A referential scheme for modeling and identifying spatial attributes of entities in constructed facilities

This paper presents a referential scheme for representing and identifying the spatial extent of physical entities of constructed facilities, such as buildings and offshore structures. Using the basic operations of a non-manifold geometric modeler, a set of high-level algebraic operations is defined. The scheme and its algebra are used for modeling the spatial attributes of a facility entity at two levels: primary and secondary. The primary representation uniquely captures an entity's spatial attributes at the skeletal level and is used mainly for identifying discipline-independent topological relationships of that entity with others. Secondary representations, on the other hand, are used to provide an entity's discipline-specific geometric attributes. The topological relationships and geometric attributes of facility entities thus need not be explicitly stored, but can be computed on demand by the underlying non-manifold modeler.     

Analysis of dithiocarbamate fungicides. Second-derivative UV-spectroscopic determination of CS2, COS, and thiram (TMTD)

The application of second-derivative UV-spectroscopy offers a highly sensitive and selective method for the determination of CS₂ and COS, as acid hydrolysis products of dithiocarbamate und thiuram disulphide fungicides, using a methanolic amine absorption reagent (ethylenediamine, piperidine). With standard concentrations of 0.08–1.1 g CS₂/ml and 0.3 to 2.0 g COS/ml, respectively, calibration curves with good correlation coefficients (r>0.999) were obtained. In comparison to the official method of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG method S15) the proposed alternative is at least 100 times more sensitive to CS₂. Using the second derivative method it is possible not only to clearly differentiate between CS₂ and COS but also to quantify both gases without resorting to tedious background corrections as compared to the direct photometric methods. Additionally, second derivative spectroscopy allows the direct determination of thiram in the concentration range 1–10 g/ml after its extraction with chloroform. For example, thiram in water (10 g/l) and in thiram/talc standards (10 mg/g) were determined with good precision (±2.0%).

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Analytik der Dithiocarbamat-Fungicide. Bestimmung von CS₂, COS sowie Thiram (TMTD) mittels Derivativ-UV-Spektroskopie

Zusammenfassung Die Anwendung der Derivativ-UV-Spektroskopie (2. Ableitung) erlaubt eine sehr empfindliche Bestimmung von CS₂ und COS als Hydrolyseprodukte der Dithiocarbamat- und Thiuramdisulfid-Fungicide nach Absorption in einem methanolischem Amin-Reagens (Ethylendiamin, Piperidin). Mit Standard-Konzentrationen von 0,08–1,1 g CS₂/ml bzw. 0,3–2,0 g COS/ml zeigten die Eichgeraden gute Korrelationskoeffizienten (r<0,999). Im Vergleich zur DFG-Methode S15 zeichnet sich die vorgeschlagene Alternative durch eine um zwei Zehnerpotenzen höhere Empfindlichkeit bei der CS₂-Bestimmung aus. In der 2. Ableitung wird nicht nur die Unterscheidung von COS und CS₂ eindeutig, sondern auch deren Quantifizierung ohne rechnerische Untergrundkorrekturen ermöglicht. Mit Hilfe der Derivativspektroskopie konnte außerdem Thiram (TMTD) in Konzentrationen von 1–10 g/ml direkt erfaßt werden. So ließen sich nach Extraktion mit Chloroform 10 g/L Thiram in Wasser mit einer Präzision von ±2,0% direkt bestimmen oder Thiram/Talkum-Standards (10 mg/g) überprüfen.

     

One weight $$\mathbb {Z}_2\mathbb {Z}_4$$ additive codes

We study one weight \(\mathbb {Z}_2\mathbb {Z}_4\) additive codes. It is shown that the image of an equidistant \(\mathbb {Z}_2\mathbb {Z}_4\) code is a binary equidistant code and that the image of a one weight \(\mathbb {Z}_2\mathbb {Z}_4\) additive code, with nontrivial binary part, is a linear binary one weight code. The structure and possible weights for all one weight \(\mathbb {Z}_2\mathbb {Z}_4\) additive codes are described. Additionally, a lower bound for the minimum distance of dual codes of one weight additive codes is obtained.     

Isolation and identification of (3-methoxyphenyl)acetonitrile as a phytotoxin from meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seedmeal

Ethyl ether, ethanol, and water extracts of meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba Hartweg ex. Benth.) seedmeal were prepared and bioassayed against velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Cardinal). Both the ethyl ether and ethanol fractions, but not the water extract, inhibited velvetleaf and wheat radicle elongation. Fractionation of the extracts indicated that (3-methoxyphenyl)acetonitrile (3-MPAN) was the active compound from both extracts, comprising >97% of the active ethanol fraction. 3-Methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which had been previously shown to be the major breakdown product of glucolimnanthin, the majorL. alba glucosinolate, was not detected in either extract. Radicle elongation of velvetleaf and wheat were inhibited by 3-MPAN with I₅₀ (the concentration required to inhibit growth by 50%) values of approximately 4 × 10^–4 M (velvetleaf) and 7×10^–4 M (wheat).Mention of firms or products does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or products not mentioned.     

Feature sequencing in the rapid design system using a genetic algorithm

This paper addresses the feature sequencing problem in the Rapid Design System (RDS). The RDS is a feature-based design system that integrates product design and process planning. An important issue in feature-based process planning for machined parts is the order in which material is removed to form the resultant part. The order, or sequence, is partially dependent on the geometric relationships between features. The sequence affects the safety, the time it takes to machine the part, and the quality of the finished part. The sequence of material removal depends on two types of relations between features: (1) intersections and (2) interfeature associations. Both types of relations compound the search for an optimal sequence of material removal. Therefore, the research problem has been the discovery and development of a genetic algorithm (GA) that efficiently searches the solution space for all possible sequences and identifies the best sequences in terms of safety, time and quality.     

Linear Least-Squares Algorithms for Temporal Difference Learning

We introduce two new temporal difference (TD) algorithms based on the theory of linear least-squares function approximation. We define an algorithm we call Least-Squares TD (LS TD) for which we prove probability-one convergence when it is used with a function approximator linear in the adjustable parameters. We then define a recursive version of this algorithm, Recursive Least-Square TD (RLS TD). Although these new TD algorithms require more computation per time-step than do Suttons TD() algorithms, they are more efficient in a statistical sense because they extract more information from training experiences. We describe a simulation experiment showing the substantial improvement in learning rate achieved by RLS TD in an example Markov prediction problem. To quantify this improvement, we introduce the TD error variance of a Markov chain, TD, and experimentally conclude that the convergence rate of a TD algorithm depends linearly on TD. In addition to converging more rapidly, LS TD and RLS TD do not have control parameters, such as a learning rate parameter, thus eliminating the possibility of achieving poor performance by an unlucky choice of parameters.     

Roadmap for the next generation of dynamic function allocation theories and strategies

Dynamic function allocation theories have matured, but not to the extent that they can be implemented in actual environments. The authors identify a roadmap to help to get to that stage, after a brief review of relevant function allocation theories and the gaps in knowledge in adaptive allocation theories. Past research has focused on short‐term implementations of dynamic function allocation, which last for minutes (but never more than a few hours). Stable and enduring implementations of dynamic function allocation, lasting over days or possibly years, require a better and scientific understanding of the interaction among trigger mechanisms, adaptation strategies, and interruption strategies. The possibility of an unintentional consequence of this adaptive allocation, that the automated agent becomes confined to limited levels of automation, has to be ruled out after experimental evidence. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.