Information Inquiry Research Articles

TFSM‐based dialogue management model framework for affective dialogue systems

A new dialogue management model for affective dialogue system, which aims to provide a service of information inquiry and affective interaction, is proposed in this paper. First, we construct two finite state machines (TFSM) to model the user and the system, respectively, and simulate the dialogue process as an information exchange between the two state machines. All possible state transitions in dialogue and its probabilities of the user are summarized as a user model, which is helpful for the system to inference and predict the user's internal states. Second, we further discuss the implementation methods of information inquiry and emotional response modules. Finally, we employ the return function of partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDP) model to analyze and evaluate the TFSM‐based dialogue management model. The experimental results not only show the relationships between the average returns, recognition error rates, and state transition probabilities but also confirm that our TFSM‐based dialogue management model outperforms the conventional FSM model. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Description of medication errors detected at a drug information centre in Southern Brazil.

To identify and describe actual or potential medication errors related to drug information inquiries made by staff members of a teaching hospital to a Drug Information Centre from January 2012 to December 2013. Data were collected from the records of inquiries made by health care professionals to the Drug Information Centre throughout this period. During the study period, the Drug Information Centre received 3,500 inquiries. Of these, 114 inquiries had medication errors. Most errors were related to prescribing, preparation, and administration and were classified according to severity as category B (57%) (potential errors) and categories C (26.3%) and D (15.8%) (actual errors that did not result in harm to the patient). Error causes included overdose (13.2%), wrong route of administration (11.4%), inadequate drug storage (11.4%), and wrong dosage form (8.8%). The drugs most frequently involved in errors were vitamin K (4.4%), vancomycin (3.5%), and meropenem (3.5%). In this study, it was not possible to measure the reduction in error rate involving medication use because of the lack of previous data on this process in the institution. However, our findings indicate that the Drug Information Centre may be used as a strategy to seek improvements in processes involving medication use.

Obstacle-Avoiding Algorithm in X-Architecture Based on Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization for VLSI Design

Obstacle-avoiding Steiner minimal tree (OASMT) construction has become a focus problem in the physical design of modern very large-scale integration (VLSI) chips. In this article, an effective algorithm is presented to construct an OASMT based on X-architecturex for a given set of pins and obstacles. First, a kind of special particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed that successfully combines the classic genetic algorithm (GA), and greatly improves its own search capability. Second, a pretreatment strategy is put forward to deal with obstacles and pins, which can provide a fast information inquiry for the whole algorithm by generating a precomputed lookup table. Third, we present an efficient adjustment method, which enables particles to avoid all the obstacles by introducing some corner points of obstacles. Finally, an excellent refinement method is discussed to further enhance the quality of the final routing tree, which can improve the quality of the solution by 7.93% on average. To our best knowledge, this is the first time to specially solve the single-layer obstacle-avoiding problem in X-architecture. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can further shorten wirelength in the presence of obstacles. And it achieves the best solution quality in a reasonable runtime among the existing algorithms.

Study on GIS Framework and Spatial Data Mining Model of China Highway Natural Regionalization

The main task of highway natural regionalization is to reveal the regional differences of the natural environment of highway engineering, and provide scientific basis for highway construction decision. To have a quantitative and automatic study on China Highway Natural Regionalization, obtain scientific and objective regionalization conclusion, we studied the framework, spatial data mining model and development methods of China Highway Natural Regionalization GIS (HR-GIS). This paper studied integration method and framework of HR-GIS according to the guideline and methods of the research of Natural Regionalization for China Highway. Based on object-rational model, the spatial database has been built for massive data management. The spatial data mining methods were put forward to accomplish quantitative calculation of environmental indices. Using ArcGIS Engine technology, the HR-GIS has been developed and completed, and it has the functions of spatial analysis and information inquiry of natural regionalization.

Establishment of Chinese patient online database and registry system for primary immunodeficiency diseases

Primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) are rare diseases caused by inherent defects of the immune system, the main clinical manifestations are increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases and malignancies.For such rare diseases, it's essential to establish national patient online database for collaborative studies.By using hypertext preprocessor (PHP)and MySQL, the database and registration system are successfully set up, and it could complete inquiries for the information saving, export, query, retrieval, backup etc.This database includes patient's information on the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatments.Through communication and information-sharing between multiple centers, it creates a basis for nationwide research on PID. Key words: Primary immunodeficiency disease; Registry; Database

Establishment and application of information management platform of standardized residents training in Liaoning Province

The Information and Management Platform of Standardized Training of Residents in Liaoning Province is a comprehensive management platform with information network , containing the whole process of the standardized training for residents. Liaoning, the populous province, has too many management staff in training residents, so it is very necessary to explore the information-based method for the training management. This platform has realized the whole-course network management of resi-dent training, and many common functions such as the application of training base , on-line registra-tion, on-line real-time monitoring of trainees’ daily training state, on-line graduation exam arrangement, and inquiry of statistical information of trainees in the province . It saves human and management costs , improves management efficiency , and orderly pushes forward the standardized of residents training. Key words: Residency; Information management platform; Software

Design of Pesticide Safety Evaluation of Software

This paper discusses the evaluation of the level of pesticide safety and designs and realizes the software of pesticide safety evaluation on B/S. The function of the software includes inquiry of pesticide safety, inquiry of evaluation index information and management of users’ information etc. It owns practical values.

Design and Implementation of Stud-farm Daily Management System Based on C/S Structure

In order to achieve the computerization and digitization of the daily system of stud-farm, the immunization system technology, racecourse health monitoring technologies and the stud-farm prevention technologies were combined to built the stud-farm daily management system. By using Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft Office Access 2003, an immunization information system was developed based on Client/Server structure and combined with the key immunization link of horses. The system included stud-farm immune management and racecourse health monitoring system. The immune management contained immunization information input, the inquiry of immunization information, immunization statistics, immunization-reminding and system management. The racecourse health monitoring system included stud-farm monitoring, horses monitoring and inquiry and statistics of health monitoring. The software realized the analysis and tips of the daily information in stud-farm. The software could record the appropriate data and carry on the statistics. The stud-farm daily management system greatly improved the efficiency of the expanded program about immunization and horses’ healthy rearing technique.

Online analysis process on Automatic Identification System data warehouse for application in vessel traffic service

The widespread application of the Automatic Identification System has had a revolutionary impact on navigation technology. In terms of its impact on a vessel traffic service, it provides rich and real-time data on the vessels, which can be used for identification, tracking, and monitoring of vessels. The Automatic Identification System rapidly accumulates large volumes of data, and these data contain a very large number of implicit maritime traffic rules and characteristics, and thus, effective methods are needed to discover the knowledge contained therein. In this research, data warehouse and online analysis process technologies, which are utilized by ordinary business entities for large-quantity business information analysis, are applied to analyze Automatic Identification System information collected through a vessel traffic service. Automatic Identification System raw data collected in a harbor area are used for analysis and post-processing using the geographic information system and database technology, and the processed data with time and space characteristics are stored in an Automatic Identification System data warehouse. In addition, online analysis process technology, the Geographic Information System, and pivot analysis are utilized to perform rapid multidimensional, meaningful high-level information inquiries, analysis of marine traffic characteristics, and rule discovery in marine traffic. These can be used as references for port development planning, traffic forecasting, navigation safety assessment, and making other policy decisions.

The Design and Implementation of Traffic Management System Based on SuperMap

This paper developed a GIS-based traffic management and analysis platform designed to enable accident analysis process is fast, convenient and intuitive analysis and comprehensive; while black spots investigation aspect, there is provided a certain basis for the conclusion of the investigation for the black spots, governance provide supplementary information. Based on the above analysis, combined with the actual situation, the system uses the scan of thematic maps, vector maps as baseline. Based on this development system, mainly the following functions: map management functions, basic map operation, information inquiry, the accident entry, statistical function, black spot investigation model.

Design and Implementation of University Parking Query System

To conveniently find parking spaces for college staffs and visitors, the university parking query system is designed based on C/S architecture. By the design of automatically obtaining parking information based on image processing technology and the design of parking information inquiry, the system enables parking information exchange between Android mobile devices and Web server. It could improve the efficiency of parking spaces and also reduce the time spending on finding parking space.

Design and Implementation of Mobile Client for Passenger Dynamic Travel Information Enquiry in Urban Rail Transit Network

With rapid development and popularity of smart phone and mobile internet, mobile client software (APP) is widely used in every aspect of daily life. To improve the informatization and intellectualization of Urban Rail Transit passenger services, the paper brings forward a method of optimal travel choice for passengers based on “dynamic travel time”(hereinafter to be referred as DTT), and also takes advantage of the Android platform to develop an APP for dynamic travel information enquiry. The structure of the APP and the key problems to be resolved during the development process are introduced. As the APP is applied into practice, it can provide passengers with effective support.

High speed rail passenger segmentation and ticketing channel preference

A multi-channel strategy for the purposes of marketing and ticketing has been widely employed in various fields, including the transportation industry, yet few transportation studies have investigated ticket channel-related issues. This study thus adopts Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) as a case study to identify passengers’ perceptions regarding key factors that affect the channel preference through which they receive their services, particularly across a four-stage ticket purchasing process, including information enquiry, booking, payment, and ticket pick-up. To investigate these key factors, we base the framework of our research model upon customers’ perceived value perspective, adopting a multinomial logit model to examine the influence of channel attributes on HSR passengers’ preferences. The relationship among the decisions made by these passengers at each ticket purchasing stage is also examined. The findings of our study demonstrate that perceived risk, perceived benefit, and perceived ease of use are critical factors influencing passengers’ channel preference throughout the ticket-purchasing process. Perceptual differences are proven to exist due to various demographic factors and trip characteristics. The conclusions of this study have implications for THSR management to design appropriate ticketing channel services for certain types of passengers and can also be generally applied to multiple distribution channels in conventional railway system and intercity bus services.

Impacts of information-providers’ perceived cultural backgrounds on information-seeking behaviors: Investigation of American employees’ information-seeking behaviors in a Korean multinational corporation in the US

This current study examined how employees’ perception of information-providers’ cultural backgrounds impact the patterns of seeking information from culturally different sources. For this examination, this study looked into the information-seeking behaviors in a Korean multinational corporation in the US. Results from paired t-tests and a series of hierarchical regression analyses showed the following meaningful findings: (a) American employees’ information-seeking behaviors were more strongly discouraged by the perceived power distance for Korean expatriates, compared to the influence of the power distance for American supervisors, and (b) after controlling for gender, organizational tenure, and team tenure, American employees’ monitoring of feedback information and their inquiry of task information from direct supervisors positively and significantly predicted communication satisfaction with the information source.

RIFD-Based Tracing and Traceability System for Tan Sheep Mutton Products

Based on the study of Tan sheep mutton products supply chain, this paper establishes a tracing and traceability system for Tan sheep mutton products by using RFID technology, internet of things, QR 2D barcode and EPC system . The whole system consists of four sub-systems i.e. Tan sheep breeding management system, Tan sheep data acquisition system based on handheld devices, Tan sheep slaughter and processing management system, tracing and traceability system of Tan sheep mutton products. The whole system is capable of identifying and tracing each Tan sheep, collecting data from Tan sheep breeding stage along with slaughter and processing stage automatically, implementing the function of providing tracing and traceability information inquiry finally.

Real-time temperature control for high arch dam based on decision support system

It is important and difficult to control the temperature of mass concrete structure during high arch dam construction. A new method with decision support system is presented for temperature control and crack prevention. It is a database system with functions of data storage, information inquiry, data analysis, early warning and resource sharing. Monitoring information during construction can be digitized via this system, and the intelligent analysis and dynamic control of concrete temperature can be conducted. This method has been applied in the construction of the Dagangshan Arch Dam in China and has proven to be very convenient. Based on the decision support of this system and the dynamic adjustment of construction measures, the concrete temperature of this project is well-controlled.

Online Flood Information System

This paper implements a cyber-platform which visualizes and analyzes spatial patterns of flooding with a user-oriented spatial intelligence. The paper is organized from three perspectives: first, why representation and modeling of flooding data set is vital; second, how the design of flooding analysis involves spatial intelligence; third, why flooding analysis should be integrated into Cyber-infrastructure. The flood is one of the most common and devastative disasters. Flood disasters bring huge damages to the affected communities and beyond. Hence, a fast and effective flood information inquiry system is critical to reduce the loss. REST-based Web Service illustrates its great advantages in web map re-rendering, attribute information retrieving, and advanced GIS functions. This research introduces how to use REST-based Web Service to build a user-friendly online flood information inquiry system.

The development of the multimodal information kiosk

The paper presents results of the research and the design of hardware part of a test bench of an information enquiry system with multimodal user interface (“multimodal information kiosk”). The test bench combines standard input/output devices (sensory monitor, keyboard, stereo speakers) and input devices for contactless human-computer interaction (video-camera, microphones). For distant recognition of speech commands of Russian a microphone array is applied that allows to locate a source of useful audio signal and eliminate acoustic noises. A portable video-camera is applied for vision-based tracking person’s position inside the kiosk working area. The developed kiosk prototype to be used for creation of the model of information enquiry system and studies of cognitive aspects of interaction between a user and the system by different communication modalities.

Campus Card Information Query System Design and Implementation

This paper introduces the "Campus Card " information inquiry system structure composed mainly discusses the Web-based "Campus Card " information system design and implementation .

Factors Associated With Family-Centered Involvement in Family Practice—A Cross-Sectional Multivariate Analysis

The importance of a family-centered approach in family practice has been emphasized. Knowledge about factors associated with higher family-centered involvement seems beneficial to stimulate its realization. German office-based family physicians completed a questionnaire addressing several aspects of family-centered care. Logistic regression was used to identify associations with the involvement overall and in different domains: routine inquiry and documentation of family-related information, family orientation regarding diagnosis and treatment, family-oriented dialogues, family conferences, and case-related collaboration with marriage and family therapists. We found significant associations between physicians’ family-centered involvement and expected patient receptiveness, perceived impact of the family’s influence on health, self-perceived psychosocial family-care competences (overall and concerning concepts for family orientation, psychosocial intervention in family conferences, and the communication of the idea of family counseling), advanced training in psychosocial primary care (PPC), personal acquaintance with family therapists (regarding case-related collaboration), and rural office environment. Increased emphasis on the family’s influence on health in medical education and training, the provision of concepts for a family-centered perspective, and versatile skills for psychosocial intervention and inquiry of patient preferences, as well as the strengthening of networking between family physicians and family therapists, might promote the family-centered approach in family practice.