Practical Aspects Of Implementation Research Articles

An FFT-based adaptive polarization method for infinitely contrasted media with guaranteed convergence

We propose an FFT-based iterative algorithm for solving the Lippmann–Schwinger equation in the context of periodic homogenization of infinitely contrasted linear elastic composites. Our work initially reformulates the Moulinec–Suquet, Eyre–Milton and Monchiet–Bonnet schemes using a residual formulation. Subsequently, we introduce an enhanced scheme, termed Adaptive Eyre–Milton (AEM), as a natural extension of the EM scheme where we optimize a relaxation parameter to minimize the residual. We demonstrate the unconditional linear convergence of the AEM scheme, regardless of initialization and the chosen reference material. The paper further extends the AEM scheme to handle composites with both pores and infinitely rigid inclusions. Practical implementation aspects and illustrative applications in two- and three-dimensional settings are discussed, highlighting the efficiency of the proposed AEM scheme. We particularly emphasize the scheme’s robustness for materials with infinitely large contrasts in elastic properties.

Normalized weighted cross correlation for multi-channel image registration

The normalized cross-correlation (NCC) is widely used for image registration due to its simple geometrical interpretation and being feature-agnostic. Here, after reviewing NCC definitions for images with an arbitrary number of dimensions and channels, we propose a generalization in which each pixel value of each channel can be individually weighted using real non-negative numbers. This generalized normalized weighted cross-correlation (NWCC) and its zero-mean equivalent (ZNWCC) can be used, for example, to prioritize pixels based on signal-to-noise ratio. Like a previously defined NWCC with binary weights, the proposed generalizations enable the registration of uniformly, but not necessarily isotropically, sampled images with irregular boundaries and/or sparse sampling. All NCC definitions discussed here are provided with discrete Fourier transform (DFT) formulations for fast computation. Practical aspects of NCC computational implementation are briefly discussed, and a convenient function to calculate the overlap of uniformly, but not necessarily isotropically, sampled images with irregular boundaries and/or sparse sampling is introduced, together with its DFT formulation. Finally, examples illustrate the benefit of the proposed normalized cross-correlation functions.

Place and application of the new Law "On Administrative Procedure" in the regulation of public e-services

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the place and application of the new Law "On Administrative Procedure" in regulating public electronic services in Ukraine. Enacted on December 15, 2023, the Law aims to establish a system of unified, understandable, and transparent interaction between public authorities and citizens and businesses. The article examines the main provisions of the Law, focusing on the principles of administrative procedure and norms regulating the resolution of administrative matters using electronic digital technologies. Based on the analysis of legislation texts, comparative analysis, and consideration of practical aspects of the new law's implementation, the conclusion is drawn regarding the importance of applying its norms to the sphere of public services, including those provided through digital technologies. It is found that the Law of Ukraine "On Administrative Procedure" sets general standards for administrative procedure ensuring the observance of rights of individuals and legal entities in relations with administrative authorities, regardless of whether such interaction occurs through physical or electronic channels. Special legislation may define the specifics of providing certain types of public services, but the general standards of the Law of Ukraine "On Administrative Procedure" must be adhered to. The article also highlights the main directions for further research and possible directions for further development of legislation in this area. The application of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On Administrative Procedure" allows not just to copy the logic of the paper world into digital services, but to develop innovative approaches. This means that the right to participate in the administrative process can be implemented through online offices, the possibility to submit documents in electronic format, support for communication through digital channels and the creation of additional functions that complement the main service

Monitoring performance of clinical artificial intelligence: a scoping review protocol.

The objective of this scoping review is to describe the scope and nature of research on the monitoring of clinical artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The review will identify the various methodologies used to monitor clinical AI, while also mapping the factors that influence the selection of monitoring approaches. AI is being used in clinical decision-making at an increasing rate. While much attention has been directed toward the development and validation of AI for clinical applications, the practical implementation aspects, notably the establishment of rational monitoring/quality assurance systems, has received comparatively limited scientific interest. Given the scarcity of evidence and the heterogeneity of methodologies used in this domain, there is a compelling rationale for conducting a scoping review on this subject. This scoping review will include any publications that describe systematic, continuous, or repeated initiatives that evaluate or predict clinical performance of AI models with direct implications for the management of patients in any segment of the health care system. Publications will be identified through searches of the MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Scopus databases. Additionally, backward and forward citation searches, as well as a thorough investigation of gray literature, will be conducted. Title and abstract screening, full-text evaluation, and data extraction will be performed by 2 or more independent reviewers. Data will be extracted using a tool developed by the authors. The results will be presented graphically and narratively. Open Science Framework https://osf.io/afkrn.

The Influence of Coordination on Organizational Processes

The focus of this research paper is to analyze work of organization, specifically focusing on its components from a theoretical perspective. It also discusses various aspects of organization, such as the allocation of tasks, the arrangement of the organizational framework, the establishment of a hierarchical structure, and the facilitation of coordination, and their relevance in organizational activities. The aim of study is to suggest strategies that can streamline to manage personnel. This research paper emphasizes the vital role of coordination within a firm's operations and investigates the key regulations, components, and aspects of practical implementation. With the constant advancement of technology and science, the relevance of work organization issues persists, as tools, techniques and methods must continuously adapt and enhance. To conclude this research paper provides a concise overview of the theoretical discoveries and juxtapose them with the outcomes of an empirical investigation carried out to present their final remarks.

Role of Calcineurin Inhibitors in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a significant impact on various aspects of patient's life. This review presents modern view on AD pathophysiology, its correlation with other concomitant diseases, and covers practical aspects of external anti-inflammatory therapy implementation. The analysis of clinical studies has shown the significant role of calcineurin inhibitors in the effective treatment of AD in children from its first manifestations at early age.

The Influence of Betel Leaf Extract Administration in Enhancing Non-Specific Immunity to Combat Diseases in the Aquaculture Sector (Review)

This review aims to investigate the impact of betel leaf extract administration in enhancing non-specific immunity in fish within the context of aquaculture. A literature review was conducted to evaluate previous studies, analyze the mechanisms of action of active compounds, and provide practical recommendations for field implementation. The review results indicate that betel leaf extract has antimicrobial potential that can inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and parasitic agents causing diseases in cultured fish. The administration of this extract also stimulates non-specific immune responses, including increased production of immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes. The antioxidant effects of compounds in betel leaves provide protection against oxidative stress, enhancing fish resilience to unfavorable environmental conditions. Despite these positive findings, further research is needed to deeply understand the mechanisms of action of active compounds, taking into account environmental factors in betel leaf extract administration. Integration with other disease management strategies and strict monitoring of environmental safety are crucial aspects of practical implementation. In conclusion, the administration of betel leaf extract can be a promising alternative to enhance fish resistance to diseases in aquaculture. Administering betel leaf extract in feed and water can improve survival rates and egg hatching. Collaboration among researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders is necessary to optimize the practical application of these findings, with the goal of enhancing productivity and sustainability in the aquaculture sector as a whole.Top of Form

Genetic counselling supervision: Luxury or necessity? A qualitative study with genetic healthcare professionals in Portugal

In recent years, there has been a significant technological evolution in the field of genetics, leading to an increase in the number of professionals working in medical genetics and, consequently, a tremendous growth in genetic counselling. At the same time, there has been a growing recognition of the parameters on which to base a safe practice, not only regarding the technical skills of the professional but also regarding their counselling skills, including relational and empathy skills and the acknowledgement of the emotional impact that genetic counselling practice can have. However, despite this growing knowledge, there are still significant differences between the various European countries, and one area where this discrepancy is particularly evident is genetic counselling supervision. Thus, if there are countries where genetic counselling supervision is not even known by the professionals, there are others where it is mandatory for practice. This research had as an objective to understand if and how genetic counselling supervision is provided in Portugal, to identify routines, challenges and impacts of genetic counselling that should be explored in a supervision process and comprehend how professionals believe supervision should be conducted to be effective. A total of sixteen medical geneticists from main Portuguese genetic services were present in two online focus groups. None of the participants had access to genetic counselling supervision as a programmed routine and there was a consensus that a service of this kind would be particularly important for the professionals as genetic counselling has frequently challenging and emotional moments. Aspects regarding clinical supervision, the characteristics of the supervisor and the practical aspects of genetic counselling supervision implementation were also mentioned during the discussions. These results highlight the relevancy of the establishment of GC supervision routines and standardized guidelines in our country, as well as a need for evidence-based research focused on its impact at professional and practice level.

Development of a Clinical Trial Methodology and Appraisal Curriculum for Hematology Fellows

Background: The past few decades have seen dramatic clinical advances in benign and malignant hematology. From genomically-targeted diagnostics and therapeutics to novel cellular and immune-based therapies, scientific concepts move to investigational products with astonishing speed. In parallel, clinical trials have become more complex, reflecting both the increasing complexity of the clinical landscape as well as improvements in trial design and standards. To effectively practice in this environment, hematology fellows need to develop a functional understanding of clinical trial methodology and appraisal. However, whereas there are many educational materials focused on content knowledge of hematology topics, there is a paucity of formal resources for better understanding trial methodology. We report the development of a longitudinal, multimodal clinical trial methodology curriculum for hematology fellows grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Methods: We developed a longitudinal clinical trial methodology curriculum for hematology fellows. The multimodal curriculum consists of both interactive didactic sessions as well as longitudinal integration of methodology teaching into the existing fellow-led journal club. Within the framework of SDT, the curriculum is designed to move fellows from stages of extrinsic motivation to understand and implement critical appraisal (e.g., avoidance of shame) to intrinsic motivation, i.e., integrating critical appraisal into one's professional identity and practice (Th.J. ten Cate et al., Medical Teacher 2011) Conceptually, this is effected by providing adequate content knowledge, a safe space to practice and explore difficult concepts, and serial reinforcement of both the cognitive and social nature of critical appraisal through fellow-led journal club. Progress will be assessed through the first 3 stages of the Kirkpatrick model: reaction, learning, behavior. Results: The concept, teaching modalities, assessment schema and theoretical underpinnings were developed through the ASH MEI program over the 2022-2023 academic year. Iterative review of the course content and modalities occurred through both ASH MEI small group meetings throughout the year, as well as with the directors of the UW Madison Hematology/Oncology fellowship program. Three of the didactics focus on content knowledge, starting with general methodology principles (e.g., validity) before focusing on the hematology-specific challenges of implementing and balancing these principles in therapeutic trials (e.g., enrollment criteria, endpoint selection, etc.) The final didactic is a guided review of a cooperative group trial protocol by clinical trialists from UW Madison, focusing on practical aspects of trial design and implementation. The journal club curriculum includes a methodology rubric trainees can apply during the development of their journal club presentation, as well as a one-on-one debrief session with faculty after their presentation to discuss challenges. Evaluations throughout the curriculum include pre/post survey of learners' comfort and identification with critical appraisal, as well as pre/post knowledge assessment with multiple choice test at beginning and end of curriculum. Conclusion: This curriculum is a proof-of-concept theory-based methodology curriculum for hematology/oncology fellows. The curriculum is being implemented in the first half of the 2023-24 academic year and will report out initial results by ASH 2023. If successful, this curriculum could potentially be expanded to a more extensive array of methodology topics within hematology/oncology and be applied on a larger scale.

Design and implementation of the safety system of a solar-driven smart micro-grid comprising hydrogen production for electricity & cooling co-generation

This article presents a comprehensive description of the safety system of a real installation that comprises PV panels, lithium-ion batteries, an electrolyzer, H2 storage, a fuel cell, and a barium chloride/ammonia thermochemical prototype for heat recovery and cooling production. Such a system allows for the increase of the overall efficiency of the H2 chain by exploiting the waste heat and transforming it into a cooling effect, particularly useful in tropical regions like French Polynesia.The study provides a great deal of detail regarding practical aspects of the system implementation and a consistent reference to the relevant standards and regulations applicable to the subject matter. More specifically, the study covers the ATEX classification of the site, the safety features of each component, the electrical power distribution, the main safety instrumented system, fire safety and the force ventilation system. The study also includes safety assessment and a section on lessons learned that could serve as guidance for future installations. In addition, an extensive amount of technical data is readily available to the reader in repository (P&ID, electrical diagrams, etc.).

Design of performance-weighted blended mode filters for underwater experiments

Normal mode signals are valuable in ocean acoustic tomography and source localization, assuming that they can be separated using spatial or temporal filtering. Common spatial mode filters include the matched filter (MF) [Ferris, JASA, 1972] and the pseudo-inverse (PI) filter [Tindle et al., JASA, 1978]. Choosing a filter and its parameters, e.g., the PI filter rank, requires knowledge that is not readily available. For instance, it is unlikely that the levels of ambient noise or interference from other modes is known a priori. To address this problem, Chakrabarti and Wage [IEEE Oceans, 2021, 2022] developed a Performance-Weighted Blended mode filtering algorithm that adapts quickly to changing conditions and achieves better performance than a single fixed mode filter. The PWB filter blends a set of PI filters of varying ranks, including a rank-1 PI filter (MF). A PI filter can suppress interference from neighboring modes but is more vulnerable to noise than the MF, which has the maximum white noise gain. This talk explores practical aspects of the PWB implementation, including how to select the set of filters to blend given realistic underwater noise conditions. We will show experimental and simulated data to illustrate performance in different environments. [Work supported by ONR.]

Delivery of gene therapy in haemophilia treatment centres in the United States: Practical aspects of preparedness and implementation.

Haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) and healthcare providers (HCPs) will need to adapt to a new treatment paradigm with the emergence of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy for the treatment of haemophilia in adults. This review examines the upcoming patient and institutional journeys, along with practical aspects of preparedness for clinical delivery of gene therapy by HTCs. Based on our clinical experience and examination of published literature, we explored the parallel journeys for patients and treatment centres to navigate before, during, and after administration of gene therapy. The patient journey includes: information gathering; decision making; comprehensive patient assessment; preparation for the infusion itself; short- and long-term monitoring; lifestyle modifications; and the possible need for immunosuppressive treatment. Informed decision-making may require patient education with extensive discussions and an understanding that not all people with haemophilia will choose or be eligible for gene therapy, although eligibility criteria continue to evolve. The institutional journey includes: consideration of biosafety procedures; planning for product procurement, handling, storage, and administration; development of detailed protocols and guidance documents; contingency planning for immunosuppressive and haemostatic management; consideration of clinical capabilities and staff training needs; coordination of efforts by the full multidisciplinary team; and collaboration between referring, dosing, and follow-up treatment centres. Documented protocols and guidance documents are pivotal for this complex therapy to ensure safe handling, optimal delivery, and post-infusion management and follow-up. Successful implementation of this new treatment modality will require communication and collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

Grounds for restricting the right to secrecy of correspondence in the conditions of a state of emergency and martial law in Ukraine: theoretical and practical aspects of implementation

Grounds for restricting the right to secrecy of correspondence in the conditions of a state of emergency and martial law in Ukraine: theoretical and practical aspects of implementation

Transitional justice model implementation’s mechanisms’ characteristics

Way of implementing transitional justice into national contexts is the parallel implementation of four conflict de-escalation strategies consisting of truth-seeking, judicial processes, reparations programs and institutional reforms. In this sense, the objective of this editorial is twofold, on the one hand, to present volume 41, number 78 of Political Questions and, on the other, to practical aspects of the transitional justice model implementation. The author substantiates that the process of transitional justice implementing is endowed with a certain ideological component serving the purpose of transitional justice implementing. The authors concept definition of “transitional justice model implementation” was proposed. It is noted that the mixed implementation mechanism of the studied model, combining domestic and international efforts in the field of peace building is the most acceptable for Ukraine. The author draws attention to the interdependence of the national context and the relevant mechanisms for the transitional justice implementation. The author concludes that implementation mechanisms are determined depending on the exigencies of the post-conflict society.

A prince for the sleeping beauty - NFT for soliton signal processing

The soliton, the eigen-solution of nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE), has been investigated in many branches of physics. The first prediction of a soliton in optical fiber could be dated back to 1973. Since then, numerous theoretical and experimental works on solitons have been carried out, including soliton communication and soliton generation in fiber lasers. However, due to the constraints of hardware and digital signal processing methods, research on solitons have been stalled for decades. Recently, the nonlinear Fourier transform (NFT) has attracted significant attention in the field of optical fiber communications and soliton-based signal processing, which provides a powerful mathematical framework for analyzing and understanding the behavior of solitons in optical fibers, enabling the development of novel signal processing techniques. The NFT technique has brought the soliton back to life. It has been widely recognized that in nonlinear frequency domain, the nonlinear crosstalk resulting from the Kerr effect is practically negligible, and fiber nonlinearity damage caused by the Kerr effect can be accounted for as a linear transform factor. Moreover, NFT has been demonstrated for the analysis of laser radiation, highlighting its potential in characterizing ultrafast pulses in the nonlinear frequency domain. In this submission, we review the advancements of NFT concerning both in soliton communication and characterization, focusing on practical implementation aspects. With many practical implementation aspects still being open, our mini review is aimed to assist researchers in evaluating the potential, identifying challenges, and envisioning future directions in NFT-based signal processing technologies. And wake up the sleeping beauty – the soliton!

ПОРІВНЯЛЬНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ОКРЕМИХ АСПЕКТІВ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ ТА СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ У 2014–2019 РР. ТА 2019–2022 РР.

Introduction. In the periods from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022, Ukraine implemented various economic and social policies that resulted in diverse socio-economic consequences. This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of specific aspects of social and economic policy during these periods. Analysis of scientific research. Research on specific theoretical and practical aspects of state economic and social policy implementation in Ukraine during the periods from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022 has been conducted by prominent scientists including S. V. Mocherny, Yu. S. Shemchushenko, O. P. Orlyuk, and others. The examination of the socio-economic consequences resulting from the implementation of economic and social policies in Ukraine during the periods from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022 remains insufficiently explored, necessitating comprehensive scientific research in this field. The purpose of this scientific article is to investigate specific aspects of economic and social policy implemented in Ukraine during the periods from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022. The main tasks of the article are to provide a theoretical and mathematical description of specific aspects of economic and social policy during the periods from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022, as well as to analyze their consequences in Ukraine. Research methodology and methods. During the writing of the article, several special research methods were employed. These methods include direct observation, which involved gathering information on various indicators such as the number of points in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in Ukraine from 2013 to 2022, changes in real gross domestic product (GDP) from 2016 to 2020, the amount of state and state-guaranteed debt from January 2016 to January 2022, and Ukraine's position in the democracy rating from 2014 to 2022. Information processing methods were used to develop tables for calculating the growth and changes in the number of points in the CPI in Ukraine from 2013 to 2022, as well as the amount of state and state-guaranteed debt from January 2016 to January 2022. Graphical analysis was conducted to examine the dynamics of the CPI in Ukraine from 2013 to 2022, changes in GDP from 2016 to 2021, the size of the state and state-guaranteed debt from January 2016 to January 2022, and Ukraine's position in the democracy rating from 2014 to 2021. The time range for analyzing changes in GDP and the national debt was chosen by the author to minimize the impact of the acute phases of the conventional Russian-Ukrainian war during 2014-2015 and after February 24, 2022. Similarly, the time range for the CPI from 2013 to 2022 was selected to demonstrate that the conventional war does not have a decisive influence on the fight against corruption. Additionally, the time range for Ukraine's position in the Democracy Rating from 2014 to 2021 was chosen to mitigate the impact of the large-scale conventional Russian-Ukrainian war that began on February 24, 2022. Research results. According to the data from the Corruption Perception Index, it was found that effective measures were taken by the Ukrainian authorities to combat corruption during the period of 2014-2018. However, from 2019 to 2023, the progress in the fight against corruption slowed down. The analysis also demonstrates that following the cessation of active hostilities that took place between 2014 and 2015, the economic policies implemented by the state authorities facilitated consistent economic growth for sixteen quarters, spanning from 2016 to 2019. However, after a change in power occurred in 2019, economic growth shifted from positive to negative starting from 2020. During the period of 2016-2019, the government's economic policies not only focused on fostering economic growth but also aimed at reducing the external debt burden on the economy. Conversely, following the change in power in 2019, the new leadership pursued an active policy of foreign borrowing, resulting in an increase in the debt burden on the Ukrainian economy. Scientific novelty of the research results. A comparative mathematical analysis was conducted to examine specific aspects of state economic and social policies in Ukraine during the periods from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022. Practical significance of the obtained research results. The author believes that conducting a qualitative comparative mathematical analysis of specific aspects of state economic and social policy in Ukraine during the periods from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022 will facilitate the identification of more effective methods for implementing economic and social policies. This, in turn, will contribute to the establishment of an independent and efficient state. The article contains: formulas: 3, fig. 8, tab. 5, bibl. 24.

Deferred cord clamping and cord milking: Certainty and quality of the evidence in meta-analyses, and systematic reviews of randomized control trials, guidelines, and implementation studies

Deferred11“Deferred” cord clamping is selected to imply a deliberate choice rather than “delayed” cord clamping, which has a potential negative connotation of being later than intended. cord clamping (DCC) saves lives, so why is it not implemented more routinely? Despite neonatal benefits, DCC is under-utilized, particularly in preterm births. Umbilical cord milking (UCM) also improves some outcomes for preterm infants such as decreasing the need for transfusions. At term, DCC and UCM improve hematological indices. ObjectiveThe objective of this chapter is to examine the quality of evidence for both preterm and term DCC (and UCM), clinical practice guidelines and implementation issues. MethodsKey evidence, primarily from network meta-analyses, meta-analyses and systematic reviews on both preterm and term DCC (and UCM) from randomized clinical trials, clinical practice guidelines and implementation studies, are summarized through a lens of the certainty and quality of the evidence. Regarding the certainty of evidence, for network meta-analysis the Confidence in Network Meta-analysis tool was used, and for meta-analyses the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were used. Guideline quality was appraised with two tools: Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II (AGREE II) and AGREE-Recommendation EXcellence (AGREE-REX). Implementation study quality was evaluated using The Mixed Method Appraisal tool. ResultsIn a network meta-analysis of 56 RCTs of cord management strategies, DCC reduced the odds of mortality in preterm infants by 30% compared to immediate cord clamping (ICC), including in the subgroup of infants born before 33 weeks’, both with a moderate confidence assessment using the Confidence in Network Meta-analysis tool. DCC reduced the odds of any intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) by 30%, and the odds of red blood cell transfusion by more than 50%, both with high ratings on the Confidence in Network Meta-analysis. Umbilical Cord Milking (UCM) did not reduce mortality compared to ICC. In contrast to the benefits shown in preterm birth with DCC, a systematic review showed that at term, there were no mortality benefits and few benefits at all except for improved hematological indices. A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines demonstrated that all of them endorsed DCC for uncompromised preterm infants, and 11 more cautiously noted that cord milking might be considered when DCC was not feasible. However, only half (49%) of the recommendations in the guidelines on the optimal duration of DCC were supported by high-quality evidence per AGREE-II and AGREE-REX. Fewer than one in 10 statements (8%) cited a mortality benefit with DCC for preterm infants. Regarding the uptake of DCC, a systematic review of 18 studies on facilitators and barriers to implementation found that almost all (12 of the 14 studies) focused on strategies such as protocols, policy, or toolkits; additionally, 8 of 14 studies used didactic teaching sessions. Only 8 of 18 studies scored high on all four domains of the Mixed Method Appraisal tool. ConclusionsCompared to ICC, DCC in preterm infants conferred significant benefits for mortality, IVH and red blood cell transfusion, with confidence ratings of moderate (mortality) or high. Although guidelines worldwide encouraged preterm (and term) DCC, the quality of the clinical practice guidelines had room for improvement; only half of the recommendations on the optimal duration of preterm DCC were supported by high-quality evidence. Most guidelines did not mention a mortality benefit with preterm DCC and lacked details on practical aspects of implementation. Among implementation studies, which have focused mainly on protocols, policies, toolkits or didactic teaching, quality also demonstrated an opportunity for improvement.

Regulation of work execution processes in railway construction using neural network technologies

The article presents the theoretical provisions and practical possibilities of regulating the technological process implementation of construction railway track entity using an artificial neural network. Railway construction as a complex dynamic system requires certain resources for its maintenance. Under these conditions, effective control over the technology of work execution performed during the railway track entity construction is of decisive importance. This can be achieved by improving the existing system of engineering and technical support for railway construction through the introduction of a subsystem for engineering and intellectual support of technological processes for the railway entities construction. One of the subsystem’s tasks is the effective use of automation tools with artificial intelligence elements. The appearance of deviations from planned requirements during construction work, due to the stochastic nature of railway construction, leads to technology violations, an increase in labor costs, prime cost, an increase in duration and, as a result, a deterioration in the railway entity operational characteristics. To avoid such a development of events, a prompt review of the adopted technological solutions is necessary. To this end, as part of the methodology formation for technological processes engineering and intellectual support of railway construction, a system has been developed for regulating the technological processes implementation for the railway entity construction. The process regulation is based on the work execution monitoring results. Adjusting the technological process to changing work execution conditions flexibility in the railway track entity construction. This is achieved by choosing regulatory solutions using the artificial neural network capabilities and then adjusting the work progress. Based on the theoretical study results, the article presents the practical aspects of the work execution processes regulation implementation in railway construction using neural network technologies on the example of a flooded railway roadbed subgrade construction. The results presented in the article were obtained in the course of a dissertation research carried out by the author.

Solver comparison for Poisson-like equations on tokamak geometries

The solution of Poisson-like equations defined on a complex geometry is required for gyrokinetic simulations, which are important for the modelling of plasma turbulence in nuclear fusion devices such as the ITER tokamak. In this paper, we compare three existing solvers finely tuned to solve this problem, in terms of the accuracy of the solution, and their computational efficiency. We also consider practical implementation aspects, including the parallel efficiency of the code, potentially enabling an integration of the solvers in a state-of-the-art first-principle gyrokinetic simulation framework. The first, the Spline FEM solver, uses C1 polar splines to construct a finite elements method which solves the equation on curvilinear coordinates. The resulting linear system is solved using a conjugate gradient method. The second, the GMGPolar solver, uses a symmetric finite difference method to discretise the differential equation. The resulting linear system is solved using a tailored geometric multigrid scheme, with a combination of zebra circle and radial line smoothers, together with an implicit extrapolation scheme. The third, the Embedded Boundary solver, uses a finite volumes method on Cartesian coordinates with an embedded boundary scheme. The resulting linear system is solved using a multigrid scheme. The Spline FEM solver is shown to be the most accurate. The GMGPolar solver is shown to use the least memory. The Embedded Boundary solver is shown to be the fastest in most cases. All three solvers are shown to be capable of solving the equation on a realistic non-analytical geometry. The Embedded Boundary solver is additionally used to attempt to solve an X-point geometry.

FBMC-Based Random Access Signal Design and Detection for LEO Base Stations

The integration of non-terrestrial networks into the 5G ecosystem is mainly driven by the possibility of provisioning service in remote areas. In this context, the advent of flying base stations at the low Earth orbit (LEO) will enable anywhere and anytime connectivity. To materialize this vision, it is of utmost importance to improve radio protocols with the aim of allowing direct satellite access. Bearing this aspect in mind, we present a new random access signal, which is based on the filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) waveform, and a computationally efficient detection scheme. The proposed solution outperforms the standardized access scheme based on single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM), by reducing out-of-band (OOB) emissions and reducing the missed detection probability in presence of very high carrier frequency offset (CFO), which is inherent to LEO satellite systems. The improvement is related to the fine frequency resolution of the detector and the use of pulse shaping techniques. Interestingly, the FBMC-based random access signal achieves a high level of commonality with 5G new radio, as the preamble generation method and the time-frequency allocation pattern can be kept unchanged. Concerning the practical implementation aspects, the complexity of the detector is similar in both SC-FDM and FBMC.