Multi-innovation auto-constructed least squares identification for 4 DOF ship manoeuvring modelling with full-scale trial data

This research is concerned with the problem of 4 degrees of freedom (DOF) ship manoeuvring identification modelling with the full-scale trial data. To avoid the multi-innovation matrix inversion in the conventional multi-innovation least squares (MILS) algorithm, a new transformed multi-innovation least squares (TMILS) algorithm is first developed by virtue of the coupling identification concept. And much effort is made to guarantee the uniformly ultimate convergence. Furthermore, the auto-constructed TMILS scheme is derived for the ship manoeuvring motion identification by combination with a statistic index. Comparing with the existing results, the proposed scheme has the significant computational advantage and is able to estimate the model structure. The illustrative examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, especially including the identification application with full-scale trial data.     

Group sequential crossover trial designs with strong control of the familywise error rate

Crossover designs are an extremely useful tool to investigators, and group sequential methods have proven highly proficient at improving the efficiency of parallel group trials. Yet, group sequential methods and crossover designs have rarely been paired together. One possible explanation for this could be the absence of a formal proof of how to strongly control the familywise error rate in the case when multiple comparisons will be made. Here, we provide this proof, valid for any number of initial experimental treatments and any number of stages, when results are analyzed using a linear mixed model. We then establish formulae for the expected sample size and expected number of observations of such a trial, given any choice of stopping boundaries. Finally, utilizing the four-treatment, four-period TOMADO trial as an example, we demonstrate that group sequential methods in this setting could have reduced the trials expected number of observations under the global null hypothesis by over 33%.     

Juvenile competence to stand trial evaluations: A survey of current practices and test usage among psychologists.

What is the current standard of practice for evaluations of juvenile competence to stand trial (JCST)? The present study surveyed psychologists regarding the practices used when conducting JCST evaluations. Respondents rated the importance of 17 elements that might be included in a JCST evaluation report. Of these elements, 7 were considered essential by 70% or more of respondents, with 9 additional elements rated as either essential or recommended. A majority of respondents felt that the use of psychological and forensic instruments was important. A list of tests used is provided, and the implications for the development of standards and policy are discussed to provide practitioners with additional knowledge that will help to further the state of the discipline. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A scheme to randomly generate surface dust points for the 3D complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM)

A scheme to randomly generate dust points on the surface of a three-dimensional (3D) object is proposed. This scheme will potentially eliminate the bias of a density of points which are approximately equally spaced on the surface, as well as eliminate possible weighting requirements for areas of higher density. This method has the potential to reduce computational effort, as fewer points might be required to define the surface area. The global trial function vector can be assigned to these dust points and then entered into the complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM) commercial code. This scheme can be applied to each piece of a system that is comprised of a connected multiple geometry. A noticeable benefit of this approach is that the same problem can be studied several times, using a new random distribution of surface points each time. The smallest error can then be determined and that run selected. The Mathematica code used to generate the scheme is attached as an appendix.     

Bioactivity of antifouling paints based on organotin toxicants

This paper discusses the bioactivity of antifouling paints based on organotin toxicants, such as tributyltin fluoride (TBTF) and triphenyltin fluoride (TPTF). These compounds were used alone or mixed as the main toxicant in formulations. The use of TPTF or mixtures of TPTF and TBTF, with vinyl binders, led to paints with satisfactory bioactivity during a 24 months immersion period. With the same binders, TBTF alone provided only 12 months of antifouling protection. The correlation coefficients calculated from the fouling attachment values and the rosin content in the binder showed that the bioactivity of the tested formulations depended on the solubility of the toxicant in sea water and on the composition and solubility of the binders.     

étude des rechutes constatés dans une cohorte de personnes jugées inptes à subir leur procés ou acquittées pour cause d'aliénation mentale.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 20(2) of Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science Revue canadienne des Sciences du comportement (see record 2007-09831-001). The abstract accompanying the original article was incorrect; the correct abstract (in French) is presented in the erratum.] We know little about individuals who are declared unfit to stand trial and/or not guilty by reason of insanity. The few existing studies are characterized by methodological weaknesses, notably by short follow-up periods and a lack of external validity. The present investigation, which aims to evaluate and explain readmissions that occurred during a seven- to nine-year period, corrects only some of these weaknesses. Sixty-one per cent of the subjects were rehospitalized during the period of study. It proved difficult to identify the factors associated with readmission. However, males with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and who had committed violent crimes were found the most likely to be readmitted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

DETERMINATION OF TOTAL NITROGEN IN BARLEY AND MALT BY COMBUSTION METHOD—COLLABORATIVE TRIAL

A combustion method, relying on the Dumas principle, for the determination of total nitrogen in barley and malt, has been collaboratively tested by the Analysis Committee of the European Brewery Convention. Repeatability, r₉₅, and reproducibility, R₉₅, values were 0.063 and 0.116% of dry matter, respectively, for samples with nitrogen contents in the range 1.23 to 1.86% N of dry matter. There was no significant difference between these values for barley and malt. The Analysis Committee approved the adoption of the combustion method for inclusion in Analytica EBC as an alternative method.     

The Impact of Lightstruck and Stale Character in Beers on their Perceived Quality: A Consumer Study

The relative liking or disliking that beer drinkers have for characteristics generally regarded as off‐flavours by brewers, namely lightstruck and stale, has been explored in a consumer trial where products are presented branded and unbranded. Drinkers display a significant preference for fresh over lightstruck product, irrespective of branding. By contrast, drinkers seemed to be less clear about their liking or otherwise for stale character, although in this case they clearly prefer the branded product over the unbranded product when the beers are fresh and vice‐versa when the beer is aged. A stale version of a beer that consumers are familiar with fails to meet expectations for that product. Significant numbers of drinkers do declare a liking for lightstruck and aged character.     

European intercomparison on electron spin resonance identification of irradiated foodstuffs

The results of a co-trial organized by the Community Bureau of Reference on the use of Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy for the identification of irradiated food in 21 laboratories are presented. The trial was qualitative on beef and trout bones, sardine scales, pistachio nut shells, dried grapes, and papaya, and quantitative on poultry bones. There was no difficulty in identifying irradiated meat bones, dried grapes, and papaya. In the case of fish bones there is a need for further kinetic study on different species. Identification of irradiation in pistachio nuts is more complicated and additional research is needed before further trials. All laboratories were able to distinguish between chicken bones irradiated at 1 to 3 kGy or 7 to 10 kGy although there was a partial overlap between the results.     

The biodegradability of two primary alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactants under practical conditions,and the toxicity of the biodegradation products to rainbow trout

A field trial has been performed to measure the biodegradability of two typical alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactants, “Dobanol” 45-7 and “Dobanol” 45-11, by dosing them to biological filters in a mixture with domestic sewage. Influent levels were 10 and 25 mg l^?1 of each surfactant and 96–98% degradation was achieved within a temperature range of 5–10°C. The surfactants had no adverse effects on the filters in terms of the usual sanitary parameters (BOD, COD, TOC and ammoniacal nitrogen). Tests on the effluents indicated no residual acute lethal toxicity to rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri).