Graphical Technique Research Articles

Combinations of Simple Mechanisms Explain Diverse Strategies in the Freehand Writing of Memorized Sentences.

Individual differences in the strategies that control sequential behavior were investigated in an experiment in which participants memorized sentences and then wrote them by hand, in a non-cursive style. Thirty-two participants each wrote eight sentences, which had hierarchical structures with five levels. The dataset included over 31,000 letters. Despite the deliberately constrained nature of the task and stimuli, 23 patterns of behavior were identified from the durations of pauses that occurred before the inscription of letters at four chunk levels, spanning letters, words, phrases, and sentences. A critical path task analytic model, Graphical Production of Memorized Sentences (GPoMS), shows that the control of writing relies on cues that continuously switch between motor actions and chunk retrievals in a just-in-time fashion at the level of letter information. GPoMS explains the individual differences in terms of variants of a motor production mechanism and variants of a chunk retrieval mechanism, which involve varying degrees of parallelism between cognitive actions and motor actions. A graphical technique for constructing GPoMS models was developed that enabled the estimation of ongoing working memory demands during production.

SPI Trend Analysis of New Zealand Applying the ITA Technique

A natural temporary imbalance of water availability, consisting of persistent lower-than-average or higher-than-average precipitation, can cause extreme dry and wet conditions that adversely impact agricultural yields, water resources, infrastructure, and human systems. In this study, dry and wet periods in New Zealand were expressed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). First, both the short term (3 and 6 months) and the long term (12 and 24 months) SPI were estimated, and then, possible trends in the SPI values were detected by means of a new graphical technique, the Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA), which allows the trend identification of the low, medium, and high values of a series. Results show that, in every area currently subject to drought, an increase in this phenomenon can be expected. Specifically, the results of this paper highlight that agricultural regions on the eastern side of the South Island, as well as the north-eastern regions of the North Island, are the most consistently vulnerable areas. In fact, in these regions, the trend analysis mainly showed a general reduction in all the values of the SPI: that is, a tendency toward heavier droughts and weaker wet periods.

Automatic contouring of geologic fabric and finite strain data on the unit hyperboloid

Fabric and finite strain analysis, an integral part of studies of geologic structures and orogenic belts, is commonly done by the analysis of particles whose shapes can be approximated as ellipses. Given a sample of such particles, the mean and confidence intervals of particular parameters can be calculated, however, taking the extra step of plotting and contouring the density distribution can identify asymmetries or modes related to sedimentary fabrics or other factors. A common graphical strain analysis technique is to plot final ellipse ratios, Rf, versus orientations, ϕf on polar Elliott or Rf/ϕ plots to examine the density distribution. The plot may be contoured, however, it is desirable to have a contouring method that is rapid, reproducible, and based on the underlying geometry of the data. The unit hyperboloid, H2, gives a natural parameter space for two-dimensional strain, and various projections, including equal-area and stereographic, have useful properties for examining density distributions for anisotropy. An index, Ia, is given to quantify the magnitude and direction of anisotropy. Elliott and Rf/ϕ plots can be understood by applying hyperbolic geometry and recognizing them as projections of H2. These both distort area, however, so the equal-area projection is preferred for examining density distributions. The algorithm presented here gives fast, accurate, and reproducible contours of density distributions calculated directly on H2. The algorithm back-projects the data onto H2, where the density calculation is done at regular nodes using a weighting value based on the hyperboloid distribution, which is then contoured. It is implemented as an Octave compatible MATLAB function that plots ellipse data using a variety of projections, and calculates and displays contours of their density distribution on H2.

Angular momentum of free variable mass systems is partially conserved

Variable mass systems are a classic example of open systems in classical mechanics with rockets being a standard practical example. Due to the changing mass, the angular momentum of these systems is not generally conserved. Here, we show that the angular momentum vector of a free variable mass system is fixed in inertial space and, thus, is a partially conserved quantity. It is well known that such conservation rules allow simpler approaches to solving the equations of motion. This is demonstrated by using a graphical technique to obtain an analytic solution for the second Euler angle that characterizes nutation in spinning bodies.

On the Bias in the Danckwerts’ Plot Method for the Determination of the Gas–Liquid Mass-Transfer Coefficient and Interfacial Area

The Danckwerts’ plot method is a commonly used graphical technique to independently determine the interfacial area and mass-transfer coefficient in gas–liquid contactors. The method was derived in 1963 when computational capabilities were limited and intensified process equipment did not exist. A numerical analysis of the underlying assumptions of the method in this paper has shown a bias in the technique, especially for situations where mass-transfer rates are intensified, or where there is limited liquid holdup in the bulk compared to the film layers. In fact, systematic errors of up to 50% in the interfacial area, and as high as 90% in the mass-transfer coefficients, can be expected for modern, intensified gas–liquid contactors, even within the commonly accepted validity limits of a pseudo-first-order reaction and Hatta numbers in the range of 0.3 < Ha < 3. Given the current computational capabilities and the intensified mass-transfer rates in modern gas–liquid contactors, it is therefore imperative that the equations for reaction and diffusion in the liquid films are numerically solved and subsequently used to fit the interfacial area and mass-transfer coefficient to experimental data, which would traditionally be used in the graphical Danckwerts’ method.

Rough set theory with Jaya optimization for acute lymphoblastic leukemia classification

Early diagnosis of malignant leukemia can enormously help the physicians in choosing the right treatment for the patient. A lot of diagnostic techniques are available to identify leukemia disease, but these techniques are costly. Hence, there is a need for a less time-consuming and cost-effective method for the classification of leukemia blood cells. In this paper, application of graphical user interface technique for the differentiation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia nucleus from healthy lymphocytes in a medical image is described. This method employs backtrack search optimization algorithm for clustering. Five different categories of features are extracted from the segmented nucleus images, i.e., morphological, wavelet, color, texture and statistical features. Feature selection plays a very important role in medical image processing. It reduces the computational time and memory space. The hybrid intelligent framework includes the benefits of the basic models; and in the meantime, it overcomes their limitations. Three different kinds of hybrid supervised feature selection algorithms such as tolerance rough set particle swarm optimization-based quick reduct, tolerance rough set particle swarm optimization-based relative reduct and tolerance rough set firefly-based quick reduct are applied for selecting prominent features. These algorithms incorporate the strengths of evolutionary algorithms. The redundant features are eliminated to generate the reduced set which gives predictive capability equal to that of the original set of features. Jaya algorithm is applied for optimizing the rules generated from classification algorithms. Classification algorithms such as Naive Bayes, linear discriminant analysis, K-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, decision tree and ensemble random undersampling boost are applied on leukemia dataset. Experimental results depict that the above classification algorithms after optimizing with Jaya algorithm improve classification accuracy compared to the results obtained before optimizing with Jaya algorithm.

Repetitive Project Modelling With Penalty and Incentive

Repetitive construction activities have the same activities which are performed repeatedly. Repetitive projects include: pipelines, highways, and multi-story buildings. Repetitive projects have been modelled widely using the traditional network techniques although, they have some disadvantages. Furthermore, different approached have been developed for repetitive activities including the graphical and analytical techniques. The objective of this research is to add new enhancements on an approach called Repetitive Project Model (RPM) which is related to the repetitive construction projects. The enhancements incorporating the incentives and penalties within the RPM. This model incorporates a network technique, a graphical technique, and an analytical technique. A numerical example was demonstrated in this research paper to aid on using the suggested model in the real-life application.

Exploring the service recovery landscape through the lens of a systemigram

Utilising Boardman soft systems methodology (BSSM) and its graphical systemic diagramming technique (the systemigram), this study improves the comprehension and identification of the complex interrelationships between relevant factors within the service failure/recovery domain. As a first step, we conducted a study of service recovery in the extant literature and identified the way situations associated with service failure and recovery was addressed. The second step was to synthesise the literature to propose the structure of the systemigram. This study contributes to the extant literature by doing the following: 1) identifying bottlenecks in the domain of service failure and recovery that complicate customer relations in the service industry; 2) providing academics and practitioners a comprehensive picture of the service recovery environment to provide a clear view of the factors that complicate service recovery; 3) equipping system analysts with a clear understanding of systemic issues related to service recovery; 4) identifying key insights and new research areas based on the scenes incorporated in a systemigram. Study findings and recommendations for future research are presented.

Exploring the service recovery landscape through the lens of a systemigram

Utilising Boardman soft systems methodology (BSSM) and its graphical systemic diagramming technique (the systemigram), this study improves the comprehension and identification of the complex interrelationships between relevant factors within the service failure/recovery domain. As a first step, we conducted a study of service recovery in the extant literature and identified the way situations associated with service failure and recovery was addressed. The second step was to synthesise the literature to propose the structure of the systemigram. This study contributes to the extant literature by doing the following: 1) identifying bottlenecks in the domain of service failure and recovery that complicate customer relations in the service industry; 2) providing academics and practitioners a comprehensive picture of the service recovery environment to provide a clear view of the factors that complicate service recovery; 3) equipping system analysts with a clear understanding of systemic issues related to service recovery; 4) identifying key insights and new research areas based on the scenes incorporated in a systemigram. Study findings and recommendations for future research are presented.

Graphical passwords for older computer users

Traditional text password authentication is widely used to gain access to computing resources. Not all users possess the same cognitive and manual dexterity skills required to easily create, recall, and enter strong text passwords. We interviewed a group of older users, over the age of 60, and identified user challenges with recall and typing of strong text passwords. We developed and evaluated our graphical password user password system based on familiar facial images embedded randomly among unfamiliar, yet similar images. It assists older users through use of culturally familiar, and age-relevant images forming personalised password image sequences. Our usability study with 19 older volunteers measured recall, and timing with varying password image sequence lengths, increasing display complexity, and two input modalities, touchscreen and mouse. Our graphical password technique demonstrated a recall rate of 97%, password entropy superior to short PINs, and authentication time comparable to short text passwords.

Contribution of Regional Transport to Surface Ozone at an Island Site of Eastern China

The surface ozone (O3) in non-urban areas can be strongly influenced by transported regional air pollutants from distant urban agglomerations. Comprehensively using the polar plot graphical technique, and backward trajectory and potential source contribution analyses, the variations of surface O3 and its potential source regions at an island site of Zhejiang, China, were analyzed based on data from June 2013 to October 2016. Relatively high hourly O3 levels (max.: 154.0 ppb) were often observed, with the total number of hourly O3 exceeding the national standard (75 ppb) being 583, indicating high health risks from O3 exposure. An obvious time-lag for the diurnal O3 peak was observed, with the daily maxima often occurring at 16:00. A decreased O3 level was observed in summer, which was probably due to the comprehensive influence of intense rainfall, high relative humidity and clean marine airmasses during this season. The transport of external air pollutants played a dominant role in affecting local O3, with relatively high O3 concentrations (> 50 ppb) being observed under high wind speeds (> 5 m s–1). Based on all the source identification analyses, the major regions contributing to the surface O3 lay to the north and northwest of the study area. Long-range transported air pollutants from the coastal provinces of the North China Plain may have significantly enhanced surface O3 at the study site, while contributions from local areas and areas to the south of the study site were rather small. A high incidence (64.3%) of O3 pollution was accounted for by the inflowing airmasses from outside of Zhejiang, which quantitatively confirmed the significant background transport of O3 to this province. Coordinated inter-regional control on pollutant emissions should be carried out to reduce O3 in Zhejiang Province.

Network-wide traffic state estimation using a mixture Gaussian graphical model and graphical lasso

This study proposes a model that estimates unobserved highway link speeds by a machine learning technique using historical probe vehicle data. For highway traffic monitoring, probe vehicle data is one of the most promising data source. However, since such data do not always cover an entire study area, we cannot measure traffic speeds on all links in a time-dependent manner; quite a few links are unobserved. To continuously monitor speeds on all links, it is necessary to develop a technique that estimates speeds on unobserved links from historical observed link speeds. For this purpose, we extend the current Gaussian graphical model so as to use two or more multivariate normal distributions to accurately estimate unobserved link speeds. In general, since the number of unknown model parameters (mean parameters and covariance matrices) is enormous and also unobserved links always exist, the EM algorithm and the graphical lasso technique are employed to determine the model parameters. Our proposed model was applied to the Bangkok city center in Thailand as well as to the Fujisawa city in Japan. We confirmed that the model can estimate the unobserved link speeds quite reasonably.

Investigation of Stability of Precise Geodetic Instruments Used in Deformation Monitoring

Abstract Monitoring systems using automated electronic total stations are an important element of safety control of many engineering objects. In order to ensure the appropriate credibility of acquired data, it is necessary that instruments (total stations in most of the cases) used for measurements meet requirements of measurement accuracy, as well as the stability of instrument axis system geometry. With regards to the above, it is expedient to conduct quality control of data acquired using electronic total stations in the context of performed measurement procedures. This paper presents results of research conducted at the Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography at Warsaw University of Technology investigating the stability of “basic” error values (collimation, zero location for V circle, inclination), for two types of automatic total stations: TDA 5005 and TCRP 1201+. Research provided also information concerning the influence of temperature changes upon the stability of investigated instrument’s optical parameters. Results are presented in graphical analytic technique. Final conclusions propose methods, which allow avoiding negative results of measuring tool-set geometry changes during conducting precise deformation monitoring measurements.

Analytical and graphical ray-tracing techniques based on a classical principle for photon refraction.

In this work, a new classical principle that can explain the refraction of a single photon path at the boundary between two different media is proposed. This principle leads to the two well-known laws of refraction and also to a simple linear form of Snell's law. This linear form not only played a vital role in simplifying the mathematics of analytical ray tracing, but also led to a unified common form for the meridional ray-tracing formulas. Also, it works as a basic rule for a new graphical ray-tracing technique. In a previous work [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A.34, 335 (2017)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.34.000335], new exact ray-tracing formulas were derived. All of these formulas are rewritten, in the current work, in terms of that linear form of Snell's law that revealed their common mathematical form. The meridional exact formula of a thick lens is generalized to include a whole system of spherical surfaces. From the latter, all the other exact ray-tracing formulas can be easily derived. As an application, a single exact meridional formula for a ball lens and a formula for its longitudinal spherical aberration are derived. Also, we present a new ray-tracing procedure for skew rays propagating through a system of spherical surfaces that can be centered, decentered, and/or tilted without the need to determine the point of incidence or the normal to the surface. Finally, and also based on that linear form of Snell's law, a new graphical ray-tracing technique that is simpler than the classical one is presented.

Impact of Statistical Central Composite Face Centered Design Approach on Method and Process Optimization of Metformin Hydrochloride Loaded PLGA Nanoformulation

Background: In a conventional approach, development of nanoformulation necessitate significant amount of time, effort and cost. Objective: The current investigation was aimed at studying the impact of statistical central composite face centered (CCF) design on method and process optimization of metformin HCl (MH) loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoformulation. Method: MH loaded PLGA nanoformulations were prepared by solvent evaporation method (SEV) and nanoprecipitation method (NPT) within a validated design space of 2-factor, 3–level CCF design. The effect of independent variables, PLGA and Poloxamer-188 on response variables such as particle size, zetapotential, entrapment efficiency and drug release were evaluated. Desirability approach, contour plots, surface response plots, perturbation plots and sweet spot analysis of graphical optimization technique were employed in nanoformulation. Results: Comparative study of optimized nanoformulations of SEV, NPT methods by CCF design reveal that both methods produce spherical shape particles of nanosize, with homogenous distribution and good drug entrapment efficiency. Nanoprecipitation method is proven as the best optimized method, composed of nanoformulation of 1.0%, w/v PLGA and 0.680%, w/v Poloxamer exhibited mean particle size of 110.8 nm, entrapment efficiency of 71.62% and drug release 88.85% at 12hrs, in comparison to solvent evaporation method. Conclusion: These research findings not only emphasize the understanding of CCF design as a promising optimization tool for method and formulation process development of MH loaded PLGA nanoformulations, but are also a worthwhile option time and efforts involved in complex and complicated formulation development process of nanoformulations for successful commercialization. Keywords: Central composite face-centered design, optimization, metformin HCl, PLGA, solvent evaporation method, nanoprecipitation method.

Extended Graphical Technique for the Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction Projects

In recent years, many industrial companies are moving towards energy conservation initiatives, as a mean for cost reduction as well as to achieve a sustainability goal. In this work, a recently developed graphical technique based on pinch analysis is extended to perform selection among various CO2 reduction and energy conservation projects, to be implemented for an industrial site. The extended technique performs project selection with the priority on CO2 reduction, rather than economic criteria. The technique is elucidated with two case studies to demonstrate its applications.

Simulation Method for Complex Multivalued Curves in Injection-Locked Oscillators

A new methodology is presented for the efficient harmonic-balance simulation of injection-locked oscillators with complex multivalued and disconnected curves. It is illustrated through its application to high-order subharmonically injection-locked oscillators. A graphical technique is applied to analyze the oscillator-phase sensitivity with respect to the input signal, required for the injection-locked operation. The intricate synchronized-solution curves are obtained with the new method, which enables a global exploration of all the coexistent periodic solutions. These solutions can belong to different curve sections, in a multivalued response, or to disconnected synchronization curves. The method is based on the calculation of a series of phase-dependent outer-tier admittance functions, which provide the oscillator response to the injection signal. Coexistent solutions are simultaneously obtained through a contour-plot intersection, without the need for continuation techniques. The method is illustrated through application to an oscillator synchronized to low-frequency sinusoidal signal by means of a nonlinear-transmission line. The analysis and design techniques have been successfully validated through comparison with independent simulations and measurements.

Optimal design of variable stiffness laminated composite truncated cones under lateral external pressure

The purpose of this paper is to present optimal designs for variable stiffness laminated composite truncated cones under lateral external pressure. The objective is to maximize the failure load which is defined as the minimum of the buckling load and the first-ply failure (FPF) load. The numerical results are obtained using a semi-analytical degenerated shell element based on a refined first-order shear deformable shell theory and the influences of the pressure stiffness (PS) and the thickness/radius ratio are taken into account. A 2D degenerated shell element is also used for verification purposes. Results are presented for the related verification problems solved and the semi-analytical shell element is validated. Optimal designs, where FPF and buckling are imposed as design constraints, are presented for laminated composite thin and relatively thick cones having variable thickness and ply-angle. A simple graphical optimization technique and a modified Micro-Genetic Algorithm are employed. It is shown that, FPF constraint may be active for thicker cones having lower cone angles, PS slightly decreases the buckling pressures, and the stacking sequence has considerable influence on the failure load. The numerical results presented show that restraining the large end against rotation significantly increases the failure load.

Calibration and validation of SWAT model using stream flow and sediment load for Mojo watershed, Ethiopia

The main aim of this study was to setup and evaluate the applicability of physically based soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model with ArcGIS version 9.3 in assessing the runoff and sediment load from Mojo watershed having a total area of 2017.21 km2 situated in central Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia. In this study for stream flow simulation parameters involving surface runoff (CN2.mgt) and ground water (ALPHA_BNK.rte) are found the most sensitive parameter and the parameters representing channel process (SPCON.bsn, SPEXP.bsn &ADJ_PKP.bsn), geomorphology (SLSUBBSN.hru) and surface runoff (CN2.mgt, & HRU_SLP.hru), were found more sensitive for sediment load simulation. There are a good agreement between the observed and simulated discharge, which was verified using both graphical technique and quantitative statistics. The value of R 2 = 0.75, NSE = 0.76, RSR = 0.49 and PBIAS = 10.9 obtained during calibration and R 2 value 0.71, NSE value 0.70, RSR value 0.59 and PBIAS 9.5 obtained during validation as well as the uniformly scatter points along the 1:1 line during calibration and validation justify that the model is good in simulating runoff from Mojo watershed. For sediment load the computed statistical indicators R 2 = 0.77, NSE = 0.76, RSR = 0.49 and PBIAS = 48.70 were obtained during calibration and during validation the computed statistical indicators were found 0.67 for R 2, 0.65 for NSE, 0.59 for RSR and 50.5 for PBIAS. From the calibration and validation result, it can be concluded that the calibrated parameter values of SWAT model can be used for hydrologic simulation of the un-gauged watershed that is having the similar agro-climatic condition.

Towards indicators outlining prospects to reduce car use with an application to European cities

The paper brings together the diverse aspects which affect the sustainable urban mobility transition. They are labelled as Spatial, Socio-economic, Supply, Satisfaction and Strive dimension and summed up as 5S. We come up with a systematic procedure for creating indicators under each dimension. The proposed indicators reconcile the need for wide-scope coverage with operability and as such they provide a platform for international comparisons. Apart from that, we have covered some relevant aspects which are in the course of the development yet. These are walking facilities and institutional capacity. To illustrate the operationalization of our conceptual framework, we have provided the data for ten European cities and conducted a pilot study using multivariate graphical technique, Co-plot. This kind of data visualization enables preliminary analysis of performance without weighting decisions.