Introduction to the special issues on plan recognition

Introduction to the special issues on plan recognition     

Influence of structural parameters on proton insertion in γ-MnO2

The proton insertion/deinsertion behavior of γ-MnO₂ samples of various oxygen contents and various structural parameters has been studied. The analysis of the voltammograms observed during the discharges and charges of the different samples is presented, and leads to a classification of the samples according to their structural parameters. The proton insertion capacities and the cycling properties of the different samples have been compared and correlated to their structural properties.     

Specification of internal accounting controls in a database environment

This paper examines the problem of specifying database security controls in a manner such that the resulting segmentation of data and the patterns of access rights are consistent with traditional accounting concepts that govern segregation of duties. The mechanism we use for implementation of these controls in a relational accounting system is that of a “view” implemented on the Query-by-Example database management system. A number of examples are presented in detail and some further aspects of security and integrity constraints are discussed.     

Resolving scientific disputes by the joint design of crucial experiments by the antagonists: Application to the Erez–Latham dispute regarding participation in goal setting.

In this monograph we describe a unique method for resolving scientific disputes: the joint design of crucial experiments by the antagonists themselves with the help of a mediator. This method was applied to the issue of the effect of participation on goal commitment and performance. In research on this topic, Latham and his colleagues had obtained markedly different results from those obtained by Erez and her colleagues. With Locke serving as a third party mediator, Latham and Erez designed four experiments to resolve the discrepancies. The experiments were conducted at the University of Washington and the University of Maryland. The results revealed that the major reason for the difference was that Erez gave very brief tell instructions to her assigned goal subjects, whereas Latham used a tell and sell approach. Four additional factors also contributed to the earlier difference in findings: goal difficulty, setting personal goals before goal treatments were introduced, self-efficacy-inducing instructions, and instructions to reject disliked goals. It was concluded that (a) the differences between Latham and Erez can be explained on the basis of differences in specific procedures, and (b) the method used to resolve this dispute should be used by other investigators. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Amygdaloid lesion increases the toxicity of intrahippocampal kainic acid injection and reduces the late occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures in rats

Spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) following intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) injection have been described in a previous paper from our laboratory. The SRSs are clinically similar to the seizures induced by kindling the amygdala and we suggested that the amygdala plays a role in initiating the SRSs. Accordingly, the present paper examines the effect of amygdaloid lesions on intrahippocampal KA-treated rats. There were short- and long-term effects. (1) Short-term: the toxicity of KA was increased in lesioned animals. Status epilepticus followed by death of the animals was evoked with half of the dose required to cause the same effect in intact rats. Moreover, a gross haematuria was encountered 6-12 h after KA injection. This was not observed in non-lesioned rats even following the highest KA doses. (2) Long-term: amygdaloid lesions delayed the occurrence of the SRSs, reduced their incidence and modified their expression. In lesioned animals seizures began with a period of tonic immobility with no sign of the masticatory movements seen in intact animals. Histological examination of the KA-induced lesions did not show any major differences between lesioned and intact animals. It is suggested that the short-term effects are due to an unspecific effect on homeostatic mechanisms, whereas the long-term ones reflect a specific involvement of the amygdala in the late appearing seizures.     

Removal and recovery of Cr(VI) from polluted ground waters: a comparative study of ion-exchange technologies

The focus of this work has been the study of Cr(VI) removal from ground waters and the simultaneous concentration for its reuse using three different technological alternatives: anion-exchange resins, liquid-liquid extraction assisted by hollow fibre membranes and emulsion pertraction. The viability of the considered objectives, i.e., Cr(VI) separation (<0.5 g/m3) and concentration for reuse (>20,000 g/m3) has been checked and a comparative analysis of the three technologies has been performed. Although the flexibility and ease of operation of non-dispersive solvent extraction, anion-exchange resins and emulsion pertraction lead to higher velocities of chromium removal, yet still maintaining similar concentration efficiencies.     

A simplified theory of the optogalvanic effect

We present a simple phenomenological theory of the optogalvanic effect based on the multiplication of an electron within the plasma. The dependence of the signal on current and pressure and its temporal behavior are predicted for atoms irradiated by chopped CW lasers and pulsed lasers. Experimental data obtained by pulsed lasers are presented and interpreted.     

Double axis, two-crystal x-ray spectrometer

A two-crystal double axis x-ray spectrometer, capable of goniometric accuracy on the order of 0.1", has been developed. Some of its unique design features are presented. These include (1) a modified commercial thrust bearing which furnishes a precise, full circle theta:2theta coupling, (2) a new tangent drive system design in which a considerable reduction of the lead screw effective pitch is achieved, and (3) an automatic step scanning control which eliminates most of the mechanical deficiencies of the tangent drive by directly reading the tangent arm displacement.