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Feasibility of the Ottawa decision support tool to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice / Ncheka Moloimang SezarinahSezarinah, Ncheka Moloimang January 2014 (has links)
The study investigated the feasibility of the Ottawa decision support tool to assist HIV
positive mothers' infant feeding choice. The aim was to explore and describe the feasibility of
the Ottawa Decision Support Tool (ODST) in counselling HIV infected pregnant women on
decision-making regarding the choice of safe infant feeding. The finding of this study will
assist and support HIV positive mothers to be independent decision makers in choosing an
infant feeding option for their babies.
A descriptive qualitative research approach guided the researcher to explore and describe
the feasibility of the ODST to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice. This study is
based on the Ottawa decision support framework (ODSF). Three focus group that comprised
midwives as participants were conducted. The first focus group was conducted in January
2013 and the two subsequent ones in August 2013. Data was analysed using a framework
approach.
The following themes emerged from data-analysis:
• Appropriateness
• Receptiveness of intervention
• Effectiveness
Conclusions were drawn based on the attained objectives of the study. The overall
conclusion was that the ODST is feasible to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding
choice. Limitations of the study were identified and recommendations were made for nursing
practice, nursing education and further research. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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JForlan toolUppu, Srinivasa Aditya January 1900 (has links)
Master of Science / Department of Computing and Information Sciences / Alley Stoughton / Forlan is a computer toolset for experimenting with formal languages. Forlan is implemented as a set of Standard ML (a functional programming language) modules. Forlan presently includes a tool named ‘JFA’ (Java Finite Automata Editor) which is a Java GUI tool for creating and editing ‘Finite Automata’ and a tool named ’JTR’ (Java Trees Graphical Editor) which is used for creating and editing ‘Parse Trees’ or ’Regular Expression Trees’.
The JForlan tool is an attempt to unify the ‘JFA’ and the ‘JTR’ tools into one single tool so as to make it more robust, efficient and easy to use. Apart from integrating the tools a lot more functionality like creating and editing ‘Regular Expression Finite Automata’ and ’Program Trees’ (special kinds of Forlan trees which are used to represent Programs in Forlan) has been added to the tool which were not present in the ‘JFA’ and the ‘JTR’ tools. As the ‘Automata’ and the ‘Trees’ are closely related concepts it is highly beneficial to combine the tools into one single tool.
The JForlan tool can be invoked either from Forlan or can be run as a standalone Application. Due to the integration of the ‘JFA’ and the ‘JTR’ tools the user can now view the regular expression which was entered as a transition label in the ‘Automata’ mode as a tree structure in the ‘Tree’ mode. Another important feature which is added to the tool is that during the creation of the trees the user need not follow the top down approach only (i.e. creating first the root and then adding children to it) but can create the nodes of the tree in any order the user wishes. An important feature of the tool is that after drawing the necessary automaton or tree the user can save it directly as an ‘image’ or a JForlan project or can select the option of saving it in Forlan syntax, which translates the figures drawn into the Forlan code automatically. The main purpose of developing this tool is to provide a user friendly, easy to use tool which would be ideal for students as educational software which would help them to learn and understand the
basic concepts of automata and tree structure.
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The Development and the Evaluation of a Quasi-Real Time Decision Aid ToolLeite, Nelson Paiva Oliveira, Lopes, Leonardo Mauricio de Faria, Walter, Fernando 10 1900 (has links)
ITC/USA 2009 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Fifth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 26-29, 2009 / Riviera Hotel & Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / In an experimental flight test campaign, the usage of a real time Ground Telemetry System (GTS) provides mandatory support for three basic essential services: a) Safety storage of Flight Tests Instrumentation (FTI) data, in the occurrence of a critical aircraft failure; b) Monitoring of critical flight safety parameters to avoid the occurrence of accidents; and c) Monitoring of selected parameters that validates all tests points. At the operational side the test ranges typically works in two phases: a) In real time where the GTS crew performs test validation and test point selection with Telemetry data; and b) In post mission where the engineering crew performs data analysis and reduction with airborne recorded data. This process is time consuming because recorded data has to be downloaded, converted to Engineering Units (EU), sliced, filtered and processed. The main reason for the usage of this less efficient process relies in the fact that the real time Telemetry data is less reliable as compared to recorded data (i.e. it contains more noise and some dropouts). With the introduction of new technologies (i.e. i-NET) the telemetry link could be very reliable, so the GTS could perform data reduction analysis immediately after the receipt of all valid tests points, while the aircraft is still flying in a quasi-real time environment. To achieve this goal the Brazilian Flight Test Group (GEEV) along with EMBRAER and with the support of Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (FINEP) started the development of a series of Decision Aid Tools that performs data reduction analysis into the GTS in quasi-real time. This paper presents the development and the evaluation of a tool used in Air Data System Calibration Flight Tests Campaign. The application receives the Telemetry data over either a TCP/IP or a SCRAMnet Network, performs data analysis and test point validation in real time and when all points are gathered it performs the data reduction analysis and automatically creates HTML formatted tests reports. The tool evaluation was carried out with the instruction flights for the 2009 Brazilian Flight Test School (CEV). The results present a great efficiency gain for the overall Flight Test Campaign.
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Simulation of tribological interactions in bonded particle-solid contactsVan Wyk, Geritza 12 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study, tool forces from rock cutting tests were numerically simulated through a discrete element method (DEM) in association with PFC3D™. Tribological interactions such as contact, shearing, fracturing, friction and wear were presented during these cutting simulations. Particle assemblies, representing Paarl granite and Sandstone-2, were created in PFC3D™ through a material-genesis procedure. The macro-properties of these particle assemblies, namely Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength, were calibrated by modelling the uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength test and the Brazilian tensile strength test. The calibration was done through adjustment of the micro-properties of the assembly, namely the stiffness and strength parameters of the particles and bonds. The influence of particle size on the calibration was also investigated. These assemblies were used in the rock cutting tests. Results suggested that DEM can reproduce the damage formation during calibration tests successfully. From the results obtained from the calibration tests, it was also concluded that particle size is not a free parameter but influences the macro-properties greatly.
Different rock cutting tools were simulated, namely point-attack (conical) picks, chisel-shaped tools and button-shaped tools. The numerical cutting tools were treated as rigid walls to simplify the simulation and the tool forces were not influenced by wear. In each simulation the cutting tools advanced at a constant velocity. The tool forces acting on the cutting tool, in three orthogonal directions, were recorded during the numerical simulations and the peak cutting forces were predicted by theoretical equations. The damage to the Paarl granite and Sandstone-2 assemblies was revealed as broken bonds, which merge into microscopic fractures. The mean peak cutting forces of sharp cutting tools obtained from numerical, theoretical and experimental models (from the literature) were compared. Finally the influence of factors, including wear on the tool and depth of cut, on the value of tool forces was also investigated.
The results from the rock cutting tests revealed that the correlation between the numerical and the experimental models as well as the theoretical and experimental models was not strong when using sharp point-attack and chisel-shaped picks. It was concluded that the influence of wear plays a substantial part in the cutting process and it has to be included during the numerical simulation for the results to be accurate and verifiable. This study also found that there is a non-linear increase in tool forces with an increase in depth of cut, since the contact area increases. At larger cutting depths, chip formation also generally increased and therefore damage to the sample as well as wear on the cutting tool will be minimized at shallow cutting depths. Overall this study concludes that DEM are capable of simulating calibration methods and rock cutting processes with different cutting tools and producing results which are verifiable with experimental data. Therefore numerical prediction of tool forces will allow the design of efficient cutting systems and the operational parameters as well as the performance prediction of excavation machines. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie is die kragte wat tydens rotssny-toetse op die sny gereedskap inwerk, numeries gesimuleer met behulp van ‘n diskrete element metode (DEM) in samewerking met PFC3D™. Tribologiese interaksies soos kontak, skeer, breking, wrywing en slytasie is gedurende hiersie snytoetse voorgestel. Partikel versamelings, wat Paarl graniet en Sandsteen-2 verteenwoordig, is in PFC3D™ geskep deur middel van ‘n materiaal-skeppings prosedure. Die makro-eienskappe van die partikel versamelings, naamlik Young se modulus, Poisson se verhouding, eenassige en drie-assige druksterkte en Brasiliaanse treksterkte, is gekalibreer deur modellering van die eenassige en drie-assige druksterkte toets en die Brasiliaanse treksterkte toets. Die kalibrasie is gedoen deur aanpassing van die mikro-eienskappe, naamlik die styfheid en die sterkte parameters van die partikels en bindings. Die invloed van partikelgrootte is ook ondersoek. Daarna is hierdie versamelings in die rotssny-toetse gebruik. Resultate het daarop gedui dat DEM die kraakvorming gedurende kalibrasie toetse suksesvol kan reproduseer. Vanuit die kalibrasie is ook gevind dat die partikelgrootte nie ‘n vrye parameter is nie, maar die makro-eienskappe grotendeels beïnvloed.
Verskillende rotssny gereedskap is gesimuleer, naamlik koniese, beitel-vormige en knopie-vormige instrumente. Die numeriese sny gereedskap is gesimuleer as rigiede mure om simulasies te vereenvoudig en die gereedskap-kragte is dus nie deur slytasie beïnvloed nie. Tydens elke simulasie is die sny gereedskap vorentoe beweeg teen ‘n konstante snelheid. Die gereedskap-kragte, in drie ortogonale rigtings, is aangeteken gedurende die numeriese simulasies en die piek snykragte is ook voorspel deur teoretiese vergelykings. Die skade aan die Paarl graniet en Sandsteen-2 versamelings, is voorgestel as gebreekte bindings, wat saamsmelt tot mikroskopiese frakture. Die gemiddelde piek snykragte van skerp sny gereedskap van numeriese, teoretiese en eksperimentele modelle (uit die literatuur) is vergelyk. Ten slotte is die invloed wat faktore, onder andere die slytasie van gereedskap en die snydiepte, op die grootte van die kragte het ondersoek.
Die resultate van die rotssny-toetse het aan die lig gebring dat die korrelasie tussen die numeriese en eksperimentale modelle sowel as die teoretiese en eksperimentele modelle nie sterk is tydens die gebruik van skerp koniese en beitel-vormige instrumente nie. Die gevolgtrekking is gemaak dat die invloed van slytasie van sny gereedskap ‘n wesenlike rol speel in die snyproses en dat dit in die numeriese simulasie ingesluit moet word sodat die resultate akkuraat en virifieerbaar is. Hierdie studie het ook gevind dat daar ‘n nie-lineêre toename in die gereedskap-kragte is met ‘n toename in snydiepte aangesien die kontak-area toeneem met ‘n toename in die snydiepte. By groter snydieptes, het die formasie van afsplinterings verhoog en dus sal skade aan die partikel versamelings en die slytasie van die gereedskap geminimeer word by vlakker snydieptes. Algeheel het die studie tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat DEM in staat is om kalibrasie metodes en rotssny-toetse met verskillende sny gereedskap te simuleer asook om resultate te produseer wat verifieerbaar is met eksperimentele data. Numeriese voorspellings van die gereedskap-kragte sal dus toelaat om doeltreffende sny prosesse en operasionele parameters te ontwerp sowel as om die werkverrigting van uitgrawings masjiene te voorspel.
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Augmented conversation and cognitive apprenticeship metamodel based intelligent learning activity builder systemAdenowo, Adetokunbo January 2012 (has links)
This research focused on a formal (theory based) approach to designing Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) authoring tool involving two specific conventional pedagogical theories—Conversation Theory (CT) and Cognitive Apprenticeship (CA). The research conceptualised an Augmented Conversation and Cognitive Apprenticeship Metamodel (ACCAM) based on apriori theoretical knowledge and assumptions of its underlying theories. ACCAM was implemented in an Intelligent Learning Activity Builder System (ILABS)—an ITS authoring tool. ACCAM’s implementation aims to facilitate formally designed tutoring systems, hence, ILABS―the practical implementation of ACCAM― constructs metamodels for Intelligent Learning Activity Tools (ILATs) in a numerical problem-solving context (focusing on the construction of procedural knowledge in applied numerical disciplines). Also, an Intelligent Learning Activity Management System (ILAMS), although not the focus of this research, was developed as a launchpad for ILATs constructed and to administer learning activities. Hence, ACCAM and ILABS constitute the conceptual and practical contributions that respectively flow from this research. ACCAM’s implementation was tested through the evaluation of ILABS and ILATs within an applied numerical domain―the accounting domain. The evaluation focused on the key constructs of ACCAM―cognitive visibility and conversation, implemented through a tutoring strategy employing Process Monitoring (PM). PM augments conversation within a cognitive apprenticeship framework; it aims to improve the visibility of the cognitive process of a learner and infers intelligence in tutoring systems. PM was implemented via an interface that attempts to bring learner’s thought process to the surface. This approach contrasted with previous studies that adopted standard Artificial Intelligence (AI) based inference techniques. The interface-based PM extends the existing CT and CA work. The strategy (i.e. interface-based PM) makes available a new tutoring approach that aimed fine-grain (or step-wise) feedbacks, unlike the goal-oriented feedbacks of model-tracing. The impact of PM—as a preventive strategy (or intervention) and to aid diagnosis of learners’ cognitive process—was investigated in relation to other constructs from the literature (such as detection of misconception, feedback generation and perceived learning effectiveness). Thus, the conceptualisation and implementation of PM via an interface also contributes to knowledge and practice. The evaluation of the ACCAM-based design approach and investigation of the above mentioned constructs were undertaken through users’ reaction/perception to ILABS and ILAT. This involved, principally, quantitative approach. However, a qualitative approach was also utilised to gain deeper insight. Findings from the evaluation supports the formal (theory based) design approach—the design of ILABS through interaction with ACCAM. Empirical data revealed the presence of conversation and cognitive visibility constructs in ILATs, which were determined through its behaviour during the learning process. This research identified some other theoretical elements (e.g. motivation, reflection, remediation, evaluation, etc.) that possibly play out in a learning process. This clarifies key conceptual variables that should be considered when constructing tutoring systems for applied numerical disciplines (e.g. accounting, engineering). Also, the research revealed that PM enhances the detection of a learner’s misconception and feedback generation. Nevertheless, qualitative data revealed that frequent feedbacks due to the implementation of PM could be obstructive to thought process at advance stage of learning. Thus, PM implementations should also include delayed diagnosis, especially for advance learners who prefer to have it on request. Despite that, current implementation allows users to turn PM off, thereby using alternative learning route. Overall, the research revealed that the implementation of interface-based PM (i.e. conversation and cognitive visibility) improved the visibility of learner’s cognitive process, and this in turn enhanced learning—as perceived.
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Intervjustudie av outsourcingbeslut : Utveckling av ett effektivt beslutsverktyg / Interview study of outsourcing decision : Development of an efficient decision toolBjursten, Joakim, Bolmö, Henrik January 2016 (has links)
Bakgrund: Outsourcing är ett fenomen och ett strategiskt styrinstrument som har utvecklats till att benämnas som en global trend. Outsourcing utgör även ett ständigt förekommande område inom den moderna forskningen. Förklaringen till utvecklingen är dels på grund av den globaliserade och konkurrenskraftiga värld som idag föreligger för företagen, dels på grund av de fördelar som kans uppnås med styrinstrumentet. Syfte: Vårt syfte med studien är att utifrån ett brett perspektiv kartlägga och tolka vilka faktorer som figurerar i beslutsunderlaget när ett företag fattar ett outsourcingbeslut. Kartläggningen vill vi sedan utveckla och översätta till ett praktiskt gångbart beslutsverktyg som ämnar möjliggöra ett mer effektivt och medvetet beslutsfattande hos verkliga företag. Vårt syfte är således att bemöta den problematik vi har identifierat i den tidigare forskningen, och samtidigt bidra till att framtida företag kan bemöta sina outsourcingbeslut på ett mer framgångsrikt sätt. Teoretisk referensram: Vår teoretiska referensram utgörs av de tre stora teoretiska inriktningarna Core vs. Peripheral, Transaction Cost Economics och Resource Based View. Till detta integreras vad forskningen lyfter avseende fördelar, nackdelar och risker med outsourcing. Tillsammans framhäver dessa teorier en uppsättning faktorer som belyser vad företag beaktar vid ett outsourcingbeslut. Metod: Vi utför en intervjustudie på fem svenska företag belägna i södra Sverige. Företagen är Husqvarna AB, Lammhults Design Group AB, Lantmännen ek. för., Tetra Pak AB och VIDA AB. I vår studie appliceras ett kvalitativt angreppssätt för att analysera och tolka det insamlade materialet. Resultat: Studien har resulterat till ett egenutvecklat beslutsverktyg vilket är förankrat i både forskning och företags erfarenheter. I analysen framkommer att vissa teoretiska faktorer visade sig ha starkt empiriskt stöd hos de studerade företagen, medan andra faktorer lös med sin frånvaro. Företagen kunde även tillföra sex unika faktorer vilka inte framkom ur teorierna. Sammantaget resulterade beslutsverktyget till 26 olika faktorer, samt en bilaga för att tydliggöra vad samtliga dessa faktorer innebär för ett outsourcingbeslut. Vår förhoppning är att vårt beslutsverktyg kommer att tillämpas av företag i framtiden, och att vi kan bidra till en mer effektiv verksamhetsstyrning hos företag. / Background: Outsourcing is a phenomenon and a strategic tool which have turned into a global trend. Outsourcing does also frequently occur as a subject of study within the modern research. The explanation behind the development of outsourcing are partly due to the globalized and competitive world which today exist for companies, and because of the advantages which can be achieved with the strategic tool. Purpose: Our purpose is to identify and interpret from a broad perspective which factors a company take into account while making an outsourcing decision. We then want to develop and translate this identification to a practical viable decision tool that intends to enable more efficient and conscious decision making within businesses. Our purpose is thus to address the problems we have identified in the previous research, while contributing to future companies so that they can meet their outsourcing decision in a more successful way. Theoretical framework: Our theoretical framework consists of the three major theories Core vs. Peripheral, Transaction Cost Economics and Resource Based View. In addition to this, we integrate what the research highlight regarding advantages, disadvantages and risks of outsourcing. Together these theories form a set of factors that illustrate what companies take into account while they make their outsourcing decisions. Method: We conduct an interview study of five Swedish companies located in the southern Sweden. The companies are Husqvarna AB, Lammhults Design Group AB, Lantmännen ek. för., Tetra Pak AB och VIDA AB. In our study we applied a qualitative approach to analyse and interpret our material. Findings: The study has led to a decision tool which has been developed upon both research and corporate experience. The analysis shows that some factors were found to have strong empirical support of the companies studies, while other where absent. The companies could also provide six unique factors which did not emerge from the theories. Overall, our decision tool resulted in 26 different factors, as well as an appendix to clear what all of these factors mean for an outsourcing decision. We hope that our decision tool will be applied by companies in the future, and that we can contribute to more efficient management of future businesses.
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Hur upplever kunder informationom miljöteknisk markundersökning? : En undersökning kring befintlig information samt en ny informationsfilmJönsson, Annie January 2016 (has links)
The purpose of this report was to investigate how people who order a soil analysis perceive the information about that process. According to the law the customers need to have information about the soil analysis if they order it. A new informational film about soil analysis was compared to the existing data to see how the customer perceives different types of information. Two groups took part in the survey, one group watched the informational film, and the second group only had access to the existing data. The results of the investigation show that the majority of the respondents in the second group think that there is too little information about soil analysis and that it is hard to find. The first group think that after watching the movie, they got all the necessary information about the soil analysis in an accessible way. However, most survey respondents want the information in text form. Those who saw the informational movie think they have a better understanding of how and why the soil analysis is done, compared to those who only had access to the existing information. Most survey respondents want to get information from the municipality / county government, but receive the most of it from consultant agencies.
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COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OF CIRCULARLY-POLARIZED CONFORMAL MICROSTRIP PATCH ANTENNA FOR TELEMETRY APPLICATIONSWu, Doris I., Rieger, James 10 1900 (has links)
International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 17-20, 1994 / Town & Country Hotel and Conference Center, San Diego, California / Planar microstrip antennas are desirable in many telemetry applications because they
are small in size, light in weight, and conformal to most surfaces. The design and
optimization of circularly-polarized omnidirectional microstrip arrays using a new
software simulation tool are discussed in this paper. Critical design issues such as the
optimization of each array element for circular polarization and the minimization of
mutual couplings as well as feed network mismatch are examined. The software tool,
which consists of a novel graphical user interface and a full-wave numerical simulator
for a flat mounting surface, provides a testbed environment for the user to explore new
designs as well as optimizing existing designs. Using this tool, the design of several
wraparound arrays with different mounting cylinder radii are presented. Comparisons
between measured and simulated data for two S-band 8-element wraparound arrays are
also presented.
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Transformation through Integration / Transformation genom integrationNilsson, Monica E January 2003 (has links)
Abstract This study analyzes an attempt at integration of a pre-school class, a leisure-time center and an elementary school in Sweden. The integration was organized in the form of Vertical Track which implies a successive development of groups comprising children between six and twelve years old, pre-school teachers, recreation pedagogues, and schoolteachers. The integration was prompted by state governed reforms such as the 1992 law allowing six-year olds to start compulsory school. The study is based on cultural-historical activity theory and was carried out as participant observation and action research. The study addresses the question of the potentials and alternative goals for change and development of the present school pedagogy and classroom practice that integration implies. Special attention has been paid to what tools might potentially mediate in processes of integration. A research and educational program, the 5thD, was jointly created between researchers and teachers and located in a Vertical Track. The capacity of this complex tool as a mediator in the multicultural Vertical Track structure was explored. It is argued that the Vertical Track as an instantiation of the integration reform represents an arena for potential expansive transformation. However, in order for integration to have an impact on the pedagogical practice in schools, teacher interactions need to be mediated by communicative and conceptual tools. It is suggested that the 5thD program is an example of such tools. Keywords: Integration, pre-school teacher, recreation pedagogue, schoolteacher, contradiction, expansive learning, mediation, and tool. / <p>Framlagd vid Helsingfors universitet, pedagogiska institutionen.</p>
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A simulation tool for the analysis and design of leaky wave antennas in laterally shielded planar technology with application to metamaterialsPadilla Pardo, Marta January 2012 (has links)
Leaky-waves have been a topic of increasing interest in the last years, with diverse practical applications in many different engineering fields. From periodic, FSS, EBG or even metamaterial leaky-wave based antennas to waveguide filters and higher efficiency energy guiding, they all share a common base structure: a travelling-wave propagating within a metal encapsulation, that can be open or closed, and altered by a planar metallization of periodic nature, from which the energy may radiate. Due to the fact that these antennas are usually electrically large and the periodic printed circuit requires a certain grade of complexity, 3D commercial software is prohibitively time consuming. Also, the homebrew methods developed up to this day are either not rigorous and accurate enough or unable to deal with complex periodic geometries. At this point, the evolution of leaky-wave antennas needs a solid, efficient and versatile tool where to base the future design research on. In this work a novel simulation tool for waveguide embedded leaky-wave antennas is presented. It is based on a full-wave Method of Moments applied to the spectral domain Green Functions for a rigorous modal analysis of the finite structure. The use of Subdomain basis functions allows the software to model complex periodic geometries, overcoming a main limitation, and the analytical nature of the method combined with its 2.5D approach, results in a significant computing time reduction. It is built on a modular coding philosophy and provided with a user-friendly graphical interface, and an intuitive working procedure, making the program not only fast and accurate, but also easy to use and extend to new geometries. Finally, it is remarkable the educational potential of this new analysis software, since it identifies higher order effects as bandgaps and multi-harmonic radiation from a complete and simple modal approach.
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