Ultrasonic Flaw Classification — An Expert System Approach

An expert system, FLEX, for classifying isolated flaws as either crack-like or volumetric has been under development at the Center for NDE, Iowa State University. Previously, we have described the overall design of the system [1], which is composed of two cooperating systems FEAP and FLAP. The feature processing (FEAP) system is designed to extract fundamental features in the ultrasonic signals that are indicative of cracks or volumetric flaws. The flaw processing (FLAP) system then uses the existence (or non-existence) of these features to classify the flaw. FLAP is structured as a classical rule-based expert system and has also been described previously [2]. Here, we will present the major elements of FEAP and the design philosophy that has gone into its construction. A more detailed account of FEAP is given in the thesis of Christensen [3].</p

Muscle Fiber Type-Dependent Differences in the Regulation of Protein Synthesis

This study examined fiber type-dependent differences in the regulation of protein synthesis in individual muscle fibers found within the same whole muscle. Specifically, the in vivo SUrface SEnsing of Translation (SUnSET) methodology was used to measure protein synthesis in type 1, 2A, 2X and 2B fibers of the mouse plantaris muscle, in response to food deprivation (FD), and mechanical overload induced by synergist ablation (SA). The results show that 48 h of FD induced a greater decrease in protein synthesis in type 2X and 2B fibers compared to type 1 and 2A fibers. Type 2X and 2B fibers also had the largest FD-induced decrease in total S6 protein and Ser240/244 S6 phosphorylation, respectively. Moreover, only type 2X and 2B fibers displayed a FD-induced decrease in cross-sectional area (CSA). Ten days of SA also induced fiber type-dependent responses, with type 2B fibers having the smallest SA-induced increases in protein synthesis, CSA and Ser240/244 S6 phosphorylation, but the largest increase in total S6 protein. Embryonic myosin heavy chain (MHCEmb) positive fibers were also found in SA muscles and the protein synthesis rates, levels of S6 Ser240/244 phosphorylation, and total S6 protein content, were 3.6-, 6.1- and 2.9-fold greater than that found in fibers from control muscles, respectively. Overall, these results reveal differential responses in the regulation of protein synthesis and fiber size between fiber types found within the same whole muscle. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that changes found at the whole muscle level do not necessarily reflect changes in individual fiber types

From staff-mix to skill-mix and beyond: towards a systemic approach to health workforce management

Throughout the world, countries are experiencing shortages of health care workers. Policy-makers and system managers have developed a range of methods and initiatives to optimise the available workforce and achieve the right number and mix of personnel needed to provide high-quality care. Our literature review found that such initiatives often focus more on staff types than on staff members' skills and the effective use of those skills. Our review describes evidence about the benefits and pitfalls of current approaches to human resources optimisation in health care. We conclude that in order to use human resources most effectively, health care organisations must consider a more systemic approach - one that accounts for factors beyond narrowly defined human resources management practices and includes organisational and institutional conditions

Rapid product development. Methodical support for a creative product development

The problem of decreasing lead times and the pressure of international competition require the introduction of organizational forms, technologies and tools which make fast and customer-oriented product development possible. Rapid Product Development (RPD) is a holistic concept of an integrated product development and a very promising approach to solve these problems