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Common Tool (common + tool)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting28%

Selected Abstracts

Investigating Global and Local Categorical Map Configuration Comparisons Based on Coincidence Matrices

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 2 2009
T. K. Remmel
The simple and intuitive nature of the coincidence matrix has not only made it the current "gold standard" for accuracy assessment (based on a sample of map pixels), but also a common tool for describing difference between two categorical maps (when all pixels are enumerated). It is this latter case of map comparison that this article explores. Coincidence matrices, although providing significant information regarding thematic agreement between two categorical maps (composition), can lack significantly in terms of conveying information about differences or similarities in the spatial arrangement (configuration) of those map categories in geographic space. This article introduces means for distilling the available configuration information from a coincidence matrix while demonstrating some simple categorical map comparisons. Specifically, while the coincidence matrix summarizes per-pixel compositional persistence or change, the introduced technique further quantifies the global and local configurational uncertainty between compared maps. I demonstrate how this quantification of configurational uncertainty can be used to gauge which thematic mismatch types are most significant and how to measure/present local configurational uncertainty in a spatial context. Implementation is through a straightforward mathematical algorithm in R that is illustrated by several examples. La sencillez y características las matrices de confusión (tablas de contingencia o de error) no sólo la ha convertido en (1) el estándar por excelencia para la evaluación de confiabilidad (veracidad o validez) de mapas temáticos en escala nominal (en base de una muestra de pixeles en un mapa), sino también en (2) una herramienta común para describir la diferencia entre dichos mapas (cuando todos los pixeles son tomados en cuenta). Este segundo uso de las matrices de confusión es el tema explorado por el presente artículo. A pesar de proporcionar información importante acerca de la confiabilidad temática entre dos mapas de categorías nominales (composición), las matrices de confusión sufren de limitaciones importantes cuando el objetivo es extraer información acerca del patrón o arreglo espacial (configuración) de las categorías del mapa. El presente artículo presenta herramientas para destilar la información de configuración espacial disponible a partir de una matriz de confusión, y al mismo tiempo, ilustra algunas comparaciones entre mapas de categorías nominales. En términos más concretos, la matriz de confusión resume la persistencia o cambio en la composición a nivel de cada pixel. La nueva técnica presentada en este estudio incluye además la cuantificación de la incertidumbre en la configuración de los mapas comparados. El autor demuestra cómo esta cuantificación puede ser utilizada para darse una idea de cuáles tipos de errores temáticos son más importantes, y cómo se puede medir e ilustrar la incertidumbre de la configuración local en el contexto espacial. La implementación del método se realiza a través de un algoritmo matemático sencillo en lenguaje R, el mismo que es ilustrado con varios ejemplos. [source]

Nanostructured gold surfaces as reproducible substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 3 2007
M. Sackmann
Abstract Raman spectroscopy is a common tool for the qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of molecules. Although the unique identification of molecules is possible via their vibrational lines, high concentrations (mmol/l) are needed for their nonresonant excitation owing to their low scattering cross section. The intensity of the Raman spectra is amplified by the use of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique. While the use of silver sols results only in a limited reproducibility of the Raman line intensities, lithographically designed, nanostructured gold surfaces used as SERS-active substrates should, in principle, combine the high sensitivity with better reproducibility. For this purpose, we have produced gratings of gold dots on Si(001) surfaces by means of electron beam lithography. Qualitative and quantitative investigations of crystal violet (CV) performed using nanostructured surfaces give high reproducibility and enhancement of the Raman lines. The substrates are reusable after cleaning; all results presented could be obtained from a single SERS substrate. For the experiments very low laser powers were used. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Empowering project scope decisions: introducing R&D content graphs

R & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2001
Dennis Nobelius
There have been several studies confirming the strategic and operational importance of choosing a proper project scope. There is a lack of empirically tested managerial tools to assist in this matter, and studies with longitudinally analysed R&D projects with respect to content are scarce. This article discusses the management of advanced engineering in the automotive industry. The study presents a structured approach where individual project leaders together with top management could prepare project material, discuss, visualize, and evaluate the content around a common tool. This tool, i.e. the R&D content graphs, facilitates project content selection, both during the start-up and during the execution phase of the project. The studied project has been studied for nearly two years using an abductive case-based research design. Since the project has been longitudinally studied, it has also been possible to test the graphs' predicting capabilities. The graphs are based on a visualization of the project content along five identified dimensions. The results reveal that the tools bring structure to project scope discussions, have some predictive value, and can also function as a vertical as well as a horizontal communication tool. [source]

Why is the choice of future climate scenarios for species distribution modelling important?

ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 11 2008
Linda J. Beaumont
Abstract Species distribution models (SDMs) are common tools for assessing the potential impact of climate change on species ranges. Uncertainty in SDM output occurs due to differences among alternate models, species characteristics and scenarios of future climate. While considerable effort is being devoted to identifying and quantifying the first two sources of variation, a greater understanding of climate scenarios and how they affect SDM output is also needed. Climate models are complex tools: variability occurs among alternate simulations, and no single ,best' model exists. The selection of climate scenarios for impacts assessments should not be undertaken arbitrarily - strengths and weakness of different climate models should be considered. In this paper, we provide bioclimatic modellers with an overview of emissions scenarios and climate models, discuss uncertainty surrounding projections of future climate and suggest steps that can be taken to reduce and communicate climate scenario-related uncertainty in assessments of future species responses to climate change. [source]

Cost-effectiveness of blood programmes , the Asia Pacific Blood Network perspective

ISBT SCIENCE SERIES: THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTRACELLULAR TRANSPORT, Issue n2 2009
C.-K. Lin
Globally, cost management of blood programs is seen as a critical strategic issue. This needs to be balanced with other strategic priorities, including sustainability of the blood system and provision of sufficient, safe and appropriate products and services for patient care. Asia Pacific blood services seek improvement in cost efficiencies through both local initiatives, and through partnering with other countries via international networks such as the Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN). Through the APBN, blood services participate in 2 key areas that have the potential to yield improved cost efficiencies. These are a.,Comparison of Practice b.,Knowledge Exchange This paper outlines the way in which the APBN members have utilised these opportunities to identify and understand internal and external cost drivers and through this, help address challenges. Cost data is less useful in effecting change than measures of operational efficiency, as well as utilisation and wastage rates. Some common tools and approaches will be discussed, although it is recognized that for each country with its unique set of stakeholders, geography, and socio-political, legal, regulatory and economic parameters, the decisions made may well be quite different but appropriate for the local context. [source]

Engaging client groups differently: A standardized approach to performance improvement

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT, Issue 9 2009
Timothy E. LaMacchio
Moving clients past counterproductive approaches to improving performance requires performance improvement (PI) professionals to work differently. They must collaboratively engage clients in anticipating and solving problems. It calls for a user-friendly and explicit PI process that drives results. This proactive engagement promotes a shared view and language of the PI process. It enables PI professionals and clients to work jointly with common tools to improve performance, make everyday decisions, and achieve business results. [source]

Thermal design of central office telecommunication equipment

BELL LABS TECHNICAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009
Wei Ling
Thermal design is in the critical path of all telecommunication equipment product development because of the steady, unabated increase in equipment power densities to satisfy the level of features, services, and performance demanded by customers. Proper thermal design contributes to the overall quality, functionality, and reliability of Alcatel-Lucent solutions and can provide a marketing advantage as a differentiator with respect to the competition. This paper describes in detail the thermal design process for a typical telecommunication equipment application in a central office environment. Experience is shared on the challenges, pitfalls, and common tools/approaches for both system-level and board-level (circuit pack) thermal design, as well as the thermal testing of prototypes. © 2009 Alcatel-Lucent. [source]