Mining frequent conjunctive queries in relational databases through dependency discovery

We present an approach for mining frequent conjunctive in arbitrary relational databases. Our pattern class is the simple, but appealing subclass of simple conjunctive queries. Our algorithm, called Conqueror $^+$ , is capable of detecting previously unknown functional and inclusion dependencies that hold on the database relations as well as on joins of relations. These newly detected dependencies are then used to prune redundant queries. We propose an efficient database-oriented implementation of our algorithm using SQL and provide several promising experimental results.     

Estimating spine shape in lateral sleep positions using silhouette-derived body shape models

This study aims at evaluating spinal alignment during sleep by combining personalized human models with mattress indentation measurements. A generic surface model has been developed that can be personalized based on anthropometric parameters derived from silhouette extraction. Shape assessment of the personalized surface models, performed by comparison with 3-D surface scans of the trunk, showed a mean unsigned distance of 9.77 mm between modeled and scanned surface meshes. The surface model is combined with an inner skeleton model, allowing the model to simulate distinct sleep postures. An automatic fitting algorithm sets the appropriate degrees of freedom to position the model on the measured indentation according to the adopted sleep posture. Validation on lateral sleep positions showed good intraclass correlations (0.73–0.88) between estimated and measured angular spinal deformations, indicating that silhouette-derived body shape models provide a valuable tool for the unobtrusive assessment of spinal alignment during sleep.Relevance to industry: A common drawback of the available techniques to assess spinal deformation on bedding systems is that they interfere with the actual sleep process. The current study presents a novel method based on silhouette-derived body shape models in order to estimate spine shape during sleep unobtrusively.     

Quaternary Ammonium Salts (QAS) Modified Polysiloxane Biocide Supported on Silica Materials

Three types of silica particles modified with vinyl groups were obtained: (i) xerogel formed by hydrolytic polycondensation of the mixture of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and 1,1,1,7−tetramethoxy-3,5,7-trimethyl-3,5,7-trivinyltetrasiloxane, (ii) mesoporous silica obtained from the same precursors in the presence of the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and (iii) commercial Fluka silica gel 60A with a vinyltriethoxysilane-treated surface. Vinyl groups on these silica materials were transformed into silyl chloride by hydrosilylation with HMe₂SiCl. These groups were used to graft living polysiloxane that was synthesized by anionic ring-opening polymerization of 2,4,6-tri(3-chloropropyl)-2,4,6-trimethylcyclotrisiloxane and initiated by BuLi. Chloropropyl groups on the grafted polymer were used to quaternize N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine. Silica particles with grafted polysiloxane having quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) groups pendant to polymer chains were obtained. Silica material with QAS groups directly attached to the surface were generated by the action of N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine on particles obtained by the sol–gel process involving tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane. The bacteriocidal properties of all these materials were tested in water suspension against five representative strains for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Some of the silica–polysiloxane hybrid materials have good antibacterial properties against Gram-positive strains, but not as good as the non-tethered QAS-substituted polysiloxane in water solution. The QAS groups that are directly bonded to the silica material surface are inactive.     

Dielectric properties of BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics

The crystal structure and dielectric properties as a function of temperature for Ba-based with Bi-layered structure BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ (BBN) ceramics were investigated. The obtained results confirmed the relaxor ferroelectric behavior of the studied ceramics, including a strong frequency dispersion of the permittivity maximum and a visible shift of its temperature with frequency. Analysis of the real and imaginary part of permittivity allowed us to determine the values of Burn’s temperature and of the freezing temperature characterizing the relaxor ferroelectrics. The physical processes, responsible for the relaxor behavior of the studied ceramics are discussed. The additional low frequency dielectric dispersion at high temperatures in the paraelectric phase range was also observed. Correlation between this dispersion and the thermally stimulated depolarization current was ascertained.     

Experiences of Autonomy and Control Among Chinese Learners: Vitalizing or Immobilizing?

Various cross-cultural researchers state that autonomy is not valued in Eastern cultures and, hence, is unlikely to predict optimal study functioning and well-being. In contrast, self-determination theory (SDT; R. M. Ryan & E. L. Deci, 2000) maintains that autonomous or volitional study motivation is universally important and should predict better learning and higher well-being, even among Chinese students. Two studies were conducted to shed light on this controversial issue. Findings from both studies indicated that autonomous study motivation positively predicts adaptive learning attitudes, academic success, and personal well-being, whereas controlled motivation was associated with higher drop-out rates, maladaptive learning attitudes, and ill-being. In addition, Study 2 revealed that parental autonomy support versus psychological control is related to more adaptive learning strategies and higher well-being and that these effects were mediated by students' relative autonomy for studying. The importance of defining autonomy as an intraindividual, phenomenological experience versus an interpersonal, culturally bounded value is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

催化氧化净化黄磷尾气中的磷和硫

利用黄磷尾气生产甲酸、乙酸以及甲醇等高附加值产品，净化预处理成为制药其应用的瓶颈问题。研究了用普通活性炭和自制催化剂KU2催化氧化净化黄磷尾气的方法；讨论了固定床系统中常压下、温度20~140℃，催化剂上磷和硫化氢的吸附特征。KU2和活性炭都能通过催化氧化过程有效脱除黄磷尾气中的P4，PH3和H2S杂质，随着反应温度和氧含量增加可显著提高净化效果，在最优条件下，经催化氧化净化后的总磷含量＜5mg/m3，硫化氢＜5mg/m3，失效后的催化剂易于再生，催化剂经多次再生后催化性能恢复良好；提出了活性炭固定床稳定     

Artificial argument assistants for defeasible argumentation

The present paper discusses experimental argument assistance tools. In contrast with automated reasoning tools, the objective is not to replace reasoning, but to guide the user's production of arguments. Two systems are presented, and based on . The focus is on defeasible argumentation with an eye on the law. Argument assistants for defeasible argumentation naturally correspond to a view of the application of law as dialectical theory construction. The experiments provide insights into the design of argument assistants, and show the pros and cons of different ways of representing argumentative data. The development of the argumentation theories underlying the systems has culminated in the logical system that formalizes the interpretation of prima facie justified assumptions. introduces an innovative use of conditionals expressing support and attack. This allows the expression of warrants for support and attack, making it a transparent and flexible system of defeasible argumentation.     

The Linear Dynamic Complementarity Problem is a special case of the Extended Linear Complementarity Problem

In this paper we consider some extensions of the Linear Complementarity Problem, which is one of the fundamental problems in mathematical programming. More specifically we consider the Linear Dynamic Complementarity Problem (LDCP), the Generalized Linear Complementarity Problem (GLCP) and the Extended Linear Complementarity Problem (ELCP). In this note we show that the LDCP is a special case of the ELCP and the GLCP.