929 resultados para Network Modelling
Resumo:
Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) is the centre for various major activities in Thailand including political, industry, agriculture, and commerce. Consequently, the BMR is the highest and most densely populated area in Thailand. Thus, the demand for houses in the BMR is also the largest, especially in subdivision developments. For these reasons, the subdivision development in the BMR has increased substantially in the past 20 years and generated large numbers of subdivision developments (AREA, 2009; Kridakorn Na Ayutthaya & Tochaiwat, 2010). However, this dramatic growth of subdivision development has caused several problems including unsustainable development, especially for subdivision neighbourhoods, in the BMR. There have been rating tools that encourage the sustainability of neighbourhood design in subdivision development, but they still have practical problems. Such rating tools do not cover the scale of the development entirely; and they concentrate more on the social and environmental conservation aspects, which have not been totally accepted by the developers (Boonprakub, 2011; Tongcumpou & Harvey, 1994). These factors strongly confirm the need for an appropriate rating tool for sustainable subdivision neighbourhood design in the BMR. To improve level of acceptance from all stakeholders in subdivision developments industry, the new rating tool should be developed based on an approach that unites the social, environmental, and economic approaches, such as eco-efficiency principle. Eco-efficiency is the sustainability indicator introduced by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) since 1992. The eco-efficiency is defined as the ratio of the product or service value according to its environmental impact (Lehni & Pepper, 2000; Sorvari et al., 2009). Eco-efficiency indicator is concerned to the business, while simultaneously, is concerned with to social and the environment impact. This study aims to develop a new rating tool named "Rating for sustainable subdivision neighbourhood design (RSSND)". The RSSND methodology is developed by a combination of literature reviews, field surveys, the eco-efficiency model development, trial-and-error technique, and the tool validation process. All required data has been collected by the field surveys from July to November 2010. The ecoefficiency model is a combination of three different mathematical models; the neighbourhood property price (NPP) model, the neighbourhood development cost (NDC) model, and the neighbourhood occupancy cost (NOC) model which are attributable to the neighbourhood subdivision design. The NPP model is formulated by hedonic price model approach, while the NDC model and NOC model are formulated by the multiple regression analysis approach. The trial-and-error technique is adopted for simplifying the complex mathematic eco-efficiency model to a user-friendly rating tool format. Credibility of the RSSND has been validated by using both rated and non-rated of eight subdivisions. It is expected to meet the requirements of all stakeholders which support the social activities of the residents, maintain the environmental condition of the development and surrounding areas, and meet the economic requirements of the developers.
Resumo:
Daylight devices are important components of any climate responsive faade system. But, the evolution of parametric CAD systems and digital fabrication has had an impact on architectural form so that regular forms are shifting to complex geometries. Architectural and engineering integration of daylight devices in envelopes with complex geometries is a challenge in terms of design and performance evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to assess daylight performance of a building with a climatic responsive envelope with complex geometry that integrates shading devices in the faade. The case study is based on the Esplanade buildings in Singapore. Climate-based day-light metrics such as Daylight Availability and Useful Daylight Illuminance are used. DIVA (daylight simulation), and Grasshopper (parametric analysis) plug-ins for Rhinoceros have been employed to examine the range of performance possibilities. Parameters such as dimension, inclination of the device, projected shadows and shape have been changed in order to maximize daylight availability and Useful Daylight Illuminance while minimizing glare probability. While orientation did not have a great impact on the results, aperture of the shading devices did, showing that shading devices with a projection of 1.75 m to 2.00 m performed best, achieving target lighting levels without issues of glare.
Resumo:
Conservation of free-ranging cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) populations is multi faceted and needs to be addressed from an ecological, biological and management perspective. There is a wealth of published research, each focusing on a particular aspect of cheetah conservation. Identifying the most important factors, making sense of various (and sometimes contrasting) findings, and taking decisions when little or no empirical data is available, are everyday challenges facing conservationists. Bayesian networks (BN) provide a statistical modeling framework that enables analysis and integration of information addressing different aspects of conservation. There has been an increased interest in the use of BNs to model conservation issues, however the development of more sophisticated BNs, utilizing object-oriented (OO) features, is still at the frontier of ecological research. We describe an integrated, parallel modeling process followed during a BN modeling workshop held in Namibia to combine expert knowledge and data about free-ranging cheetahs. The aim of the workshop was to obtain a more comprehensive view of the current viability of the free-ranging cheetah population in Namibia, and to predict the effect different scenarios may have on the future viability of this free-ranging cheetah population. Furthermore, a complementary aim was to identify influential parameters of the model to more effectively target those parameters having the greatest impact on population viability. The BN was developed by aggregating diverse perspectives from local and independent scientists, agents from the national ministry, conservation agency members and local fieldworkers. This integrated BN approach facilitates OO modeling in a multi-expert context which lends itself to a series of integrated, yet independent, subnetworks describing different scientific and management components. We created three subnetworks in parallel: a biological, ecological and human factors network, which were then combined to create a complete representation of free-ranging cheetah population viability. Such OOBNs have widespread relevance to the effective and targeted conservation management of vulnerable and endangered species.
Resumo:
Bayesian networks (BNs) provide a statistical modelling framework which is ideally suited for modelling the many factors and components of complex problems such as healthcare-acquired infections. The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) organism is particularly troublesome since it is resistant to standard treatments for Staph infections. Overcrowding and understang are believed to increase infection transmission rates and also to inhibit the effectiveness of disease control measures. Clearly the mechanisms behind MRSA transmission and containment are very complicated and control strategies may only be eective when used in combination. BNs are growing in popularity in general and in medical sciences in particular. A recent Current Content search of the number of published BN journal articles showed a five fold increase in general and a six fold increase in medical and veterinary science from 2000 to 2009. This chapter introduces the reader to Bayesian network (BN) modelling and an iterative modelling approach to build and test the BN created to investigate the possible role of high bed occupancy on transmission of MRSA while simultaneously taking into account other risk factors.
Resumo:
Government reports consistently recognise the importance of Primary Health Care to an efficient health system. Barriers identified in Australias Primary Health Care include workforce pressures, increase rate of chronic disease, and equitable access to Primary Health Care services. General Practitioners (GPs) are the key to the successful delivery of Primary Health Care especially in rural and remote regions such as the Wheatbelt region in Western Australia (WA). The Wheatbelt region of WA is vast: some 72,500 residents spread across 150,000km2 in 43 Local Government Authorities catchments. Majority of the Wheatbelt residents live in small towns. There is a higher reported rates of chronic disease, more at risk of chronic diseases and less utilisation of Primary Health Care services in this region. General practice patients in the Wheatbelt are among those most in need of Primary Health Care services. Wheatbelt GP Network (the Network) was established in 1998. It is a key health service delivery stakeholder in the Wheatbelt. The Network has responded to the health needs of the community by creating a mobile Allied Health Team that works closely with GPs and is adaptive to ensure priority needs are met. The Medicare Local model introduced by the Australian Government in 2011 aimed to improve the delivery of Primary Health Care services by improved health planning and coordinating service delivery. Little if any recognition has been given to the outstanding work that many Divisions of General Practice have done in improving the delivery of Primary Health Care services such as the Network. The Network has continued to support GPs and general practices and created a complementary system that integrated general practice with the work of an Allied Health Team. Its program mix is extensive. The Network has consistently delivered on-required contract outputs and has a fifteen (15) years history of operating successfully in a large geographical area comprising in the main smaller communities that cannot support the traditional health services model. The complexity of supporting International Medical Graduates in the region requires special attention. The introduction of the Medicare Local in the South West of WA and their intention to take over the delivery of health services, thus effectively shutting the Network will have catastrophic consequences and cannot be supported economically. The Network proposes to create a new model, built on its past work that increases the delivery of Primary Health Care services through its current Allied Health Team. The proposal uses the Wheatbelt GP Super Clinic currently under construction in Northam, part of the Network and funded by the Australian Government is a key to the proposed new model. Wheatbelt GP Super Clinic is different from existing models of GP Super Clinics around Australia which focus predominately on co-location of services. Wheatbelt GP Super Clinic utilises a hub and spoke model of service outreach to small rural towns to ensure equitable Primary Health Care coverage and continuum of care in a financially responsible and viable manner. In particular, the Wheatbelt GP Super Clinic recognises the importance of Allied Health Professionals and will involve them in a collaborative model with rural general practice. The proposed model advocated by the Network aims to substitute the South West WA Medicare Local direct service delivery proposed for the Wheatbelt. The Networks proposed model is to expand on the current hub and spoke model of Primary Health Care delivery to otherwise small unviable Wheatbelt towns. A flexible and adaptive skill mix of Allied Health Professionals, Nurse Practitioners and GPs ensure equitable access to service. Expanded scope of practices are utilised to reduce duplication of service and concentration of services in major towns. This involves a partnership approach. If the proposed model not funded, the Network and the Wheatbelt region will stand to lose 16 Allied Health Professionals and defeats the purpose of Australian Government current funding for the construction of the Wheatbelt GP Super Clinic. The Network has considered how its model can best be funded. It proposes a re-allocation of funds made available to the South West WA Medicare Local. This submission argues that the proposal for the South West WA Medicare Local to take over the service delivery of Primary Health Care services in the Wheatbelt makes no economic sense when an existing agency (the Network) has the infrastructure in place, is experienced in working in this geographical area that has special needs and is capable to expand its programs to meet demand.
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A 3-year longitudinal study Transforming Childrens Mathematical and Scientific Development integrates, through data modelling, a pedagogical approach focused on mathematical patterns and structural relationships with learning in science. As part of this study, a purposive sample of 21 highly able Grade 1 students was engaged in an innovative data modelling program. In the majority of students, representational development was observed. Their complex graphs depicting categorical and continuous data revealed a high level of structure and enabled identification of structural features critical to this development.
Resumo:
The worlds increasing complexity, competitiveness, interconnectivity, and dependence on technology generate new challenges for nations and individuals that cannot be met by continuing education as usual. With the proliferation of complex systems have come new technologies for communication, collaboration, and conceptualisation. These technologies have led to signifi cant changes in the forms of mathematical and scientifi c thinking required beyond the classroom. Modelling, in its various forms, can develop and broaden students mathematical and scientific thinking beyond the standard curriculum. This chapter first considers future competencies in the mathematical sciences within an increasingly complex world. Consideration is then given to interdisciplinary problem solving and models and modelling, as one means of addressing these competencies. Illustrative case studies involving complex, interdisciplinary modelling activities in Years 1 and 7 are presented.
Resumo:
Major imperfections in crosslinked polymers include loose or dangling chain ends that lower the crosslink d., thereby reducing elastic recovery and increasing the solvent swelling. These imperfections are hard to detect, quantify and control when the network is initiated by free radical reactions. As an alternative approach, the sol-gel synthesis of a model poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-2000) network is described using controlled amts. of bis- and mono-triethoxy silyl Pr urethane PEG precursors to give silsesquioxane (SSQ, R-SiO1.5) structures as crosslink junctions with a controlled no. of dangling chains. The effect of the no. of dangling chains on the structure and connectivity of the dried SSQ networks has been detd. by step-crystn. differential scanning calorimetry. The role that micelle formation plays in controlling the sol-gel PEG network connectivity has been studied by dynamic light scattering of the bis- and mono-triethoxy silyl precursors and the networks have been characterized by 29Si solid state NMR, sol fraction and swelling measurements. These show that the dangling chains will increase the mesh size and water uptake. Compared to other end-linked PEG hydrogels, the SSQ-crosslinked networks show a low sol fraction and high connectivity, which reduces solvent swelling, degree of crystallinity and the crystal transition temp. The increased degree of freedom in segment movement on the addn. of dangling chains in the SSQ-crosslinked network facilitates the packing process in crystn. of the dry network and, in the hydrogel, helps to accommodate more water mols. before reaching equil.
Much ado about nothing? Tracing the progress of innovations borne on enterprise social network sites
Resumo:
Enterprise social networks are organizationally bounded online platforms for users to interact with another and maintain interpersonal relationships. The allure of these technologies is often seen in intra-organizational communication, collaboration and innovation. How these technologies actually support organizational innovation efforts remains unclear. A specific challenge is whether digital content on these platforms converts to actual innovation development efforts. In this study we set out to examine innovation-centric content flows on enterprise social networking platforms, and advance a conceptual model that seeks to explain which innovation conveyed in the digital content will traverse from the digital platform into regular processes. We describe important constructs of our model and offer strategies for the operationalization of the constructs. We conclude with an outlook to our ongoing empirical study that will explore and validate the key propositions of our model, and we sketch some potential implications for industry and academia.
Resumo:
The properties of ellipsoidal nanowires are yet to be examined. They have likely applications in sensing, solar cells, microelectronics and cloaking devices. Little is known of the qualities that ellipse nanowires exhibit as we vary the aspect ratio with different dielectric materials and how varying these attributes affects plasmon coupling and propagation. It is known that the distance a plasmon can travel is further if it is supported by a thicker circular nanowire, while thinner nanowires are expected to be able to increase QD coupling. Ellipsoidal nanowires may be a good compromise due to their ability to have both thin and thick dimensions. Furthermore it has been shown that the plasmon resonances along the main axis of an ellipsoidal particle is governed by the relative aspect ratio of the ellipsoid, which may lead to further control of the plasmon. Research was done by the use of COMSOL Multiphysics by looking at the fundamental plasmon mode supported by an ellipsoidal nanowire and then studying this mode for various geometrical parameters, materials and illumination wavelength. Accordingly it was found that ellipsoidal nanowires exhibit a minimum for the wavenumber and a maximum for the propagation distance at roughly the same dimensions - Highlighting that there is an aspect ratio for which there is poor coupling but low loss. Here we investigate these and related attributes.
Resumo:
Organizations employ Enterprise Social Networks (ESNs) (e.g., Yammer) expecting better intra-organizational communication, effective knowledge sharing and, in general, greater collaboration. Despite their similarities with Public Social Networks (PSNs) (e.g., Twitter), ESNs are struggling to gain credence with employees. This paper is part of a larger research project that investigates mechanisms to enhance employees engagement in the ESNs. Through the lens of Control Theory, this paper reports preliminary findings of a pilot case study aimed to propose formal and informal mechanisms that impact employees intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to encourage their use of ESNs. The study results highlight (i) the need to better understand employees extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to use Social Networks, and (ii) that unlike a PSN which acts as a hedonic system, an ESN acts as a utilitarian system, highlighting the importance of supporting intrinsic motivations in its implementation.
Resumo:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) dominate disease burdens globally and poor nutrition increasingly contributes to this global burden. Comprehensive monitoring of food environments, and evaluation of the impact of public and private sector policies on food environments is needed to strengthen accountability systems to reduce NCDs. The International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) is a global network of public-interest organizations and researchers that aims to monitor, benchmark and support public and private sector actions to create healthy food environments and reduce obesity, NCDs and their related inequalities. The INFORMAS framework includes two process modules, that monitor the policies and actions of the public and private sectors, seven impact modules that monitor the key characteristics of food environments and three outcome modules that monitor dietary quality, risk factors and NCD morbidity and mortality. Monitoring frameworks and indicators have been developed for 10 modules to provide consistency, but allowing for stepwise approaches (minimal, expanded, optimal) to data collection and analysis. INFORMAS data will enable benchmarking of food environments between countries, and monitoring of progress over time within countries. Through monitoring and benchmarking, INFORMAS will strengthen the accountability systems needed to help reduce the burden of obesity, NCDs and their related inequalities.
Resumo:
Actin is the most abundantly distributed protein in living cells which plays critical roles in the cell interior force generation and transmission. The fracture mechanism of microfilament networks, whose principle component is actin, would provide insights which can contribute to the understandings of self-protective characters of cytoskeleton. In this study, molecular simulations are conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms of disruption of microfilament networks from the viewpoint of biophysics. By employing a coarse-grained (CG) model of actin filament networks, we focused on the ultimate strength and crack growth mode of microfilament networks that have dependency on the crack length. It can be found that, the fracture mechanism of microfilament network has dependency on the structural properties of microfilament networks. The structure flaws marginally change the strength of microfilament networks which would explain the self-protective characters of cytoskeleton.
Resumo:
Microwave power is used for heating and drying processes because of its faster and volumetric heating capability. Non-uniform temperature distribution during microwave application is a major drawback of these processes. Intermittent application of microwave potentially reduces the impact of non-uniformity and improves energy efficiency by redistributing the temperature. However, temperature re-distribution during intermittent microwave heating has not been investigated adequately. Consequently, in this study, a coupled electromagnetic with heat and mass transfer model was developed using the finite element method embedded in COMSOL-Multyphysics software. Particularly, the temperature redistribution due to intermittent heating was investigated. A series of experiments were performed to validate the simulation. The test specimen was an apple and the temperature distribution was closely monitored by a TIC (Thermal Imaging Camera). The simulated temperature profile matched closely with thermal images obtained from experiments.