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Data Acquisition (data + acquisition)
Terms modified by Data Acquisition Selected AbstractsOperative Platform Applied to Building AutomationCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2009João Figueiredo This structure is composed by three interrelated levels: the Operational level,where the field equipment is controlled, the Inter-Active level,where inhabitants communicate the building their preferences regarding control variables (lights, temperature, etc.), and the higher-level control, the Overall Building Well-Being Model, which manages the global building, taking into account the optimization of the inhabitants preferences, constrained by the available resources. At this third level, the inter-building communication is available. Each building has the capability to communicate with its neighbors, informing about fires, floods, security problems, power consumption expectations, and so on. This article implements one of the three above-referred interrelated control levels: the Operational-level control. This operative platform is structured over a cascade hierarchical control architecture where inner loops are performed by local PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and the outer loop is managed by a centralized SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) that interacts with the entire PLC network. The lower-level control loop assures high processing velocity tasks, the upper-level control loop updates the local references, knowing the complete system state. This operative model is tested on two prototypes, where all instrumentation in place is controlled by the industrial PLC network. Both prototypes worked perfectly showing the huge potential of communication systems between distributed processes. These communication systems allow intelligent centralized algorithms to manage decision-making problems in real-time environments. The system presented in this article combines several technologies (local PLCs, SCADA systems, and network communications) to reach the goal of efficient management of intelligent buildings. [source] Road Infrastructure Data Acquisition Using a Vehicle-Based Mobile Mapping SystemCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2006Gi-Hong Kim The mobile mapping system that integrates the global positioning system (GPS), the inertial navigation system (INS), and digital cameras has been developed to collect data on position and attributes of road infrastructure. The vehicle-based mobile mapping system works by having the GPS and INS record the position and attitude data, and digital cameras take road images. The stereovision system can determine the position of objects that are visible on the image pair in the global coordinate system with GPS and INS data. As field data acquisition is a very expensive task, a mobile mapping system offers a greatly improved solution. In this study, we successfully created a road infrastructure map with mobile mapping technology and proposed automatic algorithms for detecting and identifying road signs from road images. The proposed detection algorithm includes line and color region extraction processes and uses the Hopfield neural networks. The identification algorithm uses seven invariant moments and parameters that present geometric characteristics. With this combined method, we could successfully detect and identify road signs. [source] Role of Parasternal Data Acquisition During Contrast Enhanced Real-Time Three-Dimensional EchocardiographyECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2007Attila Nemes M.D., Ph.D. Background: Recent technical developments have resulted in high-resolution real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial role of parasternal-acquired images in addition to apical-acquired images during contrast stress RT3DE. Methods: The study comprised 30 consecutive patients (52 ± 11 years, 18 males) with chest pain referred for routine stress testing. The contrast RT3DE images were acquired from the apical and parasternal window with a Sonos 7500 echo system attached to a X4 matrix array transducer. Results: From the apical and parasternal acquisition, 464 segments (91%) and 267 segments (52%) could be analyzed, respectively (P < 0.001). From the apical window, more basal segments were not analyzable (22 of 180, 12% vs. 24 of 330, 7%; P = 0.06). From the parasternal window, more apical segments were not analyzable (117 of 150, 78% vs. 126 of 360, 35%; P < 0.01). The mean image quality index of the 464 analyzable segments from the apical-acquired images was 2.43. Fourteen of 180 basal segments (8%), 12 of 180 midventricular segments (7%) and 2 of 150 apical segment (1%) were only available with parasternal data acquisition. In addition to these 28 segments, 79 segments (15%) already visualized from the apical window improved in quality. The overall mean image quality index, now assessed from 492 (96%) of all segments, using both the apical and parasternal acquired data, improved to 2.74 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Addition of parasternal to apical acquisition of contrast RT3DE data can decrease the number of nonvisualized segments and improve mean image quality. [source] DIPKIP: A CONNECTIONIST KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY KNOWLEDGE DEFICITS IN PRACTICAL CASESCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 1 2010Álvaro Herrero This study presents a novel, multidisciplinary research project entitled DIPKIP (data acquisition, intelligent processing, knowledge identification and proposal), which is a Knowledge Management (KM) system that profiles the KM status of a company. Qualitative data is fed into the system that allows it not only to assess the KM situation in the company in a straightforward and intuitive manner, but also to propose corrective actions to improve that situation. DIPKIP is based on four separate steps. An initial "Data Acquisition" step, in which key data is captured, is followed by an "Intelligent Processing" step, using neural projection architectures. Subsequently, the "Knowledge Identification" step catalogues the company into three categories, which define a set of possible theoretical strategic knowledge situations: knowledge deficit, partial knowledge deficit, and no knowledge deficit. Finally, a "Proposal" step is performed, in which the "knowledge processes",creation/acquisition, transference/distribution, and putting into practice/updating,are appraised to arrive at a coherent recommendation. The knowledge updating process (increasing the knowledge held and removing obsolete knowledge) is in itself a novel contribution. DIPKIP may be applied as a decision support system, which, under the supervision of a KM expert, can provide useful and practical proposals to senior management for the improvement of KM, leading to flexibility, cost savings, and greater competitiveness. The research also analyses the future for powerful neural projection models in the emerging field of KM by reviewing a variety of robust unsupervised projection architectures, all of which are used to visualize the intrinsic structure of high-dimensional data sets. The main projection architecture in this research, known as Cooperative Maximum-Likelihood Hebbian Learning (CMLHL), manages to capture a degree of KM topological ordering based on the application of cooperative lateral connections. The results of two real-life case studies in very different industrial sectors corroborated the relevance and viability of the DIPKIP system and the concepts upon which it is founded. [source] Determination of aminoglycoside and macrolide antibiotics in meat by pressurized liquid extraction and LC-ESI-MSJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 4-5 2010Houda Berrada Abstract A simple method for the simultaneous determination of dihydrostreptomycin, spectinomycin, spiramycin, streptomycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin in meat has been developed using pressurized liquid extraction and LC-triple quadrupole MS (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The pressurized liquid extraction operational parameters were optimized and no protein precipitating and fat removing steps were required. A gradient HPLC separation was developed with ion-pair mobile phases consisting of aqueous 1,mM heptafluorobutyric acid water and methanol. Protonated molecules were used as precursor ions for CID. Data acquisition under MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple reaction monitoring of three fragment ion transitions to provide a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Dirithromycin and sisomycin were selected as internal standards. A validation study was conducted for these antibiotics in poultry meat samples. All selected compounds could be detected (monitoring ions by multiple reaction monitoring) in meat samples at amounts below the regulatory level of concern. Using the internal standards, pressurized liquid extraction recovery rates were from 70 to 96% (RSD 12,25%). LC-ESI-MS/MS method detection limits of the selected antibiotics were 1,6,,g/kg. Good method reproducibility was found by intra- and inter-day precisions at maximum residue level, yielding the RSDs less than 15 and 16%, respectively. [source] Determination of avoparcin in animal tissues and milk using LC-ESI-MS/MS and tandem-SPEJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 22 2008Koichi Inoue Abstract A highly sensitive and selective method using LC-ESI-MS/MS and tandem-SPE was developed to detect trace amounts of avoparcin (AV) antibiotics in animal tissues and milk. Data acquisition using MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple reaction monitoring of the product ions of [M + 3H]3+ and the major product ions of AV-, and -, at m/z 637 , 86/113/130 and m/z 649 , 86/113/130 in ESI(+) mode. The calculated instrumental LODs were 3 ng/mL. The sample preparation was described that the extraction using 5% TFA and the tandem-SPE with an ion-exchange (SAX) and InertSep C18-A cartridge clean-up enable us to determine AV in samples. Ion suppression was decreased by concentration rates of each sample solution. These SPE concentration levels could be used to detect quantities of 5 ppb (milk), 10 ppb (beef), and 25 ppb (chicken muscle and liver). The matrix matching calibration graphs obtained for both AV-, (r >0.996) and -, (r >0.998) from animal tissues and milk were linear over the calibration ranges. AV recovery from samples was higher than 73.3% and the RSD was less than 12.0% (n = 5). [source] Systolic 3D first-pass myocardial perfusion MRI: Comparison with diastolic imaging in healthy subjectsMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010Taehoon Shin Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a promising alternative to conventional two-dimensional multislice MPI due to its contiguous spatial coverage that is beneficial for estimating the size of perfusion defects. Data acquisition at mid-diastole is a typical choice for 3D MPI yet is sensitive to arrhythmia and variations in R-R interval that are common in cardiac patients. End systole is the second longest quiescent cardiac phase and is known to be less sensitive to the R-R variability. Therefore, 3D MPI with systolic acquisition may be advantageous in patients with severe arrhythmia once it is proven to be comparable to diastolic MPI in subjects with negligible R-R variation. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of 3D MPI with systolic data acquisition in five healthy subjects. We performed 3D MPI experiments in which 3D perfusion data were acquired at both end-systole and mid-diastole of every R-R interval and analyzed the similarity between resulting time intensity curves (TIC) from the two data sets. The correlation between systolic and diastolic TICs was extremely high (mean = 0.9841; standard deviation = 0.0166), and there was a significant linear correlation between the two time intensity curve upslopes and peak enhancements (P < 0.001). Magn Reson Med 63:858,864, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Simultaneous acquisition of MR angiography and venography (MRAV)MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008Yiping P. Du Abstract A dual-echo pulse sequence for simultaneous acquisition of MR angiography and venography (MRAV) is developed. Data acquisition of the second echo for susceptibility-weighted imaging,based MR venography is added to the conventional three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) MRA pulse sequence. Using this dual-echo acquisition approach, the venography data can be acquired without increasing the repetition time, and, therefore, the scan duration of routine TOF MRA scans is maintained. The feasibility of simultaneous acquisition of MRAV is presented in brain scans at different spatial resolutions. The effect of spatial resolution on vein-to-background contrast is also demonstrated. Venous contrast is improved in high-resolution (0.52 × 0.52 × 1.6 mm3) images compared to that in standard-resolution (0.78 × 0.78 × 1.6 mm3) images. This MRAV technique enables the acquisition of MR venography without the need of an extra scan or injection of contrast agent in routine clinical brain exams at 3T. Magn Reson Med 59:954,958, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] High-throughput metabolic stability studies in drug discovery by orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (OATOF) with analogue-to-digital signal capture (ADC)RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 12 2010David G. Temesi Screening assays capable of performing quantitative analysis on hundreds of compounds per week are used to measure metabolic stability during early drug discovery. Modern orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (OATOF) mass spectrometers equipped with analogue-to-digital signal capture (ADC) now offer performance levels suitable for many applications normally supported by triple quadruple instruments operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Herein the merits of MRM and OATOF with ADC detection are compared for more than 1000 compounds screened in rat and/or cryopreserved human hepatocytes over a period of 3 months. Statistical comparison of a structurally diverse subset indicated good agreement for the two detection methods. The overall success rate was higher using OATOF detection and data acquisition time was reduced by around 20%. Targeted metabolites of diazepam were detected in samples from a CLint determination performed at 1,µM. Data acquisition by positive and negative ion mode switching can be achieved on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) peak widths as narrow as 0.2,min (at base), thus enabling a more comprehensive first pass analysis with fast HPLC gradients. Unfortunately, most existing OATOF instruments lack the software tools necessary to rapidly convert the huge amounts of raw data into quantified results. Software with functionality similar to open access triple quadrupole systems is needed for OATOF to truly compete in a high-throughput screening environment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Road Infrastructure Data Acquisition Using a Vehicle-Based Mobile Mapping SystemCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2006Gi-Hong Kim The mobile mapping system that integrates the global positioning system (GPS), the inertial navigation system (INS), and digital cameras has been developed to collect data on position and attributes of road infrastructure. The vehicle-based mobile mapping system works by having the GPS and INS record the position and attitude data, and digital cameras take road images. The stereovision system can determine the position of objects that are visible on the image pair in the global coordinate system with GPS and INS data. As field data acquisition is a very expensive task, a mobile mapping system offers a greatly improved solution. In this study, we successfully created a road infrastructure map with mobile mapping technology and proposed automatic algorithms for detecting and identifying road signs from road images. The proposed detection algorithm includes line and color region extraction processes and uses the Hopfield neural networks. The identification algorithm uses seven invariant moments and parameters that present geometric characteristics. With this combined method, we could successfully detect and identify road signs. [source] High speed sliding of axonemal microtubules produced by outer arm dyneinCYTOSKELETON, Issue 2 2005Raviraja N. Seetharam Abstract To study dynein arm activity at high temporal resolution, axonemal sliding was measured field by field for wild type and dynein arm mutants of Tetrahymena thermophila. For wt SB255 cells, when the rate of data acquisition was 60 fps, about 5× greater than previously published observations, sliding was observed to be discontinuous with very high velocity sliding (average 196 ,m/sec) for a few msec (1 or 2 fields) followed by a pause of several fields. The sliding velocities measured were an order of magnitude greater than rates previously measured by video analysis. However, when the data were analyzed at 12 fps for the same axonemes, consistent with previous observations, sliding was linear as the axonemes extended several times their original length with an average velocity of ,10 ,m/sec. The pauses or stops occurred at approximately 200 and 300% of the initial length, suggesting that dynein arms on one axonemal doublet were initially active to the limit of extension, and then the arms on the next doublet became activated. In contrast, in a mutant where OADs are missing, sliding observed at 60 fps was continuous and slow (5 ,m/sec), as opposed to the discontinuous high-velocity sliding of SB255 and of the mutant at the permissive temperature where OADs are present. High-velocity step-wise sliding was also present in axonemes from an inner arm dynein mutant (KO6). These results indicate that the high-speed discontinuous pattern of sliding is produced by the mechanochemical activity of outer arm dynein. The rate of sliding is consistent with a low duty ratio of the outer arm dynein and with the operation of each arm along a doublet once per beat. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 60:96,103, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Integration of Different Data Bodies for Humanitarian Decision Support: An Example from Mine ActionDISASTERS, Issue 4 2003Aldo A. Benini Geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly used for integrating data from different sources and substantive areas, including in humanitarian action. The challenges of integration are particularly well illustrated by humanitarian mine action. The informational requirements of mine action are expensive, with socio,economic impact surveys costing over US$1.5 million per country, and are feeding a continuous debate on the merits of considering more factors or ,keeping it simple'. National census offices could, in theory, contribute relevant data, but in practice surveys have rarely overcome institutional obstacles to external data acquisition. A positive exception occurred in Lebanon, where the landmine impact survey had access to agricultural census data. The challenges, costs and benefits of this data integration exercise are analysed in a detailed case study. The benefits are considerable, but so are the costs, particularly the hidden ones. The Lebanon experience prompts some wider reflections. In the humanitarian community, data integration has been fostered not only by the diffusion of GIS technology, but also by institutional changes such as the creation of UN-led Humanitarian Information Centres. There is a question whether the analytic capacity is in step with aggressive data acquisition. Humanitarian action may yet have to build the kind of strong analytic tradition that public health and poverty alleviation have accomplished. [source] Role of Parasternal Data Acquisition During Contrast Enhanced Real-Time Three-Dimensional EchocardiographyECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2007Attila Nemes M.D., Ph.D. Background: Recent technical developments have resulted in high-resolution real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial role of parasternal-acquired images in addition to apical-acquired images during contrast stress RT3DE. Methods: The study comprised 30 consecutive patients (52 ± 11 years, 18 males) with chest pain referred for routine stress testing. The contrast RT3DE images were acquired from the apical and parasternal window with a Sonos 7500 echo system attached to a X4 matrix array transducer. Results: From the apical and parasternal acquisition, 464 segments (91%) and 267 segments (52%) could be analyzed, respectively (P < 0.001). From the apical window, more basal segments were not analyzable (22 of 180, 12% vs. 24 of 330, 7%; P = 0.06). From the parasternal window, more apical segments were not analyzable (117 of 150, 78% vs. 126 of 360, 35%; P < 0.01). The mean image quality index of the 464 analyzable segments from the apical-acquired images was 2.43. Fourteen of 180 basal segments (8%), 12 of 180 midventricular segments (7%) and 2 of 150 apical segment (1%) were only available with parasternal data acquisition. In addition to these 28 segments, 79 segments (15%) already visualized from the apical window improved in quality. The overall mean image quality index, now assessed from 492 (96%) of all segments, using both the apical and parasternal acquired data, improved to 2.74 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Addition of parasternal to apical acquisition of contrast RT3DE data can decrease the number of nonvisualized segments and improve mean image quality. [source] Structure and organization of warning services in Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany),EPPO BULLETIN, Issue 1 2000E. Jörg Rheinland-Pfalz, a federal state in the south-western part of Germany, is an agricultural region with high crop diversity. For each branch of agriculture (arable, fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants), specific warning and information services have been installed. Advisory work, including warning services, is done by a central (LPP) and eight regional state institutions (SL V As). LPP provides the infrastructure for information dissemination, organizes data acquisition and supplies the farmers with general information on crop protection (availability of plant protection products, control strategies, etc.), SL V As collect data on current pest development and elaborate regional recommendations on field assessments and control measures to be taken by the farmers. Warning service information is transmitted to the farmers by info post (periodic letters), telephone-answering machines, fax services and, lately, via the Internet. Farmers are mainly interested in current disease and pest severity data, preferably on a local basis, to aid their decision-making in crop protection. The forecasting models and computer-aided decision-support systems run by the state crop protection service have become essential tools during the last four years. Their results, supplemented by field-monitoring data, serve as the main input for the warning services. The Internet, in conjunction with computerized decision-support systems, provides the means of ensuring an adequate supply of warning service information at a time when crop protection services are undergoing severe staff reductions. [source] Use of a 3D dynamometric horseshoe to assess the effects of an all-weather waxed track and a crushed sand track at high speed trot: Preliminary studyEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009D. Robin Summary Reasons for performing study: Track surface quality is considered a risk factor of musculoskeletal injuries. Ground reaction force (GRF) measurement is a relevant approach to study the interaction between the hoof and the ground. Force plates are not adapted to compare different surfaces at high speed. A 3D dynamometric horseshoe (DHS), using 4 triaxial piezoelectric sensors, has been developed and validated. Objectives: To use the DHS to compare the effects of 2 track surfaces, an all-weather waxed track and a crushed sand track, on the GRF in trotter horses under training conditions. Methods: The right forelimb of 3 French Trotters was equipped with the DHS. Two tracks were tested in a straight line: a crushed sand track (S) and an all-weather waxed track (W). For each session, trials were repeated 3 times in a Latin square design. The speed of the runs was set at 10 m/s and recorded synchronously. For each trial, data acquisition was performed at 600 Hz and 10 consecutive strides were analysed. Statistical differences were tested using a general linear model procedure. Results: The amplitude of the maximal longitudinal braking force (Fx) was significantly lower on W compared to S. This event happened about 6% later in the stance phase on W. The magnitude of the GRF at impact decreased on W. The average speed and the mean stance phase duration were not statistically different on both surfaces. The stride length was about 6 cm longer on S. Conclusion and potential relevance: This study demonstrates the ability and sensitivity of the DHS to discriminate track surfaces by measuring the GRF at high speed. These preliminary results show that the loading rate, the amplitude of horizontal braking and shock at impact are attenuated on W, which suggests a reduction of stresses in the distal limb. [source] Influence of track surface on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon loading in two horses at high speed trotEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009N. Crevier-Denoix Summary Reasons for performing study: Although track surfaces are a risk factor of tendon injuries, their effects on tendon loading at high speed are unknown. Using a noninvasive ultrasonic technique, it is now possible to evaluate the forces in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in exercise conditions. Objectives: To compare the effects of an all-weather waxed track (W) vs. a crushed sand track (S), on the SDFT loading in the trotter horse at high speed. Methods: Two trotter horses were equipped with the ultrasonic device (1 MHz ultrasonic probe, fixed on the palmar metacarpal area of the right forelimb). For each trial, data acquisition was made at 400 Hz and 10 consecutive strides were analysed. In each session, the 2 track surfaces were tested in a straight line. The speed was imposed at 10 m/s and recorded. The right forelimb was also equipped with a dynamometric horseshoe and skin markers. The horse was filmed with a high-speed camera (600 Hz); all recordings were synchronised. Statistical differences were tested using the GLM procedure (SAS; P<0.05). Results: Maximal tendon force was significantly lower on W compared with S. In addition to maximal force peaks around mid-stance, earlier peaks were observed, more pronounced on S than on W, at about 13%(horse 2) and 30% (both horses) of the stance phase. Comparison with kinematic data revealed that these early peaks were accompanied by plateaux in the fetlock angle-time chart. For high tendon forces, the tendon maximal loading rate was significantly lower on W than on S. Conclusions and potential clinical relevance: The all-weather waxed track appears to induce a lesser and more gradual SDFT loading than crushed sand. The SDFT loading pattern at high speed trot suggests proximal interphalangeal joint movements during limb loading. [source] Modelling for an expert system and a parameter validation methodEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 5 2002A. Chatzinikolaou A model,based engineering diagnostic method is typically based on the evaluation of the residuals generated from a comparison of important variable values from a simulated system and the corresponding measured values from the system's performance. Consequently, a model should describe the dynamic behaviour of the system as accurately as possible using suitably selected parameter values. This implies the need for validation of the performance of the model by comparison with the measurements of the actual system. This process is especially important when the detection of faults is performed in real,time conditions. In this paper, the modelling process for hydraulic systems as well as a new parameter validation method that has been developed using the DASYLab data acquisition and control software for the estimation of the uncertain parameter values of the model is presented. This model validation process led to the establishment of a model,based expert system that is able to diagnose real,time faults working in parallel with actual dynamic industrial automated processes. [source] Omnidirectional multibeam sonar monitoring: applications in fisheries scienceFISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 3 2006Patrice Brehmer Abstract Data exploitation, acquired by medium-frequency omnidirectional multibeam sonar, enables original studies in fisheries research but is seldom used despite the fact that such equipment is found on most fishing vessels and a number of research vessels. This is the only system for real-time monitoring of fish schools within a horizontal omnidirectional plane about a vessel or a buoy. Between 1996 and 2001, we used two standard omnidirectional sonars and developed new methodologies for exploiting their specific acoustic data according to two main sampling schemes: ,prospecting', including fishing and searching operations, and ,drifting', as with an instrumental buoy system or aboard a stationary vessel. We present a complete method for continuous data acquisition from aboard a research vessel or commercial boat, with automated data extraction by picture analysis and a data processing method. Two cases of data analysis are considered: the first on a school-by-school basis, the ,single school' mode; the second taking into account all fish schools detected within the sonar sampling volume, the ,cluster' mode. Elementary sonar information is divided into five categories that comprise 24 survey and sonar parameters and 55 school, cluster and fisher behaviour descriptors. We review the applications of these categories and discuss perspectives for their use in fisheries science. If the sonar system enables the evaluation of the effects of vessel avoidance on fish school biomass assessment, no accurate abundance estimate can be provided by a simple sonar echo-integration process. Omnidirectional sonar data can be used to analyse collectively the fish schools' swimming speed, kinematics in terms of diffusion and migration, aggregative dynamics as school splitting and merging indexes, spatial characteristics of clusters such as school density, 2D structure and fisher behaviour. The prospect of integrating such data into a fish school database, including multifrequency echo-sounder and lateral multibeam (3D) sonar data combined with a species recognition method, will enable a complete view of fish school behaviour and consequently the adoption of accurate fisheries management methods. [source] BEAM , Geoelectrical Ahead Monitoring for TBM-DrivesGEOMECHANICS AND TUNNELLING, Issue 5 2008Arnim Kaus Dr. rer.nat. BEAM is a non-intrusive focused-electrical induced polarisation ground prediction technique, permanently operating while TBM tunnelling. Main components of the survey system are the measuring unit placed in the TBM operator cabin and special adapted excavation tools which are used as electrodes. The unit is connected to the guidance system and receives the boring signal which allows fully automatic data acquisition and visualisation in real-time on an integrated monitor. Communication facilities transfer the forecast results to every accredited computer world wide simultaneously. Based on the measuring data the percentage frequency effect PFE and the resistivity R, an advanced evaluation software is established for geoelectrical-geological/hydrogeological classification and interpretation. Selected case studies from international TBM projects are outlined with prediction results of different kinds of exploration targets and geological situations. Since 2000 the geophysical probing system is fulfilling the practical demands under the rough and various conditions of TBM tunnelling work by indicating reliable results in hard rock as well as in soft ground. BEAM , Geoelektrische Vorauserkundung für TBM-Vortriebe BEAM ist eine zerstörungsfreie, vortriebsbegleitende Baugrund-Vorauserkundungs-Technologie auf Basis der fokussierend-elektrischen induzierten Polarisation. Das Monitoring-System besteht hauptsächlich aus einem Messgerät, das in der Steuerkabine aufgestellt werden kann, und aus speziell angepassten, bauseits vorhandenen Abbauwerkzeugen und Sicherungsmitteln, die als Elektroden dienen. Die Messeinheit wird mit dem bestehenden Vermessungssystem verbunden und empfängt das Bohrsignal, sodass vollautomatisierte Messungen durchgeführt werden, ohne die Tunnelvortriebsarbeiten zu stören, bei gleichzeitiger Datenauswertung und Visualisierung der Ergebnisse in Echtzeit auf dem integrierten Bildschirm der Einheit. Durch Anschluss an die Kommunikationseinrichtungen der Baustelle lassen sich die Vorauserkundungsdaten zeitgleich an jeden akkreditierten Computer weltweit transferieren. Eine innovative Auswertesoftware bewerkstelligt die geoelektrisch-geologische/hydrogeologische Klassifikation und Interpretation, die auf den Messparametern Prozent Frequenz Effekt PFE und dem Widerstand R basiert. Ausgewählte Fallbeispiele aus internationalen TBM-Projekten zeigen Vorauserkundungsergebnisse unterschiedlicher Explorationsziele und geologischer Situationen. Seit 2000 ist das Vorauserkundungssystem in der Anwendung und zeigt, dass es unter den schwierigen und unterschiedlichen Bedingungen im mechanisierten Tunnelbau sowohl im Hartgestein als auch im Lockergestein im Dauereinsatz zuverlässige Ergebnisse erbringt. [source] xBCI: A Generic Platform for Development of an Online BCI SystemIEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2010I Putu Susila Non-member Abstract A generic platform for realizing an online brain,computer interface (BCI) named xBCI was developed. The platform consists of several functional modules (components), such as data acquisition, storage, mathematical operations, signal processing, network communication, data visualization, experiment control, and real-time feedback presentation. Users can easily build their own BCI systems by combining the components on a graphical-user-interface (GUI) based diagram editor. They can also extend the platform by adding components as plug-ins or by creating components using a scripting language. The platform works on multiple operating systems and supports parallel (multi-threaded) data processing and data transfer to other PCs through a network transmission control protocol/internet protocol or user datagram protocol (TCP/IP or UDP). A BCI system based on motor imagery and a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) based BCI system were constructed and tested on the platform. The results show that the platform is able to process multichannel brain signals in real time. The platform provides users with an easy-to-use system development tool and reduces the time needed to develop a BCI system. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] The Use of Impedance Cardiography in Predicting Mortality in Emergency Department Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic ShockACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010Anthony M. Napoli MD Abstract Objectives:, Pulmonary artery catheterization poses significant risks and requires specialized training. Technological advances allow for more readily available, noninvasive clinical measurements of hemodynamics. Few studies exist that assess the efficacy of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring in sepsis patients. The authors hypothesized that cardiac index, as measured noninvasively by impedance cardiography (ICG) in emergency department (ED) patients undergoing early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) for sepsis, would be associated with in-hospital mortality. Methods:, This was a prospective observational cohort study of patients age over 18 years meeting criteria for EGDT (lactate > 4 or systolic blood pressure < 90 after 2 L of normal saline). Initial measurements of cardiac index were obtained by ICG. Patients were followed throughout their hospital course until discharge or in-hospital death. Cardiac index measures in survivors and nonsurvivors are presented as means and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Diagnostic performance of ICG in predicting mortality was tested by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and areas under the ROC curves (AUC) were compared using Wilcoxon test. Results:, Fifty-six patients were enrolled; one was excluded due to an inability to complete data acquisition. The mean cardiac index in nonsurvivors (2.3 L/min·m2, 95% CI = 1.6 to 3.0) was less than that for survivors (3.2, 95% CI = 2.9 to 3.5) with mean difference of 0.9 (95% CI = 0.12 to 1.71). The AUC for ICG in predicting mortality was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.58 to 0.88; p = 0.004). A cardiac index of < 2 L/min·m2 had a sensitivity of 43% (95% CI = 18% to 71%), specificity of 93% (95% CI = 80% to 95%), positive likelihood ratio of 5.9, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.6 for predicting in-hospital mortality. Conclusions:, Early, noninvasive measurement of the cardiac index in critically ill severe sepsis and septic shock patients can be performed in the ED for those who meet criteria for EGDT. There appears to be an association between an initial lower cardiac index as measured noninvasively and in-hospital mortality. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:452,455 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Design and performance analysis of impulse turbine for a wave energy power plantINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005A. Thakker Abstract Wave energy is the most abundant source of renewable energy in the World. For the last two decades, engineers have been investigating and defining different methods for power extraction from wave motion. Two different turbines, namely Wells turbine and impulse turbine with guide vanes, are most commonly used around the world for wave energy power generation. The ultimate goal is to optimize the performance of the turbine under actual sea conditions. The total research effort has several strands; there is the manufacture and experimental testing of new turbines using the Wave Energy Research Team's (WERT) 0.6 m turbine test rig, the theoretical and computational analysis of the present impulse turbine using a commercial software package and finally the prediction of the performance of the turbine in a representative wave power device under real sea conditions using numerical simulation. Also, the WERT 0.6 m turbine test rig was upgraded with a data acquisition and control system to test the turbine in the laboratory under real sea conditions using the computer control system. As a result, it is proven experimentally and numerically that the turbine efficiency has been raised by 7% by reducing the hub-to-tip ratio from 0.7 to 0.6. Effect of tip clearance on performance of the turbine has been studied numerically and designed tip clearance ratio of 1% has been validated. From the numerical simulation studies, it is computed that the mean conversion efficiency is reduced around 5% and 4.58% due to compressible flow and damping effects inside OWC device. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A critical analysis of current in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assaysINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Carolyn A. Staton Summary The study of angiogenesis has grown exponentially over the past 40 years with the recognition that angiogenesis is essential for numerous pathologies and, more recently, with the advent of successful drugs to inhibit angiogenesis in tumours. The main problem with angiogenesis research remains the choice of appropriate assays to evaluate the efficacy of potential new drugs and to identify potential targets within the angiogenic process. This selection is made more complex by the recognition that heterogeneity occurs, not only within the endothelial cells themselves, but also within the specific microenvironment to be studied. Thus, it is essential to choose the assay conditions and cell types that most closely resemble the angiogenic disease being studied. This is especially important when aiming to translate data from in vitro to in vivo and from preclinical to the clinic. Here we critically review and highlight recent advances in the principle assays in common use including those for endothelial cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and co-culture with fibroblasts and mural cells in vitro, vessel outgrowth from organ cultures and in vivo assays such as chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), zebrafish, sponge implantation, corneal, dorsal air sac, chamber and tumour angiogenesis models. Finally, we briefly discuss the direction likely to be taken in future studies, which include the use of increasingly sophisticated imaging analysis systems for data acquisition. [source] Image reconstruction with a shift-variant filtration in circular cone-beam CT,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMAGING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Lifeng Yu Abstract It is well known that cone-beam data acquired with a circular orbit are insufficient for exact image reconstruction. Despite this, because a cone-beam scanning configuration with a circular orbit is easy to implement in practice, it has been widely employed for data acquisition in, e.g., micro-CT and CT imaging in radiation therapy. The algorithm developed by Feldkamp, Davis, and Kress (FDK) and its modifications, such as the Tent,FDK (T-FDK) algorithm, have been used for image reconstruction from circular cone-beam data. In this work, we present an algorithm with spatially shift-variant filtration for image reconstruction in circular cone-beam CT. We performed computer-simulation studies to compare the proposed and existing algorithms. Numerical results in these studies demonstrated that the proposed algorithm has resolution properties comparable to, and noise properties better than, the FDK algorithm. As compared to the T-FDK algorithm, our proposed algorithm reconstructs images with an improved in-plane spatial resolution. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 14, 213,221, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20026 [source] Implementation of monoclonal antibody fluorescence on the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire haematology analyser: evaluation of lymphoid, myeloid and platelet markersINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2006B. JOHANNESSEN Summary Apart from qualitative flags, that are typically inefficient and uninformative, haematology instruments provide little meaningful information about lymphocyte populations or the lineage of atypical or immature elements, The CELL-DYN Sapphire haematology analyser uses integrated optical and fluorescence (488 nm) measurements, with FL1 (FITC) and FL2 (PE) detectors being configured for fluorescent analysis. As monoclonal antibodies (Mab) are widely used as cellular probes, and are likely to constitute the future basis for immunodifferentials, we explored the feasibility of implementing immunofluorescence on this routine haematology analyser. An extensive series of Mab (CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11b, CD13, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD22, CD33, CD34, CD41, CD42b, CD45, CD56, CD61, CD64, CD235a and HLA-DR) were tested singly or in FITC/PE combinations. Analyser processing and data acquisition was achieved using CD-Sapphire automated CD61 immunoplatelet or CD3/4/8 assay procedures and, apart from mixing EDTA-blood and antibody, no further sample manipulation was required. Downloaded raw files were processed with cytometry software, and all evaluated reagents showed population discrimination analogous to flow cytometry. Practical procedures were straightforward and required minimal operator training. Extended information that can be obtained from monoclonal antibodies with a routine haematology analyser has the potential to extend haematology laboratory practices and positively impact laboratory and clinical efficiency. [source] A decision support tool for irrigation infrastructure investments,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 4 2010Shahbaz Khan outil d'aide à la décision; gestion de l'eau; investissements saisonniers et à long terme; optimisation; simulation; analyse coûts-avantages; ensemble de l'exploitation; négociation de l'eau; économie d'eau Abstract Increasing water scarcity, climate change and pressure to provide water for environmental flows urge irrigators to be more efficient. In Australia, ongoing water reforms and most recently the National Water Security Plan offer incentives to irrigators to adjust their farming practices by adopting water-saving irrigation infrastructures to match soil, crop and climatic conditions. WaterWorks is a decision support tool to facilitate irrigators to make long- and short-term irrigation infrastructure investment decisions at the farm level. It helps irrigators to improve the economic efficiency, water use efficiency and environmental performance of their farm businesses. WaterWorks has been tested, validated and accepted by the irrigation community and researchers in NSW, Australia. The interface of WaterWorks is user-friendly and flexible. The simulation and optimisation module in WaterWorks provides an opportunity to evaluate infrastructure investment decisions to suit their seasonal or long-term water availability. The sensitivity analysis allows substantiation of the impact of major variables. Net present value, internal rate of return, benefit,cost ratio and payback period are used to analyse the costs and benefits of modern irrigation technology. Application of WaterWorks using a whole farm-level case study indicates its effectiveness in making long- and short-term investment decisions. WaterWorks can be easily integrated into commercial software such as spreadsheets, GIS, real-time data acquisition and control systems to further enhance its usability. WaterWorks can also be used in regional development planning. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. L'augmentation de la rareté de l'eau, le changement climatique et la pression pour fournir de l'eau pour l'environnement incitent les irrigants à être plus efficaces. En Australie les réformes en cours sur l'eau, et plus récemment le Plan National de Sécurité de l'Eau, incitent les irrigants à ajuster leurs pratiques agricoles par l'adoption d'infrastructures d'irrigation économisant l'eau pour s'adapter aux conditions de sols, de cultures et de climat. WaterWorks est un outil d'aide à la décision pour faciliter les décisions d'investissement à long terme et court terme au niveau de l'exploitation. Il aide les irrigants à améliorer l'efficacité économique, l'efficacité de l'utilisation de l'eau et la performance environnementale de leurs exploitations agricoles. Le WaterWorks a été testé, validé et accepté par la communauté de l'irrigation dans le New South Wales, Australie. L'interface de WaterWorks est convivial et flexible. Le module de simulation et d'optimisation dans WaterWorks permet d'évaluer les décisions d'investissement en fonction de la disponibilité en eau saisonnière ou à long terme. L'analyse de sensibilité permet d'étayer l'impact des principales variables. La valeur actuelle nette, le taux de rendement interne, le ratio coûts-avantages et la période de récupération sont utilisés pour analyser les coûts et les avantages des technologies modernes d'irrigation. L'application de WaterWorks à une étude de cas complète au niveau de l'exploitation montre son efficacité pour les décisions d'investissement à long terme et court terme. Le WaterWorks peut être facilement intégré dans des logiciels commerciaux tels que les tableurs, les SIG, des systèmes d'acquisition de données en temps réel et de contrôle afin d'améliorer sa convivialité. Le WaterWorks peut également être utilisé pour la planification du développement régional. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Conoscopic method for determination of main refractive indices and thickness of a uniaxial crystal cut out parallel to its optical axisJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2009Leonas Dumitrascu This paper presents a simplified data acquisition and analysis technique for use in determining the main refractive indices and thickness of a uniaxial anisotropic layer cut out parallel to the optical axis, by processing the conoscopic interference figures obtained using a polarizing microscope equipped with a CCD camera. For negative uniaxial crystals, the equations used permit the calculation of the optical sign of the studied material so it is not necessary to insert a quartz wedge into the conoscopic beam. The technique can also be applied to the study of liquid crystal layers in a planar orientation. [source] POWTEX , the high-intensity time-of-flight diffractometer at FRM II for structure analysis of polycrystalline materialsJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2008Harald Conrad In order to provide the large chemistry and materials science as well as the geosciences communities with a powerful tool for rapid data acquisition, a time-of-flight powder diffractometer to be installed at the new Munich reactor has been designed. The time-of-flight technique is expected to outperform a monochromator instrument by at least an order of magnitude in data acquisition time, particularly on small samples of less than a cubic centimetre. The construction of this innovative type of diffractometer utilizes modern components such as focusing super-mirror neutron guides, a four-unit high-speed disk chopper system and linear position-sensitive detectors covering a solid angle of about 2, steradian. The diffractometer design enables an easy enlargement of the focal spot size and is therefore equally well suited for the texture analysis of large geological and archaeological samples. [source] Rapid and accurate quantitative phase analysis using a fast detectorJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2004A. F. Gualtieri The accuracy of the weight fractions calculated with the Rietveld method for various polycrystalline systems using data collected for very short times (5,45,min) with an RTMS (real-time multiple strip) detector was verified. The weight estimates were compared with those obtained using the same conventional Bragg,Brentano geometry, a gas proportional detector and a 13,h data acquisition. The analysed samples were monophasic and polyphasic mixtures with different degrees of complexity: the standard corundum NIST 676; a sample (labelled 1g) provided as a standard sample for the IUCr CPD Quantitative Phase Analysis Round Robin; a natural pyroclastic rock from Riano (Rome, Italy) containing zeolitic minerals and a glass phase; and a hydraulic lime. The results of the refinements show estimated weights consistent with both those obtained with a gas proportional detector and with the nominal values, indicating a very good accuracy. Only when variable slits are used, the accuracy of the estimated weights slightly decreases. The outcome of this work is a very important step forward towards fast and accurate QPA for production control and quality management, obtained by combining the use of a rapid detector and existing user-friendly software. [source] An algebraic algorithm for generation of three-dimensional grain maps based on diffraction with a wide beam of hard X-raysJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2004T. Markussen A reconstruction method is presented for generation of three-dimensional maps of the grain boundaries within powders or polycrystals. The grains are assumed to have a mosaic spread below 1°. They are mapped by diffraction with a wide beam of hard X-rays, using a setup similar to that of parallel-beam absorption contrast tomography. First the diffraction spots are sorted with respect to grain of origin. Next, for each grain the reconstruction is performed by an algebraic algorithm known as three-dimensional ART. From simulations it is found that reconstructions with a spatial accuracy better than the pixel size of the detector can be obtained from as few as five diffraction spots. The results are superior to three-dimensional reconstructions based on the same data using a variant of the filtered back-projection algorithm. In comparison with layer-by-layer type reconstructions based on the two-dimensional ART algorithm, as introduced by Poulsen & Fu [J. Appl. Cryst. (2003), 36, 1062,1068], the quality of the maps is found to be similar, provided that five to ten spots are available for analysis, while data acquisition with the three-dimensional method is much faster. The three-dimensional ART methodology is validated on experimental data. With state-of-the-art detectors, the spatial accuracy is estimated to be 5,µm. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||