Benchmarking the Modular Structural Analysis Algorithm

An equivalent stiffness approach for modelling the behaviour of compression members according to Eurocode 3

In recent years, the appearance of ubiquitous computing provides a fair opportunity to access diverse information and service at anyplace, anytime for users. Furthermore, those services need system architecture and context-aware and, furthermore, location-aware technologies are essential. In this paper, we suggest that a system architecture (CAS <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> ) for handling context information based on wireless sensor network (WSN) that can provide diverse and convenient services to user with only minimum actions by collecting context information of the user in real-time. CAS also provides optimized services to each user based on the context information

Computational structural analysis of spatial multibody systems based on mobility criteria

The dynamic analysis of a structural system with different material and geometric properties leads to linear eigenvalue problem such as generalized (or standard) eigenvalue problem. In general, the material and geometric properties are assumed to be in the form of crisp (or exact). However, due to several errors and insufficient or incomplete information of data, the uncertainties are assumed to be present in the material and geometric properties. These uncertain material and geometric properties may be modeled through convex normalized fuzzy sets. In standard fuzzy arithmetic, all the operands are assumed to be independent of each other. But when they are partially or completely dependent on each other, the standard fuzzy arithmetic results in a wider range. This situation is known as the “dependency problem” or “overestimation problem”. In this regard, a fuzzy-affine approach is developed to overcome the dependency problem. This proposed approach may improve the outer enclosures and give tighter bounds to the fuzzy solution set. This chapter deals with the dynamic analysis of various structural systems viz. multi degrees-of-freedom spring-mass structural system, multi-storey frame structural system, etc. by adopting the proposed approach. Several numerical examples related to the dynamic analysis of these structural systems have been worked out to illustrate the reliability and efficiency of the present approach.KeywordsAffine arithmeticFuzzy-affine arithmeticDynamic analysis of structural systemFuzzy generalized eigenvalue problemFuzzy standard eigenvalue problem

Modified subset simulation method for reliability analysis of structural systems

Results of survey of use of SSADM in commercial and government sectors in United Kingdom

e-Prescription systems are key components and drivers of digital health. They can enhance the safety of the patients, and are gaining popularity in health care systems around the world. Yet, there is little knowledge on comparative international analysis of e-Prescription systems' architecture and digital security. We report, in this study, original findings from a comparative analysis of the e-Prescription systems in eight different countries, namely, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, Japan, Sweden, and Denmark. We surveyed the databases related to pharmacies, eHealth, e-Prescriptions, and related digital health websites for each country, and their system architectures. We also compared the digital security and privacy protocols in place within and across these digital systems. We evaluated the systems' authentication protocols used by pharmacies to verify patients' identities during the medication dispensing process. Furthermore, we examined the supporting systems/services used to manage patients' medication histories and enhance patients' medication safety. Taken together, we report, in this study, original comparative findings on the limitations and challenges of the surveyed systems as well as in adopting e-Prescription systems. While the present study was conducted before the onset of COVID-19, e-Prescription systems have become highly relevant during the current pandemic and hence, a deeper understanding of the country systems' architecture and digital security that can help design effective strategies against the pandemic. e-Prescription systems can help reduce physical contact and the risk of exposure to the virus, as well as the wait times in pharmacies, thus enhancing patient safety and improving planetary health.

Systems methodology comprises approaches to systems analysis on the one hand, and systems engineering on the other. Systems analysis develops an understanding of a system, its elements, and its environment that describes their functional, structural, and behavioral aspects. Systems engineering transforms operational user needs into system architectures, performance and functional requirements for system elements, and internal and external interface definitions. The common element of both systems analysis and systems engineering is design. Design in systems methodology is the combination of two interactive loops, one addressing the relationship of the design object to its environment, the other addressing the relationship of the design object to its parts. For systems analysis, e.g., the medical science of physiology, these loops consider structure, function, and process in the context of environment to develop information (what), knowledge (how), and understanding (why) of the system and elements being studied. This chapter presents the interactive loops of the design process in systems engineering, and explains the use of analogous interactive loops in systems analysis, considering Harvey’s analysis of the function of the human heart and Cold War analysis of Soviet national missile defenses. The core systems analysis insights of Singer, Churchman, Ackoff, and Gharajedaghi are adapted into an exposition that accurately describes both the pioneering scientific work of Harvey and the modern pragmatic work of Cold War military intelligence analysts.

The technology of face recognition has been widely applied to many fields such as identity authentication. A New Improvement for Face Recognition Using MMPCA is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm when compared with conventional modular PCA algorithm is different in the computation of image mean value and the recognition process. Comparison of the two algorithms in different face databases proves that the proposed algorithm is more effective and robust than conventional modular PCA algorithm under the large variations in lighting direction and facial expression. The authors also point out that 2DPCA is a special case of improved algorithm, no matter in the process of dimension reduction or recognition.

The emergence of expert systems, interactive computer programs that incorporate the knowledge and judgment of experts in appropriate domains, promises to extend significantly the use of the computer in the design of high-rise buildings. In current design practice, the use of computers is limited to areas in which algorithmic solutions are available, such as analysis of structural systems and proportioning of components. Expert systems provide a means for using the computer in the solution of problems that have resisted being formalized as algorithms. This paper examines the use of expert systems in the preliminary design of high rise buildings through a discussion of the prototype expert system HI-RISE. The nature of expert systems is described, followed by a discussion of HI-RISE. Using HI-RISE as a starting point, potential expert systems in building design are described and the impact of such systems on the building design process are discussed.

Graphic Statics offers a geometrical framework for the design &amp; analysis of structural systems with reciprocity between the ‘form’ and ‘force’ diagrams being a fundamental notion. In this paper we provide a detailed illustration and explanation of Maxwell’s reciprocal construction for 2-dimensional trusses through a 3-dimensional paraboloid of revolution. Even though Maxwell briefly mentions this method there is no record of the detailed construction. The main focus of this research is placed on the synthesis of Poncelet duality in projective geometry and of reciprocity in graphic statics resulting in the definition of a generalised dual statement for the construction of reciprocal diagrams (Maxwell 2D &amp; Rankine 3D). This is based on the construction of their higher dimensional polyhedral Airy stress functions, using conic sections. We generalise the construction for other conics, such as the sphere and ellipsoid, and we extend the definition for 3-dimensional trusses and corresponding higher-dimensional conic sections.

The case study described in this chapter concerns the introduction of a new computer based integrated Clinical Information System (CIS) into a British National Health Services Trust-the Sunrise Trust. At the time of the study most of the system modules had been developed and were being tested largely for technical aspects. The system was being introduced during a period when the organization was experiencing significant changes. It was an environment where new structures were being created and the existing ones changed. Indeed, the case study was selected primarily because of these factors. The analysis of these structures, formal and informal, provides insight into the management of information systems. Various stakeholders in the Hospital Trust felt that a computer based information system would facilitate the change process. However the analysis and design of the system posed its own problems. The system turned out to be inflexible with respect to the core health care delivery process. It was also nonresponsive to the needs of the key stakeholders. Analysis of the case shows that clearly the formal methods adopted by the system analysts fell short of determining the rapid changes required for care. In particular this was an important issue, since the context of the British National Health Services posed pressures on individual trusts to be cost effective. This resulted in long term patients being moved out into the community. However, this richness in the context was overlooked by the analysts. They developed “logical” models of the system, which ended up in being “tidy pictures of reality” and were prescriptive and utterly inflexible. Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM) was used as a modelling tool, which amplified the rational view of decision making and information technology (IT) applications (for more details on SSADM see Downs et al., 1988). The interpretations identified in the case show a clear mis-match between the formal models and perceptions of the system users who inevitably reflect a more informal and pragmatic approach to their own organizational realities. The analysis of the case poses a number of interesting issues. It questions the relationship between the complexity of the social relations and systems design. Furthermore it brings to the fore the paradoxical viewpoints of different stakeholders and the emergent concerns for a system analyst. The chapter also identifies the impact of an “overformalized” information system on the integrity of an organization. In doing so it evaluates the nature and significance of social power structures in systems analysis, design and implementation.

This paper presents architecture of a contextaware pro-active recommender system. The system uses contextual information in order to provide recommendations that are more suitable to the particular individual user. Reduction-based theory has been used in order to be able to use the contextual information besides the user and item components of traditional two dimensional recommender systems. The proposed recommender system provides recommendations pro-actively by using multi-agent technology. The inference engine of the system uses conditional probability and multiattribute theory in the decision making of what recommendations to be provided to users.

Examining the clustering characteristics and fluctuations within urban areas during peak hours through the lens of bike-sharing is of utmost importance in the optimization of bike-sharing systems and urban transportation planning. This investigation adopts the principles of urban spatial interaction network construction and employs streets as the fundamental units of analysis to model bike-sharing activities during morning and evening peak hours within Beijing’s six central districts. Subsequent to this, a comprehensive analysis of the network’s structural attributes was carried out. A Walktrap method, rooted in modularity analysis, was introduced to discern and scrutinize the clustering patterns and characteristics of communities within the network across different temporal intervals. Empirical findings reveal a predominant usage pattern of shared bicycles for short-distance travel during both morning and evening peak hours. Notably, distinctive community structures manifest during these periods, characterized by two large communities and multiple smaller ones during the morning peak, while the evening peak showcases a single large community alongside several medium-sized and smaller ones. Moreover, the extended interaction radius points to an expanded geographic range of interactions among streets. These findings bear significant implications for the management of urban transportation, bike-sharing enterprises, and urban residents, proffering valuable insights for the optimization of bike-sharing schemes and transportation strategies. These research findings not only contribute to enhancing urban transportation planning and bike-sharing systems but also provide robust guidance for advancing more efficient and sustainable urban transportation solutions, thereby fostering the sustainable development of cities.

Many DP managers and analysts are familiar with "Structured Systems Analysis" made famous by Gane, Sarson, DeMarco, and others. A number of organizations credit its concise, partitioned diagrams with helping them build successful systems. However, since its introduction in the mid-1970's some of the criteria for effective systems have changed. Clients expect more for their money than systems that perform close to an agreed specification. They also expect built-in flexibility so that future, unanticipated uses of related information can be provided to them inexpensively.