A framework for linguistic relevance feedback in content-based image retrieval using fuzzy logic

We describe a new approach for exploiting relevance feedback in content-based image retrieval (CBIR). In our approach to relevance feedback we try to capture more of the users’ relevance judgments by allowing the use of natural language like comments on the retrieved images. Using methods from fuzzy logic and computational intelligence we are able to reflect these comments into new targets for searching the image database. Such enhanced information is utilized to develop a system that can provide more effective and efficient retrieval.     

Prechallenge high neutralizing antibodies and long-lasting immune reactivity to gp41 correlate with protection of rhesus monkeys against productive simian immunodeficiency virus infection or disease development

This article aims to explore the ethical issues arising from the sharing of information in the context of interprofessional collaboration. The increased emphasis on interprofessional working has highlighted the need for greater collaboration and sharing of client information. Through the medium of a case study, we identify a number of tensions that arise from collaborative relationships, which are not conducive to supporting interprofessional working in an ethically sound manner. Within this article, it is argued that the way forward within these collaborative relationships is to set clear parameters to the professional-client relationship, paying full regard to the autonomy of both the clients and the professionals involved. We conclude that this approach to working will place the client at the centre of care provision and arguments used for not collaborating that are based on breaches of confidentiality will be negated. Using the approach offered, collaborative working will be not only possible but desirable.     

Beitrag zur Messung der spezifischen elektrischen Leitfähigkeit von Schlacken

Bestimmung der Zellkonstante aus Impedanzmessungen einer KCl-Salzlösung. Impedanzmessung einer ESU-Schlacke und einer CaF₂-Schmelze. Berechnung der Ortskurven, der spezifischen Leitwerte der Elektrolyte und der Meßfehler. Diskussion der für den Zellaufbau wichtigen Kriterien.     

Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive Blend Films for Low‐Tack Applications

Polymer blend films consisting of a tacky and a nonadhesive component are promising candidates for low‐tack applications. Immiscibility of both components results in a phase separation process yielding a tacky matrix with glassy objects embedded. The influence of the blending ratio of the components poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PnBA) and polystyrene (PS) is addressed. The mechanical information resulting from the tack test shows the possibility of varying the bonding strength of the PSA blend over a wide range. The macroscopic and microscopic structural characterization with optical microscopy and ultrasmall angle X‐ray scattering (USAXS) shows that the blend PnBA/PS exhibits similarities to common filler systems as well as deviates regarding installed structures. Due to the large domain size on a microscopic level, only the tacky component, PnBA, defines the adhesive behavior. The nonadhesive component limits the contact area between the adhesive and the substrate.

     

Double edge wedge splitting (DEWS): an indirect tension test to identify post-cracking behaviour of fibre reinforced cementitious composites

Experimental identification of the tensile constitutive behaviour of fibre reinforced cementitious composites represents a foremost step in design approaches for structural elements made with this kind of advanced construction materials. To this purpose, international standards and guidelines recommend either direct tension or/and bending tests, coupled with an inverse analysis procedure, both featuring pros and cons which have been exhaustively highlighted and discussed in these last years. The tremendous developments of self compacting fibre reinforced concretes have furthermore highlighted the need of duly taking into account, within the aforementioned identification procedure, the likely flow-induced alignment of fibres with the applied tensile stress. In this paper a novel experimental testing technique, called double edge wedge splitting test, has been presented and validated, also by means of nonlinear finite element analysis. The test, as it will be shown, is able to yield directly, i.e. with no need for back analysis, the tensile stress versus crack opening “constitutive relationship” of the material, though performing an “indirect” test, i.e. by applying a compressive load to the specimen. Both the simplicity of the indirect tensile testing technique and the straightforwardness of the identification procedure surely represent a distinctive and extremely attractive characteristic of the proposed test. Furthermore, the test features a compact specimen geometry, which can be even easily “cored” from existing structures, and a “notch preordained” fracture plane, which can be aligned to any desired angle with respect to the expected flow-induced fibre orientation. This makes the proposed test suitable for a thorough characterization of the influence of fibre orientation on the material constitutive behaviour, as it may be required by a casting process tailored to the intended applications.     

Textile Reinforced Concrete: experimental investigation on design parameters

Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) is an advanced cement-based material in which fabrics used as reinforcement can bring significant loads in tension, allowing architects and engineers to use thin cross-sections. Previous research projects, developed during the last 10 years mainly in Germany, Israel and the USA, have shown the capabilities of such a material. In this paper an extensive experimental investigation of TRC is presented: tensile tests were carried out to obtain a complete mechanical characterization of the composite material under standard conditions, considering the influence of different variables such as reinforcement ratio, fabric geometry, curing conditions, displacement rate and specimen size.     

Changing network support for drinking: Network Support Project 2-year follow-up.

The Network Support Project was designed to determine whether a treatment could lead patients to change their social network from one that supports drinking to one that supports sobriety. This study reports 2-year posttreatment outcomes. Alcohol-dependent men and women (N = 210) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 outpatient treatment conditions: network support (NS), network support + contingency management (NS + CM), or case management (CaseM, a control condition). Analysis of drinking rates indicated that the NS condition yielded up to 20% more days abstinent than the other conditions at 2 years posttreatment. NS treatment also resulted in greater increases at 15 months in social network support for abstinence, as well as in AA attendance and AA involvement than did the other conditions. Latent growth modeling suggested that social network changes were accompanied by increases in self-efficacy and coping that were strongly predictive of long-term drinking outcomes. The findings indicate that a network support treatment can effect long-term adaptive changes in drinkers' social networks and that these changes contribute to improved drinking outcomes in the long term. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Characterization of water quality in a small hydropower plant reservoir in southern Brazil

The construction of large reservoirs can cause profound environmental changes. Reduced water flow, increased water residence time, thermal stratification, increased sedimentation rates and decreased dissolved oxygen concentrations are examples of such changes. These changes can affect water quality and the biota in the environments adapted to the natural conditions of a river. Small reservoirs developed in conjunction with hydropower plants, however, could reduce the degraded water quality. This study focuses on characterizing water quality in a small hydroelectric reservoir. The study reservoir has an area of 1.4 km² and a short water retention time. The Monte Claro Hydroelectric Power Plant is part of a complex consisting of three plants on the Antas River in the north‐west of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The reservoirs associated with these plants are operated as run‐of‐the‐river facilities. Monitoring results obtained by CERAN, the Energetic Company of Antas River (Companhia Energética Rio das Antas), were used to evaluate the reservoir water quality. Three samples were collected seasonally (spring, summer, autumn and winter) in the area of influence of this plant following the filling of the reservoir (2005–2008). The examined water quality parameters were electrical conductivity, colour, turbidity, alkalinity, pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, suspended and dissolved solids, chlorophyll‐a, total and faecal coliforms, water temperature and Secchi depth transparency. The results were interpreted using an index of water quality, Trophic State Index, reservoir water quality and CONAMA Regulation 357/05 (Brazilian legislation). Based on these analyses, no significant changes were exhibited in the water quality of the reservoir from the hydroelectric plant operation.     

Fusing object information and peer information

We consider the problem of information fusion, specifically the task of fusing information from two different categories, information which is directly about an object of interest (OBJOIN information) and information about related objects (peer information). We discuss the representation of these different types of information, the first in terms of a possibilistic distribution and the second in terms of a probability distribution. We introduce an approach to information fusion based upon the use of the fuzzy modeling technology. In this approach we represent the fusion function in terms of rules which indicate when to use the different types of information. Particularly notable here is the role of information quality as a guiding factor in the fusion process. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Expression of connexin 43 and gap junctional intercellular communication in the cumulus-oocyte complex in sheep

To evaluate the effects of FSH, LH and/or cAMP on expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the ovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) of cumulus cells, two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, Cx43 was immunodetected in the COC, before or after maturation, obtained from non-treated or FSH-treated ewes. The expression of Cx43 in the COC was greater (P < 0.01) on day 16 than on day 15 of the estrous cycle. In vivo FSH treatment decreased (P < 0.02) Cx43 expression on day 16 but not on day 15 of the estrous cycle. In experiment 2, intact COCs or isolated cumulus cells obtained from small and large follicles from FSH-treated ewes were cultured with or without FSH, LH or cAMP agonist and evaluated for GJIC by laser cytometry. For large follicles, the basal rate of GJIC was greater (P < 0.01) for cumulus cells in intact COCs than for isolated cumulus cells. FSH increased (P < 0.04) GJIC in cumulus cells in intact COCs and tended to increase (P < 0.1) GJIC in isolated cumulus cells from small follicles but decreased (P < 0.01) GJIC in cumulus cells in intact COCs from large follicles. LH also increased (P < 0.01) GJIC in isolated cumulus cells from small follicles but decreased GJIC in intact COCs (P < 0.01) and isolated cumulus cells (P < 0.02) from large follicles. cAMP increased (P < 0.01) the GJIC in both intact COCs and cumulus cells from small and large follicles. These results indicate that day of estrous cycle, stage of maturation and duration of FSH treatment affect expression of Cx43 in ovine COCs. In intact COCs, GJIC in cumulus cells was enhanced, probably due to the presence of the oocyte. In addition, the effects of FSH and LH, but not cAMP, on GJIC of cumulus cells depended on the stage of follicular development and on the presence of the oocyte.