Assessing the predictive effectiveness of the variety seeking and reinforcement models

Prediction of customer choice behaviour has been a big challenge for marketing researchers. They have adopted various models to represent customers purchase patterns. Some researchers considered simple zero–order models. Others proposed higher–order models to represent explicitly customers tendency to seek [variety] or [reinforcement] as they make repetitive choices. Nevertheless, the question [Which model has the highest probability of representing some future data?] still prevails. The objective of this paper is to address this question. We assess the predictive effectiveness of the well–known customer choice models. In particular, we compare the predictive ability of the [dynamic attribute satiation] (DAS) model due to McAlister (Journal of Consumer Research, 91, pp. 141–150, 1982) with that of the well–known stochastic variety seeking and reinforcement behaviour models. We found that the stochastic [beta binomial] model has the best predictive effectiveness on both simulated and real purchase data. Using simulations, we also assessed the effectiveness of the stochastic models in representing various complex choice processes generated by the DAS. The beta binomial model mimicked the DAS processes the best. In this research we also propose, for the first time, a stochastic choice rule for the DAS model.     

Acoustic reflection of rib-stiffened double plates coated with a viscoelastic layer

To predict sound-absorbing performance of anechoic materials,the acoustic reflection problem of a viscoelastic layer backed with periodically rib-stiffened infinite double plates is studied in this paper.The reason why structural theories of plates are not applicable to viscoelastic plates is explained through comparing dispersion and attenuation curves of flexural waves with those of Lamb waves.As a result,（visco-）elastic theory is adopted to deal with（visco-）elastic plates,and ribs are treated by structural theories of plates.The coupling between ribs and plates are solved by Hull＇s method,and solution of the reflected field is obtained.The accuracy of present method is validated by comparing with the results by the structural theories of plates.The influence of a backing on the acoustic reflection of the viscoelatic layer is analyzed by computing reflection coefficients.Performances of different viscoelastic materials are evaluated by the average reflection coefficients.The computational results show that,influence of a backing on the acoustic reflection cannot be suppressed by the viscoelastic materials in low frequencies.The resonance is determined by the coupling of the fluid layer and the double plates.And ribs,which are coupled with the double plates,mainly reduce the acoustic reflection.     

Application and measurement of underwater acoustic reciprocity transfer functions in reverberant sound field

The reciprocity measurement theory in anomalous reverberant sound fields was investigated.An improved method Was proposed due to the interrelated errors.The source volume velocity Was corrected by spatial average of measurement results and evaluation of the reverberant sound field influence on acoustic energy density.The result was validated in underwater experiment,corrected reciprocity measurement results were almost the same as direct measurement results.It indicates that reverberant sound field does not affect the validitv of the principle,but influences the obtainment of source volume velocity,then influences the measurement of transfer functions with the principle.The proposed method is simple and effective in anomalous reverberant sound fields.The study mav be valuable for the applications which are based on the principle.     

石墨炔原子催化剂的崭新道路:基于自验证机器学习方法的筛选策略

近年来, 原子催化剂(ACs)引起了广泛的研究关注. 目前该领域的长足发展受限于贵金属的使用和单原子催化剂(SACs)的性能有限. 本文总结了利用密度泛函理论(DFT)和机器学习(ML)方法筛选高效的基于石墨炔(GDY)的原子催化剂的工作. 研究表明, Pd, Co, Pt和Hg可以形成稳定的零价过渡金属-石墨炔组合(TM-GDY), 而镧系-过渡金属的双原子催化剂(Ln-TM DAC)组合通过f-d轨道耦合作用可以获得有效的催化性能提升. 进一步分析表明, 主族元素与过渡金属和镧系金属的结合可以通过p轨道耦合保持高电活性, 从而构成高度稳定的GDY-DAC系统, 机器学习算法也揭示了s,p轨道的作用. 此外, 理论算法技术在筛选催化水分解析氢反应(HER)的高效组合上也表现出了优越性, 创新性地预测了石墨炔-原子催化剂在实际催化反应中的潜能. 本综合评述可为未来设计新型原子催化剂提供新的思路与策略.     

Development and validation of an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of 20 antihistaminics in dietary supplements

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of 20 antihistamines (illegal additives) in dietary supplements. The limits of detection and quantitation of the method ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 µg/mL and from 20.0 to 50.0 µg/mL, respectively. The determination coefficient was >0.999, precisions were 0.2–5.1% (intra‐day) and 0.1–8.8% (inter‐day), and accuracies were 84.5–111.2% (intra‐day) and 91.9–112.0% (inter‐day). The mean recoveries of 20 targeted compounds from dietary supplements ranged from 75.4 to 119.3%. The relative standard deviations were <6.6% and complied with established international guidelines. The relative standard deviation of stability was <0.8%. Fifty‐two commercially available dietary supplements were evaluated using this method, and were found to have none of the 20 antihistamines in significant abundance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interconnected air spring model

This article considers the mathematical modelling of the spring force of three interconnected rolling diaphragm type air springs used on a 40-ton tri-axle semi-trailer. The aim of the air spring model is to obtain a validated mathematical model that can be used in full vehicle multi-body dynamic simulations. The model considers the flow effects in the pipes connecting the three air springs as well as the mass transfer between them. Comparisons with experimental results show that the proposed mathematical model of the interconnected air springs is indeed able to accurately predict the pressures and forces of the air springs.     

Stability-indicating method for the determination of assay and quantification of impurities in amlodipine–atorvastatin combination dosage form by RP-HPLC

A simple stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for quantification of amlodipine, atorvastatin, and its impurities on Waters HPLC using Unisol C₁₈ 5?µm, 250?×?4.6?mm column in their combined tablet dosage as per ICH guidelines. The gradient (T/%B) at 0/42, 18/42, 22/75, 30/75, 32/42, and 35/42 of 40?mM 4.7 pH ammonium acetate as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B of flow rate 1.5?mL/min and 240?nm wavelength. Peak purity compiled for amlodipine and atorvastatin in all stressed conditions. For impurities: Precision was found in between 1.5 and 3.6%. The limit of detection and quantification for amlodipine, amlodipine impurity A, and atorvastatin was found to be 0.06 and 0.18?µg/mL, for atorvastatin Impurity A, B, C, and H was determined as 0.04 and 0.11?µg/mL, for Atorvastatin Impurity D was measured as 0.11 and 0.28?µg/mL, respectively. The linear regression achieved >0.9999 from 0.22 to 7.5?µg/mL. Recovery was observed in between 97 and 101%. For assay: Precision was determined in between 0.1 and 0.2%. The linear regression achieved >0.9999 for amlodipine and atorvastatin. Recovery ranged from 100 to 101%. The validated method was found to be accurate, precise, reliable, and robust to determine the assay as well as impurities in amlodipine–atorvastatin combination dosage formulation.     

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a hepatoprotective and antioxidant extract of pea by-product

The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the hydroalcoholic extract (PE) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) by-product were evaluated, using CCl4-induced oxidative stress and hepatic damage in rats. These activities were assessed via measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein and albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), protein thiols (PSH), nitrite/nitrate levels, glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, as well as, histopathological evaluation. PE revealed significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities mostly found in n-butanol fraction. Chromatographic fractionation of this active fraction led to the isolation of five flavonoid glycosides namely, quercetin-3-O-sophorotrioside (1), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (2), quercetin-3-O-(6″″-O-E sinapoyl)-sophorotrioside (3), quercetin-3-O-(6″″-O-E feruloyl)-sophorotrioside (4) and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5). The isolated compounds were quantified in PE, using a validated HPLC method and the nutritional composition of pea by-product was also investigated. Our results suggest that pea by-product contained biologically active constituents which can be utilised to obtain high value added products for nutraceutical use.