Efficient storage of healthcare data in XML-based smart cards

In this paper we present storage structures for efficiently processing XML path queries on healthcare data stored in smart cards using XML format. In the design of the storage structures that we present, properties of healthcare data and fundamental types of queries on the healthcare data are taken into account as well as the constraints of the smart cards. We compare the space and time efficiency of the proposed storage structures for various types of queries.     

ITALIAN MONEY TESTED FOR FORGERY BY MOSSBAUER SPECTROSCOPY

Italian money has been investigated by Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results indicated that the spectrum of a 10000 lire bank-note consisted of three magnetic sextets and two quadrupole doublets, the spectrum of a 50000 lire note consisted of two Zeeman sextets, but in the "false" money there are two quadrupole doublets only.     

Reliability and speed of recall in an associative network

Previous investigations of the storage capacity of associative nets have not explicitly considered quantitative aspects of the tradeoff between storage capacity and reconstructive power in these systems. Furthermore, few comparisons have been made between theoretical estimates and experimental results (simulations). In this correspondence, we describe some results recently obtained and relevant to these issues. It is shown that a high storage capacity is possible, without sacrificing reliability in the recall process. Furthermore, an efficient algorithm for retrieval of the information stored is presented, and the speed of recall employing various degrees of parallelism is discussed.     

A study of ergonomics factors in washbasin design

A 4-week UNESCO-sponsored mission to the Department of Architecture, Karadeniz Technical University in Eastern Turkey, gave an opportunity to apply ergonomics techniques to some aspects of that country's domestic washbasin design. The study was intended to provide experience in questionnaire design and administration, in the application of psycho-physical methods, and to highlight the importance of determining user characteristics and preferences with regard to the built environment. A field study elicited information on dimensions and positioning of existing wash-basins and ancillary equipment and the opinions of users as to the suitability of these features in relation to the activities performed. A laboratory study, using an adjustable rig permitting variation in the heights of basin, taps and mirror/shelf, followed. The data obtained on preferred heights of these items led to the conclusions that basin height should be increased to between 95 and 100 cm to satisfy the majority of users; tap height above the basin should be reduced to about 11 cm; the shelf and lower edge of a mirror sited above the basin should be 136 cm above the floor; and a clear space of 110 cm should be available between the front of the basin and a wall or other obstruction. Suggestions on other design aspects of the bathroom, resulting from the study, are discussed.     

Detection and reading distances of retroreflective road signs during night driving

The detectability and legibility of road signs of different reflective intensities were studied in night driving conditions. The results indicated that for obtaining optimal detectability and legibility distances, the reflective intensity of a new road sign should be in the range of 4 to 10 mcd/lux x cm(2). For signs in this range it was shown that doubling the area of a sign increased a detection distance of about 600 m by about 150-200 m. Opposing headlights on an oncoming car decreased detection distances of 500-900 m by about 100 m. Finally, it was found that standard signs, with a text 170 mm high, permitted reading from a distance of about 115 m.