Rough set theory with discriminant analysis in analyzing electricity loads

With the ability to deal with both numeric and nominal information, rough set theory (RST), which can express knowledge in a rule-based form, has been one of the most important techniques in data analysis. However, applications of rough set theory for analyzing electricity loads are not widely discussed. Thus, this investigation employs rough set theory to analyze electricity loads. Additionally, to reduce the time generating reducts by rough set theory, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is used to generate a reduct for rough set model. Therefore, this study designs a hybrid discriminant analysis and rough set model (DARST) to provide decision rules representing relations in an electric load information system. In this investigation, nine condition factors and variations of electricity loads are employed to examine the feasibility of the hybrid model. Experimental results reveal that the proposed model can efficiently and accurately analyze the relation between condition variables and variations of electricity loads. Consequently, the proposed model is a promising alternative for developing an electric load information system and offers decision rules base for the utility management as well as operations staff.     

A more efficient and secure ID-based remote mutual authentication with key agreement scheme for mobile devices on elliptic curve cryptosystem

Recently, Yang and Chang proposed an identity-based remote login scheme using elliptic curve cryptography for the users of mobile devices. We have analyzed the security aspects of the Yang and Chang's scheme and identified some security flaws. Also two improvements of the Yang and Chang's scheme have been proposed recently, however, it has been found that the schemes have similar security flaws as in the Yang and Chang's scheme. In order to remove the security pitfalls of the Yang and Chang and the subsequent schemes, we proposed an enhanced remote user mutual authentication scheme that uses elliptic curve cryptography and identity-based cryptosystem with three-way challenge-response handshake technique. It supports flawless mutual authentication of participants, agreement of session key and the leaked key revocation capability. In addition, the proposed scheme possesses low power consumption, low computation cost and better security attributes. As a result, the proposed scheme seems to be more practical and suitable for mobile users for secure Internet banking, online shopping, online voting, etc.     

Biomechanics of slips.

The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature on the biomechanics of gait relevant to slips. This knowledge can be used to develop slip resistance testing methodologies and to determine critical differences in human behaviour between slips leading to recovery and those resulting in falls. Ground reaction forces at the shoe-floor interface have been extensively studied and are probably the most critical biomechanical factor in slips. The ratio of the shear to normal foot forces generated during gait, known as the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during normal locomotion on dry surfaces or 'friction used/achievable' during slips, has been one biomechanical variable most closely associated with the measured frictional properties of the shoe/floor interface (usually the coefficient of friction or COF). Other biomechanical factors that also play an important role are the kinematics of the foot at heel contact and human responses to slipping perturbations, often evident in the moments generated at the lower extremity joints and postural adaptations. In addition, it must be realized that the biomechanics are dependent upon the capabilities of the postural control system, the mental set of the individual, and the perception of the environment, particularly, the danger of slipping. The focus of this paper is to review what is known regarding the kinematics and kinetics of walking on surfaces under a variety of environmental conditions. Finally, we discuss future biomechanical research needs to help to improve walkway-friction measurements and safety.     

Human-centred approaches in slipperiness measurement.

A number of human-centred methodologies--subjective, objective, and combined--are used for slipperiness measurement. They comprise a variety of approaches from biomechanically-oriented experiments to psychophysical tests and subjective evaluations. The objective of this paper is to review some of the research done in the field, including such topics as awareness and perception of slipperiness, postural and balance control, rating scales for balance, adaptation to slippery conditions, measurement of unexpected movements, kinematics of slipping, and protective movements during falling. The role of human factors in slips and falls will be discussed. Strengths and weaknesses of human-centred approaches in relation to mechanical slip test methodologies are considered. Current friction-based criteria and thresholds for walking without slipping are reviewed for a number of work tasks. These include activities such as walking on a level or an inclined surface, running, stopping and jumping, as well as stair ascent and descent, manual exertion (pushing and pulling, load carrying, lifting) and particular concerns of the elderly and mobility disabled persons. Some future directions for slipperiness measurement and research in the field of slips and falls are outlined. Human-centred approaches for slipperiness measurement do have many applications. First, they are utilized to develop research hypotheses and models to predict workplace risks caused by slipping. Second, they are important alternatives to apparatus-based friction measurements and are used to validate such methodologies. Third, they are used as practical tools for evaluating and monitoring slip resistance properties of footwear, anti-skid devices and floor surfaces.     

Obtaining a durable power of attorney for health care from nursing home residents

BACKGROUND: A durable power of attorney for health care (DPA) allows a person to appoint a surrogate decision-maker for any future period of mental incapacity. The absence of advance directives can lead to confusion and the expenditure of resources while trying to exert a substituted judgment. METHODS: The Wisconsin DPA was presented with an organized pilot program to 150 residents who had been judged by their social workers to have the capacity to make informed decisions regarding medical care. The reasons residents gave for accepting or rejecting a DPA were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent prepared a DPA. Reasons for signing included allowing the resident to decide who would make medical decisions and assuring that specific wishes would be carried out. Twenty-one percent did not execute a DPA. Reasons were categorized as confusion and misunderstanding regarding the legal system, mistrust, or social isolation. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate (79%) of DPA completion is probably related to individually counseling residents. However, competent residents who despite counseling do not choose to execute a DPA can have detailed advance directives ("living wills") prepared without appointing a decision-maker.     

Influence of dietary iron deficiency on acute metal intoxication

The frequent difficulties encountered in the diagnosis of pediatric sarcomas, caused by the lack of observable differentiation at the light microscopic level, has led to the routine use of immunohistochemistry in pediatric surgical pathology. To a large degree the advent of this staining technique has led to the correct assessment of many perplexing lesions that previously would have been given inconclusive diagnoses. However, with increased usage and testing, it has become apparent that there are few, if any, "magic bullets" in immunohistochemistry for pediatric pathologists. Thus, it behooves diagnosticians to be careful in the usage of this technique, to be aware of possible discrepancies in its results, and to remember the ancillary nature of its application. The following article will review selected markers commonly used in pediatric surgical pathology, from both previous reports and the author's perspective, and will briefly consider several new phenotypic markers which have potential utility with childhood sarcomas.     

Application of cuprous oxide synthesized from copper-containing waste liquid to treat aqueous reactive dye

Cuprous oxide that was prepared from Cu-containing waste liquid from a printed circuit board manufacturer was used to carry out Fenton-like and photo-Fenton-like oxidation reactions to decolorize a reactive dye (RB19). A microwave hydrothermal method was applied in the synthesis. The highest recovery rate of Cu from wastewater was 87% and was obtained when the synthesis was performed at a power of 200 W for 15 min. An RB19 decolorization efficiency of 99.9% was achieved when the Fenton-like reaction was conducted with 50 mmol/L H(2)O(2) and 0.9 g/L of Cu(2)O. The decolorization of RB19 was more effective when the system was irradiated with visible light than with UV light. Under irradiation, the decolorization rate was the highest when the decolorization was performed in the RB19 solution that contained 50 mmol/L H(2)O(2) and 0.9 g/L CuO(2) in the Fenton-like and the 365 nm-irradiated photo-Fenton-like reactions. In the case of irradiation under 410 nm visible light, the system was operated with lower H(2)O(2) (30 mmol/L) and Cu(2)O (0.5 g/L) to achieve a decolorization rate higher than 365 nm-irradiated photo-Fenton-like reactions.     

一种求解Job Shop 调度问题的改进遗传算法

传统遗传算法在求解Job Shop调度问题时存在收敛速度慢,易于早熟的缺点。在病毒遗传算法(VEGA)和灾变遗传算法的基础上提出了一种带有灾变因子的病毒遗传算法(IVEGA-C)。该算法在传统遗传算法的基本结构上加入了病毒感染操作和灾变操作,病毒感染操作实现了同代个体之间横向传递进化信息,灾变操作采用灭绝操作。正是这种改进加快了遗传算法的收敛速度,避免了早熟现象和陷入局部最优解。通过仿真实验验证了IVEGA-C算法在解决Job Shop调度问题中的性能优于传统GA算法和VEGA算法。最后给出了应用该算法的一个实例。     

地面防喷器控制装置远控系统的研制与应用

电控气型地面防喷器控制装置远控系统采用先进的SIEMENS S7-300系列PLC和PROFIBUS总线技术,使得地面防喷器控制装置对防喷器的控制时间大大缩短,提高了整个控制系统的安全、可靠性;通过电气按钮实现对防喷器的控制,通过增加声、光报警系统、控制状态指示灯、压力显示数码管,提高了作业人员的可操作性,使得整个控制系统更加人性化。     

Creatine kinase isoenzymes in serum from cord blood and the blood of healthy full-term infants during the first three postnatal days

Isoenzymes of creatine kinase (ATP:creatine phosphotransferase; EC 2.7.3.2; CK) were measured by electrophoresis in serum from cord blood and skin-puncture blood taken from 45 healthy full-term infants during the first three postnatal days. Mean total CK activities (in U/L at 30 degrees C) were 185 in cord samples, 536 in samples taken between 5--8 h postnatally, 494 between 24--33 h, and 288 in the 72-100 h samples. Values for all three isoenzymes increased to a peak over this period, with the highest values generally being found in the samples taken 5--33 h after birth; the subsequent decline was most rapid for CK-BB. Serum CK isoenzymes in cord samples and those taken at 72--100 h in the 11 babies delivered by cesarian section did not differ significantly from those of babies delivered vaginally. However the postnatal increases in total CK, CK-MM, and CK-MB (but not in CK-BB) were significantly greater in those patients born by vaginal delivery. The reasons for the increases in CK isoenzymes after birth are not clear, but our results and reported studies on the ontogeny of CK suggest that CK-MB cannot be regarded as a "cardiac-specific" isoenzyme in the neonatal period.