Learning equilibrium as a generalization of learning to optimize

We argue that learning equilibrium is an appropriate generalization to multi-agent systems of the concept of learning to optimize in single-agent setting. We further define and discuss the concept of weak learning equilibrium.     

Evo-devo of Child Growth: The Role of Weaning in the Transition from Infancy to Childhood

Homo sapiens are unique in having a life history phase of childhood, which follows infancy, as defined by breastfeeding. This review uses evolutionary life history theory in understanding child growth in a broad evolutionary perspective, using the data and theory of evolutionary predictive adaptive growth-related strategies for transition from infancy to childhood. We have previously shown that a delayed infancy–childhood transition has a lifelong impact on stature. Feeding practices during infancy are fundamental elements of nutrition as they program for future growth and body composition. A relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and the nature of weaning has been suggested as a possible cause for later obesity and growth patterns. This review highlights the role that breast milk feeding and variations in the weaning age have on transition to childhood, growth, and body composition.     

扩展青霉侵染对苹果果实膜磷脂代谢的影响

目的:研究扩展青霉侵染对苹果果实膜透性及膜磷脂代谢的影响.方法:以'元帅'苹果为试材,测定扩展青霉损伤接种果实病健交界处组织的细胞膜透率、膜磷脂代谢关键酶活力以及相关底物和产物含量的变化.结果:扩展青霉侵染早期(2 d前)果实病斑直径无明显变化,侵染后期(2 d后)果实病斑直径和细胞膜透率明显增大.侵染期间,果实的磷脂...     

Reduction of the incidence of postharvest quality losses,and future prospects

Both quantitative and qualitative food losses of extremely variable magnitude occur during all harvest and postharvest stages, from harvesting, through handling, storage, processing and marketing, to final delivery to the consumer. The latest values published indicated that industrialized and developing countries dispose of roughly similar quantities of food. Whereas in developed countries the losses occur at the retailer and consumer stages, in the developing countries the losses occur during the production, harvest, postharvest and processing phases, because of poor infrastructure, low levels of technology, and low investment in food production systems. Quality cannot be improved after harvest, only maintained; therefore it is important to harvest fruits, vegetables and flowers at the proper stage and size and at peak quality. Preharvest production practices and factors such as cultivation practices, water supply, type of soil, environmental temperature and mechanical damage may seriously affect postharvest quality and result in the rejection or downgrading of produce at the point of sale. In addition, after harvest, improper temperature and humidity management as well as packaging and handling may have adverse effects on storage life and quality. Thus, integration of treatment methods calls for specific differential combinations of treatments for each product in each country.     

Monte Carlo modelling of wet-chemical lithography with masks

We propose Monte Carlo simulation of the etching process in two dimensions for the manufacture of microchannels and microcavities on a solid substrate. The method combines the effect of two different regimes based on diffusion-limited disaggregation and reaction-limited erosion, respectively. Besides, the role of the selectivity in site extraction is taken into account to foresee the effects of the temperature of the eroding bath. This technique proves to be a valid alternative to more complex analytical methods to describe surface decay processes in the presence of overhangs. The relevant geometries of the etched surfaces are analyzed, and other statistical properties of the cavities are discussed and compared to the ones predicted by continuum models.     

Homogeneous and heterogeneous polymorphic transformations in alkaline earth feldspars

The displacive transformations in quartz, hexacelsian and the strontium equivalent of the latter, are homogeneous incipient transformations. These transformations are carried out mostly as a second (or higher) order reaction, and are finally completed abruptly as a first-order reaction which results from a sudden release of strain accumulated due to bond stretching. In such transformations the first-order mode of reaction seems to be eliminated to various extents by the introduction of impurities as solid solution to the structure. Such impurities promote heterogeneous transformations. The extent of sluggishness of displacive transformations and of stability relationship in alkaline earth feldspars is correlated with the various ionic sizes of barium, strontium and calcium. Displacive and diffusive transformations in alkali feldspars are also homogeneous incipient transformations, but due to the high mobility of the alkali ions, building up of strain is prevented and no abrupt change in symmetry occurs at the transformation. The hexacelsian ⇌ celsian and monotropic transformations in SrAl₂Si₂O₈ and CaAl₂Si₂O₈ are heterogeneous incipient reconstructive transformations. Differences in melting temperatures reported in the past for BaAl₂Si₂O₈ may probably be correlated with the grain size, crystalline modification and extent of Al/Si order in the sample investigated.     

A Generic Integrated Line Detection Algorithm and Its Object–Process Specification

A generic integrated line detection algorithm (GILDA) is presented and demonstrated. GILDA is based on the generic graphics recognition approach, which abstracts the graphics recognition as a stepwise recovery of the multiple components of the graphic objects and is specified by the object–process methodology. We define 12 classes of lines which appear in engineering drawings and use them to construct a class inheritance hierarchy. The hierarchy highly abstracts the line features that are relevant to the line detection process. Based on the “Hypothesis and Test” paradigm, lines are detected by a stepwise extension to both ends of a selected first key component. In each extension cycle, one new component which best meets the current line's shape and style constraints is appended to the line. Different line classes are detected by controlling the line attribute values. As we show in the experiments, the algorithm demonstrates high performance on clear synthetic drawings as well as on noisy, complex, real-world drawings.