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Practical Implementation (practical + implementation)
Selected AbstractsModel uncertainty in the ecosystem approach to fisheriesFISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 4 2007Simeon L. Hill Abstract Fisheries scientists habitually consider uncertainty in parameter values, but often neglect uncertainty about model structure, an issue of increasing importance as ecosystem models are devised to support the move to an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF). This paper sets out pragmatic approaches with which to account for uncertainties in model structure and we review current ways of dealing with this issue in fisheries and other disciplines. All involve considering a set of alternative models representing different structural assumptions, but differ in how those models are used. The models can be asked to identify bounds on possible outcomes, find management actions that will perform adequately irrespective of the true model, find management actions that best achieve one or more objectives given weights assigned to each model, or formalize hypotheses for evaluation through experimentation. Data availability is likely to limit the use of approaches that involve weighting alternative models in an ecosystem setting, and the cost of experimentation is likely to limit its use. Practical implementation of an EAF should therefore be based on management approaches that acknowledge the uncertainty inherent in model predictions and are robust to it. Model results must be presented in ways that represent the risks and trade-offs associated with alternative actions and the degree of uncertainty in predictions. This presentation should not disguise the fact that, in many cases, estimates of model uncertainty may be based on subjective criteria. The problem of model uncertainty is far from unique to fisheries, and a dialogue among fisheries modellers and modellers from other scientific communities will therefore be helpful. [source] Practical implementation of multichannel adaptive filters based on FTF and AP algorithms for active controlINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADAPTIVE CONTROL AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, Issue 2-3 2005Alberto González Abstract In this paper, multichannel affine projection (AP) algorithms and fast transversal filters (FTF) are introduced for active noise control. A comparative practical study of the mentioned algorithms with the filtered-X LMS (F-XLMS) and the recursive least squares (RLS) is presented for multichannel systems. This study is based on simulations using real data and is mainly focused on: their computational cost and memory load, their convergence properties, their stability and their ability to create quiet zones around listener ears. Simulations show that algorithms based on FTF exhibit a good trade-off between computational cost and convergence speed. On the other hand, those based on RLS are slightly faster but they present higher computational load and stability problems in their practical implementation. It has also been observed that algorithms based on low order AP algorithms present less computational cost than the FTF-based ones but a slightly slower convergence speed. Therefore these algorithms show a desirable behaviour and versatility for practical applications. Finally, results obtained in a real-time multichannel system validate the use of AP algorithms in practical applications as an alternative to the classical multichannel F-XLMS since they provide meaningful attenuation levels, lower convergence time and similar computational cost. Additionally, as simulations indicated, AP algorithm performance can be easily improved increasing its projection order and using fast versions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Properties of the Sieve Bootstrap for Fractionally Integrated and Non-Invertible ProcessesJOURNAL OF TIME SERIES ANALYSIS, Issue 2 2008D. S. Poskitt Abstract., In this article, we investigate the consequences of applying the sieve bootstrap under regularity conditions that are sufficiently general to encompass both fractionally integrated and non-invertible processes. The sieve bootstrap is obtained by approximating the data-generating process by an autoregression, whose order h increases with the sample size T. The sieve bootstrap may be particularly useful in the analysis of fractionally integrated processes since the statistics of interest can often be non-pivotal with distributions that depend on the fractional index d. The validity of the sieve bootstrap is established for |d|<1/2 and it is shown that when the sieve bootstrap is used to approximate the distribution of a general class of statistics then the error rate will be of an order smaller than , ,>0. Practical implementation of the sieve bootstrap is considered and the results are illustrated using a canonical example. [source] Generalized MRI reconstruction including elastic physiological motion and coil sensitivity encodingMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 6 2008Freddy Odille Abstract This article describes a general framework for multiple coil MRI reconstruction in the presence of elastic physiological motion. On the assumption that motion is known or can be predicted, it is shown that the reconstruction problem is equivalent to solving an integral equation,known in the literature as a Fredholm equation of the first kind,with a generalized kernel comprising Fourier and coil sensitivity encoding, modified by physiological motion information. Numerical solutions are found using an iterative linear system solver. The different steps in the numerical resolution are discussed, in particular it is shown how over-determination can be used to improve the conditioning of the generalized encoding operator. Practical implementation requires prior knowledge of displacement fields, so a model of patient motion is described which allows elastic displacements to be predicted from various input signals (e.g., respiratory belts, ECG, navigator echoes), after a free-breathing calibration scan. Practical implementation was demonstrated with a moving phantom setup and in two free-breathing healthy subjects, with images from the thoracic-abdominal region. Results show that the method effectively suppresses the motion blurring/ghosting artifacts, and that scan repetitions can be used as a source of over-determination to improve the reconstruction. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The relationship of the hyperspherical harmonics to SO(3), SO(4) and orientation distribution functionsACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A, Issue 4 2009J. K. Mason The expansion of an orientation distribution function as a linear combination of the hyperspherical harmonics suggests that the analysis of crystallographic orientation information may be performed entirely in the axis,angle parameterization. Practical implementation of this requires an understanding of the properties of the hyperspherical harmonics. An addition theorem for the hyperspherical harmonics and an explicit formula for the relevant irreducible representatives of SO(4) are provided. The addition theorem is useful for performing convolutions of orientation distribution functions, while the irreducible representatives enable the construction of symmetric hyperspherical harmonics consistent with the crystal and sample symmetries. [source] Curve skeleton skinning for human and creature charactersCOMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 3-4 2006Xiaosong Yang Abstract The skeleton driven skinning technique is still the most popular method for animating deformable human and creature characters. Albeit an industry de facto due to its computational performance and intuitiveness, it suffers from problems like collapsing elbow and candy wrapper joint. To remedy these problems, one needs to formulate the non-linear relationship between the skeleton and the skin shape of a character properly, which however proves mathematically very challenging. Placing additional joints where the skin bends increases the sampling rate and is an ad hoc way of approximating this non-linear relationship. In this paper, we propose a method that is able to accommodate the inherent non-linear relationships between the movement of the skeleton and the skin shape. We use the so-called curve skeletons along with the joint-based skeletons to animate the skin shape. Since the deformation follows the tangent of the curve skeleton and also due to higher sampling rates received from the curve points, collapsing skin and other undesirable skin deformation problems are avoided. The curve skeleton retains the advantages of the current skeleton driven skinning. It is easy to use and allows full control over the animation process. As a further enhancement, it is also fairly simple to build realistic muscle and fat bulge effect. A practical implementation in the form of a Maya plug-in is created to demonstrate the viability of the technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Aerosols and gaseous contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging of the lungCONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 5 2008Karim Mosbah Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging of lungs and the investigation of pulmonary pathologies with this technique are limited by low proton spin density, degraded magnetic homogeneity and motion. Inhaled contrast agents (gases or aerosols) can improve the diagnostic value of MRI for lung. Paramagnetic contrast agents such as gadolinium chelates aerosol or dioxygen gas increase the relaxivity of proton in lung parenchyma and can be used to assess the ventilated fraction of the bronchoalveolar space. Similarly, inhalation of non proton-MRI nuclei such as perfluorinated gas or hyperpolarized gases (3He or 129Xe) can provide functional ventilation image. In this review paper, the principles, the practical implementation, the limitations and possible safety issues of these different techniques are summarized. The main pre-clinical and clinical applications of these approaches based on oral contrast agents are reviewed and illustrated with cutting-edge lung MRI studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Knowledge-based system for structured examination, diagnosis and therapy in treatment of traumatised teethDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2001A. Robertson Abstract , Dental trauma in children and adolescents is a common problem, and the prevalence of these injuries has increased in the last 10,20 years. A dental injury should always be considered an emergency and, thus, be treated immediately to relieve pain, facilitate reduction of displaced teeth, reconstruct lost hard tissue, and improve prognosis. Rational therapy depends upon a correct diagnosis, which can be achieved with the aid of various examination techniques. It must be understood that an incomplete examination can lead to inaccurate diagnosis and less successful treatment. Good knowledge of traumatology and models of treatments can also reduce stress and anxiety for both the patient and the dental team. Knowledge-based Systems (KBS) are a practical implementation of Artificial Intelligence. In complex domains which humans find difficult to understand, KBS can assist in making decisions and can also add knowledge. The aim of this paper is to describe the structure of a knowledge-based system for structured examination, diagnosis and therapy for traumatised primary and permanent teeth. A commercially available program was used as developmental tool for the programming (XpertRule, Attar, London, UK). The paper presents a model for a computerised decision support system for traumatology. [source] Profiles in Patient Safety: Antibiotic Timing in Pneumonia and Pay-for-performanceACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 7 2006Jesse M. Pines MD The delivery of antibiotics within four hours of hospital arrival for patients who are admitted with pneumonia, as mandated by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has gained considerable attention recently because of the plan to implement pay-for-performance for adherence to this standard. Although early antibiotic administration has been associated with improved survival for patients with pneumonia in two large retrospective studies, the effect on actual patient care and outcomes for patients with pneumonia and other emergency department patients of providing financial incentives and disincentives to hospitals for performance on this measure currently is unknown. This article provides an in-depth case-based description of the evidence behind antibiotic timing in pneumonia, discusses potential program effects, and analyzes how the practical implementation of pay-for-performance for pneumonia conforms to American Medical Association guidelines on pay-for-performance. [source] The implementation of nutritional advice for people with diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2003Nutrition Subcommittee of the Diabetes Care Advisory Committee of Diabetes UK Abstract These consensus-based recommendations emphasize the practical implementation of nutritional advice for people with diabetes, and describe the provision of services required to provide the information. Important changes from previous recommendations include greater flexibility in the proportions of energy derived from carbohydrate and monounsaturated fat, further liberalization in the consumption of sucrose, more active promotion of foods with a low glycaemic index, and greater emphasis on the provision of nutritional advice in the context of wider lifestyle changes, particularly physical activity. Monounsaturated fats are now promoted as the main source of dietary fat because of their lower susceptibility to lipid peroxidation and consequent lower atherogenic potential. Consumption of sucrose for patients who are not overweight can be increased up to 10% of daily energy derived from carbohydrate provided that this is eaten in the context of a healthy diet and distributed throughout the day. Evidence is presented for the effectiveness of advice provided by trained dieticians. The increasing evidence for the importance of good metabolic control and the growing requirement for measures to prevent Type 2 diabetes in an increasingly obese population will require major expansion of dietetic services if the standards in National Service Frameworks are to be successfully implemented. [source] Active tendon control of cable-stayed bridges: a large-scale demonstrationEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 7 2001Frédéric Bossens This paper presents a strategy for active damping of cable structures, using active tendons. The first part of the paper summarizes the theoretical background: the control law is briefly presented together with the main results of an approximate linear theory which allows the prediction of closed-loop poles with a root locus technique. The second part of the paper reports on experimental results obtained with two test structures: the first one is a small size mock-up representative of a cable-stayed bridge during the construction phase. The control of the parametric vibration of passive cables due to deck vibration is demonstrated. The second one is a 30 m long mock-up built on the reaction wall of the ELSA test facility at the JRC Ispra (Italy); this test structure is used to demonstrate the practical implementation of the control strategy with hydraulic actuators. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A survey on undergraduate implant dentistry education in EuropeEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 2009H. De Bruyn Abstract Introduction:, The aim of the survey was to assess the status of implant dentistry education and addressed various aspects related to competence level, practical implementation and barriers for further development in the field. Materials and methods:, An e-mail survey was performed amongst 73 opinion leaders from 18 European countries invited to the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) workshop on implant dentistry. Results:, Forty-nine surveys were returned (67%) and it was found that theoretical and pre-clinical courses to an average of 36 h are given to undergraduates; 70% reported that students assist or treat patients with prosthetics; 53% reported that students assist with surgery and only 5% is operating patients. In 23% of the schools optional undergraduate courses are available and 90% offer postgraduate training. Barriers for including prosthetics and surgery are lack of time, funding or staff. Partial restorations, including surgery, in the posterior regions may be provided by dentists after attendance at additional courses but complex treatments should be limited to specialists. Conclusion:, This survey confirms that implant dentistry is part of the undergraduate curriculum, albeit with a disparity in time. Whereas implant dentistry is an important part of clinical practice, coverage in the curriculum is limited and when compared with 10 years ago, even stagnating. Priorities within the curriculum should be evaluated depending on demands and treatment needs of the population. To optimise education, learning guidelines should be developed, based on the expected competencies for practicing dentists. Undergraduate education may start the process that must continue through all levels of education, including the postgraduate level. [source] Converging New Public Management Reforms and Diverging Accounting Practices in Flemish Local GovernmentsFINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY & MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2001Johan Christiaens This paper aims at presenting a comparative study of the diverging development of accounting reforms in Flemish local governments in terms of accounting from a technical point of view. On the one hand, the objectives and the framework of current governmental accounting reforms aiming at improving New Public Management are currently converging. On the other hand, a conceptual examination reveals that the prescribed accounting practices are widely diverging and apparently this is also the case for the practical implementation of the reformed accounting systems. By way of conclusion, a number of possible reasons for this unsuccessful proliferation are presented. [source] Rational Pricing of Internet Companies RevisitedFINANCIAL REVIEW, Issue 4 2001Eduardo S. Schwartz G12 Abstract In this article we expand and improve the Internet company valuation model of Schwartz and Moon (2000) in numerous ways. By using techniques from real options theory and modern capital budgeting, the earlier paper demonstrated that uncertainty about key variables plays a major role in the valuation of high growth Internet companies. Presently, we make the model more realistic by providing for stochastic costs and future financing, and also by including capital expenditures and depreciation in the analysis. Perhaps more importantly, we offer insights into the practical implementation the model. An important challenge to implementing the original model was estimating the various parameters of the model. Here, we improve the procedure by setting the speed of adjustment parameters equal to one another, by tying the implied half-life of the revenue growth process to analyst forecasts, and by inferring the risk-adjustment parameter from the observed beta of the company's stock price. We illustrate these extensions in a valuation of the company eBay. [source] Traveltime computation with the linearized eikonal equation for anisotropic mediaGEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, Issue 4 2002Tariq Alkhalifah A linearized eikonal equation is developed for transversely isotropic (TI) media with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI). It is linear with respect to perturbations in the horizontal velocity or the anisotropy parameter ,. An iterative linearization of the eikonal equation is used as the basis for an algorithm of finite-difference traveltime computations. A practical implementation of this iterative technique is to start with a background model that consists of an elliptically anisotropic, inhomogeneous medium, since traveltimes for this type of medium can be calculated efficiently using eikonal solvers, such as the fast marching method. This constrains the perturbation to changes in the anisotropy parameter , (the parameter most responsible for imaging improvements in anisotropic media). The iterative implementation includes repetitive calculation of , from traveltimes, which is then used to evaluate the perturbation needed for the next round of traveltime calculations using the linearized eikonal equation. Unlike isotropic media, interpolation is needed to estimate , in areas where the traveltime field is independent of ,, such as areas where the wave propagates vertically. Typically, two to three iterations can give sufficient accuracy in traveltimes for imaging applications. The cost of each iteration is slightly less than the cost of a typical eikonal solver. However, this method will ultimately provide traveltime solutions for VTI media. The main limitation of the method is that some smoothness of the medium is required for the iterative implementation to work, especially since we evaluate derivatives of the traveltime field as part of the iterative approach. If a single perturbation is sufficient for the traveltime calculation, which may be the case for weak anisotropy, no smoothness of the medium is necessary. Numerical tests demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of this approach. [source] Polar-Molecule-Dominated Electrorheological Fluids Featuring High Yield StressesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 45 2009Rong Shen Abstract Recent works on the development of various electrorheological (ER) fluids composed of TiO2, SrTiO, and CaTiO particles coated with CO/HO polar groups are summarized, in which an extremely large yield stress up to 200,kPa is measured and the dynamical yield stress reaches 117,kPa at a shear rate of 775,s,1. Moreover, unlike that of traditional dielectric ER fluids, the yield stress displays a linear dependence on electric field strength. Experimental results reveal that it is the polar molecules adsorbed onto the dielectric particles that play the decisive role: the polar-molecule-dominated ER effect arises from the alignment of polar molecules by the enhanced local electric field in the gap between neighboring particles. The pretreatment of electrodes and the contrivance of new measuring procedures, which are desirable for the characterization and practical implementation of this material, are also discussed. The successful synthesis of these fluids has made many of the long since conceived applications of the ER effect available. [source] Practical implementation of multichannel adaptive filters based on FTF and AP algorithms for active controlINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADAPTIVE CONTROL AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, Issue 2-3 2005Alberto González Abstract In this paper, multichannel affine projection (AP) algorithms and fast transversal filters (FTF) are introduced for active noise control. A comparative practical study of the mentioned algorithms with the filtered-X LMS (F-XLMS) and the recursive least squares (RLS) is presented for multichannel systems. This study is based on simulations using real data and is mainly focused on: their computational cost and memory load, their convergence properties, their stability and their ability to create quiet zones around listener ears. Simulations show that algorithms based on FTF exhibit a good trade-off between computational cost and convergence speed. On the other hand, those based on RLS are slightly faster but they present higher computational load and stability problems in their practical implementation. It has also been observed that algorithms based on low order AP algorithms present less computational cost than the FTF-based ones but a slightly slower convergence speed. Therefore these algorithms show a desirable behaviour and versatility for practical applications. Finally, results obtained in a real-time multichannel system validate the use of AP algorithms in practical applications as an alternative to the classical multichannel F-XLMS since they provide meaningful attenuation levels, lower convergence time and similar computational cost. Additionally, as simulations indicated, AP algorithm performance can be easily improved increasing its projection order and using fast versions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Blind separation of convolutive mixtures of cyclostationary signalsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADAPTIVE CONTROL AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, Issue 3 2004Wenwu Wang Abstract An adaptive blind source separation algorithm for the separation of convolutive mixtures of cyclostationary signals is proposed. The algorithm is derived by applying natural gradient iterative learning to a novel cost function which is defined according to the wide sense cyclostationarity of signals and can be deemed as a new member of the family of natural gradient algorithms for convolutive mixtures. A method based on estimating the cycle frequencies required for practical implementation of the proposed algorithm is presented. The efficiency of the algorithm is supported by simulations, which show that the proposed algorithm has improved performance for the separation of convolved cyclostationary signals in terms of convergence speed and waveform similarity measurement, as compared to the conventional natural gradient algorithm for convolutive mixtures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Robot vision with cellular neural networks: a practical implementation of new algorithmsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIRCUIT THEORY AND APPLICATIONS, Issue 4 2007Giovanni Egidio Pazienza Abstract Cellular neural networks (CNNs) are well suited for image processing due to the possibility of a parallel computation. In this paper, we present two algorithms for tracking and obstacle avoidance using CNNs. Furthermore, we show the implementation of an autonomous robot guided using only real-time visual feedback; the image processing is performed entirely by a CNN system embedded in a digital signal processor (DSP). We successfully tested the two algorithms on this robot. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A DSP-like analogue processing unit for smart image sensorsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIRCUIT THEORY AND APPLICATIONS, Issue 6 2002Antoine Dupret Abstract An electronic retina featuring DSP-like programmable analogue processing is addressed. The motivations for designing such an original smart image sensor are accounted for. The architecture of the circuit is described and then the two more important building blocks are detailed. Finally, the practical implementation and tests results are given so as to validate the approach. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Performance analysis of dynamic channel assignment algorithms in cellular mobile systems with hand-offINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 8 2002L. Cong Abstract In this paper, the traffic performance of dynamic channel assignment (DCA) in cellular mobile system with hand-off is investigated. A traffic model for cellular system incorporating hand-off is established first. Under the framework of the model, a hand-off priority scheme is developed to reduce the forced termination of calls in progress. This paper analyses and derives the traffic performance bound for DCA strategies with hand-off by extending the maximum packing (MP) scheme to include the hand-off procedure. For practical implementation, a distributed DCA algorithm (DDCA) is also proposed. A non-priority scheme and the proposed priority scheme can be combined with either MP or DDCA. It is shown that the simulation results of DDCA scheme are comparable with the analytical bounds given by MP for both the non-prioritized case and prioritized case. A reasonable trade-off between the new call blocking probability and forced termination probability can be achieved by using the proposed prioritized scheme in DCA. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Full-duplex analogue/digital data transmission using lasers coupled to GI fibre and its applicationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 5 2001Masayoshi Kamiya Abstract This paper describes a low-cost version of a full-duplex optical fibre analogue/digital data transmission link whose practical implementation is simplified by using a pair of laser diodes, each having a built-in photodiode for monitoring the laser output power, and its application to vibration test data transmission. The transmission link sends digital data of up to 9600 bps in one direction, and analogue data of DC to 100 kHz and image data specified by an NTSC colour video signal in the opposite direction, all at the same time through one GI optical fibre. Being simple in configuration and stable against noise, this type of link has a variety of applications within factory, home and offices. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A combined first-/second-order sliding-mode technique in the control of a jet-propelled vehicleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL, Issue 4-5 2008G. Bartolini Abstract This note concerns the design and practical implementation of a position/attitude sliding-mode controller for a surface vessel prototype. The prototype is equipped with a special, recently patented (Italian Patent, 2005), propulsion system based on hydro-jets with adjustable output section. The sliding-mode control design is based on the combination between three instances of a second-order sliding-mode velocity observer (Automatica 1998; 34:379,384) and a simplex-based sliding-mode controller (Int. J. Robust Nonlinear Control 1997; 7(4):321,335). We first describe the structure and the working principle of the prototype. Then, we detail the derivation of the motion observer/controller. Finally, we discuss the major implementation issues and show some experimental results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Forms of Governance in European Union Social Policy: Continuity and/or Change?INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY REVIEW, Issue 2 2006Gerda Falkner This article addresses the question of the evolution of regulatory and distributive social policy at European Union (EU) level, with special emphasis on its quantitative aspects. Data collected in meticulous detail on the EU's powers in the area of social policy and their practical implementation from the early days of European integration through to the end of 2002 are presented in a range of figures and tables. It becomes apparent that, quantitatively speaking, the body of EU social law in existence to date is impressive. Contrary to expectation, non-binding forms of action have not replaced those which are binding, or at least not yet. Soft law and the "open method of coordination", the subject of so much recent debate, are rather a complement to classic legislation, entailing a minimum of harmonization. In terms of political science and legal theory this means that while the neo-voluntarism and legalization hypotheses highlight important aspects of EU social policy, neither of them represents the whole story. [source] Soft Methods in Primary Schools: Focusing on IT StrategiesINTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS IN OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002Lene Sřrensen New legislation has been imposed on Danish primary schools to increase the use of information technology (IT), without giving guidelines on practical implementation. Many schools are, therefore, left in despair. We suggest that IT strategy development can be supported by soft OR methods. We present three case studies that illustrate different application perspectives of methods. [source] Phytoremediation: the state of rhizosphere ,engineering' for accelerated rhizodegradation of xenobiotic contaminantsJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2007E. Kudjo Dzantor Abstract Phytoremediation has emerged as the method of choice for cleaning up a broad range of environmental contaminants. One process through which plants render some xenobiotic organic contaminants innocuous in soil involves plant,microbe interactions in which root exudates stimulate entire microbial communities, or induce specific enzymes in competent individuals to cause enhanced rhizodegradation. For some contaminants these inherent processes can be slow; however, potentials exist for their improvement through rhizosphere manipulations. Although this requires a greater understanding than currently exists with respect to plant and microbe components and interactions involved in the biodegradation of xenobiotic contaminants, improved understanding is being achieved by advances in biochemical and molecular characterization, and visualization of rhizosphere phenomena. In combination with earlier knowledge of naturally-occurring plant,microbe interactions such as the opine concept, this new knowledge considerably improves the opportunities for manipulating rhizosphere interactions to greatly accelerate rhizodegradation for routine practical implementation in the field. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Internal heat integration , the key to an energy-conserving distillation column,JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 2-3 2003Z Olujic Abstract This paper illustrates the thermal energy conservation potential of the so-called heat integrated distillation column (HIDiC), which combines advantages of direct vapour recompression and diabatic operation at half of the normal column height. In a typical close boiling mixture separation, compared with a column utilising the usual vapour recompression scheme, HIDiC halved the consumption of exergy at approximately the same capital cost, indicating a strikingly short pay-off time. The complexities of integrating the heat transfer equipment in the stripping section with proven gas/liquid contacting devices, which may work adversely to practical implementation of HIDiC concept, are also addressed. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] An Empirically Based Method of Q-Matrix Validation for the DINA Model: Development and ApplicationsJOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 4 2008Jimmy De La Torre Most model fit analyses in cognitive diagnosis assume that a Q matrix is correct after it has been constructed, without verifying its appropriateness. Consequently, any model misfit attributable to the Q matrix cannot be addressed and remedied. To address this concern, this paper proposes an empirically based method of validating a Q matrix used in conjunction with the DINA model. The proposed method can be implemented with other considerations such as substantive information about the items, or expert knowledge about the domain, to produce a more integrative framework of Q-matrix validation. The paper presents the theoretical foundation for the proposed method, develops an algorithm for its practical implementation, and provides real and simulated data applications to examine its viability. Relevant issues regarding the implementation of the method are discussed. [source] Training psychiatric teams to do family systems acute psychiatryJOURNAL OF FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 1 2007Jochen Schweitzer This article presents an account of a comprehensive eighteen-day, multi-team, multidisciplinary training approach to family systems inpatient acute psychiatry. It has been developed and tested as part of the SYMPA project (systems therapy in acute psychiatry), which aims to establish systemic case conceptualizations and interventions as routine practice in acute psychiatry. Content, didactic characteristics and specifications of this training are discussed. To illustrate the practical implementation of the training, specifically designed exercises are described and a clinical case is included. The article concludes by presenting first results of the research on implementation indicating that the training had a significant impact on the quantity and quality of conversations with patients. [source] Hierarchical Activity Model for Risk-Based Decision MakingJOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Integrating Life Cycle, Plant-Specific Risk Assessments Summary For the practical implementation of the assessment of environmental impact, actual procedures and data requirements should be clarified so that industrial decision makers understand them. Researchers should consider local risks related to processes and environmental impact throughout the life cycle of products simultaneously to supervise these adverse effects appropriately. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a useful tool for quantifying the potential impact associated with a product life cycle. Risk assessment (RA) is a widely used tool for identifying chemical risks in a specific situation. In this study, we integrate LCA and RA for risk-based decision making by devising a hierarchical activity model using the type-zero method of integrated definition language (IDEF0). The IDEF0 activity modeling language has been applied to connect activities with information flows. Process generation, evaluation, and decision making are logically defined and visualized in the activity model with the required information. The activities, information flows, and their acquisitions are revealed, with a focus on which data should be collected by on-site engineers. A case study is conducted on designing a metal cleaning process reducing chemical risks due to the use of a cleansing agent. LCA and RA are executed and applied effectively on the basis of integrated objective settings and interpretation. The proposed activity model can be used as a foundation to incorporate such assessments into actual business models. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||