A Comparative Study of Group Contingencies and Randomized Reinforcers to Reduce Disruptive Classroom Behavior.

The present investigation employed an alternating treatments design to (1) examine the efficacy of group contingencies in the reduction of disruptive behavior, and (2) compare the effects of independent, interdependent, and dependent group contingencies in the reduction of disruptive behavior in adolescent males identified with serious emotional disturbance. Disruptive classroom behavior has been associated with both decrement inacademic performance and increased risk for antisocial behavior. Although research findings have suggested that group contingencies are efficacious in reducing disruptive behavior, the data remain inconclusive regarding which group contingency (interdependent, dependent, and independent) is most effective. Results suggest that a clear superiority among the group contingencies was not evidenced. However, all were dramatically effective in the reduction of classroom disruptive behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Quantitative and reliable in vitro method combining scanning electron microscopy and image analysis for the screening of osteotropic modulators

The increased generation and up-regulated activity of bone resorbing cells (osteoclasts) play a part in the impairment of bone remodeling in many bone diseases. Numerous drugs (bisphosphonates, calcitonin, selective estrogen receptor modulators) have been proposed to inhibit this increased osteoclastic activity. In this report, we describe a pit resorption assay quantified by scanning electron microscopy coupled with image analysis. Total rabbit bone cells with large numbers of osteoclasts were cultured on dentin slices. The whole surface of the dentin slice was scanned and both the number of resorption pits and the total resorbed surface area were measured. Resorption pits appeared at 48 h and increased gradually up to 96 h. Despite the observation of a strong correlation between the total resorption area and the number of pits, we suggest that area measurement is the most relevant marker for osteoclastic activity. Osteotropic factors stimulating or inhibiting osteoclastic activity were used to test the variations in resorption activity as measured with our method. This reproducible and sensitive quantitative method is a valuable tool for screening for osteoclastic inhibitors and, more generally, for investigating bone modulators.     

Multipurpose modular experimental station for the DiProI beamline of Fermi@Elettra free electron laser

We present a compact modular apparatus with a flexible design that will be operated at the DiProI beamline of the Fermi@Elettra free electron laser (FEL) for performing static and time-resolved coherent diffraction imaging experiments, taking advantage of the full coherence and variable polarization of the short seeded FEL pulses. The apparatus has been assembled and the potential of the experimental setup is demonstrated by commissioning tests with coherent synchrotron radiation. This multipurpose experimental station will be open to general users after installation at the Fermi@Elettra free electron laser in 2011.     

Influence of Field Effects on the Performance of InGaAs-Based Terahertz Radiation Detectors

A detailed electrical characterization of high-performance bow-tie InGaAs-based terahertz detectors is presented along with simulation results. The local surface potential and tunnelling current were scanned over the surfaces of the detectors by means of Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), which also enabled the determination of the Fermi level. Current-voltage curves were measured and modelled using the Synopsys Sentaurus TCAD package to gain deeper insight into the processes involved in detector operation. In addition, we performed finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations to reveal features related to changes in the electric field due to the metal detector contacts. The investigation revealed that field-effect-induced conductivity modulation is a possible mechanism contributing to the high sensitivity of the studied detectors.     

Analyzing probabilistic pushdown automata

The paper gives a summary of the existing results about algorithmic analysis of probabilistic pushdown automata and their subclasses.     

Automated resolution of connector architectures using constraint solving (ARCAS method)

In current software systems, connectors play an important role by encapsulating the communication and coordination logic. Since they share common patterns (elements) depending on characteristics of the connections, the elements can be predefined and reused. A method of connector implementation based on a composition of predefined elements naturally comprises two steps: resolution of the connector architecture, and creation of the actual connector code based on the architecture. However, manual resolution of a connector architecture is very difficult due to the number of factors to be considered. Thus, the challenge is to come up with an automated method, able to address all the important factors. In this paper, we present a method for automated resolution of connector architectures based on constraint solving techniques. We exploit a propositional logic with relational calculus for defining a connector theory, a constraint specification reflecting both the predefined parts and the important resolution factors, and employ a constraint solver to find a suitable connector architecture as a model of the theory. As a proof of the concept, we show how the theory can be captured in the Alloy language and resolved via the Alloy Analyzer.     

SAHPPA: a novel power pinch analysis approach for the design of off-grid hybrid energy systems

This work proposes a novel approach called stand-alone hybrid system power pinch analysis (SAHPPA), which is particularly applicable for the design of off-grid distributed energy generation systems. The enhanced graphical tool employs new ways of utilising the recently introduced demand composite curve and supply composite curve while honouring and adapting fundamental energy systems engineering concepts. The SAHPPA method is capable of optimising the capacity of both the power generators and energy storage for biomass (i.e. non-intermittent) and solar photovoltaic (i.e. intermittent) energy technologies, which is a contribution to the emerging area of power pinch analysis. In addition, the procedure considers all possible efficiency losses in the overall system encompassing the charging–discharging and current inversion processes.