System complexity and integrated diagnostics

An overview of a complete approach to integrated diagnostics is given. The approach is centered around an information-flow model and incorporates techniques from information fusion and artificial intelligence to guide analyses. The concept of integrated diagnosis is explained, and the model is examined. The authors show how to analyze testability, evaluate fault diagnosis, and create maintenance aids     

Volume estimation from multiplanar 2D ultrasound images using a remote electromagnetic position and orientation sensor

A system is described for calculating volume from a sequence of multiplanar 2D ultrasound images. Ultrasound images are captured using a video digitising card (Hauppauge Win/TV card) installed in a personal computer, and regions of interest transformed into 3D space using position and orientation data obtained from an electromagnetic device (Polhemus, Fastrak). The accuracy of the system was assessed by scanning 10 water filled balloons (13-141 mL), 10 kidneys (147-200 mL) and 16 fetal livers (8-37 mL) in water using an Acuson 128XP/10 (5 MHz curvilinear probe). Volume was calculated using the ellipsoid, planimetry, tetrahedral and ray tracing methods and compared with the actual volume measured by weighing (balloons) and water displacement (kidneys and livers). The mean percentage error for the ray tracing method was 0.9 +/- 2.4%, 2.7 +/- 2.3%, 6.6 +/- 5.4% for balloons, kidneys and livers, respectively. So far the system has been used clinically to scan fetal livers and lungs, neonate brain ventricles and adult prostate glands.     

Clinical picture of peptic ulceration diagnosed endoscopically

Clinical features and laboratory data are presented for 100 patients with benign gastric ulceration and 150 patients with duodenal ulceration confirmed endoscopically in a district general hospital unit. Abdominal pain was the commonest indication for endoscopy, but one third of examinations were performed for acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Although the patients were selected by referral for endoscopy their clinical presentation, age, and sex distribution were similar to those reported in previous general surveys. There were no clinical features which clearly distinguished gastric from duodenal ulceration. However, of those with gastric ulceration younger patients more often had distal ulcers and presented with pain, while elderly subjects tended to have high lesser curve involvement and presented with haemorrhage. Moreover, all females presenting with haemorrhage were aged over 50 years, while 6% of males bleeding from gastric ulceration and 40% of males bleeding from duodenal ulceration were under this age. Anaemia when present, except in two premenopausal females, indicated either a recent acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage or a coexistent second diagnosis.     

Computer aided design education—The the more the education, the less the use

The use of computers does not at present fit comfortably into the world of the design engineer. To improve this situation, it is not the engineer but the computer that needs educating. The use of CAD requires a database combined with an engineering editor to allow evolutionary design. In the field of finite element analysis, CAD promises to save money while restoring the engineer to his proper position.     

Psychosocial enhancement of immunocompetence in a geriatric population.

Assessed the enhancement of immunocompetence by relaxation and social contact in 45 60–88 yr old geriatric residents of independent-living facilities. Ss were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 protocols: (1) relaxation training, (2) social contact, or (3) no contact. Ss in the relaxation and social-contact conditions were seen individually 3 times/wk for 1 mo. Blood samples and self-report data were obtained at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at a 1-mo follow-up. At the end of the intervention, Ss in the relaxation group, who had been taught progressive relaxation and guided imagery as an active coping skill, showed a significant increase in natural killer cell activity and significant decreases in antibody titers to Herpes simplex virus and self-rated distress. The other 2 groups showed nonsignificant changes. There was a general increase in the T-lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin stimulation at the end of the intervention, with greater change at lower mitogen concentrations. Data suggest that cellular immunocompetence may be enhanced by psychosocial interventions. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Commodity trade,corporate ownership and urban growth

Two sources of urban growth differentials that intimately stem from the interdependencies between cities are unequal gains from interurban commodity trade, and spatial differentials in corporate ownership. Each of these phenomena has the potential of redistributing the physical and monetary surplus accruing from production unevenly between cities. This study develops a theoretical model to examine these problems, taking as its starting point a Marxian model of reproduction, prices, profits and wages. An interurban model of production and trade for a capitalist society with production restricted to small enterprises is constructed. Some system-wide and local accounting relationships are formulated that reveal the flows of profits, investment income, and surplus value between cities as a result of the postulated trading patterns. These are used to demonstrate the difference between profit and surplus value movements among locations, and to mathematically formulate the classical problem of unequal exchange of labour values relative to monetary values.     

A fire code for the New Zealand meat freezing industry with particular reference to cold storesUn code de prévention des incendies dans l'industrie Néo-Zélandaise de la viande congelée et plus particulièrement dans les entrepôts frigorifiques

This paper describes building standards relating to the fire code and their application to cold stores.Emphasis is placed on a policy for a large industrial complex with single management capable of ensuring permanent fire safety measures, emergency procedures and intensive staff training. The management can thus co-ordinate all aspects of fire prevention and decide which buildings should incorporate fire safety measures and the extent to which these should be implemented. Emphasis is especially laid on staff safety, specifying minimum egress distances and easy fire fighting access. The use of sprinklers, located selectively, is advised in some parts of the building.The fire code represents a consensus view of design engineers, fire fighters, local government, insurance companies and meat company owners and operators.