On the Application of Mixed Models of Probability and Convex Set for Time-Variant Reliability Analysis

In time-variant reliability problems,there are a lot of uncertain variables from different sources.Therefore,it is important to consider these uncertainties in engineering.In addition,time-variant reliability problems typically involve a complexmultilevel nested optimization problem,which can result in an enormous amount of computation.To this end,this paper studies the time-variant reliability evaluation of structures with stochastic and bounded uncertainties using a mixed probability and convex set model.In this method,the stochastic process of a limit-state function with mixed uncertain parameters is first discretized and then converted into a timeindependent reliability problem.Further,to solve the double nested optimization problem in hybrid reliability calculation,an efficient iterative scheme is designed in standard uncertainty space to determine the most probable point(MPP).The limit state function is linearized at these points,and an innovative random variable is defined to solve the equivalent static reliability analysis model.The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by two benchmark numerical examples and a practical engineering problem.

Analytical Modeling and Mechanism Analysis of Time-Varying Excitation for Surface Defects in Rolling Element Bearings

Surface defects,including dents,spalls,and cracks,for rolling element bearings are the most common faults in rotating machinery.The accurate model for the time-varying excitation is the basis for the vibration mechanism analysis and fault feature extraction.However,in conventional investigations,this issue is not well and fully addressed from the perspective of theoretical analysis and physical derivation.In this study,an improved analytical model for time-varying displacement excitations(TVDEs)caused by surface defects is theoretically formulated.First and foremost,the physical mechanism for the effect of defect sizes on the physical process of rolling element-defect interaction is revealed.According to the physical interaction mechanism between the rolling element and different types of defects,the relationship between time-varying displacement pulse and defect sizes is further analytically derived.With the obtained time-varying displacement pulse,the dynamic model for the deep groove bearings considering the internal excitation caused by the surface defect is established.The nonlinear vibration responses and fault features induced by surface defects are analyzed using the proposed TVDE model.The results suggest that the presence of surface defects may result in the occurrence of the dual-impulse phenomenon,which can serve as indexes for surface-defect fault diagnosis.

Time-varying gravity field model of Sichuan-Yunnan region based on the equivalent mass source model

High-precision time-varying gravity field is an effective way to study the internal mass movement and understanding the spatio-temporal evolution process of the geodynamic system.Compared to the satellite gravity measurement,the repeated terrestrial gravity observation can provide a more high-order signal related to the shallow crust and subsurface.However,the suitable and unified method for gravity model estimation is a key problem for further applications.In this study,we introduce the spherical hexahedron element to simulate the field source mass and forward model the change of gravity field located at the Sichuan-Yunnan region(99—104°E,23—29°N)in the four epochs from 2015 to 2017.Compared to the experimental results based on Slepian or spherical harmonics frequency domain method,this alternative approach is suitable for constructing the equivalent mass source model of regional-scale gravity data,by introducing the first-order smooth prior condition of gravity time-varying signal to suppress the high-frequency component of the signal.The results can provide a higher spatial resolution reference for regional gravity field modeling in the Sichuan-Yunnan region.

ICA Based Identification of Time-Varying Linear Causal Model

Recently, several approaches have been proposed to discover the causality of the time-independent or fixed causal model. However, in many realistic applications, especially in economics and neuroscience, causality among variables might be time-varying. A time-varying linear causal model with non-Gaussian noise is considered and the estimation of the causal model from observational data is focused. Firstly, an independent component analysis(ICA) based two stage method is proposed to estimate the time-varying causal coefficients. It shows that, under appropriate assumptions, the time varying coefficients in the proposed model can be estimated by the proposed approach, and results of experiment on artificial data show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. And then, the granger causality test is used to ascertain the causal direction among the variables. Finally, the new approach is applied to the real stock data to identify the causality among three stock indices and the result is consistent with common sense.

Robust Parameter Identification Method of Adhesion Model for Heavy Haul Trains

A robust parameter identification method based on Kiencke model was proposed to solve the problem of the parameter identification accuracy being affected by the rail environment change and noise interference for heavy-duty trains. Firstly, a Kiencke stick-creep identification model was constructed, and the parameter identification task was transformed into a quadratic programming problem. Secondly, an iterative algorithm was constructed to solve the problem, into which a time-varying forgetting factor was added to track the change of the rail environment, and to solve the uncertainty problem of the wheel-rail environment. The Granger causality test was adopted to detect the interference, and then the weights of the current data were redistributed to solve the problem of noise interference in parameter identification. Finally, simulations were carried out and the results showed that the proposed method could track the change of the track environment in time, reduce the noise interference in the identification process, and effectively identify the adhesion performance parameters.

Neural Network and GBSM Based Time-Varying and Stochastic Channel Modeling for 5G Millimeter Wave Communications

In this work,a frame work for time-varying channel modeling and simulation is proposed by using neural network(NN)to overcome the shortcomings in geometry based stochastic model(GBSM)and simulation approach.Two NN models are developed for modeling of path loss together with shadow fading(SF)and joint small scale channel parameters.The NN models can predict path loss plus SF and small scale channel parameters accurately compared with measurement at 26 GHz performed in an outdoor microcell.The time-varying path loss and small scale channel parameters generated by the NN models are proposed to replace the empirical path loss and channel parameter random numbers in GBSM-based framework to playback the measured channel and match with its environment.Moreover,the sparse feature of clusters,delay and angular spread,channel capacity are investigated by a virtual array measurement at 28 GHz in a large waiting hall.

Parameter Estimation of Time-Varying ARMA Model

The auto-regressive moving-average (ARMA) model with time-varying parameters is analyzed. The time-varying parameters are assumed to be a linear combination of a set of basis time-varying functions, and the feedback linear estimation algorithm is used to estimate the time-varying parameters of the ARMA model. This algorithm includes 2 linear least squares estimations and a linear filter. The influence of the order of basis time-(varying) functions on parameters estimation is analyzed. The method has the advantage of simple, saving computation time and storage space. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show the validity of this method.

Using granger-geweke causality model to evaluate the effective connectivity of primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area and cerebellum

Currently, Granger-Geweke causality models have been widely applied to investigate the dynamic direction relationships among brain regions. In a previous study, we have found that the right hand finger-tapping task can produce relatively reliable brain response. As an extension of our previous study, we developed an algorithm based on the classical Granger- Geweke causality model to further investigate the effective connectivity of three brain regions (left primary motor cortex (M1), supplementary motor area (SMA) and right cerebellum) that showed the most robust brain activations. Our computational results not only confirm the strong linear feedback among SMA, M1 and right cerebellum, but also demonstrate that M1 is the hub of these three regions indicated by the anatomy research. Moreover, the model predicts the high intermediate node density existing in the area between SMA and M1, which will stimulate the imaging experimentalists to carry out new experiments to validate this postulation.

Comparison of Cox proportional hazards model,Cox proportional hazards with time-varying coefficients model,and lognormal accelerated failure time model:Application in time to event analysis of melioidosis patients

Objective:To compare the prognostic factors of mortality among melioidosis patients between lognormal accelerated failure time(AFT),Cox proportional hazards(PH),and Cox PH with time-varying coefficient(TVC)models.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 among 453 patients who were admitted to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah,Kedah and Hospital Tuanku Fauziah,Perlis in Northern Malaysia due to confirmed-cultured melioidosis.The prognostic factors of mortality from melioidosis were obtained from AFT survival analysis,and Cox’s models and the findings were compared by using the goodness of fit methods.The analyses were done by using Stata SE version 14.0.Results:A total of 242 patients(53.4%)survived.In this study,the median survival time of melioidosis patients was 30.0 days(95%CI 0.0-60.9).Six significant prognostic factors were identified in the Cox PH model and Cox PH-TVC model.In AFT survival analysis,a total of seven significant prognostic factors were identified.The results were found to be only a slight difference between the identified prognostic factors among the models.AFT survival showed better results compared to Cox's models,with the lowest Akaike information criteria and best fitted Cox-snell residuals.Conclusions:AFT survival analysis provides more reliable results and can be used as an alternative statistical analysis for determining the prognostic factors of mortality in melioidosis patients in certain situations.

Deep learning-based time-varying channel estimation with basis expansion model for MIMO-OFDM system

For high-speed mobile MIMO-OFDM system,a low-complexity deep learning(DL) based timevarying channel estimation scheme is proposed.To reduce the number of estimated parameters,the basis expansion model(BEM) is employed to model the time-varying channel,which converts the channel estimation into the estimation of the basis coefficient.Specifically,the initial basis coefficients are firstly used to train the neural network in an offline manner,and then the high-precision channel estimation can be obtained by small number of inputs.Moreover,the linear minimum mean square error(LMMSE) estimated channel is considered for the loss function in training phase,which makes the proposed method more practical.Simulation results show that the proposed method has a better performance and lower computational complexity compared with the available schemes,and it is robust to the fast time-varying channel in the high-speed mobile scenarios.

Predictive modeling in neurocritical care using causal artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence(AI)and digital twin models of various systems have long been used in industry to test products quickly and efficiently.Use of digital twins in clinical medicine caught attention with the development of Archimedes,an AI model of diabetes,in 2003.More recently,AI models have been applied to the fields of cardiology,endocrinology,and undergraduate medical education.The use of digital twins and AI thus far has focused mainly on chronic disease management,their application in the field of critical care medicine remains much less explored.In neurocritical care,current AI technology focuses on interpreting electroencephalography,monitoring intracranial pressure,and prognosticating outcomes.AI models have been developed to interpret electroencephalograms by helping to annotate the tracings,detecting seizures,and identifying brain activation in unresponsive patients.In this mini-review we describe the challenges and opportunities in building an actionable AI model pertinent to neurocritical care that can be used to educate the newer generation of clinicians and augment clinical decision making.

Markov-Switching Time-Varying Copula Modeling of Dependence Structure between Oil and GCC Stock Markets

This paper proposes a Markov-switching copula model to examine the presence of regime change in the time-varying dependence structure between oil price changes and stock market returns in six GCC countries. The marginal distributions are assumed to follow a long-memory model while the copula parameters are supposed to evolve according to the Markov-switching process. Furthermore, we estimate the Value-at-Risk (VaR) based on the proposed approach. The empirical results provide evidence of three regime changes, representing precrisis, financial crisis and post-crisis, in the dependence structure between energy and GCC stock markets. In particular, in the pre- and post-crisis regimes, there is no dependence, while in the crisis regime, there is significant tail dependence. For OPEC countries, we find lower tail dependence whereas in non-OPEC countries, we see upper tail dependence. VaR experiments show that the Markov-switching time- varying copula model performs better than the time-varying copula model.

Application of causal model to maternal smoking cessation intervention in pregnancy

The adverse effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on both the offspring and women are well known. The main objective of this research article is to provide health professional causal modelling approach to make a more comprehensive assessment of major determinants of smoking behaviour during and after pregnancy and consequently the outcomes of pregnant women smoking which are adversely affecting both the offspring and pregnant women. The causal model based on theory and evidence was modified and applied to material smoking cessation intervention to control the adverse effects of smoking on offspring obesity and neurodevelopment. In this approach a generic model links behavioural determinants, causally through behaviour, to physiological and biochemical variables, and health outcomes. It is tailored to context, target population, behaviours and health outcomes. The model provides a rational guide to appropriate measures, intervention points and intervention techniques, and can be tested quantitatively. The causal modelling approach showed promising results which can be used to help maternal smoking women to understand the risk of smoking and help them to quit smoking. The regression analysis of maternal smoking women BMI (n = 1000) on offspring BMI was statistically significant, p 0.05). This supported the hypothesis that maternal smoking women BMI during pregnancy is an important determinant of offspring obesity and consequently the risk factors of cardiovascular development. The causal modelling approach is unique as it provides an incentive to health professional to use these models to target any important and modifiable determinants of the maternal smoking behaviour and decrease the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for the offspring and the mother.

An Improved Dynamic Modelling for Exploring Ball Bearing Vibrations from Time-Varying Oil Film

Bearings are key components in rotating machinery,which is widely used in many fields,such as CNC machines,wind turbines and induction machines.The increasingly harsh operation environment can lead to wear and tear on raceways and reduce the precision and reliability of bearing or even machinery.Lubrication could relieve the wear to some degree,which is benefit to prolong the bearing’s life.Thus,investigation on the vibration responses under the influence of oil film is of great significance.However,for mechanism analysis,how to include the oil film into the bearing dynamic model affects the result and efficiency of solution.To address this problem,this study proposed a fast algorithm through load distribution and interpolation when calculating oil film stiffness and thickness during the solution of bearing vibration model.Analysis of oil film on vibration is carried out and a bearing test rig is designed to verify the proposed model.Numerical simulation result shows that rotational speed and load have vital effect on oil film and vibration.The experimental result is consistent with the simulation,which shows that the proposed model has a better performance on modeling bearing vibration and the method of considering oil film is reasonable.

Observed communication between oncologists and patients:A causal model of communication competence

AIM: To investigate and test a causal model derived from previous meta-analytic data of health provider behaviors and patient satisfaction.METHODS: A literature search was conducted for relevant manuscripts that met the following criteria: Reported an analysis of provider-patient interaction in the context of an oncology interview; the study had to measure at least two of the variables of interest to the model(provider activity,provider patient-centered communication,provider facilitative communication,patient activity,patient involvement,and patient satisfaction or reduced anxiety); and the information had to be reported in a manner that permitted the calculation of a zero-order correlation between at least two of the variables under consideration.Data were transformed into correlation coefficients and compiled to produce the correlation matrix used for data analysis.The test of the causal model is a comparison of the expected correlation matrix generated using an Ordinary Least Squares method of estimation.The expected matrix iscompared to the actual matrix of zero order correlation coefficients.A model is considered a possible fit if the level of deviation is less than expected due to random sampling error as measured by a chi-square statistic.The significance of the path coefficients was tested using a z test.Lastly,the Sobel test provides a test of the level of mediation provided by a variable and provides an estimate of the level of mediation for each connection.Such a test is warranted in models with multiple paths.RESULTS: A test of the original model indicated a lack of fit with the summary data.The largest discrepancy in the model was between the patient satisfaction and the provider patient-centered utterances.The observed correlation was far larger than expected given a mediated relationship.The test of a modified model was undertaken to determine possible fit.The corrected model provides a fit to within tolerance as evaluated by the test statistic,χ2(8,average n = 342) = 10.22.Each of the path coefficients for the model reveals that each one can be considered significant,P < 0.05.The Sobel test examining the impact of the mediating variables demonstrated that patient involvement is a significant mediator in the model,Sobel statistic = 3.56,P < 0.05.Patient active was also demonstrated to be a significant mediator in the model,Sobel statistic = 4.21,P < 0.05.The statistics indicate that patient behavior mediates the relationship between provider behavior and patient satisfaction with the interaction.CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate empirical support for the importance of patient-centered care and satisfy the need for empirical casual support of provider-patient behaviors on health outcomes.

ADDITIVE HAZARDS MODEL WITH TIME-VARYING REGRESSION COEFFICIENTS

This article discusses regression analysis of failure time under the additive hazards model, when the regression coefficients are time-varying. The regression coefficients are estimated locally based on the pseudo-score function [12] in a window around each time point. The proposed method can be easily implemented, and the resulting estimators are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal with easily estimated variances. The simulation studies show that our estimation procedure is reliable and useful.

Weighted Pseudo Almost Periodic Solutions for a Class of Hematopoiesis Model with Time-Varying Delay

In this paper, firstly, a notion of a class of generalized weighted pseudo al- most periodic function is introduced, then we investigate some basic and essential properties of the space that consists of these functions. Finally, we study the exis- tence of weighted pseudo almost periodic solutions to hematopoiesis model with time- varying delay.

Causal inference with marginal structural modeling for longitudinal data in laparoscopic surgery: A technical note

Causal inference prevails in the field of laparoscopic surgery.Once the causality between an intervention and outcome is established,the intervention can be applied to a target population to improve clinical outcomes.In many clinical scenarios,interventions are applied longitudinally in response to patients’conditions.Such longitudinal data comprise static variables,such as age,gender,and comorbidities;and dynamic variables,such as the treatment regime,laboratory variables,and vital signs.Some dynamic variables can act as both the confounder and mediator for the effect of an intervention on the outcome;in such cases,simple adjustment with a conventional regression model will bias the effect sizes.To address this,numerous statistical methods are being developed for causal inference;these include,but are not limited to,the structural marginal Cox regression model,dynamic treatment regime,and Cox regression model with time-varying covariates.This technical note provides a gentle introduction to such models and illustrates their use with an example in the field of laparoscopic surgery.

A Simulation Study on Comparing General Class of Semiparametric Transformation Models for Survival Outcome with Time-Varying Coefficients and Covariates

The consideration of the time-varying covariate and time-varying coefficient effect in survival models are plausible and robust techniques. Such kind of analysis can be carried out with a general class of semiparametric transformation models. The aim of this article is to develop modified estimating equations under semiparametric transformation models of survival time with time-varying coefficient effect and time-varying continuous covariates. For this, it is important to organize the data in a counting process style and transform the time with standard transformation classes which shall be applied in this article. In the situation when the effect of coefficient and covariates change over time, the widely used maximum likelihood estimation method becomes more complex and burdensome in estimating consistent estimates. To overcome this problem, alternatively, the modified estimating equations were applied to estimate the unknown parameters and unspecified monotone transformation functions. The estimating equations were modified to incorporate the time-varying effect in both coefficient and covariates. The performance of the proposed methods is tested through a simulation study. To sum up the study, the effect of possibly time-varying covariates and time-varying coefficients was evaluated in some special cases of semiparametric transformation models. Finally, the results have shown that the role of the time-varying covariate in the semiparametric transformation models was plausible and credible.

Anisotropic Plane Symmetric Two-Fluid Cosmological Model with Time-Varying G and A

We investigate a two-fluid anisotropic plane symmetric cosmological model with variable gravitational constant G（t） and cosmological term A（t）. In the two-fluid model, one fluid is chosen to be that of the radiation field modeling the cosmic microwave background and the other one a perfect fluid modeling the material content of the universe. Exact solutions of the field equations are obtained by using a special form for the average scale factor which corresponds to a specific time-varying deceleration parameter. The model obtained presents a cosmological scenario which describes an early acceleration and late-time deceleration. The gravitation constant increases with the cosmic time whereas the cosmological term decreases and asymptotically tends to zero. The physical and kinematical behaviors of the associated fluid parameters are discussed.