The complexity of some reachability problems for a system on a finite group

We consider a system defined as the product of a finite set of periodic systems on cyclic groups. It is of interest to determine if certain subgroups and unions of subgroups of the state set are reachable from a specified initial state, and in particular to determine the computational complexity of verifying such reachability. These questions are motivated by certain problems that arise in the modelling and control of discrete event systems and certain forms of periodic scheduling. Our main result is that deciding whether or not the union of a certain set of subgroups is reachable or not is NP-complete.     

Regeneration studies on nickel molybdate catalysts used for the upgrading of coal-derived liquids

Nickel molybdate catalysts used in several different upgrading reactions of coal-derived materials from low-rank Australian coals have been regenerated and their activity assessed using a number of physical and chemical techniques. Regeneration of spent coked catalysts for 20 hours in air at 450°C was sufficient to restore chemical hydrogenation activity to catalyst used for pre-asphaltene, asphaltene and oil upgrading, provided poisoning of the catalyst surface by other impurities, principally chlorine-containing molecules, had not occurred.     

Experimental study of phase equilibria in the PbO-ZnO-“Fe2O3”-CaO-SiO2 system in air for high lead smelting slags (CaO/SiO2=0.35 and PbO/(CaO + SiO2)=5.0 by weight)

Experimental studies on phase equilibria in the multicomponent system PbO-ZnO-CaO-SiO₂-FeO-Fe₂O₃ in air have been conducted to characterize the phase relations of a complex slag system used in commercial lead oxidation smelting. The liquidus in the pseudo-ternary section ZnO-“Fe₂O₃”-(PbO + CaO + SiO₂) with the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio of 0.35 and the PbO/(CaO + SiO₂) weight ratio of 5.0 has been constructed using results of over 100 high-temperature equilibration and quenching experiments followed by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. The liquidus in this pseudoternary section contains primary phase fields of spinel (zinc ferrite) Zn _x Fe_3−x O_4+y , zincite Zn _u Fe_1−u O, melilite Pb _v Ca_2−v Zn _w Fe_1−w Si₂O₇, hematite Fe₂O₃, magneto-plumbite PbFe₁₀O₁₆, and dicalcium silicate Ca_2−t Pb _t SiO₄. The laboratory results are compared with the slags obtained from an industrial reactor.     

Decision making,computer attitudes and expert systems: What is our direction?

Expert systems have been concerned with applications dealing with medical diagnosis, mineral exploration, and computer configuration, with some efforts relatively successful in achieving results at least as good as human experts. Today, much is being written about these systems and managerial decision-making activities in organizations and the positive impact that they can have in these situations. However, it appears that expert systems could become somewhat of a panacea for some organizational ailments as research, development, and marketing of them continues at a fast pace. What may be forgotten in this technological thrust is the individual decision maker and his/her unique style of decision making which could affect acceptance and use of these systems. Another important consideration is the attitude people have toward computers and computer systems, which along with decision-making styles could certainly affect expert system effectiveness and ultimate success in organizations. This paper provides a discussion of potential problems that could occur regarding individual decision making and attitudes and their relationships to these systems.     

The distribution of brominated long-chain fatty acids in sponge and symbiont cell types from the tropical marine spongeAmphimedon terpenensis

The tropical marine spongeAmphimedon terpenensis (family Niphatidae, order Haplosclerida) has previously been shown to possess unusual lipids, including unusual fatty acids. The biosynthetic origin of these fatty acids is of interest as the sponge supports a significant population of eubacterial and cyanobacterial symbionts. The total fatty acid composition of the sponge was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the methyl esters. Among the most abundant of the fatty acids in intact tissue were 16∶0, 18∶0 and 3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic (phytanic) acid. In addition, three brominated fatty acids, (5E,9Z)-6-bromo-5,9-tetracosadienoic acid (24∶2Br), (5E,9Z)-6-bromo-5,9-pentacosadienoic acid (25∶2Br) and (5E,9Z)-6-bromo-5,9-hexacosadienoic acid (26∶2Br) were also present. The three brominated fatty acids, together with phytanic acid, were isolated from both ectosomoal (superficial) and choanosomal (internal) regions of the sponge. Analysis of extracts prepared from sponge/symbiont cells, partitioned by density gradient centrifugation on Ficoll, indicated that phytanic acid and the three brominated fatty acids were associated with sponge cells only. Further, a fatty acid methyl ester sample from intact tissue ofA. terpenensis was partitioned according to phospholipid class, and the brominated fatty acids were shown to be associated with the phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine fractions that are commonly present in marine sponge lipids. The phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol fractions were rich in the relatively shorter chain fatty acids (16∶0 and 18∶0). The association of brominated long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) with sponge cells has been confirmed. The findings allow comment on the use of fatty acid profiles in chemotaxonomy and permit further interpretation of LCFA biosynthetic pathways in sponges. The assignment of the sponge studied, which is currently placed asA. terpenensis, is being supported to some extent, but the species is unusual in having C₂₅ fatty acids as the major constituent in this group. Other factors, such as season or microenvironmental conditions, may influence observed fatty acid composition which tends to reduce the usefulness of fatty acid profiles as markers in sponge chemotaxonomy.     

Implantable biomedical microsystems for neural prostheses.

In the following article, the technologies to fabricate polyimide-based thin and flexible substrates with monolithically integrated electrode arrays and printed circuit boards (PCB) for hybrid electronic assemblies as well as an assembling technique that connects bare electronic dice with flexible PCBs are presented. The concept of modular, flexible biomedical microsystems as neural prostheses is introduced in general and described in detail in three examples. A cuff electrode with integrated multiplexer circuitry and standard implantable cables represents the combination of microtechnology with precision mechanics; a sieve electrode used as an implant in peripheral nerve regeneration studies demonstrates the next level of integration density but still uses a cable connection; and last, joint effort to fabricate the demonstrator of a vision prosthesis that is completely implantable in the eye with a wireless link for energy supply and data transmission is presented. System design, hybrid assembling technology, and flexible multilayer encapsulation using parylene and silicone rubber are the key components for creating a new generation of neural prostheses for complex and challenging new applications.     

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