Reflective Nested Simulations Supporting Optimizations within Sequential Railway Traffic Simulators

This article describes and discusses railway-traffic simulators that use reflective nested simulations. Such simulations support optimizations (decision-making) with a focus on the selection of the most suitable solution where selected types of traffic problems are present. This approach allows suspension of the ongoing main simulation at a given moment and, by using supportive nested simulations (working with an appropriate lookahead), assessment of the different acceptable solution variants for the problem encountered—that is, a what-if analysis is carried out. The variant that provides the best predicted operational results (based on a specific criterion) is then selected for continuing the suspended main simulation. The proposed procedures are associated, in particular, with the use of sequential simulators specifically developed for railway traffic simulations. Special attention is paid to parallel computations of replications both of the main simulation and of supportive nested simulations. The concept proposed, applicable to railway traffic modelling, has the following advantages. First, the solution variants for the existing traffic situation are analyzed with respect to the feasibility of direct monitoring and evaluation of the natural traffic indicators or the appropriate (multi-criterial) function. The indicator values compare the results obtained from the variants being tested. Second, the supporting nested simulations, which potentially use additional hierarchic nesting, can also include future occurrences of random effects (such as train delay), thereby enabling us to realistically assess future traffic in stochastic conditions. The guidelines presented (for exploiting nested simulations within application projects with time constraints) are illustrated on a simulation case study focusing on traffic assessment related to the track infrastructure of a passenger railway station. Nested simulations support decisions linked with dynamic assignments of platform tracks to delayed trains. The use of reflective nested simulations is appropriate particularly in situations in which a reasonable number of admissible variants are to be analyzed within decision-making problem solution. This method is applicable especially to the support of medium-term (tactical) and long-term (strategic) planning. Because of rather high computational and time demands, nested simulations are not recommended for solving short-term (operative) planning/control problems.

The association between student body mass index and tests of flexibility assessed by the FITNESSGRAM®: New York City public school students, 2017–18

FITNESSGRAM® is the most widely used criterion-referenced tool to assess/report on student health-related fitness across the US. Potential weight-related biases with the two most common tests of musculoskeletal fitness–the trunk extension and Back-Saver Sit-and-Reach (sit-and-reach)—have been hypothesized, though have not been studied. To determine the association between musculoskeletal fitness test performance and weight status, we use data from 571,133 New York City public school 4th-12th grade students (85% non-White; 75% qualified for free or reduced-price meals) with valid/complete 2017–18 FITNESSGRAM® data. Adjusted logistic mixed effects models with a random effect for school examined the association between weight status and whether a student was in the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ; met sex- and age-specific criterion-referenced standards) for the trunk extension and sit-and-reach. Compared to students with normal weight, the odds of being in the HFZ for trunk extension were lower for students with underweight (OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.741, 0.795) and higher for students with overweight (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.081, 1.122) and obesity (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.090, 1.13). The odds of being in the HFZ for sit-and-reach were lower for students with underweight OR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.826, 0.878), overweight (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.819, 0.844) and obesity (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.641, 0.661). Students with overweight and obesity perform better on the trunk extension, yet worse on the sit-and-reach, compared to students with normal weight. Teachers, administrators, and researchers should be aware of the relationship of BMI with student performance in these assessments.

Offshore Structure Specific Performance Targets

Offshore structures exist in the harshest environments and each region is unique in the severity and development of extreme weathers. This had led to challenges in the identification of a single criterion that's internationally applicable. ADNOC Offshore and Kent, formerly Atkins Oil and Gas, worked closely in 2010 to develop a high-level generalised regional criterion for the Arabian Gulf and in 2020, a major project was conducted to develop a structure-specific criterion that resulted in considerable improvement in risk levels and financial gains. For each of ADNOC Offshore's 480 structures, a Response Based Metocean Analysis (RBMA) was conducted adopting Tromans and Vanderschuren (1995) approach. Structure specific hindcast data at 3-hour intervals over a period of 37 years was analysed, isolating storms and executing hydrodynamic analyses considering joint environmental conditions. Through adopting a combination of peak-over-threshold method and Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo (MCMC) simulations, convolution of long-term (storms) and short-term (wave probabilities within a storm) was conducted resulting in the generation of the Hazard Curves that account for the possible uncertainties associated with variations in each of the distributions. The structure specific response based metocean analysis resulted in a considerable improvement in the criteria for ADNOC Offshore’s structures. The resulting Hazard Curve ratios (10,000-year to 100-year response parameter ratio) for approximately 95% of the structures were evaluated lower as compared to the 2010 generalised study. It was observed that the water current profiles had a significant impact on the hazard ratios, and specially for assets in the vicinity of the islands. Based on the resulting hazard ratios a detailed risk assessment was conducted and compliance and life extension of most of ADNOC Offshore structures was justified without the need for physical strengthening of their assets. Through the use of machine-learning algorithms associated with serval statistical sampling techniques, extreme value analysis was conducted in conjunction with the MCMC approach and resulted in what is likely to be the largest offshore fleet application of the method.

The Implementation of Teachers’ Pedagogical and Professional Competence in Authentic Assessment

This study aims to explain the teacher’s pedagogical competence and professional competence on EFL, authentic assessment on EFL, describe the application of authentic assessment, and investigate the effect of teachers' pedagogical and professional competencies on authentic assessment practice. This qualitative study investigated the effects of pedagogical and professional competencies on authentic assessment practice. The subjects of the study consisted of the English teachers of Public Senior High School 1 Jepara. The data were collected with the observation checklist, questionnaire, and interview. The data were analyzed with Miles and Huberman's model. The teacher manifested her pedagogical competence into the plan implementation, evaluation, and reflection. The way she applied authentic assessment was only with the project. She was aware of the function of authentic assessment. It was proven that she did not level up the learning activities when the learners had not passed a specific criterion she determined. However, since she did not provide corrective feedbacks, the learners felt that the teacher only assessed the final project product. Moreover, the teacher did not provide a proper evaluation. She only provided the correct examples, so it made the learners could not arrange their plans. This situation could be improved if the teacher continuously developed her academic qualification and competence based on science, technology, and artistic advancement. Teachers should have this features to be more professional.

Assessing food and nutrition literacy in children and adolescents: a systematic review of existing tools

Objective: Food literacy (FL) and nutrition literacy (NL) are concepts that can help individuals to navigate the current food environment. Building these skills and knowledge at a young age is important for skill retention, confidence in food practices and supporting lifelong healthy eating habits. The objectives of this systematic review were to: (i) identify existing tools that measure FL and NL among children and/or adolescents and (ii) describe the psychometric properties. Design: A 4-phase protocol was used to systematically retrieve articles. The search was performed in May 2021. Study characteristics and psychometric properties were extracted, and a narrative synthesis was used to summarise findings. Risk of bias was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. Setting: Six databases were searched to identify current tools. Participants: Children (2–12 years) and adolescents (13–18 years) participated in this study. Results: Twelve tools were identified. Three tools measured FL, 1 tool measured NL, 4 tools measured both FL and NL, and 4 tools measured subareas of NL—more specifically, critical NL, food label and menu board literacy. Most tools were self-reported, developed based on a theoretical framework and assessed some components of validity and/or reliability for a specific age and ethnic group. The majority of tools targeted older children and adolescents (9–18 years of age), and one tool targeted preschoolers (3–6 years of age). Conclusions: Most widely used definitions of FL and NL do not acknowledge life-stage specific criterion. Continued efforts are needed to develop a comprehensive definition and framework of FL and NL appropriate for children, which will help inform future assessment tools.

2006 to 2019 Story; percutaneously implantable aortic valve prototypes

Aims A review was conducted on the composition, advantages and limitations of available aortic valve prototypes to create an ideal valve for percutaneous implantation. Patients Patients with multiple comorbidities who cannot withstand the risks of open cardiac surgery. Methodology The search was performed using online databases and textbooks. Articles were excluded based on specific criterion. Results Ten prototypes created between 2006 and 2019 were found and reviewed. The prototypes had a set of advantages and limitations with their characteristics coinciding at times. Conclusions The ideal percutaneously implantable aortic valve should have minimum coaptation height, zero folds in the leaflets, minimum valve height, minimum leaflet flexion and three leaflets. It can be composed of biological or synthetic material, as long as it provides minimal risk of thrombosis. However, more studies are needed to ensure other ideal parameters.

“We have either obsolete knowledge, obsolete equipment or obsolete skills”: policy-makers and clinical managers’ views on maternal health delivery in rural Nigeria

ObjectiveThe objective of this paper is to explore policy-makers and clinical managers’ views on maternal health service delivery in rural Nigeria.DesignThis is a qualitative study using key informant interviews. Participants’ responses were audio recorded and reflective field notes supplemented the transcripts. Data were further analysed with a deductive approach whereby themes were organised based on existing literature and theories on service delivery.SettingThe study was set in Esan South East (ESE) and Etsako East (ETE), two mainly rural local government areas of Edo state, Nigeria.ParticipantsThe study participants consisted of 13 key informants who are policy-makers and clinical managers in ESE and ETE in Edo state. Key informants were chosen using a purposeful criterion sampling technique whereby participants were identified because they meet or exceed a specific criterion related to the subject matter.ResultsRespondents generally depicted maternal care services in primary healthcare centres as inaccessible due to undue barriers of cost and geographic location but deemed it acceptable to women. Respondents’ notion of quality of service delivery encompassed factors such as patient-provider relationships, hygienic conditions of primary healthcare centres, availability of skilled healthcare staff and infrastructural constraints.ConclusionThis study revealed that while some key aspects of service delivery are inadequate in rural primary healthcare centres, there are promising policy reforms underway to address some of the issues. It is important that health officials advocate for strong policies and implementation strategies.

Daylight in Buildings and Visual Comfort Evaluation: the Advantages and Limitations

Exposure to daylight significantly affects the psychological well-being of occupants by diminishing headaches, eye tensions, or stress. Daylight penetration is a matter of collaboration between building façade and perimeter zones that can be controlled through façade design features. This study reviews available daylighting systems to block or redirect natural light inside the space and their overall performance. Adaptation found to be the main key feature of daylighting systems to improve their effectiveness in indoor environments. As the main implication of such systems on the visual comfort performance of occupants, a list of quantitative indices is studied based on their mathematical equation to outline their advantages and limitations. Findings revealed a lack of agreement on acceptable indoor illuminance thresholds for most of the indices and the absence of a reliable glare index in presence of sun within the view field of the occupant. Similarly, many green building certifications propose a specific criterion to assess view out but remained a challenge for future studies.

The new criteria for a COVID19 patient for the clinical practice to determine the need for an early therapeutic regimen and to decrease mortality

A new predictive criterion is being proposed for the determination of cytokine storm (CS) in COVID-19 (COVID-CS). It is comprised of results of laboratory that associate the pro-inflammatory status, systemic cell death, multi-organ tissue damage, and pre-renal electrolyte imbalance. The data identifies the patients’ stay in hospitals and their mortality with the relevance of hyper-inflammation and tissue damage during the CS. The criteria can be readily used in clinical practice to determine the need for an early therapeutic regimen, block the hyper-immune response and possibly decrease mortality. It helps to understand the nature of the virus by following a specific criterion to predict the disease. The SARS-CoV-2 tells us in few days what nature has decided for the patient i.e., recovery, death or permanent disability. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.3630 How to cite this:Bukhari MH, Zain S, Syed M. The new criteria for a COVID19 patient for the clinical practice to determine the need for an early therapeutic regimen and to decrease mortality. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.3630 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

PROMETHEE-SAPEVO-M1 a Hybrid Approach Based on Ordinal and Cardinal Inputs: Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Helicopters to Support Brazilian Navy Operations

This paper presents a new approach based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), named PROMETHEE-SAPEVO-M1, through its implementation and feasibility related to the decision-making process regarding the evaluation of helicopters of attack of the Brazilian Navy. The proposed methodology aims to present an integration of ordinal evaluation into the cardinal procedure from the PROMETHEE method, enabling to perform qualitative and quantitative data and generate the criteria weights by pairwise evaluation, transparently. The modeling provides three models of preference analysis, as partial, complete, and outranking by intervals, along with an intra-criterion analysis by veto threshold, enabling the analysis of the performance of an alternative in a specific criterion. As a demonstration of the application, is carried out a case study by the PROMETHEE-SAPEVO-M1 web platform, addressing a strategic analysis of attack helicopters to be acquired by the Brazilian Navy, from the need to be evaluating multiple specifications with different levels of importance within the context problem. The modeling implementation in the case study is made in detail, first performing the alternatives in each criterion and then presenting the results by three different models of preference analysis, along with the intra-criterion analysis and a rank reversal procedure. Moreover, is realized a comparison analysis to the PROMETHEE method, exploring the main features of the PROMETHEE-SAPEVO-M1. Moreover, a section of discussion is presented, exposing some features and main points of the proposal. Therefore, this paper provides a valuable contribution to academia and society since it represents the application of an MCDA method in the state of the art, contributing to the decision-making resolution of the most diverse real problems.