Performance of a Bayesian state-space model of semelparous species for stock-recruitment data subject to measurement error

Measurement errors in spawner abundance create problems for fish stock assessment scientists. To deal with measurement error, we develop a Bayesian state-space model for stock-recruitment data that contain measurement error in spawner abundance, process error in recruitment, and time series bias. Through extensive simulations across numerous scenarios, we compare the statistical performance of the Bayesian state-space model with that of standard regression for a traditional stock-recruitment model that only considers process error. Performance varies depending on the information content in data, as determined by stock productivity, types of harvest situations, and amount of measurement error. Overall, in terms of estimating optimal spawner abundance S_MSY, the Ricker density-dependence parameter β, and optimal harvest rate h_MSY, the Bayesian state-space model works best for informative data from low and variable harvest rate situations for high-productivity salmon stocks. The traditional stock-recruitment model (TSR) may be used for estimating α and h_MSY for low-productivity stocks from variable and high harvest rate situations. However, TSR can severely overestimate S_MSY when spawner abundance is measured with large error in low and variable harvest rate situations. We also found that there is substantial merit in using h_MSY (or benchmarks derived from it) instead of S_MSY as a management target.     

Inverse modeling to estimate LNAPL plume release timing

Methodologies are presented for dating releases of light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) using an inverse modeling approach with simple analytical models. Models for LNAPL plume migration are presented to predict LNAPL plume velocity in the unsaturated and saturated zones as a function of basic soil and fluid properties. A relative mobility factor is introduced for LNAPL movement at the water table that depends primarily on the van Genuchten n parameter (related to the breadth of the soil pore size distribution) and the magnitude of water table fluctuations. Estimated LNAPL plume velocities compare reasonably with more rigorous numerical models, which may be used in cases where data availability warrant the greater effort entailed.Two methods of estimating release timing and its uncertainty are investigated. A direct estimation method is described that determines travel time for a single observed travel distance based on estimated soil and fluid properties. Release date uncertainty may be determined using the first order (FO) or Monte Carlo (MC) methods. The second method for estimating release date involves nonlinear parameter estimation utilizing distance vs. time measurements and other data.A case study is presented for a field site where independent estimates of release timing were obtained from a numerical modeling analysis. Release timing estimates based on direct inversion of the analytical timing model agree well with the numerical analysis. Results for a second field site indicate that release date confidence limits estimated by the FO method, assuming log-normally distributed travel times, are close to values determined by the MC method, which makes no assumption regarding the form of the travel time probability distribution.Results for a hypothetical problem indicate that LNAPL velocity and travel time may be accurately estimated if sufficient data on travel distance vs. time are available. Incorporating prior information on relevant soil and fluid properties into the objective function reduces the uncertainty in release date if prior estimates are accurate. However, biased prior estimates may lead to over- or underestimation of release date uncertainty. Simultaneous estimation of soil and fluid properties and release date is possible if prior information is available to condition the parameter estimates.     

大气扩散模型计算结果析疑

扩散模型是大气污染物浓度预测最重要的工具。然而不同模型的预测结果差距很大,应该理性看待和应用其结果,本研究旨在通过实例说明这些问题。同时指出,同一类型的环评预测应该使用同一种模型,其结果才具有可比性。而最重要的还是要通过降低排放量来减少污染影响,不必过于计较模型观测结果。     

A framework for human error risk analysis of coal mine emergency evacuation in China

Evacuation from underground coal mine in emergency as soon as possible makes the difference between life and death. Human factors have an important impact on a successful evacuation, but literature review shows that there is a lack of consideration of human error risk during coal mine emergency evacuation in China. To address the above problems, in this paper, we established a framework for human error risk analysis of coal mine emergency evacuation, consisting of scenario and task analysis, risk assessment and risk reduction. A general evacuation procedure which is applicable for different causes is detailed through the scenario and task analysis. A new method based on expert judgment, named OGI-Model, is proposed to evaluate the reliability of human safety barrier. In this new approach, human safety barrier is divided into three sub-barriers, i.e., organization safety sub-barrier (OSSB), group safety sub-barrier (GSSB), and individual safety sub-barrier (ISSB). Each sub-barrier consists of a series of concrete measures against specific evacuation actions. An example is provided in this paper to demonstrate the use of this framework and its effectiveness.     

行为形成因子与人为差错模式的定性关联分析

为揭示人为差错的发生规律以便有效管理人为差错,研究行为形成因子与人为差错模式间的对应关系。将行为形成因子作为情景环境的表征,在SRK(skill,rule,knowledge)模型的基础上,将认知功能的效能分为3种指标:全面性、准确性和效率,将认知功能与效能指标相结合得到人为差错模式的分类。在此基础上,根据经验详细分析行为形成因子对认知功能3种效能指标的影响,得到行为形成因子与人为差错模式的关联关系表格。该关联关系是定性的,包含密切关联、重要关联、一般关联和没有关联4种关联程度,不但可以用于人为差错事件的调查,而且可以用于人为差错模式的预测。     

一种基于贝叶斯网络的机务维修差错调查模型算法

提出一种基于贝叶斯网络的机务维修差错调查模型算法,根据已经建立的机务人为诱因导致事故/事故征候模型,利用贝叶斯原理编程实现了该算法。利用该算法对中国民航飞行学院2001-2011年的机务人为有引导的事故/事故征候依次进行分析并验证,得到了相应的事故诱因概率排序。该算法克服了样本空间不足,在事故发生以后能够在引入其他证据的情况下根据以前的经验概率得到新的事故诱因概率排序,为民航机务维修差错调查提供了可靠的技术支持。     

Examining the relationship between driver distraction and driving errors: A discussion of theory, studies and methods

Over the past two decades the concept of driver distraction has been the focus of intense research attention. One aspect of distraction for which there has been limited systematic research, however, is its role in driver error causation. This article presents a review of the distraction literature with a view to elucidating what is currently known about the types of driving errors that distraction contributes to and the mechanisms by which distraction induces these errors. The review revealed a number of fundamental gaps in our knowledge, including the number and nature of errors made by drivers when distracted; the mechanisms by which distraction causes errors; whether and how distraction disrupts drivers’ ability to recover from errors; and how system-wide factors moderate the relationship between distraction and error. In closing, we attempt to identify the most appropriate theoretical and methodological approach to drive the integrated study of distraction and error forward. We conclude that it is only through the adoption of a systems approach that integrated countermeasures can be proposed and implemented to mitigate driver errors caused by distraction.     

基于CREAM和贝叶斯网络的航空维修人为差错概率预测

航空维修差错不仅严重威胁着飞行安全,同时也会增加航空公司的维修成本。针对航空维修人员发生差错成因的复杂性以及历史事故数据缺乏的情况下,将人因可靠性与失误分析方法（CREAM）和贝叶斯网络（BN）相结合,提出一种改进的维修差错分析模型。根据维修任务构建相应的贝叶斯网络模型,为各子节点设置条件概率表（CPT）;基于维修基地的实际维修环境,对行为形成因子（PSFs）进行评估,得到共同绩效条件（CPCs）的水平;利用各CPC因子下各个行为功能失效模式的权重因子,对各认知活动进行失效概率的修正;将修正概率作为贝叶斯网络根节点的输入,利用推理机制,得到差错发生概率。通过案例分析和计算,验证了所述方法的可行性和有效性。     

一种压力容器封头非接触式扫描测量方法及误差分析

封头参数检测是确保封头质量,消除压力容器安全隐患的重要措施。传统接触式 的封头检测方法存在着诸多问题,为此,提出一种利用激光非接触式扫描进行封头参数 检测的方法。该方法利用支撑杆将激光扫描检测装置定位于封头端面,通过距离检测与 电机的旋转扫描,完成封头形状参数的检测。介绍该方法原理、操作过程,分析该方法 的误差。最后,对该方法进行实际测试验证。结果表明,该方法可以进行封头形状参数 的准确测量,误差同理论分析相符。     

Infant handling and mortality in yellow baboons (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papio cynocephalus</Emphasis>): evidence for female reproductive competition?

This study examines negative and positive infant handling behavior in 24 free-ranging yellow baboon infants (Papio cynocephalus) studied over a 5-year period in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. We test predictions of the female reproductive competition hypothesis to explain patterns of infant handling behavior by adult females (excluding the infants mother) in relation to observed cases of infant mortality by age 3 months (25% of infants in this study). Results show that: (1) low-ranking infants received more negative infant handling than high-ranking infants; conversely high-ranking infants received more positive infant handling; (2) female kin engaged in higher levels of positive infant handling than did non-kin, whereas non-kin showed higher levels of negative infant handling; (3) rates of negative infant handling varied by season, with high levels at the onset of the rainy season; and (4) high level of negative infant handling was a significant predictor of infant mortality by age 3 months (infant rank and sex did not predict survival). We discuss how the occurrence and interpretation of infant handling behavior in the literature has likely been confused by different definitions of this behavior, as well as differences in the socio-ecological context in which this behavior occurs.Communicated by C. Nunn