Optimal Receiver Antenna Location in Indoor Environment Using Dynamic Differential Evolution and Genetic Algorithm

[[abstract]]Using the impulse responses of these multipath channels, the bit error rate (BER) performance for binary pulse amplitude modulation impulse radio ultra-wideband communication system is calculated. The optimization location of receiving antenna is investigated by dynamic differential evolution (DDE) and genetic algorithm (GA) to minimize the outage probability. Numerical results show that the performance for reducing BER and outage probability by DDE algorithm is better than that by GA.[[notice]]補正完畢[[incitationindex]]SCI[[booktype]]紙本[[booktype]]電子

Effect of time of administration on cholesterol-lowering by psyllium: a randomized cross-over study in normocholesterolemic or slightly hypercholesterolemic subjects

BACKGROUND: Reports of the use of psyllium, largely in hypercholesterolemic men, have suggested that it lowers serum cholesterol as a result of the binding of bile acids in the intestinal lumen. Widespread advertisements have claimed an association between the use of soluble fibre from psyllium seed husk and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Given the purported mechanism of cholesterol-lowering by psyllium, we hypothesized that there would be a greater effect when psyllium is taken with breakfast than when taken at bedtime. Secondarily, we expected to confirm a cholesterol-lowering effect of psyllium in subjects with "average" cholesterol levels. METHODS: Sixteen men and 47 women ranging in age from 18 to 77 years [mean 53 +/- 13] with LDL cholesterol levels that were normal or slightly elevated but acceptable for subjects at low risk of coronary artery disease were recruited from general gastroenterology and low risk lipid clinics. Following a one month dietary stabilization period, they received an average daily dose of 12.7 g of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid, in randomized order, for 8 weeks in the morning and 8 weeks in the evening. Change from baseline was determined for serum total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. RESULTS: Total cholesterol for the "AM first" group at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks was 5.76, 5.77 and 5.80 mmol/L and for the "PM first" group the corresponding values were 5.47, 5.61 and 5.57 mmol/L. No effect on any lipid parameter was demonstrated for the group as a whole or in any sub-group analysis. CONCLUSION: The timing of psyllium administration had no effect on cholesterol-lowering and, in fact, no cholesterol-lowering was observed. Conclusions regarding the effectiveness of psyllium for the prevention of heart disease in the population at large may be premature

An empirical analysis of effective TQM implementation in the Hong Kong electronics manufacturing industry

The objective of this research is to develop a conceptual model of total quality management (TQM) implementation and test it empirically. The main research problem of this study is to investigate the effect of adopting TQM principles on quality achievement in manufacturing. The hypotheses specifying relationships between the core parts of the model including quality management infrastructure, core quality management practices, quality performance, and customer satisfaction are tested using survey research method. Data were collected from 50 managers of 25 manufacturing companies in Hong Kong. Correlation analysis on the ratings given by two different respondents from the same company shows that employee relations strongly facilitates the use of quality data and reporting, while training supports the function of product design, supplier quality management, and quality data and reporting. The results also indicate that employee relations and training have direct effects on quality performance which, in turn, relates to customer satisfaction. Practitioners are advised to build a supportive environment with a strong emphasis on human and organizational aspects to promote effective TQM implementation. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Total quality management: an empirical test for mediation effect

This study reviews empirical studies of total quality management (TQM) and has identified four different approaches of examining TQM practices-performance relationships. It reveals that a consensus on how TQM practices affect quality performance has yet to emerge. Based on their findings, some researchers conclude that `supportive' practices can bring quality improvement, while some indicate that `core' practices do. To add to the complexity, some support both. The current study seeks to examine the relationship between supportive and core TQM practices and their direct and indirect effects on quality performance. A mediation model was hypothesized and tested by hierarchical multiple regression based on a sample of 25 electronics companies in Hong Kong. In general, the survey study gives further support for the interdependent nature of TQM practices. The results showed that the effect of training and employee relations on quality performance might be largely transmitted by certain core quality management practices. In particular, it suggests that core TQM practices mediate the effect of supportive TQM practices on quality performance when the practices are taken as two integrated factors. Both researchers and practitioners are advised to consider the interdependencies of supportive and core factors when assessing the impact of any new technology or new management technique on an organization

The United States' clothing imports from Asian countries along the Belt and Road : an extended gravity trade model with application of artificial neural network

202101 bcrcVersion of RecordPublishe

Outcome of respiratory viral infection in neutropenic host: implication on traditional therapeutic approach

OBJECTIVES: Children with acquired neutropenia are prone to bacterial and fungal infection. Early introduction of aggressive antibiotic treatment is mandatory to minimize fatal infection. In standard practice, empirical broad spectrum antibiotics have to be given for at least 5 days or even longer. But in up to 75% of children with neutropenic fever, causative agents cannot be identified and the role of viral infection has not been properly addressed. We reviewed our experience in managing children with neutropenic fever and the outcome of respiratory viral infection in neutropenic patients were analyzed. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review on paediatric patients admitted to our haematology/oncology ward between 1st July to 31th December 1996. Only children (= 38°C x 2 or >= 38.5°C x 1) were included in this study. Blood smear and culture were performed in all patients. The smear result usually returned within 12 hrs and culture results returned within 3 days. Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) were performed in children with concomitant signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection. The aspirates were tested for adenovirus (Adeno), influenza A & B (Flu), parainfluenza 1, 2. & 3 (paraflu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by immunofluorescence method. The aspirate results were usually available between 6 to 24 hrs. Concerning treatment, all patients were treated with standard antibiotic regimens. RESULTS: Within this 6 months period, 84 episodes of neutropenic fever were diagnosed in 48 patients. Except 3 patients with aplastic anaemia, all others had chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. 38 (45%) episodes had respiratory symptoms and 21/38 (56%) were found to have respiratory viruses (RSV n=9, Paraflu 3 n=10, Flu A n=2). 26/84 (31%) of blood cultures were positive for bacteria or fungus. Among the positive blood cultures, gram positive (gm+) organisms accounted for the majority (19/26, 73% Staphylococcus species n=12, Bacillus species n=6 and pneumococcus n=1). All episodes of gm+ infection had central venous catheter installed. 6/26 had gram negative (gm-) bacilli (Klebsiella species n=3, Acinectobacter baumaunii n=1, E.coli n=1 & Pseudomonas pickettii n=1) and 1/26 had systemic Candidia albican infection. Concomitant viral respiratory infection and positive blood cultures were found in 2 patients, both had line infection by gm+ organisms. All patients with documented viral respiratory infection recovered within a week and no significant complications were noted. Whereas those without evidence of viral respiratory infection had variable outcome. One patient with Klebsiella septicaemia died and two patients with no growth in their blood cultures died during their neutropenic fever period. CONCLUSIONS: Neutropenic children with viral respiratory infection is common in our patient cohort. If without concomitant systemic bacterial or fungal infection, this group of patients had a good outcome. Further study should be designed to test the feasibility of stopping antibiotics early in this group of patients