing Education Research.

Pilot studies are a commonly described type of study in the nursing education literature. Although nursing education researchers continue to label small, single-site, hypothesis-driven studies as pilot studies, the consensus in other fields as to what constitutes a pilot study has changed over time to focus more narrowly on issues of feasibility and acceptability of study interventions and interactions. Nursing education researchers are encouraged to adopt more modern definitions of pilot studies that substantially reduce (or eliminate) the focus on inferential statistical testing while increasing the focus on practical and procedural aspects of study design and implementation. This article highlights the historical evolution of the term pilot study and provides researchers with suggestions about the purpose and focus of pilot studies that support development of the science of nursing education. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(8):457-459.].

Practical aspects of implementation of the parallel algorithm for solving problem of ctenophore population interaction in the Azov sea

The paper covers the development and researching mathematical model of interaction processes between plankton and ctenophore populations based on the modern information technologies and computational methods, which leads to increase of the accuracy of predictive modeling of the ecology situation in shallow water in summer. The model takes into account the following: the transport of water environment; microturbulent diffusion; nonlinear interaction of plankton and ctenophore populations; biogenic, temperature and oxygen regimes; influence of salinity. The computational accuracy is significantly increased, and computational time is decreased at using the calculation method based on partially filled cells for discretization of model. The practical significance is the software implementation of the proposed model, the limits and prospects of its practical use are defined. Experimental software was developed based on multiprocessor computer system, which is intended for mathematical modeling of possible progress scenarios in shallow waters ecosystems on the example of the Azov Sea in summer. We used decomposition methods of grid domains in parallel implementation for computationally laborious convection-diffusion problems, taking into account the architecture and parameters of multiprocessor computer system.

Practical aspects of implementation of quality management system requirements for the medical footwear design

Practical aspects of implementation of quality management system requirements for the medical footwear design

Efficient implementation of MPC-based AGC for real-world systems with low inertia

The paper discusses practical implementation and computational aspects of an AGC scheme based on model predictive control (MPC) for a real-world power system, namely the all-island Irish transmission system. This system is particularly interesting from the frequency regulation point of view due to the high penetration of wind power generation. This leads to a significant reduction in system inertia, which in turn impacts on the ability of the system operator to regulate the system frequency. The paper compares the performance of the MPC-based AGC with a conventional AGC based on PI controllers and draws relevant conclusions. The case study is a high-resolution simulation of a 1479-bus model of the Irish electrical grid with significant wind penetration, stochastic loads, and controller delays.

Active Risk-Based Investing

Risk-based investing is experiencing growing success among investors, although some critics contend that the implicit “no-views” characteristic of these solutions might trigger other forms of risk, such as valuation risk. In this article, the authors introduce an analytical framework that allows investors to add active views on top of a risk-based solution, bridging the gap between risk-based investing and mean-variance portfolio optimization. Starting from a Black-Litterman approach, the authors derive closed-form expressions for the active risk-based portfolio weights and discuss practical implementation aspects. The framework is illustrated with a multi-asset allocation exercise over the period 1974–2016. Using views generated from macroeconomic regime signals, the active risk-based strategy is shown to outperform empirically both passive risk-based strategies and popular methodologies such as Equal-weight or Maximum Sharpe ratio.