User-friendly Features Research Articles

CARRIER PHASE SURVEYING WITH GARMIN HANDHELD GPS RECEIVERS

GRINGO (GPS RINEX Generator) is a program which has been developed at the Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) at the University of Nottingham, to record the pseudorange and carrier phase data from 12-channel Garmin handheld GPS receivers, in standard RINEX (Receiver INdependent Exchange) format. It offers owners of these receivers the possibility of post-processing to an accuracy of approximately 5 m (with pseudoranges) or a few cm (with carrier phase), without having to invest in separate DGPS receiving equipment or expensive survey-grade receivers. They retain the benefits of an inexpensive receiver with a user-friendly interface and powerful navigation features, but gain the possibility of improved accuracy if needed.A number of experiments have been carried out to assess the accuracy of positioning with Garmin raw measurement data.Experiments over a 3 km baseline with various session lengths have shown that float solutions with the Garmin carrier phase can achieve better than 20 cm in 15 minutes, and approximately 5 cm with 30 minutes. Ambiguity fixed solutions can achieve approximately 1 cm accuracy in 30 minutes. A zero baseline test, with two garmin receivers attached to a single static antenna, has shown that under ideal conditions, even sub-millimetre accuracies are possible in as little as 10 minutes.Over a longer baseline (>200 km), the effects of the atmosphere on the measured baseline become significant. A comparison of one such baseline against simultaneous measurements with geodetic receivers has confirmed that the atmosphere affects the Garmin receivers in the same way as it does the geodetic receivers.This paper will present the results of these and other experiments.

Triple-girder model for modal analysis of cable-stayed bridges with warping effect

In the modal analysis of cable-stayed bridges using the finite element approach, the single-girder model or the double-girder model is often adopted for modeling the bridge deck. These two models are simple and easy to embody in commercial software packages, but the warping stiffness (constant) of bridge deck cannot be properly taken into consideration. This paper thus presents a triple-girder model consisting of one central girder and two side girders symmetrically connected to each other by transverse links. The proposed triple-girder model can easily consider the warping stiffness and other section properties of the bridge deck, and at the same time keep the user-friendly features in the single-girder model. The Nanpu cable-stayed bridge, built recently in China, is then taken as a case study to verify the rationality of the proposed triple-girder model through a comparison with measured data. The study shows that the modal properties of the cable-stayed bridge obtained from the modal analysis using the triple-girder model are more reasonable and close to the measured data. Further studies of four more cable-stayed bridges in China highlight that the extent of the warping effect depends greatly on the type of bridge deck and on the type of bridge tower–cable system. A simple approach for estimating some section properties of typical open-section decks is also suggested to further facilitate the use of the triple-girder model.

Actively shielded 8 tesla magnet for FT-ICR mass spectrometry

Intermagnetics successfully delivered an 8 tesla magnet for Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR). This high field magnet is used by Lilly Research Laboratories for routine high-resolution and exact mass analysis of higher molecular weight biopharmaceutical and biotechnology products such as proteins, DNA, etc. The system includes a NbTi magnet with high homogeneity and persistence, and a cryocooler refrigerated cryostat with a low He boil off and a long refill interval. The magnet system incorporates many of the user-friendly features of Intermagnetics' line of Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI) magnets including a compact self-shielded configuration, high uniformity, nitrogen-free cryogenic technology, cold-shippable for fast setup on site, and other features. The 100 cm long magnet has a 152 mm diameter horizontal room temperature bore. The achieved uniformity is better than 6 ppm peak-to-peak in a 50 mm diameter, 50 mm long cylinder. The guaranteed magnet persistence is better than 50 ppb/hour. The 5 gauss line is located 1.4 m radially and 2.4 m axially from the magnet iso-center, resulting in a stray field that is even closer to the cryostat than in lower field unshielded FT-ICR magnets. Liquid helium refill interval is 6 months or longer. Due to the reduced stray field, compactness and relatively lightweight design, this magnet may be used to replace lower field, unshielded magnets in mass spectrometry facilities.

Feature-based product engineering: A critique

The paper reviews the developments in feature based product engineering (FBPE) and highlights their strong points and deficiencies with respect to previous methods as well as against the set targets. Topics discussed include: volumetric, surface and wireframe features, order of entering features and constraints, feature integrity, the need for feature recognition, user-friendly feature definition, fuzzy and free-form surface features, implicit and explicit feature interactions, shape and process related feature catalogues, under-development of FBPE in areas other than machining, shape and document links to non-feature based systems.

A new FMS simulator with object-oriented-programming techniques

With the advance of research, design and operation of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), new requirements have been presented for FMS simulators. These new requirements are high modelling efficiency, high model validity and credibility, more user-friendly features, real control and scheduling logic similar to a real FMS, and effective and correct analysis of results, etc. In this paper, a new FMS simulator (FMSSIM) based on object-oriented-programming (OOP) and some new techniques is introduced. The new techniques include: (i) fully interactive graphical modelling technique, with which the simulation modelling only needs 2–4 h to complete and the model data are highly consistent and accurate; (ii) real FMS-like simulation control and scheduling, with which various control and scheduling algorithms such as AI-based heuristic scheduling can be easily implemented; (iii) the Intelligent Evaluator, with which the efficiency and accuracy of the evaluation process can be improved. Practical use has shown that the FMSSIM has a good performance in modelling, operation and evaluation, meeting the new requirements for a modern FMS simulator.

INTEGRATED INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN KOREA

ABSTRACT Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) has developed an integrated oil spill information system that provides on-scene coordinators (OSCs) and scientific support coordinators (SSCs) with various management tools for contingency planning and pollution response. This system contains databases, digital maps, prediction models, decision support programs, and communication tools. Key to the design is the systematic arrangement of six modules, each of which resembles a flow sequence of oil spill planning and response activities. The sequential and user-friendly features of the system facilitate the tracking and treatment of an actual spill incident in a geographic context more quickly and efficiently.

Peer Mediation: Conflict Resolution in Schools

A rising tide of antisocial and violent behavior has captured the attention of the nation. An alarming number of violent incidents occur in or around schools. Not surprisingly, surveys show that many children fear going to school and perform less well because of anxiety about their physical safety. To combat the growing incidence of violence in schools, experts urge educators to introduce student specific, class-level, and school-wide aggression reduction and replacement programs. In response, there has been a proliferation of selfcontrol, anger management, and conflict resolution programs. Peer Mediation: Conflict Resolution in Schools is among the most popular of these programs. Peer Mediation: Conflict Resolution in Schools offers practitioners at the middle or high school levels a practical guide for establishing a school-based peer mediation program. The Common Ground model implemented originally in Urbana, Illinois, and later replicated in several other districts presents information on the nature of conflict, an overview of the peer mediation process, descriptions of the organization and procedures, and training activities and materials. Throughout, the authors present a structured approach to each phase of the model, but emphasize the exigency of adapting the program to the unique qualities of individual schools (e.g., Stephens, 1994). Peer Mediation: Conflict Resolution in Schools includes a videotape, program guide, and student manual. The 28-min video provides viewers with background information about the program and illustrates the six steps that together comprise the peer mediation process. Students demonstrate the nonadversarial procedures in scenes drawn from familiar topics of youth conflict (e.g., rumors, issues of relationships). Given the somewhat contrived nature of these vignettes, the videotape likely serves as an effective training tool to promote peer mediation in some but not all situations. The 150-page program guide is highly readable both in its organization and writing style. Graphic organizers, text structure, varied print styles, and a well defined glossary typify the guide's user friendly features. Chapters reflect considerable overlap in content due to their largely stand alone design that allows users ready access to task-related information with little need for cross referencing. The first chapter introduces the nature of conflict as neither positive nor negative but as a natural and potentially useful condition. Schrumpf, Crawford, and Usadel provide a brief theoretical explanation of the origin of conflict that draws largely on Glasser's control theory that posits four basic psychological needs (belonging, power, freedom, and fun). Peer mediation is predicated on the assumption that the most desirable response to conflict is not avoidance (i.e., when students ignore a problem, fail to be assertive, or view themselves as victims) or confrontation characterized by threats, name-calling, or aggression. According to the authors, the most appropriate response to conflict is effective communication in which parties work together to create a mutually beneficial agreement. Chapter Two offers a succinct introduction to peer mediation beginning with critical attributes of an effective mediator (e.g., keeps information confidential, is unbiased) followed by suggestions for preparing the physical environment to facilitate effective communication. Each of the six steps that comprise the peer mediation process (i.e., open the session, gather information, focus on common interests, create options, evaluate options, choose a solution, write the agreement and close) is clearly summarized. Next, the authors suggest methods to respond to less predictable but potentially problematic situations such as when a student makes numerous requests for peer mediation or when disputants fail to reach an agreement. The authors also discuss caucusing, a strategy whereby the peer mediator meets singly rather than collectively with disputants to build trust and reduce tensions. …

Wrapping services in an urban setting

Efforts to reform services for children and their families in Baltimore City have included providing Wraparound services to youth returned or diverted from out-of-state residential treatment. We briefly present the history and evolution of the system reform efforts in Baltimore City that were necessary to support the implementation of a Wraparound model of service delivery. The characteristics of the Wraparound service model is presented along with the referral pathway of the youth into the service system, the components of the service delivery system and an overview of step-down services and linkages utilized to transition the youth. Data are presented that demonstrate the level of community adjustment of a subset of the 121 youth served through the Wraparound model in contrast to the level of community adjustment achieved by nonequivalent comparison groups. We discuss the use of “report card” type of outcome measures, its user-friendly features, limitations, and the developmental steps needed to refine it further.

Constitutive modeling of concrete using a new failure criterion

A nonlinear hypoelastic constitutive relation has been proposed for the analysis of plane and axisymmetric reinforced concrete structures. Equivalent uniaxial strain concept introduced by Darwin and Pecknold, and the stress-strain curve for concrete proposed by Alexander have been used. A new ultimate strength surface for concrete is proposed. The back propagation algorithm of Rumelhart et al.[1] [D. E. Rumelhart, G. E. Hinton and R. J. Williams, Learning representations by back-propagation errors. Nature 323, 533–536 (1986)] is used to train the artificial neural network for experimental results of concrete and is used to describe the ultimate surface. Thus, a new failure criterion for concrete is proposed. The proposed constitutive model is implemented in the user friendly finite element package “FENLACS” —(Finite Element NonLinear Analysis of Concrete Structures). The capability of the model to analyze a wide variety of structural engineering problems has been observed. The user friendly features of FENLACS to study the nonlinear load deflection behavior, crack pattern and principal stress contours have also been illustrated.

Integrated software system for seismic evaluation of nuclear power plant structures

This paper describes the capabilities and theoretical bases of the computer software CARES (Computer Analysis for Rapid Evaluation of Structures) developed by the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The development of CARES represents an effort to utilize established numerical methodologies commonly employed by industry for structural safety evaluations of nuclear power plant facilities and incorporate them into an integrated computer software package operated on personal computers (PC). CARES was developed with the objective to include all aspects of seismic performance evaluation of nuclear power structures, thereby it can be used to evaluate the validity and accuracy of analysis methodologies used for structural safety evaluations of nuclear power plants by various utilities. CARES is structured in a modular format, each module performing a specific type of analysis. This paper describes the features which have been implemented into the seismic module of CARES. The seismic module integrates the capabilities required to accomplish all steps of a complete seismic analysis into a single package with many user-friendly features such as interactiveness and quick turnaround. Linear structural theory and pseudo-linear convolution theory are utilized as the bases for the development with a special emphasis on the areas of nuclear regulatory requirements pertaining to structural safety of nuclear plants. The organization of the seismic module is arranged in eight options, each performing a specific step of the analysis with most of input/output interfacing processed by the general manager. Finally, CARES provides comprehensive post-processing capability to display results graphically or in tabular form so that direct comparisons can be easily made.

A self-programmable in vitro fertilization/gamete intrafallopian transfer patient database management system for MacIntosh computers.

Our purpose was to develop a data processing system for a large in Vitro Fertilization/Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (IVF/GIFT) practice which would (1) require minimal data entry time, (2) be easy to operate, (3) be simple to construct (no knowledge of procedural language or programming necessary), and (4) quickly collate and reduce data. A database management system was successfully constructed on an Apple MacIntosh computer which met the above criteria. The key elements of this database were its user-friendly features (MacIntosh-based system), adaptability (user was constantly able to update and revise the program as informational needs changed), and ability to perform complex searches and data analyses imposed by the individual operators. The software and hardware described in this report were found to be highly effective in meeting the ever-changing administrative and clinical needs of our IVF/GIFT program.

Interactive concept-learning and constructive induction by analogy

The available concept-learners only partially fulfill the needs imposed by the learning apprentice generation of learners. We present a novel approach to interactive concept-learning and constructive induction that better fits the requirements imposed by the learning apprentice paradigm. The approach is incorporated in the system Clint-Cia, which integrates several user-friendly features into one working whole: it is interactive, generates examples, shifts its bias, identifies concepts in the limit, copes with indirect relevance, recovers from errors, performs constructive induction and invents new concepts by analogy to previously learned ones.

Interactive Concept-Learning and Constructive Induction by Analogy

The available concept-learners only partially fulfill the needs imposed by the learning apprentice generation of learners. We present a novel approach to interactive concept-learning and constructive induction that better fits the requirements imposed by the learning apprentice paradigm. The approach is incorporated in the system Clint-Cia, which integrates several user-friendly features into one working whole: it is interactive, generates examples, shifts its bias, identifies concepts in the limit, copes with indirect relevance, recovers from errors, performs constructive induction and invents new concepts by analogy to previously learned ones.

Standalone modem design using the Am79C12

A standalone modem design using the Am79C12 modem chip and MC6803 processors is described in the paper. The MC6803-based controller adds user-friendly features to the modem chip. Details of the controller design, functions, modem chip interface and software flow chart are given.

Epic Grass - symbolic calculations with anticommuting variables

epicGrass is a specialised symbolic manipulation utility for handling complicated (matrix) expressions involving commuting and anticommuting (Grassmann) variables. Its chief strength is its speed, achieved by “hardwiring” the Grassmann algebra using a table. User-friendly features include: a number of built-in functions to simplify the manipulation of matrices and expressions, an on-line help facility, sophisticated error messages and several output formats. The program has been extensively tested and a complete record of these tests is available. Extension to other related algebraic structures arising in theoretical physics is straightforward.

GRATEFUL MED: a tool for studying searching behavior.

The latest release of GRATEFUL MED offers medical libraries an opportunity to monitor searching patterns of end users searching the databases of the National Library of Medicine (NLM). A GRATEFUL MED use log records information from each search session. Analysis of the log from a recent beta test program at the Welch Medical Library indicates that most NLM searches occur in the MEDLINE database. Moreover, the study reveals that searchers overlook many user-friendly features of the program. Evaluation of the use log suggests changes for future versions of the program.

The very smart card: a plastic pocket bank

Credit cards with computer chips in them, which allow users to give merchants detailed financial information without contacting central banks, are described. The SuperSmart Card is a powerful credit-card-sized computer that fits into a wallet and promises to take over many of the jobs of transaction-support systems, redistributing vast amounts of data-processing work. The card's electronics, user-friendly features, and security features are examined. Field-testing in Japan, which began in Dec.1986, is discussed. >

Effective use of a personal computer for small apparatus design and other engineering uses

The concern of computer-aided design (CAD) presented is primarily on the anatomy, rather than the technical content, of engineering programs to run personal computers. The author supplements his own ideas with suggestions by clients and borrows from user-friendly features found in current commercial personal computer software. For the design of small motors, or similar apparatus, the author strongly recommends an interactive approach due to the flexibility and training it offers. He emphasizes how valuable a word processor can be to an engineer for writing, editing, or debugging a Fortran program, or simply for writing a technical report or preparing a paper. >

MacLaboratory Controller: A switch and A/D interface between Apple’s Macintosh and peripheral apparatus

Apple’s Macintosh microcomputer has advantages over other systems used for laboratory control and data acquisition, especially because of its graphic and user-friendly features. However, a major perceived limitation has been its closed architecture. We describe an interface using the RS 422 modem port that supports up to 64 input/output (I/O) functions including analog-to-digital 4–12 channel input. The Controller software supplies an easily edited authoring tool in which functional relationships, logical operators, timing (millisecond accuracy), and counting functions are established through simple mouse and menu commands. Data from I/O functions may be displayed or saved as tab-delimited files that can be opened by various Macintosh statistical and spreadsheet packages and that are transportable to some mainframe applications.

PITMOS– a system of interactive computer programs for visualization of crystal packing

A system of computer programs for interactive representation of crystalline architecture and organization is presented. This program allows the unit cell and its contents to be rotated with respect to any selected reference frame. Molecular representations such as the stick model or the solid ball-and-stick model can be selected. Two graphic modes are available. The first is the conventional projection, in which color may be used extensively to differentiate different atomic species and distinct molecules. The second mode makes use of a stereoscopic representation and yields a three-dimensional view of the structure, which can be interactively modified. Several other user-friendly features are available, including a selective erase/restore procedure and an interactive change of the representation parameters. The program also offers the possibility of calculating and displaying specific intermolecular bonds such as hydrogen bonds or metal–ligand bonds.