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Artificial neural network in CPT base liquefaction prediction
No full textVarious simplified procedue have been developed, using case studies that liquefied or not during earthquake, to estimate liquefaction potential of soils. In order to address the collective knowledge built up in conventional liquefaction engineering, this paper proposed to use a artificial neural network, ANN as an alternative tools. ANN has the capability to train itself with available data sets and extrapolate outcome for unknown senerio based on the training. It is particularly helpful for large data sets when human brain is inefficient. Various ANN models have already been in used for liquefaction assessment. However, this paper is more objective in applying ANN in liquefcation prediction. First, the data bases used for training and testing are well verified and well accepted in literature. Second, the inputs for the model are selected on their physical meaning with respect to liquefaction. Third, the source of data sets for training and testing are diffrent. The ANN model achieved a comparable accuracy with other publications where large number of inputs has been used.
Exercise for the treatment and management of overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review of the literature
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Is the polarization index a valid measure of loyalty for evaluating changes over time?
No full textPurpose – This paper aims to argue that the polarization index (w) represents a valid loyalty measure for evaluating changes over time. Design/methodology/approach – The brand performance measures (BPM) are a valid and useful tool for marketing managers in measuring the loyalty consumers attach, in a single time period, to a product or brand. However, the BPM reflect other attributes and not only loyalty. Over time, what might appear to be a change in loyalty may actually be a change in market size or market share. The polarization index (w) is not biased in this manner and is more appropriate for evaluating changes over time. The study compares the results obtained with three well known BPM utilised for the analysis of loyalty – the purchase frequency, the share of category requirements and the repeat rate – with those obtained with the w on the purchases of wine made by Italian consumers in the retail sector over two three-year periods (2003-2005 and 2006-2008). Findings – The study shows that the BPM are a fundamental source of information on the loyalty consumers attach to brands and products at one point in time. However, their strong relationship with market share risks providing results that do not reflect actual trends in loyalty. By comparison, w provides a valid and useful analysis of the ways in which loyalty evolves over time. Originality/value – Although several researchers have studied the uses of w on one-year and three-year periods, none observed how the index offers more valid results than the BPM over time. The paper shows that marketing managers should always compare the results obtained with the BPM with those derived from the w before drawing conclusions on the real loyalty trends of their products and brands.
Exploring the determinants of evidence-based practice in allied health using the iCAHE journal club as a medium
No full textThe findings highlight the importance of examining the individual characteristics of AHPs along with organisational and contextual factors when designing EBP interventions. An EBP intervention is likely to be successful if a systematic assessment of the barriers at different levels (i.e. individual, organisational, contextual level) informs the choice of evidence implementation strategy. When lack of knowledge and skills, and limited access to evidence sources are reported as barriers to evidence uptake, they can be effectively addressed by running a structured JC such as the iCAHE model. In instances when barriers other than lack of knowledge exist, more than one approach may be required. Future research should examine the impact of integrating the iCAHE JC with other approaches targeted at different levels in promoting evidence uptake.