Dynamic analysis of COBOL programs

This paper describes results obtained from a dynamic analysis of 22 typical COBOL programs. The analysis was performed by COBOL DYNAMIC ANALYSIS SYSTEM (COBDAP) which collected data and reported on the dynamic behaviour of COBOL programs.     

Building a robust integrity monitoring algorithm for a low cost GPS-aided-INS system

In this paper, the integrity of low cost GPS/INS systems is investigated to ensure the ability to obtain continuous high-integrity, high-accuracy vehicle state estimate under low-computational system requirement. The utilization of two fault detection and identification (FDI) techniques, the χ² (or sometimes referred to as chi-squared) gating function and the multiple model adaptive estimation (MMAE), is proposed to monitor the integrity of GPS measurements. A fault in GPS measurements is modeled with an increase in GPS measurements noise covariance matrix which may result from mistuning of filter’s noise parameters, interference, jamming, or multipath errors. These types of faults are covered by this work and are assumed to last for unconstrained period of time. ξ² FDI systems are computationally very inexpensive, have good fault detection ability and require no a priori knowledge on system dynamics. However, they are sensitive to filter tuning and fail to detect faults when the filter converges to them rather than rejecting them. Model-based approaches provide outstanding FDI ability. However, they are computationally demanding, require a priori knowledge on system model, sensitive to mismodeling errors, have finite convergence time, and compromise filter optimality under no-failure conditions. The proposed fusion algorithm guarantees integrity and does not affect filter’s optimality under no-failure conditions. Simulated and experimental tests were conducted to verify the accuracy of the proposed techniques. Results are presented at the end of the paper to highlight the performance characteristics of the proposed FDI system implementation.     

Construction of near optimal meshes for 3D curved domains with thin sections and singularities for p-version method

The adaptive variable p- and hp-version finite element method can achieve exponential convergence rate when a near optimal finite element mesh is provided. For general 3D domains, near optimal p-version meshes require large curved elements over the smooth portions of the domain, geometrically graded curved elements to the singular edges and vertices, and a controlled layer of curved prismatic elements in the thin sections. This paper presents a procedure that accepts a CAD solid model as input and creates a curved mesh with the desired characteristics. One key component of the procedure is the automatic identification of thin sections of the model through a set of discrete medial surface points computed from an Octree-based tracing algorithm and the generation of prismatic elements in the thin directions in those sections. The second key component is the identification of geometric singular edges and the generation of geometrically graded meshes in the appropriate directions from the edges. Curved local mesh modification operations are applied to ensure the mesh can be curved to the geometry to the required level of geometric approximation.     

S-Allyl cysteine in garlic (Allium sativum): Formation,biofunction, and resistance to food processing for value-added product development

S-allyl cysteine (SAC), which is the most abundant bioactive compound in black garlic (BG; Allium sativum), has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Sulfur compounds are the most distinctive bioactive elements in garlic. Previous studies have provided evidence that the concentration of SAC in fresh garlic is in the range of 19.0–1736.3 μg/g. Meanwhile, for processed garlic, such as frozen and thawed garlic, pickled garlic, fermented garlic extract, and BG, the SAC content increased to up to 8021.2 μg/g. BG is an SAC-containing product, with heat treatment being used in nearly all methods of BG production. Therefore, strategies to increase the SAC level in garlic are of great interest; however, further knowledge is required about the effect of processing factors and mechanistic changes. This review explains the formation of SAC in garlic, introduces its biological effects, and summarizes the recent advances in processing methods that can affect SAC levels in garlic, including heat treatment, enzymatic treatment, freezing, fermentation, ultrasonic treatment, and high hydrostatic pressure. Thus, the aim of this review was to summarize the outcomes of treatment aimed at maintaining or increasing SAC levels in BG. Therefore, publications from scientific databases in this field of study were examined. The effects of processing methods on SAC compounds were evaluated on the basis of the SAC content. This review provides information on the processing approaches that can assist food manufacturers in the development of value-added garlic products.     

DSS approach for heterogeneous parallel machines scheduling considering proximate supply chain constraints

This paper describes the basis of a Decision Support System (DSS) designed to schedule fertiliser production orders to be delivered within time windows, in plants made up of multiple heterogeneous parallel processors (production lines), considering that fertiliser production rates and nomenclatures depend on lines, that setup times depend on sequence and lines, and taking into account downtime constraints (preventive maintenance?…). A mixed linear programming model is encapsulated in the DSS which considers the schedule’s impacts, immediately upstream and downstream of plants in the supply chain. These side-effects may make the proposed solution unfeasible and the DSS helps redefining the problem to avoid them.     

Characterization of proteins from grain of different bread and durum wheat genotypes

The classical Osborne wheat protein fractions (albumins, globulins, gliadins, and glutenins), as well as several proteins from each of the four subunits of gliadin using SDS-PAGE analyses, were determined in the grain of five bread (T. aestivum L.) and five durum wheat (T. durum Desf.) genotypes. In addition, content of tryptophan and wet gluten were analyzed. Gliadins and glutenins comprise from 58.17% to 65.27% and 56.25% to 64.48% of total proteins and as such account for both quantity and quality of the bread and durum wheat grain proteins, respectively. The ratio of gliadin/total glutenin varied from 0.49 to 1.01 and 0.57 to 1.06 among the bread and durum genotypes, respectively. According to SDS-PAGE analysis, bread wheat genotypes had a higher concentration of α + β + γ-subunits of gliadin (on average 61.54% of extractable proteins) than durum wheat (on average 55.32% of extractable proteins). However, low concentration of ω-subunit was found in both bread (0.50% to 2.53% of extractable proteins) and durum (3.65% to 6.99% of extractable proteins) wheat genotypes. On average, durum wheat contained significantly higher amounts of tryptophan and wet gluten (0.163% dry weight (d.w.) and 26.96% d.w., respectively) than bread wheat (0.147% d.w. and 24.18% d.w., respectively).     

A framework for defining both qualitative and quantitative supplier selection criteria considering the buyer–supplier integration strategies

Previous research has reported that the decision criteria used to evaluate suppliers differ by product category. This paper presents a framework for defining the supplier selection criteria by investigating possible quantitative and qualitative criteria reported by earlier studies according to the levels of buyer–supplier relationship, the company's competitive situation and its corporate strategies, rather than investigating these criteria in respect of product category. The solution proposed in this study not only assists decision makers to define selection criteria, but also supports determining the buyer–supplier integration level. An actual case in Audio Electronics, a Turkish electronics business, demonstrates the feasibility of applying the proposed framework in practice.     

Comparative effects of synthetic pentasaccharide, low-molecular-weight heparin, unfractionated heparin and recombinant hirudin on the generation of factor VIIa and prothrombin activation after coagulation of human plasma

OBJECT OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to assess, whether the pneumatic pressure of an antishock-trouser (AST) of 20-40 mm Hg induces a decreased oxygenation of the anterior tibial muscle and attenuates muscular response potential (MRP) of n. peronaeus profundus? METHODS: Among 22 normotensive, healthy volunteers the AST were tested by applying pressure values between 0 and 100 mm Hg and measuring the intracompartmental pressure, the muscular oxygen pressure as well as the MRP by electroneurographic means within a period of 6 hours. RESULTS: The median initial intracompartmental pressure value of the m. tibialis anterior was 12.0 mm Hg (Q25%/Q75%: 8.9/17.3), the muscular oxygen pressure 14.8 mm Hg (Q25%/Q75%: 11.5/22.0). Transmission of the pneumatic AST-leg segment pressure to the muscle: 97.7% (Q25%/Q75%: 89.2/99.8). Already in the low AST pressure field (20-40 mm Hg) a severe hypoxia occurred in one case. A reduction of MRP was noticed at an AST pressure rate of 10 mm Hg. In 5 of 6 cases AST pressure values of 60 mm Hg led to pathological pO2-values within 5-20 minutes. Almost without exception AST-pressure rates < 60 mm Hg resulted in an anoxia of the muscle and loss of the MRP. CONCLUSIONS: We should demand that the AST are only applied with models where the pressure generated within the single segments can be controlled by pressure gauge. The application of the AST seems to be justified for polytraumatised in severe haemorrhagic shock where the risk of a local tissue ischemia with systemical consequences must deliberately be accepted.