3,258 research outputs found
A prolog implementation of pattern search to optimize software quality assurance
Quality Assurance (QA) is a critical factor in the development of successful software systems. Through the use of various QA tools, project managers can ensure that a desired level of performance and reliability is built into the system. However, these tools are not without cost. Project managers must weight all QA costs and benefits for each development environment before weigh all QA costs and benefits for each development environment before establishing an allocation strategy. The development of a system dynamics model has provided project managers with an automated tool that accurately replicates a project's dynamic behavior. This model can be used to determine the optimal quality assurance distribution pattern over a given project's life cycle. The objective of this thesis was to enhance a prototype expert system module that interacts with the system dynamics model for determining QA effort allocation schemes. The new module uses a pattern search algorithm to derive an optimal distribution scheme from a given set of project parameters. This system not only resolves all limitations discovered in the prototype model but also achieved significant reductions in total project cost.http://archive.org/details/aprologimplement1094530680Lieutenant, United Sstates NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Exploring the Training and Practice Experiences of Male School Counselors
Males are underrepresented as school counselors and may experience stigma associated with being viewed as less masculine, sexual deviants, or unqualified. Despite these aspects, research has shown benefits for school stakeholders based in the diverse perspectives male school counselors can provide. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to understand the lived experiences of 25 male school counselors from across the United States. Based on the thematic analysis findings, we will discuss specific implications and recommendations for male school counselor training, supervision, and practice
Enhancement of fast scan cyclic voltammetry detection of dopamine with tryptophanmodified electrodes
Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) allows for real -time analysis of phasic neurotransmitter levels. Tryptophan (TRP) is an aromatic amino acid responsible for facilitating electron transfer kinetics in oxidoreductase enzymes. Previous work with TRP-modified electrodes showed increased sensitivity for cyclic voltammetry detection of dopamine (DA) when used with slower scan rates (0.05 V/s). Here, we outline an in vitro proof of concept for TRP-modified electrodes in FSCV detection of DA, and decreased sensitivity for ascorbic acid (AA). TRP-modified electrodes had a limit of detection (LOD) for DA of 2.480 ± 0.343 nM compared to 8.348 ± 0.405 nM for an uncoated electrode. Selectivity for DA/ascorbic acid (AA) was 1.107 ± 0.3643 for uncoated and 15.57 ± 4.184 for TRP-modified electrodes. Additionally, these TRP-modified electrodes demonstrated reproducibility when exposed to extended cycling. TRP-modified electrodes will provide an effective modification to increase sensitivity for DA
E-Liquid Autofluorescence can be used as a Marker of Vaping Deposition and Third-Hand Vape Exposure
In the past 5 years, e-cigarette use has been increasing rapidly, particularly in youth and young adults. Due to the novelty of e-cigarettes (e-cigs) and e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids), research on their chemo-physical properties is still in its infancy. Here, we describe a previously unknown and potentially useful property of e-liquids, namely their autofluorescence. We performed an emission scan at 9 excitation wavelengths common to fluorescent microscopy and found (i) that autofluorescence differs widely between e-liquids, (ii) that e-liquids are most fluorescent in the UV range (between 350 and 405 nm) and (iii) fluorescence intensity wanes as the emission wavelength increases. Furthermore, we used the autofluorescence of e-liquids as a marker for tracking e-cig aerosol deposition in the laboratory. Using linear regression analysis, we were able to quantify the deposition of a "vaped" e-liquid onto hard surfaces. Using this technique, we found that every 70 mL puff of an e-cigarette deposited 0.019% e-liquid (v/v) in a controlled environment. Finally, we vaped a surface in the laboratory and used our method to detect e-cig aerosol third-hand exposure. In conclusion, our data suggest that e-cigarette autofluorescence can be used as a marker of e-cigarette deposition
Hot Training Conditions Inhibit Adequate Ad Libitum Recovery Fluid Intake of Runners
International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 1322-1333, 2019. This study examined voluntary fluid intake, hydration descriptors, and sweat loss estimation accuracy following runs in wet bulb globe temperatures of 18 (TEMP) and 26 ºC (HOT). Twelve male runners completed 1-h runs at 65% of VO2 max with access to water during runs and a variety of beverages for the following 24-h. Urine specific gravity (USG), body mass, fluid intake, and urine output were assessed at 12 and 24-h. Runners lost 1.355 ± 0.263 and 1.943 ± 0.485 L during TEMP and HOT, respectively. Sweat loss volume was underestimated by approximately one-third during both conditions. Cumulative fluid intake from start until 1-h post-run was greater in HOT, but not at 12-h (2.202±0.600 vs 2.265±0.673 L) or 24-h (3.602±0.807 vs 3.742±1.205 L). Runners replaced a lower percentage of sweat losses and displayed higher USG (p \u3c 0.001) for HOT (119±34%; 1.027±0.004) versus TEMP (166±51%; 1.018±0.004) at 12-h while exhibiting repeatable rehydration patterns within runners (ICC = 0.89) between trials. Absolute body mass was unable to differentiate the substantial differences in fluid replacement percentage. Seven runners replace
The Geometric Osteotomy: Joint Preservation in Juxta-Articular Surface Bone Neoplasms
Purpose. To present the oncologic and functional results of a consecutive series of patients treated by geometric
osteotomy and allograft reconstruction for juxta-articular surface bone neoplasms
Measuring Thermal Profiles in High Explosives using Neural Networks
We present a new method for calculating the temperature profile in high
explosive (HE) material using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). To
train/test the CNN, we have developed a hybrid experiment/simulation method for
collecting acoustic and temperature data. We experimentally heat cylindrical
containers of HE material until detonation/deflagration, where we continuously
measure the acoustic bursts through the HE using multiple acoustic transducers
lined around the exterior container circumference. However, measuring the
temperature profile in the HE in experiment would require inserting a high
number of thermal probes, which would disrupt the heating process. Thus, we use
two thermal probes, one at the HE center and one at the wall. We then use
finite element simulation of the heating process to calculate the temperature
distribution, and correct the simulated temperatures based on the experimental
center and wall temperatures. We calculate temperature errors on the order of
15{\deg}C, which is approximately 12% of the range of temperatures in the
experiment. We also investigate how the algorithm accuracy is affected by the
number of acoustic receivers used to collect each measurement and the
resolution of the temperature prediction. This work provides a means of
assessing the safety status of HE material, which cannot be achieved using
existing temperature measurement methods. Additionally, it has implications for
range of other applications where internal temperature profile measurements
would provide critical information. These applications include detecting
chemical reactions, observing thermodynamic processes like combustion,
monitoring metal or plastic casting, determining the energy density in thermal
storage capsules, and identifying abnormal battery operation
A novel method for measuring the extragalactic background light: Fermi application to the lobes of Fornax A
We describe a new method for measuring the extragalactic background light
(EBL) through the detection of -ray inverse Compton (IC) emission due
to scattering of the EBL photons off relativistic electrons in the lobes of
radio galaxies. Our method has no free physical parameters and is a powerful
tool when the lobes are characterized by a high energy sharp break or cutoff in
their electron energy distribution (EED). We show that such a feature will
produce a high energy IC `imprint' of the EBL spectrum in which the radio lobes
are embedded, and show how this imprint can be used to derive the EBL. We apply
our method to the bright nearby radio galaxy Fornax A, for which we
demonstrate, using WMAP and EGRET observations, that the EED of its lobes is
characterized by a conveniently located cutoff, bringing the IC EBL emission
into the {\sl Fermi} energy range. We show that {\sl Fermi} will set upper
limits to the optical EBL and measure the more elusive infrared EBL.Comment: ApJL, accepte
Self-stabilised fractality of sea-coasts through damped erosion
Erosion of rocky coasts spontaneously creates irregular seashores. But the
geometrical irregularity, in turn, damps the sea-waves, decreasing the average
wave amplitude. There may then exist a mutual self-stabilisation of the waves
amplitude together with the irregular morphology of the coast. A simple model
of such stabilisation is studied. It leads, through a complex dynamics of the
earth-sea interface, to the appearance of a stationary fractal seacoast with
dimension close to 4/3. Fractal geometry plays here the role of a morphological
attractor directly related to percolation geometry.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure
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