Reliability and performance evaluation of systems containing embedded rule-based expert systems

A method for evaluating the reliability of real-time systems containing embedded rule-based expert systems is proposed and investigated. It is a three stage technique that addresses the impact of knowledge-base uncertainties on the performance of expert systems. In the first stage, a Markov reliability model of the system is developed which identifies the key performance parameters of the expert system. In the second stage, the evaluation method is used to determine the values of the expert system's key performance parameters. The performance parameters can be evaluated directly by using a probabilistic model of uncertainties in the knowledge-base or by using sensitivity analyses. In the third and final state, the performance parameters of the expert system are combined with performance parameters for other system components and subsystems to evaluate the reliability and performance of the complete system. The evaluation method is demonstrated in the context of a simple expert system used to supervise the performances of an FDI algorithm associated with an aircraft longitudinal flight-control system

An analysis of small punch creep behaviour in the γ titanium aluminide Ti–45Al–2Mn–2Nb

Previous literature on gamma titanium alumindes (γ-TiAl) have found that this family of alloys offer significant potential for replacing more conventional nickel and titanium based alloy systems in future designs of gas turbine engines. Despite the inherent brittle nature of such materials, γ-TiAl typically exhibits considerable ductility at elevated temperatures and a demonstrable uniaxial creep response. Until now, the creep properties of γ-TiAl have primarily been sourced from conventional uniaxial approaches, which require significant material quantities in order to perform a full stress–temperature–life assessment. This is not always possible for new alloys where sufficient quantities of material are unavailable. The small punch (SP) creep test represents an attractive alternative to uniaxial creep testing since the volume of material required is much less. However, much of the current literature on SP testing is limited to the application of traditionally ductile materials. This paper assesses the suitability of the SP method to characterise the creep properties of γ-TiAl alloys. Finite element modelling has been used to characterise the SP deformation and rupture behaviour

A modern approach to computer systems for linear programming

At head of title: Center for Computational Research in Economics and Management Science

Priority Actions and Progress to Substantially and Sustainably Reduce the Mortality, Morbidity and Socioeconomic Burden of Tropical Snakebite

The deliberations and conclusions of a Hinxton Retreat convened in September 2015, entitled “Mechanisms to reverse the public health neglect of snakebite victims” are reported. The participants recommended that the following priority actions be included in strategies to reduce the global impact of snake envenoming: (a) collection of accurate global snakebite incidence, mortality and morbidity data to underpin advocacy efforts and help design public health campaigns; (b) promotion of (i) public education prevention campaigns; (ii) transport systems to improve access to hospitals and (iii) establishment of regional antivenom-efficacy testing facilities to ensure antivenoms’ effectiveness and safety; (c) exploration of funding models for investment in the production of antivenoms to address deficiencies in some regions; (d) establishment of (i) programs for training in effective first aid, hospital management and post-treatment care of victims; (ii) a clinical network to generate treatment guidelines and (iii) a clinical trials system to improve the clinical management of snakebite; (e) development of (i) novel treatments of the systemic and local tissue-destructive effects of envenoming and (ii) affordable, simple, point-of-care snakebite diagnostic kits to improve the accuracy and rapidity of treatment; (f) devising and implementation of interventions to help the people and communities affected by physical and psychological sequelae of snakebite

Accommodating repair actions into gas turbine prognostics

Elements of gas turbine degradation, such as compressor fouling, are recoverable through maintenance actions like compressor washing. These actions increase the usable engine life and optimise the performance of the gas turbine. However, these maintenance actions are performed by a separate organization to those undertaking fleet management operations, leading to significant uncertainty in the maintenance state of the asset. The uncertainty surrounding maintenance actions impacts prognostic efficacy. In this paper, we adopt Bayesian on-line change point detection to detect the compressor washing events. Then, the event detection information is used as an input to a prognostic algorithm, advising an update to the estimation of remaining useful life. To illustrate the capability of the approach, we demonstrated our on-line Bayesian change detection algorithms on synthetic and real aircraft engine service data, in order to identify the compressor washing events for a gas turbine and thus provide demonstrably improved prognosis

Focus on the future of clinical care

2006 Annual report of Thomas Jefferson Universit

Orchestrating the future of clinical care

2005 Annual report of Thomas Jefferson University