On sensitivity of detector structures to contaminants in non-white mixture noise model

In this paper, we study the structure of the locally optimal detector in non-white transformation noise with -contaminated marginal density. We show that each of the memoryless nonlinearities in the detector can be at least approximately represented as a term for the nominal density plus a correction term in closed form that is directly proportional to . The approximations are found, by simulation, to be good in most cases except when is large and the tail weight of the contaminant is large. We also show that the eigenfunctions of the bivariate noise density can be put in a similar form.     

Methodological considerations in clinical neuropsychological research: 17 years later.

Research in clinical neuropsychology continues to flourish. Over the past 17 years, the field has embraced advances in structural and functional neuroimaging techniques, theoretical constructs, and statistical models in attempts to improve the quality and generalizability of its research efforts. With keen attention to methodological issues and careful consideration of broad hypotheses and underlying concepts, research in this field can continue to meet the needs of practicing clinicians and the rigorous requirements of scientific inquiry. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Blower drive system based on synchronous motor with solid salient-pole rotor: performance under starting and voltage sag conditions

This paper presents a study developed on a three-phase 11-MW synchronous motor with a solid salient-pole rotor of a blower drive system of a blast furnace at the Companhia Siderurgica Belgo-Mineira, Joao Monlevade, Brazil. A mechanical model including motor, gears, couplings, and blower is used in a simulation study to evaluate the torsional dynamics and stresses during motor startup and voltage sag conditions. In addition, the operation of the synchronous motor under voltage sag is analyzed with a comparative study between complete and approximated models of the motor. The utilization of a dynamic voltage restorer to protect the drive system under this abnormal situation is also evaluated.     

Texture analysis of aerial photographs

Different image textures manifest themselves by dissimilarity in both the property values and the spatial interrelationships of their component texture primitives. We use this fact in a texture discrimination system.An image is first segmented into closed regions called units. Then, a set of properties is calculated for each of the units. The units along with their respective properties constitute the primitives.The discrimination between texture categories has two parts: the training phase and the classification phase. The primitives and the relationships which are obtained from representative training images are used to develop criteria for the classification phase. During classification, the primitives of the image under test are first used to assign a unit to one of several cluster types. Then, each primitive is assigned to the most likely texture class given its cluster type and the cluster types of its spatially adjacent neighbors.The method is used on three images: a noisy checkerboard, a simulated texture and an aerial photograph.     

Vapour induced ordering phenomena in syndiotactic polystyrene amorphous films

Summary Films of amorphous syndiotactic polystyrene were exposed to dichloromethane vapour at varying activity, up to a=1. Infrared analysis and wide angle X-ray scattering were used to follow the development of ordered structures, induced by the vapour. It has been found that characteristic bands in the infrared spectrum appear after activity a=0.45, whereas X-rays show that the sample is still amorphous. The appearance of the crystalline reflections occurs at higher activities and a continuous improvement up to a=1 in the X-ray pattern is observed.     

Cognitive training in alcoholic men.

Three groups of alcoholic Ss (n?=?76) and one group of community nonalcoholic control subjects (n?=?36) were tested using a baseline battery of three clusters of neuropsychological tests measuring learning and memory, problem-solving, and perceptual-motor functioning. Alcoholics were divided into 3 groups: One group (n?=?25) received 12 hrs of memory training over the subsequent 2-wk period; a 2nd group (n?=?26) received a similar period of training in problem-solving techniques; and a 3rd group (n?=?25) received no training during the 2-wk period. Approximately 3 wks after the baseline testing, the same tests were readministered to the 3 groups. All 3 alcoholic groups performed significantly poorer than the control group on all 3 clusters of baseline tests but did not differ from each other on those clusters. At retest, the problem-solving group improved significantly more on the problem-solving tests than did the no-training group and manifested a trend to differ from the memory group but did not improve more than the other groups on memory or perceptual-motor tests. Although there was no overall differential improvement on memory tests by the memory-training group, younger Ss in that group improved significantly more than older Ss. This relation was not present in the other groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hydrogenation and structural changes in potassium dithioferrate under heat treatment

Polycrystalline potassium dithioferrate (KFeS₂) was studied using X-ray diffraction, to detect structural changes occurring in the compound when submitted to heat treatment at a temperature of 500° C under vacuum and in a hydrogen atmosphere. The changes observed in samples treated under vacuum and in a hydrogen atmosphere were similar, suggesting the presence of a new unstable phase coexisting with that of the untreated sample, and that the structural transformation observed is supposed to be primarily induced by the high-temperature treatment. The structural changes and absorbed hydrogen are correlated with previous Mössbauer and EPR experiments on hydrogenated KFeS₂ at 500° C.     

Perceived self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and negative mood states in end-stage renal disease.

Tested A. Bandura's (1977) social learning theory, which hypothesizes that the joint experience of weak efficacy and strong outcome expectancies induces negative mood states. 70 end-stage renal disease patients served as Ss. Perceived self-efficacy was measured via Ss' self-rated control over health and over life in general. Outcome expectancies were assessed on Rotter's Internal–External Locus of Control Scale and the Health Locus of Control Scale. The 3 dependent variables were Ss' scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, Self-Esteem Inventory, and self-ratings of helplessness. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical multiple-regression strategy. The efficacy and outcome measures each correlated significantly and uniquely with the 3 dependent variables. Weaker efficacy and weaker outcome expectancies were associated with increased depression, lower self-esteem, and subjective feelings of helplessness. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Privacy and behavioral research.

There is a "conflict of… scientific research with the right… of private personality." Traditional methods of behavioral research may, on occasion, involve a violation of the individual claim to private personality. 2 central ethical issues are the degree of individual consent that exists and the degree of confidentiality that is maintained. Whenever possible, "both consent and anonymity should be sought in behavioral research." 7 principles are suggested for inclusion in a general code of ethics for behavioral research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)