We discuss a systematic methodology that leads to the reconstruction of the material profile of either single, or assemblies of one-dimensional flexural components endowed with Timoshenko-theory assumptions. The probed structures are subjected to user-specified transient excitations: we use the complete waveforms, recorded directly in the time-domain at only a few measurement stations, to drive the profile reconstruction using a partial-differential-equation-constrained optimization approach. We discuss the solution of the ensuing state, adjoint, and control problems, and the alleviation of profile multiplicity by means of either Tikhonov or Total Variation regularization. We report on numerical experiments using synthetic data that show satisfactory reconstruction of a variety of profiles, including smoothly and sharply varying profiles, as well as profiles exhibiting localized discontinuities. The method is well suited for imaging structures for condition assessment purposes, and can handle either diffusive or localized damage without need for a reference undamaged state. / text

In my studio practice I attempt to create sensual experiences from which nothing is learned and lack resolution; this thesis is an attempt to find ways to outline these experiences. However, this attempt will eventually lead to something entirely different, for these experiences are undefinable and impossible to investigate. I will try to show how the components of the work, rather than forming a direct link to a chain of thoughts or associations, summon an experience that is derived only from the encounter itself.

Small businesses have always played important roles in America's economic evolution. They continue to be an important means by which women, minorities, and immigrants enter the American economic mainstream. A review of the relevant literature indicated that information is one of the central resources of a new venture and that there is still much to be learned about the ways in which entrepreneurs gather and utilize the information they need. This study aimed to identify the information needs of the minority small business owner and provide a solution to these information needs through the design and development of a business research information portal that will serve as a gateway to subject specific information for this user group. The researcher first investigated the information needs of the minority small business owner by conducting a needs analysis survey. The survey findings provided an understanding of the information needs, while the focus group and usability study revealed the users' perceptions of Web site usability and content. The results of the needs analysis survey indicated that the minority small business owner has a strong need for information. Subject areas include market research, demographics, funding resources, and industry data. In general, approximately 65% survey respondents rated their computer and Internet competency levels as proficient, advanced, or at mastery. Although participants generally ranked themselves competent in using the Internet the majority were still interested in learning how to research specific business topics. The business information research portal was developed, based on the results of the needs analysis survey, as an online community for the minority small business owner. The goal was to provide business information resources, services, and tools, in an environment that would allow this group to network with one another, share their thoughts and ideas, and learn from each other. This online community brings the minority small business owners together and offers them the opportunity to interact extensively with one another on specific topics. Therefore, this portal will serve the minority small business owners' information research needs.

Dynamic Precision is a company in Herrljunga focused on electronics. A branch of Dynamic Precision is repairs of electronic equipment from third party companies and they send electronic equipment from their end-customers to Dynamic Precision that repair the units and then return them, usually direct to the end-customer. Dynamic Precision had need of a customer portal so that their customers could check the status of their sent in equipment and this customer portal became an internship project. The project was developed in ASPNET Core and its database was created in Microsoft SQL-Server. The project has been completed with somewhat intact time-planning, even though the construction of the middleware took longer time than planned. The focus of the project has been on creating a usable and secure application and a reasonable secure solution has been reached. The planned amount of users is very low, but it still needs to have its accessibility improved so that a users possible handicap wont stop the user from using the application. / Dynamic Precision är ett elektronikföretag i Herrljunga. En gren av Dynamic Precision är elektronikreparationer åt andra företag och dessa företag skickar in reparationsenheter från slutkunder som Dynamic Precision sedan reparerar och skickar tillbaka, då oftast direkt till slutkund. Dynamic Precision hade behov av en kundportal så att deras kunder fick möjlighet att och kontrollera status på sina reparationsenheter och denna portal blev då ett examensarbete. Projektet utvecklades i ASPNET Core och dess databas skapades upp i Microsoft SQLServer. Projektet har genomförts med någorlunda intakt tidsplanering, trots att konstruktionen av middleware tog längre tid än planerat. Fokus har legat i att få en applikation som är användbar och säker och en trolig rimlig säkerhetsnivå har nåtts. Den tänkta mängden användare av applikationen kommer vara mycket låg, trots detta behöver tillgängligheten ses över så att eventuella handikapp inte hindrar användaren av applikationen.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This study investigated scholarly communication guidance as a core service by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, academic library to doctoral students, research and scholarly communication needs and skills of doctoral students and effective dissemination of research findings by doctoral students for national development. The study also explored the adoption of a research portal as part of the academic library website for scholarly communication guidance to doctoral students. A case study research design with KNUST as research site, with a mixed method approach was used. Semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, documentary analysis and a bibliometric survey of an institutional repository were employed as data gathering tools. A scholarly communication guidance model based on Costa’s proposed adaption of Garvey and Griffin’s models of scholarly communication, Wilson’s information behaviour model and Bjôrk’s scholarly communication lifecycle model was developed to frame the study.

Introduction: There is an urgent need to find new ways of improving the quality and safety of healthcare whilst achieving efficiencies of service. E-health technologies offer exciting opportunities to support patients in managing chronic disease. Following continuous advances and increasing use, the Internet provides an ideal platform to empower patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that people taking a more active role in managing their health, experience improved outcomes. Based on these principles and funded by Crohn's and Colitis UK, a new web-based care package was designed for adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Specifically 'My IBD Portal' aimed to provide greater access to information, improved communication and encourage greater engagement. Following its implementation at a single centre NHS Trust, the new IBD patient portal was evaluated in the clinical setting. Methods: Following a literature review and significant patient involvement, 'My IBD Portal' was designed and implemented within a single centre setting. The system was evaluated over a 6-month period using a pre-post observational designed study. The primary objective was to examine patient experience. Usage, usability and satisfaction were measured. Secondary objectives included assessing factors that predicted use, analysed using logistic regression models. Changes in IBD knowledge, patient engagement, medication adherence and health utilisation were also explored using univariate analysis and multiple regression models. Results: 183 participants enrolled in the 6-month observational study. 63.4% of participants visited the IBD Portal more than once and were defined as users. In total there were 2080 individual visits to the Portal. The mean number of logins was 11.4 (SD 21.5) and median 3 (IQR 1-12). The mean duration of each visit was over 5 minutes. Individual use was highly variable. Approximately a quarter of participants never or only once used the IBD Portal, with an equal proportion visiting over 10 times. Satisfaction amongst users was high. 98% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied. 90% perceived the IBD Portal supported their management and 32% felt it helped with treatment decisions. An overwhelming majority expressed a desire to continue using the IBD Portal after completion of the study. Viewing test results (23%) was the most common section visited, followed by clinic letters (21%). 29% of participants reported sharing their access with a partner or family member. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings. Many users expressed considerable benefit from online provision to their IBD health record. Comparing users to non-users, logistic regression modeling showed active disease was significantly associated with use. Changes in health outcomes were explored using both univariate and regression analyses. Following multiple regression modeling, an increase in patient activation was significantly associated with Portal use (p < 0.02). A positive trend was observed in perceived support (p=0.06). Improvements in IBD knowledge and medication adherence were not observed. Health utilisation was greater amongst users with more frequent outpatient and helpline contacts observed. Conclusion: Design and implementation of an IBD Portal within the NHS setting is feasible. Technological, human and organisational factors need to be carefully considered during development to support adoption. The IBD Portal was used by a majority of participants and was perceived to support their care. Following adoption in other NHS clinical settings, a cluster randomised controlled study would provide the optimal study design to complete the evaluation process.

by Joseph Jao Yiu Sung. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 201-220). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Estágio realizado na Indra Sistemas Portugal, S. A. e orientado pelo Eng.º Jorge Agra / Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Informática e Computação. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 2008

Tese de mestrado. Tecnologia Multimédia. 2006. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto

Patient engagement is one of the 6 quality directives issued by the Institute of Medicine for patient-centered care. Federal meaningful use regulations require health care organizations to offer patients a secure online website, or patient portal, to access their health information. Although the patient portal offers patients the opportunity to be more involved in their care, the portal has not been widely used. However, barriers to utilization are best understood from the perspective of the patient. Any barriers to patients accessing the portal are also barriers to patient engagement. The purpose of this project was to understand from the patient perspective why 99% were not using the portal at a large health system. The goal was to understand the patient preferences and their expectations for the portal as well as the perceived barriers. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory guided this quality improvement project to understand the patient perspective to initiate focused portal revisions and program changes. A focus group method was used to interview patients about their portal knowledge, willingness to use the portal, and general preferences for accessing health information. Four focus groups were conducted with 15 participants. Each session was recorded, transcribed within the program NVivo, and reviewed through content analysis. The main barrier to patient portal use is a general knowledge deficit about the purpose, usefulness, and accessibility. As possible solutions, the participants suggested education and promotion materials are essential. Also, nursing staff will need to offer patients information about how to access and use the portal. Through this project, positive social change can be achieved as patients will have better access to their personal health information with the revised portal.