Simplified Rules Research Articles

Rough Set Based Method for Vehicle Collision Risk Assessment Through Inferring Driver's Braking Actions in Near-Crash Situations

Driving information and data under potential vehicle crashes create opportunities for extensive real-world observations of driver behaviors and relevant factors that significantly influence the driving safety in emergency scenarios. Furthermore, the availability of such data also enhances the collision avoidance systems (CASs) by evaluating driver?s actions in near-crash scenarios and providing timely warnings. These applications motivate the need for heuristic tools capable of interpreting the correlations of driving risk with driver/vehicle characteristics and incidental traffic factors. In this paper, we acquired amount of real-world field data and built a comprehensive driver-vehicle-road dataset for actual driver behavior evaluation. The proposed method works in two steps. In the first step, a variable precision rough set (VPRS) based classifier derives a simplified decision rules from field driving dataset, which presents the essential attributes relevant to driving safety. In the second step, we quantify the mutual information entropy of each attribute to evaluate the significance of different factors on happening a vehicle crash, then an accumulation of weighted driver-vehicle-road is calculated to achieve an index reflecting the driving safety level. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated in an offline analysis of the driving data collected from field trials, where the goal is to infer the emergency braking actions in next short term. The results indicate that our proposed model is a good alternative for providing drivers immediate warnings with high prediction accuracy and stability.

Amendments to transfer pricing regulations since 2019 – selected issues

The aim of this paper is to describe the changes in the law that have taken place in the area of transfer pricing regulations starting 1 January 2019. First, the essence of the legal structure of transfer prices is presented. Then, the changes in the reclassification and omission of transactions for the purpose of transfer pricing, the catalogue of transfer price estimation and verification methods, and simplified settlement rules and changes in transfer pricing documentation are specified. The research method used in this research consists in analysis of legal acts using the literature on the subject. Based on the analysis, it may be concluded that, on the one hand, changes in the law were aimed at removing administrative burdens from taxpayers which the legislature considered unnecessary and, on the other hand, the scope of powers of tax authorities was extended and the potential severity of tax sanctions was increased.

A parametric cut size prediction model for a turbo air classifier

AbstractA new parametric cut size prediction model is put forward based on the simplified single particle motion rule. According to analysis of the inner flow field of a turbo air classifier and Lagrangian equation of particle motion, the particle's trajectory in the annular region is calculated and simulated using MATLAB. Since particles with different sizes have different trajectories in the same flow field, the cut size of a turbo air classifier can also be obtained. The simulated results show the cut size increases by widening the annular region and it decreases by narrowing the annular region. Talc powder classification experiments are carried out to verify this cut size prediction model. The calculated cut sizes using the proposed prediction model are in agreement with the experimental results. A new way to predict cut size is put forward, which provides a theoretical guidance to optimize operational parameters and the structure of the turbo air classifier.

Adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control for uncertain nonlinear systems in pure-feedback form with input and state constraints using noisy measurements

ABSTRACTThis paper is concerned with the design of an adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control for uncertain nonlinear pure-feedback systems with input and state constraints using a set of noisy measurements. The design approach is described as follows. The nonlinear uncertainties are approximated by using the fuzzy logic systems at the first stage, secondly the adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control is introduced to remove the problem of the explosion of complexity for the derivation of the adaptive fuzzy backstepping control, thirdly a new saturation function for state constraints is proposed to design the controllers based on the Lyapunov function, fourthly the number of the adjustable parameters is reduced by using the simplified extended single input rule modules, and finally the weighted least squares estimator to take the estimates for the un-measurable states and the adjustable parameters is in a simplified structure designed. The proposed approach provides effective system performance in the simulation experiment.

Development and validation of a clinical rule for recognition of early inflammatory arthritis

ObjectivesNational and international guidelines recommend prompt referral of patients presenting with inflammatory arthritis (IA), but general practitioners (GPs) feel uncertain in their proficiency to detect synovitis through joint examination, the...

Adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control for a class of stochastic MIMO discrete-time nonlinear pure-feedback systems with full state constraints

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the design of an adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control for a class of stochastic MIMO discrete-time nonlinear pure-feedback systems with full state constraints using a set of noisy measurements. The design approach is described as follows. The nonlinear uncertainty is approximated by using the fuzzy logic system at the first stage, secondly the proposed adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control is designed based on a new saturation function for full state constraints, thirdly the number of the adjustable parameters is reduced by using the simplified extended single input rule modules, and finally the simplified weighted least squares estimator is in a simplified structure designed to take the estimates for the un-measurable states and the adjustable parameters. The simulation provides that the proposed approach is effective for the improvement of the system performance.

Multiscale modeling of the elastic moduli of CNT-reinforced polymers and fitting of efficiency parameters for the use of the extended rule-of-mixtures

In this work, a bottom-up multiscale modeling approach is developed to estimate the effective elastic moduli of Carbon NanoTube (CNT)-reinforced polymer composites. The homogenization process comprises two successive steps, including an atomistic-based computational model and a micromechanics approach at the nano- and micro-scales, respectively. Firstly, the atomistic-based finite element model defines a cylindrical Representative Volume Element (RVE) that accounts for a carbon nanotube, the immediately surrounding matrix, and the CNT/polymer interface. The carbon-carbon bonds of the CNT are modeled using Timoshenko beams, whilst three-dimensional solid elements are used for the surrounding matrix. Through the application of four loading conditions, the RVEs are homogenized into transversely isotropic equivalent fibers by equating the associated strain energies. Secondly, the equivalent fibers are employed in a micromechanics approach to estimate the macroscopic response of non-dilute composites. This is performed using both the analytical Mori-Tanaka model and a computational RVE model with a hexagonal packing geometry. A wide spectrum of single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are studied, as well as two different polymeric matrices. Furthermore, the so-called efficiency parameters, imperative for the application of the simplified extended rule of mixtures, are characterized by polynomial expressions for practical filler contents. Finally, detailed parametric analyses are also provided to give insight into the sensitivity of the macroscopic response of CNT-reinforced polymer composites to microstructural features such as filler volume fraction, chirality or aspect ratio.

Making Law Effective: Behavioural Insights into Compliance

This paper investigates traditional and new tools for increasing the effectiveness of rules and enforcement strategies. As a preliminary concern, it underlines that there are two sides to effectiveness that cannot be approached separately: effectiveness as perfect compliance with the terms of rules, and effectiveness as a result of rules which incentivise behaviours to meet the “spirit of the law”. In order to achieve this comprehensive approach to effectiveness, rules must be evidence-based, plain, understandable and accepted. Moreover, a clear understanding of compliance drivers is needed. Deterrence and all other possible motivations that go beyond the rational calculus should be assessed by decision-makers, such as internal motivation, procedural fairness, cooperation, social norms, heuristics and bias. Enriching the rationality assumption with other drivers of compliance does not mean dismissing traditional rules or enforcement tools, which conversely remain crucial for the purpose of supporting voluntary compliance and for preventing non-compliance. However, deterrence should be calibrated by a risk-based, responsive and proportional approach to (simplified) rules and enforcement strategies. Trust in public authorities, supportive and cooperative public administrations are also fundamental in order to increase voluntary compliance, and a cognitive-based approach should complement these views.

Experimental Analysis of Simplified Rules Fuzzy Logic Speed Controller for Wide Speed Range Operations

<p>This paper presents the experimental analysis of simplified rules Fuzzy Logic Speed Controller (FLSC) of Induction Motor drive. The maximum gain of input scaling factor, FLSC is generally limited by the coverage of universe of discoursed (UoD). Thus, to further increase the input gain scaling factor, the outer membership function need to be increased. This analysis covers various values in the range of UoD values from [-1,1] to [-5,5] for the wide speed range operations from low to rated speed ranges. The FLSC is employed to the indirect Field Oriented Control method fed by a voltage source inverter. Simulation and experimental verification is done by using Matlab/Simulink and dSPACE 1103 controller experimental rigs respectively. Based on the results, speed performance behaviours are improved over the wide speed range operations in term of rise time and setting time. The tuning approached is simple without additional algorithm for faster and more accurate response.</p>

Clinico-radiological indications for drainage of isolated amebic liver abscess using a rule of 5's: results of a 10 year retrospective review

Introduction: Liver abscesses from amebiasis are primarily managed using medical therapy. Although guidelines exist for drainage of hepatic abscess, these indications are usually individualized. A simplified approach to determine the need for surgical intervention may be desirable. Methods: A 10 year retrospective study was carried out at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between October 2007 and September 2017. A structured pro forma was used to study patients with suspected amebic liver abscess. Patient demographics, clinical and laboratory features as well as radiological findings were noted. The types of treatment and outcomes of management were also determined. The SPSS v20 software was used. Appropriate statistical analysis including chi square, Fischer's exact, Independent T test and Mann U Whitney test were utilized. A p- value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 89 patients were treated for amebic liver abscess during this period. Thirteen (13) patients required drainage. Variables associated with drainage included the following: Symptom duration >5 weeks, Abscess cavity >5cm, estimated fluid volume >500mls on imaging, abscess cavity wall thickness >5mm, liver segment involved < segment 5(i.e. segments 1-4 or the left hemi-liver) and parenteral antibiotic therapy lasting more than 5 days. Open drainage via a mini-laparotomy was the preferred method of intervention for technical reasons. Conclusion: A simplified rule of 5's may be used to determine the need for drainage of liver abscesses. These findings need to be validated by appropriately powered prospective studies.

Conceptual configuration synthesis and topology structure analysis of double-layer hoop deployable antenna unit

A method involving conceptual configuration synthesis and topology structure analysis is developed based on graph theory to obtain a series of double-layer hoop deployable antenna units (DHDAUs) that can be folded into straight lines. First, a procedure for synthesizing the conceptual configurations of DHDAUs is obtained by combining graph properties, weighted adjacency matrixes, and several principles. Second, a fundamental topological graph is presented to describe joint connections in a DHDAU on the basis of the adjacency matrix. The fundamental topological graph is reduced to a two-color topological graph by applying various simplified rules and topology properties. Third, a procedure for the identification of kinematic joints is established to fold DHDAUs into lines. Finally, three types of DHDAUs are obtained through this synthesis approach. The models, which were produced via 3D printing, can be deployed flexibly, thus proving the correctness of the theoretical analysis. These methods can provide guidance for the design of large aerospace deployable mechanisms.

Creep-fatigue design rules for cyclic softening steels

Based on existing lifetime and damage models a new approach is developed for the assessment of creep-fatigue lifetime of components made out of cyclic softening steel, in particular EUROFER97. For the application of the new creep-fatigue rules among others lifetime data from special tests, in particular creep tests on pre-fatigued specimens are required. Therefore, a test matrix is proposed and conducted for EUROFER97 in which the efforts are minimized by utilizing the Monkman-Grant relationship and its independence on pre-cyclic deformation and cyclic softening, respectively. To facilitate their implementation in existing design criteria the new creep-fatigue rules are simplified by introducing the cyclic softening stress factor with which the impact of cyclic softening on creep rupture time is considered. The assessment of creep-fatigue in LCF tests with hold-times performed on EUROFER97 using the new rules demonstrates their applicability to cyclic softening ferritic-martensitic steels without being overly conservative. A draft for implementing the simplified rules in the respective chapter of structural design code is elaborated in addition.

Zero-dimensional lumped approach to incorporate the dynamic part of the pressure at vessel junctions in a 1D wave propagation model.

A benchmark study by Boileau et al tested 6 commonly used numerical schemes for 1D wave propagation, for their ability to capture the main features of pressure, flow, and area waveforms in large arteries. While all numerical schemes showed good agreement in pressure and flow waveforms for smaller arterial networks, the simplified trapezium rule method proposed by Kroon et al showed an overestimation for the systolic pressure of 1% in proximal regions and an underestimation of 3% in distal regions in comparison with the 5 other schemes when using a larger arterial network, published as the ADAN56 model. The authors attributed this difference to the neglection of the dynamic part of the pressure at vessel junctions. Carson et al resolved these differences by proposing 2 methods to implement the dynamic part of the pressure in the simplified trapezium rule method scheme. In the present study, an alternative method is introduced extending the work by Kroon et al. This alternative method consists of a new 0D element, which is placed at vessel junctions. The strength of this new element is the ease of implementation and its flexible coupling with other elements, without introducing additional degrees of freedom or the need of a penalty function. This new approach is compared with 5 other numerical schemes, which already have the dynamic part of the pressure incorporated. The new method shows excellent agreement with these schemes for the ADAN56 model.

Improving Mental Health Outcomes Assessment with the Mental Health Inventory‐21

ObjectiveThere is a growing consensus that mental health should be conceptualised as a complete state that considers both illness and well‐being components. In Australian mental health services, the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) is the only one of the three currently used consumer outcome measures that includes this broader perspective. However, the MHI has been criticised for its length, and variable factor structure. In order to improve the clinical utility of the MHI, a reliability and validity study of the MHI was undertaken.MethodThe original 38‐item version of the MHI was administered to an Australian adult community sample (n = 616), along with two other consumer outcome measures (BASIS‐32 and Kessler‐10), a measure of psychological distress (DASS‐21) and a measure of well‐being (Satisfaction with Life Scale).ResultsParallel analysis did not support the original factor structure of the MHI. The data indicated a correlated three‐factor structure, measuring psychological distress, emotional well‐being, and hopelessness. Seventeen items were deleted due to split loadings > .3, producing a shorter 21‐item scale. New simplified additive scoring rules were also developed to support the practical utility of the scale.ConclusionResearch, clinical practice and consumer feedback consistently highlight the need for a balanced assessment approach to mental health, which considers not only illness symptomatology, but also the characteristics of well‐being that support recovery. Use of the three subscales of the MHI‐21 would support a complete state assessment of mental health outcomes.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 10:35 AM – 12:00 PM Cervical Spine Trauma: 22. A simplified clinical prediction rule for prognosticating independent walking after spinal cord injury: a prospective study from a Canadian multicenter spinal cord injury registry

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Models for predicting recovery in patients affected with traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) have been developed in recent years to optimize patient-centered care. Several databases and analytical models have been validated in their ability to predict tSCI recovery, yet recent findings have queried the accuracy of these models in patients whose prognoses are least predictable, ie, AIS B and C patients. PURPOSE To examine the predictive accuracy of van Middendorp's five-variable and Hicks’ three-variable LR models in the subset of AIS B and C patients. Secondly, to assess the predictive accuracy of a novel, seven-variable logistic regression model in this cohort. Thirdly, to investigate the utility of advanced computing models based on artificial intelligence in the context of AIS B and C prognostication. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Prospective cohort study using the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry, a pan-Canadian prospective observational registry. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients who sustained tSCI between 2004 and 2016. OUTCOME MEASURES Neurological severity (AIS) at time of admission and level of injury was assessed within 15 days of injury according to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Independent walking ability was assessed by the FIM at ≥12 months from time of injury, by which time neurologic and functional outcomes are known to plateau (16-20). METHODS Three logistic regression models and two artificial intelligence models were evaluated for their ability to predict walking ability one-year postinjury. Comparison of prognostic performance between models was calculated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS A total of 675 tSCI patients within the RHSCIR were identified for our study. From 160 AIS B and C patients, our modified LR model demonstrated an AUC of 0.854 (95% CI 0.808–0.900). For the same cohort, van Middendorp et al.’s LR model generated an AUC of 0.833 (95% CI 0.771–0.895), while the artificial intelligence model presenting the highest degree of prognostic ability (neural networking) generated an AUC of 0.872. There were no significant differences in predictive accuracy between models (p>.05). The AUC for 515 AIS A and D patients utilizing van Middendorp et al.’s LR model was 0.954. CONCLUSIONS Application of our novel, seven-variable LR model, two previously tested LR models, and two artificial intelligence models demonstrated limited predictive accuracy for AIS B and C patients. These findings suggest that former models achieved strong prognostic accuracy through a high proportion of AIS A and D patients in their analysis cohort; furthermore, present models cannot effectively predict ambulatory outcomes in AIS B and C patients, regardless of methodology. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Simulation of Multipurpose Reservoir Operation with Hedging Rules

Reservoir operation plays an important role in the economic development of a region. The storage reservoirs are not only useful for supplying water for municipal and irrigation purpose, but also act as a protection barrier form flood, and the stored water can be used for generation of electricity power as well. To meet the objectives for which the reservoir was planned, it is vital to formulate guidelines for the operation of reservoir. This can be achieved by systematic operation of the system, and by the use of systematic and simplified rule curve for the operation of reservoir. Hedging rules are popular in drinking and irrigation water supply. Application of hedging is now gaining focus for hydropower power reservoir operation. In the present study, attempt has been made to formulate a new operating rule for multipurpose reservoir using hedging rules and the developed model was applied to a case study of Bargi reservoir in the Narmada basin in India. In order to increase the reliability of water supply for municipal, irrigation and average annual power production, the new operating rule has been developed using Standard Operation Policy (SOP) and hedging rule according to the priority of release for different purposes. The hedging rule based simulation model satisfies 97.5% of municipal water supply which is more than 8.25% of the present operational policy. The spill of the reservoir is decreased by 57 % compared to present policy. The performances of different hedging rules were compared with that of a new standard operating policies and the superiority of the hedging rules are discussed in this paper.

How do we efficiently generate high-resolution hydraulic models at large numbers of riverine reaches?

In support of efforts to quantify relationships between juvenile salmonid habitat and population dynamics in the Pacific Northwest, over 2200 hydraulic models were generated at more than 900 individual reaches with unique bathymetry. Hydraulic models generated two dimensional field estimates of depth and velocity for each survey, providing a key linkage used to relate bathymetry and habitat data to juvenile salmonid population dynamics. Generating more than 2200 hydraulic models required development of an automated process to generate input files specifying bathymetry, computational grids, and boundary conditions for the Delft3D Flow software (which we run in 2D, and hereafter refer to as “Delft Flow” for clarity), enabling batch-processing of large numbers of hydraulic models, which is the novel advancement we present here. Hydraulic model inputs included digital elevation models (DEM) from topographic surveys, estimates of surface roughness based on pebble size distributions, and discharge. Outputs included velocity vector and depth fields estimated on a rectilinear grid of 10 cm spacing between grid points. Modeled velocities and depths were in reasonable agreement with field-collected velocities and depths. Certain topographic features, such as undercut banks and porous structures not represented in the DEM, resulted in modeled values that failed to reflect accurate velocities but were explained by the presence of these features. By utilizing a rectilinear grid, scaling grid spacing to computational resource limitations, leveraging a cloud computing system, and selecting simplified rules for discharge distribution for boundary conditions and model run times, we were able to successfully automate the hydraulic modeling process. Overall, automation of hydraulic model generation met precision and accuracy needs of habitat condition models, lowered labor costs, and standardized the modeling workflow, and enabled high survey volume processing needs.

Working towards an objective segmental assessment of trunk control in children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundPhysical therapy evaluations of motor control are currently based on subjective clinical assessments. Despite validation, these can still be inconsistent between therapists and between clinics, compromising the process of validating a therapeutic intervention and the subsequent generation of evidence-based practice (EBP) guidelines. EBP benefits from well-defined objective measurements that complement existing subjective assessments. Research questionThe aim of this study was to develop an objective measure of head/trunk control in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) using previously developed video-based methods of head/trunk alignment and absence of external support and compare these with the existing subjective Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo). MethodsTwelve children with CP were recruited and an average of 3 (±1.1) SATCo tests performed per child. The full SATCo was concurrently video-recorded from a sagittal view; markers were placed on specific landmarks of the head, trunk and pelvis to track and estimate head/trunk segment position. A simplified objective rule was created for control and used on videos showing no external support. This replicated the clinical parameters and enabled identification of the segmental-loss-of-control. The subjectively and objectively identified segmental-loss-of-control were compared using a Pearson Correlation Coefficient. ResultsAn angular-threshold of 17° from alignment showed the minimum bias between the subjectively and the objectively measured segmental-loss-of-control (mean error =−0.11 and RMSE = 1.5) and a significant correlation (r = 0.78, r2 = 0.61, p < .01). SignificanceThis study showed that simple objective video-based measurements can be used to reconstruct the subjective assessment of segmental head/trunk control. This suggests that a clinically-friendly video-based objective measure has future potential to complement subjective assessments and to assist in the generation of EBP guidelines. Further development will increase the information that can be extracted from video images and enable generation of a fully automated objective measure.

On the application of continuous buried periodic inclusions on the filtering of traffic vibrations: A numerical study

The topic of vibrations induced by rail traffic has received a special attention from the scientific community over the last decades, which is justified by the increase of health awareness and comfort demands by the communities living nearby such infrastructures. Regarding mitigation of sound waves propagation, innovative solutions based on the phononic crystals concept have been extensively studied in recent years and their capability to attenuate wave propagation at specific frequency bands is well known. However, the extension of this concept to shield sensitive buildings from elastic waves propagation induced by traffic and by other human activities is not completely understood due to the lack of studies in this topic. Therefore, the present paper aims to give a contribution on the analysis of the vibration attenuation that can be provided by buried periodic structures when applied parallel to railway tracks. To achieve this goal, a numerical approach is followed with a 2.5D finite element method combined with perfectly matched layers (FEM-PML) model, previously developed by the authors, being applied in order to obtain a deeper understanding about the attenuation effects that can be provided by arrays of periodic buried inclusions. A step-by-step study is carried out to get an accurate insight about the phenomena involved, allowing the derivation of theoretical expressions and simplified rules that can be useful for the design of vibration mitigation solutions based on this concept.

Investigative interviewing: Assessing questioning strategies employed to children in conflict with the law

AbstractAs majority of criminal cases in the Philippines are often challenged by the plight to obtain voluntary narratives from Children who are in Conflict with the Law (CICL) (National Police Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Republic of the Philippines 2009.Adoption of the police manual on the management of cases of children in conflict with the law (CICL) and the simplified rules in the apprehension and investigation of CICL, Resolution No. 415.), and Forensic Linguistics being a relatively new field in the local setting, it is timely to assess the questioning strategies heavily relied upon by law enforcement officers in the investigative process. However, questioning strategies geared to address purely the investigations of children in conflict with the law has so far been hardly formally investigated. This study was aimed at examining the questioning strategies used in by the authorities in investigating adolescents accused ofcrime against property. Fifteen transcripts of audio-recorded investigative interviews from selected law enforcement authorities in Manila and Quezon City were analyzed vis-à-vis (Shepherd, Eric. 2007.Investigative interviewing: The conversation management approach. Oxford: Oxford University Press). Forms of Questions and (Gibbons, John. 2003.Forensic Linguistics: An introduction to language in the justice system. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing) Cognitive Interview (CI) frameworks. Based on (Shepherd, Eric. 2007.Investigative interviewing: The conversation management approach. Oxford: Oxford University Press) Shepherd’s framework, results yielded reveal that most officers employed counter-productive questions, i.e. abusive, intimidating, and aggressive techniques to prompt controlled confession from alleged youth offenders. The study also found that the investigative officers did not follow a specific interviewing structure in handling cases of alleged youth offenders. As the use of appropriate questioning techniques have been presented in the study, it is recommended that a pivotal redraft be made in police CICL interviewing manuals.