Approbation of the stochastic group virus protection model

The article discusses the implementation in Java of the stochastic collaborative virus defense model developed within the framework of the Distributed Object-Based Stochastic Hybrid Systems (DOBSHS) model and its analysis. The goal of the work is to test the model in conditions close to the real world on the way to introducing its use in the practical environment. We propose a method of translating a system specification in the SHYMaude language, intended for the specification and analysis of DOBSHS models in the rewriting logic framework, into the corresponding Java implementation. The resulting Java system is deployed on virtual machines, the virus and the group virus alert system are modeled stochastically. To analyze the system we use several metrics, such as the saturation time of the virus propagation, the proportion of infected nodes upon reaching saturation and the maximal virus propagation speed. We use Monte Carlo method with the computation of confidence intervals to obtain estimates of the selected metrics. We perform analysis on the basis of the sigmoid virus propagation graph over time in the presence of the defense system. We implemented two versions of the system using two protocols for transmitting messages between nodes, TCP/IP and UDP. We measured the influence of the protocol type and the associated costs on the defense system effectiveness. To assess the potential of cost reduction associated with the use of different message transmission protocols, we performed analysis of the original DOBSHS model modified to model message transmission delays. We measured the influence of other model parameters important for the next steps towards the practical use of the model. To address the system scalability, we propose a hierarchical approach to the system design to make possible its use with a large number of nodes.

Intervention of an Upgraded Ventilation System and Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Air Quality at Birmingham New Street Railway Station

High NO2 concentrations (long term average of 383 µg/m3 in 2016/2017) recorded at Birmingham New Street railway station have resulted in the upgrade of the bi-directional fan system to aid wind dispersion within the enclosed platform environment. This paper attempts to examine how successful this intervention has been in improving air quality for both passengers and workers within the station. New air pollution data in 2020 has enabled comparisons to the 2016/2017 monitoring campaign revealing a 23–42% decrease in measured NO2 concentrations. The new levels of NO2 are below the Occupational Health standards but still well above the EU Public Health Standards. This reduction, together with a substantial decrease (up to 81%) in measured Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations, can most likely be attributed to the new fan system effectiveness. Carbon Monoxide levels were well below Occupational and Public Health Standards at all times. The COVID-19 pandemic “initial lockdown” period has also allowed an insight into the resultant air quality at lower rail-traffic intensities, which produced a further reduction in air pollutants, to roughly half the pre-lockdown concentrations. This study shows the scope of improvement that can be achieved through an engineering solution implemented to improve the ventilation system of an enclosed railway station. Further reduction in air pollution would require additional approaches, such as the removal of diesel engine exhaust emissions via the adoption of electric or diesel-electric hybrid powered services.

Australian Perspectives on Opt-In and Opt-Out Consent Systems for Deceased Organ Donation

Introduction: As many countries change to opt-out systems to address organ shortages, calls for similar reform in Australia persist. Community perspectives on consent systems for donation remain under-researched, therefore Australian perspectives on consent systems and their effectiveness in increasing donation rates were explored. Design: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, participants completed a survey presenting opt-in, soft opt-out, and hard opt-out systems, with corresponding descriptions. Participants chose the system they perceived as most effective and described their reasoning. Results: Participants (N = 509) designated soft opt-out as the most effective system (52.3%; hard opt-out 33.7%; opt-in 13.7%). Those who identified with an ethnic/cultural group or were not registered had greater odds of choosing opt-out. Six themes identified in thematic analysis reflected their reasoning: (1) who decides (individual, shared decision with family); (2) right to choose; (3) acceptability (ethics, fairness); and utility in overcoming barriers for (4) individuals (apathy, awareness, ease of donating, fear/avoidance of death); (5) family (easier family experience, family veto); (6) society (normalizing donation, donation as default, expanding donor pool). Choice and overcoming individual barriers were more frequently endorsed themes for opt-in and opt-out, respectively. Discussion: Results suggested the following insights regarding system effectiveness: uphold/prioritize individual's recorded donation decision above family wishes; involve family in decision making if no donation preference is recorded; retain a register enabling opt-in and opt-out for unequivocal decisions and promoting individual control; and maximize ease of registering. Future research should establish whether systems considered effective are also acceptable to the community to address organ shortages.

Does Globalization Affect the Performance of Secondary Education Systems? A Coevolution Model of Multiplex Transnational Networks and Educational Performance

In Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-78885-8_4, Helen Seitzer and Michael Windzio address PISA scores, student exchange, service sector trade flows, and migration. PISA, a study on education system effectiveness, is used to compare, name, and shame the ‘best’ and ‘worst’ of state education. Better education in connection to job prospects is one reason for migration but might also influence students’ choice of the destination for an exchange. But, both these networks might also follow existing paths of interconnectedness, similar to service trade relations. Applying a network coevolution model, the authors ask if a country’s change in PISA scores coincides with student exchange flows and migration patterns, or if other factors such as cultural, geographical, or economic aspects influence the choice of destination.

ANALYSIS OF THE AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE ROBOTIC SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS

В статье предлагается методика оценки комплекса параметров, характеризующих функционирование роботизированной системы сельскохозяйственных автомобилей. Для сравнения роботизированных автомобилей различных моделей предложено использовать метод анализа среды функционирования. В результате решения задачи линейного программирования с интегральным критерием эффективности построены границы эффективности в пространстве входных и выходных параметров оцениваемых автомобилей. Приведены результаты экспериментального исследования, позволяющие получить целевые изменения параметров транспортных средств. The article proposes a methodology for assessing a set of parameters that characterize the functioning of an agricultural robotic vehicle system. It is proposed to use the Data Envelopment Analysis method to compare robotic vehicles of various models. The efficiency frontiers in the evaluated cars' input and output parameter space are constructed by solving a linear programming problem with an integral criterion of efficiency. The experimental results are presented to obtain target changes in the vehicle parameters.

How to measure monitoring and evaluation system effectiveness?

Background: Although the roadblocks to development achievement in Africa emerge noticeably from resource scarcity, lack of security and good governance, or poor economic approaches, they also surface from ineffective development management practices. The monitoring and evaluation (ME) systems effectiveness assessment by the World Bank in 2007 revealed little effectiveness, mainly on cases studied in Africa.Objective: This research investigates the framework for monitoring and evaluation system effectiveness as a development management tool and shapes its measurements. It creates a framework that will help understand better the success factors of an effective ME System and how they contribute to improved development management.Methods: A trifold approach was used, which comprises three iterations — Literature review, Case Studies, and Survey. The first revisited the most relevant literature on development management and performance monitoring systems, while the second used a qualitative study of three cases in the West Africa region. The third is a survey of a sample of practitioners and managers in West Africa, where data was analysed using correlations and regressions.Results: There are significant linkages between ‘ME-System Quality’, ‘ME-Information Quality’, and ‘ME-Service Quality’. The results highlighted that the ‘Results-Based Management Practice’ of organisations, the effective ‘Knowledge and Information Management Culture’, including learning, and the ‘Evidence-Based Decision-Making Practice’ are directly influenced by effective ME System.Conclusions: Effective ME System contributes greatly to expand ‘Improved Policy and Program Design’, ‘Improved Operational Decisions’, ‘Improved Tactical and Strategic Decisions’, and ‘Improved Capability to Advance Development Objectives’.

Usability Testing of a mHealth System for Swallowing Therapy in Patients Following Stroke

Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of a mobile health (mHealth) system designed for dysphagia exercise in persons with a history of stroke. Method Five participants with a history of stroke were recruited from a tertiary health center and assessed for their ability to use and interact with the system. After being introduced to the technology, participants were asked to independently complete five tasks, one at a time. Assistance was available when required or requested. Usability was evaluated with respect to effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction when completing the prespecified goals. Results Four men and one woman between the ages of 50 and 83 years ( M = 65.4) completed the usability testing. Time from stroke onset varied from 1 month to 2.5 years. Additional poststroke challenges related to the usability of the mHealth system included reduced range of motion or mobility, vision, and short-term memory difficulties. Independent success (system effectiveness) varied in this user subgroup, and the research clinician or the family member was required to adjust the level and type of support they provided (system efficiency). All participants reported satisfaction with the use of the system. Conclusion Usability of and satisfaction with this mHealth system and others like it can be achieved in individuals who have had a stroke, either as an independent user or as a patient–caregiver dyad.