Description:
In this paper we propose a novel technique of using a hybrid evolutionary method, which uses a combination of genetic algorithm and matrix based solution methods such as QR factorization. The training of the model is based on a layer based hierarchical structure for the architecture and the weights for the Artificial Neural Network classifier. The architecture for the classifier is found using a binary search type procedure. The hierarchical structured algorithm (EALS-BT) is also a hybrid, because it combines the Genetic Algorithm based method with the Matrix based solution method for finding weights. A heuristic segmentation algorithm is initially used to over segment each word. Then the segmentation points are passed through the rule-based module to discard the incorrect segmentation points and include any missing segmentation points. Following the segmentation the contour is extracted between two correct segmentation points. The contour is passed through the feature extraction module that extracts the angular features, after which the EALS-BT algorithm finds the architecture and the weights for the classifier network. These recognized characters are grouped into words and passed to a variable length lexicon that retrieves words that have the highest confidence value.
Description:
OBJECTIVES: An assessment of linked data was used to investigate the scope and the extent to which hospitalisations data and police crash records represent road crashes in New South Wales (NSW). METHODS: Hospital separation records for the period 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001, inclusive, were linked to police crash casualty records for the same period using probabilistic record linkage techniques. Multivariable logistic regression techniques were used to identify factors independently associated with the probability of record linkage. RESULTS: Of 17,552 road transport-related hospital records, 45.1% matched to police crash casualty records. When the analysis was restricted to road traffic crashes, 69.2% of the 9,178 records had a matching police crash casualty record. Multivariable analysis found the most significant factors contributing to the likelihood of linkage to be road user type, payment status and principal diagnosis of injury variables. Motor vehicle controllers, cases entitled to financial compensation and cases with a principal diagnosis of injury were significantly more likely to be linked than all other cases. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that researchers and policy makers should be cautious when examining traffic crashes based on a separate analysis of the hospitalisations data and police crash records. This is particularly true for crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and those resulting in less severe injuries. IMPLICATIONS: The findings have implications for use of both police crash records and hospital records in informing the development of strategies designed to prevent road trauma in the community.
Description:
Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) sensors possess proven functionality in measuring ferromagnetic material thickness. However, most commercial PEC service providers as well as researchers have investigated and claim functionality of sensors on homogeneous structural steels (steel grade Q235 for example). In this paper, we present design steps for a PEC sensing set-up to measure thickness of cast iron, which is unlike steel, is a highly inhomogeneous and non-linear ferromagnetic material. The setup includes a PEC sensor, sensor excitation and reception circuits, and a unique signal processing method. The signal processing method yields a signal feature which behaves as a function of thickness. The signal feature has a desirable characteristic of being lowly influenced by lift-off. Experimental results show that the set-up is usable for Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE) applications such as cast iron water pipe assessment.
Description:
Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) sensors possess proven functionality in measuring ferromagnetic material thickness. However, most commercial PEC service providers as well as researchers have investigated and claim functionality of sensors on homogeneous structural steels (steel grade Q235 for example). In this paper, we present design steps for a PEC sensing set-up to measure thickness of cast iron, which is unlike steel, is a highly inhomogeneous and non-linear ferromagnetic material. The setup includes a PEC sensor, sensor excitation and reception circuits, and a unique signal processing method. The signal processing method yields a signal feature which behaves as a function of thickness. The signal feature has a desirable characteristic of being lowly influenced by lift-off. Experimental results show that the set-up is usable for Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE) applications such as cast iron water pipe assessment.
Description:
In 2007 a group of researchers from four Australian universities was awarded an ARC Discovery grant to undertake a longitudinal study into the nature of successful teacher education strategies aimed at making rural teaching an attractive long-term career option. This paper presents descriptive insights into how the research team, located in three Australian states (New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia) is able to maintain a sustained cohesive approach to achieving the project's aim. The initial section of the paper introduces each team member prior to discussing the importance of taking a national perspective on rural education. The second section considers the research design and shows how the main objective of the investigation will be achieved. Emerging trends from the quantitative and qualitative data collected in 2008 are revealed in the third section. The discussion in the fourth section centres on how the trends emerging from the collected data requires a reconceptualisation of preparing pre-service teachers for non-metropolitan placements. In doing so, the project's emerging conceptual framework, which emphasizes that preparation of teachers for rural and regional appointments needs to be considered beyond the terms and forms of traditional professional practice, is explored. [Author abstract, ed]