Computer Program For Design Research Articles

PODSE: A computer program for optimal design of trials with discrete-time survival endpoints

In experimental settings, one or more groups of subjects receive a treatment and they are compared to a group of subjects that receives a standard treatment or no treatment at all. These compared groups might have an equal number of subjects or some of the groups might have more participants relative to the other groups. Moreover, subjects in these groups can be followed over a short or a long period. To conduct experiments in a sufficient way, researchers should find a good design in the planning phase of the trial. The optimal design for experimental studies on event occurrence with discrete-time survival endpoints where two treatment groups are followed over time, is an optimal combination of the number of time periods, the total number of participants in the trial and the proportion of subjects in the experimental group. It is easy to find the best design for such studies using the PODSE program.

Coda: Snared in Bureaucracy

Coda: Snared in Bureaucracy

P268 Effect of CPAP Treatment For OSA on Visual Processing of Degraded Words

IntroductionIt has been shown in a 6 month non-randomised clinical trial that patients with both diabetic macula oedema and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) improved vision by one line on the...

Development of Spreadsheet Program for the Design of Septic Tank for Residential Dwelling Units

The Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines of 1999 requires the use of and construction of septic tank basedfrom the provisions and specifications provided in the code. However, many septic tanks are incorrectly designed and improperly Constructed resulting to environmental contamination. Hence, this study developed a spreadsheet program for designing septic tank for residential dwelling units that would aid designers, engineers and master plumbers. The program was developed using MS Excel ® (Office Home and Student 2010 – Family Pack) as it is the most popular and widely used spreadsheet software. The program was evaluated by comparing its output with manual solution. The results indicated that the spreadsheet program can be developed to hasten the design of septic tank. It also provides sketch plans and bill of materials for the said plumbing structure. However, it is recommended to develop other septic design computer programs for apartment and other types of occupancy. Keywords - ICT, septic tank, plumbing, contamination, spreadsheet, software, program, R and D, Philippines

Integration of Financial and Contract Management on the Shanghai Expo Construction Program

AbstractThe management of facility construction for hallmark events is critically important for their financial viability. However, little knowledge has been produced regarding the management of this type of construction. Based on the construction program for the Shanghai Expo 2010 and other cases reported in the literature, this paper provides an analysis of the common characteristics of construction for hallmark events, the challenges of financial management due to these characteristics, techniques to address these challenges, and lessons learned from the Expo construction. It is believed that one critical factor that contributes to the success of the Expo construction program is the integration of the financial management and contract management processes, assisted by a specifically designed computer program. The techniques used to integrate the two processes involve (1) mapping the program’s work breakdown structure, cost breakdown structure, and contract breakdown structure; (2) integrating the infor...

How music technology can make sound and music worlds accessible to student composers in Further Education colleges

I am a composer, producer, pianist and part-time music lecturer at a Further Education college where I teach composing on Music Technology courses at levels 3 (equivalent to A-level) and 4 (Undergraduate/Foundation Degree). A ‘Music Technology’ course, distinct from a ‘Music’ course, often attracts applicants from diverse musical backgrounds; it is not uncommon for a typical class to contain a majority that cannot read staff notation and have taught themselves to play their instrument. Sometimes the student's only experience of music-making prior to the course has been sequencing beat patterns using computer software. Potential students are drawn to music technology courses for many different reasons – perhaps their individual interests lie in sound engineering, acoustics, live sound reinforcement, computer programming or software application design. As a teacher of composing in this context, I am faced with a challenge: how to bridge the knowledge and confidence gaps that exist between students with more and less formal musical experience? I believe that music technology applications can help in this area, particularly with fostering confidence and motivation in less-experienced students. What follows is a student profile and a case study of one assessment task in composing, which will illustrate how such strategies can work.

Perancangan Program Peramalan Kanal Banjir Barat Jakarta Menggunakan Autoregresi Multivariant

This paper discusses the design of computer programs that is able to discern the characteristics description of water surface elevation data in Manggarai water gate, which variable is the most influential on the water surface elevation model and find a proper flood forecasting model using multivariate autoregressive model. The result of this study is able to assist the water gate officer in delivering early warning, prevention and anticipation of flood countermeasure. The forecast equation model obtained is Yt = 109,.7828 + 0,9291 CHt-6 – 24,484 T t-2 – 0,06245 PM t-2 + 1,4706 KB t-2 in which temperature and water surface elevation is a variable that owns the strongest correlation. This variable owns negative correlation which means that if the temperature falls, the water levels will rise. The coefficient of determination has a value of R2 = 0.4056 and the Durbin Watson statistics for DW = 0.7429.

전통 운문(雲紋)을 모티브로 한 셔츠디자인 연구

This work is to develop a T-shirt by adopting a unique cloud pattern (a good auspicious sign as design material) from traditional native Korean patterns for application to various cultural products and textile design cloth patterns; subsequently, a T-shirt design was processed based on this. As a research method, computer design programs Adobe Illustrator CS3 and Adobe Photoshop CS3 were used along with a literature examination as part of motive for design development and pattern realization. Three basic motives were selected as a new formative image in this work, utilizing graphical elements such as abridgement and simplicity of pattern, where flower-shaped cloud pattern, uprising cloud pattern, and 卍-shaped or swastika-shaped pattern of traditional cloud patterns were selected. Each motive diverged into two motives via the shape transformation and the application of different colors. The newly developed basic motive was further processed into a combination of one-time repeat pattern, stripe pattern, and application pattern with mixed cloud motives (that were previously developed), which altogether turned out to be 36 pieces of textile design. In addition, with newly developed motive designs and textile designs, a total of 12 shirt designs for 4 pieces were developed for these three each. The shirt design was developed into a shirt blouse, sleeveless T-shirt, half-sleeve T-shirt, and sports T-shirt among others in order to fit various uses and purposes.

Developing an Interactive Web-Based Learning Program on Skin Cancer: the Learning Experiences of Clinical Educators

Web-based learning in medical education is rapidly growing. However, there are few firsthand accounts on the rationale for and development of web-based learning programs. We present the experience of clinical educators who developed an interactive online skin cancer detection and management course in a time-efficient and cost-efficient manner without any prior skills in computer programming or technical construction of web-based learning programs. We review the current state of web-based learning including its general advantages and disadvantages as well as its specific utility in dermatology. We then detail our experience in developing an interactive online skin cancer curriculum for primary care clinicians. Finally, we describe the main challenges faced and lessons learned during the process. This report may serve medical educators who possess minimal computer programming and web design skills but want to employ the many strengths of web-based learning without the huge costs associated with hiring a professional development team.

Development of a set of mobile phone text messages designed for prevention of recurrent cardiovascular events

Supporting lifestyle change is an effective way of preventing recurrent events in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a need to develop innovative strategies that increase access to programmes for individuals at high risk of CVD. This study aimed to develop a bank of text messages designed to provide advice, motivation, and support for decreasing cardiovascular risk. Iterative development process with mixed methods An initial bank of 120 text messages was drafted based on behaviour change techniques, guidelines, and input from clinicians and public health experts. A questionnaire was then administered to participants (n = 53) for evaluation of message content, usefulness, and language. To test the process of delivery, a pilot study was conducted using a specifically designed computer programme that delivered messages to multiple mobile phones according to a pre-specified schedule. Data were collected regarding message timing, delivery, and usefulness. In the qualitative questionnaire, 92% of participants found the messages easy to understand and 86% found the messages contained useful information. Positive feedback was also obtained from the pilot study. Based on these results, together with suggestions provided, several messages were reworded and an additional 44 were written. The need for semi-personalization was also identified and a random set of 103 individualized messages was created. A final bank of 137 mobile telephone text messages designed to support behaviour change and decrease cardiovascular risk have been developed through a multistep iterative process. This provides a scientific approach for future developers of health-related text messages.

Motivational aspects of different learning contexts: “My mom won’t let me play this game…”

Learning motivation should describe mechanisms that direct toward the learning goals, initiate learning activity and hold one‘s learning ability on a level that enables person to attain new information and more complex knowledge. Educational games are emerging as a new form of learning that should improve student’s desire for knowledge. Idea that educational games can be used as an effective teaching tool is what inspires our work in this field. In our study we attempted to explore the connection between motivational effects and application of educational game design as a learning tool. Additionally, we took into consideration effects of this approach on improving final exam results. Our results indicate that designing computer programs can raise enough curiosity and can be seen as a relevant learning tool for students.

전통 떡살문양과 조각보를 조합한 스카프디자인 개발

The purpose of this research is to suggest a scarf design which reflects the traditional culture native to Korea by making use of the combined pattern of jokgakbo patchwork and ddeoksal(rice cake). For research methodology, the computer design programs of Adobe Illustrator CS3 and Adobe Photoshop CS3 were used along with the related literature. For the combined sets of motif pattern, the following were consider: first, a combination of jogakbo in square shape and chrysanthemum in a rice cake mold; second, a combination of radius jogakbo and geometrical pattern; third, a combination of vertical and horizontal forms of jogakbo and rice cake pattern; fourth, a combination of yeouijumunbo and butterfly pattern in rice cake mold. For the scarf design with these applications, technical skills such as repeat, rotation, symmetry, free setup, and distortion were used for the combination motif. In terms of the shape of the design, there are two, square and lengthwise tetragons.

Teaching Undergraduate Software Engineering Using Open Source Development Tools

Introduction The computing sciences are complex fields that combine both theoretical and practical components. Students successfully completing an undergraduate computer science program should have instruction in both the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing as well as the more practical aspects of how to effectively use computers to solve problems. Software engineering, as its name implies, is more directed toward the practical aspects of how to successfully develop complex systems that meet user requirements and are reliable, usable, and maintainable. Computing Curricula 2005 recognizes the need for more extensive education to produce professional engineers than what can be reasonably provided in a typical computer science program (ACM, 2005). As such, they propose engineering be treated as a totally separate discipline within computer science education. However, while there has been some debate about the exact role engineering should have in a computer science program (Curran, 2003), the ACM Curricula has maintained the importance of engineering to all computer science students and has kept it as a core element in computer science education (ACM, 2008). For purposes of this paper, we will focus on the teaching of engineering within the computer science discipline. Unlike other topics in the computer science major, the techniques and principles taught in engineering are often first developed and refined in industry before arriving in the classroom. As commercial development techniques and tools evolve, so pedagogical methodologies change. Computer science educators have taken different approaches to teaching engineering over the years, both as a result of changing methodologies as well as individual beliefs about what teaching methods work best in a particular academic environment. This paper is a case study in applying current productivity tools (specifically Redmine) in a engineering course at our institution. The objectives of the study are to investigate how to integrate the tools into the existing structure and evaluate their impact. We describe our experience in recently changing our approach to teaching engineering to be more aligned with current tools and how to effectively use them in an academic environment. The paper begins with an overview of engineering teaching methods, then describes our traditional approach and motivation for changing, how the new approach was integrated into the course, our experience with the change, and, finally, our plans for the future Software Engineering Education Background Software Engineering is defined as the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation and maintenance of software (Petkovic, Thompson, & Todtenhoefer, 2006, p. 294). The need to teach engineering in colleges has been identified for decades. Stiller & LeBlanc (2002) point out as far back as the early 1990's, ACM Computing Curricula suggested that the at least one engineering course should be required in accredited computer science programs. They point out that the number of large projects in industry demand this and suggest that the proof of the success of these accredited computer science programs should be seen in the reduction of failure in the design and operation of large computer programs. Software engineering programs can be thought of as a replacement for the old apprenticeship programs which taught the trades to workman (Stroulia, Bauer, Craig, Reid, & Wilson, 2011). The issue, however, is how to bring this effect into the classroom. Many educators feel that current practices of teaching engineering are not adequately preparing students for the real world of development. Nurkkala & Brandle (2011) summarize the problems with current teaching approaches: * No product--students are creating projects, not commercial grade products * Short duration--single semester, or two-semester, courses impose an artificial time constraint * High turnover--new students each semester means the talent pool remains shallow and student skills are not developing based on previous experience * Low complexity--by necessity given time constraints and skill sets * No maintenance--as a result of short duration, students do not experience a key aspect of development, the maintenance phase * No customer--most engineering projects do not interface with a real customer To address these shortcomings, different approaches to teaching engineering have emerged and been proposed in the literature. …

Calculation of the effective diffusion coefficient during the drying of clay samples

The aim of this study was to calculate the effective diffusion coefficient based on experimentally recorded drying curves for two masonry clays obtained from different localities. The calculation method and two computer programs based on the mathematical calculation of the second Fick?s law and Cranck diffusion equation were developed. Masonry product shrinkage during drying was taken into consideration for the first time and the appropriate correction was entered into the calculation. The results presented in this paper show that the values of the effective diffusion coefficient determined by the designed computer programs (with and without the correction for shrinkage) have similar values to those available in the literature for the same coefficient for different clays. Based on the mathematically determined prognostic value of the effective diffusion coefficient, it was concluded that, whatever the initial mineralogical composition of the clay, there is 90% agreement of the calculated prognostic drying curves with the experimentally recorded ones. When a shrinkage correction of the masonry products is introduced into the calculation step, this agreement is even better.

Optimum manufacturing parameters for compressed lumber from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) trunks: Respond surface approach

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate optimum manufacturing parameters to produce compressed lumber from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) trunks. Experimental samples were made using steaming time, pressure, pressure time and temperature ranging from 2 to 4h, from 5 to 12MPa, from 20min to 60min and from 100°C to 200°C, respectively. Compression and recovery ratios of the specimens were determined employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach within the scope of Central Composite Design (CCD) computer program. Experimental and calculated values were compared to each other. Based on the results of the work, the specimens steamed for 2h before they were compressed using a pressure of 11.16MPa at a temperature of 200°C for 60min resulted in optimum conditions. Measured and calculated compression and recovery ratios of the samples showed 0.70 and 0.83 correlation coefficient values, respectively.

Reconstruction of Fronto-Orbital and Nasal Defects With Compound Epoxied Maleic Acrylate/Hydroxyapatite Implant Prefabricated With a Computer Design Program

The repair of fronto-orbital nasal bone defects may be a troublesome problem to plastic surgeons. This report aims to present the results of reconstruction of fronto-orbital nasal bone defects with the prefabrication of epoxied maleic acrylate/hydroxyapatite compound (EH compound) using 3-dimensional (3D) imaging data and computer-assisted manufacturing techniques, sometimes combined with autogenous bone to repair nasal defect. Helical computed tomography data were used to create a 3D model of the patient's skull. On the basis of these data, the individual shape of the implant was created by a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing program. A rapid prototyping system was applied for production of the physical models. A total of 12 patients with traumatic fronto-orbital nasal defects were included in this study. The patients followed up for 1 to 24 months. The satisfactory results, such as excellent symmetry, stability, and normal fronto-orbital contours were obtained for all patients. The operating time was short without any complications. The depression of the region of fronto-orbital nasal bone defects always achieved an attractive or satisfactory prominence that was in balance and harmony with other facial features of all the patients. This method allows accurate fabrication of the implant. It improves the surgical techniques and reduces the risk of a second intervention, with improved aesthetic outcomes.

The Selection, Designing and Analysis of Heavy Duty Tractor Gearbox (ITM8200)

In recent years, ITM 399 series tractor has been manufactured in Iran Tractor Manufacturing Company (ITM), which can be suitable for small farms operations. For big farms operations, minimizing energy consumption, decreasing the time losses and increasing work efficiency, a heavy duty tractor of ITM 8200 series was started to design in the same Company. The gearbox selection, design and analysis for this tractor with the engine power of 154 horse power is studied in this research. The mechanical gearbox equipped with mechanical-hydraulic dynashift system was used in ITM 8200 power transmission system. The dynashift system produces four cases (A, B, C and D) with 8 speeds that produced by main gearbox, which altogether produces 32 forward speeds and 32 reverse speeds for this new tractor. To design the gearbox, with recommended speeds, gearbox ratios and gears ratios was calculated. Then by using the engine torque and slip torque on tractor gearbox, the exerted loads on gears were calculated. After this, by using of American Gear Manufacturing Association (AGMA) method and computer programming design, the gears have been designed. Finally one of the gears in ANSYS software analyzed. The results of this analysis show that: The gears have been designed for tractor gearbox can endure loading and transfer the power requirement of new tractor. The design safety factor of gears has been obtained by ANSYS software approximately equals with safety factor of AGMA methodology. In gear analysis, for applying load to one of gear tooth (unit contact ratio), stress distribution will produce in gear body and especially on neighboring teeth body. For tractor gearbox design, it would be necessary to include slip torque, which will decrease the gear width and gearbox volume.

Alignment-free detection of horizontal gene transfer between closely related bacterial genomes

Bacterial epidemics are often caused by strains that have acquired their increased virulence through horizontal gene transfer. Due to this association with disease, the detection of horizontal gene transfer continues to receive attention from microbiologists and bioinformaticians alike. Most software for detecting transfer events is based on alignments of sets of genes or of entire genomes. But despite great advances in the design of algorithms and computer programs, genome alignment remains computationally challenging. We have therefore developed an alignment-free algorithm for rapidly detecting horizontal gene transfer between closely related bacterial genomes. Our implementation of this algorithm is called alfy for "ALignment Free local homologY" and is freely available from http://guanine.evolbio.mpg.de/alfy/. In this comment we demonstrate the application of alfy to the genomes of Staphylococcus aureus. We also argue that-contrary to popular belief and in spite of increasing computer speed-algorithmic optimization is becoming more, not less, important if genome data continues to accumulate at the present rate.

Method of Spling Weight and Residual Value for Analyzing Bending of Laminated Skew Plates under Complex Stress State

In order to meet the needs of boundary conditions and eliminate the residual of governing equations, the weighted residuals method is combined with least squares method solve the nonlinear bending problem of symmetrically angle-lay orthotropic laminated composite plate, and the double fifth B-spline is taken as trial function to seek an efficient method for large deflection of plate. The analytical solution of bending problems of symmetrically angle-lay orthotropic laminated composite plate with clamped boundary conditions is obtained by using the weighted residual method. The results from the present method are in good agreement with those derived from other methods, and the present method has the advantages of simple principle, high calculation efficiency and easy to satisfy boundary conditions as well, superiority to finite element method. In addition, the design of computer program is simple and it is easy to be programmed.

Correlations between Coating Components and Mechanical Properties of Weld Deposited Metal

An electrode coating slag system CaO-CaF2-BaO-TiO2-SiO2 has been designed after analyzing several domestic and abroad basic slag system. In view of uniform design method and computer program, the experiments were arranged. Nine to eleven coating components were taken as independent variables and they were divided into five levels in all twenty-nine experiments. Four mechanical properties and diffusible hydrogen content of weld deposited metal were taken as target functions. The data were analyzed with mathematical and statistic software. The results give the influencing trend figures of coating components on mechanical properties and diffusible hydrogen content and interrelation multinomial mathematic models between independent variables and functions. With these trend figures and mathematic models, the adjusting direction of improving mechanical properties and decreasing diffusible hydrogen content of weld deposited metal can be inquired, and target functions optimization searching have been done.