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In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of milk feeding frequency on the growth, behaviour and health of calves during the suckling period. The Holstein calves (5 in each group) at the age of 5-day-old were used in the study. Computer controlled feeder (CCF) was used in the study. First group calves were given 4 lt/day of milk replacer feed (G1), in the morning and evening. In the second group (G2), a maximum of 12 lt/day of milk, which is natural suckling behaviour, in the morning (05:00-08:00), midday (10:00-13:00)i evening (16:00-20:00) were allowed to consume substitute feed. The time spent for rumination by both groups was close to each other. Cross-sucking and vocalization behaviour was more common in G1, but decreased with age. Tongue Rolling behaviour was more common in G2, but decreased with age. The results showed that the milk feeding frequency did not have a significant effect on the behavioural patterns of the calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper describes beautiful conservation relations between areas formed by different geometrical shapes and area relations formed by algebraic functions. The conservation properties were investigated by students at an academic college of education using a computerized technological tool and were subsequently accompanied by justified proofs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do marketers process information to make new product decisions? The computer-controlled experiment described in this article was designed to explore this question. Differences in information preferences between marketing managers and marketing researchers were revealed. The results also indicated ways in which decision making in marketing might be made more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) involves using computer-controlled machines to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) structural and functional parts layer by layer. To date, ample AM application opportunities exist in the health field. Based on the outcomes at the 2016 National Science Foundation AM for Health workshop, this paper summarizes the current state, gaps and research needs, and recommendations related to AM for health, in particular, hard structure and medical product printing and soft construct bioprinting. Manufacturing-related knowledge gaps and needs mainly fall into the materials, design, process innovation, part characterization, and policy and education categories. Hard structures and medical products can be designed to integrate with tissues, and their gaps and needs are typically related to the material-process-property-functionality relationship. Bioprinting-specific gaps and needs include build material selection and construct design, printed construct preservation, process selection, scalability and modeling, bioprinting-induced cell injury management, postprinting tissue fusion and maturation, and printed construct evaluation. Research recommendations encompass aspects ranging from fundamental research support to development of suitable standards for clinical use of AM products and are summarized in terms of materials, design, process innovation, modeling, characterization, and policy and education. Hard structure and medical product-specific recommendations are mainly related to build materials and structure design. For bioprinting, recommendations are summarized based on preparation, bioprinting process, and postbioprinting treatment. Furthermore, a biomedical manufacturing landscape is proposed, the potential of bioprinting as transformative research is introduced, and manufacturing-related scientific challenges are listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In this study, we describe a custom-made new epidural simulator, created by modifying the inner structure of a commercially available one, in the attempt to make it adequately realistic. To validate and evaluate the realism of our device, we used the Computerized Epidural Instrument CompuFlo. Method. The Compuflo CompuFlo curves obtained from 64 experiments on the epidural simulator were compared to 64 curves obtained from a previous human study, from consecutive laboring parturients requesting epidural analgesia. Results. Epidural simulator and human pressure curves were very similar. There was a significant difference between the drop of pressure due to false and true loss of resistance (LOR) in both the groups. Discussion. Our simulator can realistically reproduce the anatomical layers the needle must pass as demonstrated by the similarity between the simulator and human pressure curves and the small differences of pressure values recorded. CompuFlo may be used as an objective tool to create and assess and compare objectively the epidural task trainers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestic tumble dryers are becoming indispensable household appliances and responsible for up to 10% of the total residential energy use in developed countries. However, their energy efficiency is low. In this paper, the development of a multi-sensor computer-controlled prototype platform for fabric drying is described for improving the efficiency of dryers. The prototype platform enables the real-time control and recording of key drying parameters including heater power, air flow velocity, rotating speed of drying drum, and drying cycle time. These parameters are automatically adjusted according to the exhaust air humidity instead of the temperature which is used traditionally. Additionally, a new drying model of dividing the drying process into four stages based on the humidity of the exhaust air has been investigated to further increase the energy saving. The performance of this staged drying model is experimentally evaluated in respect to energy consumption, drying time, and the smoothness of fabric after drying. The results clearly indicate that the staged controlling of heating power input not only decreases energy consumption by 21.5%, but also improves the fabric smoothness by 0.9 grade compared to using a single heating power input for the whole drying process. The research outcome can enable the design and production of new dryers that are more energy efficient and lead to dried clothes that require less ironing, which in turn further reduces energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Whole-body impulsive rotations were used to overcome several limitations associated with manual head impulse testing. A computer-controlled rotational chair delivered brief, whole-body, earth-vertical axis yaw impulsive rotations while eye movements were measured using video-oculography. Results from an unselected group of 20 patients with dizziness and a group of 22 control subjects indicated that the horizontal computerized rotational head impulse test (crHIT) is well-tolerated and provides an estimate of unidirectional vestibulo-ocular reflex gain comparable to results from caloric testing. This study demonstrates that the horizontal crHIT is a new assessment tool that overcomes many of the limitations of manual head impulse testing and provides a reliable laboratory-based measure of unilateral horizontal semicircular canal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modern method of cutting materials is the abrasive water jet cutting method. It is a method that is in full ascension regarding the level of usability in production. In order to have the adequate setup for water jet cutting on a certain system, the surface quality, the kerf aspect, the shape and respectively the form of the obtained part have to be analysed. This paper presents the results obtained after cutting one square shaped part, made of 1C45 material. In the study, there were analysed both the inside and the outside of the cut, the kerf width, the aspect of the taper and the profile deviation. [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]

A combinatorial pulsed laser deposition system was developed by integrating a computer controlled scanning sample stage in order to rapidly screen processing conditions relevant to CdTe/CdS thin-film solar cells. Using this system, the thickness of the CdTe absorber layer is varied across a single sample from 1.5 μm to 0.75 μm. The effects of thickness on CdTe grain morphology, crystal orientation, and cell efficiency were investigated with respect to different postprocessing conditions. It is shown that the thinner CdTe layer of 0.75 μm obtained the best power conversion efficiency up to 5.3%. The results of this work shows the importance that CdTe grain size/morphology relative to CdTe thickness has on device performance and quantitatively exhibits what those values should be to obtain efficient thin-film CdTe/CdS solar cells fabricated with pulsed laser deposition. Further development of this combinatorial approach could enable high-throughput exploration and optimization of CdTe/CdS solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental records is a leading method of victim identification, especially for incidents involving a large number of decedents. This process may be expedited with computer software that provides a ranked list of best possible matches. This study provides a comparison of the most commonly used conventional coding and sorting algorithms used in the United States (Win ID3) with a simplified coding format that utilizes an optimized sorting algorithm. The simplified system consists of seven basic codes and utilizes an optimized algorithm based largely on the percentage of matches. To perform this research, a large reference database of approximately 50,000 antemortem and postmortem records was created. For most disaster scenarios, the proposed simplified codes, paired with the optimized algorithm, performed better than Win ID3 which uses more complex codes. The detailed coding system does show better performance with extremely large numbers of records and/or significant body fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser post-heating computer controlled detonation spraying (CCDS) and cold spray (CS) hybrid processes were proposed for fabrication of near sub micron structure coatings of hydroxyapatite (HA) + Ti system. Optical and SEM with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and comparative XRD phase analysis were used to evaluate microstructure. After those hybrid processes, no substantial variation in HA composition was noted by structural and phase examination. Nano-sized HA powders can be recommended for laser annealing CS (LaCS) process. Regimes of laser treatment optimal for increasing the adhesion between the HA and titanium coatings, providing more strength, ductility and decreasing of HA destruction in the coatings were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testing of image intensifier tubes is still done using mostly manual methods due to a series of both technical and legal problems with test automation. Computerized stations for semi-automated testing of IITs are considered as novelty and are under continuous improvements. This paper presents a novel test station that enables semi-automated measurement of image intensifier tubes. Wide test capabilities and advanced design solutions rise the developed test station significantly above the current level of night vision metrology. [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]

Polishing is considered as the last and most important step in the manufacturing of optical components. Computer control polishing (CCP) methods are usually used to polish complex surfaces. In this method, material removal is controlled at each point, depending on error at that point. In contact polishing mechanism, tool feed rate is often controlled to eliminate local errors. It means that the higher the tool feed rate, the lower the material removal would be and vice versa. Tool influence function (TIF), which is defined as the instantaneous material removal under the polishing tool for a given tool motion, is the most important parameter in CCP and its predictability during the polishing process leads to reliable result. In this study, a new spherical tool which can polish complex surfaces by using a 3-axis CNC machine is presented. Because of spherical geometry of both tool and workpiece, tool, material removal rate is variable because of changing the angle between tool axis and surface normal vector which leads to variation of relative speed. Tool influence function which depends on tool engagement's angle was modeled based on Preston equation. Moreover, the simulation is modeled based on discretization of tool path. To evaluate the methodology, some polishing experimental tests were performed. The experimental results show that a 130 mm spherical convex lens with initial surface roughness of 1.114 micrometer for PV was decreased to 395 nm for PV using the CCP method developed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-form fabrication techniques, often referred to as ‘3D printing’, are currently tested with regard to the processing of biological and biocompatible materials in general and for fabrication of vessel-like structures in particular. Such computer-controlled methods assemble 3D objects by layer-wise deposition or layer-wise cross-linking of materials. They use, for example, nozzle-based deposition of hydrogels and cells, drop-on-demand inkjet-printing of cell suspensions with subsequent cross-linking, layer-by-layer cross-linking of synthetic or biological polymers by selective irradiation with light and even laser-induced deposition of single cells. The need of vessel-like structures has become increasingly crucial for the supply of encapsulated cells for 3D tissue engineering, or even with regard to future application such as vascular grafts. The anticipated potential of providing tubes with tailored branching geometries made of biocompatible or biological materials pushes future visions of patient-specific vascularized tissue substitutions, tissue-engineered blood vessels and bio-based vascular grafts. We review here the early attempts of bringing together innovative free-form manufacturing processes with bio-based and biodegradable materials. The presented studies provide many important proofs of concepts such as the possibility to integrate viable cells into computer-controlled processes and the feasibility of supplying cells in a hydrogel matrix by generation of a network of perfused channels. Several impressive results in the generation of complex shapes and high-aspect-ratio tubular structures demonstrate the potential of additive assembly methods. Yet, it also becomes obvious that there remain major challenges to simultaneously match all material requirements in terms of biological functions (cell function supporting properties), physicochemical functions (mechanical properties of the printed material) and process-related (viscosity, cross-linkability) functions, towards the demanding goal of biofabricating artificial blood vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated manipulation and sorting of single cells are challenging, when intact cells are needed for further investigations, e.g., RNA or DNA sequencing. We applied a computer controlled micropipette on a microscope admitting 80 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tubes to be filled with single cells in a cycle. Due to the Laplace pressure, fluid starts to flow out from the micropipette only above a critical pressure preventing the precise control of drop volume in the submicroliter range. We found an anomalous pressure additive to the Laplace pressure that we attribute to the evaporation of the drop. We have overcome the problem of the critical dropping pressure with sequentially operated fast fluidic valves timed with a millisecond precision. Minimum drop volume was 0.4-0.7 i l with a sorting speed of 15-20 s per cell. After picking NE- 4C neuroectodermal mouse stem cells and human primary monocytes from a standard plastic Petri dish we could gently deposit single cells inside tiny drops. 94 ± 3% and 54 ± 7% of the deposited drops contained single cells for NE-4C and monocytes, respectively. 7.5 ± 4% of the drops contained multiple cells in case of monocytes. Remaining drops were empty. Number of cells deposited in a drop could be documented by imaging the Petri dish before and after sorting. We tuned the adhesion force of cells to make the manipulation successful without the application of microstructures for trapping cells on the surface. We propose that our straightforward and flexible setup opens an avenue for single cell isolation, critically needed for the rapidly growing field of single cell biology. [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]

The 'predictor-corrector' feedback controller, a process adjustment scheme proposed for semiconductor manufacturing run-to-run processes that drift, is extended to the multiple-input-multiple-output case. The controller is based on two coupled multivariate Exponentially-Weighted-Moving-Average (EWMA) equations, thus its performance depends on the choices of EWMA weight matrices. Stability conditions are given for a pure gain process adjusted with a MIMO double EWMA (dEWMA) controller. It is shown that the stability conditions are invariant with respect to various realistic drift disturbance models. Recommendations on how to choose the EWMA weight matrices are given. An analysis is conducted to assess the impact of errors in the estimates of the process gains. The proposed MIMO dEWMA feedback controller is compared to the common practice of using multiple single-input-single-ouput dEWMA controllers running in parallel., 1. Introduction: EWMA-based feedback methods Recent work in the area of process control, notably in semiconductor manufacturing, has concentrated in the application of the Exponentially-Weighted-Moving-Average (EWMA) statistic for process adjustment [...]

This paper presents a concrete definition of what a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) is. This involves important concepts such as risk, safety integrity level, SIL, life cycle and protection layer. The aim of this paper is to provide readers with a concise definition of SIS. To this end, the basic elements of a SIS are defined, the relationship of risk with a SIS is presented, layers of protection are defined in a industrial process, the implementation of a SIS is justified, and the correct methodology for the implementation of a SIS is obtained, namely Lifecycle. Finally, the paper describes a mathematical method for modeling and validating a particular SIS based on standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a rapidly increasing trend in media-media multitasking or MMM (using two or more media concurrently). In a recent conference, scholars from diverse disciplines expressed concerns that indulgence in MMM may compromise well-being and/or cognitive abilities. However, research on MMM's impacts is too sparse to inform the general public and policy makers whether MMM should be encouraged, managed, or minimized. The primary purpose of the present study was to develop an innovative computerized instrument – the Survey of the Previous Day (SPD) – to quantify MMM as well as media-nonmedia and nonmedia-nonmedia multitasking and sole-tasking. The secondary purpose was to examine whether these indices could predict a sample of well-being related, psychosocial measures. In the SPD, participants first recalled (typed) what they did during each hour of the previous day. In later parts of the SPD, participants analysed activities and their timing and duration for each hour of the previous day, while relevant recall was on display. Participants also completed the Media Use Questionnaire. The results showed non-significant relationship between tasking measures and well-being related measures. Given how little is known about the associations between MMM and well-being, the null results may offer some general reassurance to those who are apprehensive about negative impacts of MMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The plastic deformation of two steels was studied by means of axisymmetric compression tests carried out in a computer driven servohydraulic machine. The tests were conducted within the temperature range of 700-1100°C for steels that have similar carbon contents, but differed in other alloying elements. Little difference in strength between the steels was found when deformation took place in the austenite phase field, but the strength of the material varied as soon as ferrite was present. The critical temperatures were evaluated by means of thermal analyses, which were conducted by inserting a thermocouple within samples of the two steels; these temperatures were found to be close to those predicted by empirical equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation and differentiation characteristics of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells were examined in a non-rotational suspension bioreactor with a fishtail mixer. The system consisted of a glass vessel, a mixer that moved vertically, a data acquisition and control system to continuously monitor pH, temperature and dissolved O. The bioreactor provided superior expansion of total HSCs and not total cell number, as well as expression of stemness-related genes which followed with increasing in number of colony-forming cells during 14 days of culture compared to T -lask culture. Vertical agitation thus reduces the total cell number, which may be related to increased shear stress, but has no effect on HSC function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Stroop task has a long-standing history in psychological research and diagnostics, and many variants have emerged. Computerized versions have recently gained popularity because of their applicability in brain-imaging studies. It remains unclear, however, whether computerized versions are content valid with reference to the original task. We compare the performance in the original task with two computerized versions. All three versions show high test–retest reliability and are able to elicit interference effects, but to varying degrees. However, performances in the computerized versions and in the original task do not correlate. The transition from oral to manual response and from listed to single stimulus presentation seems not only to diminish the interference effect, but also to alter its nature in such a way that it no longer looks genuinely “Stroop-like”. These findings have important clinical implications on the use and interpretation of computerized Stroop tasks in children and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

This paper using Cixing domestic computer knitting machine as an example, summarizes the computer knitting machine in the process of production lord laura institutions prone to some mechanical failure, such as lord laura not turning, rolling the cloth, only turning not to reverse, and these fault may lead to the oblique piece, flower piece and leakage defects such as needle weaving, and using the theories of system engineering, mechanical execution system from the operations of the computer control system, the principle analysis. As for the lord laura institutions work common fault, it puts forward the corresponding solution and the future and how to avoid to horizontal machine maintenance and so on, it would not only help to find out the fault of the mechanic quickly and solve out, but also improve the efficiency in the use of computer knitting machine and life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study was undertaken to determine if markings used to identify fabricated steel using modern automatic impact stenciling equipment could be used on structures subjected to fatigue loading. The fatigue specimens with both numeric and alphabetic markings were tested. The results showed that the fatigue life of marked steel exceeded the fatigue design strength for Category A, the highest fatigue design category. Marking pieces with this equipment will not affect the fatigue design strength of the member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a novel computerized instrument has been developed to record the applied pressure exerted by medical bandages in real time. The working of novel computerized instrument is based on the pneumatic principle, which is used to obtain pressure profiles of internal pressure exerted by the bandages over a period of time. The basic idea of this work is to design an online measurement system using differential pressure transmitter and digital process controller that provides a very accurate method of measuring pressure applied by compression bandages. This work also aims to identify different parameters affecting applied pressure profile of these bandages. A series of commercially available bandages have been studied and the effects of variables, namely fabric parameters (mass per unit area of bandage, tensile properties and thickness of bandage), number of bandage wraps or folds and extent of initial internal pressure have been studied. Bases on the results, certain characteristics have been recommended for choosing the ideal bandages. The bandages with higher mass per unit area and higher warp-wise extensibility show the faster and higher drop in internal pressure over a period of time. The reduction in internal pressure is minimised by increasing number of bandage wraps or folds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This joint position paper of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and the National Academy of Neuropsychology sets forth our position on appropriate standards and conventions for computerized neuropsychological assessment devices (CNADs). In this paper, we first define CNADs and distinguish them from examiner-administered neuropsychological instruments. We then set forth position statements on eight key issues relevant to the development and use of CNADs in the healthcare setting. These statements address (a) device marketing and performance claims made by developers of CNADs; (b) issues involved in appropriate end-users for administration and interpretation of CNADs; (c) technical (hardware/software/firmware) issues; (d) privacy, data security, identity verification, and testing environment; (e) psychometric development issues, especially reliability and validity; (f) cultural, experiential, and disability factors affecting examinee interaction with CNADs; (g) use of computerized testing and reporting services; and (h) the need for checks on response validity and effort in the CNAD environment. This paper is intended to provide guidance for test developers and users of CNADs that will promote accurate and appropriate use of computerized tests in a way that maximizes clinical utility and minimizes risks of misuse. The positions taken in this paper are put forth with an eye toward balancing the need to make validated CNADs accessible to otherwise underserved patients with the need to ensure that such tests are developed and utilized competently, appropriately, and with due concern for patient welfare and quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Design of a system used for characterizing gas sensing materials is described. It is distinctive of being able to measure electrical and optical responses of a sample simultaneously, control a number of measurement parameters, perform fast exchange of gaseous environment, and be fully controlled automatically. These features make the system to be versatile in determining most concerned performance indexes of a gas sensing material (e.g., sensitivity, stability, selectivity, response/recovery times, etc.) as functions of various combinations of measurement conditions (e.g., gas concentrations, temperature, total pressure, content of interferants, photo assist, relative humidity, soaking time in a fixed gas concentration, and number of switching cycles in a dynamic test, etc.). Rationales of the designs associated with general gas sensing mechanics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odor identification tests are widely used for the general screening of olfactory function. However, the administration of odor identification tests is often limited due to a lack of investigators' time. Therefore, we attempted to design a computer-controlled olfactometer to present a self-administered odor identification test. The results produced by means of this olfactometer were evaluated in terms of validity and test-retest reliability. To test the validity, participants' performance in the odor identification test using the olfactometer was compared with their performance in the odor identification test using the validated assessment of the 'Sniffin' Sticks' test. The ten-item odor identification test was performed two times using two different methods: (1) the self-administered test using the computer-controlled olfactometer and (2) the foreign-administered test using the 'Sniffin' sticks.' To examine test-retest reliability, 20 participants were asked to repeat these tests on a different day. Participants reached significantly higher scores on a foreign-administered odor identification test using the 'Sniffin' sticks' than on the olfactometer-based test; however, this effect was driven by two less correctly identified odors in the olfactometer-based test. The significant difference between both methods in the mean scores disappeared after excluding two odors from the analysis. In addition, both methods showed no significant difference in scores obtained during the first and second session, indicating that results were consistent between sessions. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the computer-controlled olfactometer designed in this study can be used for a self-administered odor identification test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]