University of Northern Virginia

Due to the high sensitivity of RFID tag-reader performance to the operating environment, RFID data streams generated are unreliable and contain a significant amount of missed readings. RFID data cleaning is therefore an essential task for successful deployment of RFID systems. One of the common techniques used by RFID middleware systems to compensate for the missed readings is the use of sliding-window filters. However, setting an optimum window size is non-trivial task especially in mobile tag environments. In this paper we present a new adaptive data cleaning scheme called WSTD based on some of the concepts proposed in SMURF but with an improved transition detection mechanism. WSTD uses the comparison of the two window subrange observations or estimated tag counts to detect when transitions occur within a window. In the mobile environment, our experimental results show that the WSTD scheme performs better than SMURF producing an improvement of about 30% less overall errors than that produced by SMURF.

The fine structure in the Fe-Al alloy layer of a new hot dip aluminized steel (HDA) was examined by means of X-ray diffractometry (XRD), electron diffraction technique, etc. The test results indicated that the Fe-Al alloy layer of the new aluminized steel mainly composed of Fe3Al, FeAl and α-Fe (Al) solid solution. There was no brittle phase containing higher aluminum content, such as FeAl3 (59.18% Al) and Fe2Al7 (62–93% Al). The tiny cracks and embrittlement, formerly caused by these brittle phases in the conventional aluminum-coated steel, were effectively eliminated. There was no microscopic defect (such as tiny cracks, pores or loose layer) in the coating. This is favourable to resist high temperature oxidation and corrosion of the aluminized steel.

The purpose of this study was to examine inductively types of interpersonal rituals in marriages and adult friendship and assess ritual enactment among friendship types (males' and females' same‐sex, cross‐sex, and couple friendships). Twenty married couples were interviewed, and 79 couples completed open‐ended questionnaires about both their marriage and friendship rituals. From their reports, a typology of seven marriage ritual types (two with subcategories including seven total subtypes) and a typology of six friendship ritual types (two with subcategories including seven total subtypes) were developed. The typology of marriage rituals with subtypes in parentheses include: Couple‐ Time Rituals (Enjoyable Activities, Togetherness Rituals, Escape Episodes), Idiosyncratic/Symbolic Rituals (Favorites, Private Codes, Play Rituals, and Celebration Rituals), Daily Routines and Tasks, Intimacy Expressions, Communication Rituals, Patterns/Habits/Mannerisms, and Spiritual Rituals. The typology of friendship rituals with subtypes in parentheses include: Social/Fellowship Rituals (Enjoyable Activities, Getting Together Rituals, Established Events, Escape Episodes), Idiosyncratic/Symbolic Rituals (Celebration Rituals, Play Rituals, Favorites), Communication Rituals, Share/Support/Vent Rituals, Tasks/Favors, and Patterns/Habits/Mannerisms. Analyses further suggest that certain types of ritual enactment occur more frequently in certain types of friendship.

The antihypertensive efficacy of ramipril was evaluated using 24-h noninvasive ambulatory sphygmomanometry in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. One hundred subjects with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension were randomized to ramipril, 10 mg or placebo once daily for a 4-week treatment period. Ramipril decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressures throughout the 24-h period after dosing. Blood pressures measured manually 24 h postdose also showed that ramipril significantly reduced supine and standing blood pressures when compared with placebo. Incidences of adverse events were similar in the two study groups. Ramipril proved to be a well-tolerated agent with a sustained 24-h antihypertensive effect in this study.