Abstract: The Emergency Department of a medical center in
Taiwan cooperated to conduct the research. A predictive model of
triage system is contracted from the contract procedure, selection of
parameters to sample screening. 2,000 pieces of data needed for the
patients is chosen randomly by the computer. After three
categorizations of data mining (Multi-group Discriminant Analysis,
Multinomial Logistic Regression, Back-propagation Neural
Networks), it is found that Back-propagation Neural Networks can
best distinguish the patients- extent of emergency, and the accuracy
rate can reach to as high as 95.1%. The Back-propagation Neural
Networks that has the highest accuracy rate is simulated into the triage
acuity expert system in this research. Data mining applied to the
predictive model of the triage acuity expert system can be updated
regularly for both the improvement of the system and for education
training, and will not be affected by subjective factors.
Abstract: The Petri net tool INA is a well known tool by the
Petri net community. However, it lacks a graphical environment to
cerate and analyse INA models. Building a modelling tool for the
design and analysis from scratch (for INA tool for example) is
generally a prohibitive task. Meta-Modelling approach is useful to
deal with such problems since it allows the modelling of the
formalisms themselves. In this paper, we propose an approach based
on the combined use of Meta-modelling and Graph Grammars to
automatically generate a visual modelling tool for INA for analysis
purposes. In our approach, the UML Class diagram formalism is
used to define a meta-model of INA models. The meta-modelling
tool ATOM3 is used to generate a visual modelling tool according to
the proposed INA meta-model. We have also proposed a graph
grammar to automatically generate INA description of the
graphically specified Petri net models. This allows the user to avoid
the errors when this description is done manually. Then the INA tool
is used to perform the simulation and the analysis of the resulted INA
description. Our environment is illustrated through an example.
Abstract: The Yasuj city stream named the Beshar supply
water for different usages such as aquaculture farms , drinking,
agricultural and industrial usages. Fish processing plants
,Agricultural farms, waste water of industrial zones and hospitals
waste water which they are generate by human activity produce a
considerable volume of effluent and when they are released in to the
stream they can effect on the water quality and down stream aquatic
systems. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of outflow
effluent from different human activity and point and non point
pollution sources on the water quality and health of the Beshar
river next to Yasuj. Yasuj is the biggest and most important city in
the Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad province . The Beshar River is one
of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the upstream of the
Karun watershed in south of Iran which is affected by point and non
point pollutant sources . This study was done in order to evaluate the
effects of human activities on the water quality and health of the
Beshar river. This river is approximately 190 km in length and
situated at the geographical positions of 51° 20' to 51° 48' E and 30°
18' to 30° 52' N it is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems of
Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad province in south-west Iran. In this
research project, five study stations were selected to examine water
pollution in the Beshar River systems. Human activity is now one of
the most important factors affecting on hydrology and water quality
of the Beshar river. Humans use large amounts of resources to sustain
various standards of living, although measures of sustainability are
highly variable depending on how sustainability is defined. The
Beshar river ecosystems are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to
human activities. The water samples were analyzed, then some
important water quality parameters such as pH, dissolve oxygen
(DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TDS),Turbidity,
Temperature, Nitrates (NO3) and Phosphates (PO4) were estimated
at the two stations. The results show a downward trend in the water
quality at the down stream of the city. The amounts of
BOD5,COD,TSS,T,Turbidity, NO3 and PO4 in the down stream
stations were considerably more than the station 1. By contrast the
amounts of DO in the down stream stations were less than to the
station 1. However when effluent discharge consequence of human
activities are released into the Beshar river near the city, the quality
of river are decreases and the environmental problems of the river
during the next years are predicted to rise.
Abstract: The primary objective of this paper was to construct a
“kinematic parameter-independent modeling of three-axis machine
tools for geometric error measurement" technique. Improving the
accuracy of the geometric error for three-axis machine tools is one of
the machine tools- core techniques. This paper first applied the
traditional method of HTM to deduce the geometric error model for
three-axis machine tools. This geometric error model was related to the
three-axis kinematic parameters where the overall errors was relative
to the machine reference coordinate system. Given that the
measurement of the linear axis in this model should be on the ideal
motion axis, there were practical difficulties. Through a measurement
method consolidating translational errors and rotational errors in the
geometric error model, we simplified the three-axis geometric error
model to a kinematic parameter-independent model. Finally, based on
the new measurement method corresponding to this error model, we
established a truly practical and more accurate error measuring
technique for three-axis machine tools.
Abstract: The paper presents a method for multivariate time
series forecasting using Independent Component Analysis (ICA), as a preprocessing tool. The idea of this approach is to do the forecasting in the space of independent components (sources), and then to transform back the results to the original time series
space. The forecasting can be done separately and with a different
method for each component, depending on its time structure. The
paper gives also a review of the main algorithms for independent component analysis in the case of instantaneous mixture models, using second and high-order statistics. The method has been applied in simulation to an artificial multivariate time series
with five components, generated from three sources and a mixing matrix, randomly generated.
Abstract: Soft clays are defined as cohesive soil whose water
content is higher than its liquid limits. Thus, soil-cement mixing is
adopted to improve the ground conditions by enhancing the strength
and deformation characteristics of the soft clays. For the above
mentioned reasons, a series of laboratory tests were carried out to
study some fundamental mechanical properties of cement stabilized
soft clay. The test specimens were prepared by varying the portion of
ordinary Portland cement to the soft clay sample retrieved from the
test site of RECESS (Research Centre for Soft Soil). Comparisons
were made for both homogeneous and columnar system specimens
by relating the effects of cement stabilized clay of for 0, 5 and 10 %
cement and curing for 3, 28 and 56 days. The mechanical properties
examined included one-dimensional compressibility and undrained
shear strength. For the mechanical properties, both homogeneous and
columnar system specimens were prepared to examine the effect of
different cement contents and curing periods on the stabilized soil.
The one-dimensional compressibility test was conducted using an
oedometer, while a direct shear box was used for measuring the
undrained shear strength. The higher the value of cement content, the
greater is the enhancement of the yield stress and the decrease of
compression index. The value of cement content in a specimen is a
more active parameter than the curing period.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the body
of knowledge in the area of management accounting, particularly
performance measurement systems within the BSC framework, by
investigating empirically the extent of multiple performance
measures usage and their effects on the financial performance of
Jordanian banks in the branches level. Nevertheless, the result of this
study shows that the non-financial measures usages, particularly,
customer oriented indicators and product/ service oriented indicators,
appears to be important as it enhances firm performance.
Remarkably, the findings reveal that there is positive relationship
between the usages of multiple performance measures via overall
BSC measures and financial performance in the branches level.
Abstract: The main goal of the study is to analyze all relevant properties of the electro hydraulic systems and based on that to make a proper choice of the neural network control strategy that may be used for the control of the mechatronic system. A combination of electronic and hydraulic systems is widely used since it combines the advantages of both. Hydraulic systems are widely spread because of their properties as accuracy, flexibility, high horsepower-to-weight ratio, fast starting, stopping and reversal with smoothness and precision, and simplicity of operations. On the other hand, the modern control of hydraulic systems is based on control of the circuit fed to the inductive solenoid that controls the position of the hydraulic valve. Since this circuit may be easily handled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal with a proper frequency, the combination of electrical and hydraulic systems became very fruitful and usable in specific areas as airplane and military industry. The study shows and discusses the experimental results obtained by the control strategy of neural network control using MATLAB and SIMULINK [1]. Finally, the special attention was paid to the possibility of neuro-controller design and its application to control of electro-hydraulic systems and to make comparative with other kinds of control.
Abstract: MRAM technology provides a combination of fast
access time, non-volatility, data retention and endurance. While a
growing interest is given to two-terminal Magnetic Tunnel Junctions
(MTJ) based on Spin-Transfer Torque (STT) switching as the
potential candidate for a universal memory, its reliability is
dramatically decreased because of the common writing/reading path.
Three-terminal MTJ based on Spin-Orbit Torque (SOT) approach
revitalizes the hope of an ideal MRAM. It can overcome the
reliability barrier encountered in current two-terminal MTJs by
separating the reading and the writing path. In this paper, we study
two possible writing schemes for the SOT-MTJ device based on
recently fabricated samples. While the first is based on precessional
switching, the second requires the presence of permanent magnetic
field. Based on an accurate Verilog-A model, we simulate the two
writing techniques and we highlight advantages and drawbacks of
each one. Using the second technique, pioneering logic circuits based
on the three-terminal architecture of the SOT-MTJ described in this
work are under development with preliminary attractive results.
Abstract: In this paper we are interested in Moufang-Klingenberg
planesM(A) defined over a local alternative ring A of dual numbers.
We introduce two new collineations of M(A).
Abstract: Chitosan is an attractive polysaccharide obtained by
deacetylation of an abundant natural biopolymer called chitin. Chitin
and chitosan are excellent materials. To improve the potential of
chitin and chitosan modification is needed. In the present study,
grafting of maleic acid on to chitosan by cerium ammonium nitrate in
acetic acid solution was investigated with use of a microwave and
reflux system. The grafted chitosan was characterized by using a
Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. The solubility and swelling
behavior of grafted chitosans were determined in acetate buffer (pH
3.6), citrophosphate buffer (pH 5.6 and pH 7.0), and boric buffer (pH
9.2) solutions. The sample obtained by microwave system with use of
a chitosan/maleic anhydride/ceric ammonium nitrate 0.2/3.922/0.99
gram of raw material within 30 minute showed the maximum
swelling ratio (13.6) in boric buffer solution.
Abstract: A new target detection technique is presented in this
paper for the identification of small boats in coastal surveillance. The
proposed technique employs an adaptive progressive thresholding (APT) scheme to first process the given input scene to separate any
objects present in the scene from the background. The preprocessing
step results in an image having only the foreground objects, such as
boats, trees and other cluttered regions, and hence reduces the search
region for the correlation step significantly. The processed image is then fed to the shifted phase-encoded fringe-adjusted joint transform
correlator (SPFJTC) technique which produces single and delta-like
correlation peak for a potential target present in the input scene. A
post-processing step involves using a peak-to-clutter ratio (PCR) to determine whether the boat in the input scene is authorized or unauthorized. Simulation results are presented to show that the
proposed technique can successfully determine the presence of an authorized boat and identify any intruding boat present in the given input scene.
Abstract: This paper presents a part of research on the
rheological properties of bitumen modified by thermoplastic namely
linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene
(HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) and its interaction with 80 pen base
bitumen. As it is known that the modification of bitumen by the use
of polymers enhances its performance characteristics but at the same
time significantly alters its rheological properties. The rheological
study of polymer modified bitumen (PMB) was made through
penetration, ring & ball softening point and viscosity test. The results
were then related to the changes in the rheological properties of
polymer modified bitumen. It was observed that thermoplastic
copolymer shows profound effect on penetration rather than
softening point. The viscoelastic behavior of polymer modified
bitumen depend on the concentration of polymer, mixing
temperature, mixing technique, solvating power of base bitumen and
molecular structure of polymer used. PP offer better blend in
comparison to HDPE and LLDPE. The viscosity of base bitumen was
also enhanced with the addition of polymer. The pseudoplastic
behavior was more prominent for HDPE and LLDPE than PP. Best
results were obtained when polymer concentration was kept below
3%
Abstract: In this article we explore how computer assisted exercises may allow for bridging the traditional gap between theory and practice in professional education. To educate officers able to master the complexity of the battlefield the Norwegian Military Academy needs to develop a learning environment that allows for creating viable connections between the educational environment and the field of practice. In response to this challenge we explore the conditions necessary to make computer assisted training systems (CATS) a useful tool to create structural similarities between an educational context and the field of military practice. Although, CATS may facilitate work procedures close to real life situations, this case do demonstrate how professional competence also must build on viable learning theories and environments. This paper explores the conditions that allow for using simulators to facilitate professional competence from within an educational setting. We develop a generic didactic model that ascribes learning to participation in iterative cycles of action and reflection. The development of this model is motivated by the need to develop an interdisciplinary professional education rooted in the pattern of military practice.
Abstract: During recent years, the traditional learning
approaches have undergone fundamental changes due to the
emergence of new technologies such as multimedia, hypermedia and
telecommunication. E-learning is a modern world phenomenon that
has come into existence in the information age and in a knowledgebased
society. E-learning has developed significantly within a short
period of time. Thus it is of a great significant to secure information,
allow a confident access and prevent unauthorized accesses. Making
use of individuals- physiologic or behavioral (biometric) properties is
a confident method to make the information secure. Among the
biometrics, fingerprint is more acceptable and most countries use it as
an efficient methods of identification. This article provides a new
method to compare the fingerprint comparison by pattern recognition
and image processing techniques. To verify fingerprint, the shortest
distance method is used together with perceptronic multilayer neural
network functioning based on minutiae. This method is highly
accurate in the extraction of minutiae and it accelerates comparisons
due to elimination of false minutiae and is more reliable compared
with methods that merely use directional images.
Abstract: Recently, there has been a considerable increase in the
number of procedures carried out under regional anesthesia.
However, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures are
usually performed under general anesthesia. The aim of this study
was to assess the safety and efficacy of PCNL under spinal anesthesia
in patients with renal calculi. We describe our 9 years experience of
performing PCNL under spinal anesthesia for 387 patients with large
stones of the upper urinary tract, with regard to the effectiveness and
side effects. All patients received spinal anesthetics (Lidocain 5%, or
Bupivacaine 0.75%) and underwent PCNL in prone position. The
success rate was 94.1%. The incidence of complications was 11.6%.
PCNL under spinal anesthesia is feasible, safe, and well-tolerated in
management of patients with renal stones.
Abstract: Abdominal aortic aneurysms rupture (AAAs) is one of the main causes of death in the world. This is a very complex phenomenon that usually occurs “without previous warning". Currently, criteria to assess the aneurysm rupture risk (peak diameter and growth rate) can not be considered as reliable indicators. In a first approach, the main geometric parameters of aneurysms have been linked into five biomechanical factors. These are combined to obtain a dimensionless rupture risk index, RI(t), which has been validated preliminarily with a clinical case and others from literature. This quantitative indicator is easy to understand, it allows estimating the aneurysms rupture risks and it is expected to be able to identify the one in aneurysm whose peak diameter is less than the threshold value. Based on initial results, a broader study has begun with twelve patients from the Clinic Hospital of Valladolid-Spain, which are submitted to periodic follow-up examinations.
Abstract: Mycotoxin (aflatoxins) contamination of peanuts is a
great concern for human health. A total of 72 samples of unripe,
roasted, and salty peanuts were collected randomly from Pothohar
plateau of Pakistan for the assessment of aflatoxin. Samples were
dried, ground and extracted by acetonitrile (84%). The filtered
extracts were cleaned up by MycoSep-226 and analyzed by high
performance liquid chromatography with flourescence detector.
Quantification limit of Aflatoxin was 1 μg/kg and 70% Recovery was
observed in spiked samples in the range 1–10 μg/kg. The screening
of mycotoxins indicated that aflatoxins were present in most of the
samples being detected in 82%, in concentrations from 14.25 μg/kg
to 98.80 μg/kg. Optimal conditions for mycotoxin production and
fungal growth are frequently found in the crop fields as well as in
store houses. Human exposure of such toxin can be controlled by
pointed out such awareness and implemented the regulations.
Abstract: The procurement and cost management approach adopted for mechanical and electrical (M&E) services in Malaysian construction industry have been criticized for its inefficiency. The study examined early cost estimating practices adopted for mechanical and electrical services (M&E) in Malaysia so as to understand the level of compliance of the current techniques with best practices. The methodology adopted for the study is a review of bidding documents used on both completed and on – going building projects awarded between 2008 – 2010 under 9th Malaysian Plan. The analysis revealed that, M&E services cost cannot be reliably estimated at pre-contract stage; the bidding techniques adopted for M&E services failed to provide uniform basis for contractors to submit tender; detailed measurement of items were not made which could complicate post contract cost control and financial management. The paper concluded that, there is need to follow a structured approach in determining the pre-contract cost estimate for M&E services which will serve as a virile tool for post contract cost control.
Abstract: In the paper the results of calculations of the dynamic
response of a multi-storey reinforced concrete building to a strong
mining shock originated from the main region of mining activity in
Poland (i.e. the Legnica-Glogow Copper District) are presented. The
representative time histories of accelerations registered in three
directions were used as ground motion data in calculations of the
dynamic response of the structure. Two variants of a numerical model
were applied: the model including only structural elements of the
building and the model including both structural and non-structural
elements (i.e. partition walls and ventilation ducts made of brick). It
turned out that non-structural elements of multi-storey RC buildings
have a small impact of about 10 % on natural frequencies of these
structures. It was also proved that the dynamic response of building
to mining shock obtained in case of inclusion of all non-structural
elements in the numerical model is about 20 % smaller than in case
of consideration of structural elements only. The principal stresses
obtained in calculations of dynamic response of multi-storey building
to strong mining shock are situated on the level of about 30% of
values obtained from static analysis (dead load).