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Low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) prefer induction motor (IM) based drive systems which are mostly operated with 2-level inverters (2LIs) because they require fewer component counts and minimum control complexity. While an IM operated with 2LI has a higher total harmonic distortion (THD) and lower efficiency. An indirect current vector control (ICVC) scheme is an effective and simplest control scheme used for IM of EVs. This ICVC scheme required one speed sensor and three current sensors which increased its cost and control complexity. Therefore, in this paper, a cascaded H-bridge 3-level inverter (CHB-3LI) fed IM drive (IMD) is presented. A modified ICVC scheme having only one speed sensor is presented and used to control the CHB-3LI fed IMD. The steady-state and transient performances of CHB-3LI fed IMD with the modified ICVC scheme are analyzed through simulation in MATLAB Simulink and validated through experiments on a developed laboratory setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linear induction motor based on local public transport has turned out to be more cost-effective in respect of energy cost as well as maintenance. This is due to the fact that linear induction motors constitute a strong durability rate, simple geometrical structure, large force application capability, and independent adhesiveness that make the motor more advanced than conventional motors based on propulsion systems. The single linear induction motor for urban transit modeled by T-type equivalent circuit model enhancement is proposed in this paper. For the proposed system, a double-sided and single-sided linear induction motor is described. For the linear induction motor, the converter control strategies are implemented which is responsive to the velocity and force/current control system, and their integrated performance propulsion drives is described in this paper. Finally, the efficiency and other intrinsic factors needed for the structure's performance assessment are derived. The relationship between penetration depth and frequency is performed and the penetration rapidly drops at low frequencies and tends to stabilize beyond 10 Hz, with the Al having a relatively larger penetration depth. Finally, the performance analysis such as variation in the number of poles, mechanical air gap, penetration depth and frequency variations are calculated on the basis of various features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the long-term treatment outcome of conventional and hypofractionation radiotherapy in postmastectomy cancer breast patients. Material and Methods: A total of 140 postmastectomy breast cancer patients were included in this retrospective study, who were treated from 2012 to 2014 with chemotherapy and various fractionation radiotherapy schedules. Radiotherapy treatment records for study group-I received radiotherapy 4256 cGy in 16 fractions over 31/2 weeks, group-II patients received 4005 cGy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks, and conventional radiotherapy group-III received 5000 cGy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Results: The median follow-up of patients from all groups was 60 months (range 9 to 111 months). There were 39 cases with disease failure, 13 (26%) in group I (42.56 Gy), 16 (40%) in group II (40.05 Gy), and 10 (20%) in group III (50 Gy). There were 4 locoregional recurrences (LRRs), two isolated, and 11 distant failures in group I, 3 LRRs (1 isolated LRR) and 15 distant failures in group II, and only one LRR and 9 distant failures in group III. The disease-free survival (DFS) were 74%, 60%, and 80%, respectively, in groups I, II, and III (P =0.044). Conclusion: The long-term results of this study show that hypofractionation radiotherapy in postmastectomy cases is well tolerated and acute and late side effects are also comparable to conventional fractionation. In our study, locoregional and distant failure seems slightly higher with hypofractionation schedules than in other studies, highlighting the need for more studies with long-term follow-up in postmastectomy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a nine-level inverter topology is proposed with the least number of switches and other components for fault tolerant (FT) operation. The proposed fault tolerant topology requires only one additional switch to execute the fault tolerant operation. The proposed topology also results in reduced total harmonic distortion (THD) as compared with other reported fault tolerant topologies for a 9-level output. A detailed analysis of the topology is presented and the fault tolerant operation is demonstrated under any single, double, triple, and quadruple switch faults using MATLAB/ Simulation and OPALRT hardware in loop (HIL) real time simulator. The proposed concept is validated for single and multiple switch faults and R-L load variation on a low scale laboratory hardware set-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Ubiquity of Scarcity" is a document that explores the concept of scarcity in different contexts. It discusses the shift in Aboriginal Australian art from communal creation to individual artist signatures due to Western property rights. The document also examines how companies like Uber and Airbnb have commodified and monetized once-shared practices like hitchhiking and borrowing from neighbors. It further explores scarcity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and economic booms. The document concludes with an overview of nine articles in a special issue on scarcity, covering topics such as consumer behavior, business strategies, and societal implications. It highlights studies on how families respond to resource scarcity, the association between loneliness and mental health issues, and the connection between scarcity of coping resources and addictive consumption. The document acknowledges the contributions of researchers in the field of scarcity. [Extracted from the article]

We investigate the interactive effect of donors' self-construal and frame of a persuasive message (emphasizing statistical or identifiable victims affected by COVID-19) on donation intent. Three studies featuring 1,104 participants document a positive effect of the identifiable victim (vs. statistical victims) frame on donation intent, but only for interdependent respondents and not for independent ones (study 1). This conditional positive effect of the identifiable victim frame is due to interdependents' heightened holistic thinking style (studies 2 and 3). Findings have public significance for addressing COVID-related economic challenges. The paper concludes with theoretical contributions, practical implications, and ideas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The perianal fistulas are commonly observed in 4th-5th age group of patients with male predilection. This disease present with complaints of discharge (most common), pain, swelling, Pruritis & fever. Objectives: to access the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRI in perianal fistulas in comparison to surgical findings. Methods. 60 patients of 22 to 72 year age group with clinically suspected and confirmed by MRI were selected for the study. Most common clinical presentation in this study were discharge (93%) followed by pain (70.0%). Most common fistula type was intersphincteric in 40(66.7%) followed by transsphincteric which were 14(23.3%). Associated abscess cavity seen in 15 cases (25%). On MR Fistulography, horseshoeing seen in 2 (3.3%) cases which was also confirmed preoperatively. Intersphincteric fistula was the most common type of the perianal fistulas followed by transsphincteric type with Grade 1 followed by Grade 2. Low fistulas prevalence was much more than high fistulas. Simple non branching fistulas were more common as compare to branching fistulas. Conclusion. Magnetic resonance fistulography is a reliable imaging, most sensitive and specific modality, for assessment of perianal anatomy, fistulous tracts and their associated ramification and abscesses, and became an ideal imaging modality for assessment of perianal fistulas, which showed accurate correlation with surgical findings and aided in surgery planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In females of the South Asia region, vitamin D deficiency has been highly prevalent. This can be due to non-access to sunlight, sunblock, home-stay, and poor dietary intake, Insufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium can lead to bone loss, especially in postmenopausal females. Aim: The present study aimed to comparatively assess the bone mineral density and vitamin D levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal females of India. Methods: The study assessed 200 premenopausal females constituting the controls and 200 postmenopausal females constituting the test group. In all 400 subjects, vitamin D levels were assessed to note vitamin D deficiency. This was followed by scanning (DEXA scan) for bone mineral density. The data gathered was statistically assessed to get results. Results: Moderate deficiency of Vitamin D was higher in a post-menopause group with 43% (n=86) females and had a lower incidence in the pre-menopausal control group with 15% (n=30) females with moderate deficiency of vitamin D. For the severe deficiency, it had a high incidence in post-menopausal females with 36% (n=72) females and a low incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency was seen in the pre-menopausal control group with 2% (n=4) females. In premenopausal females, low bone mineral density was seen in 34% (n=68) of study subjects and was very low in 1% (n=2) females. In the study group of post-menopausal females, the bone mineral density was low in 62% (n=124) of the study subjects and was very low in 24% (n=48) of the study subjects. For BMD and 25 OHD levels, the difference in the two groups was statistically significant with p<0.001. Conclusion: The present study shows the effect of menopause on bone mineral density and vitamin D levels. There is a significant difference in bone mineral density and levels of vitamin D in postmenopausal females and females of reproductive age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has penetrated the marketing landscape and is having a profound impact on businesses' communication strategies. With AI coming under the spotlight, we know surprisingly little about its impact on consumers' patronage likelihood. This research attempts to address this void by investigating the "just-walk-out" retail technology in cohort with in-store communication. Across three studies, conducted online and in the field, the authors demonstrate that, compared to self-service checkouts, AI-enabled checkouts lead to significantly higher consumers' patronage likelihood. Furthermore, sensory stimulation stemming from in-store communication (environmental cues including assortment, advertising, and technology) underlies this impact. Importantly, the extent to which consumers perceive AI technology to be threatening is revealed as a boundary condition to these effects. These findings advance our understanding of how AI-enabled checkouts and in-store communication influence consumers' patronage likelihood and the boundary condition that moderates their impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, tolerability, and toxicity of concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical carcinoma.Materials and Methods: Forty patients of cervical carcinoma were included in this study. The study period ranges from October 2016 to September 2019. Patients were evaluated and treated as per the protocol: external beam radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions) and concurrent weekly chemotherapy with injection (Inj.) cisplatin (30 mg/m2) followed by high-dose rate brachytherapy (3 fractions of 7 Gy each) and concurrent chemotherapy Inj. cisplatin (30 mg/m2).Results: Out of 40 patients enrolled in the study, 36 patients completed the treatment (17 Stage II and 19 Stage III). The incidence of Grade I and II skin toxicities were 78% and 10%, respectively. The incidence of genitourinary toxicities with respect to Grade I and II were 72% and 12%, respectively. There were Grade III hematological toxicities in two patients and the brachytherapy treatment was delayed for 4-6 days. The overall complete response was found in 28 (78%) patients, partial response in six (16.7%) patients, and progressive disease in two (5.6%) patients at 3 months of follow-up. On the last follow-up, 21 (58%) patients were disease-free and there was disease failure in seven patients (5 local recurrence and 2 with distant metastasis).Conclusion: Brachytherapy with the addition of concurrent chemotherapy is effective and feasible with acceptable toxicity for advanced stages of carcinoma cervix. This study upholds an interesting approach that can be regarded as feasible and tolerable for cervical cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ongoing debate in the United States relating to COVID-19 features the purported tension between containing the coronavirus to save lives or opening the economy to sustain livelihoods, with ethical overtones on both sides. Proponents of opening the economy argue that sustaining livelihoods should be prioritized over virus containment, with ethicists asking, "What about the risk to human life?" Defendants of restricting the spread of the virus endorse saving lives through virus containment but contend with the ethical concern "What about people's livelihoods and individual freedoms?" A commonly held belief is that political ideology drives these differential preferences: liberals are more focused on saving lives, whereas conservatives favor sustaining livelihoods with no additional government intervention in the free-market economy. We examine these lay beliefs among US residents in four studies and find that economic system justification (ESJ), an ideology that defends the prevailing economic system when under threat, is a reliable psychological predictor beyond political ideology. Specifically, compared to those who scored low on ESJ, people who scored high on ESJ judged China as more justified in downplaying the spread of virus to protect its interest in the global free-market economy, supported in-person over online learning, viewed shelter in place as less desirable, and perceived the opening of the Texas economy as more legitimate. We also find that multiple psychological mechanisms might be at work—resistance to market interventions, perceived legitimacy of opening the economy, perceived seriousness of the health crisis, and violation of human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given curiosity's characterization as a motivational drive for knowledge, prior research has primarily focused on curiosity's positive effects on knowledge exploration, information acquisition, and learning. Once the desired knowledge has been acquired, curiosity is said to be satisfied. But what happens if curiosity is left unsatisfied? Across five experiments, spanning four domains of indulgence-related decisions and relying on different methods of curiosity elicitation, the present research sheds light on an unexpected yet crucial consequence of curiosity—that unsatisfied curiosity tempts indulgent consumption in domains unrelated to the source of the curiosity. This effect is explained by a generalized desire for rewards. Experiments 1–3 establish and replicate the proposed mediation model of curiosity —› desire for rewards —› indulgence, employing manipulation-of-process, moderation-of-process, and measurement-of-process experimental designs. Experiment 4 utilizes neurophysiological data to indicate brain activation in the insular cortex for unsatisfied (vs. satisfied) curiosity. Experiment 5 addresses the role of cognitive depletion as a possible alternative mechanism. In summary, this article demonstrates that the hunger for information that accompanies unsatisfied curiosity is converted into a generalized desire for rewards, which in turn tempts indulgence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to high precision, high speed, and high fault tolerance capability, the linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) is applied in digital control technologies as well as electronic switching devices. The LSRM is considered as a good substitute for conventional linear drive systems for long-way transportation. In this paper, a single-stator and double-stator longitudinal flux-type LSRM for high-speed transit system is proposed. Since the flux in the longitudinal arrangement is in the same alignment as the motion of the translator, the proposed system is easier to construct, mechanically stable with minimum eddy current loss. It also produces the magnetic flux along the direction of motion, which makes it highly suitable for high-speed linear transit application. The proposed conceptual LSRM differs from the conventional LSRM, in such a way that the active stator holds the excitation windings, while at the same time it acts as a translational body that moves over the stationary translator bed. The motor characterization is performed in ANSYS electromagnetic simulation tool, to determine the applied forces, coupling inductance, and strength of the magnetic field of the proposed LSRM for the traction propulsion system. The finite element analysis (FEA) is utilized here to analyze the modeled configuration, for verification of the design and performance prediction of the proposed LSRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the effect of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled checkouts on consumers' purchase intent and evaluations of the retailing atmosphere. It also offers novel findings pertaining to the mediating role of arousal and moderation by innovativeness importance on consumers' responses toward AI-enabled checkouts. Design/methodology/approach: Three pilot studies, two field studies and one online experiment featuring 1,567 respondents were conducted by manipulating checkout methods. Findings: AI-enabled checkouts lead to a higher level of arousal, which, in turn, yields more favorable store atmosphere evaluations and higher purchase intent. Furthermore, the positive effect of AI-enabled checkouts is moderated by consumers' innovativeness importance. Research limitations/implications: This research contributes to the emerging body of AI research and demonstrates a novel perspective by illuminating that under certain circumstances, AI-enabled checkouts lead to more positive outcomes relating to store atmosphere evaluations and purchase intent, as well as the unintended effect of heightened arousal. Practical implications: This study shows how marketers and practitioners can promote consumers' evaluations and patronage likelihood effectively by harnessing AI-enabled checkouts for those who consider innovativeness as important. Originality/value: This research documents the novel findings of how and when AI-enabled checkouts garner more favorable consumer responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear Motors are potential candidates for replacing traditional rotary motors in high-speed transit systems. Linear Switched Reluctance Motor (LSRM) is the widely researched motor for such applications. This paper presents a design for linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) with an improved propulsion force profile. The proposed motor consists of moving translator for direct drive transmission, without the use of mechanical gears. The stator contains a split-teethed stator structure. The proposed motor has more translator teeth than stator teeth. This paper includes a new design methodology for the proposed combination of stator and translator. The motor is designed and analyzed using 3-D finite-element method (FEM). The proposed motor has been optimized using a parameter-based cumulative deterministic optimization algorithm (PBCDOA) for further improving the force profile. The FEM results demonstrate the effectiveness of the design procedure and better force performance of the proposed topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five studies examine how perceived financial constraints and abundance determine when consumers will engage in solitary or social purchases. When financially constrained, consumers prefer solitary (vs. social) purchases. We also identify self-construal as a moderator of how consumers spend their discretionary income. While independent consumers prefer solitary (vs. social) purchases, interdependent consumers prefer social (vs. solitary) purchases. Interestingly, when consumers have adequate discretionary income, independent as well as interdependent consumers have similar preferences for solitary and social purchases. In addition, for interdependent consumers, communal norms mediate the preference for social purchases. Finally, for independent consumers, making the communal norm salient reverses their preference for solitary purchases, resulting in a preference for social purchases. Our findings suggest how managers can effectively promote different types of purchases under varying financial resource conditions in their global communication strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetism forms a mandatory topic in the syllabus of undergraduate and graduate courses in electrical engineering. This topic involves many physical and mathematical concepts like curl, divergence, gradient for field determination and representation. These concepts are not only difficult to understand but also often lead to poor learning because of the imaginations and non-visualization of electric and magnetic fields. A correct understanding of fields and its distribution is necessary to understand the working, design and optimization of electrical machines. This paper presents a finite element method (FEM) based educational tool that allows the technical students to visualize electromagnetic (EM) fields inside the EM systems. This tool therefore provides a better understanding of the design and optimization of various electrical devices. This paper shows an example of a 2-pole linear machine to visualize the distribution of the magnetic field in a non-linear circuit. This machine extends to form a linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) using step-by-step design and optimization procedure along with the user guide interface programmed in FEM based ANSYS Maxwell software. This motor is used as an example to visualize magnetic fields using FEM software in complex circuits and can be used as a good educational tool for students. The paper incorporates the validation of the design procedure through FEM simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pandemics have been an unfortunate but consistent facet of human existence over centuries, threatening lives as well as livelihoods globally. Disconcertingly, their frequency persists, with four "major" pandemics disrupting the planet in the last 65 years and more expected in the future. While many of the economic and health consequences of pandemics are well-documented, their marketing implications are less understood. Addressing this gap, we develop a broad, conceptual framework to highlight the characteristics and impacts of pandemics as they relate to marketing. We first identify four macro-level forces that characterize pandemics and highlight their marketing implications. Next, using the 7P marketing mix model as the organizing structure, we discuss these implications at a micro-level and identify a set of research questions to stimulate further inquiry, not only to generate deeper insights pertaining to pandemics' marketing implications but also to envision new developments in these areas. Finally, we identify pandemics' disproportionate impacts on and implications for some industry sectors, including healthcare, retail, education, hospitality, and tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maladaptive consumption represents potentially uncontrollable and self- and others-harming consumer choices to fulfill a desire for rewarding substances and behaviors. More recently, maladaptive consumption has emerged as a pivotal interest within consumer research, and a deliberation of current developments regarding consumers' misuse of substances and their repetitive engagement in certain behaviors highlights its acute importance. After summarizing both long-standing and emerging types of maladaptive consumption, we review mounting evidence and provide a working definition and an integrative theoretical framework for understanding antecedents, types, explanations, and consequences of maladaptive consumption. Finally, we close with a limited identification of propositions and research themes that suggest avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfectionism has been conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, and two of its key dimensions entail striving for high performance standards and focusing on the discrepancy between one's standards and actual performance. Our investigation examines the role of these two dimensions in maladaptive consumption. Results across six studies investigating both trait and state perfectionism across various maladaptive domains support our account that discrepancy-based perfectionism is associated with higher levels of maladaptive consumption than standards-based perfectionism. Additionally, results indicate that feelings of shame and guilt explain these differential effects, with discrepancy perfectionism associated with higher levels of shame and standards perfectionism associated with higher levels of guilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a retail setting, two field studies and one controlled online experiment show that compared to self‐service checkouts, artificial intelligence (AI)‐enabled checkouts temporarily activate perceived shopping convenience. This leads to more favourable attitudes and higher purchase intent, but only for consumers who have higher levels of self‐efficacy (Studies 1 and 2). Furthermore, we find that this positive effect of AI‐enabled checkouts conditional on consumers' self‐efficacy, is diminished for consumers who show a low level of callousness (Study 3). This study introduces a novel variable to consumer literature, callousness, a subconstruct of psychopathy and features the unexplored tripartite "AI–physical–human" ecosystem, which adds a significant layer to the incipient AI literature and serves as a theeoretical framework for continued inquiries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers often feel schadenfreude, an emotion reflecting an experience of pleasure over misfortunes of another. Schadenfreude has found wide use in advertising, but its actual consequences for consumers have not been thoroughly documented. The present research investigates the effect of schadenfreude on consumers' satisfaction with choices they have made. Building on the feelings‐as‐information theory, the authors posit that consumers take their positive feelings of schadenfreude over another's unrelated bad purchase as positive information about their own choices, and through such misattribution become more satisfied with their own choices. Three experiments show that feeling schadenfreude over another consumer's bad purchase makes consumers more satisfied with their own choices (Study 1), regardless of whether the other's bad purchase is in the same or in a different product category as one's own choice (Study 2), but only so long as consumers are not aware that they are engaging in misattribution (Study 3). The present research contributes to the literature on schadenfreude and feelings‐as‐information theory. Its findings may be used by marketers aiming to exert an unconscious influence on consumer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) has proven its suitability in transit applications due to the advantages of direct drive, low cost and simple mechanical structure. In evolution of LSRM, its force performance is the prime concern for the manufacturers. This factor is mainly governed by its physical design. Force characteristics are quite important for obtaining precise design of the LSRM. Because of its nonlinear characteristics, quantitative measurement method for measuring various parameters of the LSRM has not been generalized. This paper discusses finite element analysis-based design considerations for measuring various performance parameters of the LSRM. The paper incorporates the design studies of the LSRM as per analytical expressions and validated using finite element method (FEM)-based ANSYS/Maxwell software. Finite element analysis includes measurement of force, flux and inductance characteristics of the LSRM. Further, it optimizes the motor parameters for maximizing the thrust force of the motor. The proposed study is crucial in estimating various performance parameters of the LSRM using FEM and propagating the traceability chain in parameter estimation of LSRM using three-dimensional FEM-based model of the motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear Motors forms an integral part of propulsion systems used in linear motor propelled high-speed transport systems. Generally, motors such as linear induction and linear synchronous are preferred worldwide for these applications. In spite of showing the immense capabilities, linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) is still under research for applications in high-speed systems. This paper focuses on a LSRM with enhanced propulsion force for the application in high-speed transportation systems. It has a linear structure with moving translator for direct force transmission and two-teeth in each stator pole to attain better force performance. In the proposed motor, translator teeth count is more as compared to the stator teeth count. A 6/16 LSRM with three- phase split-teeth stator has been proposed. The performance of the proposed 6/16 LSRM has been compared with 6/4 and 6/8 three-phase conventional motors to highlight the improvements in the proposed motor. The paper also modifies the proposed 6/16 LSRM into 12/32 configuration to analyse its force ripple reduction capability. The performance of the 6/16 is compared with the 12/32 LSRM. All the motors are modelled and analysed in 3D with the help of finite-element analysis (FEA). The paper optimizes the 6/16 LSRM using parameter based cumulative deterministic optimization algorithm (PBCDOA) to maximize its propulsion force. The FEA based analysis shows better force performance for the proposed motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research suggests that consumers' approach/avoidance tendencies depend on their implicit theories about the world around them. Entity theorists believe in the immutability of the world, and thus they are not influenced by whether a persuasive message is framed in terms of approach or avoidance. In contrast, incremental theorists believe that the world is mutable, and thus they are influenced by the message frame. This proposition is supported in two studies that feature advertising messages. The mechanism underlying these effects differs as a function of implicit theory orientation. Entity theorists' focus on the outcome and incremental theorists' reliance on the process form the basis for the observed findings. A third study reveals that when a consumer's implicit theory is violated, these findings are reversed. The authors discuss theoretical and managerial implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments examine how prevention-focused and promotion-focused consumers evaluate the comparison brand and what information they anchor on in direct comparative ads framed positively or negatively. Negative (vs. positive) frames lead prevention-focused respondents to exhibit higher evaluations for the advertised brand and lower evaluations for the comparison brand. Under promotion focus, positive (vs. negative) frames lead to more favorable attitudes toward the advertised brand with no difference in attitudes for the comparison brand. Preference for consistency is posited as a possible process explanation. We also find an evaluation order effect: prevention-focused (promotion-focused) individuals evaluate the comparison (advertised) brand first. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies, using chronic and situational self-construal, supported the proposition that individualists (collectivists) focus on within-category richness (between-category differentiation). Collectivists judged paired products as less similar than individualists did, but only at the higher level of a category hierarchy (studies 1 and 2). Further, collectivists were more context driven in product ratings in a categorization task (study 3). Study 4 focused on high-level pairs and found that under high involvement, chronic self-construal dominated judgments. Under low involvement, chronic and situational construals interacted: individualists (collectivists) were less (more) amenable to the situational construal. Implications for self-construal and categorization research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the consequences of regulatory focus on exposure to two types of comparative advertising frames--a maximal claim ("brand A is superior to brand B") and a minimal claim ("brand A is equivalent or similar to brand B")--in three experiments. In experiment 1, we manipulated these frames, basing the sponsor brand's claim on comparison with an existing brand. In experiment 2, we operationalized the frames using a comparison featuring a sponsor brand targeting an established standard (Food and Drug Administration guidelines). A third experiment provided convergent evidence for the process underlying these effects. Consistent with theoretical reasoning, we found that promotion-focused individuals were more persuaded by maximal comparisons while prevention-focused individuals were either equally persuaded by the two frames or more persuaded by minimal frames. For prevention-focused individuals, maximal frames represented either a "no loss" or a "deviation from the norm." The no loss representation led to maximal and minimal frames being equally persuasive. The deviation from the norm representation led to greater negative elaboration on maximal frames, making them less persuasive than minimal frames. For promotion-focused people, a maximal frame simply represented a gain over a minimal frame, and hence it induced more favorable elaboration and greater persuasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors show empirically that comparative advertisements can vary in terms of their valence, that is, whether respondents perceive them as positive (less derogatory) or negative (more derogatory) in their references to competition. In addition, the authors report findings from three studies that demonstrate that advertisements perceived as carrying more negative/derogatory references to competition result in more counterarguments, fewer support arguments, lower believability, more associated perceived bias, and lower brand attitude scores than do advertisements perceived as more positive/nonderogatory in their competitive references. Tests of mediation suggest that the effectiveness of valenced comparisons is mediated by advertiser attributions that are more negative for negative comparisons. The authors discuss implications for designing more effective comparative advertisements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show how motivation affects reasoning through reliance on a biased set of cognitive processes. We manipulate the level of brand preference experimentally and expose subjects to a message that is either consistent or inconsistent with their manipulated preference. Further, the message contains either strong or weak arguments. In two experiments, we find that preference-inconsistent information is processed more systematically and is counterargued more than preference-consistent information, in addition, experiment 2 shows that strong arguments are more persuasive than weak arguments in the preference-inconsistent condition. We employ the heuristic-systematic model of persuasion and its sufficiency principle as a framework to understand the psychological mechanism that underlies the biased processing of preference-inconsistent information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistently rising environmental concerns and depleting petroleum resources have accentuated the need of sustainable, energy efficient and clean means of transport. This has provided the impetus to the research and development of clean alternatives for existing public transportation systems. Development of linear motor-propelled, contact-less maglev systems is considered a promising alternative to conventional on-wheel rail transport technology. Maglev technology primarily focuses on improving the performance, speed, fuel economy, driving range and operating cost of the transit system. These parameters vary with the design and efficiency of the electrical system used in maglev-based transportation systems. To present this study, firstly, a detailed survey of the important constituents of a maglev electrical system has been carried out with techno-economic perspectives. Contemporary maglev technologies have then explored along with their respective advantages and limitations. Electrical systems form the heart of maglev systems and, therefore, this paper presents the components of a standard electrical system together with the comparative analysis in terms of present trends, on-going technological advancements and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an investigation on mitigation of current harmonics, using Cascaded H-bridge Multilevel Converter (CHB-MLC)-based Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF). Development and analysis of SAPF for harmonic compensation in distribution network for power quality improvement has been discussed. In the proposed work, transformer-less CHB MLC is used which reduces weight and cost of the system. Moreover, a novel controller based on average power method is adopted for generation of compensation active filter current. In order to generate switching signals, multi-carrier Alternate Phase Opposition Disposition (APOD) — Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) schemes are used. The proposed CHB-MLC SAPF reduces the source current THD below 5%. The results are simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and demonstrate the effective mitigation of current harmonics with APOD-PWM schemes. Opal-RT OP4500 real-time digital simulator is used to validate the proposed scheme under different steady state and transient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global energy consumption is increasing day by day. This increased energy demand can only be fulfilled through large-scale renewable energy integration. This article presents the mathematical modeling, control, and integration of a bio-fuel prime mover fed self-excited induction generator (SEIG) for medium voltage direct current (MVDC) ship power system. A three-phase current controlled voltage source inverter (VSI) working as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) injects compensating currents at the point of common coupling (PCC) for harmonic elimination and regulation of the generated voltage under varying load. The VSI is connected at the PCC through a three-phase zig-zag/star transformer which reduces the voltage stress at the DC link. An indirect current technique based controller is used to generate gating pulses for the STATCOM. The MVDC load zone is modeled as an integral sliding mode controlled DC-DC converter feeding ship service loads in shipboard system. Hardware realization of the proposed system has been implemented with 3.7kW induction generator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are increasing with advancing age. Various addictions and poor dietary habits are among the major risk factors. Early detection is difficult until patient notices symptoms. Primary prevention by knowing various risk factors and early symptom awareness will help in early diagnosis and better treatment outcome.Objectives: This study is carried out to see various addiction patterns, dietary habits, associated medical problems, and socioeconomic status with various sites involved in GI malignancies, at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Western Maharashtra, India.Materials and Methods: Prospective questionnaire-based study was carried out for 11 months. A total of 100 diagnosed carcinoma cases of GI tract malignancy were taken for study.Results and Conclusions: Out of total 100 cases, 61 were male and 39 were female. The most common site involved was esophagus (41) followed by rectosigmoid, colon and cecum, stomach, and anal canal (29, 14, 13, and 3, respectively). There were 45% of cases above 60 years of age. The most common addiction was smokeless tobacco. Most of the patients belonged to lower and upper lower class (64%). Majority of cases (81%) were nonvegetarian, only 16% were pure vegetarian. Most of the cases (85%) were in advanced stage of disease (III and IV). Awareness program for harmful effects of various addictions and importance of high-fiber diet (vegetarian diet) will help in health promotion and prevention of various malignancies. Awareness about the early symptoms of GI malignancy will help in early detection of disease and better treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, multilevel inverter (MLI) is gaining immense popularity due to reduced total harmonic distortion, lower electromagnetic interference, and high quality output waveform in high/medium voltage applications. The reduced part count (RPC)-MLI has attracted the researchers by providing higher number of output voltage level with reduced part count as compared to the classical topologies (cascaded H-bridge, neutral point clamped, and flying capacitor). But the discussion over their suitability for particular application is not yet explored completely. In this paper, some of the recently proposed RPC-MLI topologies are reviewed and analysed. RPC-MLI topologies are compared on the basis of number of switches, driver circuits, diodes, standing/blocking voltage across the switches, and switching losses for grid interfacing application. These topologies are simulated here under the same load and input source condition using real time simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a new multilevel inverter (MLI) with reduced devices, for low/medium- and high-voltage applications. The proposed MLI is evolved from existing cross-connected source-based multilevel inverter (CCS-MLI), results in reduced switches, driver circuits, diodes, and DC voltage sources when compared with the classical CHB, CCS-MLI, and other MLIs. Owing to reduced device numbers, the complexity, size, cost, and maintenance of the proposed topology are greatly reduced. The detailed analysis and working of the proposed topology is presented along with its comparison with classical, CCS-MLI, and other MLIs. Different algorithms are presented for selecting appropriate magnitudes of DC voltage sources to generate different voltage levels in the output. The proposed MLI is suitable for grid integration of renewable energy sources. The concept is presented through modelling and simulation in MATLAB/Simulation environment and validated through real-time simulator OPAL-RT (OP-4500). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a new multilevel inverter (MLI) with reduced devices, for low/medium‐ and high‐voltage applications. The proposed MLI is evolved from existing cross‐connected source‐based multilevel inverter (CCS‐MLI), results in reduced switches, driver circuits, diodes, and DC voltage sources when compared with the classical CHB, CCS‐MLI, and other MLIs. Owing to reduced device numbers, the complexity, size, cost, and maintenance of the proposed topology are greatly reduced. The detailed analysis and working of the proposed topology is presented along with its comparison with classical, CCS‐MLI, and other MLIs. Different algorithms are presented for selecting appropriate magnitudes of DC voltage sources to generate different voltage levels in the output. The proposed MLI is suitable for grid integration of renewable energy sources. The concept is presented through modelling and simulation in MATLAB/Simulation environment and validated through real‐time simulator OPAL‐RT (OP‐4500). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]