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The aim of the study was to determine the criterion validity of a computerized version of the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire to detect general anxiety disorder in Spanish primary care centers. A total of 178 patients completed the GAD-7 and were administered the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, which was used as a reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. A cut-off of 10 yielded a sensitivity of .87, a specificity of .78, a positive predictive value of .93, a negative predictive value of .64, a positive likelihood ratio of 3.96 a negative likelihood ratio of .17 and Younden's Index of .65. The GAD-7 performed very well with a cut-off value of 10, the most frequently used cut-off point. Thus, a computerized version of the GAD-7 is an excellent screening tool for detecting general anxiety disorder in Spanish primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for technological reform and innovation in public transport because of the increasing number passengers. In order to ease up the problems arising from the increasing number of passengers, the number of services can be increased and the transit times between stops can be shortened, which result in drivers’ weariness and speeding leading to accidents. For that reason, the integration of technology to public transport becomes a must to prevent such accidents. This study aims to investigate “the use of computer controlled line follower robots in public transport”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective In this study, we developed a computer controlled treadmill system using a recurrent fuzzy neural network heart rate controller (RFNNHRC). Treadmill speeds and inclines were controlled by corresponding control servo motors. The RFNNHRC was used to generate the control signals to automatically control treadmill speed and incline to minimize the user heart rate deviations from a preset profile. Methods The RFNNHRC combines a fuzzy reasoning capability to accommodate uncertain information and an artificial recurrent neural network learning process that corrects for treadmill system nonlinearities and uncertainties. Treadmill speeds and inclines are controlled by the RFNNHRC to achieve minimal heart rate deviation from a pre-set profile using adjustable parameters and an on-line learning algorithm that provides robust performance against parameter variations. The on-line learning algorithm of RFNNHRC was developed and implemented using a dsPIC 30F4011 DSP. Results Application of the proposed control scheme to heart rate responses of runners resulted in smaller fluctuations than those produced by using proportional integra control, and treadmill speeds and inclines were smoother. The present experiments demonstrate improved heart rate tracking performance with the proposed control scheme. Conclusions The RFNNHRC scheme with adjustable parameters and an on-line learning algorithm was applied to a computer controlled treadmill system with heart rate control during treadmill exercise. Novel RFNNHRC structure and controller stability analyses were introduced. The RFNNHRC were tuned using a Lyapunov function to ensure system stability. The superior heart rate control with the proposed RFNNHRC scheme was demonstrated with various pre-set heart rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-controlled Bonnet Polishing (CCBP) is an enabling technology which is capable of fabricating ultra-precision freeform surfaces with sub-micrometer form accuracy and surface roughness in the nanometer range, especially for difficult-to-machine and ferrous materials. However, the material removal mechanism of computer controlled bonnet polishing (CCBP) usually exhibits multidisciplinary and multi-scale complexity and hence our understanding of the material removal characteristics is still far from complete. As a result, this paper presents a multi-scale theoretical model for the prediction and simulation of the material removal characteristics in the CCBP process. The model is established based on the study of contact mechanics, kinematics theory and wear mechanisms. A series of spot polishing tests as well as simulation experiments by the theoretical model were conducted. The predicted results agree well with the experimental data. The successful development of the theoretical model helps to make the CCBP process more predictive, and so that optimizing the manufacturing process, and forms the theoretical basis for explaining some material removal mechanisms in CCUP, such as the critical polishing depth for minimizing pad scratching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive samplers deployed at 25 sites for three, week-long intervals were used to characterize spatial variability in the mass and composition of coarse particulate matter (PM 10-2.5 ) in Cleveland, OH in summer 2008. The size and composition of individual particles determined using computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CCSEM-EDS) was then used to estimate PM 10-2.5 concentrations (μg m −3 ) and its components in 13 particle classes. The highest PM 10-2.5 mean mass concentrations were observed at three central industrial sites (35 μg m −3 , 43 μg m −3 , and 48 μg m −3 ), whereas substantially lower mean concentrations were observed to the west and east of this area at suburban background sites (13 μg m −3 and 15 μg m −3 ). PM 10-2.5 mass and components associated with steel and cement production (Fe-oxide and Ca-rich) exhibited substantial heterogeneity with elevated concentrations observed in the river valley, stretching from Lake Erie south through the central industrial area and in the case of Fe-oxide to a suburban valley site. Other components (e.g., Si/Al-rich typical of crustal material) were considerably less heterogeneous. This work shows that some species of coarse particles are considerably more spatially heterogeneous than others in an urban area with a strong industrial core. It also demonstrates that passive sampling coupled with analysis by CCSEM-EDS is a useful tool to assess the spatial variability of particulate pollutants by composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As the demand grows for complex thin electronic components, laser micromachining will continue to provide unique opportunities. A thin PCB film processing technology based on laser direct ablation was developed to manufacture high-performance, large-area and flexible electronic boards. Structure widths of 25μm are possible with outstanding positioning accuracy and without damaging the substrate. The present study illustrates this novel process that uses a computer controlled laser systems to create complex micromachined open ring resonators for the manufacture of electromagnetic metamaterials. Employing two analytical techniques, optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, it has been demonstrated that rapid laser patterning of rigid and flexible PCB can be undertaken, and that it completely removes all the copper without noticeable substrate damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We designed and evaluated an innovative computer-aided-learning environment based on the on-line integration of computer controlled medical diagnostic devices and a medical information system for use in the preclinical medical physics education of medical students. Our learning system simulates the actual clinical environment in a hospital or primary care unit. It uses a commercial medical information system for on-line storage and processing of clinical type data acquired during physics laboratory classes. Every student adopts two roles, the role of ‘patient’ and the role of ‘physician’. As a ‘physician’ the student operates the medical devices to clinically assess ‘patient’ colleagues and records all results in an electronic ‘patient’ record. We also introduced an innovative approach to the use of supportive education materials, based on the methods of adaptive e-learning. A survey of student feedback is included and statistically evaluated. The results from the student feedback confirm the positive response of the latter to this novel implementation of medical physics and informatics in preclinical education. This approach not only significantly improves learning of medical physics and informatics skills but has the added advantage that it facilitates students’ transition from preclinical to clinical subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Experimental approach and statistical theory are applied to broaden knowledge of materials failure by fracture, from initial service surface conditions and during damage accumulation, using PMMA beams with repeated random surfaces, which were developed by computer controlled laser ablation, and then bent to fracture. The Central Limit Theorem was used to simulate dynamic degradation. Replicas allowed the study of probability of failure location (PFL) versus parameters of the surface topography. Results show that, depending on the auto correlation length (ACL), even at early stages of degradation, there is high correlation of PFL with RMS and average roughness, and two other proposed parameters. This correlation shows an asymptotic limit behavior that agrees with fracture mechanics results for brittle materials. As important, a Sensitivity Transitional Region (STR), dependent on the ACL, was observed, below which the PFL is uncorrelated to the parameters studied; The STR''s dependence on temperature is currently being studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, an in-depth analysis of the implementation issues of sine-fitting algorithms in systems with 32-bit floating point representation is presented. The results obtained in 32-bit systems are compared with the ones obtained in 64-bit floating point representation systems. The four-parameter sine-fitting is an iterative algorithm and the criterion used to detect convergence is even more crucial in 32-bit systems. A modification of the traditional implementation is used to, in some situations, reduce the number of iterations required to converge without compromising the final accuracy or precision of the estimated parameters. It is shown that, as the number of samples increases, the limitations of the 32-bit systems clearly limit the use of the sine-fitting algorithms. Nevertheless, the number of samples at which this effect is detected is much higher than the number of samples usually used so far in stand-alone instrumentation systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermoelectric and dynamic parameters of thermoelectric (TE) modules such as time constant are of crucial importance in production and utilization of these modules. Many techniques, apparatuses and software have been developed to determine the performance related parameters and time constants of TE modules; however, these techniques based on the assumption that the parameters of the semiconductors are constant or have time dependency only. Hence, the performance analyses of TE modules with these methods lack accuracy. In this study, Z, K, R and τ parameters of standard TE modules of Melcor Inc. have been acquired with a new computer controlled test system, Thermoelectric Performance Analysis System (TEPAS) which includes hardware and software based on the new method, variables of which are easily measurable temperature, current and voltage. The parameters Z, K, R and τ attained are compared with direct measurement results and the advantage of the new method and TEPAS have been demonstrated. Time constants of 15 different thermoelectric modules are calculated with the new method and three of them are attained with TEPAS. The results are compared with the other theoretical calculations and measurements available in literature. The system’s control and interface software was developed by Delphi visual programming language. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents descriptions of the structure and functioning of automated test stands for testing static and dynamic contact welding at a high current load, equipped with a computer measurement control system. There is presented specialist software developed for the stands by the authors and there are given exemplary results of contact tests. The developed computer programs ensure complex operation of the stands, including control, measurements, visualization and data acquisition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the premises of activity theory, this study examines how people choose between computerized and traditional methods for various tasks. From the activity perspective, different methods are the tools that a person uses to transform a target object into a desirable outcome. The previous experiences with each method from the external (overt) activities shape the internal (psychological) activities that lead to the formation of the attitude toward using it for future tasks. To capture such a psychological state, a construct called tool readiness and its measure were developed. The results obtained from an empirical study were used to evaluate the content validity, construct validity and predictive validity of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of automated cutting equipment is not restricted to large composites companies. It is also proving its worth with smaller companies and in research and development applications. Amanda Jacob visited three Dutch organisations which are benefitting from the flexibility, accuracy and speed of computerised cutting systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We examined which calves within a group were the recipients of cross-sucking, whether this was related to body weight or feeding behaviour, and whether cross-sucking served to displace calves from the feeders. Forty-five Holstein dairy calves housed in groups of nine and fed by computer-controlled feeders were used. Calves were fed either 6L/d or 12L/d of milk and gradually (over 9d) weaned off milk either by d47 or d89. Cross-sucking was recorded continuously for 12h/d on 2d at approximately 37d, 47d, 79d and 89d of age. Data on feeding behaviour were collected automatically by the feeders. There were large differences between calves in the duration of time being cross-sucked. There was a moderate positive correlation across calves in the duration of being cross-sucked and the duration of cross-sucking another calf. The top quartile of calves that were cross-sucked accounted for 68% of the total duration of cross-sucking. These calves had significantly higher bodyweights and spent more time in the milk feeders than the lowest quartile at most ages, but no difference was found in the time spent in the starter feeders. The calves were most often cross-sucked in the sawdust-bedded area at d37 and d47 and in the feeder areas at d79 and d89, but only a minority of cross-sucking occurred while the calf was actually in a feeder. In 80% of the episodes of cross-sucking that occurred when the recipient was in a feeder, the receiver remained in the feeder. Cross-sucking rarely resulted in a calf being displaced from a feeder. We concluded that larger calves that spend more time in the feeders seem to be at a higher risk for being cross-sucked but that cross-sucking does not serve to displace animals from the feeders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A completely automated flow-injection system was developed for the monitoring of biosorption studies of Cu(II) ion on vegetable waste by-products. The system employed flow-through Cu(II)-selective electrodes, of epoxy-resin-CuS/Ag2S heterogeneous crystalline type, and computer controlled pumps and valves for the flow operation. Computer automation was done through a specially devised virtual instrument, which commanded and periodically calibrated the system, allowing for the monitoring of Cu(II) ions between 0.6 and 6530mgL−1 at a typical frequency of 15h−1. Grape stalk wastes were used as biosorbent to remove Cu(II) ions in a fixed-bed column with a sorption capacity of 5.46mgg−1, obtained by the developed flow system, while the reference determination performed by FAAS technique supplied a comparable value of 5.41mgg−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A computer controlled wire mesh apparatus has been developed that uses radiant heating elements at 900°C to combust individual biomass particles. Optical access allows particle combustion characterisation by video image analysis. Combustion test results are presented for roughly cubic particles of European ash at a range of sizes with different moisture contents. As the moisture content of the particles increased the overall times required for drying, devolatilisation and burnout increased. The effect of moisture content, however, had a lesser effect upon total burning time than the effect of particle mass, which was shown to dominate the total combustion time for this single biomass type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the computer controlled processing of AISI-O1 steel rod by a dieless drawing method. Both the operation of a purposely built machine and the results of an experimental programme are described. The machine consisted of elements to provide a drawing force, a PID controlled band heater and an air/water cooling system to carry out the novel bar production process. The untreated material in bar form of initial diameter, 5mm, was drawn in the temperature range of 600–750°C at drawing velocities of 2.5–5mm/min and with air-cooling provided in the pressure range 2–4×105 Pa. The process ratio, i.e. the ratio of the drawing velocity to the heat/cooling device movement velocity was varied between 0.35 and 1.33. A novel load-control algorithm was executed to ensure a steady-state process and a high tolerance on the final drawn diameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate Si-rich phases in several coal fly ash (CFA) samples. The CCSEM measurements utilized both particle size distributions and a particle shape parameter, circularity, to classify the Si-rich phases in these ashes. The results indicated that the amount of free, respirable, crystalline quartz in these CFA samples was very small (<1.0 vol.% ). Neither the total quartz nor the respirable quartz determined by CCSEM showed a significant correlation with the XRD results for the bulk ash. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Integrated Zone Comparison Technique (IZCT) was utilized with computerized polygraph instrumentation as part of a blind study in the detection of deception. Three scoring algorithms: ASIT Poly Suite (Academy for Scientific Investigative Training''s Horizontal Scoring and Algorithm for Chart Interpretation), PolyScore® 5.5, and the Objective Scoring System (OSS) were assessed in the interpretation of the charts generated. Where “Inconclusives” were excluded, accuracy for the IZCT with all three algorithms was 100%. When “Inconclusives” were counted as errors, overall accuracy for the IZCT with ASIT Poly Suite was 90% and accuracy with PolyScore and the Objective Scoring System was 72%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of a Belgian computerized questionnaire to measure fat intake. A total of 86 adults completed a 48-item computerized fat intake questionnaire, subsequently kept a 7-day diet record, and finally completed the questionnaire again. For validity, a Pearson correlation of 0.67 for total fat intake and of 0.60 for percent energy from fat were found between the computerized questionnaire and the diet records. Gross misclassification between the two methods was 5.8% for total fat intake and for percent energy from fat. Cohen''s κ values were respectively 0.27 and 0.29. For reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.87 between the two administrations of the computerized fat intake questionnaire. Gross misclassification between the administrations was 1.2% for total fat intake and for percent energy from fat, κ values were respectively 0.64 and 0.50. These results indicate that this fat intake questionnaire has an acceptable reliability and validity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Computer applications in the field of psychological test administration have significant ethical implications for clinicians, client/responders, and computerized test construction and administration. Lack of awareness of computer-related issues may undermine clinicians'' ability to ethically perform computerized psychological assessments. Graduate training in computerized testing is limited, and clinicians should be exposed to ethical concerns, potential judgment errors, and possible pitfalls in evaluating computer-generated reports. Recommendations for clinical research and practice are offered. Computerization clearly presents a series of dilemmas for psychologists conducting clinical assessments that will continue well into the future. Increased awareness of relevant issues will enhance the chances that ethical dilemmas will be successfully navigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes the design and construction of a low cost free electron laser (FEL) capable of operating at beam voltages below 50 kV. A novel, periodically loaded, resonant cavity has been used to provide a mechanism by which an electron beam to electromagnetic wave FEL interaction can be produced at such low beam energy. An overview of the design and operation of the system instrumentation and a distributed computer control system has been included. Essentially, the system has been developed under rigorous budgetary and time constraints in order to provide a `proof of principle'' demonstration for the feasibility of low voltage FELs that are suitable for practical commercial applications and exploitation. Techniques by which the demonstration FEL produced could be scaled to produce practical amounts of output power are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An original computer-controlled measurement system with electrodynamic sensor is presented in this paper. The system was used to examine simultaneously dependencies of time related electromagnet coil current, electromagnet coil voltage, electric power supplied to electromagnet coil, voltage across contacts, acceleration, speed, path and kinetic energy of contactor moving element. An additional software allows diagrams of the following parameters to be obtained: maximum and minimum acceleration, maximum speed and kinetic energy of contactor moving element, electric energy supplied to electromagnet coil and times typical of alternating current electromagnetic drive for selected values of the coil supply voltages and various switching on angles of this voltage (within the range 0–170°). Results of the investigation enable also to take a view on such parameters of the designed equipment as, for example, making time or rebounds of the contactor contacts. The system is very useful to verify the results of investigation of computer simulated contactor closing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. Three-dimensionality (3D) of manual contact forces at the patient–practitioner interface.Design. Description of a new hand/palm-held computerized 3D force measuring system.Background. Up until now instrumented direct manual contact force measurement has been one-dimensional (1D).Methods. The system is built for interface (direct) measurement of 3D manual contact force with real-time data presentation. Static calibration was performed of the 3D force sensor with variable preloads to study their effect as well of the prototype system adapted for clinical manual examination and treatment.Results. Calibration validity and reliability of the 3D force sensor under all but the 5 kN preload and of the new system showed systematic respective random errors in the order or smaller than one newton.Conclusions. The new system enables, for the first time, recording and presenting of 3D manual contact forces at the patient–practitioner interface. 3D direct manual contact force measures have the potential to give a more complete and differentiated characterization of patient and practitioner forces than 1D forces. Clinical validity of the prototype system will have to be investigated, and for studying specific clinical manual handling techniques, obvious limitations require further development.Relevance Manual techniques play a prominent role in chiropractic, manual-therapy and -medicine, massage therapy and osteopathy. The more complete 3D manual contact force description also can help practitioners and students to improve both manual force perception and delivery skills by providing higher standardization and real-time objective feedback about performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the use of computerized kiosk for assessing the food safety knowledge among high school students and science teachers in the United States. Role of consumers practices in the development of foodborne illness; Efforts of the government in promoting food safety programs; Adoption of the FightBAC campaign principles for developing the food safety quiz.