Dream patterns in Anglo and Chicano young adults

This study is the conclusion of an exploratory cross-cultural investigation of dream content and organization. Following our report in "Ego Modalities in the Manifest Dreams of Male and Female Chicanos," (Brenneis and Roll, 1975), this paper examines differences in the organization and content of dreams: (1) between Anglo men and women; (2) between Anglo and Chicano men and Anglo and Chicano women; and (3) between Anglos and Chicanos.     

In-network performance of handheld mobile terminals

This paper considers a realistic evaluation of the power mobile handsets are able to transmit and receive. It has been suggested to use the so-called total radiated power (TRP) and the total isotropic sensitivity (TIS) for the uplink and downlink, respectively, which may be seen as special cases of the general mean-effective-gain (MEG) measure. These measures are computed from the spherical radiation pattern of the handset and the different measures are obtained by using different models of the mobile propagation environment. In this paper, the results obtained via the spherical radiation patterns are compared with the equivalent performance obtained in a live Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network using data from the Abis network interface. This method does not require altering of the handsets and the testing uses normal calls in the network. The investigation is based on measurements with four different commercially available handsets carried out in two different indoor environments and involving 22 test users. In addition, a series of measurements were also made with a phantom simulating the handset user, allowing a test of how well the phantom represents the average user.     

On-Line Edge-Coloring with a Fixed Number of Colors

We investigate a variant of on-line edge-coloring in which there is a fixed number of colors available and the aim is to color as many edges as possible. We prove upper and lower bounds on the performance of different classes of algorithms for the problem. Moreover, we determine the performance of two specific algorithms, First-Fit and Next-Fit . Specifically, algorithms that never reject edges that they are able to color are called fair algorithms. We consider the four combinations of fair/ not fair and deterministic/ randomized. We show that the competitive ratio of deterministic fair algorithms can vary only between approximately 0.4641 and 1/2, and that Next-Fit is worst possible among fair algorithms. Moreover, we show that no algorithm is better than 4/7-competitive. If the graphs are all k -colorable, any fair algorithm is at least 1/2-competitive. Again, this performance is matched by Next-Fit while the competitive ratio for First-Fit is shown to be k/(2k-1) , which is significantly better, as long as k is not too large.     

Optimization of practical trusses with constraints on eigenfrequencies, displacements, stresses, and buckling

In this paper we consider the optimization of general 3D truss structures. The design variables are the cross-sections of the truss bars together with the joint coordinates, and are considered to be continuous variables. Using these design variables we simultaneously carry out size optimization (areas) and shape optimization (joint positions). Topology optimization (removal and introduction of bars) is only considered in the sense that bars of minimum cross-sectional area will have a negligible influence on the performance of the structure. The structures are subjected to multiple load cases and the objective of the optimizations is minimum mass with constraints on (possibly multiple) eigenfrequencies, displacements, and stresses. For the case of stress constraints, we deal differently with tensile and compressive stresses, for which we control buckling on the element level. The stress constraints are imposed in correlation with industrial standards, to make the optimized designs valuable from a practical point of view. The optimization problem is solved using SLP (Sequential Linear Programming).     

Learning a decision maker's utility function from (possibly) inconsistent behavior

When modeling a decision problem using the influence diagram framework, the quantitative part rests on two principal components: probabilities for representing the decision maker's uncertainty about the domain and utilities for representing preferences. Over the last decade, several methods have been developed for learning the probabilities from a database. However, methods for learning the utilities have only received limited attention in the computer science community.

A promising approach for learning a decision maker's utility function is to take outset in the decision maker's observed behavioral patterns, and then find a utility function which (together with a domain model) can explain this behavior. That is, it is assumed that decision maker's preferences are reflected in the behavior. Standard learning algorithms also assume that the decision maker is behavioral consistent, i.e., given a model of the decision problem, there exists a utility function which can account for all the observed behavior. Unfortunately, this assumption is rarely valid in real-world decision problems, and in these situations existing learning methods may only identify a trivial utility function. In this paper we relax this consistency assumption, and propose two algorithms for learning a decision maker's utility function from possibly inconsistent behavior; inconsistent behavior is interpreted as random deviations from an underlying (true) utility function. The main difference between the two algorithms is that the first facilitates a form of batch learning whereas the second focuses on adaptation and is particularly well-suited for scenarios where the DM's preferences change over time. Empirical results demonstrate the tractability of the algorithms, and they also show that the algorithms converge toward the true utility function for even very small sets of observations.     

Dye linked conjugated homopolymers: using conjugated polymer electroluminescence to optically pump porphyrin-dye emission

Zinc-porphyrin dye molecules were incorporated into the backbone of a conjugated polymer material by a method, which allowed for the incorporation of only one zinc-porphyrin dye molecule into the backbone of each conjugated polymer molecule. The electronic properties of the homopolymer were established using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) for the determination of the electronic energy levels and the injection barrier for holes into the valence band. Pulse radiolysis time resolved microwave conductivity (PR-TRMC) was used to determine the sum of charge carrier mobilities. Electroluminescent devices of the homopolymer itself and of the zinc-porphyrin containing polymer were prepared and the nature of the electroluminescence was characterized. The homopolymer segments were found to optically pump the emission of the zinc-porphyrin dye moities. The homopolymer exhibits blue-green emission and the zinc-porphyrin linked homopolymers emit near-infrared/infrared light. This was demonstrated to be due to electroluminescence pumping of the zinc-porphyrin moieties that were covalently linked to homopolymer material. When only one zinc-porphyrin dye was incorporated into the backbone of each homopolymer molecule complete suppression of homopolymer electroluminescence was observed with exclusive near-infrared emission.     

Compensation of cable voltage drops and automatic identification of cable parameters in 400 Hz ground power units

In this paper a new cable voltage drop compensation scheme for ground power units (GPU) is presented. The scheme is able to predict and compensate the voltage drop in an output cable by measuring the current quantities at the source. The prediction is based on an advanced cable model that includes self and mutual impedance parameters. The model predicts the voltage drop at both symmetrical and unbalanced loads. In order to determine the cable model parameters an automatic identification concept is derived. The concept is tested in full scale on a 90-kVA 400-Hz GPU with two different cables. It is concluded that the performance is significantly improved both with symmetrical and unsymmetrical cables and with balanced and unbalanced loads.     

Salmonella in eggs: From shopping to consumption—A review providing an evidence-based analysis of risk factors

Nontyphoidal salmonellae are among the most prevalent foodborne pathogens causing gastrointestinal infections worldwide. A high number of cases and outbreaks of salmonellosis are associated with the consumption of eggs and egg products, and several of these occur at the household level. The aim of the current study is to critically evaluate the current status of knowledge on Salmonella in eggs from a consumer's perspective, analyzing the hazard occurrence and the good practices that should be applied to reduce salmonellosis risk. Following a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) based approach, some steps along the food journey were identified as Critical Consumer Handling (CCH)—steps in which consumers, through their behavior or choice, can significantly reduce the level of Salmonella in eggs and egg products. From shopping/collecting to consumption, each of these steps is discussed in this review to provide an evidence-based overview of risk factors of human salmonellosis related to egg consumption. The main message to consumers is to choose Salmonella-free eggs (those that some official entity or producer guarantees that does not contain Salmonella), when available, especially for dishes that are not fully heat treated. Second, as guaranteed Salmonella-free eggs are only available in a few countries, refrigerated storage from the point of collection and proper cooking will significantly reduce the risk of salmonellosis. This will require a revision of the actual recommendations/regulations, as not all ensure that eggs are maintained at temperatures that prevent growth of Salmonella from collection until the time of purchasing.     

From the times of the first scribes: innovation and technology within graphic design

The authors use their different work and training background as perspectives for discussing the changing world of graphical design. In this digital world, expert knowledge of the technology is essential, but the authors argue that a consequence of prioritising technical expertise in the new interdisciplinary IT- design studies may be a loss of quality in design. To improve the depth in design the authors introduce a psychological framework for design work and on this basis they suggest a systematic method. The method is a 4-step conceptual model: reason, function, emotion and senses, and technology. The model interacts with all phases of the design, and functions as a generating-creating and execution-evaluation system. The authors emphasise that evaluation is embedded throughout the design process. They suggest that a systematic method becomes the guiding tool in interdisciplinary design education, an essential part of the students design qualifications as well as an essential tool in design work.     

Investigation of the Equivalence of National Dew-Point Temperature Realizations in the ?50?°C to +?20?°C Range

In the field of humidity quantities, the first CIPM key comparison, CCT-K6 is at its end. The corresponding European regional key comparison, EUROMET.T-K6, was completed in early 2008, about 4?years after the starting initial measurements in the project. In total, 24 NMIs from different countries took part in the comparison. This number includes 22 EURAMET countries, and Russia and South Africa. The comparison covered the dew-point temperature range from ?50?°C to +20?°C. It was carried out in three parallel loops, each with two chilled mirror hygrometers as transfer standards in each loop. The comparison scheme was designed to ensure high quality results with evenly spread workload for the participants. It is shown that the standard uncertainty due to the long-term instability was smaller than 0.008?°C in all loops. The standard uncertainties due to links between the loops were found to be smaller than 0.025?°C at ?50?°C and 0.010?°C elsewhere. Conclusions on the equivalence of the dew-point temperature standards are drawn on the basis of calculated bilateral degrees of equivalence and deviations from the EURAMET comparison reference values (ERV). Taking into account 16 different primary dew-point realizations and 8 secondary realizations, the results demonstrate the equivalence of a large number of laboratories at an uncertainty level that is better than achieved in other multilateral comparisons so far in the humidity field.