Terminal Conditions Research Articles

Invariant relations for affine loops

AbstractInvariant relations are used to analyze while loops; while their primary application is to derive the function of a loop, they can also be used to derive loop invariants, weakest preconditions, strongest postconditions, sufficient conditions of correctness, necessary conditions of correctness, and termination conditions of loops. In this paper we present two generic invariant relations that capture the semantics of loops whose loop body applies affine transformations on numeric variables.

A Case Report of 80-Year-Old Male with Total Atrioventricular Block, Acute Decompensated Heart Failure, and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Very High Risk: A Complicated Case in Limited Resources Setting

Background: Cardiovascular disease is still a major problem globally, with high morbidity and mortality rates. The progression of cardiovascular disease is so dynamic that it can leave the patient in a terminal condition. Given the high mortality and morbidity accompanied by rapid disease progression, understanding the appropriate management of each patient with comorbid heart disease is very important. Case presentation: We report an 80-year-old male with TAVB (Total Atrioventricular Block), ADHF (Acute Decompensated Heart Failure), and NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). The patient was treated and stabilized intensively in our center based on protocol. Due to the rapid progression of the disease, we referred the patient to the tertiary hospital in Bali for further advanced treatment. Conclusion: The mortality rate in cases of cardiovascular diseases is relatively high, requiring rapid and adequate treatment to provide better clinical outcomes.

Palliative care considerations for the older adults with HIV/AIDS: a clinical practice review.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has historically been viewed as a terminal condition affecting younger populations, however, with advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and better healthcare provisions, people with HIV are now living longer than ever before. This shift has highlighted the need to readdress the end-of-life care needs of patients aging with HIV. People aging with HIV face a double burden. Aging itself comes with an array of health challenges, including cognitive decline, frailty, and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses. Despite effective management with ART, HIV is associated with ongoing inflammation, and may accelerate aging processes, increasing the risk of certain cancers and comorbidities, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The stigma surrounding HIV, though diminished over the years, still lingers. People living with HIV have experienced decades of intersecting stigmatized identities in the context of social isolation, leading to potential psychological challenges like depression, anxiety, and loneliness, all of which may be amplified by aging. Addressing these emotional and social needs is as crucial as managing their physical health. The integration of primary palliative care into geriatric practice is crucial, as it improves the quality of life for older patients with chronic illnesses, lifelimiting conditions. This is particularly relevant for aging individuals with HIV, who often face complex medical needs and multiple comorbidities. Primary palliative care is the basic, integrated palliative care support provided by non-specialists as part of routine care, while specialist palliative care involves more complex and specialized support from a team with specific training in palliative care. Incorporating palliative care principles enables geriatric healthcare providers to address these comprehensive needs more effectively. This approach encompasses not only physical symptom management but also the emotional well-being of patients. It aids in advanced care planning and decision-making that resonate with the patients' values and goals. Ultimately, this integrated approach leads to improved patient outcomes and a higher quality of care. This review delves into the unique considerations and challenges of providing palliative care to people aging with HIV, recognizing the interplay of age and HIV in the era of modern ART.

End-of-Life Care of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias.

End-of-life (EOL) care has been a common option for patients with terminal medical conditions such as cancers. However, the utilization of EOL care in Alzheimer disease and other dementing conditions have become available relatively recently. As the end-stage dementia approaches, the clinicians and caregivers become faced with numerous clinical challenges-delirium, neuropbehavioral symptoms, the patient's inability to communicate pain and associated discomfort, food refusal, and so on. In addition to providing quality clinical care to the EOL patients, clinicians should pay special attention to their families, assuring that their loved ones will receive supportive measures to improve quality of life (QOL).

Control of a three-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot via a mixed FTB/$$\mathcal H_\infty $$ approach

AbstractIn this paper, the problem of guidance and motion control of mobile robots is addressed and solved within the novel framework of the mixed finite-time/$$\mathcal H_\infty $$ H ∞ control theory of nonlinear quadratic systems (NLQSs). Starting from a NLQS describing the dynamics of omnidirectional mobile platforms, the main tasks performed for controlling in closed loop the motion of omnidirectional robots can be conveniently formulated as a mixed finite-time/$$\mathcal H_\infty $$ H ∞ control problem. A robust motion controller, which can effectively rejects disturbances deviating the robot platform from a planned path, can be designed after choosing a linear state-feedback structure for the controller. The synthesis problem is solved through some sufficient conditions contemplating both norm-bounded disturbances and sets constraining initial and terminal conditions, together with a finite-time bound on the output transient. Therefore, for all the allowable uncertainties, in presence of nonzero initial conditions and exogenous disturbance inputs which are possible within an unstructured environment, the motion control tasks can be accomplished through optimal $$\mathcal H_\infty $$ H ∞ performance by simultaneously guaranteeing that the NLQS, which governs in closed loop the robot platform, is finite-time bounded. Finally, the applicability and control performance of the design approach have been evaluated through numerical simulations.

Numerical continued fraction interpolation

UDC 517.524 We show that highly accurate approximations can often be obtained by constructing Thiele interpolating continued fractions by a Greedy selection of the interpolation points together with an early termination condition. The obtained results are comparable with the outcome of state-of-the-art rational interpolation techniques based on the barycentric form.

An adding‐points strategy surrogate model for well control optimization based on radial basis function neural network

AbstractThis work introduces a new adding points strategy for augmenting the accuracy of reservoir proxy model and improving the effect of well control optimization. The method is based on the optimization process of a radial basis function neural network and genetic algorithm (GA), which aids in identifying the more important points to be included in the sample space. Notably, the uniqueness of this method lies in selecting the points of higher importance for subsequent optimization processes across the entire sample space. These selected points are then added to the surrogate model. The surrogate model is updated for each generation until the termination condition is satisfied, enabling the surrogate model to achieve improved accuracy. The results show that the new method is more effective, superior, and converges faster than the traditional method.

Analysis of current distribution and termination conditions in 2D metasurfaces

Analysis of current distribution and termination conditions in 2D metasurfaces

A Novel Auction-Based Truck Appointment System for Marine Terminals

Background: Increased maritime trade has led to a surge in drayage operations, causing congestion and environmental issues in port areas. Truck Appointment Systems (TASs) are commonly used to manage truck arrival rates, yet transparency and equity in slot allocation remain problematic, fostering distrust between Licensed Motor Carriers (LMCs) and Marine Terminal Operators (MTOs). Methods: This study proposes a polycentric approach to improve truck scheduling and ensure that those impacted by decisions are involved in the decision-making process. A single-round auction mechanism focused on optimizing the truck hauling process through a pricing policy that promotes sincere bidding is introduced. The proposed approach employs an optimization strategy to achieve equitable coordination in truck synchronization through means of adaptable capacity management. Results: Numerical experiments assessing scenarios of noncollaborative behavior against partial collaboration between MTOs and LMCs demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in enhancing user satisfaction and terminal conditions for a case study focused on a medium-sized terminal. Collaboration between trucking companies is shown to increase utility per monetary unit spent on slot acquisition. Conclusions: The polycentric strategy offers a solution to TAS limitations by ensuring stakeholder participation with respect to flexibility and transparency by ensuring that those impacted by decisions are involved in the decision-making process.

Finite termination of the optimal solution sequence in parametric optimization

This paper investigates the finite termination of the optimal solution sequence in parametric optimization as a subproblem of the equilibrium problems. By introducing an augmented mapping on the solution set of the equilibrium problems, we establish the concept of augmented weak sharpness for this set relative to the sequence of optimal solutions in parametric optimization. Augmented weak sharpness is an extension of the concepts of weak sharpness and strongly non-degeneracy. Under the condition that the solution set of the equilibrium problems is augmented weak sharpness, sufficient conditions for the finite termination of the sequence of optimal solutions in parametric optimization are provided. For some special cases of the equilibrium problems (Mathematical Programming (MP), Variational Inequality Problems (VIP), etc.), these results extend the corresponding results under weak sharpness or strongly non-degeneracy conditions in the existing literature. Additionally, they also provide weaker sufficient conditions for the finite termination of many optimization algorithms.

Thrust continuation of time-optimal orbital transfers with soft terminal conditions

Thrust continuation of time-optimal orbital transfers with soft terminal conditions

Фундаментальний аналіз та оптимізація (мінімізація) динамічних навантажень у пружних елементах механізмів підйому вантажу кранів. Частина ІІ

A scientifically substantiated methodology of optimization of motion modes of machines and mechanisms (in particular, city-building cranes) based on minimization of integral functionals, which reflect undesirable properties of mechanical systems, and terminal (initial/final) conditions of motion of the mechanism of lifting cargoes by cranes have a physical meaning and are based on Newton's laws of mechanics, is proposed. The modes of motion of specific mechanical systems with a linear function of the position of elements are optimized on the example of mechanisms of load-lifting city-building cranes. It is shown that the influence of motion modes of drive mechanisms on dynamic loads in elastic elements of the mechanism of lifting mechanism of a city-building crane (ropes) is essential. The parameters of such modes of functioning/movement of such systems, at which exactly dynamic stresses of ropes at the stages of start-up of mechanisms of lifting mechanism of cranes are minimized, are determined. The results obtained in the work can further serve to clarify and improve the existing engineering methods of calculation of load lifting mechanisms of urban cranes in order to minimize the dynamic stresses of their rope systems at the start-up stage, as well as to prevent the occurrence of possible emergency situations. Such an approach can be realized both at the stages of design of the mentioned mechanisms and in the modes of proper operation.

Design and optimization of boil-off gas recondensation process by recovering waste cold energy in LNG regasification terminals

In any LNG regasification terminal, boil-off gas (BOG) generation is unavoidable. BOG being predominantly methane, a sustainable and cost-effective BOG management process for any given LNG terminal conditions is of utmost necessary from both economic and environmental perspectives. LNG has substantial amount of cold energy, which is completely wasted when LNG is regassified using air or water at ambient conditions. In this study, we have developed a superstructure encompassing various process integration options to recondense the generated BOG completely using LNG cold energy. The proposed superstructure is optimized using a simulation-based optimization framework to minimize the total annualized cost for the BOG management process. We have performed several case studies to investigate the impact of different LNG terminal conditions on the BOG management process. Results obtained from our proposed framework not only yields the optimal configuration for BOG recondensation process but also provides the optimal operating conditions for any given LNG terminal condition. Our results show that variations in LNG compositions and regasification pressures do not influence the optimal configuration but they do influence the optimal process operating conditions. The amount of BOG to be recondensed strongly influences both optimal BOG management configuration as well as the process operating conditions.

Fractional structure and texture aware model for image Retinex and low-light enhancement

This paper proposes a fractional structure and texture aware Retinex (FSTAR) model for image decomposition with application to low-light enhancement. First, a novel structure aware measure called Maximum Fractional Difference (MFD) is introduced, which is the maximum of fractional differences of the input image in eight symmetric directions. Then fractional structure and texture aware maps are built based on MFD and Huber function from robust statistics, which are used as weighted matrices in the regularization terms of reflectance and illumination components. To ensure the intrinsic physical constraints of Retinex on two components, two extra penalty terms are incorporated into the objective function of FSTAR to penalize deviations of the estimated components from the corresponding constraints. The FSTAR is solved via an alternating iterative algorithm; i.e., the objective function is minimized with respect to one variable with another variable fixed, and this process is done alternately until termination condition is met. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of FSTAR on three low-light image datasets, compared to ten state-of-the-art methods, show its superior performance in Retinex decomposition and low-light image enhancement.

Effective social spider optimization algorithms for distributed assembly permutation flowshop scheduling problem in automobile manufacturing supply chain

This paper presents a novel distributed assembly permutation flowshop scheduling problem (DAPFSP) based on practical problems in automobile production. Different from the existing research on DAPFSP, this study considers that each component of the final product is composed of more than one part. Components are processed in a set of identical components manufacturing factories and are assembled into products in the assembly factory. The integration of manufacturing processes is an important objective of Industry 4.0. For solving this problem with the minimum makespan criterion, we introduce a three-level representation and a novel initialization method. To enhance the search ability of the proposed algorithms, we design three local search methods and two restart procedures according to characteristics of the problem. Then, by incorporating the problem specific knowledge with the social spider optimization algorithm (SSO), we propose three SSO variants: the SSO with hybrid local search strategies (HSSO), the HSSO with restart procedures (HSSOR), and the HSSOR with self-adaptive selection probability (HSSORP). Finally, 810 extended instances based on the famous instances are used to test the proposed algorithms. In most cases, HSSOR performs the best, with an average comparison metric value of 0.158% across three termination conditions, while the average comparison metric value for the best comparison method is 2.446%, which is 15.481 times that of HSSOR. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can solve the problem efficiently.

Electromagnetics theory-based new equation to improve harmonically tuned power amplifier theory and design

ABSTRACT Power amplifiers (PA) are used to boost the power of signals. Recently, harmonically tuned power amplifiers (HTPA) offer high efficiency and wider bandwidth than conventional PA. HTPA achieves by shaping waveforms using varying drain terminal impedance conditions (open and short-circuited etc.), but this impedance creates reflected waves at the drain. Existing HTPA methods lack a foundation in Electromagnetic Theory (EM), leading them to miss reflected waves. As a result, the existing equations show problems Type I: generate unwanted and non-required higher-order harmonics (n > 3); and Type II: they cannot link with simulated/measured results properly. This paper proposes an alternative approach by applying EM theory to develop a general HTPA equation. This equation works for any HTPA class and overcomes problems (Type I & II). To validate the proposed theory and equation, continuous mode Class F PA is designed and fabricated. Theoretical, simulation and experimental results all showed good agreement.

A direct transcription method for solving distributed-order fractional optimal control problems

This paper considers the numerical solution of distributed-order Fractional Optimal Control Problems (FOCPs). The common approaches for solving these problems involve approximating the problem with a multi-term FOCP and subsequently discretizing the resulting multi-term problem using either a direct or indirect method. However, this paper bypasses the need for approximation with a multi-term FOCP by introducing innovative approximation formulas for distributed-order fractional derivatives. These approximation formulas are directly derived from the conventional Grünwald–Letnikov, L1, and trapezoidal formulas. Building upon these formulas, we develop the relevant fractional-order distributed-order operational matrices. Utilizing the operational matrix, we easily discretize the distributed-order FOCP to a Non-Linear Programming (NLP), which can be solved by a suitable NLP-solver. Additionally, to enhance the efficiency of solving the resulting NLP, we determine the closed-forms of both the Jacobian of constraints and the gradient of the objective function. The presented method is characterized by its speed, simplicity, and ease of implementation. Moreover, it can be used to solve a wide range of distributed-order FOCPs, such as those involving nonlinear dynamics, free final times, free terminal conditions, and path constraints. By means of ample numerical tests, the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are assessed.

Efficacy of Various Chemical Sprays on Plant Growth of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Terminal Heat Stress Conditions

Heat stress is now widely accepted as an important ecological factor influencing growth of plants and production. Rising temperatures as a result of global warming cause heat stress, reducing plant development and potential output throughout the entire globe. A field experiment was carried out at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, to minimize the heat stress induced-losses in chickpea plants with the foliar spray of chemicals during two consecutive years 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Rabi season (November-April). Experimental treatments comprise two chickpea varieties (RVG-202 and RVG-203) sown on same day (15th November). foliar spray of seven chemicals at at vegetative, anthesis and at both stages. The chemcials include Salicylic acid @ 800 ppm, Salicylic acid @ 400 ppm, Ascorbic acid @ 10 ppm, Potassium chloride @ 1%, Thiourea @ 400 ppm, Cycocel @ 400 ppm and Control (no spray). Results suggested that heat stress severely reduced the chickpea growth and productivity. However, foliar application of salicylic acid and thiourea positively affected the plant growth attributes which ultimately increased the final productivity. Concisely, the foliar spray of chemicals particularly, salicylic acid and thiourea modulated the heat stress induced losses in chickpea cultivars, RVG-202 and RVG-203 by improving their antioxidant defense mechanism and enhanced the productivity.

Attitude of the Lithuanian Public toward Medical Assistance in Dying: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Euthanasia and assisted suicide, involving the intentional termination of a patient's life, are subjects of global debate influenced by cultural, ethical, and religious beliefs. This study explored the attitudes of the general public toward euthanasia, finding varying levels of support. A cross-sectional study was conducted. This research specifically evaluated the perspectives of 5804 Lithuanian residents using a survey distributed through social media, which presented medical scenarios on life-preserving interventions. Analysis indicated that gender, religion, experience in caring for patients in a terminal condition, education, and age significantly influenced the attitudes of the respondents toward end-of-life decisions. Specifically, factors like being non-religious or having less experience in caring for the terminally ill correlated with a more positive opinion regarding euthanasia and other forms of medical assistance in dying.

Hope and dementia.

Dementia is a terminal and progressive condition which often brings with it a loss of hope, and feelings of hopelessness in those living with the condition and their family carers. Community nurses are in a unique position of being able to interact with people with dementia and their family carers in their own homes, or the care settings in which they reside, and in some case, will be the only professionals with regular contact with the family. Therefore, they have the opportunity to increase feelings of hope in those they work with. This article will discuss the concept of hope as it relates to dementia. It goes on to give an overview of Snyder's model of hope, which presents hope as a cognitive state, and therefore presents the opportunity for professionals to increase feelings of hope. An overview of the research evidence around hope-based interventions is then given, with the ideas applied to community nursing practice using a case study. This article aims to add some hope-based interventions to the toolkit of community nurses as they work with people and families affected by dementia.