On-line Capability Research Articles

Online activity recognition using evolving classifiers

This paper describes the use of evolving classifiers for activity recognition from sensor readings in ambient assisted living environments. Recognizing the activities an elderly person who lives alone performs, and identifying potential problems from the detected activities is a very active topic of research. However, current approaches do not take into account the fact that the way an activity is performed by a person evolves over time and therefore activities are identified by mapping them to a static model. In this work we describe and evaluate an approach for online classifying based on Evolving Fuzzy Systems (EFS): activities are described by a model that evolves over time, according to the changes observed in the way an activity is performed. These classifiers have been evaluated on three datasets obtained from real home settings, achieving a good recognition performance, at a confidence interval of 95%, compared with well know probabilistic models in terms of F-Measure, but improving their performance in terms of online capabilities and ability to adapt to the evolving ways in which activities are carried out.

Design of Automatic Vision-based Inspection System for Monitoring in an Olive Oil Bottling Line

vision inspection has become a vital part of the quality monitoring process. This paper compares the development and performance of two methodologies for a machine vision inspection system online for high speed conveyor. The first method developed is the Thresholding technique image processing algorithms and the second method is based on the edge detection. A case study was conducted to benchmark these two methods. Special effort has been put in the design of the defect detection algorithms to reach two main objectives: accurate feature extraction and on-line capabilities, both considering robustness and low processing time. An on-line implementation to inspect bottles is reported using new communication technique with GigE Vision camera and industrial Gigabit Ethernet network. The system is validated on olive oil bed. The implementation of our algorithm results in an effective real-time object tracking. The validity of the approach is illustrated by the presentation of experiment results obtained using the methods described in this paper.

Beyond Community Networks: From Local to Global, from Participation to Deliberation

Both authors have been engaged in the community networking movement and its evolution for many years in an ongoing effort to help create online systems that meet human needs. Community networks are intended to help address shared "public affairs" in geographical areas. Although this goal is important and laudable, community networking communities are often unable to have their voice heard in these matters. To help address this question — and the broader problem of inadequate and marginalized citizen engagement society-wide — we have launched several research / action projects related to community networks and online deliberation. To inform that process we focus on three prominent protest communities in Italy. We find that they must move beyond the community network model and perspective in two profound ways. Firstly, the communities must necessarily work with and integrate local and non-local perspectives. Secondly, the need exists for more purposive modes of communication that we believe can be supported through informed development and use of technology. We take this approach as an useful step in an ongoing process, building on our experiences with community networks as conceptualized in the mid 1990's to help develop and define our requirements for useful online capabilities as they link local and non-local communities in a sustained way that manifests civic intelligence.

Enhancing the Accuracy of Subcutaneous Glucose Sensors: A Real-Time Deconvolution-Based Approach

Minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors can greatly help diabetes management. Most of these sensors consist of a needle electrode, placed in the subcutaneous tissue, which measures an electrical current exploiting the glucose-oxidase principle. This current is then transformed to glucose levels after calibrating the sensor on the basis of one, or more, self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) samples. In this study, we design and test a real-time signal-enhancement module that, cascaded to the CGM device, improves the quality of its output by a proper postprocessing of the CGM signal. In fact, CGM sensors measure glucose in the interstitium rather than in the blood compartment. We show that this distortion can be compensated by means of a regularized deconvolution procedure relying on a linear regression model that can be updated whenever a pair of suitably sampled SMBG references is collected. Tests performed both on simulated and real data demonstrate a significant accuracy improvement of the CGM signal. Simulation studies also demonstrate the robustness of the method against departures from nominal conditions, such as temporal misplacement of the SMBG samples and uncertainty in the blood-to-interstitium glucose kinetic model. Thanks to its online capabilities, the proposed signal-enhancement algorithm can be used to improve the performance of CGM-based real-time systems such as the hypo/hyper glycemic alert generators or the artificial pancreas.

Transient and Permanent Fault Injection in VHDL Description of Digital Circuits

The ability to evaluate the testability of digital circuits before they are actually implemented is critical for designing highly reliable systems. This feature enables designers to verify the fault detection capability of online as well as offline testable digital circuits for both permanent and transient faults, during the design stage of the circuits. This paper presents a technique for transient and permanent fault injection at the VHDL level description of both combinational and sequential digital circuits. Access to all VHDL blocks a system is straight forward using a specially designed single fault injection block. This capability of inserting transient and permanent faults should help in evaluating the testability of a digital system before it is actually implemented.

Optics of CdS/CdTe Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Optical reflection probes based on high-speed multichannel spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) have been applied at different stages in the development and evaluation of CdS/CdTe thin-film photovoltaics (PV). Real-time SE during materials fabrication has provided insights into the nucleation, coalescence, and structural evolution of CdS and CdTe films. The deduced optical properties of the materials have provided insights into material density, stress, and excited carrier mean free path or defect density. The optical properties have also served as a database for analyzing complete PV stacks by probing through the glass. Uses of the database include CdTe materials analysis by Br <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> /methanol etching for depth profiling of devices before and after CdCl <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> treatment, as well as large-area PV plate and module analysis by off-line mapping with future on-line capabilities.

Optical Detection of the Anesthetic Agent Propofol in the Gas Phase

The anesthetic agent propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is the most widely used intravenously administered drug in general anesthesia. However, a viable online capability to monitor metabolized levels of propofol in patients does not currently exist. Here we show for the first time that optical spectroscopy has good potential to detect metabolized propofol from patients' exhaled breath. We present quantitative absorption measurements of gas phase propofol both in the ultraviolet and middle-infrared spectral regions. We demonstrate that a detection limit in the subparts-per-billion concentration range can be reached with photoacoustic spectroscopy in the UV spectral region, paving the way for the development of future optical monitors.

Ultraprecision ELID-Grinding of Aspheric WC Lens Mold for Plastic Injection Molding

To cope with increasing demands on ultraprecision profiling and finishing of aspheric lens molds, we have implemented an ultra/ nanoprecision aspheric grinding system to be mounted with an ELID- capability and on-line feedback capability of profile accuracy. A WC mold has successfully ground and finished to be with several nanometric surface smoothness and with ultraprecise profile accuracy by just grinding process with ELID mechanism. Some specific conditions have been investigated to achieve better accuracy and quality on molds. This paper presentation introduce those R&amp;D activities and also discuss on the latest achievements on this topics, with showing injected aspheric lenses by the molds.

Fast trajectory planning based on in‐flight waypoints for unmanned aerial vehicles

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient algorithm for trajectory planning of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in 2D spaces. This paper has been motivated by the challenge to develop a fast trajectory planning algorithm for autonomous UAVs through mid‐course waypoints (WPs). It is assumed that there is no prior knowledge of these WPs, and their configuration is computed as in‐flight procedure.Design/methodology/approachSince the off‐line techniques cannot be applied, it is required to apply an online trajectory planning algorithm. For this reason, based on the optimal control and the geometry, each segment of trajectory is designed with respect to a local frame. The algorithm is implemented as a real‐time manner in terms of the down‐range variable.FindingsThe proposed algorithm tries to find not only a feasible trajectory (the constraint includes the maximum heading angle rate) but also an optimal trajectory (the objective locally is to minimize the length of the path). This online trajectory planning algorithm gradually produces a smooth 2D trajectory aiming at reaching the mid‐course WPs and the final target so that they are smoothly connected with each other. The mid‐course WPs are described through the given down‐range, cross‐range, and heading angle.Originality/valueBased on geometrical principles, this algorithm is capable of re‐planning the trajectory as in‐flight manner, and the computational burden approaches the online capabilities for UAVs with high velocity.

Enhancing operating system support for multicore processors by using hardware performance monitoring

Multicore processors contain new hardware characteristics that are different from previous generation single-core systems or traditional SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) multiprocessor systems. These new characteristics provide new performance opportunities and challenges. In this paper, we show how hardware performance monitors can be used to provide a fine-grained, closely-coupled feedback loop to dynamic optimizations done by a multicore-aware operating system. These multicore optimizations are possible due to the advanced capabilities of hardware performance monitoring units currently found in commodity processors, such as execution pipeline stall breakdown and data address sampling. We demonstrate three case studies on how a multicore-aware operating system can use these online capabilities for (1) determining cache partition sizes, which helps reduce contention in the shared cache among applications, (2) detecting memory regions with bad cache usage, which helps in isolating these regions to reduce cache pollution, and (3) detecting sharing among threads, which helps in clustering threads to improve locality. Using realistic applications from standard benchmark suites, the following performance improvements were achieved: (1) up to 27% improvement in IPC (instructions-per-cycle) due to cache partition sizing; (2) up to 10% reduction in cache miss rates due to reduced cache pollution, resulting in up to 7% improvement in IPC; and (3) up to 70% reduction in remote cache accesses due to thread clustering, resulting in up to 7% application-level improvement.

The competitive value of the internet: an empirical investigation

Many examples prove that the use of the internet can be unprofitable in some cases and the unique use of this technology is not enough to generate a competitive value. On the other hand, researchers and practitioners still know relatively little about how the use of the internet can improve the performance of the firms. This study attempts to reduce the gap by examining the competitive value of internet-based resources and by taking into consideration the synergy produced by the complementarity of two technological capabilities: online capability (OC) and technological opportunism (TO). Implications of the study, limitations and opportunities for future research, are discussed.

Online activities and export performance of the smaller firm: a capability perspective

Firms engage in online exports with varying levels of success, yet limited understanding concerns explanations for these differences in performance. This study investigates antecedents of Online Contribution to Export Performance (OCEP), defined as the extent to which an export firm's objectives are achieved via online activities. The paper examines how online capabilities, complementary capabilities in exporting, IT resources and intentional efforts on the part of the firm affect OCEP. The results, based on a cross-industry sample of 603 SMEs, show that whilst some capabilities positively affect the performance of online export activities, others have a detrimental effect. Managers are advised to focus on relational online capabilities rather than necessarily invest in online transactions as these do not seem to be associated with increased online performance. Managers are also advised against treating online exporting as a substitute for offline exporting practices.

Trends in information categories on costume and textile collection web sites

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to assess trends in information categories featured on costume and textile collection web sites, and to assess differences in the online capabilities of these features between 1997 and 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe instrument was a content analysis of costume and textile collection web sites developed from a study completed in 1997. The previous study identified information categories which included hyperlinks to other sites, events calendars and forms to arrange visits, FAQs, online tours, and discussion group links. Information about education programs, contacting staff, volunteering, membership, and museum purchases was also noted. Data were collected from the 60 web sites used in the original study.FindingsThe findings revealed that costume and textile museums were using web sites to stimulate interest in visiting the physical museum. A picture of the artifact does not show all the specific features of an actual costume and textile, and thus the audience needs to actually visit the museum in order to learn about costume and textiles. A comparison of the 1997 and 2006 data revealed an increase in the frequency of features with higher levels of interaction capabilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to observing web sites and web site information categories documented in the original study.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the information categories that costume and textile museums find most useful to fulfill audience needs and describes trends in the use of information on web sites which can serve as a guideline in developing museum web sites.

Real-time determination of the optimal reconstruction phase to control ECG pulsing in spiral cardiac CT

The reconstruction phase providing optimal image quality in coronary CT angiography is dependent on the heart rate but additionally displays substantial patient-dependent variation. The purpose of this study was to provide online identification of the patient-specific optimal reconstruction phase during CT coronary angiography data acquisition and to allow adaptation of tube current modulation for the individual patient. A raw data-based cardiac motion signal (kymogram) was used for the detection of the optimal reconstruction phase. The individual motion curve of each patient was correlated with dedicated template curves to reduce signal noise. Data sets of 90 consecutive patients were used for validation purposes. The reliability of our approach increased with scan time and provided highest correlation with the visually identified optimal reconstruction phase already after half of the total scan time indicated by a difference value of 13.2% and 8.2%, respectively. A high correlation of the computed and the visually identified optimal reconstruction phase was assured in most cases providing a dose reduction of 36% compared to conventional TCM application for a confidence interval of 80%. Our method is a fully automatic computer-assisted approach identifying the optimal reconstruction phase with high reliability while online capability can be ensured. We conclude that our method can identify cardiac phases providing highest image quality already during CT scanning. Reduction of the tube current by a patient-specific optimization providing a minimal dose level is the major benefit for the patients.

Rapid acoustic screening of deoxynivalenol (DON) in grain

A novel, fast, non-invasive, cheap and quantitative technique to detect deoxynivalenol (DON) in cereal grains is described. This technique is completely different from currently applied wet chemistry techniques and is based on acoustic waves penetrating through and/or reflected by air-filled porous materials such as unconsolidated solid beads of grain. The rapid acoustic technique has been tested for the quantitative determination of DON in wheat. Two types of equipment were used: an acoustic spectrometer with transmission and an acoustic impulse spectrometer with transmission and reflection. To increase the accuracy of the analysis and optimise the acoustic signal an optimal frequency has been determined for both spectrometers. High correlations between DON contaminated wheat samples and the different amounts of shrivelled kernels in mixtures determined by the acoustic technique have been found. The statistical analysis shows that the acoustic method gives sufficiently precise results in the quantitative determination of DON in grain. The technique with in- and on-line capabilities can therefore be used to screen DON in contaminated wheat at point of harvest. Because it is fit for monitoring and high-throughput analysis, the technique solves some of the problems commonly associated with sampling and analysis.

Off-line and on-line measurements of drug-loaded hot-melt extruded films using Raman spectroscopy

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of Raman spectroscopy for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of an active ingredient in hot-melt extruded film formulations. Clotrimazole and ketoprofen were used as the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the subject formulations. Films were prepared with contents varying from 1 to 20% of the respective API. Raman spectroscopy was used to quantify these APIs, both off-line and on-line. The spectral data were also used to ascertain the physical status of these APIs in the formulations. For off-line analysis, the films were cut into small rectangles, and the amount of the API was measured using a fiber optic probe equipped with a non-contact optic (NCO). For on-line analysis, real-time measurements were accomplished by fixing the probe over the extruded film for continuous data collection. Raman spectroscopy can be a convenient alternative to HPLC and other techniques currently employed for the quantification of the API in these formulations. Because Raman is also sensitive to changes in crystallinity, employment of the technique provided additional information to deduce the crystalline status of the API. The results reported in this paper suggest the suitability of Raman for PAT applications because of the on-line capability.

The publisher's online platform: hosting the present and the future

Over the past two decades the academic publisher has had to respond to the digital revolution, that of the ever increasing growth of the Internet in terms of societal importance and technical complexity. Journal publishers began their move into this digital realm by making their content, the journal article, available electronically in parallel with the printed publication and over the years, these publishers have developed or acquired their own online platforms on which to host the electronic versions of their content.These online platforms, their similarities and capabilities, are considered here in order to establish the current ‘technological baseline’ and to identify features and functionalities that may comprise a future technological baseline.

A New Method for Measuring Cake Thickness by a Powder Pressure—Displacement System

An on-line powder pressure–displacement measurement system was developed based on a static measurement instrument (vernier caliper). This system consists of a pressure sensor and a displacement subsystem, and has the on-line capability to measure the thickness of powder packing with different powder sizes. The design principle employs a pressure sensor to determine the thickness by different signals generated when the pressure sensor contacts the free surface zone of powder packing and when it contacts the other powder zone. The powder materials adopted to validate this newly developed system were glass beads, sand and dust. This measurement technique can be applied under different measurement conditions.

A Web-Based Information System for MCNP Simulation of Irradiation of Complex Shaped Foods

A Web-based integrated system was developed for data manipulation and management for particle transport simulation in foods. Particle transport simulation of foods is an important food irradiation technique for dosimetry assessment of a given irradiation system to deliver the required dose to the products intended for treatment. A CT (Computed Tomography) based 3-D geometric modeling technique for foods developed in our lab is used to provide input data to a general Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code. We developed a web-based interface to provide the on-line capability to formulate input data for the MCNP and to visualize and analyze output data generated by MCNP. In addition, a database storing data such as food nutrition composition, and quality was integrated to support food irradiation research. This system will enable flexible and reliable operations through the Internet by food irradiation engineers and researchers by providing data preparation, analysis, and interpretation during the process of irradiation simulation of complex-shaped foods.

Determination of single photon ionization cross sections for quantitative analysis of complex organic mixtures

Soft single photon ionization (SPI)-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) is well suited for fast and comprehensive analysis of complex organic gas mixtures, which has been demonstrated in various applications. This work describes a calibration scheme for SPI, which enables quantification of a large number of compounds by only calibrating one compound of choice, in this case benzene. Photoionization cross sections of 22 substances were determined and related to the yield of benzene. These substances included six alkanes (pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane), three alkenes (propene, butane, pentene), two alkynes (propyne, butyne), two dienes (butadiene, isoprene), five monoaromatic species (benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, monochlorobenzene) and NO. The cross sections of organic compounds differ by about one order of magnitude but the photoionization properties of compounds belonging to one compound class are rather similar. Therefore, the scheme can also be used for an approximate quantification of compound classes. This is demonstrated by a fast characterization and pattern recognition of two gasoline samples with different origins (Germany and South Africa) and a diesel sample (Germany). The on-line capability of the technique and the scheme is demonstrated by quantitatively monitoring and comparing the cold engine start of four vehicles: a gasoline passenger car, a diesel van, a motorbike and a two-stroke scooter.