AIM To establish minimum clinically important difference(MCID) for measurements in an orthopaedic patient population with joint disorders.METHODS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking care for joint condition...AIM To establish minimum clinically important difference(MCID) for measurements in an orthopaedic patient population with joint disorders.METHODS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking care for joint conditions at an orthopaedic clinic took the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function(PROMIS~? PF) computerized adaptive test(CAT), hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(HOOS JR), and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(KOOS JR) from February 2014 to April 2017. MCIDs were calculated using anchorbased and distribution-based methods. Patient reports of meaningful change in function since their first clinic encounter were used as an anchor.RESULTS There were 2226 patients who participated with a mean age of 61.16(SD = 12.84) years, 41.6% male, and 89.7% Caucasian. Mean change ranged from 7.29 to 8.41 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT, from 14.81 to 19.68 for the HOOS JR, and from 14.51 to 18.85 for the KOOS JR. ROC cut-offs ranged from 1.97-8.18 for the PF CAT, 6.33-43.36 for the HOOS JR, and 2.21-8.16 for the KOOS JR. Distribution-based methods estimated MCID values ranging from 2.45 to 21.55 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT; from 3.90 to 43.61 for the HOOS JR, and from 3.98 to 40.67 for the KOOS JR. The median MCID value in the range was similar to the mean change score for each measure and was 7.9 for the PF CAT, 18.0 for the HOOS JR, and 15.1 for the KOOS JR.CONCLUSION This is the first comprehensive study providing a wide range of MCIDs for the PROMIS? PF, HOOS JR, and KOOS JR in orthopaedic patients with joint ailments.展开更多
Many evidences for gas hydrate bearing sediments had been found in the continental slope of the East China Sea,such as bottom simulating reflections(BSRs),undersea gas springs,pyrite associated with methane leakage,mu...Many evidences for gas hydrate bearing sediments had been found in the continental slope of the East China Sea,such as bottom simulating reflections(BSRs),undersea gas springs,pyrite associated with methane leakage,mud diapirs/mud volcanos,bottom-water methane anomalies and so on.In this study,six key stratigraphic interfaces including T_0(seafloor),T_1(LGM,23 kyr B.P.),T_2(2.58 Myr),T_3(5.33 Myr),T_4(11.02 Myr)and T_5(16.12 Myr)were identified,and then five third-order sequences of SQIII1 to SQIII5 were divided.However,T5 in southern continental slope is not found,which shows that the middle-northern Okinawa Trough had begun to rift in the early Miocene,earlier than the southern segment.Four system tracts including lowstand systems tract(LST),transgressive systems tract(TST),highstand systems tract(HST)and falling stage systems tract(FSST)are further divided.The marine erosion interface of 11.02 Myr and regressive unconformity interface of 23 kyr B.P.indicate two large-scale sea level drop events in the research area.Seven typical seismic facies identified in the continental slope are continental shelf-edge deltas,littoral fluvial-delta plains,incised channels or submarine canyons,slope fans,submarine fans or coastal sandbars,littoral-neritic finegrained sediments,mud volcanos and some other geological bodies respectively.The minimum water depth for hydrate occurrence in the Okinawa Trough is 630 m,and the thickness of gas hydrate stability zone in continental slope is between 0 and 590 m.The calculated bottom boundary of hydrate stability zone is slightly deeper than BSRs on the seismic sections.The re-depositional turbidite sand bodies,such as canyon channels,slope fans and submarine fans developed in Quaternary strata,are the predominant hydrate reservoirs.According to developing process,the dynamic accumulation of hydrate systems can be divided into three evolutionary stages including canyon erosion and hydrate stability zone migration stage,sediments destabilizing and methane leakage stage,and channel filling and hydrate re-occurrence stage.展开更多
In this paper, Laplace decomposition method (LDM) and Pade approximant are employed to find approximate solutions for the Whitham-Broer-Kaup shallow water model, the coupled nonlinear reaction diffusion equations and ...In this paper, Laplace decomposition method (LDM) and Pade approximant are employed to find approximate solutions for the Whitham-Broer-Kaup shallow water model, the coupled nonlinear reaction diffusion equations and the system of Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV. In addition, the results obtained from Laplace decomposition method (LDM) and Pade approximant are compared with corresponding exact analytical solutions.展开更多
A transformation of the electron states—say those enclosed in a potential box—into the de Broglie waves done in the paper, enabled us to calculate the energy change between two quantum levels as a function of the sp...A transformation of the electron states—say those enclosed in a potential box—into the de Broglie waves done in the paper, enabled us to calculate the energy change between two quantum levels as a function of the specific heat and difference of the temperature between the states. In consequence, the energy difference and that of entropy between the levels could be examined in terms of the appropriate classical parameters. In the next step, the time interval necessary for the electron transition between the levels could be associated with the classical electrodynamical parameters like the electric resistance and capacitance connected with the temporary formation of the electric cell in course of the transition. The parameters characterizing the mechanical inertia of the electron were next used as a check of the electrodynamical formulae referring to transition.展开更多
This study examines the key factors that have impact on the successful adoption of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)/Jordan. In order to accomplish the p...This study examines the key factors that have impact on the successful adoption of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)/Jordan. In order to accomplish the purpose of the study four critical factors are inquired. So, four critical factors are inquired: First, TAM Model (Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU)). Second, Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI). Third, Top Management Support (TMS). Finally, Individual Experience with Computer (IEC). The research model was applied to collect data from the questionnaires answered by 45 users of HRIS as a source of primary data, based on a convenience sample the response rate was about 91%. In addition, the results were analyzed by utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Software (SPSS). Furthermore, the findings were analyzed;multiple Regression analysis indicated that all research variables have significant relationship on successful adoption of HRIS. The findings indicated IT infrastructures have a positive and significant effect on the successful adoption of HRIS. But there is no significant of PU, PEOU, TMS, and IEC on the successful adoption of HRIS. Finally, the results indicated that no significant statistical differences of demographic characteristics on HRIS adoption. Depending on the research’s findings;the researchers proposed a set of recommendations for better adoption of HRIS in SEZA.展开更多
This investigation deals with the intelligent system for parallel fault-tolerant diagnostic tests construction. A modified parallel algorithm for fault-tolerant diagnostic tests construction is proposed. The algorithm...This investigation deals with the intelligent system for parallel fault-tolerant diagnostic tests construction. A modified parallel algorithm for fault-tolerant diagnostic tests construction is proposed. The algorithm is allowed to optimize processing time on tests construction. A matrix model of data and knowledge representation, as well as various kinds of regularities in data and knowledge are presented. Applied intelligent system for diagnostic of mental health of population which is developed with the use of intelligent system for parallel fault-tolerant DTs construction is suggested.展开更多
Safety assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a contentious topic. Proponents of GMOs assert that GMOs are safe since the FDA’s policy of substantial equivalence considers GMOs “equivalent” to their...Safety assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a contentious topic. Proponents of GMOs assert that GMOs are safe since the FDA’s policy of substantial equivalence considers GMOs “equivalent” to their non-GMO counterparts, and argue that genetic modification (GM) is simply an extension of a “natural” process of plant breeding, a form of “genetic modification”, though done over longer time scales. Anti-GMO activists counter that GMOs are unsafe since substantial equivalence is unscientific and outdated since it originates in the 1970s to assess safety of medical devices, which are not comparable to the complexity of biological systems, and contend that targeted GM is not plant breeding. The heart of the debate appears to be on the methodology used to determine criteria for substantial equivalence. Systems biology, which aims to understand complexity of the whole organism, as a system, rather than just studying its parts in a reductionist manner, may provide a framework to determine appropriate criteria, as it recognizes that GM, small or large, may affect emergent properties of the whole system. Herein, a promising computational systems biology method couples known perturbations on five biomolecules caused by the CP4 EPSPS GM of Glycine max L. (soybean), with an integrative model of C1 metabolism and oxidative stress (two molecular systems critical to plant function). The results predict significant accumulation of formaldehyde and concomitant depletion of glutathione in the GMO, suggesting how a “small” and single GM creates “large” and systemic perturbations to molecular systems equilibria. Regulatory agencies, currently reviewing rules for GMO safety, may wish to adopt a systems biology approach using a combination of in silico, computational methods used herein, and subsequent targeted experimental in vitro and in vivo designs, to develop a systems understanding of “equivalence” using biomarkers, such as formaldehyde and glutathione, which predict metabolic disruptions, towards modernizing the safety assessment of GMOs.展开更多
The objective of this research is to propose a decision support system for avoiding flood on solar power plant site selection. Methodologically, the geographic information system (GIS) is used to determine the optimum...The objective of this research is to propose a decision support system for avoiding flood on solar power plant site selection. Methodologically, the geographic information system (GIS) is used to determine the optimum site for a solar power plant. It is intended to integrate the qualitative and quantitative variables based upon the adoption of the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model. These methods are employed to unite the environmental aspects and social needs for electrical power systematically. Regarding a case study of the choice of a solar power plant site in Thailand, it demonstrates that the quantitative and qualitative criteria should be realized prior to analysis in the Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS model. The fuzzy AHP is employed to determine the weights of qualitative and quantitative criteria that can affect the selection process. The adoption of the fuzzy AHP is aimed to model the linguistic unclear, ambiguous, and incomplete knowledge. Additionally, TOPSIS, which is a ranking multi-criteria decision making method, is employed to rank the alternative sites based upon overall efficiency. The contribution of this paper lies in the evolution of a new approach that is flexible and practical to the decision maker, in providing the guidelines for the solar power plant site choices under stakeholder needs: at the same time, the desirable functions are achieved, in avoiding flood, reducing cost, time and causing less environmental impact. The new approach is assessed in the empirical study during major flooding in Thailand during the fourth quarter of 2011 to 2012. The result analysis and sensitivity analysis are also presented.展开更多
In this paper, H∞ optimal model reduction for singular fast subsystems will be inves-tigated. First, error system is established to measure the error magnitude between the original andreduced systems, and it is demon...In this paper, H∞ optimal model reduction for singular fast subsystems will be inves-tigated. First, error system is established to measure the error magnitude between the original andreduced systems, and it is demonstrated that the new feature for model reduction of singular systemsis to make H∞ norm of the error system finite and minimal. The necessary and su?cient conditionis derived for the existence of the H∞ suboptimal model reduction problem. Next, we give an exactand practicable algorithm to get the parameters of the reduced subsystems by applying the matrixtheory. Meanwhile, the reduced system may be also impulsive. The advantages of the proposedalgorithm are that it is more ?exible in a straight-forward way without much extra computation, andthe order of the reduced systems is as minimal as possible. Finally, one illustrative example is givento illustrate the e?ectiveness of the proposed model reduction approach.展开更多
The central nervous system is known to have limited regenerative capacity.Not only does this halt the human body’s reparative processes after central nervous system lesions,but it also impedes the establishment of ef...The central nervous system is known to have limited regenerative capacity.Not only does this halt the human body’s reparative processes after central nervous system lesions,but it also impedes the establishment of effective and safe therapeutic options for such patients.Despite the high prevalence of stroke and spinal cord injury in the general population,these conditions remain incurable and place a heavy burden on patients’families and on society more broadly.Neuroregeneration and neural engineering are diverse biomedical fields that attempt reparative treatments,utilizing stem cells-based strategies,biologically active molecules,nanotechnology,exosomes and highly tunable biodegradable systems(e.g.,certain hydrogels).Although there are studies demonstrating promising preclinical results,safe clinical translation has not yet been accomplished.A key gap in clinical translation is the absence of an ideal animal or ex vivo model that can perfectly simulate the human microenvironment,and also correspond to all the complex pathophysiological and neuroanatomical factors that affect functional outcomes in humans after central nervous system injury.Such an ideal model does not currently exist,but it seems that the nonhuman primate model is uniquely qualified for this role,given its close resemblance to humans.This review considers some regenerative therapies for central nervous system repair that hold promise for future clinical translation.In addition,it attempts to uncover some of the main reasons why clinical translation might fail without the implementation of nonhuman primate models in the research pipeline.展开更多
In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array vol...In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array voltage and current being used to generate the reference voltage which should be the PV panel’s operating voltage to get maximum available power. A Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) observer has been proposed and designed with non-measurable premise variables and the conditions of stability are given in terms of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). The simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.展开更多
A brief review of the works of the author and his co-authors on the application of nonlinear analysis, numerical and analytical methods for solving the nonlinear inverse problems (synthesis problems) for optimizing th...A brief review of the works of the author and his co-authors on the application of nonlinear analysis, numerical and analytical methods for solving the nonlinear inverse problems (synthesis problems) for optimizing the different types of radiating systems, is presented in the paper. The synthesis problems are formulated in variational statements and further they are reduced to research and numerical solution of nonlinear integral equations of Hammerstein type. The existence theorems are proof, the investigation methods of nonuniqueness problem of solutions and numerical algorithms of finding the optimal solutions are proved.展开更多
Traffic congestion problem is one of the major problems that face many transportation decision makers for urban areas. The problem has many impacts on social, economical and development aspects of urban areas. Hence t...Traffic congestion problem is one of the major problems that face many transportation decision makers for urban areas. The problem has many impacts on social, economical and development aspects of urban areas. Hence the solution to this problem is not straight forward. It requires a lot of effort, expertise, time and cost that sometime are not available. Most of the existing transportation planning software, specially the most advanced ones, requires personnel with lots practical transportation planning experience and with high level of education and training. In this paper we propose a comprehensive framework for an Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) for Traffic Congestion Management System that utilizes a state of the art transportation network equilibrium modeling and providing an easy to use GIS-based interaction environment. The developed IDSS reduces the dependability on the expertise and level of education of the transportation planners, transportation engineers, or any transportation decision makers.展开更多
Various optimal boundary control problems for linear infinite order distributed hyperbolic systems involving constant time lags are considered. Constraints on controls are imposed. Necessary and sufficient optimality ...Various optimal boundary control problems for linear infinite order distributed hyperbolic systems involving constant time lags are considered. Constraints on controls are imposed. Necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for the Neumann problem with the quadratic performance functional are derived.展开更多
A cross-layer design which combines adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol at the data link layer (LL) is presented, in cooperative relay syst...A cross-layer design which combines adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol at the data link layer (LL) is presented, in cooperative relay system over Nakagami-m fading channels with perfect and imperfect channel state information (CSI). In order to maximize spectral efficiency (SE) under delay and packet error rate (PER) performance constraints, a state transition model and an optimization framework with perfect CSI are presented. Then the framework is extended to cooperative relay system with imperfect CSI. The numerical results show that the scheme can achieve maximum SE while satisfying transmitting delay requirements. Compared with the imperfect CSI, the average PER with perfect CSI is much lower and the spectral efficiency is much higher.展开更多
In this paper, the Authors present the designing of power system stabilizer (PSS) and static var compensator (SVC) based on chaos, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and shuffled frog leaping (SFL) Algorithms has been ...In this paper, the Authors present the designing of power system stabilizer (PSS) and static var compensator (SVC) based on chaos, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and shuffled frog leaping (SFL) Algorithms has been presented to improve the power system stability. Single machine infinite bus (SMIB) system with SVC located at the terminal of generator has been considered to evaluate the proposed SVC and PSS controllers. The coefficients of PSS and SVC controller have been optimized by Chaos, PSO and SFL algorithms. Fi-nally the system with proposed controllers is simulated for the special disturbance in input power of genera-tor, and then the dynamic responses of generator have been presented. The simulation results show that the system composed with recommended controller has outstanding operation in fast damping of oscillations of power system and describes an application of Chaos, PSO and SFL algorithms to the problem of designing a Lead-Lag controller used in PSS and SVC in power system.展开更多
This paper presents a binary gravitational search algorithm (BGSA) is applied to solve the problem of optimal allotment of DG sets and Shunt capacitors in radial distribution systems. The problem is formulated as a no...This paper presents a binary gravitational search algorithm (BGSA) is applied to solve the problem of optimal allotment of DG sets and Shunt capacitors in radial distribution systems. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear constrained single-objective optimization problem where the total line loss (TLL) and the total voltage deviations (TVD) are to be minimized separately by incorporating optimal placement of DG units and shunt capacitors with constraints which include limits on voltage, sizes of installed capacitors and DG. This BGSA is applied on the balanced IEEE 10 Bus distribution network and the results are compared with conventional binary particle swarm optimization.展开更多
ABSTRACT: This paper generalizes the makeup and forming dynamic mechanism of natural disaster systems, principles and methods of comprehensive division of natural disasters, as well as structure, function and up-build...ABSTRACT: This paper generalizes the makeup and forming dynamic mechanism of natural disaster systems, principles and methods of comprehensive division of natural disasters, as well as structure, function and up-build routes of map and file information visualization system (MFIVS). Taking the Changjiang(Yangtze) Valley as an example, on the basis of revealing up the integrated mechanism on the formations of its natural disasters and its distributing law, thereafter, the paper relies on the MFIVS technique, adopts two top-down and bottom-up approaches to study a comprehensive division of natural disasters. It is relatively objective and precise that the required division results include three natural disaster sections and nine natural disaster sub-sections, which can not only provide a scientific basis for utilizing natural resources and controlling natural disaster and environmental degradation, but also be illuminated to a concise, practical and effective technique on comprehensive division.展开更多
This paper presents a design for a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system to provide the required electricity for a single residential household in rural area in Jordan. The complete design steps for the suggested house...This paper presents a design for a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system to provide the required electricity for a single residential household in rural area in Jordan. The complete design steps for the suggested household loads are carried out. Site radiation data and the electrical load data of a typical household in the considered site are taken into account during the design steps. The reliability of the system is quantified by the loss of load probability. A computer program is developed to simulate the PV system behavior and to numerically find an optimal combination of PV array and battery bank for the design of stand-alone photovoltaic systems in terms of reliability and costs. The program calculates life cycle cost and annualized unit electrical cost. Simulations results showed that a value of loss of load probability LLP can be met by several combinations of PV array and battery storage. The method developed here uniquely determines the optimum configuration that meets the load demand with the minimum cost. The difference between the costs of these combinations is very large. The optimal unit electrical cost of 1 kWh for LLP = 0.049 is $0.293;while for LLP 0.0027 it is $0.402. The results of the study encouraged the use of the PV systems to electrify the remote sites in Jordan.展开更多
基金National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health,No.U01AR067138.
文摘AIM To establish minimum clinically important difference(MCID) for measurements in an orthopaedic patient population with joint disorders.METHODS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking care for joint conditions at an orthopaedic clinic took the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function(PROMIS~? PF) computerized adaptive test(CAT), hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(HOOS JR), and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(KOOS JR) from February 2014 to April 2017. MCIDs were calculated using anchorbased and distribution-based methods. Patient reports of meaningful change in function since their first clinic encounter were used as an anchor.RESULTS There were 2226 patients who participated with a mean age of 61.16(SD = 12.84) years, 41.6% male, and 89.7% Caucasian. Mean change ranged from 7.29 to 8.41 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT, from 14.81 to 19.68 for the HOOS JR, and from 14.51 to 18.85 for the KOOS JR. ROC cut-offs ranged from 1.97-8.18 for the PF CAT, 6.33-43.36 for the HOOS JR, and 2.21-8.16 for the KOOS JR. Distribution-based methods estimated MCID values ranging from 2.45 to 21.55 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT; from 3.90 to 43.61 for the HOOS JR, and from 3.98 to 40.67 for the KOOS JR. The median MCID value in the range was similar to the mean change score for each measure and was 7.9 for the PF CAT, 18.0 for the HOOS JR, and 15.1 for the KOOS JR.CONCLUSION This is the first comprehensive study providing a wide range of MCIDs for the PROMIS? PF, HOOS JR, and KOOS JR in orthopaedic patients with joint ailments.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41806073, 41530963)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (No. ZR 2017BD014)+1 种基金the Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Depositional Mineralization & Sedimentary Minerals, Shandong University of Science and Technology (No. DMSM 2017042)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Nos. 201964016, 201851023)
文摘Many evidences for gas hydrate bearing sediments had been found in the continental slope of the East China Sea,such as bottom simulating reflections(BSRs),undersea gas springs,pyrite associated with methane leakage,mud diapirs/mud volcanos,bottom-water methane anomalies and so on.In this study,six key stratigraphic interfaces including T_0(seafloor),T_1(LGM,23 kyr B.P.),T_2(2.58 Myr),T_3(5.33 Myr),T_4(11.02 Myr)and T_5(16.12 Myr)were identified,and then five third-order sequences of SQIII1 to SQIII5 were divided.However,T5 in southern continental slope is not found,which shows that the middle-northern Okinawa Trough had begun to rift in the early Miocene,earlier than the southern segment.Four system tracts including lowstand systems tract(LST),transgressive systems tract(TST),highstand systems tract(HST)and falling stage systems tract(FSST)are further divided.The marine erosion interface of 11.02 Myr and regressive unconformity interface of 23 kyr B.P.indicate two large-scale sea level drop events in the research area.Seven typical seismic facies identified in the continental slope are continental shelf-edge deltas,littoral fluvial-delta plains,incised channels or submarine canyons,slope fans,submarine fans or coastal sandbars,littoral-neritic finegrained sediments,mud volcanos and some other geological bodies respectively.The minimum water depth for hydrate occurrence in the Okinawa Trough is 630 m,and the thickness of gas hydrate stability zone in continental slope is between 0 and 590 m.The calculated bottom boundary of hydrate stability zone is slightly deeper than BSRs on the seismic sections.The re-depositional turbidite sand bodies,such as canyon channels,slope fans and submarine fans developed in Quaternary strata,are the predominant hydrate reservoirs.According to developing process,the dynamic accumulation of hydrate systems can be divided into three evolutionary stages including canyon erosion and hydrate stability zone migration stage,sediments destabilizing and methane leakage stage,and channel filling and hydrate re-occurrence stage.
文摘In this paper, Laplace decomposition method (LDM) and Pade approximant are employed to find approximate solutions for the Whitham-Broer-Kaup shallow water model, the coupled nonlinear reaction diffusion equations and the system of Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV. In addition, the results obtained from Laplace decomposition method (LDM) and Pade approximant are compared with corresponding exact analytical solutions.
文摘A transformation of the electron states—say those enclosed in a potential box—into the de Broglie waves done in the paper, enabled us to calculate the energy change between two quantum levels as a function of the specific heat and difference of the temperature between the states. In consequence, the energy difference and that of entropy between the levels could be examined in terms of the appropriate classical parameters. In the next step, the time interval necessary for the electron transition between the levels could be associated with the classical electrodynamical parameters like the electric resistance and capacitance connected with the temporary formation of the electric cell in course of the transition. The parameters characterizing the mechanical inertia of the electron were next used as a check of the electrodynamical formulae referring to transition.
文摘This study examines the key factors that have impact on the successful adoption of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)/Jordan. In order to accomplish the purpose of the study four critical factors are inquired. So, four critical factors are inquired: First, TAM Model (Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU)). Second, Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI). Third, Top Management Support (TMS). Finally, Individual Experience with Computer (IEC). The research model was applied to collect data from the questionnaires answered by 45 users of HRIS as a source of primary data, based on a convenience sample the response rate was about 91%. In addition, the results were analyzed by utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Software (SPSS). Furthermore, the findings were analyzed;multiple Regression analysis indicated that all research variables have significant relationship on successful adoption of HRIS. The findings indicated IT infrastructures have a positive and significant effect on the successful adoption of HRIS. But there is no significant of PU, PEOU, TMS, and IEC on the successful adoption of HRIS. Finally, the results indicated that no significant statistical differences of demographic characteristics on HRIS adoption. Depending on the research’s findings;the researchers proposed a set of recommendations for better adoption of HRIS in SEZA.
文摘This investigation deals with the intelligent system for parallel fault-tolerant diagnostic tests construction. A modified parallel algorithm for fault-tolerant diagnostic tests construction is proposed. The algorithm is allowed to optimize processing time on tests construction. A matrix model of data and knowledge representation, as well as various kinds of regularities in data and knowledge are presented. Applied intelligent system for diagnostic of mental health of population which is developed with the use of intelligent system for parallel fault-tolerant DTs construction is suggested.
文摘Safety assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a contentious topic. Proponents of GMOs assert that GMOs are safe since the FDA’s policy of substantial equivalence considers GMOs “equivalent” to their non-GMO counterparts, and argue that genetic modification (GM) is simply an extension of a “natural” process of plant breeding, a form of “genetic modification”, though done over longer time scales. Anti-GMO activists counter that GMOs are unsafe since substantial equivalence is unscientific and outdated since it originates in the 1970s to assess safety of medical devices, which are not comparable to the complexity of biological systems, and contend that targeted GM is not plant breeding. The heart of the debate appears to be on the methodology used to determine criteria for substantial equivalence. Systems biology, which aims to understand complexity of the whole organism, as a system, rather than just studying its parts in a reductionist manner, may provide a framework to determine appropriate criteria, as it recognizes that GM, small or large, may affect emergent properties of the whole system. Herein, a promising computational systems biology method couples known perturbations on five biomolecules caused by the CP4 EPSPS GM of Glycine max L. (soybean), with an integrative model of C1 metabolism and oxidative stress (two molecular systems critical to plant function). The results predict significant accumulation of formaldehyde and concomitant depletion of glutathione in the GMO, suggesting how a “small” and single GM creates “large” and systemic perturbations to molecular systems equilibria. Regulatory agencies, currently reviewing rules for GMO safety, may wish to adopt a systems biology approach using a combination of in silico, computational methods used herein, and subsequent targeted experimental in vitro and in vivo designs, to develop a systems understanding of “equivalence” using biomarkers, such as formaldehyde and glutathione, which predict metabolic disruptions, towards modernizing the safety assessment of GMOs.
文摘The objective of this research is to propose a decision support system for avoiding flood on solar power plant site selection. Methodologically, the geographic information system (GIS) is used to determine the optimum site for a solar power plant. It is intended to integrate the qualitative and quantitative variables based upon the adoption of the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model. These methods are employed to unite the environmental aspects and social needs for electrical power systematically. Regarding a case study of the choice of a solar power plant site in Thailand, it demonstrates that the quantitative and qualitative criteria should be realized prior to analysis in the Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS model. The fuzzy AHP is employed to determine the weights of qualitative and quantitative criteria that can affect the selection process. The adoption of the fuzzy AHP is aimed to model the linguistic unclear, ambiguous, and incomplete knowledge. Additionally, TOPSIS, which is a ranking multi-criteria decision making method, is employed to rank the alternative sites based upon overall efficiency. The contribution of this paper lies in the evolution of a new approach that is flexible and practical to the decision maker, in providing the guidelines for the solar power plant site choices under stakeholder needs: at the same time, the desirable functions are achieved, in avoiding flood, reducing cost, time and causing less environmental impact. The new approach is assessed in the empirical study during major flooding in Thailand during the fourth quarter of 2011 to 2012. The result analysis and sensitivity analysis are also presented.
文摘In this paper, H∞ optimal model reduction for singular fast subsystems will be inves-tigated. First, error system is established to measure the error magnitude between the original andreduced systems, and it is demonstrated that the new feature for model reduction of singular systemsis to make H∞ norm of the error system finite and minimal. The necessary and su?cient conditionis derived for the existence of the H∞ suboptimal model reduction problem. Next, we give an exactand practicable algorithm to get the parameters of the reduced subsystems by applying the matrixtheory. Meanwhile, the reduced system may be also impulsive. The advantages of the proposedalgorithm are that it is more ?exible in a straight-forward way without much extra computation, andthe order of the reduced systems is as minimal as possible. Finally, one illustrative example is givento illustrate the e?ectiveness of the proposed model reduction approach.
基金supported by Onassis Foundation(to MT)the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(NCCIH),No.R21AT008865(to NM)National Institute of Aging(NIA)/National Institute of Mental Health(NIMH),No.R01AG042512(to NM)
文摘The central nervous system is known to have limited regenerative capacity.Not only does this halt the human body’s reparative processes after central nervous system lesions,but it also impedes the establishment of effective and safe therapeutic options for such patients.Despite the high prevalence of stroke and spinal cord injury in the general population,these conditions remain incurable and place a heavy burden on patients’families and on society more broadly.Neuroregeneration and neural engineering are diverse biomedical fields that attempt reparative treatments,utilizing stem cells-based strategies,biologically active molecules,nanotechnology,exosomes and highly tunable biodegradable systems(e.g.,certain hydrogels).Although there are studies demonstrating promising preclinical results,safe clinical translation has not yet been accomplished.A key gap in clinical translation is the absence of an ideal animal or ex vivo model that can perfectly simulate the human microenvironment,and also correspond to all the complex pathophysiological and neuroanatomical factors that affect functional outcomes in humans after central nervous system injury.Such an ideal model does not currently exist,but it seems that the nonhuman primate model is uniquely qualified for this role,given its close resemblance to humans.This review considers some regenerative therapies for central nervous system repair that hold promise for future clinical translation.In addition,it attempts to uncover some of the main reasons why clinical translation might fail without the implementation of nonhuman primate models in the research pipeline.
文摘In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array voltage and current being used to generate the reference voltage which should be the PV panel’s operating voltage to get maximum available power. A Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) observer has been proposed and designed with non-measurable premise variables and the conditions of stability are given in terms of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). The simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
文摘A brief review of the works of the author and his co-authors on the application of nonlinear analysis, numerical and analytical methods for solving the nonlinear inverse problems (synthesis problems) for optimizing the different types of radiating systems, is presented in the paper. The synthesis problems are formulated in variational statements and further they are reduced to research and numerical solution of nonlinear integral equations of Hammerstein type. The existence theorems are proof, the investigation methods of nonuniqueness problem of solutions and numerical algorithms of finding the optimal solutions are proved.
文摘Traffic congestion problem is one of the major problems that face many transportation decision makers for urban areas. The problem has many impacts on social, economical and development aspects of urban areas. Hence the solution to this problem is not straight forward. It requires a lot of effort, expertise, time and cost that sometime are not available. Most of the existing transportation planning software, specially the most advanced ones, requires personnel with lots practical transportation planning experience and with high level of education and training. In this paper we propose a comprehensive framework for an Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) for Traffic Congestion Management System that utilizes a state of the art transportation network equilibrium modeling and providing an easy to use GIS-based interaction environment. The developed IDSS reduces the dependability on the expertise and level of education of the transportation planners, transportation engineers, or any transportation decision makers.
文摘Various optimal boundary control problems for linear infinite order distributed hyperbolic systems involving constant time lags are considered. Constraints on controls are imposed. Necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for the Neumann problem with the quadratic performance functional are derived.
基金Sponsored by the National Science and Technology Major Special Project of China (Grant No.2011ZX03003-003-02)the Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 60972070)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing (Grant No. CSTC2009BA2090)the Foundation of Chongqing Educational Committee ( Grant No. KJ100514)the Special Fund of Chongqing Key Laboratory
文摘A cross-layer design which combines adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol at the data link layer (LL) is presented, in cooperative relay system over Nakagami-m fading channels with perfect and imperfect channel state information (CSI). In order to maximize spectral efficiency (SE) under delay and packet error rate (PER) performance constraints, a state transition model and an optimization framework with perfect CSI are presented. Then the framework is extended to cooperative relay system with imperfect CSI. The numerical results show that the scheme can achieve maximum SE while satisfying transmitting delay requirements. Compared with the imperfect CSI, the average PER with perfect CSI is much lower and the spectral efficiency is much higher.
文摘In this paper, the Authors present the designing of power system stabilizer (PSS) and static var compensator (SVC) based on chaos, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and shuffled frog leaping (SFL) Algorithms has been presented to improve the power system stability. Single machine infinite bus (SMIB) system with SVC located at the terminal of generator has been considered to evaluate the proposed SVC and PSS controllers. The coefficients of PSS and SVC controller have been optimized by Chaos, PSO and SFL algorithms. Fi-nally the system with proposed controllers is simulated for the special disturbance in input power of genera-tor, and then the dynamic responses of generator have been presented. The simulation results show that the system composed with recommended controller has outstanding operation in fast damping of oscillations of power system and describes an application of Chaos, PSO and SFL algorithms to the problem of designing a Lead-Lag controller used in PSS and SVC in power system.
文摘This paper presents a binary gravitational search algorithm (BGSA) is applied to solve the problem of optimal allotment of DG sets and Shunt capacitors in radial distribution systems. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear constrained single-objective optimization problem where the total line loss (TLL) and the total voltage deviations (TVD) are to be minimized separately by incorporating optimal placement of DG units and shunt capacitors with constraints which include limits on voltage, sizes of installed capacitors and DG. This BGSA is applied on the balanced IEEE 10 Bus distribution network and the results are compared with conventional binary particle swarm optimization.
基金Under the auspices of President Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(1999).
文摘ABSTRACT: This paper generalizes the makeup and forming dynamic mechanism of natural disaster systems, principles and methods of comprehensive division of natural disasters, as well as structure, function and up-build routes of map and file information visualization system (MFIVS). Taking the Changjiang(Yangtze) Valley as an example, on the basis of revealing up the integrated mechanism on the formations of its natural disasters and its distributing law, thereafter, the paper relies on the MFIVS technique, adopts two top-down and bottom-up approaches to study a comprehensive division of natural disasters. It is relatively objective and precise that the required division results include three natural disaster sections and nine natural disaster sub-sections, which can not only provide a scientific basis for utilizing natural resources and controlling natural disaster and environmental degradation, but also be illuminated to a concise, practical and effective technique on comprehensive division.
文摘This paper presents a design for a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system to provide the required electricity for a single residential household in rural area in Jordan. The complete design steps for the suggested household loads are carried out. Site radiation data and the electrical load data of a typical household in the considered site are taken into account during the design steps. The reliability of the system is quantified by the loss of load probability. A computer program is developed to simulate the PV system behavior and to numerically find an optimal combination of PV array and battery bank for the design of stand-alone photovoltaic systems in terms of reliability and costs. The program calculates life cycle cost and annualized unit electrical cost. Simulations results showed that a value of loss of load probability LLP can be met by several combinations of PV array and battery storage. The method developed here uniquely determines the optimum configuration that meets the load demand with the minimum cost. The difference between the costs of these combinations is very large. The optimal unit electrical cost of 1 kWh for LLP = 0.049 is $0.293;while for LLP 0.0027 it is $0.402. The results of the study encouraged the use of the PV systems to electrify the remote sites in Jordan.