Microcomputer Applications Research Articles

Alternative Learning: A Self-Paced Microcomputer Application Course

In the Spring of 1996, a microcomputer applications course was offered using the self-paced method of instruction. It was implemented to allow more students to enroll in the course and to reduce the number of faculty necessary to teach the course. Of the 204 students enrolled at the beginning of the semester, 128 finished the assignments, 40 withdrew, 35 did not finish, and 1 audited. Fifty-two received a letter grade A and fifty-three received a letter grade B. Eighty-seven of the 204 students completed usable paired questionnaires before and after completion of the course. These findings of the students' self-reported perceived level of expertise in word processing and worksheet/spreadsheet skills before and after completing the self-paced course suggested that students' perceived levels of expertise in the twenty-five skills had increased. The researchers also analyzed the relationship between age, gender, race, and grades.

A Modified Two-Phase Well-Control Model and Its Computer Applications as a Training and Educational Tool

Summary This paper presents a modified two-phase well-control model to simulate two-phase kick behavior after comparing a dynamic two- phase well-control model and a single-phase model. The model is reliable and easy to simulate without any of the numerical problems that might occur in a dynamic two-phase model. The simulator calculates gas influx rate from the formation assuming an infinite-acting reservoir. The paper also introduces computer applications for IBM-compatible personal computers for use as a well-control training and educational tool. The simulator has enhanced graphical presentations with random access for all menus and options by use of a computer mouse. The simulator is written in Visual Basic™3. The simulator can handle vertical wells, directional wells, extended-reach wells, and horizontal wells with two different buildup rates for onshore or offshore wells. The simulator also provides the theoretical kill sheet for any selected well geometry. The simulator is a user-interactive well-control program with an automatic wellcontrol option. It demonstrates the basic concepts of well control and shows the pressure and volume responses of the kick with time.

Soil-structure interaction and axial force effect in structural vibration

A numerical procedure for dynamic analysis of structures including lateral-torsional coupling, axial force effect and soil-structure interaction is presented in this study. A simple soil-structure system model has been designed for microcomputer applications capable of reflecting both kinematic and inertial soil-foundation interaction as well as the effect of this interaction on the superstructure response. A parametric study focusing on inertial soil-structure interaction is carried out through a simplified nine-degree of freedom building model with different foundation conditions. The inertial soil-structure interaction and axial force effects on a 20-storey building excited by an Australian earthquake is analysed through its top floor displacement time history and envelope values of structural maximum displacement and shear force.

Advances in anode monitoring [mercury recycling

Applications for programmable logic controllers and personal computers with the chloralkali industry continue to grow. Older multiplexed monitoring systems are being replaced with high-speed systems that can scan an entire cellroom within 2 s. Average cell voltages can be decreased by 0.25 V DC or more, resulting in significant power savings or production increases. The newer systems can be installed as an upgrade to existing systems to minimize the impact on mercury recovery plant operations.

Profiling African libraries: automation in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria

Suggests that access to and sharing of information resources are dependent on the automation of library operations and use of computers. Profiles characteristics of libraries in three African countries (Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria), with particular emphasis on the state of the art of technological capabilities. A very small number of libraries have online public access catalogues, and very few of the respondents to the survey reported here indicated that their staff members had an excellent knowledge of computers and computer functions. About 44 per cent of responding libraries own computers, and the most common microcomputer application is local database searching. Lack of funds and training in librarianship are two major problems, though the vast majority of librarians indicated a strong desire to further their education in librarianship. When planning automation, it is important for African librarians and computer scientists to get leaders in authority involved. Resource sharing and co‐operation among libraries need to be given serious consideration.

Microcomputer Applications for Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting

An issue, and perhaps a limitation, which is common to all the software packages reviewed is: How well does the program fit into the dispenser's practice? Ideally the programs would be integrated so that, for example, the patient's name and address would not have to entered repeatedly into different software modules. An audiogram entered once would not have to be duplicated. An audiogram stored in a computer file would not also have to be stored on paper. Tympanogram information or other diagnostic tests (e.g., auditory brainstem response, word recognition scores) would be stored within the same patient record. Ideally, the software would be part of the hearing aid test systems so that real ear and coupler measures could be easily compared to the targets. The dots (representing loudness calculations) from VIOLA would appear on the screen of the test box running the hearing aid's input-output function. The same software used to select ideal characteristics of the hearing aid would also be used to adjust the aid, as in the case of a programmable. Or, for conventional hearing aids, a direct link to the manufacturer's database would be useful for matching a matrix. It would also be useful, when trying to match a target coupler gain curve, to simulate the effect of making an adjustment to a trim pot. Then, the hearing aid could be ordered online, and billing would be facilitated by the software. Perhaps the NOAH software platform, together with cooperation from hearing aid manufactures and software developers, will help make such high level integration a practical reality. While improvements will surely come, a variety of hearing aid selection programs are currently available. Each program has its own set of features, philosophy, and is geared toward different aspects of the fitting process. Some of the procedures are more abstract and theoretical, others are practical and concrete. Certain procedures emphasize the prediction of hearing aid characteristics from threshold data, while others require measurement of loudness perceptions. Hearing aid dispensers also have preferences and a perspective shaped by their personality and experiences. This dictates what they value. Some perceive the hearing aid fitting to be a conceptual experience to be researched or taught to students, others see it as a social experience shared with the patient for whom they care. Others may visualize it as an integral part of the business they have labored to create. Regardless of the perspective, each person can find something to appreciate in the software that has been reviewed. Powerful, inexpensive microcomputers are readily available. A minimal amount of time (less than a few minutes) is often needed to enter data and receive prescriptions that incorporate decades of research. Patients have more confidence in the opinions of their dispensers when they can see the reasoning that went into the recommendations. Allowing patients to watch the computer screen, even though they cannot appreciate most of the details, is an engaging process and allows them to feel they are an active participant. Hopefully, readers will be encouraged to try some of these software tools to add more science and objectivity to the art of hearing aid fitting.

Dynamic Simulation of Toner Particle Motion in a TonerJet Printer

A numerical integration method is used to simulate the motion of a group of toner particles under the influence of multiple force fields and elastic collisions as the particles travel from a developer sleeve to a paper surface. Forces and force fields acting on the toner particles are described in equation form and entered into a personal computer application program for integration in selectable time steps. A representative simulation is described using a TonerJet print zone as an example.

Access in Seattle

Jamestown Community College offers a two-course sequence in Microcomputer Applications through which our students gain an in-depth knowledge of PC-based word processing, spreadsheets, and database management. Throughout both courses, the integration of these packages is stressed. In the second course, the students are expected to design and build an application system for a small business that utilizes advanced features of each software package. The major focus of the second course is on database design and programming. Prior to the fall 1995 semester, both courses were taught using WordPerfect 6.0, Lotus 1-2-3 release 5, and dBASE 5.0. However Microsoft Office has come to dominate the PC office application market in our immediate and surrounding communities. Accordingly, we switched this fall to Microsoft Office for both courses.

Using e-mail as a classroom tool

At Frank Phillips College all students taking Computing Principles (mostly CIS majors) and students taking Microcomputer Applications (many majors) have e-mail accounts. Access to e-mail is through networked on-campus labs. In these introductory computing classes, students are required to use e-mail to express concerns and submit some assignments to the instructor. At times, students must use e-mail for other purposes such as to receive class assignments and projects or to announce information concerning special events.

Appropriate Introduction of Computer Control to Mechanical Engineering Students

Introducing mechanical engineering (ME) students to microcomputer applications in data acquisition and control areas needs to be done appropriately. It would not be the type of training suitable for ME students if excessive hardware associated details are involved. This paper describes the development of a subject with such ‘appropriateness’ in mind. The subject, as an elective, has been welcomed and enthusiastically participated in by a larger percentage of the final year (i.e. fourth year) and postgraduate students during the last few years. This is in a way indicative that the approach taken is appropriate for ME students.

Semiautomated Quantitation of Urinary Protein and Creatinine

The application of personal computers to routine tasks such as the recording and manipulation of data can greatly increase the speed and accuracy of the analyses. This report describes the use of a Macintosh computer and a BioTek microplate reader for the analysis of urinary protein and creatinine. Previously published assay methods for protein and creatinine were adapted for analysis using 96-well microplates. The adapted assays had excellent linearity ( r 2 = 0.99), with reduced variability compared to the previous methods. This resulted in increased sensitivity as demonstrated by 95% confidence limits. In addition. reductions of both assay materials and sample sizes were realized. The direct connection of the computer and microplate reader reduced the time needed to record absorbance measurements and perform analyses when compared to the more common protocols and methods of analysis. The assay protocols, equipment and interface, data file management, and methods of analysis are described.

Application of microcomputer for assessing the probe lobing error and geometric errors of CMMs using commercial ring gauges

Performance verification and frequent reverification of working accuracy of coordinate measuring machines are currently acknowledged as essential operational processes. In this paper, an efficient microcomputer based method has been proposed for the accuracy assessment of the CMMs of CNC type based on the probing of commercially available ring gauges. The geometric inaccuracy data of the ring gauges are measured, stored, and thus can be used as a transfer standard. A computer module for measurement-path generation has been developed, with which automatic CNC measurement codes can be generated for specific CMMs. The ring gauges are measured on the CMMs, and the measured data are feedback to the PC. For the error analysis, a new error analysis module has been developed for performance checking of a measurement probe, where the direction-dependent probe lobing error can be successfully evaluated. A least-squares-based approach has been implemented, with which the scale errors and the squareness error can be evaluated simultaneously in the local measurement position. The advantages of the proposed method are: Practical CMMs have been chosen and the accuracy assessment is performed, demonstrating the high efficiency of the developed system. The developed method can be applied to performance verification or day-to-day reverification of CMMs of CNC type.

Application of microcomputer in submicron level measurements and control of a positioning device

This article demonstrates an application of a microcomputer in the area of automated manufacturing, in particular to the measurement and control of a positioning device with the accuracy level of less than 1 μm. The positioning device is generally used for calibration or testing purposes to check the dimensional accuracy of manufactured parts. Here, however, it is utilized for calibration of artifacts like scales, grid plates, calipers, etc. The artifacts are widely used in industry as a referencing device to determine whether the manufactured product meets dimensional quality requirements whilst maintaining high reliability and speeding up quality control operations. The critical challenge here is to develop an automated two-dimensional precision grid plate testing system which measures an array of grid points premarked on a grid plate. The grid plates discussed in this paper are generally glass plates with some type of symmetric marks placed on the glass surface. The goal is to use off-the-shelf type of equipment such as laser interferometer, precision positioning stage, computer controlled machine vision system and a host microcomputer, and integrate them to build a low-cost, practical system usable for the grid plate calibration services. This requires the development of compatible hardware and software protocols. The initial assessment of the test setup indicates that the present system can measure locations of grid points with an accuracy of 0.5 μm. Further improvements to the system are also suggested.

FACT: Financial accounting computerized tutor

Abstract This paper describes a tutorial financial accounting instructional case study entitled FACT. The case is designed for use in the introductory financial accounting course or as a review resource in the intermediate accounting course. It is a comprehensive practice set that demonstrates the integrative nature of the accounting cycle in the microcomputer environment. The case focuses on the conceptual analysis of the accounting transactions from the inception of a company to preparation of the classified financial statements. The main features of this computerized case distinguish it from the other manual and computerized accounting practice sets. These features include: user-friendliness, advanced graphical user interface, automatic grading system, statistical analytical report of students' performance, automatic errors detection routine, and on-line textbook and tutorial assistance. The software has proved its versatility in reinforcing students' comprehension of the accounting cycle through its experimental use by over 36 universities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and England. The flexibility of the software program provides the instructor with a number of options for use as a classroom instructional tool, test materials, short assignments, or a comprehensive course review. The average completion time for the case is four hours. No additional materials or previous knowledge of microcomputer applications are needed to complete the case study. (A free copy of the software can be obtained directly from the author.)

Convenient Equations for Thermal Stress Analysis of Electronic Device Leads Using Beam Theory.

Recently, various electronic printed circuit boards on which IC and LSI are mounted are required in personal computers (PCs), because of the widening applications of PCs, for example, in the area of education, business, art, and multimedia. To meet this ever-increasing demand, an efficient and convenient method of thermal stress analysis for the printed circuit boards with electronic devices is necessary. Almost all of the thermal stress analysis methods in conventional use employ computational techniques such as the finite-element method or boundary-element method. These methods are not adequate for the design of the electronic printed circuit boards because of their complexity. In this paper, we proposed an effective and convenient method for thermal stress analysis of the printed circuit board by formulating theoretical equations using the beam theory. The method is adopted to analyze thermal stress in a wire lead frame of an electronic device mounted on a printed circuit board, and the efficiency is discussed comparing results obtained by the method and finite-element analysis.

Statistical Quality Control with Microcomputer Applications

Statistical Quality Control with Microcomputer Applications

An evaluation of research training in a large residency program.

Evaluation of a research training program for emergency medicine residents. A cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of knowledge and skill acquisition observed following the introduction of a resident research curriculum was performed at a university-affiliated emergency medicine residency program within a large-volume, inner-city hospital. The didactic program was based upon a published SAEM model research curriculum and included tutorials in computer applications for research. Seventeen first-year residents participated in the new curriculum and self-assessment evaluation. The rate of research proposal preparation after curriculum implementation for the 17 course participants was compared with that of 26 historical control subjects from the same residency program. Resident attendance for the sessions, offered twice annually, averaged 82%. Significant self-perceived knowledge gains (p < 0.05) were found in the areas of study design and methods, journal selection, research planning, and two microcomputer application areas. There was a strong correlation between postcourse examination scores for many specific subject areas and attendance at the related sessions. Thirteen of the 17 participants (76%) completed an original (NIH PHS398-formatted) research proposal within four months following the training program, compared with only six of 26 residents (23%) not exposed to such a curriculum in previous years (p < 0.05). Residents appeared satisfied with this level of training and made gains in their skills and knowledge of research activities. The rate of preparation of research proposals by course attendees surpassed that of former residents. This educational intervention may augment the standard practice of faculty mentorship of residents and fellows for research knowledge and skill acquisition.

Statistical Quality Control with Microcomputer Applications.

Statistical Quality Control with Microcomputer Applications.

Statistical Quality Control with Microcomputer Applications

Statistical Quality Control with Microcomputer Applications

Microcomputer Applications and Technology: A Consolidated Approach to Handling Blood Gas Instruments

Journal Article Microcomputer Applications and Technology: A Consolidated Approach to Handling Blood Gas Instruments Get access Kenneth A. Emmerich, Kenneth A. Emmerich Division of Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals, Madison. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Lorene K. Haessig, MT(ASCP), Lorene K. Haessig, MT(ASCP) Division of Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals, Madison. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Arthur A. Eggert, PhD Arthur A. Eggert, PhD Division of Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals, Madison. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Laboratory Medicine, Volume 25, Issue 5, 1 May 1994, Pages 334–338, https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/25.5.334 Published: 01 May 1994