Belief spaces as sets of propositions

Abstract

It is common in the knowledge representation literature for a belief space to be considered to be a set of sentences. Some implications of this stance are examined, and an alternative view, that belief spaces are sets of propositions is developed, and found to be an improvement. This latter view requires that propositions be accepted as entities in the domain of discourse of languages of thought, which, it is argued, accords with commonsense usage. In exchange, the semantics of nested belief expressions is simplified, and certain problems caused by the sentential view are avoided.     

Water Quality Implications of an Observed Trend of Rainfall and Runoff

The catchment of the upper Clyde estuary has experienced a significant and steady increase of rainfall over the past twenty years. The corresponding increase of runoff has had a positive impact on the water quality both of the individual rivers and of the estuary. Examples are provided to show that approximately one third of some observed improvements are attributable to the additional dilution. It is emphasized that comparisons of water quality data, either by region or by period, should allow for climate variability.     

Differential Scanning Calorimetric Studies of Meat Protein-Alginate Mixtures

Differential scanning calorimetry thermal curves of beef semimembranosus muscle showed peaks at 58, 67 and 78°C. Addition of algin/calcium binder or 5-10% connective tissue increased magnitude of the 58°C peak. For crude myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic and connective tissue proteins thermal destabilization was lowered by 7.5, 23.6 and 8.6°C, respectively, with addition of algin/calcium binder. Destabilization of tendon by the binder from about 67°C to 58°C was similar in magnitude to the shift of the 67-68 and 58°C thermal transitions reported in semimembranosus and probably indicated collagen destabilization. Thermal destabilization by algin/calcium may indicate change in physical state of proteins which could influence texture of algin/calcium restructured meat products.     

Remote sensing with small satellites

Abstract

Some design issues relevant to the adaptation of small satellites for remote sensing applications are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on those areas which will necessitate the advancement of current small satellite technology. The aim of such a programme would be to provide a cost-effective but reliable way of obtaining remotely sensed data from a range of novel sensors, thus complementing the efforts of major missions towards the 21st century.     

The Occurrence and Viability of Giardia Cysts in Scottish Raw and Final Waters

The occurrence of Giardia cysts in Scottish raw and potable waters was investigated. Giardia cysts were detected in 49% of raw waters, with concentrations of up to 1.05 cysts per litre, and in 19% of final waters, with concentrations of up to 1.67 cysts per litre. In some of the positive water samples the viability of the cysts was assessed by viewing the cyst morphology and inclusion/exclusion of propidium iodide. Viable cysts were detected in a proportion of both raw waters and positive final waters studied. Further investigations at 21 water-treatment plants revealed cysts in 9 (43%) of the raw waters, and in 4 (19%) of the final waters. Cysts were only detected in the final waters of plants in which cysts were also detected in the raw water. These data indicate that viable Giardia cysts may be ingested with potable water in Scotland.