Modified DS np Chart Using Generalized Multiple Dependent State Sampling under Time Truncated Life Test

This study presents the design of a modified attributed control chart based on a double sampling(DS)np chart applied in combination with generalized multiple dependent state(GMDS)sampling to monitor the mean life of the product based on the time truncated life test employing theWeibull distribution.The control chart developed supports the examination of the mean lifespan variation for a particular product in the process of manufacturing.Three control limit levels are used:the warning control limit,inner control limit,and outer control limit.Together,they enhance the capability for variation detection.A genetic algorithm can be used for optimization during the in-control process,whereby the optimal parameters can be established for the proposed control chart.The control chart performance is assessed using the average run length,while the influence of the model parameters upon the control chart solution is assessed via sensitivity analysis based on an orthogonal experimental design withmultiple linear regression.A comparative study was conducted based on the out-of-control average run length,in which the developed control chart offered greater sensitivity in the detection of process shifts while making use of smaller samples on average than is the case for existing control charts.Finally,to exhibit the utility of the developed control chart,this paper presents its application using simulated data with parameters drawn from the real set of data.

Validity of subjective assessment as screening tool for dry eye disease and its association with clinical tests

AIM: To determine the role of subjective assessment using Mc Monnies dry eye questionnaire in diagnosing dry eye disease and its association with clinical tests.METHODS: There were 500 patients screened for dry eye using Mc Monnies dry eye questionnaire between May to October 2013 at the outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of a medical college hospital. All 500 patients were subjected to clinical tests. Dry eye was defined as having one or more symptoms often or all the time. Positive signs were if one or both eyes revealed tear film breakup time(TBUT) of ≤10s, a Schirmer test score of ≤10 mm, a Rose Bengal staining score of ≥1, a Lissamine green staining score of ≥1 or existence of meibomian gland disease(≥grade 1). Statistical analysis was performed to describe the distribution of symptoms and signs, to assess the correlations between Mc Monnies score(MS) and variable clinical signs of dry eye, and to explore the association between dry eye symptoms and variable clinical signs. Analysis was performed using software package Epi info. A Probability(P) value using Chi-square test of 【0.005 was taken as significant.· RESULTS: Dry eye prevalence with symptoms(questionnaire), Schirmer test, TBUT, Rose Bengal staining and Lissamine green staining was 25.6%,15.20%, 20.80%, 23.60%, and 22.60% respectively. Among those with severe symptoms(MS】20), 75.86% had a low TBUT(【10s), 58.62% had a low Schirmer’s I test(≤10 mm),86.20% had Rose Bengal staining score of ≥1, 79.31%had Lissamine green staining score of ≥1. We found statistically significant associations between positive Schirmer test and arthritis(P 【0.002), dryness elsewhere(P 【0.001), contact lens use(P 【 0.002), systemic medication(P 【0.0001), sleeping with eyes partly open(P 【0.002), history of dry eyes treatment(P 【0.0001),environmental factors(P 【0.001), swimming(P 【0.001).· CONCLUSION: Subjective assessment plays an important role in diagnosing dry eye disease. There is strong correlation between MS and Schirmer test, TBUT,Rose Bengal staining and Lissamine green staining in normal as well as marginal and pathological dry eye.

A Novel Multiple Dependent State Sampling Plan Based on Time Truncated Life Tests Using Mean Lifetime

The design of a new adaptive version of the multiple dependent state(AMDS)sampling plan is presented based on the time truncated life test under the Weibull distribution.We achieved the proposed sampling plan by applying the concept of the double sampling plan and existing multiple dependent state sampling plans.A warning sign for acceptance number was proposed to increase the probability of current lot acceptance.The optimal plan parameters were determined simultaneously with nonlinear optimization problems under the producer’s risk and consumer’s risk.A simulation study was presented to support the proposed sampling plan.A comparison between the proposed and existing sampling plans,namely multiple dependent state(MDS)sampling plans and a modified multiple dependent state(MMDS)sampling plan,was considered under the average sampling number and operating characteristic curve values.In addition,the use of two real datasets demonstrated the practicality and usefulness of the proposed sampling plan.The results indicated that the proposed plan is more flexible and efficient in terms of the average sample number compared to the existing MDS and MMDS sampling plans.

Test Vector Optimization Using Pocofan-Poframe Partitionin

This paper presents an automated POCOFAN-POFRAME algorithm thatpartitions large combinational digital VLSI circuits for pseudo exhaustive testing. In thispaper, a simulation framework and partitioning technique are presented to guide VLSIcircuits to work under with fewer test vectors in order to reduce testing time and todevelop VLSI circuit designs. This framework utilizes two methods of partitioningPrimary Output Cone Fanout Partitioning (POCOFAN) and POFRAME partitioning todetermine number of test vectors in the circuit. The key role of partitioning is to identifyreconvergent fanout branch pairs and the optimal value of primary input node N andfanout F partitioning using I-PIFAN algorithm. The number of reconvergent fanout andits locations are critical for testing of VLSI circuits and design for testability. Hence, theirselection is crucial in order to optimize system performance and reliability. In the presentwork, the design constraints of the partitioned circuit considered for optimizationincludes critical path delay and test time. POCOFAN-POFRAME algorithm uses theparameters with optimal values of circuits maximum primary input cone size (N) andminimum fan-out value (F) to determine the number of test vectors, number of partitionsand its locations. The ISCAS’85 benchmark circuits have been successfully partitioned,the test results of C499 shows 45% reduction in the test vectors and the experimentalresults are compared with other partitioning methods, our algorithm makes fewer testvectors.

Determination of the Minimum Testing Time for Wireline Formation Testing with the Finite Element Method

The wireline formation tester （WFT） is an important tool for formation evaluation, such as calculating the formation pressure and permeability, identifying the fluid type, and determining the interface between oil and water. However, in a low porosity and low permeability formation, the supercharge pressure effect exists, since the mudcake has a poor sealing ability. The mudcake cannot isolate the hydrostatic pressure of the formation around the borehole and the mud seeps into the formations, leading to inaccurate formation pressure measurement. At the same time, the tool can be easily stuck in the low porosity/low permeability formation due to the long waiting and testing time. We present a method for determining the minimum testing time for the wireline formation tester. The pressure distribution of the mudcake and the formation were respectively calculated with the finite element method （FEM）. The radius of the influence of mud pressure was also computed, and the minimum testing time in low porosity/low permeability formations was determined within a range of values for different formation permeabilities. The determination of the minimum testing time ensures an accurate formation pressure measurement and minimizes possible accidents due to long waiting and testing time.

Area-time associated test cost model for SoC and lower bound of test time

A novel test access mechanism （TAM） architecture with multi test-channel （TC） based on IEEE Standard 1500 is proposed instead of the traditional sub-TAM structure. The cost model of an area-time associated test and the corresponding lower bound of system-on-chip （SoC） test time are established based on this TAM architecture. The model provides a more reliable method to control the SoC scheduling and reduces the complexity in related algorithm research. The result based on the area time associated test cost model has been validated using the ITC02 test benchmark.

CORE-UNIFIED SOC TEST DATA COMPRESSION AND APPLICATION

The pattern run-length coding test data compression approach is extended by introducing don't care bit(x) propagation strategy into it.More than one core test sets for testing core-based System-on-Chip(SoC) are unified into a single one,which is compressed by the extended coding technique.A reconfigurable scan test application mechanism is presented,in which test data for multiple cores are scanned and captured jointly to make SoC test application more efficient with low hardware overhead added.The proposed union test technique is applied to an academic SoC embedded by six large ISCAS'89 benchmarks,and to an ITC' 02 benchmark circuit.Experiment results show that compared with the existing schemes in which a core test set is compressed and applied independently of other cores,the proposed scheme can not only improve test data compression/decompression,but also reduce the redundant shift and capture cycles during scan testing,decreasing SoC test application time effectively.

Topographic tear film trend and new parameters for noninvasive break up time test

AIM:To evaluate the quantitative and qualitative results of the noninvasive tear film break-up time(NI-BUT)test and investigate the predictive ability of the new NIBUT parameter in discriminating between normal Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI;scores≤12)and abnormal OSDI(scores≥13).METHODS:A total of 341 eyes of 341 volunteers who applied for routine eye outpatient control were included in the prospective study.All participants'noninvasive first tear film break-up time(NIF-BUT),noninvasive average tear film break-up time(NIAvg-BUT)and average value of the first three break-up time(A3F-BUT)were analyzed.A3F-BUT,the new NI-BUT parameter,is calculated by adding the NIF-BUT value to the 2^(nd )break-up time value that has a difference of at most 1 second from the NIF-BUT value and to the 3^(rd) break-up time and then dividing the respective sum by 3.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and forward logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the parameter that had the best predictive ability between the OSDI groups.RESULTS:The NI-BUT values of 255 eyes of 255 volunteers included in the study were analyzed statistically.The mean NIF-BUT,NIAvg-BUT,and A3F-BUT values were calculated as 5.3±3.0,8±3.1,and 5.8±3.0 seconds,respectively.All three parameters were found to be significantly lower in the abnormal OSDI group(P=0.014,0.034,and 0.011,respectively).The area under the curve(AUC)of the A3F-BUT to predict abnormal OSDI was AUC=0.625(0.529-0.720),P=0.011 and NIF-BUT was AUC=0.599(0.502-0.696),P=0.043.The A3F-BUT parameter and NIF-BUT parameters were found to be significantly efficient in discriminating abnormal OSDI.CONCLUSION:The new parameter for the NI-BUT test has more predictive ability in the discrimination of OSDI groups.

Retrospective study of effect of whole-body vibration training on balance and walking function in stroke patients

BACKGROUND Dysfunction in stroke patients has been a problem that we committed to solve and explore.Physical therapy has some effect to regain strength,balance,and coordination.However,it is not a complete cure,so we are trying to find more effective treatments.AIM To observe the effect of whole-body vibration training(WVT)on the recovery of balance and walking function in stroke patients,which could provide us some useful evidence for planning rehabilitation.METHODS The clinical data of 130 stroke participants who underwent conventional rehabilitation treatment in our hospital from January 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The participants were divided into whole-body vibration training(WVT)group and non-WVT(NWVT)group according to whether they were given WVT.In the WVT group,routine rehabilitation therapy was combined with WVT by the Galileo Med L Plus vibration trainer at a frequency of 20 Hz and a vibration amplitude of 0+ACY-plusmn+ADs-5.2 mm,and in the NWVT group,routine rehabilitation therapy only was provided.The treatment course of the two groups was 4 wk.Before and after treatment,the Berg balance scale(BBS),3 m timed up-and-go test(TUGT),the maximum walking speed test(MWS),and upper limb functional reaching(FR)test were performed.RESULTS After 4 wk training,in both groups,the BBS score and the FR distance respectively increased to a certain amount(WVT=46.08±3.41 vs NWVT=40.22±3.75;WVT=20.48±2.23 vs NWVT=16.60±2.82),with P<0.05.Furthermore,in the WVT group,both BBS score and FR distance(BBS:18.32±2.18;FR:10.00±0.92)increased more than that in the NWVT group(BBS:13.29±1.66;FR:6.16±0.95),with P<0.05.Meanwhile,in both groups,the TUGT and the MWS were improved after training(WVT=32.64±3.81 vs NWVT=39.56±3.68;WVT=12.73±2.26 vs NWVT=15.04±2.27,respectively),with P<0.05.The change in the WVT group(TUGT:17.49±1.88;MWS:6.79±0.81)was greater than that in the NWVT group(TUGT:10.76±1.42;MWS:4.84±0.58),with P<0.05.CONCLUSION The WVT could effectively improve the balance and walking function in stroke patients,which may be good for improving their quality of life.

Testing Times

After uniting in its earthquake rescue efforts,China now faces a new test-rebuilding the homes of millions Zhu Jing had never expected to fall into such dire straits: She has nowhere to go,

A TEST OF TIME

When the working dinner between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump ended after the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires on December 1, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the media that the meeting has"chartered the course for China-U.S. relations" with the two presidents reaching an important common understanding.

Standing the Test of Time

Seal engraving, a pearl of Chinese traditional arts, has been included on the world intangible cultural heritage

Will the Three Gorges Dam Stand The Test of Time?

After successfully containing the biggest flood this century, the Three Gorges Dam,on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in central China’s Hubei Province, has encountered another flood, that of public opinion:Will this dam be able to hold floods that are "once-in-10,000-years" or "once-in-1,000-years" or "once-in-a-century"? Should numerous hazards this year, including land and mudslides and mountain torrents,be blamed on accumulation of sediment caused by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam? To get answers to these questions,journalists from Xinhua News Agency interviewed Cao Guangjing, Board Chairman of the China Three Gorges Corp., the operator of the Three Gorges Dam.

Inter-annual variations in vegetation and their response to climatic factors in the upper catchments of the Yellow River from 2000 to 2010

To understand the variations in vegetation and their correlation with climate factors in the upper catchments of the Yellow River, China, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index（NDVI） time series data from 2000 to 2010 were collected based on the MOD13Q1 product. The coefficient of variation, Theil–Sen median trend analysis and the Mann–Kendall test were combined to investigate the volatility characteristic and trend characteristic of the vegetation. Climate data sets were then used to analyze the correlation between variations in vegetation and climate change. In terms of the temporal variations, the vegetation in this study area improved slightly from 2000 to 2010, although the volatility characteristic was larger in 2000–2005 than in 2006–2010. In terms of the spatial variation, vegetation which is relatively stable and has a significantly increasing trend accounts for the largest part of the study area. Its spatial distribution is highly correlated with altitude, which ranges from about 2000 to 3000 m in this area. Highly fluctuating vegetation and vegetation which showed a significantly decreasing trend were mostly distributed around the reservoirs and in the reaches of the river with hydropower developments. Vegetation with a relatively stable and significantly decreasing trend and vegetation with a highly fluctuating and significantly increasing trend are widely dispersed. With respect to the response of vegetation to climate change, about 20–30% of the vegetation has a significant correlation with climatic factors and the correlations in most areas are positive： regions with precipitation as the key influencing factor account for more than 10% of the area; regions with temperature as the key influencing factor account for less than 10% of the area; and regions with precipitation and temperature as the key influencing factors together account for about 5% of the total area. More than 70% of the vegetation has an insignificant correlation with climatic factors.