Understanding Estimations of Magnitudes: An fMRI Investigation

The current study examined whether discrete numerical estimation is based on the same cognitive process as estimation of continuous magnitudes such as weight and time. While the verbal estimation of numerical quantities has a contingent unit of measurement (e.g., how many cookies fit in a cookie jar? _X_ cookies), estimation of time and weight does not (e.g., how much time does it take to fill a bath with water? _X_ minutes/hours/seconds). Therefore, estimation of the latter categories has another level of difficulty, requiring extensive involvement of cognitive control. During a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan, 18 students performed estimations with three estimation categories: number, time, and weight. Estimations elicited activity in multiple brain regions, mainly: (1) visual regions including bilateral lingual gyrus), (2) parietal regions including the left angular gyrus and right supramarginal gyrus, and (3) the frontal regions (cingulate gyrus and the inferior frontal cortex). Continuous magnitude estimations (mostly time) produced different frontal activity than discrete numerical estimations did, demonstrating different profiles of brain activations between discrete numerical estimations and estimations of continuous magnitudes. The activity level in the right middle and inferior frontal gyrus correlated with the tendency to give extreme responses, signifying the importance of the right prefrontal lobe in estimations.

Robust and Efficient Assessment of Potency (REAP): A Quantitative Tool for Dose-response Curve Estimation

The median-effect equation has been widely used to describe the dose-response relationship and identify agents that activate or inhibit specific disease targets in contemporary drug discovery. However, the experimental data often contain extreme responses, which may significantly impair the estimation accuracy and impede valid quantitative assessment in the standard estimation procedure. To improve the quantitative estimation of the dose-response relationship, we introduce a novel approach based on robust beta regression. Substantive simulation studies under various scenarios demonstrate solid evidence that the proposed approach consistently provides robust estimation for the median-effect equation, particularly when there are extreme outcome observations. Moreover, simulation studies illustrate that the proposed approach also provides a narrower confidence interval, suggesting a higher power in statistical testing. Finally, to efficiently and conveniently perform common lab data analyses, we develop a freely accessible web-based analytic tool to facilitate the quantitative implementation of the proposed approach for the scientific community.

Effects of Simulation Length and Flexible Foundation on Long-Term Response Extrapolation of a Bottom-Fixed Offshore Wind Turbine

This paper deals with statistical and modeling uncertainty on the estimation of long-term extrapolated extreme responses in a monopile offshore wind turbine. The statistical uncertainty is addressed by studying the effect of simulation length. Modeling uncertainty is explored by evaluating the effects of considering a rigid and flexible foundation. The soil's flexibility is taking into account by considering the improved apparent fixity method. To identify the most relevant environmental conditions, the modified environmental contour method is used. The analysis focuses on the fore-aft shear force (FASF) and the fore-aft bending moment (FABM) at the mudline. The results show that using a simulation length of 10-min, does not provide sufficient accuracy. It was found that for the FASF, simulation lengths of at least 30-min are required to achieve an accuracy of about +/-5%. For the FABM, it was found that both the extrapolations made with 20-min and 30-min simulations achieved similar levels of accuracy of about 20%. Meanwhile, the results obtained from 10-min simulations reached deviations of about 40%. Finally, from the comparison made between a rigid and flexible foundation, it was found that the extrapolated responses exhibit maximum deviations up to around 5% and 10% for the FASF and the FABM, respectively. Also, for the FABM, it was observed that the consideration of a flexible foundation causes the critical wind speed to shift from 16.5 m/s (rigid) to 18 m/s (flexible).

A new type connection with optimum stiffness configuration for very large floating platforms

A novel connection for super-scale modularized floating platforms is put forward for the purposes of suppressing the oscillation of the platform. The platform consists of multiple blocks where semi-submergible modules are flexibly connected with upper decks by elastic cushions. For the connection between adjacent blocks, neighboring decks are linked by rigid hinges and neighboring floating modules are connected by flexible linkages. Based on the linear wave theory and rigid-module-flexible-connection (RMFC) model, the governing equation of motions for the modularized floating platform is derived by using a network modeling method. In numerical case studies, a five-block platform is investigated. Taking combined responses of the platform and the connector loads as an objective function, the stiffness configuration of the connection and the elastic cushion is optimally determined by using a genetic algorithm. At last, the short-term extreme responses of the floating platform with the optimum setting of the stiffness configuration of the connection are analyzed.

Simulation based calculation of ship motions in extreme seas with a body-exact strip theory approach

For all design phases of naval vessels, the fidelity of seakeeping calculations in extreme seas is open to discussion due to the inadequacy of the linear theory of ship motions. Currently the computer-generated time series of ship responses and wave height (the real time computer experiments) are utilized to calculate the distribution of the vertical distortion, shear force and bending moment by means of “ship hydroelasticity theory”. Inspired by these studies a simulation based calculation of symmetric ship motions is performed in long crested irregular head seas, in addition with a body-exact strip theory approach. The scope of this study is limited to the ship motions only. Verification is achieved utilizing the spectral analysis procedure which contains the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and the smoothing algorithms. The results are compared with the experimental data, and the ANSYS AQWA software results. The simulation results provide adequate data for the extreme responses. This state-of-the-art method in addition with a “body-exact strip theory approach” ensures the consistent assessment of the seakeeping performance in extreme sea condition. As a result, it is evaluated that this calculation method can be used in the design stages of naval platforms.

Breath-Hold Diving – The Physiology of Diving Deep and Returning

Breath-hold diving involves highly integrative physiology and extreme responses to both exercise and asphyxia during progressive elevations in hydrostatic pressure. With astonishing depth records exceeding 100 m, and up to 214 m on a single breath, the human capacity for deep breath-hold diving continues to refute expectations. The physiological challenges and responses occurring during a deep dive highlight the coordinated interplay of oxygen conservation, exercise economy, and hyperbaric management. In this review, the physiology of deep diving is portrayed as it occurs across the phases of a dive: the first 20 m; passive descent; maximal depth; ascent; last 10 m, and surfacing. The acute risks of diving (i.e., pulmonary barotrauma, nitrogen narcosis, and decompression sickness) and the potential long-term medical consequences to breath-hold diving are summarized, and an emphasis on future areas of research of this unique field of physiological adaptation are provided.

Tail Risk and Extreme Events: Connections between Oil and Clean Energy

Do tail events in the oil market trigger extreme responses by the clean-energy financial market (and vice versa)? This paper investigates the relationship between oil price and clean-energy stock with a novel methodology, namely extreme events study. The aim is to investigate an asymmetry effect between the response to good versus bad days. The results show how the two markets influence each other more negatively, i.e., extreme negative events significantly impact the other market. Furthermore, we document how the impact of the shock transmitted by oil prices to clean-energy stocks is less than the amount of shock transmitted oppositely. These findings have important implications for investor and renewable energy policies.