Using Design Patterns, Analysis Pattern, and Case-Based Reasoning to Improve Information Modeling and Method Engineering in Systems Development

Information modeling (IM) is the process of identifying information needs and models based onuser requirements and systems analysts’ perceptions during systems analysis and design. WhenIM is done correctly, it facilitates communication between the analysts and end-users about thefinal software product. In addition, successful IM provides a formal basis for both the analystsand the end-users about the tools and techniques that will be used in software development(SD), which, in turn, reduces costly overruns in time and money during systemsimplementation. Method engineering (ME) is the process of designing, constructing, andadapting information modeling methods for information systems development. As Siau (2003)and Kavakli (2005) point out that, while there has been a steady increase in IM and ME research(e.g. Kawalek & Wastell 2003, Kavakli 2005, Matulevicius 2005), most of the models reportedin recent literature are still primarily based on common sense approach, and, as a result, lack aslid theoretical foundation.This paper discusses the feasibility of combining design patterns (DPs), analysis patterns (APs) andcase-based reasoning (CBR) to improve information modeling and method engineering. Recentresearch in DP, AP, and CBR has proven that all those methods are effective in softwaredevelopment. In this paper, we propose a model that combines DP, AP and CBR as a tool toimprove IM and ME. We believe that the use of DP and AP, along with CBR will facilitate easiercommunication among systems analysts, end-users and software engineers thus improve on heefficiency in software development. In the paper, we also provide illustrative examples fromaccounting systems design to show the effectiveness of our proposed model. Finally, we provideevidence in this paper that the practical application of DPs, APs and CBR to systems developmentmakes it possible to identify and resolve critical issues and risks at earlier stages in IM and ME, andeventually lead to high quality end product

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticles

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are a new type of luminescent nanomaterial which have strong potential in biological and biomedical applications, and have been the subject of intense research in recent years. CNPs are nanostructures consisting primarily of carbon atoms and can have tunable optical performance under UV excitation. Moreover, properties including good bio-compatibility, water solubility, and a non-toxic response show that CNPs are safe for the body and the environment. Thus, they are good candidates for both in vivo and in vitro applications. These advantages give CNPs strong potential in term of bio-labeling and bio-imaging. Although several synthesis routes have been explored, these methods either involve high cost or complex reactions. Here, we explore an innovative and simple microwave-assisted synthesis for the production of CNPs from glucose. This method can control tunable emission and the excitation wavelength of CNPs by manufacturing of output energy during synthesis. Moreover, photoluminescence properties are studied and discussed through emission and absorption spectra. The components, structure, and chemical bonding type are investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectrum. The results show that CNPs exhibit an amorphous structure with aromatic rings and carbon double bonds and particle size in a nano range which increases with output energy. The emission spectra of CNPs are broad, extending across the visible spectrum, and exhibit a shift with excitation wavelength and output energy. Finally, hypotheses on the fluorescent mechanism and reaction process are proposed which are based on experimental data and literature. The CNPs could be 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural (5-HMF) derivatives, which are major products of glucose decomposition

Adopt-A-School in San Francisco’s Chinatown: Gordon J. Lau Elementary School 2018-2019

In present day, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease which effects the overall health and development of the young individual. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year because of dental-related health problems, making it the primary reason for missing school. Dental caries is a preventable disease with routine and early dental visits but due to lack of oral health education in the public, the problem is more widespread. Here in San Francisco, 33% of kindergarteners have experienced dental caries. The number is higher for children in Chinatown as they are 2-3 times more likely to have dental caries compared to other areas within San Francisco. This is due to the lack of adequate access to dental care in addition to other barriers such has low income, language barrier, and cultural differences. The University o f the Pacific School of Dentistry’s Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE) strives to improve the oral health and awareness of the young population through providing education, screenings, and fluoride varnish. As the largest elementary school in the city of San Francisco, Gordon J. Lau Elementary School (GJL) presented an ideal opportunity to reach out to many children in the Chinatown neighborhood. SCOPE hopes to not only offer these services to the students of GJL on a regular basis but also to expand its outreach to more elementary schools throughout the San Francisco

Adopt-A-School in San Francisco’s Chinatown: Gordon J. Lau Elementary School 2018-2019

In present day, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease which effects the overall health and development of the young individual. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year because of dental-related health problems, making it the primary reason for missing school. Dental caries is a preventable disease with routine and early dental visits but due to lack of oral health education in the public, the problem is more widespread. Here in San Francisco, 33% of kindergarteners have experienced dental caries. The number is higher for children in Chinatown as they are 2-3 times more likely to have dental caries compared to other areas within San Francisco. This is due to the lack of adequate access to dental care in addition to other barriers such has low income, language barrier, and cultural differences. The University o f the Pacific School of Dentistry’s Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE) strives to improve the oral health and awareness of the young population through providing education, screenings, and fluoride varnish. As the largest elementary school in the city of San Francisco, Gordon J. Lau Elementary School (GJL) presented an ideal opportunity to reach out to many children in the Chinatown neighborhood. SCOPE hopes to not only offer these services to the students of GJL on a regular basis but also to expand its outreach to more elementary schools throughout the San Francisco

Real Time Predictive and Adaptive Hybrid Powertrain Control Development via Neuroevolution

The real-time application of powertrain-based predictive energy management (PrEM) brings the prospect of additional energy savings for hybrid powertrains. Torque split optimal control methodologies have been a focus in the automotive industry and academia for many years. Their real-time application in modern vehicles is, however, still lagging behind. While conventional exact and non-exact optimal control techniques such as Dynamic Programming and Model Predictive Control have been demonstrated, they suffer from the curse of dimensionality and quickly display limitations with high system complexity and highly stochastic environment operation. This paper demonstrates that Neuroevolution associated drive cycle classification algorithms can infer optimal control strategies for any system complexity and environment, hence streamlining and speeding up the control development process. Neuroevolution also circumvents the integration of low fidelity online plant models, further avoiding prohibitive embedded computing requirements and fidelity loss. This brings the prospect of optimal control to complex multi-physics system applications. The methodology presented here covers the development of the drive cycles used to train and validate the neurocontrollers and classifiers, as well as the application of the Neuroevolution process

Becoming an Older Volunteer: A Grounded Theory Study

This Grounded Theory study describes the process by which older persons “become” volunteers. Forty interviews of older persons who volunteered for Habitat for Humanity were subjected to secondary content analysis to uncover the process of “becoming” a volunteer. “Helping out” (core category) for older volunteers occurs within the context of “continuity”, “commitment” and “connection” which provide motivation for volunteering. When a need arises, older volunteers “help out” physically and financially as health and resources permit. Benefits described as “blessings” of volunteering become motivators for future volunteering. Findings suggest that older volunteering is a developmental process and learned behavior which should be fostered in older persons by personally inviting them to volunteer. Intergenerational volunteering projects will allow older persons to pass on knowledge and skills and provide positive role modeling for younger volunteers

Pioglitazone, an Insulin Sensitizing Drug, Attenuates the Development of Kidney and Liver Disease in the PCK Rodent Model of Polycystic Kidney Disease

poster abstractPolycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder characterized by growth of fluid-filled cysts predominately in kidney and liver. The only treatment currently available is the removal/aspiration of the largest cysts or organ transplantation. Promising pharmaceutical agents in clinical trials interfere with the action of hormones that increase cAMP thereby inhibiting secretion of Cl-, and compensatory fluid flux, into the cysts. Other treatments proposed include chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive drugs that interfere with cellular proliferation as well as with signaling pathways for Cl- secretion. Long-term use of these agents will have multiple side effects. Based on a recent observation that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ agonists such as Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) decrease mRNA levels of a Cl- transport protein and the Cl- secretory response to vasopressin stimulation in cultured renal cells, it is hypothesized that PPARγ agonists will inhibit cyst growth. The current studies show that a 7 or 14 week feeding regimen of 20 mg/Kg BW pioglitazone inhibits renal and hepatic bile duct cyst growth in a rodent model orthologous to human PKD. In addition, the degree of renal cortical fibrosis was diminished in the pioglitazone-treated animals after 14 weeks. These results suggest that PPARγ agonists may be effective in controlling both renal and hepatic cyst growth and renal fibrotic development in polycystic kidney disease