Range Restrictions Research Articles

Energetic improvement of smart Healthcare system using Internet of Things

In this modern era, each and every individual needs a global communication without any range and timeline restrictions. A well-known Internet of Things (IoT) provides such support to individuals and organization to provide range free communication services without any hurdles. This paper introduces a new methodology called Healthcare Processing with IoT Surveillance (HPIoTS), in which it adopts some latest technologies to provide an efficient support to monitor the healthcare of the respective patient and report those details properly to the server end with the help of Internet of Things. This proposed scheme of HPIoTS enables a shrewd Healthcare framework in Internet of Things platform, in which it screen a patient fundamental health oriented issues with surrounding atmosphere ratios such as temperature, humidity level, position and so on. In this framework, a smart health assisted gadget is designed with different sensors to catch the health related information from the patients’ side such as: Heart Rate Monitoring Sensor, Pressure Sensor, Temperature and Humidity Level Monitoring Sensor and MEMS Sensor. The association of these sensors made a device more perfect to acquire the health summary of the patients periodically and pushed into the server end without any timing delay and human interventions. The maximum error rate of this proposed approach is estimated around less than 5% as well as this will be proved properly in results sections via graphical proofs. This paper adopts the machine learning strategy to predict the patient health related issues and provides a good accuracy level of 97% in result. The proposed approach guarantees the efficiency of the healthcare monitoring system by using Healthcare Processing with IoT Surveillance (HPIoTS) as well as the resulting accuracy levels are proved on the results section with proper graphical outcomes.

Frequency Domain Panoramic Imaging Algorithm for Ground-Based ArcSAR.

The ground-based arc-scanning synthetic aperture radar (ArcSAR) is capable of 360° scanning of the surroundings with the antenna fixed on a rotating arm. ArcSAR has much wider field of view when compared with conventional ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GBSAR) scanning on a linear rail. It has already been used in deformation monitoring applications. This paper mainly focuses on the accurate and fast imaging algorithms for ArcSAR. The curvature track makes the image focusing challenging and, in the classical frequency domain, fast imaging algorithms that are designed for linear rail SAR cannot be readily applied. This paper proposed an efficient frequency domain imaging algorithm for ArcSAR. The proposed algorithm takes advantage of the angular shift-invariant property of the ArcSAR signal, and it deduces the accurate matched filter in the angular-frequency domain, so panoramic images in polar coordinates with wide swath can be obtained at one time without segmenting strategy. When compared with existing ArcSAR frequency domain algorithms, the proposed algorithm is more accurate and efficient, because it has neither far range nor narrow beam antenna restrictions. The proposed method is validated by both simulation and real data. The results show that our algorithm brings the quality of image close to the time domain back-projection (BP) algorithm at a processing efficiency about two orders of magnitude better, and it has better image quality than the existing frequency domain Lee’s algorithm at a comparable processing speed.

REGULARITAS DAN RELASI GREEN PADA SEMIGRUP TRANSFORMASI LINEAR PARSIAL INJEKTIF DENGAN RESTRIKSI RANGE

Injective partial linear transformations in the vector space V and the function composition operations form semigroups called semigroups of injective partial linear transformations denoted by I (V). Suppose Z is a subspace in a vector space V, then the set of all members of I (V) whose function results are contained in Z to the function composition operation is also a semigroup denoted by I (V, Z) which is called a semigroup of injectable partial linear transformations with range restrictions. . In this article, we will examine how the characteristics of regular elements and the characteristics of two set members in I (V, Z) are related to Green using the literature study method. The results of the research in this article are the necessary and sufficient conditions needed so that any element is called a regular element and the characteristics of the two members of the set I (V, Z) are related.

Visibility-Based Persistent Monitoring of Piecewise Linear Features on a Terrain Using Multiple Aerial and Ground Robots

Persistent monitoring on terrains using mobile robotic sensors requires coordinated planning. Terrain features add visibility obstacles and limited fuel capacity of aerial robots leads to range restrictions that make the problem challenging. We address the visual-monitoring problem on piecewise linear features within a terrain using multiple mobile robots for persistent operations. The planner must account for visual coverage, refueling aerial robots during the mission, and placement of refueling depots while also utilizing the available sensor diversity to minimize overall costs for the monitoring mission. Building on previous works on visibility in specific classes of polygons and fuel-constrained routing, we develop a discrete representation of the problem that allows the design and application of discrete optimization techniques to find optimal solutions. We develop a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation and discuss a branch-and-cut implementation to compute exact solutions. We also develop a construction heuristic based on the idea of competitive construction of robot paths using a step-increment strategy. We report the results from computational simulations and illustrate proof of concept using experiments on real robots. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Note to Practitioners</i> —This article is motivated by the need to perform persistent monitoring in applications, such as border patrol and perimeter surveillance. Unmanned aerial and ground robots can be used to perform these activities uninterruptedly. However, aerial robots have limited fuel capacity and need periodic refueling. Hence, the number of refueling depots and their placement within the environment also affects the monitoring task. Also, due to terrain variation, robots are subject to limited visibility. Therefore, we need to consider refueling constraints and terrain visibility aspects while planning optimal routes for the robots to perform visual monitoring. In this article, we present a general optimal routing formulation to compute exact solutions. We also present a fast heuristic for real-time applications that produce feasible solutions. The algorithms are validated in simulations. We also show a proof of concept using experiments in limited outdoor settings.

Potential Effects of Climate Change on the Geographic Distribution of the Endangered Plant Species Manihot walkerae

Walker’s Manihot, Manihot walkerae, is an endangered plant that is endemic to the Tamaulipan thornscrub ecoregion of extreme southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. M. walkerae populations are highly fragmented and are found on both protected public lands and private property. Habitat loss and competition by invasive species are the most detrimental threats for M. walkerae; however, the effect of climate change on M. walkerae’s geographic distribution remains unexplored and could result in further range restrictions. Our objectives are to evaluate the potential effects of climate change on the distribution of M. walkerae and assess the usefulness of natural protected areas in future conservation. We predict current and future geographic distribution for M. walkerae (years 2050 and 2070) using three different general circulation models (CM3, CMIP5, and HADGEM) and two climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5). A total of nineteen spatially rarefied occurrences for M. walkerae and ten non-highly correlated bioclimatic variables were inputted to the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) to produce twenty replicates per scenario. The area under the curve (AUC) value for the consensus model was higher than 0.90 and the partial ROC value was higher than 1.80, indicating a high predictive ability. The potential reduction in geographic distribution for M. walkerae by the effect of climate change was variable throughout the models, but collectively they predict a restriction in distribution. The most severe reductions were 9% for the year 2050 with the CM3 model at an 8.5 RCP, and 14% for the year 2070 with the CMIP5 model at the 4.5 RCP. The future geographic distribution of M. walkerae was overlapped with protected lands in the U.S. and Mexico in order to identify areas that could be suitable for future conservation efforts. In the U.S. there are several protected areas that are potentially suitable for M. walkerae, whereas in Mexico no protected areas exist within M. walkerae suitable habitat.

Cassin's Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) Population Size, Reproduction, and Habitat Management on a Recently Colonized Island in California, USA

Responses to climate change by seabirds in the North Pacific may include range restrictions and require colonizing new habitats. To inform conservation actions supporting climate adaptations, we examined the colonization of Ano Nuevo Island, a nearshore island in central California, by Cassin's Auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus). We quantified population growth, reproduction, band returns, mortality, and habitat metrics from 1995-2017 and described habitat management that facilitated colony persistence. Cassin's Auklet breeding population grew to 136 birds by 2014, despite population declines during 2005-2007 and 2016-2017 concurrent with reproductive failures and die-offs that affected Cassin's Auklets regionally. Annual productivity of this small colony was similar to larger populations in the region at 0.72 ± 0.23 SD chicks fledged per pair from 1999-2017 (n = 15 years). Band returns indicated population connectivity with the Farallon Islands, California. Annual rates of burrow damage were 14 ± 8%, with up to 30% damaged a year. Habitat management to prevent erosion damage to nesting burrows included sea lion exclusion, erosion control, and ceramic artificial burrows. Describing conditions that facilitated the colonization and growth of this Cassin's Auklet breeding site can inform actions that support other locations and multiple burrowing seabird species.

A Comparison of Three Approaches to Correct for Direct and Indirect Range Restrictions: A Simulation Study.

A Comparison of Three Approaches to Correct for Direct and Indirect Range Restrictions: A Simulation Study.

Two methods of estimating long-distance driving to understand range restrictions on EV use

The distances travelled by individual cars vary strongly from day to day. This is problematic for electric vehicles since they cannot be used for journeys longer than the all-electric range. At present, long-distance travel is rarely covered by household travel surveys and little is known about the frequency of long-distance car travel on an individual car basis. Here, two methods are compared that estimate the number of days per year with a driving distance larger than a given threshold: a simulation method and a probabilistic method. The simulation method combines a national household travel survey, a car-use survey and a long-distance travel survey and simulates one year of car driving; the resolution of results is car trips over a full year. The probabilistic method uses statistical distribution to estimate the number of days per year with long-distance travel. Both methods are tested on a representative one-week sample of the German Mobility Panel with travel data from over 6000 cars. Our results show that both methods produce similar aggregated results for the distribution of days with long-distance car travel, the maximum mileages, and average long-distance travel frequencies amongst user groups. However, the two methods differ on the level of individual cars. Our findings indicate that long-distance travel behaviour can be estimated on an aggregated level without long observation period data. Both methods can be directly applied to the limited range of electric vehicles and the need for adaptation or fast charging.

Bound Constrained Optimization of Sample Sizes Subject to Monetary Restrictions in Planning Multilevel Randomized Trials and Regression Discontinuity Studies

Sample size determination in multilevel randomized trials (MRTs) and multilevel regression discontinuity designs (MRDDs) can be complicated due to multilevel structure, monetary restrictions, differing marginal costs per treatment and control units, and range restrictions in sample size at one or more levels. These issues have sparked a set of studies under optimal design literature where scholars consider sample size determination as an allocation problem. The literature on optimal design of MRTs and MRDDs and their implementation in software packages has been scarce, scattered, and incomplete. This study unifies optimal design literature and extends currently available software under bound constrained optimal sample allocation (BCOSA) framework via bound constrained optimization technique. The BCOSA framework, introduction to the cosa R library, and an illustration that replicates and extends minimum required sample size determination for an evaluation report is provided.

Reducing the time loss bias: Two ways to improved driving safety and energy efficiency

The time loss bias describes the systematic overestimation of time lost when decelerating from a relatively high speed. In the present study, we investigated the debiasing effect of two educational interventions, the Paceometer (Peer and Gamliel, 2013) and a newly designed Pop-up assistant, in a video-based controlled-access highway driving scenario. The Paceometer provides participants with pace information (min/km) added to the common speedometer. The Pop-up assistant informs about the time lost when decreasing speed according to a specific situation. A mixed-design ANOVA confirmed the improvement of time loss estimations for both debiasing tools and the superiority of the Pop-up assistant, which produced temporal spillover effects. We discuss potential explanations in terms of simplifying information and anchoring and the potential benefits of both tools to reduce risky driving, fuel costs and range restrictions of electric vehicles.

Minmax Regret k-Sink Location on a Dynamic Path Network with Uniform Capacities

In Dynamic flow networks an edge’s capacity is the amount of flow (items) that can enter it in unit time. All flow must be moved to sinks and congestion occurs if flow has to wait at a vertex for other flow to leave. In the uniform capacity variant all edges have the same capacity. The minmax k-sink location problem is to place k sinks minimizing the maximum time before all items initially on vertices can be evacuated to a sink. The minmax regret version introduces uncertainty into the input; the amount at each source is now only specified to within a range. The problem is to find a universal solution (placement of k sinks) whose regret (difference from optimal for a given input) is minimized over all inputs consistent with the given range restrictions. The previous best algorithms for the minmax regret version of the k-sink location problem on a path with uniform capacities ran in O(n) time for $$k=1$$ , $$O(n \log ^ 4 n)$$ time for $$k=2$$ and $${\varOmega }(n^{k+1})$$ for $$ k >2$$ . A major bottleneck to improving those solutions was that minmax regret seemed an inherently global property. This paper derives new combinatorial insights that allow decomposition into local problems. This permits designing two new algorithms. The first runs in $$O(n^3 \log n)$$ time independent of k and the second in $$O( n k^2 \log ^{k+1} n)$$ time. These improve all previous algorithms for $$k >1$$ and, for $$k > 2$$ , are the first polynomial time algorithms known.

Assessing cognition and daily function in early dementia using the cognitive-functional composite: findings from the Catch-Cog study cohort

BackgroundThe cognitive-functional composite (CFC) was designed to improve the measurement of clinically relevant changes in predementia and early dementia stages. We have previously demonstrated its good test-retest reliability and feasibility of use. The current study aimed to evaluate several quality aspects of the CFC, including construct validity, clinical relevance, and suitability for the target population.MethodsBaseline data of the Capturing Changes in Cognition study was used: an international, prospective cohort study including participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The CFC comprises seven existing cognitive tests focusing on memory and executive functions (EF) and the informant-based Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q). Construct validity and clinical relevance were assessed by (1) confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) using all CFC subtests and (2) linear regression analyses relating the CFC score (independent) to reference measures of disease severity (dependent), correcting for age, sex, and education. To assess the suitability for the target population, we compared score distributions of the CFC to those of traditional tests (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive subscale, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living scale, and Clinical Dementia Rating scale).ResultsA total of 184 participants were included (age 71.8 ± 8.4; 42% female; n = 14 SCD, n = 80 MCI, n = 78 AD, and n = 12 DLB). CFA showed that the hypothesized three-factor model (memory, EF, and IADL) had adequate fit (CFI = .931, RMSEA = .091, SRMR = .06). Moreover, worse CFC performance was associated with more cognitive decline as reported by the informant (β = .61, p < .001), poorer quality of life (β = .51, p < .001), higher caregiver burden (β = − .51, p < .001), more apathy (β = − .36, p < .001), and less cortical volume (β = .34, p = .02). Whilst correlations between the CFC and traditional measures were moderate to strong (ranging from − .65 to .83, all p < .001), histograms showed floor and ceiling effects for the traditional tests as compared to the CFC.ConclusionsOur findings illustrate that the CFC has good construct validity, captures clinically relevant aspects of disease severity, and shows no range restrictions in scoring. It therefore provides a more useful outcome measure than traditional tests to evaluate cognition and function in MCI and mild AD.

Modelling expected trout ranges under current and future water temperature regimes in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Different values have resulted in conflicts between anglers and conservation lobbies in the management of trout in South Africa. Key to the conflict is the demarcation of boundaries to areas in which brown trout Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss currently occur, or are likely to establish following stocking for angling. To provide a longer-term perspective on these areas, we developed models to link salmonid biological thermal thresholds to elevation. These, when applied spatially using a digital elevation model with a probability of occurrence model, provided the basis for estimating potentially available thermal habitat for these two cold water species. Here, we acknowledge that other variables (stocking history; river connectivity) also play a role in understanding trout distributions. Using a simple scenario of an increase in mean daily water temperatures of 2 °C, we demonstrated that both brown and rainbow trout are likely to exhibit considerable range reductions in the future. Because it is possible that these range restrictions will result in an increasing desire to introduce trout into areas above their current distribution limits for the maintenance of angling opportunities, conservation managers should prioritise these areas, with management interventions seeking to understand what will help to limit introductions.

Pitfalls of using the risk ratio in meta-analysis.

For meta‐analysis of studies that report outcomes as binomial proportions, the most popular measure of effect is the odds ratio (OR), usually analyzed as log(OR). Many meta‐analyses use the risk ratio (RR) and its logarithm because of its simpler interpretation. Although log(OR) and log(RR) are both unbounded, use of log(RR) must ensure that estimates are compatible with study‐level event rates in the interval (0, 1). These complications pose a particular challenge for random‐effects models, both in applications and in generating data for simulations. As background, we review the conventional random‐effects model and then binomial generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) with the logit link function, which do not have these complications. We then focus on log‐binomial models and explore implications of using them; theoretical calculations and simulation show evidence of biases. The main competitors to the binomial GLMMs use the beta‐binomial (BB) distribution, either in BB regression or by maximizing a BB likelihood; a simulation produces mixed results. Two examples and an examination of Cochrane meta‐analyses that used RR suggest bias in the results from the conventional inverse‐variance–weighted approach. Finally, we comment on other measures of effect that have range restrictions, including risk difference, and outline further research.

Historical Biogeography and Temporal Diversification in Symphoricarpos (Caprifolieae, Caprifoliaceae, Dipsacales)

Abstract—The major aim of this paper was to investigate temporal diversification within Symphoricarpos (Caprifoliaceae, Dipsacales). We used recently published molecular sequences, along with fossil data, to examine when Symphoricarpos may have arrived in the New World and if current distributional patterns can be explained by data based on biogeographic, climatological, and geological events. We simultaneously estimated the phylogeny and divergence times within Symphoricarpos and related Caprifolieae species using BEAST. Based on these phylogenetic and divergence time estimations we reconstructed ancestral areas using the dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis (DEC) method implemented in Lagrange. For Symphoricarpos, our phylogenetic results inferred using BEAST were in strong agreement with previous studies, with a well-supported clade containing the North American species that was sister to the lone Asian species. Our divergence time results suggest that the North American species originated in the late Oligocene to mid Miocene (12‐25 million years ago) and quickly diversified. The DEC area reconstructions suggest that after entering the North American continent from Asia, species of Symphoricarpos became widespread across the continent, followed by range restrictions to that of what we see today. Although several recent studies have argued for the idea of phylogenetic niche conservatism as a general explanation for characterizing broad biogeographic patterns, our data suggest significant niche evolution within the North American species of Symphoricarpos, especially in regard to taxa found in the southwestern parts of the USA and Mexico. These observed biome shifts from mesic forest habitats to a much drier habitat appear to have happened across a highly diverse landscape in which species of Symphoricarpos occur. These results, along with results from other plant taxa, support the hypothesis that a climate shift in western North America played a role in the assemblage of the current flora via migration, as well as in situ adaptation in combination with diversification.

Modeling and Experimental Validation of a Butterfly-Shaped Wireless Power Transfer in Biomedical Implants

Wireless power transfer (WPT) presents a safe and robust method for powering biomedical implants. The range and misalignment tolerance restrictions of the WPT system are the main factors, conducive to the transfer efficiency degradation. Especially, the implanted device is invisible and difficult to arrange in alignment with the transmitting coil. This paper proposes a butterfly-shaped transmitting (BS-Tx) coil of a magnetic resonance WPT system for biomedical implants. The BS-Tx coil prototypes with the changing driven current directions, parallel and anti-parallel current directions, are verified and analyzed. Besides, an equivalent circuit model of a coupling two-coil system with an optimal pair of capacitors method for the matching network is mathematically derived to obtain the maximized power transfer efficiency. The BS-Tx coil enhances the efficiency of the system in the distance, angle, and axial misalignment tolerances. A practical WPT system is fabricated and measured to verify the transfer efficiency through the real biological tissue and exhibits a significant efficiency improvement. Finally, a hypothetical context of retinal prosthesis application is demonstrated as a potential application to retinal implants. The proposed system shows a low specific absorption rate, that is satisfied the human safety regulations.

Infrared Thermopile Temperature Measurement Technique in Microwave Heating Systems

Temperature measurement in microwave systems is essential for thermally driven processes, namely, catalytic reactions and ceramic sintering. Although, the application of direct thermometry methods, namely, thermocouples, have been commonly articulated in the available literature, however, contacted temperature measurement mechanisms have aroused concerns associated with the disruption of the electromagnetic field and local distortion of the field pattern leading to unprecedented measurement uncertainties. Consequently, the application of optical measurement methods has been advocated to diminish the associated concerns. However, due to the economical constrains and measurement range restrictions, the application of optical measurement systems, namely, pyrometers and optical fibers, has been deferred. In this study, an infrared thermopile, a precise and feasible temperature measurement system has been developed and calibrated to perform in microwave irradiation. Furthermore, the accuracy of the developed temperature system has been compared with the thermometry technique. It was concluded that thermopile stipulates unrivalled precision, succeeding a profound calibration procedure. It was further demonstrated that the thermopile is capable of the temperature measurement of the dielectric surfaces, exclusively, while the grounded thermocouple monitored the bulk temperature, a proportion of the gas phase and the solid phase temperature values. Consequently, the application of a thermopile coupled with a thermometry measurement method has been proposed to monitor the temperature of the dielectric catalyst active sites in gas-solid catalytic microwave-heated reactions.

Exploring the Influence of Range Restrictions on Connectivity in Sparse Assessment Networks: An Illustration and Exploration Within the Context of Classroom Observations

AbstractRange restrictions, or raters’ tendency to limit their ratings to a subset of available rating scale categories, are well documented in large‐scale teacher evaluation systems based on principal observations. When these restrictions occur, the ratings observed during operational teacher evaluations are limited to a subset of the available categories. However, range restrictions are less common within teacher performances that are used to establish links (anchor ratings) in otherwise disconnected assessment systems. As a result, principals’ category use may be different between anchor ratings and operational ratings. The purpose of this study is to explore the consequences of discrepancies in rating scale category use across operational and anchor ratings within the context of teacher evaluation systems based on principal observations. First, we used real data to illustrate the presence of range restriction in operational ratings, and the effect of this restriction on connectivity. Then, we used simulated data to explore these effects using experimental manipulation. Results suggested that discrepancies in range restriction between anchor and operational ratings do not systematically impact the precision of teacher, principal, and teaching practice estimates. We discuss the implications of these results in terms of research and practice for teacher evaluation systems.

Nonnegative data interpolation by spherical splines

Abstract We present a spherical spline method for scattered data interpolation over the unit sphere which preserves nonnegativity of the data values. The method is based on a classic constrained minimization approach. The usual side conditions of smoothness and data interpolation are supplemented by non-negativity constraints. We establish existence and uniqueness of non-negative minimizers in three cases: C 1 spline spaces of odd degree greater than or equal to five over generic triangulations; C 1 cubic spline spaces over Clough–Tocher triangulations; C 1 cubic spline spaces over triangulations of convex quadrangulations. We present the results on approximation order of nonnegative minimizers as well. The method extends to range restricted interpolation. We establish sufficient conditions on the spline coefficients that guarantee range restrictions on the spherical splines. Numerical solutions are computed by means of a projected gradient method. Numerical examples illustrate performance of non-negative and range-restricted data fitting.

Novel technique to identify large river host fish for freshwater mussel propagation and conservation

Skipjack Herring (Alosa chrysochloris) has long been proposed as the sole host for Reginaia ebenus (Ebonyshell) and Elliptio crassidens (Elephantear), but these relationships were unconfirmed because of difficulties with maintaining this fish species in captivity. We confirmed the suitability of Skipjack Herring as host for both mussel species, and we also showed that Alabama Shad (Alosa alabamae) is an additional suitable host for E. crassidens; both fish species produced large numbers of juvenile mussels. No other fish species tested (n=12) were suitable hosts for either mussel species. Our results, combined with results from other studies, suggest these mussel species are specialists on genus Alosa. Traditional methods for host identification were problematic for herrings because of their sensitivity to handling and the large volumes of water required to maintain them in captivity. In addition to traditional methods, we confirmed the suitability of these fishes as hosts using a novel technique in which fish gills infected with glochidia were excised from sacrificed fishes and held in recirculating holding tanks with flow until metamorphosis was complete. Completion of metamorphosis on excised gills required glochidia spend at least 11–17 d encapsulated on live fishes before gill excision. This technique may be useful for other large or sensitive fishes that do not lend themselves well to traditional methods for host identification. Confirmation of Alosa spp. as primary hosts for R. ebenus and E. crassidens supports the idea that dams and other river modifications that disrupt migrations of these fishes are key factors in the range restrictions of these mussel species.