A Research Synthesis of the Effectiveness,Replicability, and Generality of the VaNTH Challenge‐based Instructional Modules in Bioengineering

Background Between 2000 and 2006 the Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Texas and Harvard/MIT Engineering Research Center (VaNTH/ERC) developed, tested, and implemented a set of educational innovations based largely on the ideas presented in the book How People Learn (HPL) and an instructional design known as the the STAR Legacy Cycle. The motivation for this study was to synthesize the results of this work. Published and unpublished experimental and quasi‐experimental assessments were included in this synthesis. Purpose (Hypothesis ) The fundamental hypotheses tested were whether a set of modules involving challenge‐based instruction and other course innovations, often involving advanced computer‐based technologies, improved student performance in a variety of educational settings and student populations, and whether improvements could be achieved by instructors other than the developers of the innovations. Design /Method Meta‐analysis of effects from thirty‐three separate modules in five courses in bioengineering domains was undertaken, along with three case studies. Results Results from the experimental (randomized) and stronger‐quasi experimental studies revealed a weighted effect size of 0.655 (p < 0.001). Studies using randomized designs produced smaller effects, and studies using measures of transfer and adaptive expertise to index outcomes produced larger effects. Analyses also revealed that the results can be replicated by instructors other than the developers of the modules, in a variety of student populations and educational settings, and at other institutions. Conclusions Overall, the challenge‐based modules and other innovations have moderate overall effects on improved student performance. They can be implemented successively by other instructors in a variety of educational settings and student populations.     

Bayesian meta‐modelling of engineering design simulations: a sequential approach with adaptation to irregularities in the response behaviour

Among current meta‐modelling approaches, Bayesian‐based interpolative methods have received significant attention in the literature. These methods are particularly known for their capability to adapt to the response function behaviour in order to generate good meta‐models with fewer experiments. Current Bayesian adaptation techniques, however, are mainly based on the assumption that some variables are more important (or sensitive) than others. These less sensitive variables are weighted less or ignored to reduce the dimension of the design space. This assumption limits the scope and applicability of these models since in many practical cases none of the variables can be completely ignored or weighted less than others. This paper proposes a pragmatic approach that identifies regions of the design space where more experiments are needed based on the response function behaviour. The proposed approach adaptively utilizes the information obtained from previous experiments, builds interim meta‐models, and identifies ‘irregular’ regions in which more experiments are needed. The behaviour of the interim meta‐model is then quantified as a spatial function and incorporated into the next stage of the design to sequentially improve the accuracy of the obtained meta‐model. The performance of the new approach is demonstrated using a numerical and an engineering example. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Research on reliability allocation technology for NC machine tool meta‐action

The reliability of machine tool is getting more and more attention. Reasonable reliability allocation is beneficial to improve the inherent reliability of machine tool. However, the existing reliability allocation methods for machine tool have some limitations. For example, static part is selected as the reliability allocation object of machine tool, which cannot reflect the characteristics “function realized by motion”; factors affecting reliability allocation are not considered comprehensively, weights of experts are treated as the same, and the allocation results are not optimized or the impact of time on enterprise is neglected in the optimization. To solve these problems, a new multiobjective optimization reliability allocation method for machine tool is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the latest achievements about meta‐action are given, and meta‐action is set as the reliability allocation object. Secondly, more reasonable and comprehensive factors affecting reliability allocation are extracted. Thirdly, expert weight coefficient is brought to reduce the subjective impact of expert scoring. Fourthly, time factor is brought to make the optimized allocation results more reasonable and accurate. Finally, a numerical control (NC) machine tool made in China is taken as an example, with a comparison on the reliability allocation results of current methods and proposed method. The results verify the applicability, rationality, and accuracy of the proposed method, which lays a foundation for the subsequent study on the quality characteristics of machine tool based on meta‐action.     

A meta‐analysis of sodium profiling techniques and the impact on intradialytic hypotension

Introduction Hemodialysis has improved in recent years, however, despite such improvements, intra‐dialytic hypotensive episodes still persist which can lead to a reduction in the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Profiling sodium levels during dialysis can improve vascular refilling and therefore may prevent hypotensive events. A number of profiling methods exist and this meta‐analysis set out to examine the effectiveness of these methods. Methods To assess the effectiveness of hemodialysis sodium profiling techniques. A review and meta‐analysis analytical framework was used. A search was conducted using Medline, Embase and CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Knowledge between 1946 and 2014 of published English‐language peer reviewed randomized control studies. In total 10 articles were retrieved and included in the review. All data was abstracted with a standardized data collection form. Stata 11.2 (Stata Corp) was used to analyse the data. Actual numbers of hypotensive events were pooled between studies. Analysis of subgroups was performed on sodium profile type. The data were further investigated using meta‐regression. Publication bias was also tested. Findings Stepwise profiling was shown to be statistically significantly effective in reducing intradialytic episodes. Results demonstrated that linear sodium profiling was not effective in reducing hypotensive events during dialysis. Discussion This review has shown that using stepwise profiling is more effective at reducing intra‐dialytic symptoms than other profiling methods. There was no evidence that linear profiling method was any more effective than conventional dialysis and in fact the results showed the reverse.     

基于技术差距的长江水系主要内河港口效率

长江水系港口效率评价对科学反映港口效率现状,实现港口有效运营,建设长江经济带具有重要意义。为了弥补现有关于港口效率研究中忽略港口之间存在技术水平异质性的不足,从技术差异影响港口效率这一视角出发,在DEA分析的基础上结合共同边界技术（Meta Frontier production function）,对长江水系主干线21家主要内河港口2010～2012年的共同效率、组群效率以及共同技术比率进行分析。结果显示,长江水系三大群组共同效率均值最大仅为027,总体上效率偏低,存在很大提升空间;群组效率均值分别为058、067和027,不同群组之间技术水平存在差异,技术水平受经济发展程度和地理位置的影响;群组三的共同技术比率为1,虽然达到了潜在最佳共同边界技术水平,但普遍存在管理组织上的无效率,群组一和群组二不论是技术水平还是管理效率都有待进一步提升;长江水系主要内河港口普遍存在严重的投入拥挤、产出不足现象。最后,就如何提升长江水系内河港口效率提出了建议。     

A systematic review of the benefits and harms of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor for chronic kidney disease

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the optimal glycemic control is key to delay the progression of the disease and prevent major complications. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic option. However, the benefits and harms of the treatment have yet to be clarified for diabetic patients with CKD. Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients with moderate to severe CKD including end‐stage renal disease were eligible and randomized controlled trials comparing DPP‐4 inhibitors with no treatment or placebo or other antihyperglycemic agents were included. A systematic electronic search was conducted through the Medline Ovid, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. Findings: Six placebo/open and 2 active controlled trials (1747 participants) were included. The adjusted mean difference of hemoglobin A_1c between DPP‐4 inhibitors and placebo ranged from ?0.60% to ?0.42%. The odds ratio of hypoglycemia, mortality and severe adverse effects due to all types of DPP‐4 inhibitors were 1.35 (95% CI: 0.98–1.84), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.42–1.86) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.65–1.15), respectively while that due to DPP‐4 inhibitors with renal clearance were 1.40 (95% CI: 0.87 to 2.24), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.35 to 2.04) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.63 to 1.32), respectively. Discussion: DPP‐4 inhibitors demonstrated beneficial effects on the glycemic control for diabetic patients with CKD without causing any additional adverse effects. However, a definitive conclusion has yet to be drawn due to serious methodological problems and a small number of studies.     

Rethinking Nano‐TiO2 Safety: Overview of Toxic Effects in Humans and Aquatic Animals

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano‐TiO₂) are widely used in consumer products, raising environmental and health concerns. An overview of the toxic effects of nano‐TiO₂ on human and environmental health is provided. A meta‐analysis is conducted to analyze the toxicity of nano‐TiO₂ to the liver, circulatory system, and DNA in humans. To assess the environmental impacts of nano‐TiO₂, aquatic environments that receive high nano‐TiO₂ inputs are focused on, and the toxicity of nano‐TiO₂ to aquatic organisms is discussed with regard to the present and predicted environmental concentrations. Genotoxicity, damage to membranes, inflammation and oxidative stress emerge as the main mechanisms of nano‐TiO₂ toxicity. Furthermore, nano‐TiO₂ can bind with free radicals and signal molecules, and interfere with the biochemical reactions on plasmalemma. At the higher organizational level, nano‐TiO₂ toxicity is manifested as the negative effects on fitness‐related organismal traits including feeding, reproduction and immunity in aquatic organisms. Bibliometric analysis reveals two major research hot spots including the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of nano‐TiO₂ and the combined effects of nano‐TiO₂ and other environmental factors such as light and pH. The possible measures to reduce the harmful effects of nano‐TiO₂ on humans and non‐target organisms has emerged as an underexplored topic requiring further investigation.     

Resource allocation for reliability of a complex system with aging components

To assess the reliability of a complex system, many different types of data may be available. Full‐system tests are the most direct measure of reliability, but may be prohibitively expensive or difficult to obtain. Other less direct measures, such as component or section level tests, may be cheaper to obtain and more readily available. Using a single Bayesian analysis, multiple sources of data can be combined to give component and system reliability estimates. Resource allocation looks to develop methods to predict which new data would most improve the precision of the estimate of system reliability, in order to maximally improve understanding. In this paper, we consider a relatively simple system with different types of data from the components and system. We present a methodology for assessing the relative improvement in system reliability estimation for additional data from the various types. Various metrics for comparing improvement and a response surface approach to modeling the relationship between improvement and the additional data are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于IT的虚拟组织管理

计算机网络已经成为信息交流与共享的通用平台，它对传统企业的组织、结构、运作方式产生巨大的冲击。企业面临日趋激烈的、全球化的市场竞争。在分析虚拟组织结构特点及虚拟组织系统运作框架的基础上，对基于IT的虚拟组织管理特点以及需要的相关技术进行了探索性研究。     

支持多应用的统一制造资源模型研究

支持多应用的统一制造资源模型是实现资源数据集成、加强应用的深度和广度以及实现企业整体资源优化的基础.从信息完整性、管理与应用以及企业个性化要求等多个角度分析了统一制造资源建模的需求,提出了资源元数据模型的概念,将资源数据分解为资源实体、资源类型、资源组合、资源视图与资源能力五个方面进行描述,在此基础上提出了统一制造资源信息模型(UMRIM)框架,该框架由资源核心模型层、应用模型层和整体优化模型层构成.基于UMRIM和面向服务架构的模式建立了资源服务平台,给出了平台的结构.     

Study on Complexity of Sutong Bridge’s Objectives system and its Meta-Synthesis Management

Objectives define the boundaries of complex engineering system. It is a hard work to determine the specific objectives of a complex engineering system. The objectives system development needs a complicated process, from nix to prototype, and to final definition. The total process will cover the following course: from chaos to well-ordered; from qualitativeness to combination of quantitativeness and qualitativenss, then to qualitativeness to quantitativeness (a recurrent process), expert experience and theoretical science, rationality and sensibility, synthetic analysis and meta-synthetic, routinization and non-routinization. Such process is explicit in phase development yet overlapped; mutually confined yet mutually independent; permeated conflicts yet pregnant in harmony. This article explores the complexity of Sutong bridge’s objectives development and the process of meta-synthesis in the Sutong Bridge engineering.     

RE-Mg复合变质剂对准贝氏体铸钢的净化与变质作用

研究了RE—Mg复合变质对准贝氏体铸钢组织和性能的影响．结果表明：经复合变质处理，首先显著地细化了准贝氏体铸钢的晶粒组织，热处理后钢的晶粒度由变质前的4—5／级变为6—7级．其次，净化了熔体，减少夹杂和气体含量，改变了夹杂形态，使之由Ⅱ类变为I类球形夹杂．另外还纯化了钢的基体，提高了钢的致密度．大幅度地提高了钢的强韧性和耐磨性．     

Meta-Learning Multi-Scale Radiology Medical Image Super-Resolution

High-resolution medical images have important medical value, but are difficult to obtain directly. Limited by hardware equipment and patient’s physical condition, the resolution of directly acquired medical images is often not high. Therefore, many researchers have thought of using super-resolution algorithms for secondary processing to obtain high-resolution medical images. However, current super-resolution algorithms only work on a single scale, and multiple networks need to be trained when super-resolution images of different scales are needed. This definitely raises the cost of acquiring high-resolution medical images. Thus, we propose a multi-scale super-resolution algorithm using meta-learning. The algorithm combines a meta-learning approach with an enhanced depth of residual super-resolution network to design a meta-upscale module. The meta-upscale module utilizes the weight prediction property of meta-learning and is able to perform the super-resolution task of medical images at any scale. Meanwhile, we design a non-integer mapping relation for super-resolution, which allows the network to be trained under non-integer magnification requirements. Compared to the state-of-the-art single-image super-resolution algorithm on computed tomography images of the pelvic region. The meta-learning multiscale super-resolution algorithm obtained a surpassing of about 2% at a smaller model volume. Testing on different parts proves the high generalizability of our algorithm. Multi-scale super-resolution algorithms using meta-learning can compensate for hardware device defects and reduce secondary harm to patients while obtaining high-resolution medical images. It can be of great use in imaging related fields.     

高强度焊缝金属韧性波动影响因素研究

针对某型高强度焊接材料焊缝金属韧性波动的现象进行了分析。通过对同一批次以及不同批次焊接材料焊缝金属低温冲击功数据进行统计、计算,结果表明,(1)对于同一批次焊接材料,韧性波动呈正态分布,应与不同焊接工艺控制状态所导致的冷速差异有关;(2)对于不同批次焊接材料,其硫磷元素的含量水平,是导致其韧性变化的关键因素。欲在工程上获得高韧性的焊接接头,可在焊接工艺和焊接材料杂质元素含量两个方面给予严格控制。     

统一信息模型下基于标准工艺模板的工艺匹配方法

基于UPIM模型下，以成组理论和分形理论为指导，利用信息元的自组织自相似性，建立加工信息模型，并以该模型为基础，建立标准工艺模板。该标准工艺模板以工艺数据结构为核心，充分体现数据结构的开放性和程序实现的统一性。     

钱学森的现代科学技术体系与综合集成方法论

文章介绍了钱学森提出的现代科学技术体系和综合集成方法论。现代科学技术体系是横向上由11个科学技术部门、纵向上由三个层次,即基础理论、技术科学和应用技术所构成的矩阵式结构;综合集成方法论是由"从定性到定量综合集成方法"和"从定性到定量综合集成研讨厅体系"所构成。文章还讨论了它们在实践中的应用。     

“元”设计研究与展望:元宇宙时代下的数字内容设计

目的 对元宇宙时代下的数字内容设计(“元”设计)进行了研究与展望。方法 以“元”设计的概念为基础,从“元”设计的特点、价值、内容、关键技术及未来的研究前景等方面,对“元”设计的发展进行了探讨。结果 总结了“元”设计为设计工具迭代、商业模式发展、行业融合趋势等带来的影响。结论 在梳理“元”设计发展模式的基础上,进一步解析了“元”设计的本质并探索了“元”设计的发展方向;“元”设计新思维利用多种新技术的融合发展,让数字内容设计变得更加高效便捷;“元”设计的发展将加强虚实场景的融合,促进基础设施的升级并推动商业模式的迭代。