Ease Of Understanding Research Articles

무인항공기체계의 개념설계에서 SysML 모델의 활용에 관한 연구

최근의 전장 상황이 디지털 네트워크 중심의 전장체계를 기반으로 진화하면서, 개발해야 할 국방 전술무기체계가 첨단화, 복잡화, 다기능화 및 고도의 정밀화 등의 특성으로 가속화 되고 있다. 따라서 오늘날 국방 연구개발에서의 복잡도, 비용, 개발기간 및 위험 등을 효율적으로 관리하면서 성공적인 과제수행을 위해서는 시스템공학적인 설계 방법론의 적용이 필수불가결하게 되었다. 본 논문에서는 국방무기체계를 개발하기 위한 전체 수명주기 중 개념설계(conceptual design) 단계의 설계 활동에서 시스템공학 기법을 기반으로 하되 그래픽모델을 활용함으로써 여러 가지 장점을 추구하는 방안에 관해서 기술하고 있다. 특히 설계 대상시스템으로서 무인항공기 체계개발을 선택하였고, 모델링언어로서 표준 언어인 SysML을 적용함으로써 활용성을 증대시키고, 생성 된 모델들이 개념연구단계의 설계 활동에서 활용될 수 있는 방안에 관하여 논의하고 있다. 본 연구의 결과를 기반으로 향 후 추가 연구를 수행하면, 대형복합 국방무기시스템개발에서 전면적인 모델기반 시스템공학 방법론을 적용하기 위한 발전과정에 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다. Today's war fields can be characterized by net-centric wars where a variety of independent weapon systems are operated in connection with each other via networks. As such, weapon systems become dramatically advanced in terms of complexity, functionality, precision and so on. It is then obvious that the defense R&D of those requires systematic and efficient development tools enabling the effective management of the complexity, budget/cost, development time, and risk all together. One viable approach is known to be the development methods based on systems engineering, which is already proved to successful in U.S. In this paper, a systems engineering approach is studied to be used in the conceptual design of advanced weapon systems. The approach is utilizing some graphical models in the design phase. As a target system, an unmanned aerial vehicle system is considered and the standard SysML is also used as a modeling language to create models. The generated models have several known merits such as ease of understanding and communication. The interrelationships between the models and the design artifacts are identified, which should be useful in the generation of some design documents that are required in the defense R&D. The result reported here could be utilized in the further study that can eventually lead to a full-scale model-based systems engineering method.

Utility Outcome Assessment of the Aging Neck following Massive Weight Loss

The authors set out to quantify the health state utility assessment of living with the physical appearance of the aging neck following massive weight loss. Described utility scores may help to establish the health burden of the aging neck in the growing bariatric patient population. Prospective cohort observational study. Tertiary referral medical center. Three validated tools were used to determine utility scores for living with an aging neck: visual analog scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO), and standard gamble (SG). A 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the subjects' ease of understanding. A prospective sample of volunteers from the general population and medical students was used for this assessment. In total, 118 prospective volunteers were included in the survey. All measures (VAS, TTO, SG); (0.89 ± 0.07, 0.94 ± 0.08, and 0.95 ± 0.10, respectively) varied (P < .0001) from the corresponding ones for monocular blindness (0.62 ± 0.18, 0.87 ± 0.15, and 0.85 ± 0.20, respectively) and binocular blindness (0.32 ± 0.18, 0.66 ± 0.25, and 0.64 ± 0.28, respectively). The authors objectified the health state of living with an aging neck in the massive weight loss patient with utility scores (TTO, 0.94) comparable with those living with obstructive sleep apnea. This sample population, if faced with an aging neck following massive weight loss, would undertake a neck rejuvenation procedure with a theoretical 5% chance of mortality and would be willing to trade 2.1 years of remaining life-years to attain this procedure.

SIMPLAN: A SIMplified PLANning Model

This paper discusses the development of the SIMPLAN modelling suite, a land-use-transport-interaction model for city planning that was created for the city of Ahmedabad, India. SIMPLAN consists of four modules: the Trend Analysis Module (TAM) for spatial trend analysis; the Residential Location Module (RLM) for econometric residential location analysis that deals with work trips, Modal Split Module (MSM) which uses a multinomial logit modal split model to assess work trips, and the Assessment Module (ASM), which provides an assessment of policy alternatives. In this paper, the author focuses on the calibration of the RLM and MSM for the base year 2001, and also illustrates the interrelationship between all four modules. The graphical interface developed for the model allows for ease of understanding and use by local planning agencies, who can also easily update the model when new data becomes available.

Specifying peripheral aberrations in visual science

Investigations of foveal aberrations assume circular pupils. However, the pupil becomes increasingly elliptical with increase in visual field eccentricity. We address this and other issues concerning peripheral aberration specification. One approach uses an elliptical pupil similar to the actual pupil shape, stretched along its minor axis to become a circle so that Zernike circular aberration polynomials may be used. Another approach uses a circular pupil whose diameter matches either the larger or smaller dimension of the elliptical pupil. Pictorial presentation of aberrations, influence of wavelength on aberrations, sign differences between aberrations for fellow eyes, and referencing position to either the visual field or the retina are considered. Examples show differences between the two approaches. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but there are ways to compensate for most disadvantages. Two representations of data are pupil aberration maps at each position in the visual field and maps showing the variation in individual aberration coefficients across the field. Based on simplicity of use, adequacy of approximation, possible departures of off-axis pupils from ellipticity, and ease of understanding by clinicians, the circular pupil approach is preferable to the stretched elliptical approach for studies involving field angles up to 30 deg.

Multi-Modelling of Torque and Air/Fuel Ratio Based on Engine Operating Regions

This paper addresses multi-model identification techniques and their applications in engine torque and air/fuel ratio estimation. Mult-models are currently being considered for automotive applications because of their modularity, and ease of understanding and implementation. The novelty in the paper is the application of structure identification processes to determine empirical engine multi-models efficiently and with improved quality. Two different approaches, stepwise regression with F-statistic test and orthogonal least squares with error reduction ratio (ERR) analysis, have been applied to determine the model structure. Based on the input/output measurements from a real-time RT-Wave® virtual engine model, two MISO torque and Air/Fuel Ratio models are developed. The model is then validated by output error for its prediction ability of the virtual engine behaviour.

Dental health education through the brushing ROBOTUTOR: A new learning experience

Aim:In the present study, a new electronic model ROBOTUTOR was designed to compare the efficacy of different modes of dental health education for demonstration of the Bass toothbrushing technique and also to evaluate its efficacy with different modes of dental health education in patient understanding.Materials and Methods:Total 150 subjects were randomized into two groups, Group 1 (Questionnaire) and Group II (Investigators). Subjects with history of gingivitis and only mild periodontitis were included. Demonstration of Bass technique was given to each subject with the help of three different modes, i.e., ROBOTUTOR, clinician, and audio-video aids.Results:The result was evaluated in terms of effectiveness, ease of understanding, attraction, and recollection. In the present study, the best mode of education is clinician demonstration and the least effective one is the audio-video mode. In contrast, the ROBOTUTOR model was found to be more attractive than the other two.Conclusion:Although demonstration by clinician is the best, it is time consuming and not feasible for community purpose. ROBOTUTOR would thus save clinician's chair side time and help in effective demonstration of the brushing technique.

An Aid to the Explanation of Surgical Risks and Complications

Presentation and analysis of a patient information sheet. To produce an evidence-based information sheet that will serve as an aide-memoire to the process of taking informed consent prior to spinal surgery. Consent for a surgical intervention is the end of a process of discussion between the surgeon and the patient. It is essential that the patient has been provided with sufficient information to make an informed judgment as to whether the benefits of a proposed procedure will outweigh its risks. We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane database of systematic reviews and personal libraries for articles reporting complications of the surgical treatment of spinal diseases with particular reference to the most commonly treated conditions. A draft document was drawn up referencing the odds of specific complications. This was circulated to the National Health Service Scotland Central Legal Office for scrutiny and to an English language expert at the University of Edinburgh for translation to lay English. Finally, the document was issued to 50 patients in the outpatient clinic and scored on visual analog scales (VAS) for the ease of understanding, usefulness, and length. The product of this project was a two-page A4 sheet, with the front page outlining information applicable to spinal surgery "in general" and a back page detailing all common risks, relating to a headline procedure, that a Court of Law would expect a surgeon to discuss. The patients' VAS score (0-10) for "ease of understanding" was 8.8 ± 1.3 and for "usefulness" 8.9 ± 1.0 (means ± SD). Forty-three of 50 patients (86%) indicated that the length of the document was "just right" and seven (14%) of them that it was "too long." The ISSiS is user friendly and can be employed as a tool in the process of obtaining consent.

Content Validity of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in Pre‐ and Postmenopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) has consistently been shown to have discriminant validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency as a measure of female sexual function. However, the content validity (relevance, clarity, comprehensiveness) of the instrument in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) must also be established. The aim of this study were to assess the content validity of the FSFI, specifically the FSFI desire domain, in pre- and postmenopausal women with HSDD. Two single-visit content validation studies were conducted in the United States. Eligible premenopausal (both studies) and postmenopausal (second study only) women with HSDD completed the FSFI followed by one-on-one, face-to-face cognitive debriefing interviews including open-ended questions to capture information on their perceptions of the instrument. Information on women's experiences of decreased sexual desire was also captured. The main outcome measures of this study were the women's ratings of the clarity, ease of understanding, comprehensiveness, and relevance of the 19 items of the FSFI. Interviews with 15 premenopausal women (first study), and 30 pre- and 31 postmenopausal women (second study), were analyzed. Across the whole sample, most women (80-100%) found every item of the FSFI clear and easy to understand. The majority (53-70%) felt that the FSFI captured all their feelings about decreased sexual desire and other sexual problems, and most (84-90%) indicated that additional questions were unnecessary. Most women in both studies (93-100%) reported that the two items comprising the FSFI desire domain were clear, easy to understand, and were relevant to them. The majority of women thought that a recall period of ≥7 days is most relevant for recall of their sexual desire. These studies establish the content validity of the FSFI in pre- and postmenopausal women with HSDD, supporting the use of this instrument as a measure of sexual function in women with this condition.

Parental perception of staff-parent communication in the neonatal unit

Background and aimA high standard of communication between staff and parents in the neonatal unit is a vital part of family centred care. It is essential to the establishment of...

Fuzzy logic in manufacturing: A review of literature and a specialized application

Manufacturing decisions inherently face uncertainties and imprecision. Fuzzy logic, and tools based on fuzzy logic, allow for the inclusion of uncertainties and imperfect information in decision making models, making them well suited for manufacturing decisions. In this study, we first review the progression in the use of fuzzy tools in tackling different manufacturing issues during the past two decades. We then apply fuzzy linear programming to a less emphasized, but important issue in manufacturing, namely that of product mix prioritization. The proposed algorithm, based on linear programming with fuzzy constraints and integer variables, provides several advantages to existing algorithm as it carries increased ease in understanding, in use, and provides flexibility in its application.

Weak discontinuity annihilation in solidification modelling

Discontinuous behaviour provides substantial obstacles to the efficient application of mesh based numerical techniques. Accounting for strong discontinuities is presently of particular interest to the finite element research community with for example the development of cohesive and enriched elements to cater for material separation. Although strong discontinuities are of importance, of equal if not of greater interest and the focus in this paper, are weak discontinuities, which are present at any material change. A recent innovation for accounting for weak discontinuities has been the discovery of non-physical variables which are founded and defined using transport equations. This paper is concerned with the application of the non-physical approach to solidification modelling in the presence of more than one material discontinuity. A typical feature of the enthalpy-temperature response in solidification is discontinuities at phase transition temperatures as a consequence of phase change and latent heat release. In these circumstances, depending on the conditions that prevail, an element in a finite element mesh can have more than one discontinuity present. Presented in the paper is a methodology that can cater for multiple discontinuities. The non-physical approach permits the precise removal of weak discontinuities arising in the governing transport equations. In order to facilitate the application of the approach the finite element equations are presented in the form of weighted transport equations. The method utilises a non-physical form of enthalpy that possesses a remarkable source distribution like property at a discontinuity. It is demonstrated in the paper that it is through this property that multiple discontinuities can be exactly removed from an element so facilitating the use of continuous approximations. The new methodology is applied to a range of simple problems to provide an in-depth treatment and for ease of understanding to demonstrate the methods remarkable accuracy and stability.

Inference for the Lognormal Mean and Quantiles Based on Samples With Left and Right Type I Censoring

Interval estimation of the mean and quantiles of a lognormal distribution is addressed based on a Type I singly censored sample. A special case of interest is that of a sample containing values below a single detection limit. Generalized inferential procedures which use maximum likelihood estimation based approximate pivotal quantities, and some likelihood based methods, are proposed. The latter include methodology based on the signed log-likelihood ratio test (SLRT) statistic and the modified signed log-likelihood ratio test (MSLRT) statistic. The merits of the methods are evaluated for a left-censored sample using Monte Carlo simulation. For inference concerning the lognormal mean, the SLRT is to be preferred for left-tailed testing, generalized inference for right-tailed testing, and all three approaches provide nearly the same performance for two-tailed testing. These conclusions hold even when the proportion of censored values is as large as 0.70. For inference concerning quantiles, both the generalized inference approach and the MSLRT approach are satisfactory. In view of its simplicity and ease of understanding and implementation, the generalized inference procedure is to be preferred. The results are illustrated with two examples. Technical derivations are given on the Technometrics website as supplementary material.

Intellectual Property and Healthcare

This paper on “Intellectual Property and Healthcare” intends to explore the relationship between the two, within a global perspective. Over the years, with the intensification of globalized trade, harmonization of patent law worldwide has become an important goal of intellectual property and trade negotiations. In fact, most of the trading area in this regard deals with the harmonisation of patent law worldwide. Ever since the early 1980s, there have been concerted efforts to bring in harmonization of patent administration, but which has been strongly opposed by the developing nations. A breakthrough in this area was however, achieved with the negotiation of TRIPs at the end of the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1994, which provided for the globalisation of Intellectual Property Rights. In this regard, it becomes important to understand the intricate link between IPR and healthcare needs of the people, which is what this paper aims to do. The scope of the area of Intellectual Property and Health is very vast. Hence, for ease of understanding, the paper has been divided into three sections. The first section focuses on how a balance between IPR and healthcare has been sought by the current IPR regime. The second section discusses about the chinks in the supposedly-balanced IPR regime of today with regard to aspects of healthcare. The third section hopes to look at various ways to overcome the problems faced in healthcare distribution among the people, and come up with a viable option.

A Study on Route Guidance of a Car Navigation System Based on Augmented Reality

Car navigation systems play a prominent role in road traffic safety and traffic regulation. However, it is necessary to improve the route guidance of car navigation systems so that accurately and quickly recognize small differences in location. Thus, to increase the ease of understanding and safety of car-navi systems, navigation systems based on augmented reality have been proposed for providing guidance at road intersections. We are currently developing a car navigation system based on augmented reality, called AR-Navi. We investigated designs for the display of road intersection guidance that can be easily understood even when limited information is available and proposed a “best shot” display method that does not use moving images. In addition, we implemented a prototype system that includes these methods and conducted driving experiments on public roads to evaluate the ease of understanding and safety of AR-Navi. Using the evaluation results, we confirmed that the ease of understanding and safety is similar in the case of AR-Navi and CG-Navi. We also clarified the characteristics of AR-Navi.

Using Deductions from Assessment Studies towards Furtherance of the Academic Program: An Empirical Appraisal of Institutional Student Course Evaluation

The regular evaluation of ongoing activities under academic programs is required evidence towards academic development. Indeed, such evaluations generally involve data collection on a Likert type item as one (strongly disagree) to five (strongly agree). While using arithmetic mean in item by item analysis to derive inferences, as adopted by the National Commission for Assessment and Academic Accreditation (NCAAA), two issues occurred to us, its accuracy as well as usefulness. We took initiatives to also use more appropriate and useful measures to deal with the ordinal scale involved in such data. Surprisingly, a review showed a mixed practice. This article aims to describe and advocate the need of focusing more on such appropriate practices. Such practice extends many-fold benefits: (i) theoretical appropriateness, (ii) accuracy in results and related inferences, (iii) ease of understanding, (iv) useful clues regarding academic improvements, and (v) optimum use of allocated resources.

An examination of the information quality perceptions of Mexican internet users

Mexico was a relatively early adopter of the internet, and although broadband access has been limited in some parts of the country, the government has aggressively sought to provide internet access to users throughout the country. This study reports the results of a study of perceptions of information quality among Mexican users of the internet. Results are reported from a survey of internet users at two Mexican universities in which perceptions of 15 dimensions of information quality are assessed. The nine dimensions of believability, accuracy, objectivity, reputation, value-added, ease of understanding, representational consistency, concise representation, and access security have higher ratings for traditional text sources of information than for internet sources of information. In contrast, the dimensions of timeliness and accessibility have higher ratings for internet sources than for traditional text sources of information.

Readability of Educational Materials for Endodontic Patients

Introduction Vocabulary and writing style have been shown to affect the readability of patient-education materials. Readability is generally defined as the ease of understanding or comprehension because of the style of writing. Microsoft Word software (Microsoft Corporation, Bellevue, WA) can quantify and report readability statistics, providing both the Flesch Reading Ease score and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score of selected documents. Methods This study evaluated the readability of 22 endodontic patient education web sites and 15 endodontic patient education brochures. The web sites and brochures were arbitrarily selected based on availability, reputation of the source, and relevance to endodontic patients. Results The Flesch Reading Ease score and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score were determined for the 37 selected materials. The Flesch Reading Ease scores varied between 44.4 and 76.6, and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level scores ranged between 4.5 and 10.6. Conclusions These findings remind practitioners that some patients may have difficulty reading some endodontic educational materials.

A Multicenter Study Comparing Two Numerical Versions of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System in Palliative Care Patients

Context The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is a widely used, self-report symptom intensity tool for assessing nine common symptoms in palliative care, with ratings ranging from 0 (none, best) to 10 (worst). Based on a “think-aloud” study of 20 advanced cancer patients, the ESAS was revised (ESAS-r). Objectives To compare the consistency of patients’ symptom ratings and obtain patient perspectives regarding ease of understanding and completion between the ESAS and ESAS-r. Methods Cognitively intact patients ( n = 160) were recruited from eight palliative care sites in Canada and Switzerland, using cross-sectional sampling (20 per site). Consenting patients completed the ESAS, ESAS-r, and a structured interview. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess rating consistency. Results In total, 1046 patients were screened. One hundred sixty were enrolled and evaluable (female 51%, median age 61 [range 34–92], lung cancer 26%, gastrointestinal cancer 22%). Mean ESAS scores ranged from 1.2 (nausea, standard deviation [SD] 2.1) to 4.3 (appetite, SD 3.3). ICCs ranged from 0.65 to 0.83, with lowest scores (<0.8) for drowsiness, appetite, and well-being. Although most patients rated both versions as very easy or easy to understand and complete, the ESAS-r was significantly easier to understand than the ESAS ( P = 0.008). Significantly, more patients preferred the ESAS-r (39%) than the ESAS (14%, P < 0.001) because of its definitions, clarity, and format. Conclusion The ESAS-r retains core elements of the ESAS, with improved interpretation and clarity of symptom intensity assessment. It represents the next generation of ESAS development, with further validation recommended for drowsiness, appetite, and well-being.

Improving adherence to medication in stroke survivors (IAMSS): a randomised controlled trial: study protocol

BackgroundAdherence to therapies is a primary determinant of treatment success, yet the World Health Organisation estimate that only 50% of patients who suffer from chronic diseases adhere to treatment recommendations. In a previous project, we found that 30% of stroke patients reported sub-optimal medication adherence, and this was associated with younger age, greater cognitive impairment, lower perceptions of medication benefits and higher specific concerns about medication. We now wish to pilot a brief intervention aimed at (a) helping patients establish a better medication-taking routine, and (b) eliciting and modifying any erroneous beliefs regarding their medication and their stroke.Methods/DesignThirty patients will be allocated to a brief intervention (2 sessions) and 30 to treatment as usual. The primary outcome will be adherence measured over 3 months using Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) pill containers which electronically record openings. Secondary outcomes will include self reported adherence and blood pressure.DiscussionThis study shall also assess uptake/attrition, feasibility, ease of understanding and acceptability of this complex intervention.Trial RegistrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN38274953

Consumer perceptions of online shopping environments: A gestalt approach

AbstractAlthough Web pages and sites consist of a multitude of individual cues, this paper argues that marketers need a gestalt approach to understand how consumers perceive online shopping environments. Following a systematic review of the literature on categorizations of online shopping environments, this paper develops and tests a gestalt model of consumer perceptions of online shopping environments. The model shows that consumers perceive online shopping environments in terms of their sense‐making and exploratory potential. It encompasses perceptions at the level of both individual pages and the experience consisting of the navigation through a succession of pages accessed during one visit. It also accounts for the informational needs all shoppers possess, reflected in the central role of information in online shopping environments. The model confirms the importance of the three main categories investigated in the literature (ease of understanding, informativeness, and involving qualities), but provides a theoretically grounded explanation of how consumers perceive online shopping environments holistically. It can form a basis from which to envisage organismic and behavioral responses. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.