Front Cover

In this paper, the authors present the results of experiments which clearly demonstrate a technical basis confirming that the carrier frequency harmonics data can be used for diagnostics relative to motor stator insulation degradation.     

Implementation of a self-timed segmented bus

We propose an asynchronous structure for implementation on a SoC. An intersegment topological arrangement preserves parallelization and, through a so-called central arbiter, efficiently organizes communication with high signaling speed in the proposed structure. Researchers proposed the concept of segmenting buses primarily for multicomputer architectures. More recent approaches address on-chip implementation of segmented buses. We present an asynchronous segmented-bus architecture targeted for the modular design of high-performance SoC applications. The structure not only enables faster operation than a conventional bus system but also offers lower power consumption per transferred data item. This is possible because segmentation is realized in such a way that the majority of data transfers in the system are intrasegment transactions on relatively short wires with low or moderate capacitive loads.     

MetaModel: a program for modelling and control analysis of metabolic pathways on the IBM PC and compatibles

MetaModel is a user-friendly program for calculating steady-state fluxes and metabolite concentrations of metabolic systems on the IBM PC and compatible computers. For any steady state that is obtained, one can then calculate a matrix of elasticity coefficients at that steady state, or a matrix of control and response coefficients. It thus offers a simple way to calculate the control structure of a pathway: it provides not only an educational tool that allows the student to verify empirically the classic summation relationships of metabolic control analysis but also a research tool for addressing 'what if?' questions about the behaviour of metabolic systems. Results can not only be printed or stored in a file, but can also be written to a special file that can be read by popular spreadsheet programs, thereby giving access to rapid, flexible and powerful methods for subsequent analysis and plotting of these results.     

Attention, the intersection of cost and quality in health care

A method for assessing health care technology that models the demand on the clinician's attention exerted by patients' data (diagnostic and therapeutic) can provide a means for simultaneously reducing the cost and improving the quality of health care. The attentional demand exerted by patients' data can be measured by the amount of uncertainty in the data. Uncertainty can be expressed mathematically by the concept of entropy in information theory.     

Surface tension as a controlled variable in mechanical dishwashing

Using a continuous, in-line, nondestructive technique based on the maximum bubble pressure method, the surface tension of the wash water in a mechanical dishwashing machine has been monitored. This technique has enabled surface tension to be used as a controlled variable, providing feedback to regulate the amount of surfactant added. Assuming the mechanical force of the water spray is adequate to remove bound soil from the dish surface, the food soil may be titrated against surfactant, providing an indirect indication as to when the dishes are clean. This technique also could be applied to a recirculated wash solution for in-place cleaning.     

Diagnosis and Consulting for Control Network Performance Engineering of CSMA-Based Networks

Network performance engineering can verify the design and dimensioning of large-scale control networks like CSMA-based building automation networks. It combines performance analysis with diagnosis methods to evaluate the network utilization and to detect design errors before installation and can therewith save the expenses of overdimensioning and redesign. This paper will develop a diagnosis model based on fault trees that is able to use the huge amount of performance analysis results to identify design errors and analyze their coherences. This enables not only a fast tracing back of fault causes and the derivation of solutions; it can also visualize the fault coherence to the user and help him to understand his design. Additional consulting tools implement best practice strategies, to support the user in parameterization.