Synchronization of chaotic systems using time-delayed fuzzy state-feedback controller

This paper presents the fuzzy-model-based control approach to synchronize two chaotic systems subject to parameter uncertainties. A fuzzy state-feedback controller using the system state of response chaotic system and the time-delayed system state of drive chaotic system is employed to realize the synchronization. The time delay which complicates the system dynamics makes the analysis difficult. To investigate the system stability and facilitate the design of fuzzy controller, T-S fuzzy models are employed to represent the system dynamics of the chaotic systems. Furthermore, the membership grades of the T-S fuzzy models become uncertain due to the existence of parameter uncertainties which further complicates the system analysis. To ease the stability analysis and produce less conservative analysis result, the membership functions of both T-S fuzzy models and fuzzy controller are considered. Stability conditions are derived using Lyapunov-based approach to aid the design of fuzzy state-feedback controller to synchronize the chaotic systems. A simulation example is presented to illustrate the merits of the proposed approach

Characteristics of Tobacco Users in the Lumber Industry

Cessation interventions for adult smokeless tobacco users may benefit from an improved understanding of the demographic, psychosocial, and tobacco-dependence characteristics of this group. In the current study, 143 employees of the Pacific Lumber Company were interviewed and completed questionnaires about their tobacco use product preference (smokeless tobacco only, cigarettes only, both, and former user), demographic, psychosocial, and tobacco-dependence characteristics. Results of a multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that smokeless-tobacco-only users were younger and reported in engaging in more exercise than did the other three groups; however, they also reported greater dependence on tobacco than did smokers. Formal cessation clinics similar to those that are being used effectively with smokers, and which are age appropriate, may be an effective treatment for adult smokeless tobacco users

IV. Discours

Abstract Background The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme is an approach to the perioperative care of patients which aims to improve outcomes and speed up recovery after surgery. Although the evidence base appears strong for this programme, the implementation of ERAS has been slow. This study aimed to gain an understanding of the facilitating factors and challenges of implementing the programme with a view to providing additional contextual information to aid implementation. The study had a particular focus on the nutritional elements as these have been highlighted as important. Methods The study employed qualitative research methods, guided by the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) to explore the experiences and opinions of 26 healthcare professionals from a range of disciplines implementing the programme. Results This study identified facilitating factors to the implementation of ERAS: alignment with evidence based practice, standardising practice, drawing on the evidence base of other specialties, leadership, teamwork, ERAS meetings, patient involvement and education, a pre-operative assessment unit, staff education, resources attached to obtaining The Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) money, the ward layout, data collection and feedback, and adapting the care pathway. A number of implementation challenges were also identified: resistance to change, standardisation affecting personalised patient care, the buy-in of relevant stakeholders, keeping ERAS visible, information provision to patients, resources, palatability of nutritional drinks, aligning different ward cultures, patients going to non-ERAS departments, spreading the programme within the hospital, differences in health issue, and utilising a segmental approach.  Conclusions The findings presented here provide useful contextual information from diverse surgical specialties to inform healthcare providers when implementing ERAS in practice. Addressing the challenges and utilising the facilitating factors identified in this study, could speed up the rate at which ERAS is adopted, implemented and embedded

Archeological Survey and Survey-Level Testing for the Proposed Juan Seguin Park Plaza Project, Harris County, Texas

J. K. Wagner and Company, Inc. was retained by Harris County Precinct 2 to provide archeological investigations and historic research for the proposed Juan Seguin Park Plaza Project. The project area is owned by Harris County, and the project will be financed with county funds. The project will consist of new construction to update and modify the existing park. The proposed Juan Seguin Park Plaza Project area is located on the west side of Texas Highway 134 at the south Lynchburg Ferry landing in east Harris County, Texas, and is approximately two acres in size. As the investigation revealed, the entire project area was apparently buried to a height above surrounding grades of about six to eight feet by the addition of fill. On September 4, 2010, J. K. Wagner and Company, Inc. conducted an archeological survey with backhoe trenching under the auspices of Texas Antiquities Permit Number 5745. The entire site was subjected to pedestrian survey, and six backhoe trenches were excavated to six to eight feet below existing grade. All backhoe trenches revealed multiple layers of modern fill that included materials such as concrete rubble, asphalt chunks, metal and plastic water pipe segments, and other debris. No evidence of pre-1870s artifacts or features of the Historic period, or of prehistoric or aboriginal sites was encountered. Nothing was collected or curated. Based on those findings, J. K. Wagner and Company, Inc. believes that the area investigated likely contains no cultural evidence or resources worthy of further investigation or eligible for land marking at the local, state, or national levels. Further, J. K. Wagner and Company, Inc. recommends that the proposed project should proceed without further cultural resource investigation. However, if areas outside of those subjected to backhoe trenching in the initial investigation will be impacted deeper than six feet below current grade, those areas should be examined prior to impact

Potential migration of buoyant LNAPL from Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) emplaced in a geological disposal facility (GDF) for UK radioactive waste

A safety case for the disposal of Intermediate Level (radioactive) Waste (ILW) in a deep geological disposal facility (GDF) requires consideration of the potential for waste-derived light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) to migrate under positive buoyancy from disposed waste packages. Were entrainment of waste-derived radionuclides in LNAPL to occur, such migration could result in a shorter overall travel time to environmental or human receptors than radionuclide migration solely associated with the movement of groundwater. This paper provides a contribution to the assessment of this issue through multiphase-flow numerical modelling underpinned by a review of the UK's ILW inventory and literature to define the nature of the associated ILW LNAPL source term. Examination has been at the waste package-local GDF environment scale to determine whether proposed disposal of ILW would lead to significant likelihood of LNAPL migration, both from waste packages and from a GDF vault into the local host rock. Our review and numerical modelling support the proposition that the release of a discrete free phase LNAPL from ILW would not present a significant challenge to the safety case even with conservative approximations. 'As-disposed' LNAPL emplaced with the waste is not expected to pose a significant issue. 'Secondary LNAPL' generated in situ within the disposed ILW, arising from the decomposition of plastics, in particular PVC (polyvinyl chloride), could form the predominant LNAPL source term. Released high molecular weight phthalate plasticizers are judged to be the primary LNAPL potentially generated. These are expected to have low buoyancy-based mobility due to their very low density contrast with water and high viscosity. Due to the inherent uncertainties, significant conservatisms were adopted within the numerical modelling approach, including: the simulation of a deliberately high organic material - PVC content wastestream (2D03) within an annular grouted waste package vulnerable to LNAPL release; upper bound inventory estimates of LNAPLs; incorporating the lack of any hydraulic resistance of the package vent; the lack of any degradation of dissolved LNAPL; and, significantly, the small threshold displacement pressure assumed at which LNAPL is able to enter initially water-saturated pores. Initial scoping calculations on the latter suggested that the rate at which LNAPL is able to migrate from a waste package is likely to be very small and insignificant for likely representative displacement pressure data: this represents a key result. Adopting a conservative displacement pressure, however, allowed the effect of other features and processes in the system to be assessed. High LNAPL viscosity together with low density contrast with water reduces LNAPL migration potential. Migration to the host rock is less likely if waste package vent fluxes are small, solubility limits are high and path lengths through the backfill are short. The capacity of the system to dissolve all of the free LNAPL will, however, depend on groundwater availability. Even with the conservatisms invoked, the overall conclusion of model simulations of intact and compromised (cracked or corroded) waste packages, for a range of realistic ILW LNAPL scenarios, is that it is unlikely that significant LNAPL would be able to migrate from the waste packages and even more unlikely it would be sufficiently persistent to reach the host rock immediately beyond the GDF

Preventing harm from alcohol and drugs at work: A national study and development of educational tools

Background There has long been concern over the impact of alcohol and other drug (AOD) consumption on workplace safety, particularly within the construction industry. Until now there has been little scientific evidence on the relationship between AOD and safety. This research aimed to evaluate AOD within the Australian construction industry and to develop, through engagement with industry, mental health and e-Therapy experts, AOD specific education. Methods Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test a national assessment study evaluated the extent of general AOD use in the industry. A survey was distributed to 500 employees across Australia. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted. The researchers collaborated with AOD and e-Therapy experts to develop a web-based AOD program for managers. Researchers then collaborated with an industry-based mental health and suicide prevention organisation. A peer-based AOD education program was developed. It targeted social attitudes to impairment at work and was evaluated through a pilot study with 42 young apprentices. Results The national assessment study showed that a total of 286 respondents (58%) scored above the cut-off score for ‘risky’ alcohol use with 43 respondents (15%) scoring in the significantly ‘at risk’ category. Other drug use was also identified as a major issue. The peer-based AOD education program was positively received by young workers. The pilot study showed an increase in both knowledge and awareness of alcohol and drug impairment and intention to seek help. Conclusions A proportion of the industry is at risk of hazardous alcohol use. Other drugs are also a major issue. Several areas for consideration were identified. Results from the peer-based AOD education program were encouraging and support the need for further evaluation. Web-based programs can enable the provision of AOD education and support (and mental health information more broadly) to those living/working in remote locations

Methodological issues in radiation dose–volume outcome analyses: Summary of a joint AAPM/NIH workshop

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135063/1/mp1473.pd

Correction:Using the Normalization Process Theory to qualitatively explore sense-making in implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme: "It's not rocket science"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195890.]