Comprehensive Evaluation of New Maize Varieties for Grain and Fodder Based on Membership Function Method

To screen new maize(Zea mays L.)varieties suitable for food and fodder dual-purpose in Du'an Yao Autonomous County of Guangxi,the agronomic characters,yield and quality indexes of 12 new maize varieties were measured,and the correlation between various indexes were analyzed,and the comprehensive performance of tested varieties was evaluated by membership function method.The results showed that Guidan 671 had the highest grain yield and whole-plant biomass at 10908 and 49965 kg/hm^(2),respectively,and the second was Zhaoyu 215 with a grain yield and whole-plant biomass of 10086 and 47175 kg/hm^(2),respectively.Grain yield was highly significantly positively correlated with ear diameter and 100-grain weight(P<0.01),and significantly correlated with whole-plant biomass,starch content,ear length and grain number per row(P<0.05);and the whole-plant biomass was highly significantly correlated with the number of grains per row(P<0.01),and significantly correlated with starch content,panicle length,plant height and panicle height(P<0.05).The comprehensive performance scores of the tested varieties from high to low were Guidan 671,Zhaoyu 215,Guidan 669,Guidan 6208,Guidan 666,Guidan 6205,Guidan 660,Guidan 6203,Guidan 6206,Guidan 162,Guidan 668 and Guidan 673.According to the values of membership function and combined with various indexes,Guidan 671 and Zhaoyu 215 had good comprehensive performance,and could be used as the first choice for food and fodder dual-purpose maize varieties in Du'an Yao Autonomous County.

FINITE RANGE SET WITH TRUNCATED MULTIPLICITY FOR MEROMORPHIC FUNCTIONS ON SOME COMPLEX DISC

In this paper,we consider the truncated multiplicity finite range set problem of meromorphic functions on some complex disc.By using the value distribution theory of meromorphic functions,we establish a second main theorem for meromorphic functions with finite growth index which share meromorphic functions(may not be small functions).As its application,we also extend the result of a finite range set with truncated multiplicity.

Winding Function Model-based Performance Evaluation of a PM Transverse Flux Generator for Applications in Direct-drive Systems

The magnetic flux in a permanent magnet transverse flux generator(PMTFG) is three-dimensional(3D), therefore, its efficacy is evaluated using 3D magnetic field analysis. Although the 3D finite-element method(FEM) is highly accurate and reliable for machine simulation, it requires a long computation time, which is crucial when it is to be used in an iterative optimization process. Therefore, an alternative to 3DFEM is required as a rapid and accurate analytical technique. This paper presents an analytical model for PMTFG analysis using winding function method. To obtain the air gap MMF distribution, the excitation magneto-motive force(MMF) and the turn function are determined based on certain assumptions. The magnetizing inductance, flux density, and back-electro-magnetomotive force of the winding are then determined. To assess the accuracy of the proposed method, the analytically calculated parameters of the generator are compared to those obtained by a 3D-FEM. The presented method requires significantly shorter computation time than the 3D-FEM with comparable accuracy.

Surface and Content Validity of the Mentoring Function Scale for Novice Nurses

This study aimed to examine the surface and content validity of the Mentoring Function Scale for Novice Nurses, used to assess the mentoring of entry-level nurses, and to refine the scale items. In Study 1, six nurse education researchers, selected using convenience sampling, with five or more years of nursing experience and experience teaching novice nurses, were invited to an expert meeting in July 2015. A group interview was conducted that lasted approximately 120 minutes. Study 2 examined the content validity index. Between September and November 2015, we distributed a self-administered questionnaire survey to 11 participants selected by convenience sampling. The participants included five nurse education researchers with a minimum of five years of nursing experience and experience teaching novice nurses, as well as six clinical nurses with a master’s degree or higher. Finally, 81 questionnaire items were retained from the initial 125 items. The 81-item Mentoring Function Scale for Novice Nurses had higher content validity than the original scale. To further increase the scale’s applicability, future studies should assess its reliability, construct validity, and criterion-related validity.

Existence of Monotone Positive Solution for a Fourth-Order Three-Point BVP with Sign-Changing Green’s Function

This paper is concerned with the following fourth-order three-point boundary value problem , where , we discuss the existence of positive solutions to the above problem by applying to the fixed point theory in cones and iterative technique.

Translation and validation of the Nepean Dyspepsia Index for functional dyspepsia in China

AIM： To assess the reliability and validity of the translated version of Nepean Dyspepsia Index （NDI） in Chinese patients with documented functional dyspepsia （FO）. METHODS： The translation process included forward translation, back translation, pretest and cross-cultural adaptation. Reliability and validity of the translated version were examined by asking 300 subjects to complete the Chinese version of the NDI. The mean age of subjects was 39.24 years and 68.7% of the subjects were women. Internal consistency analysis with Cronbach＇s α was performed to test the reliability. Correlation analysis was used to assess the content validity. Factor analysis and structural equation models were used to assess the construct validity. RESULTS： The Cronbach＇s α coefficients ranged 0.833-0.960, well above the acceptable level of 0.70. Correlation analysis showed that each item had a strong correlation with the corresponding domain, but a weak correlation with other domains. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the comparative fit index was 0.94, higher than the acceptable level of 0.90.CONCLUSION： The Chinese version of the NDI is a reliable and valid scale for measuring health-related quality of life and disease severity in Chinese patients with FD.

Rough function model and rough membership function

Two pairs of approximation operators, which are the scale lower and upper approximations as well as the real line lower and upper approximations, are defined. Their properties and antithesis characteristics are analyzed. The rough function model is generalized based on rough set theory, and the scheme of rough function theory is made more distinct and complete. Therefore, the transformation of the real function analysis from real line to scale is achieved. A series of basic concepts in rough function model including rough numbers, rough intervals, and rough membership functions are defined in the new scheme of the rough function model. Operating properties of rough intervals similar to rough sets are obtained. The relationship of rough inclusion and rough equality of rough intervals is defined by two kinds of tools, known as the lower （upper） approximation operator in real numbers domain and rough membership functions. Their relative properties are analyzed and proved strictly, which provides necessary theoretical foundation and technical support for the further discussion of properties and practical application of the rough function model.

Feature Selection Based on Adaptive Fuzzy Membership Functions

Neuro-fuzzy(NF)networks are adaptive fuzzy inference systems(FIS)and have been applied to feature selection by some researchers.However,their rule number will grow exponentially as the data dimension increases.On the other hand,feature selection algorithms with artificial neural networks(ANN)usually require normalization of input data,which will probably change some characteristics of original data that are important for classification.To overcome the problems mentioned above,this paper combines the fuzzification layer of the neuro-fuzzy system with the multi-layer perceptron(MLP)to form a new artificial neural network.Furthermore,fuzzification strategy and feature measurement based on membership space are proposed for feature selection. Finally,experiments with both natural and artificial data are carried out to compare with other methods,and the results approve the validity of the algorithm.

Fuzzy logic controller design with unevenly-distributed membership function for high performance chamber cooling system

Fuzzy logic controller adopting unevenly-distributed membership function was presented with the purpose of enhancing performance of the temperature control precision and robustness for the chamber cooling system.Histogram equalization and noise detection were performed to modify the evenly-distributed membership functions of error and error change rate into unevenly-distributed membership functions.Then,the experimental results with evenly and unevenly distributed membership functions were compared under the same outside environment conditions.The experimental results show that the steady-state error is reduced around 40% and the noise disturbance is rejected successfully even though noise range is 60% of the control precision range.The control precision is improved by reducing the steady-state error and the robustness is enhanced by rejecting noise disturbance through the fuzzy logic controller with unevenly-distributed membership function.Moreover,the system energy efficiency and lifetime of electronic expansion valve(EEV) installed in chamber cooling system are improved by adopting the unevenly-distributed membership function.

Usefulness of myocardial performance index for assessing right ventricular function after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect

Objective Assessment of right ventricular function in patients with atrial septal defect(ASD)is difficult.The Doppler myocardial performance index(MPI)may provide a method of assessing function in these patients.The purposes of this study were to evaluate the right ventricular function and its changes in patients with ASD after transcatheter closure of ASD.Methods MPI,defined as the sum of isovolumic relaxation time and isovolumic contraction time derived by ejection time,was measured from tricuspid inflow and right ventricular outflow;Doppler velocity profiles recorded during routine echocardiography.Twenty nine patients(13 men,16 women;mean age 25.28±12.69,range 6 to 57 years)were diagnosed to secundum ASD[the stretched diameters of ASD were from 9 To 36(24.91±7.98)mm],and had a successfully placed Amplatzer septal occluder(ASO)(the sizes of ASO were from 11 to 40 mm);there were 81 sex-matched,age-matched healthy people(control group 41men,40 women;mean age 29.02±14.22,range 4 to 45 years).MPI was measured again on 3 days and 1 month after closure of ASD.Change in the study group was assessed and compared to the control subjects with structurally normal hearts.A complete 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed in all study groups.Results 1)The isovolumic relaxation and isovolumic contraction times[respectively(77.59±14.39)ms vs(60.93±12.94)ms,P<0.0001;(28.28±10.88)ms vs(23.64±9.01)ms,P=0.027]were prolonged,and ejection time[(260.65±21.86)ms vs(271.85±21.92)ms,P=0.033]was shortened in patients with ASD compared with that in control subjects,resulting in a marked increase in the MPI(0.40±0.07 vs 0.31±0.05,P<0.0001)from normal values;2)by Pearson's correlations,the MPI had no correlation with heart rate and blood pressure in control subjects and patients with ASD,but it correlated positively with age in patients with ASD;3)by Pearson's correlations,the MPI correlated positively with the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4)after transcatheter closure of ASD,the MPI decreased markedly.Conclusions 1)MPI is a conceptually new,simple,and reproducible Doppler index in patients with ASD;2)MPI is free from the effect of age,heart rate and blood pressure;(3)MPI appears to be relatively dependent on changes in the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4)the right ventricular function was improved after transcatheter closure of ASD.

Rock burst laws in deep mines based on combined model of membership function and dominance-based rough set

Rock bursts are spontaneous, violent fracture of rock that can occur in deep mines, and the likelihood of rock bursts occurring increases as depth of the mine increases. Rock bursts are also affected by the compressive strength, tensile strength, tangential strength, elastic energy index, etc. of rock, and the relationship between these factors and rock bursts in deep mines is difficult to analyze from quantitative point. Typical rock burst instances as a sample set were collected, and membership function was introduced to process the discrete values of these factors with the discrete factors as condition attributes and rock burst situations as decision attributes. Dominance-based rough set theory was used to generate preference rules of rock burst, and eventually rock burst laws analysis in deep mines with preference relation was taken. The results show that this model for rock burst laws analysis in deep mines is more reasonable and feasible, and the prediction results are more scientific.

New Methods of Fitting the Membership Function of Oceanic Water Masses

After reviewing the analytical theories of T S curve, some methods of T S relationship, and fuzzy sets for studying water masses, new methods of fitting the membership function of oceanic water masses are presented based on the characteristics of T S curve family of oceanic water masses. The membership functions of oceanic Subsurface Water Mass with high salinity and Intermediate Water Mass with low salinity are fitted and discussed using the new methods. The proposed methods are useful in analyzing the mixing and modifying processes of these water masses, especially in tracing their sources. The principles and formulae of the new methods and examples are given.

An Approach to Formulation of FNLP with Complex Piecewise Linear Membership Functions

Traditionally, extra binary variables are demanded to formulate a fuzzy nonlinear programming(FNLP) problem with piecewise linear membership functions(PLMFs). However, this kind of methodology usually suffers increasing computational burden associated with formulation and solution, particularly in the face of complex PLMFs. Motivated by these challenges, this contribution introduces a novel approach free of additional binary variables to formulate FNLP with complex PLMFs, leading to superior performance in reducing computational complexity as well as simplifying formulation. A depth discussion about the approach is conducted in this paper, along with a numerical case study to demonstrate its potential benefits.

Progress in the Study of the Left Atrial Function Index in Cardiovascular Disease:A Literature Review

Some studies have shown that left ventricular structure and function play an important role in the risk stratifi cation and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.The clinical application of left atrial function in cardiovascular disease has gradually attracted attention in the cardiovascular fi eld.There are many traditional methods to evaluate left atrial function.Left atrial function related indexes measured by echocardiography has been identifi ed as a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease in recent years,but they have some limitations.The left atrial function index has been found to evaluate left atrial function more effectively than traditional parameters.Furthermore,it is a valuable predictor of the risk stratifi cation and prognosis in patients with clinical cardiovascular disease such as heart failure,atrial fi brillation,hypertension,and coronary heart disease.

On Development of Fuzzy Controller: The Case of Gaussian and Triangular Membership Functions

In recent years, the use of Fuzzy set theory has been popularised for handling overlap domains in control engineering but this has mostly been within the context of triangular membership functions. In actual practice however, such domains are hardly triangular and in fact for most engineering applications the membership functions are usually Gaussian and sometimes cosine. In an earlier paper, we derived explicit Fourier series expressions for systematic and dynamic computation of grade of membership in the overlap and non-overlap regions of triangular Fuzzy sets. In another paper, we extended the methodology to cover cases of cosine, exponential and Gaussian Fuzzy sets by presenting explicit Fourier series representation for encoding fuzziness in the overlap and non-overlap domains of Fuzzy sets. This current paper presents the development of a “Fuzzy Controller” device, which incorporates the formal mathematical representation for computing grade of membership of Gaussian and triangular Fuzzy sets. It is shown that triangular approximation of Gaussian membership function in Fuzzy control can lead to wrong linguistic classification which may have adverse effects on operational and control decisions. The development of the Fuzzy controller demonstrates that the proposed technique can indeed be incorporated in engineering systems for dynamic and systematic computation of grade of membership in the overlap and non-overlap regions of Fuzzy sets;and thus provides a basis for the design of embedded Fuzzy controller for mission critical applications.

Incremental learning of the triangular membership functions based on single-pass FCM and CHC genetic model

In order to improve the efficiency of learning the triangular membership functions( TMFs) for mining fuzzy association rule( FAR) in dynamic database,a single-pass fuzzy c means( SPFCM)algorithm is combined with the real-coded CHC genetic model to incrementally learn the TMFs. The cluster centers resulting from SPFCM are regarded as the midpoint of TMFs. The population of CHC is generated randomly according to the cluster center and constraint conditions among TMFs. Then a new population for incremental learning is composed of the excellent chromosomes stored in the first genetic process and the chromosomes generated based on the cluster center adjusted by SPFCM. The experiments on real datasets show that the number of generations converging to the solution of the proposed approach is less than that of the existing batch learning approach. The quality of TMFs generated by the approach is comparable to that of the batch learning approach. Compared with the existing incremental learning strategy,the proposed approach is superior in terms of the quality of TMFs and time cost.

Effects of Fermentation Bed Padding on Intestinal Flora,Serum Biochemical Indexes and Immune Function of Growing-finishing Pigs

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of fermentation bed padding on intestinal flora,serum biochemical indexes and immune function of growing-finishing pigs.[Method]A total of 90 growing-finishing pigs(Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire)with the body weight of(30.5±0.8)kg were randomly divided into five groups,three replicates each group,six pigs each replicate.The padding of five groups were:50%rice husk+50%sawdust(control group),100%spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus eryngii(100%spent mushroom substrate group),15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate(70%spent mushroom substrate group),25%rice husk+25%sawdust+50%spent mushroom substrate(50%spent mushroom substrate group),35%rice husk+35%sawdust+30%spent mushroom substrate(30%spent mushroom substrate group).The pre-trial lasted 7 d,and the formal trial lasted 90 d.[Result]Compared with the control group,the number of Escherichia col in 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups decreased by 35.4%,24.0%and 20.8%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of salmonella successively decreased by 29.4%,19.3%and 15.2%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of lactobacillus successively increased by 21.7%,15.9%and 12.2%,respectively(P<0.05);and the number of bifidobacteria successively increased by 20.2%,16.7%and 11.8%,respectively(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the total serum protein content in 100%,70%,50%and 30%spent mushroom substrate groups increased by 30.6%,33.0%,28.0%and 18.4%,respectively(P<0.05);and the serum urea nitrogen content decreased by 32.4%,34.5%,33.9%and 22.0%,respectively(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in serum albumin,aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between treatment groups and control group.The IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels in serum of each treatment group were significantly different from those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels among 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups.[Conclusion]It improves the balance of intestinal microecological flora of growing-finishing pigs and enhances the immune performance of pigs by using spent mushroom substrate of P.eryngii as the fermentation bed padding.15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate is the optimal proportion of spent mushroom substrate for growing-finishing pigs.

Left Atrial Volume Index in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy—Correlation with Left Ventricular Function

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relation of left atrial (LA) volume and LA volume index with left ventricular function and to determine the association of duration of symptoms and left atrial volume index in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, single centre study conducted in India. A total of 50 patients who were admitted to department of cardiology from July, 2008 to February, 2009 with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction of <40% were included. Results: Of the 50 patients, 34 (68%) were males. 27 (54%) patients were in NYHA class II and 23 (46%) patients were in NYHA class III. LA volume was found to be ≥40 ml in all patients. LV function and LA volume were found to be correlated (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a correlation between LV function and LA volume index (r = -0.826, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between LA volume index and duration of symptoms (r = 0.04). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a strong inverse correlation between LA volume and left ventricular function and also between LA volume index and left ventricular function. The patients with NYHA class III were having larger left atrial volume than those with NYHA class II. Moreover, the duration of symptoms has no correlation with left atrial volume index.

Effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on Pulmonary Function, Blood Gas Analysis Index, Serum PCT and CRP Expression in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on pulmonary function, blood gas analysis index, serum PCT and CRP expression in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xuancheng People's Hospital of Anhui Province from December 2014 to December 2016 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group was given routine clinical treatment, and the observation group was given Suhuang Zhike Capsule on the basis of the treatment method of the control group. After 7 days' treatment, the improvement of lung function indexes were observed and evaluated before and after treatment(forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV_1), forced expiratory volume occupancy in the 1^(st) second percentage of vital capacity(FEVl/FVC), peak expiatory flow(PEF)), blood gas analysis index(Arterial oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2) and arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO_2), oxygenation index(OI)) and serum cytokine levels(procalcitonin(PCT) and C reactive protein(CRP). RESULTS: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The FEV_1, FEV_1/FVC and PEF in 2 groups were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the above lung function indexes in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group(P < 0.05). PaO_2 and OI were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), PaCO_2 was significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement of above blood gas analysis indexes were significantly superior of the observation group than the control group(P < 0.05). The serum PCT and CRP levels in 2 groups were significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement in the observation group were more significant than that in the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Suhuang Zhike Capsule can inhibit serum inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, improve blood gas analysis indicators, and improve lung functions.