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Selected AbstractsA framework of knowledge versioning managementEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 3 2004M. T. Maliappis Abstract: Knowledge is an inherently dynamic entity continuously changing and evolving. In many cases, the coexistence of different versions of the same core knowledge is a necessity. So is the availability of the proper environment and tools to deal with knowledge versioning. In this paper, a framework of knowledge versioning management is proposed and implemented dealing with hybrid knowledge representation models using frames and rules. This framework facilitates knowledge version handling and maintenance, improving, in parallel, knowledge sharing and reuse. Knowledge components are stored in a set of tables and handled as data under the auspices of a database management system. The proper structure of tables and their relationships allows the creation of independent knowledge modules. Several knowledge modules can be assembled to construct higher level modules, which finally form versions of knowledge. Corresponding knowledge base versions consist of several knowledge modules easy to handle and process in various application areas. The proposed framework has been implemented and thoroughly examined in an application area of great importance, such as pest management. [source] EFFECT OF DIRECT APPLICATIONS OF SAGE (SALVIA OFFICINALIS L.) LEAVES ON OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF SUNFLOWER OIL DURING ACCELERATED STORAGEJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 5 2009EDA ÇALIKO ABSTRACT In this study, various sage applications were examined on oxidative stability of sunflower oil during accelerated storage. There are three applications: (1) direct sage leaves (S); (2) deodorized sage leaves (DeS); and (3) essential oil of sage leaves. The main compounds of essential oil were identified as, -thujone (35.87%),, -thujone (14.41%), 1,8-cineol (10.59%) and camphor (10.09%). Oxidative stability of these three applications was tested by Schall Oven test at 60C applying peroxide value and conjugated dienes, and Rancimat at 110C. Whereas the highest antioxidants activity was found for 2% S followed by 0.5% S and 2% DeS, all sage treatments statistically retarded the oxidation compared with the control sample. The most appealing result was that the residue can be used as a natural antioxidants. That means the reuse of residue may decrease economic losses and health risk in comparison with synthetic antioxidants and extracts because it is completely natural and contains no residual solvent. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS While almost all of previous studies were concentrated on the use of herb extracts, our study investigates the results of direct application of sage on oxidation. Especially with this study, we have evaluated a possible application area for sage residue leftover after the deodorization process. [source] Consistent database sampling as a database prototyping approachJOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 6 2002Jesús Bisbal Abstract Requirements elicitation has been reported to be the stage of software development when errors have the most expensive consequences. Users usually find it difficult to articulate a consistent and complete set of requirements at the beginning of a development project. Prototyping is considered a powerful technique to ease this problem by exposing a partial implementation of the software system to the user, who can then identify required modifications. When prototyping data-intensive applications a so-called prototype database is needed. This paper investigates how a prototype database can be built. Two different approaches are analysed, namely test databases and sample databases; the former populates the resulting database with synthetic values, while the latter uses data values from an existing database. The application areas that require prototype databases, in addition to requirements analysis, are also identified. The paper reports on existing research into the construction of both types of prototype databases, and indicates to which type of application area each is best suited. This paper advocates for the use of sample databases when an operational database is available, as is commonly the case in software maintenance and evolution. Domain-relevant data values and integrity constraints will produce a prototype database which will support the information system development process better than synthetic data. The process of extracting a sample database is also investigated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Towards the automatic analysis of 1H NMR spectra: Part 4,Additional requirements of flow-NMRMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2004Lee Griffiths Abstract Flow-NMR allows more rapid and convenient acquisition of NMR spectra. Its main application area has therefore been in multiple parallel synthesis or combinatorial chemistry. At the same time, there is a significant need to automate the analysis of the resultant spectra. However, flow-NMR brings spectral imperfections, which compromise attempts to automate this analysis. This study proposes experimental and computational expedients to accommodate the effects of residual solvent peaks, 13C satellites, finite signal-to-noise ratio, impurities, presaturation on integral calculations, the ,silent' region and how multiplet areas can be scaled to numbers of protons in this environment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Three-dimensional numerical simulation of injection molding filling of optical lens and multiscale geometry using finite element methodPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 9 2006Sang-Woo Kim This article presents the development, verification, and validation of three-dimensional (3-D) numerical simulation for injection molding filling of 3-D parts and parts with microsurface features. For purpose of verification and comparison, two numerical models, the mixed model and the equal-order model, were used to solve the Stokes equations with three different tetrahedral elements (Taylor-Hood, MINI, and equal-order). The control volume scheme with tetrahedral finite element mesh was used for tracking advancing melt fronts and the operator splitting method was selected to solve the energy equation. A new, simple memory management procedure was introduced to deal with the large sparse matrix system without using a huge amount of storage space. The numerical simulation was validated for mold filling of a 3-D optical lens. The numerical simulation agreed very well with the experimental results and was useful in suggesting a better processing condition. As a new application area, a two-step macro,micro filling approach was adopted for the filling analysis of a part with a micro-surface feature to handle both macro and micro dimensions while avoiding an excessive number of elements. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:1263,1274, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] A web-based tool for teaching neural network conceptsCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 3 2010Aybars Ugur Abstract Although neural networks (NN) are important especially for engineers, scientists, mathematicians and statisticians, they may also be hard to understand. In this article, application areas of NN are discussed, basic NN components are described and it is explained how an NN work. A web-based simulation and visualization tool (EasyLearnNN) is developed using Java and Java 2D for teaching NN concepts. Perceptron, ADALINE, Multilayer Perceptron, LVQ and SOM models and related training algorithms are implemented. As a result, comparison with other teaching methods of NN concepts is presented and discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 449,457, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae.20184 [source] Molecularly imprinted polymers as a tool for separation in CECELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 1-2 2007Zhao-Sheng Liu Dr. Abstract Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthesized in the presence of a template which results in the formation of specific recognition cavities complementary to the template in shape and chemical functionality. One of the most successful application areas of MIPs is chromatographic sorbents, which are tailor-made synthetic polymers for a given analyte. However, low efficiency of MIP columns is often observed because of slow kinetics of the template. CEC-based MIPs are thought to improve efficiency of MIP-based separation due to the enhanced flow dynamics of CEC. Another attractive feature is the miniaturized format of CEC, so that fewer templates or monomers for the molecular imprinting are consumed, a characteristic desired for ,green chemistry'. The small dimensions of a capillary demand the development of novel polymer formats that can be applied to a miniaturized system. This review discusses the various formats, i.e., the micro- or nanoparticle, the coating and the monolith, for application in CEC as well as the use in MIP syntheses and characteristics. [source] Data Mining for Bioprocess OptimizationENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2004S. Rommel Abstract Although developed for completely different applications, the great technological potential of data analysis methods called "data mining" has increasingly been realized as a method for efficiently analyzing potentials for optimization and for troubleshooting within many application areas of process, technology. This paper presents the successful application of data mining methods for the optimization of a fermentation process, and discusses diverse characteristics of data mining for biological processes. For the optimization of biological processes a huge amount of possibly relevant process parameters exist. Those input variables can be parameters from devices as well as process control parameters. The main challenge of such optimizations is to robustly identify relevant combinations of parameters among a huge amount of process parameters. For the underlying process we found with the application of data mining methods, that the moment a special carbohydrate component is added has a strong impact on the formation of secondary components. The yield could also be increased by using 2 m3 fermentors instead of 1 m3 fermentors. [source] Empirical and modeling evidence of regional atmospheric transport of current-use pesticidesENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2004Derek C. G. Muir Abstract Water samples from 30 lakes in Canada and the northeastern United States were analyzed for the occurrence of 27 current-use pesticides (CUPs). Eleven CUPs were frequently detected in lakes receiving agricultural inputs as well as in remote lakes hundreds of kilometers from known application areas. These included the triazine herbicide atrazine and its desethylated degradation product; the herbicides alachlor, metolachlor, and dacthal; the organophosphate insecticides chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and disulfoton; the organochlorine insecticides ,-endosulfan and lindane; and the fungicides chlorothalonil and flutriafol. For six of the pesticides, empirical half-distances on the order of 560 to 1,820 km were estimated from the water-concentration gradient with latitude. For most of the pesticides, a suite of assessment models failed to predict such atmospheric long-range transport behavior, unless the effect of periods of lower hydroxyl radical concentrations and dry weather were taken into account. Observations and model results suggest that under the conditions prevailing in south-central Canada (relatively high latitude, low precipitation rates), many CUPs will be able to undergo regional-scale atmospheric transport and reach lakes outside areas of agricultural application. When assessing the potential of fairly reactive and water-soluble substances to undergo long-range transport, it is imperative to account for periods of no precipitation, to assure that degradation rate constants are correct, and to apply oxidant concentrations that are valid for the region and time period of interest. [source] A framework of knowledge versioning managementEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 3 2004M. T. Maliappis Abstract: Knowledge is an inherently dynamic entity continuously changing and evolving. In many cases, the coexistence of different versions of the same core knowledge is a necessity. So is the availability of the proper environment and tools to deal with knowledge versioning. In this paper, a framework of knowledge versioning management is proposed and implemented dealing with hybrid knowledge representation models using frames and rules. This framework facilitates knowledge version handling and maintenance, improving, in parallel, knowledge sharing and reuse. Knowledge components are stored in a set of tables and handled as data under the auspices of a database management system. The proper structure of tables and their relationships allows the creation of independent knowledge modules. Several knowledge modules can be assembled to construct higher level modules, which finally form versions of knowledge. Corresponding knowledge base versions consist of several knowledge modules easy to handle and process in various application areas. The proposed framework has been implemented and thoroughly examined in an application area of great importance, such as pest management. [source] Commercialization of Nanostructured Metals Produced by Severe Plastic Deformation ProcessingADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2003T.C. Lowe Abstract The promise of nanotechnology is increasingly being realized as governments, universities, public and private research laboratories, and the various industrial sectors devote resources to this emerging area. Estimates for the economic impact of nanotechnology on existing global markets exceed 700 billion by the year 2008. Nanomaterials are projected to be one of the earliest components of nanotechnology to appear in commercial applications. Amongst the emerging new nanomaterials, bulk nanostructured metals produced by severe plastic deformation (SPD) have shown promise in a wide range of application areas. In this paper, we overview developments in severe plastic deformation technology, emphasizing progress since the international workshop "Investigations and Applications of Severe Plastic Deformation" held 2,8 August 1999 in Moscow, Russia. Then, we overview some of principal areas of application for SPD metals and alloys. [source] Towards an ontology for electronic transaction servicesINTELLIGENT SYSTEMS IN ACCOUNTING, FINANCE & MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2002Nick Adams In this paper we present an ontology for transaction services built upon an established ontology for corporate knowledge called the Enterprise Ontology. We introduce the SmartGov platform for the ,Smart' deployment of online services for Public Authorities (PAs) whose requirement of a model of PAs has motivated the ontology, and describe our approach to constructing it. After presenting the ontology we then relate it to the pilot application areas in which the SmartGov platform will be trialed and evaluated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The generation of hexahedral meshes for assembly geometry: survey and progress,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 12 2001Timothy J. Tautges Abstract The finite element method is being used today to model component assemblies in a wide variety of application areas, including structural mechanics, fluid simulations, and others. Generating hexahedral meshes for these assemblies usually requires the use of geometry decomposition, with different meshing algorithms applied to different regions. While the primary motivation for this approach remains the lack of an automatic, reliable all-hexahedral meshing algorithm, requirements in mesh quality and mesh configuration for typical analyses are also factors. For these reasons, this approach is also sometimes required when producing other types of unstructured meshes. This paper will review progress to date in automating many parts of the hex meshing process, which has halved the time to produce all-hex meshes for large assemblies. Particular issues which have been exposed due to this progress will also be discussed, along with their applicability to the general unstructured meshing problem. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The kinematics for redundantly actuated omnidirectional mobile robotsJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 6 2002Byung-Ju Yi Omnidirectional mobile robots have been popularly employed in several application areas. However, the kinematics and singularity analysis for these systems have not been clearly identified, especially for the redundantly actuated case, which is common in current omnidirectional mobile robots. In light of this fact, this article introduces two different kinematic approaches for a typical omnidirectional mobile robot having three caster wheels, and examines singularity configurations of such systems. Then, a singularity-free load-distribution scheme for a redundantly actuated three-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot is proposed. Through simulation, several advantages of the redundantly actuated mobile robot (singularity avoidance, input-load saving, and exploiting several subtasks) are presented. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] A survey of the 2001 to 2005 quartz crystal microbalance biosensor literature: applications of acoustic physics to the analysis of biomolecular interactionsJOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 3 2007Matthew A. Cooper Abstract The widespread exploitation of biosensors in the analysis of molecular recognition has its origins in the mid-1990s following the release of commercial systems based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). More recently, platforms based on piezoelectric acoustic sensors (principally ,bulk acoustic wave' (BAW), ,thickness shear mode' (TSM) sensors or ,quartz crystal microbalances' (QCM)), have been released that are driving the publication of a large number of papers analysing binding specificities, affinities, kinetics and conformational changes associated with a molecular recognition event. This article highlights salient theoretical and practical aspects of the technologies that underpin acoustic analysis, then reviews exemplary papers in key application areas involving small molecular weight ligands, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, cells and lipidic and polymeric interfaces. Key differentiators between optical and acoustic sensing modalities are also reviewed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years up to and including 2003JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 2 2006Cameron Alexander Abstract Over 1450 references to original papers, reviews and monographs have herein been collected to document the development of molecular imprinting science and technology from the serendipitous discovery of Polyakov in 1931 to recent attempts to implement and understand the principles underlying the technique and its use in a range of application areas. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by papers dealing with fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting and the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing attempts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] SPR for molecular interaction analysis: a review of emerging application areas,JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 3 2004Robert Karlsson Abstract PubMed searches identified four emerging application areas for surface plasmon resonance systems. Food analysis, proteomics, immunogenicity and drug discovery. These application areas are reviewed. In connection with the review of drug discovery applications a case study is presented. This study demonstrates the value of combining results from drug,target and ADME predictive assays for compound selection. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Multiobjective combinatorial optimization: some approachesJOURNAL OF MULTI CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS, Issue 3-4 2008Murat KöksalanArticle first published online: 9 FEB 200 Abstract There have been many developments in multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) during the last 50 years. Researchers from different areas have also recognized the multiple-criteria nature of problems in their application areas and tried to address these issues. Unfortunately, there has not always been sufficient information flow between the researchers in the MCDM area and the researchers applying MCDM to their problems. More recently, multiobjective combinatorial optimization (MOCO) and multiobjective metaheuristic areas have been enjoying substantial developments. These problems are hard to solve. Many researchers addressed the problem of finding all nondominated solutions. This is a difficult task for MOCO problems. This difficulty limits many of the studies to concentrate on bicriteria problems. In this paper, I review some MCDM approaches that aim to find only the preferred solutions of the decision maker (DM). I argue that this is especially important for MOCO problems. I discuss several of our approaches that incorporate DM's preferences into the solution process of MOCO problems and argue that there is a need for more work to be done in this area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Preparation and properties of magnetic nano- and microsized particles for biological and environmental separationsJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 11 2007Daniel Horák Abstract The paper presents a critical overview on magnetic nanoparticles and microspheres used as separation media in different fields of chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and environment protection. The preparation of most widely used magnetic iron oxides in appropriate form, their coating or encapsulation in polymer microspheres, and functionalization is discussed in the first part. In the second part, new developments in the main application areas of magnetic composite particles for separation and catalytical purposes are briefly described. They cover separations and isolations of toxic inorganic and organic ions, proteins, and other biopolymers, cells, and microorganisms. Only selected number of relevant papers could be included due to the restricted extent of the review. [source] Hydride-based silica stationary phases for HPLC: Fundamental properties and applicationsJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 15 2005Joseph J. Pesek Abstract Silica hydride is a recent development in chromatographic support materials for HPLC where hydride groups replace 95% of the silanols on the surface. This conversion changes many of the fundamental properties of the material as well as the bonded stationary phases that are the result of further chemical modification of the hydride surface. The general approach for fabricating the silica hydride and subsequent bonded phases is reviewed. Properties of the silica hydride surface are compared to those of the standard material obtained in the preparation of most commercial HPLC stationary phases. Some unique chromatographic properties of hydride-based phases are described as well as some general application areas where these bonded materials may be used in preference to or have advantages not available from typical stationary phases. [source] DISTRIBUTION OF SEDIMENT PHOSPHORUS POOLS AND FLUXES IN RELATION TO ALUM TREATMENT,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 3 2000William F James ABSTRACT: The distribution of sediment physical characteristics, sediment phosphorus (P) pools, and laboratory-based rates of P release from the sediments were used to identify regions and dosage for alum treatment in Wind Lake, Wisconsin. Using variations in sediment moisture content, we identified an erosional zone at depths < 1.4 m and an accumulation zone at depths > 2.6 m. Mean concentrations of porewater P, loosely-bound P, iron- and aluminum-bound P, and mean rates of P release from sediments under anoxic conditions were high in the accumulation zone compared to sediment P characteristics in the erosional zone, indicating focusing of readily mobilized sediment P pools from shallow regions and accumulation to deep regions. We determined that a future alum treatment for control of internal P loading would be most effective at depths > 2.6 in the accumulation zone. The mean rate of anoxic P release from sediments encountered in the accumulation zone (8.3 mg m -2 d -1) was used in conjunction with a summer anoxic period of 122 d, and a treatment area of 1.6 km2 to estimate an internal P load of 1,600 kg to be controlled. Our results suggest that an understanding of the distribution of sediment P pools and P fluxes in lakes provides a strategy for estimating alum dosage and application areas. [source] Matrix effects in quantitative pesticide analysis using liquid chromatography,mass spectrometryMASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 6 2006W.M.A. Niessen Abstract Combined liquid chromatography,mass spectrometry using electrospray or atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization has become an important tool in the quantitative analysis of pesticide residues in various matrices in relation to environmental analysis, food safety, and biological exposure monitoring. One of the major problems in the quantitative analysis using LC,MS is that compound and matrix-dependent response suppression or enhancement may occur, the so-called matrix effect. This article reviews issues related to matrix effects, focusing on quantitative pesticide analysis, but also paying attention to expertise with respect to matrix effects acquired in other application areas of LC,MS, especially quantitative bioanalysis in the course of drug development. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] A hub covering model for cargo delivery systemsNETWORKS: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2007Pinar Z. Tan Abstract The hub location problem appears in a variety of applications including airline systems, cargo delivery systems, and telecommunication network design. When we analyze the application areas separately, we observe that each area has its own characteristics. In this research we focus on cargo delivery systems. Our interviews with various cargo delivery firms operating in Turkey enabled us to determine the constraints, requirements, and criteria of the hub location problem specific to the cargo delivery sector. We present integer programming formulations and large-scale implementations of the models within Turkey. The results are compared with the current structure of a cargo delivery firm operating in Turkey. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 49(1), 28,39 2007 [source] An appraisal of methods for measurement of pesticide transformation in the groundwater zone,PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 4 2001Minze Leistra Abstract Laboratory and field studies show that pesticides may be transformed in the groundwater zone. Possible reaction mechanisms are chemical hydrolysis, catalytic reduction and aerobic or anaerobic microbial transformation. Transformation in the groundwater zone can be an important element in the advanced evaluation of the potential risk arising from a pesticide in the public drinking water supply. However, rate and pathway of transformation can show large differences, depending on the bio-geochemical conditions in the groundwater zone. Knowledge of the reaction mechanisms and the effect of aquifer conditions would allow vulnerable and low-vulnerable application areas for a pesticide to be delimited. An outline is given of possible approaches to quantifying these transformation processes and using the results in registration procedures, especially in the EU and its member states. Furthermore, areas where there is need for continued research and better understanding are highlighted. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] A New Approach to the Deposition of Elemental Boron and Boron-Based Coatings by Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering of Loosely Packed Boron Powder TargetsPLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS, Issue S1 2007Martynas Audronis Abstract Large numbers of potential application areas for elemental boron and boron-based thin film materials make this subject area a focus of significant scientific and industrial interest. Applications include thermoelectric energy conversion devices, biomedical implants, metalworking tools and automotive components. Boron is however also recognised widely to be a difficult-to-deposit material. Therefore, a new technique to deposit boron (and other boron-based materials) by pulsed magnetron sputtering of loosely packed powder targets has been proposed. Among the benefits of this approach are: improved stability of the deposition process, increased speed and flexibility of target preparation, enhanced time- and cost-effectiveness and the ability to control readily the target and hence the chemical composition of the coating. [source] Research in the spatial sciences: how are Canadian geographers contributing?THE CANADIAN GEOGRAPHER/LE GEOGRAPHE CANADIEN, Issue 1 2010TARMO K. REMMEL sciences spatiales; logiciels; développement théorique; géographes canadiens Geographic data collection, manipulation, analysis and visualization options have experienced substantial improvements during the past several decades, largely spurred by advancements in computing capabilities. While geographers are often credited with identifying and expanding many of the emerging application areas and innovations for the analysis of spatially (and sometimes temporally) referenced data, we are specifically interested in the role of Canadian geographers in the rapidly evolving domain of spatial science. We pose the following provocative question with the intent of not only summarizing the Canadian literature, but also to stimulate an informed discussion: ,are Canadian geographers developers or users of spatial analytical methods?' We review the refereed literature from 1980 to 2008 to describe the nature of contributions by Canadian geographers, beginning at about the time of widely accessible computing (1980s). Our summary broadly classifies subdisciplinary contribution areas as being best described as GIS, remote sensing, or spatial statistics, while each contribution area may take the type of algorithm development, advancement and synthesis of theory, or the application of existing methods. We paint a picture of the current contribution landscape and reflect on significant achievements while commenting on some potential weakness that with increased resources and focus might become future realms of advancement. La recherche en sciences d'analyse spatiales : quel est l'apport des géographes canadiens? Les démarches de collecte, de traitement, d'analyse et de représentation visuelle des données géographiques ont connu des améliorations remarquables au cours des dernières décennies, essentiellement grâce aux progrès réalisés en informatique. Si de manière générale on attribue aux géographes la conception et le développement de nouveaux logiciels et la mise au point de méthodes d'analyse spatiale (et dans certains cas, temporelle), nous nous demandons à quel point les géographes canadiens font figure de modèles en matière de recherche spatiale. La question susceptible de soulever la controverse que nous nous posons est de savoir si les géographes canadiens sont des inventeurs ou simplement des utilisateurs des méthodes d'analyse spatiale. L'objectif visé est double : dresser une synthèse de la littérature canadienne et susciter une réflexion éclairée. Les articles scientifiques publiés par les pairs et parus entre 1980 et 2008 sont passés en revue. Cette analyse porte sur le corpus des textes publiés par des géographes canadiens depuis les années 1980 à l'époque de l'emploi des outils informatiques. Elle permet de répertorier les articles en fonction d'un ensemble de sous-disciplines qui renvoient aux SIG, à la télédétection, ou aux statistiques spatiales. De plus, chacun de ces champs de recherche s'inscrit dans la cadre du développement d'algorithmes, de l'avancement et de la démonstration théoriques, ou de l'application de méthodes existantes. Nous esquissons un portrait de la situation actuelle du champ d'étude et nous nous penchons sur les réalisations marquantes. Enfin, nous formulons des observations sur les faiblesses potentielles qui, en engageant plus de ressources et en leur accordant la priorité, pourraient éventuellement contribuer à l'avancement du domaine. [source] Philips QT Interval Measurement Algorithms for Diagnostic, Ambulatory, and Patient Monitoring ECG ApplicationsANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 2009F.A.C.C., Sophia H. Zhou Ph.D. Background: Commonly used techniques for QT measurement that identify T wave end using amplitude thresholds or the tangent method are sensitive to baseline drift and to variations of terminal T wave shape. Such QT measurement techniques commonly underestimate or overestimate the "true" QT interval. Methods: To find the end of the T wave, the new Philips QT interval measurement algorithms use the distance from an ancillary line drawn from the peak of the T wave to a point beyond the expected inflection point at the end of the T wave. We have adapted and optimized modifications of this basic approach for use in three different ECG application areas: resting diagnostic, ambulatory Holter, and in-hospital patient monitoring. The Philips DXL resting diagnostic algorithm uses an alpha-trimming technique and a measure of central tendency to determine the median QT value of eight most reliable leads. In ambulatory Holter ECG analysis, generally only two or three channels are available. QT is measured on a root-mean-square vector magnitude signal. Finally, QT measurement in the real time in-hospital application is among the most challenging areas of QT measurement. The Philips real time QT interval measurement algorithm employs features from both Philips DXL 12-lead and ambulatory Holter QT algorithms with further enhancements. Results: The diagnostic 12-lead algorithm has been tested against the gold standard measurement database established by the CSE group with results surpassing the industrial ECG measurement accuracy standards. Holter and monitoring algorithm performance data on the PhysioNet QT database were shown to be similar to the manual measurements by two cardiologists. Conclusion: The three variations of the QT measurement algorithm we developed are suitable for diagnostic 12-lead, Holter, and patient monitoring applications. [source] The potential of long-wavelength satellite-borne radar to support implementation of the Ramsar Wetlands ConventionAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 3 2007Ake Rosenqvist Abstract 1.This paper provides an introduction to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing and, in particular, the significance of long-wavelength (L-band) SAR for wetland applications relevant to the Ramsar Wetlands Convention. 2.The Convention has long been a supporter of effective wetland inventory being used to support management initiatives and the wise use of all wetlands. 3.Three major application areas have been identified where SAR data may constitute an important additional information source for wetland inventory and management. These comprise mapping of below-canopy inundation, monitoring of environmental disturbances and wetland inventories based on SAR mosaics. These areas have all previously been supported in general terms by formal resolutions on wetland inventory and assessment through the Convention with recognition that further technique development was required. 4.The potential to make further use of remote sensing is increased through wider use of the special features of SAR in situations where other data are less suitable. 5.The Japanese Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) provides an opportunity to support the Convention and its goal of wise use of all wetlands. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Response surface modeling and optimization for production of ammonia from urea in a batch reactorASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2009J. N. Sahu Abstract Ammonia is applied to removal of NOx contaminates contained in a flue gas stream from energy producing boilers and increase of efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator for removal of fly ash from flue gas stream from a boiler using fossil fuel. In this study, urea hydrolysis for production of ammonia, in different application areas that requires safe use of ammonia, was investigated in a batch reactor. The single and combined effects of operating parameters such as initial feed concentrations, temperature, time and stirring speed on the production of ammonia from urea were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). A 24 full factorial central composite experimental design was employed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.976) and satisfactory prediction second-order regression model was derived. The optimum production conditions were determined as temperature, 180 °C; initial feed concentrations, 22.24 wt% of urea; time, 74.9 min and stirring speed, 1150 rpm. At optimum conversion conditions, the conversion of urea for production of ammonia was found to be 75.65%. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Estimation of Centres and Radial Intensity Profiles of Spherical Nano-Particles in Digital MicroscopyBIOMETRICAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007Mats Kvarnström Abstract Control of the microscopic characteristics of colloidal systems is critical in a wealth of application areas, ranging from food to pharmaceuticals. To assist in estimating these characteristics, we present a method for estimating the positions of spherical nano-particles in digital microscopy images. The radial intensity profiles of particles, which depend on the distances of the particles from the focal plane of the light microscope and have no closed functional form, are modelled using a local quadratic kernel estimate. We also allow for the case where pixel values are censored at an upper limit of 255. Standard errors of centre estimates are obtained using a sandwich estimator which takes into account spatial autocorrelation in the errors. The approach is validated by a simulation study. 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