Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 1970"

Emerging Value Propositions For M-Commerce

Abstract: The proliferation of mobile Internet devices is creating an unparalleled opportunity for e-commerce to leverage the benefits of mobility. Mobile e-commerce, commonly referred to as m-commerce, is the ability to purchase goods anywhere through a wireless Internet-enabled device. Current e-commerce providers, engaged through mobile devices, will find advantage in developing unique m-commerce value propositions founded upon the specific dimensions of: ubiquity, convenience, localization, and personalization. A consumer orientation that provides value-for-time functions to create a new value curve may achieve a competitive advantage over traditional e-commerce models replicated for mobile business. Therefore, this paper investigates the value propositions, that engender a productive mobile e-commerce strategy to provide recommendations for managerial decision-making in this emerging wireless environment. Introduction In the new decade, the call for information technology will be information, any time, any place and on any device. Accordingly, e-commerce is poised to witness an unprecedented explosion of mobility, creating a new domain of mobile commerce. Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is the ability to purchase goods anywhere through a wireless Internet-enabled device. Mobile commerce refers to any transaction with monetary value that is conducted via a mobile network. It will allow users to purchase products over the Internet without the use of a PC. "Within five years, individual e-commerce services will be primarily delivered by wireless and the wireless terminal will become the window of choice to the transactional e-world," says Neil Montefiore, executive of Singapore mobile operator M1 (Hoffman, 2000, p.20). This proliferation of wireless capability has created an emerging opportunity for e-commerce businesses to expand beyond the traditional limitations of the fixed-line personal computer. The magnitude of the mobile Internet revolution will pressure current e-commerce business models, create apertures for new mobile Internet companies, engender a stream of change among established e-commerce paradigms, and lead to a reconfiguration of value propositions in many industries (Evans & Wurster, 1997). However, m-commerce is still not without its limitations. The problems it must overcome include: uniform standards, ease of operation, security for transactions, minimum screen size, display type and bandwidth, billing services, and the relatively impoverished web sites. Due to current technological limitations, limited service availability, and varying mobile consumer behavior patterns, business strategies developed for m-commerce applications will find it necessary to emphasize differing characteristics than traditional e-commerce strategies (Barnett, Hodges & Wilshire, 2000; Datamonitor, 2000). Successful m-commerce providers will understand that consumers are unwilling to spend long periods "surfing' on these inherently less user-friendly wireless devices (Albright, 2000). Wireless users demand packets of hyper-personalized information, not scaled-down versions of generic information. Therefore, technology-focused wireless Internet business models will be replaced by models which best integrate the unique characteristics of wireless m-commerce. As such, the long-term success of e-commerce may be partially dependent upon the successful development of effective consumer-oriented m-commerce business strategies. "Mobile commerce is per se not included in the traditional e-commerce market models. M-commerce will be able to increase the overall market for e-commerce, because of its unique value proposition of providing easily personalized, local goods and services anytime and anywhere" (Durlacher, 2000, p. 12). Despite tremendous interest in the melioration of m-commerce there is little, if any, research that examines how to develop a comprehensive consumer-oriented mobile e-commerce strategy. …

RAINBOW: A Software Package For AnalysingHydrologic Data

Abstract: RAINBOW is a software package developed by the Institute for Land and Water Management of the K.U.Leuven. The programme is designed to test the homogeneity of hydrologic records and to execute a frequency analysis of rainfall and evaporation data. The program is especially suitable for predicting the probability of occurrence of either low or high rainfall amounts, both of which are important variables in the design and management of irrigation systems, drainage network, and reservoirs. The RAINBOW software is a menu-driven programme and runs on an IBM compatible personal computer. The software is freely available from the authors upon request.

Modeling of a reactive distillation column: methyl tertiary butyl ether (mtbe) simulation studies

Abstract: A process simulation stage-wise reactive distillation column model formulated from equilibrium stage theory was developed. The algorithm for solving mathematical model represented by sets of differential-algebraic equations was based on relaxation method. Numerical integration scheme based on backward differentiation formula was selected for solving the stiffness of differential-algebraic equations. Simulations were performed on a personal computer (PC Pentium processor) through a developed computer program using FORTRAN90 programming language. The proposed model was validated by comparing the simulated results with the published simulation results and with the pilot plant data from the literature. The model was capable of predicting high isobutene conversion for heterogeneous system, as desirable in industrial MTBE production process. The comparisons on temperature profiles, liquid composition profile and operating conditions of reactive distillation column also showed promising results. Therefore the proposed model can be used as a tool for the development and simulation of reactive distillation column.Keywords: Modeling, simulation, reactive distillation, relaxation method, equilibrium stage, heterogeneous, MTBE

Versatile And Open Tools For LAN, MANAnd WAN Communications With PACS

Abstract: Versatile and open tools for the communication with the data-base server of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and the presentation of patients' medical images and records on a user-friendly graphic interface have been developed. They permit to use almost any MS-DOS, OS/2 or Macintosh personal computer, workstation or X-terminal as a low-cost, efficient and easyto-use PACS remote station. The stations can be connected to the hospital Local Area Network (LAN) or to any remote site connected to the PACS LAN by a Metropolitan (MAN) or Wide (WAN) Area Network. Different solutions have been studied to optimize network traffic and resources in the various environments. A routing-authentication method has been used to filter rigorously the remote access to the PACS data-base.

Experimental Identification Of ModalParameters On A Full Scale Structure

Abstract: With the purpose of measuring vibrations on different types of structures, the Department of Civil Engineering of Porto University has developed a simple and low cost data acquisition system based on a personal computer and on two A/D conversion cards. Several computer codes have been developed in order to either sample, view and store series or to go into a more thorough analysis, allowing the construction of the most well-known spectral estimates and particularly the obtention of FRF estimates for different forms of excitation. For the identification of modal parameters, some single or multi-degree-of-freedom algorithms are also available. This system has been used to identify modal parameters from a concrete square 6.6x6.6m2 plate using an impact hammer as a source of excitation and a set of piezoelectric accelerometers as motion transducers. The great consistency of the identified parameters and the good comparison between those results and the corresponding values obtained from a FEM analysis of the plate evidence the good performance of the system and the quality of the analysis.

Towards A Quality Management System ForEnd-user Application Development

Abstract: The advent of the personal computer (PC) has brought many significant changes to the application of computers within the everyday workplace. One particular area of change is in the growth of what is termed End-User Computing (EUC). Here non-computer specialists develop their own applications using commonly available PC-based application packages. Without realising it, many end-users are developing what computer professionals would term "software". However, unlike professionally developed software, there has been little emphasis on development methodology or quality management. As a result, end-user developed applications have often contained significant errors in reliability and prove difficult to maintain. With the adoption of Quality Management Systems becoming the norm for the professional computing community, there is now a clear need for end-user developed applications to follow at least, a clear set of similar guidelines, where appropriate. The purpose of this paper is to identify a proposed framework to enable end-users to develop their own software within an overall quality environment. Clearly, such guidelines must be sufficiently rigorous to ensure confidence in the developed software but must not be seen as overly bureaucratic and hence burdensome within a non-computing professional context.

A Remote Tutoring System For Algebra Enhanced ByMathematica

Abstract: A remote tutoring system of algebra, especially for the factorization of polynomials, is described. The system is aimed at improving the calculating ability of students aged between fifteen and seventeen in Kosen (Colleges of Technology in Japan), and serves each student as an effective training opportunity in the field of factorizing polynomials through the well-organized Kosen computer network. The system receives string data sent by the students, determines if the final expression is fully factorized, finds errors in intermediate expressions, and tells the students of the completeness of the factorization and positions of the errors in the given expressions, if they exist. The system consists of a WWW (World Wide Web) server that collaborates with the symbolic computational program MathematicaTM, both running on a Power MacintoshTM personal computer, and WWW browsers running on personal computers connected to the server through a local area computer network. In this system, a custom function written in the MathematicaTM language evaluates the input data sent from the students. The function is called by the WWW server through a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) program. It has rules and methods for evaluating the mathematical expressions. With this system, students get more valuable information about their calculating process than from most CAI programs which request the students to fill in the blanks of the prepared expressions or request a selection from several candidates.

Robotic Arm Graphical Representation,Motion Simulation And Execution

Abstract: The classical approach in programming and testing a robotic installation in a workshell is by trial and error. In industry, one has to install the robot and then test it's functionality. In addition, the insertion of movements into memory through a limited keyboard without visualization, is a tedious and time consuming task. This paper describes a method of programming, simulating, visualizing, and controlling of any manipulatory, step motor driven, robotic arm through a common personal computer (PC), thus avoiding the test-afterinstallation procedure. The software, was developed under Borland C++ v4.0, uses 32-bit instructions and can be run under a multitasking environment such as Microsoft's Windows v3.1 or higher. The hardware link between the computer and the robot can be achieved through any D/A card with sufficient output rate and high level language routines at a very low cost.

Computer Simulation Of Heart-lung Bypass

Abstract: A computer model of the extracorporeal circulation has been developed. The global model takes into account the hydraulic behaviour, die thermal behaviour, and the biochemical one. An urine output model has finally been derived from clinical data. The interactive characteristics of the computer model allow to change the main perfusion variables (pump flow rate, gas flow rate and composition, water temperature) and to simulate the administration of drugs (vasodilators or diuretics) in runtime mode and to observe the consequent patient response. Results are graphically presented on die personal computer monitor. Such a model is valuable for die training of perfusioiiists and for testing new devices.

Control System Design And Analysis Package

Abstract: A control system design and analysis package, developed recently by the authors, is described. The entire package fits on a 3.5-inch high density floppy disk, and runs on any IBM compatible personal computer equipped with a numeric co-processor. The package allows the analysis and design of singleinput single-output systems using transfer functions or state equations. It is suitable for use by students in an undergraduate engineering program as well as for practising engineers, and runs well under DOS, Windows, and OS/2 Warp. It is very user-friendly and provides information and on-line help in each of the programs.

Analysis Of Interface Crack In A Bi-materialBased On Body Force Method

Abstract: A method for analyzing an interface crack problem is proposed based on Body Force Method. In order to treat the so-called oscillatory stress and displacement field in the vicinity of the crack tip strictly, a new basic density function for an interface crack is introduced. In addition to the formulae for an interface crack problem, many problems of the elastic bi-material containing arbitrary cracks are solved numerically by using a personal computer and the results are demonstrated in tables and graphs.

SPENET - Software Package For Environmental Regulatory Assessment Of Noise And Atmospheric Emissions From Urban Traffic: Application In Italian Areas

Abstract: An useful tool for environmental assessment from urban motor vehicle traffic was implemented on a Personal Computer. The package (model) consists of four modules (input data, noise and emissions levels calculations, graphic interface), and it allows the comparaison of real and future scenarios to evaluate the impact of urban transportation plans. The results of an Italian town in the surroundings of Milan are presented. A data structure for a GIS interface is designed.

Ozone Isopleths For Mexico City UsingCBM4 Within AQUAMI

Abstract: . AQUAMI is a microcomputer based software package which includes a module to account for photochemical process taking place in the atmosphere; when coupled to kinetic mechanisms as the so-called CBM4, it allows the calculation of pollutants concentration in a system containing NO% and HCTs. From such calculations the so-called Isopleths, which are level curves representing the maximum Ozone concentration in terms of NO* and HC's concentrations at the beginning of the solar day, may be constructed. Such curves have been widely used for the analysis of "scenarios'" in various cities through out the world. In this work we describe the use of CBM4 within AQUAMI and a parametrization to simulate local conditions, as actinic flux, for Mexico City so that Ozone isopleths may be obtained. CBM4 has been selected as the chemical model since it is faster than the so-called CBM-X model and although the latter includes more reactions, CBM4 has those which arc relevant for the present work; it should be pointed out that the resulting computer program can be handled by an IBM compatible personal computer involving small CPU times, which is important since several simulations are required for each isopleth. The simulation is done for irradiation conditions at several months of the year, keeping the same patterns for pollutant emissions.

In Situ Crack Propagation Monitoring In Aerospace Structures By Digital Sensor

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to develop a passive system sensor in order to analyse the rise and behaviour of crack propagation coming into the surface in a plane structural elements. The peculiarity of this system is to monitor the condition of the residual reliability of the structural element following a progressive damage, in situ and in the normal load condition which it has to provide. The sensor is made by a film which support a grid, row-column, of electric conductor which will be subsequently attached on the surface of the structural object. The propagation of the defect is noticed observing the progressive interruption of the electric contact on the surface row-column of the grid. To collect information of on-off type from the sensor it was realised a hardware interface device which collect it to a personal computer. The database is used by the managing software. The software display in a monitor the defect shape and the database values which come progressively during the process, as time, crack length, propagation speed and the propagation direction. The main goal of the sensor and of the entire system is toward of structural objects which have surface crack. INTRODUCTION The Fail-Safe (FS) design methodology take into account the initial defects of a structure. Their dimension must be equal to the sensitivity threshold of the Non Destructive Controls adopted in the inspection and the operative life must be equal to the range of the inspection [1]. This means that in FS methodology it is necessary to know the time-loading and the crack grow law. The materials must be choised to support long cracks without break them. Also they must Transactions on Modelling and Simulation vol 16, © 1997 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-355X 770 Computer Methods and Experimental Measurements have low crack grow speed. For a reliable FS design it is essential to have very precise data about the crack grow speed in relation with load, and also of its variation in time and of the most significant physic and environmental parameters. The necessity of precise data, related to structural object for which it is difficult to forecast mathematical traditional models, has been the inspiration of the present work. The in situ monitoring system, based on a digital sensor, can constitute valuable instrument for design because it provide interesting data in real time and with high accuracy. If it is employed by aeronautic and astronautic fields, it can be integrated in the on board avionic system which will on real time the post-process of the data. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The system has been realised as a prototype and utilised, in this version, for the fatigue test. The general plan of the set-up of acquisition and visualisation system is shown in Fig 1. MOMTOR COLUMN DETECTOR SPECIMEN SOF DA/ARE