A complete VARMA modelling methodology based on scalar components

Abstract. This article proposes an extension to scalar component methodology for the identification and estimation of VARMA models. The complete methodology determines the exact positions of all free parameters in any VARMA model with a predetermined embedded scalar component structure. This leads to an exactly identified system of equations that is estimated using full information maximum likelihood.     

Computer aided kinetic modeling with KMT and KME

The complexity of many chemical and refining reaction systems and the thus-derived tedious and time-consuming process of building the associated kinetic models have been major obstacles in the use of fundamental kinetics in the solution of chemical engineering problems. This review summarizes work aimed at removing theses obstacles. Our recent work that has led to the enhancement of the Kinetic Modeler's Toolbox (KMT) and the development of the Kinetic Model Editor (KME) presents an end-to-end solution to the kinetic modeling process, including automated feedstock modeling, reaction network construction, kinetic rate estimation, model programming, process system configurations, model customizations, compilations, model execution and results analysis.     

How the Emotional Climate (Field) Impacts Performance

Independently of the creativity movement, others have demonstrated the benefits of creating positive fields. I have reviewed a number of cases involving field below and added some from my own creativity experiences. I then explore the psychological explanation of why such fields are effective and go on to the findings of recent brain research, which not only reinforce the benefits of positive fields but also throw light on the difficulty of creating them. Finally, I offer some suggestions from my own experience of what can be done to create positive fields. I believe that this should now be the focus of our efforts: to the extent that we are successful, we should get the creativity and innovation we need as a by‐product.     

A connectionist implementation of the theory of planned behavior: Association of beliefs with exercise intention.

The theory of planned behavior suggests attitudes are a product of salient beliefs. This study examined whether aggregating salient beliefs was plausible within a more biologically centered information-processing environment. A neural network was used to examine associations among beliefs relating to exercise intention. Data on intentions and behavioral, normative, and control beliefs from 114 respondents were used to train (by error backpropagation) a neural network to associate beliefs with intention. The R2 between the network's estimated and self-reported intention was .66. The network's representation comprised 6 belief profiles associated with high, moderate, or low behavioral intention. The neural network accommodated complex relationships among beliefs and belief-intention associations and indicated how high-level constructs such as attitudes may be viewed as the best fit (compromise state) between aroused beliefs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors affecting contrasting results between self-reported and performance-based levels of physical limitation

Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps of certain 3-methoxy flavone derivatives having different anti-picornavirus activities have been studied. Geometries of the molecules were optimised and charge distributions computed using the AM1 molecular orbital method. Hybridization displacement charges (HDC) were combined with the L?wdin charge distributions to compute the MEP maps. Reliability of the method of computing MEP maps was tested by studying certain other molecules for which ab initio MEP results are available. The anti-picornavirus activities of the flavones have been shown to be related with negative MEP values in two regions, one near the 3-methoxy group and another in a diagonally opposite region near the substituent attached to the C7 atom of the molecules.     

Accommodation of time delay variations in automatic infusion ofsodium nitroprusside

A new self-tuning regulator for control of mean arterial blood pressure using sodium nitroprusside is presented. In addition to adapting to various patient response gains and time constants, the controller can accommodate variations in pure time delays, a problem that has not been addressed fully in previously proposed controllers. The control algorithm derivation is based on incorporating a self-turning controller with an adaptive discrete time delay compensator. The derivation, however, is general and can potentially be applied to other pharmacological agents in addition to sodium nitroprusside. The a priori information required for implementation of the controller is the estimate of the order of the patient response transfer function and the range of the pure time delay. An attractive feature of the controller is its capability to optimize the level of the infused drug during the transient phase of the control without creating an output offset. This feature tends to reduce the overall level of the infused drug. Hence, it may be useful when the cost of a drug or its long-term administration side effects is of concern, such as in the case of sodium nitroprusside     

On the congruity between internal states and action.

Addresses the problem of incongruity between beliefs and behaviors. The theories of attribution and cognitive dissonance are briefly discussed, and their implications for behavior are noted. Issues that arise from obtaining behavioral effects in the absence of effects on beliefs and evaluations are delineated, and previous theories to account for these results are reviewed. Studies cited by R. E. Nisbett and T. D. Wilson (see record 1978-00295-001), by Wilson (1983), and by D. J. Bem (1972) are scrutinized with respect to the present author's critical and theoretical objectives, and a similar analysis is applied to more recent experiments on overjustification. It is concluded that (a) self-report effects are significant and congruent with behavior more frequently than previous reviewers have indicated, (b) behavior may interfere with inferential processes and thereby erase or prevent from occurring internal state changes that would otherwise be found, and (c) incongruity and other problems are symptomatic of there being no sophisticated theoretical account of how internal states mediate behavior. Basic facts about studies reviewed by Nisbett and Wilson are appended. (109 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An expert decision support system for network routing: a case study

The paper presents a case study of the development of an expert decision support system which uses simple heuristic methods for fast determination of routes for simultaneous signals in a transmission network of limited capacity. It illustrates how heuristic solutions can be embodied in a model-based DSS and how the standard decision support literature, although intuitively appealing, provides little practical assistance in system construction or classification