User and Systems Requirement Framework for Electronic Land Registration Systems Decentralisation in Ghana

Although land registration systems are constantly changing based on entrenched institutional frameworks, they cannot fulfill their technical objectives. Technical designs based on loopholes in the existing land registration system are the common steps in advanced countries. However, the missing link between the implementation of technical designs and their uses and users, affect the prospects of land registration decentralisation in developing countries. User and System requirements are used to integrate and enhance land registration services delivery across land information systems. This study assesses and develops framework for decentralised electronic land registration systems in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect user and system requirement data from clients and technical staff of the Lands Commission in Accra. The framework pointed out five main policy outline strategies. These include land registration process modeling (process reduction and turnaround time monitoring), technical function (file tracking), the effect of changes in the registration loupe and absorption of land registration report, land registration workflow improvement, and the use of aerial images. The study recommends a systemic monitoring and evaluation of staff job roles.

Multi-Analytical Assessment of Bodied Drying Oil Varnishes and Their Use as Binders in Armour Paints

The characteristics of commercially available refined and bodied linseed and tung oils, used as binders in the production of armour paints after historic recipes, are explored. Employed as anticorrosive paints mainly from the 1920s to 1960s, armour paints are greener alternatives that can be used for protection in industrial heritage conservation. Using a multi-analytical approach, chemical and physical properties of the fresh oils and solid films before and after accelerated ageing (ISO 16474-2:2013) were investigated to better understand which features are beneficial for the technical function of armour paints. Tests included measurements of density, the refractive index, insoluble impurities, alkaline impurities, the water content, the iodine value, the saponification value, the free fatty acid concentration, the acid value, the peroxide value and colour (Lovibond) and cold tests. The characterisation of the fresh oils using molecular analysis with FTIR and GC-MS revealed the complexity of the commercial formulations, for which additions of semi- and non-drying oils were detected. The results show that organic paint binders follow complex chemical reactions (such as oxidation and decrease of unsaturation being variable or swelling following water-immersion tests), with implications for their suitability for use in protection.

The Epistemology of Biomimetics: The Role of Models and of Morphogenetic Principles

Form follows function, but it does not follow from function. Form is not derivable from the latter. To realize a desired technical function, a form must first be found that is able to realize it at all. Secondly, the question arises as to whether an envisaged form realizes the function in an appropriate way. Functions are multiply realizable—various different forms can bear the very same function. One needs to find a form of a technical artifact that realizes an envisaged function sufficiently efficient, robust, or whatever criteria might be imposed. This paper scrutinizes biomimetics as one way to find a good solution to the realization problem. Drawing on an approach from the philosophy of simulations, it reconstructs the biomimetic relation as being mediated by a theoretical model. It is shown that the robustness of the functioning system is usually reached in different ways in biological and in technological systems, which explains differences in morphogenetic mechanisms or principles found in these fields. This reconstruction helps to understand problems with robustness in synthetic biology that occur when technical design principles are implemented in a biological system. The mimetic relation between the biological and the technical realm is found to be asymmetric.

Review Paper on E-Smart Watch for Early Detection of Covid-19

Smart watches have the potential to support health in everyday living by: enabling self-monitoring of personal activity; obtaining feedback based on activity measures; allowing for in-situ surveys to identify patterns of behavior; and supporting bi-directional communication with health care providers and family members. However, smart watches are an emerging technology and research with these devices is at a nascent stage. Seventy-three studies were returned in the search. Seventeen studies published were included. Included studies were published from 2014 to 2016, with the exception of one published in 2011. Most studies employed the use of consumer-grade smart watches (14/17, 82%). Patient-related studies focused on activity monitoring, heart rate monitoring, speech therapy adherence, diabetes self-management, and detection of seizures, tremors, scratching, eating, and medication-taking behaviors. Most patient-related studies enrolled participants with few exclusion criteria to validate smart watch function (10/17, 58%). Smart watch technical function, acceptability, and effectiveness in supporting health must be validated in larger field studies that enroll actual participants living with the conditions these devices target.

Virtual fencing as a wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation measure: technical function, wildlife response and considerations for installation in an urban environment

ABSTRACT Virtual wildlife fencing presents as a cost-effective measure for roadkill mitigation, which aids in reducing fragmentation of wildlife populations by facilitating safer movement of wildlife across the landscape. In this study, we conducted an audit of a virtual fence installation in south-east Queensland, Australia. We assessed its reliability in flows of traffic and the effect that installation parameters and site conditions had on its effective operation in an urban setting. We made observations on the behavioural response of Eastern Grey Kangaroos Macropus giganteus to the acoustic signals produced by the fence. We found that the fencing activated consistently in response to headlights at dusk and dawn, and when traffic flows were dense, despite considerable variations in the range of installation parameters. However, we identified that the response of the virtual fence to headlights was affected by road curvature and we identified inconsistencies in the timing and pattern of activation in response to traffic. Behavioural observations showed a significant increase in kangaroo vigilance in response to the acoustic signal of the fence when resting or grazing, and kangaroos detected the acoustic signal up to 50 m away. While virtual fencing operates effectively and is a low-cost roadkill mitigation option that can be applied to the urban environment, more research is needed to better understand the effect of its acoustic and visual signals on wildlife behaviour and efficacy in busy urban environments.

First proof-of-concept evaluation of the FUSION-X-US-II prototype for the performance of automated breast ultrasound in healthy volunteers

Purpose The FUSION-X-US-II prototype was developed to combine 3D-automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and digital breast tomosynthesis in a single device without decompressing the breast. We evaluated the technical function, feasibility of the examination workflow, image quality, breast tissue coverage and patient comfort of the ABUS device of the new prototype. Methods In this prospective feasibility study, the FUSION-X-US-II prototype was used to perform ABUS in 30 healthy volunteers without history of breast cancer. The ABUS images of the prototype were interpreted by a physician with specialization in breast diagnostics. Any detected lesions were measured and classified using BI-RADS® scores. Image quality was rated subjectively by the physician and coverage of the breast was measured. Patient comfort was evaluated by a questionnaire after the examination. Results One hundred and six scans were performed (61 × CC, 23 × ML, 22 × MLO) in 60 breasts. Image acquisition and processing by the prototype was fast and accurate. Breast coverage by ABUS was approximately 90.8%. Sixteen breast lesions (all benign, classified as BIRADS® 2) were identified. The examination was tolerated by all patients. Conclusion The FUSION-X-US-II prototype allows a rapid ABUS scan with mostly high patient comfort. Technical developments resulted in an improvement of quality and coverage compared to previous prototype versions. The results are encouraging for a test of the prototype in a clinical setting in combination with tomosynthesis.

First Proof-of-concept Evaluation of the FUSION-X-US-II Prototype for the Performance of Automated Breast Ultrasound in Healthy Volunteers

Purpose: The FUSION-X-US-II prototype was developed to combine 3D-automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and digital breast tomosynthesis in a single device without decompressing the breast. We evaluated the technical function, feasibility of the examination workflow, image quality, breast tissue coverage and patient comfort of the ABUS device of the new prototype. Methods: In this prospective feasibility study, the FUSION-X-US-II prototype was used to perform ABUS in 30 healthy volunteers without history of breast cancer. The ABUS images of the prototype were interpreted by a physician with specialization in breast diagnostics. Any detected lesions were measured and classified using BI-RADS® scores. Image quality was rated subjectively by the physician and coverage of the breast was measured. Patient comfort was evaluated by a questionnaire after the examination. Results: 106 scans were performed (61 x CC, 23 x ML, 22 x MLO) in 60 breasts. Image acquisition and processing by the prototype was fast and accurate. Breast coverage by ABUS was approximately 90.8%. 16 breast lesions (all benign, classified as BIRADS® 2) were identified. The examination was tolerated by all patients. Conclusion: The FUSION-X-US-II prototype allows a rapid ABUS scan with mostly high patient comfort. Technical developments resulted in an improvement of quality and coverage compared to previous prototype versions. The results are encouraging for a test of the prototype in a clinical setting in combination with tomosynthesis.

THE ROLE OF GEOPLASTICS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

This article is devoted to the problem of studying the role and place of geoplastics in landscape architecture. The study defined the functions of geoplastics, highlighted the main methods, a brief description of the methods and the materials used for the construction of geoplastics. It is worth noting the materials used to create geoplastics objects. Concrete, wood, natural stone, and bulk materials are used to make strong steps. Mounds and hills are built from excavated soil or sandy loam (a mixture of clay and sand). It is not recommended to use clay in its pure form, as it clogs the soil, which prevents air from entering the soil. geoplastics plays a significant role in landscape architecture, performing an aesthetic role by ensuring the growing interest of the population in this object of architectural thought, a technical function, creating favorable conditions for recreation, taking into account all the nuances.