Hierarchical intelligent control with flexible AC transmission systems application

A novel hierarchical intelligent controller configuration is proposed using an artificial neural network as a control-mode classifier in the supervisory level and a set of pre-designed controllers in the lower level. Controller outputs are modified nonlinearly by the classifying signals in a structure resembling one artificial neuron with adaptively changed weights. The lower-level local controllers are implemented using neural networks. An illustrative example of this approach is based on the transient stabilization of a single-machine infinite-bus system studied in Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) research.     

Global Environmental Change: Management Under Long-range Uncertainty

This paper gives an overview of social science challenges in global environmental research. After a sketch of backgrounds, the ‘social dilemma’ is introduced as a major research question. It is asserted that current uncertainties over global environmental change provoke innovative studies on risk behaviour and management of long-range, largely unpredictable, phenomena. Various illustrations of new research initiatives and directions are given.     

Work-site smoking policies: their population impact in Washington State

This article presents data from a population-based, random-digit dialing telephone survey of 1228 employed adults in Washington State, conducted 1989 through 1990. Eighty-one percent of men and 91% of women reported work-site smoking restrictions. Employees in work sites with no-smoking policies were less likely to be current smokers; men in work sites with policies restricting smoking smoked fewer cigarettes on both workdays and nonworkdays. Forty-eight percent of male and 53% of female smokers reported reduced smoking as a result of work-site policy. Work-site smoking policies, intended to protect against smoke exposure, may also reduce employee smoking.     

A 56 mm twin aperture model dipole magnet for the large hadroncollider

A 56 mm twin aperture model dipole magnet for the large hadron collider has been built at CERN. The magnet design incorporates stainless steel collars and a special yoke structure to minimize saturation-induced field errors. The magnet has proved to be the most successful model prototype constructed so far. In the tests the design field of 10.0 Tesla was achieved with a record-short training. In this paper, the quench performance and the electromagnetic behavior of the magnet are presented and discussed     

Heading towards an advanced signalling system for multimedia,multiparty services in broadband ISDN

Introduction of the broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) will enable network users to make use of advanced multimedia, multiparty services. With this aim in view, RACE II project R2044, MAGIC, is investigating long-term signalling requirements, architecture and protocols for B-ISDN. New service concepts are being developed in MAGIC which will provide more flexibility when compared to narrowband ISDN (N-ISDN). The service requirements and other signalling requirements, such as the separation between call and associated connections at the network-node interface, are used to determine the distribution of functions over the network. The signalling protocols which are used to exchange the signalling information are subsequently developed. These signalling protocols are simulated to prove the performance and the feasibility of call handling concepts     

Patient's self-interpretation of tuberculin skin tests

BACKGROUND: In the outpatient use of tuberculin skin testing (purified protein derivative [PPD]), it is at times inconvenient to have a patient revisit for interpretation. Therefore, we assessed patients' ability to self-interpret these test results. METHODS: In keeping with prior custom, patients were seen by an experienced nurse, who performed skin testing with PPD intermediate strength as well as mumps and Candida anergy control tests in some cases, and explained the procedure. The patients were asked to return 48 to 72 h later, at which time one of the researchers recorded their test interpretations before they were again evaluated by the nurse. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were studied, of whom 59 returned at appropriate interval. Eighteen patients had a positive PPD test reaction of 10 to 20 mm induration, which only one patient correctly identified as a positive test result. However, positive anergy control tests were correctly interpreted in 10 of 27 cases. CONCLUSION: The small number of positive PPD test result recognition by these patients may be partially attributed to their lack of education, as well as foreign birth and denial of illness. PPD results should be checked by an experienced professional.