Displaying publications 461 - 480 of 761 in total

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  1. Reflection spectra of etched FBGs under the influence of axial contraction and stress-induced index change
    Yang HZ, Lim KS, Qiao XG, Chong WY, Cheong YK, Lim WH, et al.
    Opt Express, 2013 Jun 17;21(12):14808-15.
    PMID: 23787668 DOI: 10.1364/OE.21.014808
    We present a new theoretical model for the broadband reflection spectra of etched FBGs which includes the effects of axial contraction and stress-induced index change. The reflection spectra of the etched FBGs with several different taper profiles are simulated based on the proposed model. In our observation, decaying exponential profile produces a broadband reflection spectrum with good uniformity over the range of 1540-1560 nm. An etched FBG with similar taper profile is fabricated and the experimental result shows good agreement with the theoretical model.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  2. Testing the transtheoretical model in predicting smoking relapse among Malaysian adult smokers receiving assistance in quitting
    Yasin SM, Retneswari M, Moy FM, Taib KM, Isahak M, Koh D
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(4):2317-23.
    PMID: 23725134
    The role of The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in predicting relapse is limited. We aimed to assess whether this model can be utilised to predict relapse during the action stage. The participants included 120 smokers who had abstained from smoking for at least 24 hours following two Malaysian universities' smoking cessation programme. The smokers who relapsed perceived significantly greater advantages related to smoking and increasing doubt in their ability to quit. In contrast, former smokers with greater self-liberation and determination to abstain were less likely to relapse. The findings suggest that TTM can be used to predict relapse among quitting smokers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  3. Cross-validation of an employee safety climate model in Malaysia
    Bahari SF, Clarke S
    J Safety Res, 2013 Jun;45:1-6.
    PMID: 23708470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2012.12.003
    Whilst substantial research has investigated the nature of safety climate, and its importance as a leading indicator of organisational safety, much of this research has been conducted with Western industrial samples. The current study focuses on the cross-validation of a safety climate model in the non-Western industrial context of Malaysian manufacturing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  4. A model for community participation in breast cancer prevention in Iran
    Ahmadian M, Samah AA
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(5):2419-23.
    PMID: 22901232
    CONTEXT: Genuine community participation does not denote taking part in an action planned by health care professionals in a medical or top-down approach. Further, community participation and health education on breast cancer prevention are not similar to other activities incorporated in primary health care services in Iran.

    OBJECTIVE: To propose a model that provides a methodological tool to increase women's participation in the decision making process towards breast cancer prevention. To address this, an evaluation framework was developed that includes a typology of community participation approaches (models) in health, as well as five levels of participation in health programs proposed by Rifkin (1985 and 1991).

    METHOD: This model explains the community participation approaches in breast cancer prevention in Iran. In a 'medical approach', participation occurs in the form of women's adherence to mammography recommendations. As a 'health services approach', women get the benefits of a health project or participate in the available program activities related to breast cancer prevention. The model provides the five levels of participation in health programs along with the 'health services approach' and explains how to implement those levels for women's participation in available breast cancer prevention programs at the local level.

    CONCLUSION: It is hoped that a focus on the 'medical approach' (top-down) and the 'health services approach' (top-down) will bring sustainable changes in breast cancer prevention and will consequently produce the 'community development approach' (bottom-up). This could be achieved using a comprehensive approach to breast cancer prevention by combining the individual and community strategies in designing an intervention program for breast cancer prevention.

    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  5. Analytical analysis of second-order Stokes wave in Brillouin ring fiber laser
    Al-Asadi HA, Abu Bakar MH, Al-Mansoori MH, Adikan FR, Mahdi MA
    Opt Express, 2011 Dec 5;19(25):25741-8.
    PMID: 22273966 DOI: 10.1364/OE.19.025741
    This paper details a theoretical modeling of Brillouin ring fiber laser which incorporates the interaction between multiple Brillouin Stokes signals. The ring cavity was pumped at several Brillouin pump (BP) powers and the output was measured through an optical coupler with various coupling ratios. The first-order Brillouin Stokes signal was saturated with the presence of the second-order Stokes signal in the cavity as a result of energy transfer between them. The outcome of the study found that the optimum point for the first-order Stokes wave performance is at laser power reduction of 10%. Resultantly, at the optimum output coupling ratio of 90%, the BFL was able to produce 19.2 mW output power at BP power and Brillouin threshold power of 60 and 21.3 mW respectively. The findings also exhibited the feasibility of the theoretical models application to ring-type Brillouin fiber laser of various design parameters.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  6. Improved GART neural network model for pattern classification and rule extraction with application to power systems
    Yap KS, Lim CP, Au MT
    IEEE Trans Neural Netw, 2011 Dec;22(12):2310-23.
    PMID: 22067292 DOI: 10.1109/TNN.2011.2173502
    Generalized adaptive resonance theory (GART) is a neural network model that is capable of online learning and is effective in tackling pattern classification tasks. In this paper, we propose an improved GART model (IGART), and demonstrate its applicability to power systems. IGART enhances the dynamics of GART in several aspects, which include the use of the Laplacian likelihood function, a new vigilance function, a new match-tracking mechanism, an ordering algorithm for determining the sequence of training data, and a rule extraction capability to elicit if-then rules from the network. To assess the effectiveness of IGART and to compare its performances with those from other methods, three datasets that are related to power systems are employed. The experimental results demonstrate the usefulness of IGART with the rule extraction capability in undertaking classification problems in power systems engineering.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  7. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and communication technologies for solid waste bin and truck monitoring system
    Hannan MA, Arebey M, Begum RA, Basri H
    Waste Manag, 2011 Dec;31(12):2406-13.
    PMID: 21871788 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2011.07.022
    This paper deals with a system of integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and communication technologies for solid waste bin and truck monitoring system. RFID, GPS, GPRS and GIS along with camera technologies have been integrated and developed the bin and truck intelligent monitoring system. A new kind of integrated theoretical framework, hardware architecture and interface algorithm has been introduced between the technologies for the successful implementation of the proposed system. In this system, bin and truck database have been developed such a way that the information of bin and truck ID, date and time of waste collection, bin status, amount of waste and bin and truck GPS coordinates etc. are complied and stored for monitoring and management activities. The results showed that the real-time image processing, histogram analysis, waste estimation and other bin information have been displayed in the GUI of the monitoring system. The real-time test and experimental results showed that the performance of the developed system was stable and satisfied the monitoring system with high practicability and validity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  8. Development of a novel mathematical model using a group contribution method for prediction of ionic liquid toxicities
    Ismail Hossain M, Samir BB, El-Harbawi M, Masri AN, Abdul Mutalib MI, Hefter G, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2011 Oct;85(6):990-4.
    PMID: 21794892 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.06.088
    A new mathematical model has been developed that expresses the toxicities (EC₅₀ values) of a wide variety of ionic liquids (ILs) towards the freshwater flea Daphnia magna by means of a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR). The data were analyzed using summed contributions from the cations, their alkyl substituents and anions. The model employed multiple linear regression analysis with polynomial model using the MATLAB software. The model predicted IL toxicities with R²=0.974 and standard error of estimate of 0.028. This model affords a practical, cost-effective and convenient alternative to experimental ecotoxicological assessment of many ILs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  9. External factors in hospital information system (HIS) adoption model: a case on Malaysia
    Lee HW, Ramayah T, Zakaria N
    J Med Syst, 2012 Aug;36(4):2129-40.
    PMID: 21384267 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-011-9675-4
    Studies related to healthcare ICT integration in Malaysia are relatively little, thus this paper provide a literature review of the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the healthcare sector in Malaysia through the hospital information system (HIS). Our study emphasized on secondary data to investigate the factors related to ICT integration in healthcare through HIS. Therefore this paper aimed to gather an in depth understanding of issues related to HIS adoption, and contributing in fostering HIS adoption in Malaysia and other countries. This paper provides a direction for future research to study the correlation of factors affecting HIS adoption. Finally a research model is proposed using current adoption theories and external factors from human, technology, and organization perspectives.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  10. Analysis of coupling efficiency on hemispherical fiber lens by method of lines
    Lambak Z, Abdul Rahman F, Mokhtar MR, Tengku IA
    Opt Express, 2009 Feb 16;17(4):2926-37.
    PMID: 19219196
    The method of lines (MoL) has been developed to study coupling efficiency on hemispherical lens. In this paper, the physical shape of the lens is approximated by cascading a number of straight waveguide segments. The perfectly matched layer (PML) is applied as an absorber for the MoL to reduce numerical reflection in the simulation region. Analysis is done by calculating coupling efficiency at the plane of integration where the coupling efficiency is an overlap integral between laser diode field and fiber field. The result of coupling efficiency in this analysis is compared to the experiment and ABCD matrix. It is found that MoL gives good result accuracy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  11. Tunable range enhancement of Brillouin-erbium fiber laser utilizing Brillouin pump pre-amplification technique
    Al-Mansoori MH, Mahdi MA
    Opt Express, 2008 May 26;16(11):7649-54.
    PMID: 18545472
    We demonstrate an enhanced multiwavelength L-band Brillouin-erbium fiber laser (BEFL), in which the Brillouin pump is pre-amplified before entering the single-mode fiber. The Brillouin pump pre-amplification provided by the Erbium-doped fiber has created higher intensity of Brillouin Stokes line generated in the single-mode fiber that leads to the homogenous gain saturation. Thus the built-up of self-lasing cavity modes is suppressed in a wider wavelength range. In contrary to the conventional linear-cavity BEFL, the number of output channels is enhanced within the same tuning range.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  12. Population pharmacokinetic modelling of tramadol with application of the NPEM algorithms
    Gan SH, Ismail R, Wan Adnan WA, Zulmi W, Jelliffe RW
    J Clin Pharm Ther, 2004 Oct;29(5):455-63.
    PMID: 15482390
    Although the kinetic behaviour of tramadol has been described, the present study is the first to our knowledge, to report specifically on the population pharmacokinetic modelling of tramadol hydrochloride.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  13. Fulltext An Automated System for Skeletal Maturity Assessment by Extreme Learning Machines
    Mansourvar M, Shamshirband S, Raj RG, Gunalan R, Mazinani I
    PLoS One, 2015;10(9):e0138493.
    PMID: 26402795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138493
    Assessing skeletal age is a subjective and tedious examination process. Hence, automated assessment methods have been developed to replace manual evaluation in medical applications. In this study, a new fully automated method based on content-based image retrieval and using extreme learning machines (ELM) is designed and adapted to assess skeletal maturity. The main novelty of this approach is it overcomes the segmentation problem as suffered by existing systems. The estimation results of ELM models are compared with those of genetic programming (GP) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) models. The experimental results signify improvement in assessment accuracy over GP and ANN, while generalization capability is possible with the ELM approach. Moreover, the results are indicated that the ELM model developed can be used confidently in further work on formulating novel models of skeletal age assessment strategies. According to the experimental results, the new presented method has the capacity to learn many hundreds of times faster than traditional learning methods and it has sufficient overall performance in many aspects. It has conclusively been found that applying ELM is particularly promising as an alternative method for evaluating skeletal age.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  14. Landfill area estimation based on integrated waste disposal options and solid waste forecasting using modified ANFIS model
    Younes MK, Nopiah ZM, Basri NE, Basri H, Abushammala MF, Younes MY
    Waste Manag, 2016 Sep;55:3-11.
    PMID: 26522806 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.10.020
    Solid waste prediction is crucial for sustainable solid waste management. The collection of accurate waste data records is challenging in developing countries. Solid waste generation is usually correlated with economic, demographic and social factors. However, these factors are not constant due to population and economic growth. The objective of this research is to minimize the land requirements for solid waste disposal for implementation of the Malaysian vision of waste disposal options. This goal has been previously achieved by integrating the solid waste forecasting model, waste composition and the Malaysian vision. The modified adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (MANFIS) was employed to develop a solid waste prediction model and search for the optimum input factors. The performance of the model was evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R(2)). The model validation results are as follows: RMSE for training=0.2678, RMSE for testing=3.9860 and R(2)=0.99. Implementation of the Malaysian vision for waste disposal options can minimize the land requirements for waste disposal by up to 43%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  15. Modelling contaminant transport for pumping wells in riverbank filtration systems
    Mustafa S, Bahar A, Aziz ZA, Suratman S
    J Environ Manage, 2016 Jan 01;165:159-166.
    PMID: 26433356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.09.026
    Analytical study of the influence of both the pumping well discharge rate and pumping time on contaminant transport and attenuation is significant for hydrological and environmental science applications. This article provides an analytical solution for investigating the influence of both pumping time and travelling time together for one-dimensional contaminant transport in riverbank filtration systems by using the Green's function approach. The basic aim of the model is to understand how the pumping time and pumping rate, which control the travelling time, can affect the contaminant concentration in riverbank filtration systems. Results of analytical solutions are compared with the results obtained using a MODFLOW numerical model. Graphically, it is found that both analytical and numerical solutions have almost the same behaviour. Additionally, the graphs indicate that any increase in the pumping rate or simulation pumping time should increase the contamination in groundwater. The results from the proposed analytical model are well matched with the data collected from a riverbank filtration site in France. After this validation, the model is then applied to the first pilot project of a riverbank filtration system conducted in Malaysia. Sensitivity analysis results highlight the importance of degradation rates of contaminants on groundwater quality, for which higher utilization rates lead to the faster consumption of pollutants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  16. Testing the Validity of a Cognitive Behavioral Model for Gambling Behavior
    Raylu N, Oei TP, Loo JM, Tsai JS
    J Gambl Stud, 2016 Jun;32(2):773-88.
    PMID: 26363793 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-015-9567-5
    Currently, cognitive behavioral therapies appear to be one of the most studied treatments for gambling problems and studies show it is effective in treating gambling problems. However, cognitive behavior models have not been widely tested using statistical means. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the validity of the pathways postulated in the cognitive behavioral theory of gambling behavior using structural equation modeling (AMOS 20). Several questionnaires assessing a range of gambling specific variables (e.g., gambling urges, cognitions and behaviors) and gambling correlates (e.g., psychological states, and coping styles) were distributed to 969 participants from the community. Results showed that negative psychological states (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress) only directly predicted gambling behavior, whereas gambling urges predicted gambling behavior directly as well as indirectly via gambling cognitions. Avoidance coping predicted gambling behavior only indirectly via gambling cognitions. Negative psychological states were significantly related to gambling cognitions as well as avoidance coping. In addition, significant gender differences were also found. The results provided confirmation for the validity of the pathways postulated in the cognitive behavioral theory of gambling behavior. It also highlighted the importance of gender differences in conceptualizing gambling behavior.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  17. Backpack-back pain complexity and the need for multifactorial safe weight recommendation
    Adeyemi AJ, Rohani JM, Abdul Rani MR
    Appl Ergon, 2017 Jan;58:573-582.
    PMID: 27132042 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.04.009
    The study analysed backpack-related back pain in school children by investigating the possibility of multiple interactions among causative factors, which may be responsible for the non-conclusive findings on the issue. Using data from 444 prepubescent schoolchildren, a mixed method design combining survey, observation and direct measurement strategies was implemented. Using a multivariate structural equation modelling approach, the study investigated interactions among anthropometry, posture, backpack volume, rating and back pain constructs, with each construct made of 2-4 indicators. Additionally, regression analysis was used to determine the feasibility of considering the two additional factors of age and body mass index along with the globally accepted recommendation of a load of 10-15% of body weight. Our model demonstrated an acceptable model fit and revealed direct and indirect effects of the factors. Obese children were recommended to carry a one-third lighter load than other children. The application of systematic/multiple strategies provided an explanation for some of the issues associated with school children's backpack-related back pain.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  18. Prediction of terrestrial gamma dose rate based on geological formations and soil types in the Johor State, Malaysia
    Saleh MA, Ramli AT, bin Hamzah K, Alajerami Y, Moharib M, Saeed I
    J Environ Radioact, 2015 Oct;148:111-22.
    PMID: 26142818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.05.019
    This study aims to predict and estimate unmeasured terrestrial gamma dose rate (TGDR) using statistical analysis methods to derive a model from the actual measurement based on geological formation and soil type. The measurements of TGDR were conducted in the state of Johor with a total of 3873 measured points which covered all geological formations, soil types and districts. The measurements were taken 1 m above the soil surface using NaI [Ti] detector. The measured gamma dose rates ranged from 9 nGy h(-1) to 1237 nGy h(-1) with a mean value of 151 nGy h(-1). The data have been normalized to fit a normal distribution. Tests of significance were conducted among all geological formations and soil types, using the unbalanced one way ANOVA. The results indicated strong significant differences due to the different geological formations and soil types present in Johor State. Pearson Correlation was used to measure the relations between gamma dose rate based on geological formation and soil type (D(G,S)) with the gamma dose rate based on geological formation (D(G)) or soil type (D(s)). A very good correlation was found between D(G,S) and D(G) or D(G,S) and D(s). A total of 118 pairs of geological formations and soil types were used to derive the statistical contribution of geological formations and soil types to gamma dose rates. The contribution of the gamma dose rate from geological formation and soil type were found to be 0.594 and 0.399, respectively. The null hypotheses were accepted for 83% of examined data, therefore, the model could be used to predict gamma dose rates based on geological formation and soil type information.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  19. Fulltext Mathematical modeling of subthreshold resonant properties in pyloric dilator neurons
    Vazifehkhah Ghaffari B, Kouhnavard M, Aihara T, Kitajima T
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:135787.
    PMID: 25960999 DOI: 10.1155/2015/135787
    Various types of neurons exhibit subthreshold resonance oscillation (preferred frequency response) to fluctuating sinusoidal input currents. This phenomenon is well known to influence the synaptic plasticity and frequency of neural network oscillation. This study evaluates the resonant properties of pacemaker pyloric dilator (PD) neurons in the central pattern generator network through mathematical modeling. From the pharmacological point of view, calcium currents cannot be blocked in PD neurons without removing the calcium-dependent potassium current. Thus, the effects of calcium (I(Ca)) and calcium-dependent potassium (I(KCa)) currents on resonant properties remain unclear. By taking advantage of Hodgkin-Huxley-type model of neuron and its equivalent RLC circuit, we examine the effects of changing resting membrane potential and those ionic currents on the resonance. Results show that changing the resting membrane potential influences the amplitude and frequency of resonance so that the strength of resonance (Q-value) increases by both depolarization and hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. Moreover, hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I(h)) and I(Ca) (in association with I(KCa)) are dominant factors on resonant properties at hyperpolarized and depolarized potentials, respectively. Through mathematical analysis, results indicate that I h and I(KCa) affect the resonant properties of PD neurons. However, I(Ca) only has an amplifying effect on the resonance amplitude of these neurons.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
  20. Artificial neural network modeling of the water quality index using land use areas as predictors
    Gazzaz NM, Yusoff MK, Ramli MF, Juahir H, Aris AZ
    Water Environ Res, 2015 Feb;87(2):99-112.
    PMID: 25790513
    This paper describes the design of an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the water quality index (WQI) using land use areas as predictors. Ten-year records of land use statistics and water quality data for Kinta River (Malaysia) were employed in the modeling process. The most accurate WQI predictions were obtained with the network architecture 7-23-1; the back propagation training algorithm; and a learning rate of 0.02. The WQI forecasts of this model had significant (p < 0.01), positive, very high correlation (ρs = 0.882) with the measured WQI values. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the relative importance of the land use classes to WQI predictions followed the order: mining > rubber > forest > logging > urban areas > agriculture > oil palm. These findings show that the ANNs are highly reliable means of relating water quality to land use, thus integrating land use development with river water quality management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical*
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