A simple approximation algorithm for the weighted matching problem

We present a linear time approximation algorithm with a performance ratio of 1/2 for finding a maximum weight matching in an arbitrary graph. Such a result is already known and is due to Preis [STACS'99, Lecture Notes in Comput. Sci., Vol. 1563, 1999, pp. 259-269]. Our algorithm uses a new approach which is much simpler than the one given by Preis and needs no amortized analysis for its running time.     

Improved Matrix-Filler Adhesion

Enhanced matrix-filler adhesion is realized after filler treatment with a surface treatment process. The hydrosol/coupling agent treatment was applied to a wide range of inorganic and organic fillers, and adhesion to a variety of matrix resins was improved. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the locus of failure in the filled systems. The locus of failure shows the relative degree of adhesion between the filler and the polymer matrix. Significant improvement in adhesion in humid environments is also observed.     

Time and cost securing in complex large-scale projects

Meeting time and cost objectives in complex projects involves specific problems and risks. An attempt is made to analyse the components of total cost increase of a project caused by time delay. An outline is given as to how these considerations can be used to estimate cost increases in investors' decision situations as well as to ascertain fair contractual penalties and claims for compensation and for the evaluation of justified project acceleration costs.     

Evaluating dynamic performance: The influence of salient Gestalt characteristics on performance ratings.

It is well recognized that performance changes over time. However, the effect of these changes on overall assessments of performance is largely unknown. In a laboratory experiment, we examined the influence of salient Gestalt characteristics of a dynamic performance profile on supervisory ratings. We manipulated performance trend (flat, linear-improving, linear-deteriorating, U-shaped, and ∩-shaped), performance variation (small, large), and performance mean (negative, zero, positive) within subjects and display format (graphic, tabular) between subjects. Participants received and evaluated information about the weekly performance of different employees over a simulated 26-week period. Results showed strong main effects on performance ratings of both performance mean and performance trend, as well as interactions with display format. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

会计政策选择的效率性分析

会计政策选择类型在理论上大体可分为机会主义型和效率(或有效契约)型。会计政策选择具有效率性,但也为经理人员的机会主义行为打开了大门。在我国,由于企业缺乏一系列有效的激励约束机制,会计政策选择的机会主义仍然严重。为此,必须建立适合我国企业有效的激励约束机制。     

Desire and the couch: Perspectives from both sides of the analytic encounter.

This report summarizes the panel held at the 109th Annual Convention, American Psychological Association, August 26, 2001, San Francisco. The chair was William Glover and the speakers were Samuel Gerson, Karen Maroda, and Andre Patsalides. The invited symposium was directed at discussing different perspectives related to the presence of desire in the analytic process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Schwingfestigkeit von Schraube‐Mutter‐Verbindungen

High cycle fatigue of bolted connections Extensive tests regarding the influences on the fatigue of bolt‐nut‐connections of preloading with torsion, of preloading with yielding, of loading with superimposed bending and of the tested lot are processed. These influences are not yet known according to VDI 2230. New testing devices were designed for these tests, which allow a far less expensive operation and may easily be used for bolts of diameters up to M100 and testing frequencies up to 1000 Hz. The validity of fatigue resistance according to VDI 2230 is specified with respect to the test results. The determined influence of the tested lots is unexpectedly high. The manufacturing process of bolts should be improved to minimize this influence.     

Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Practice of Psychology.

Announces the 2007 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Practice of Psychology: Patricia M. Bricklin. A brief biography, highlighting areas of special focus in Bricklin's work, is provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

VaR and ES for linear portfolios with mixture of elliptic distributions risk factors

In this paper, we generalize the Linear VaR method from portfolios with normally distributed risk factors to portfolios with mixture of elliptically distributed ones. We treat both the Expected Shortfall and the Value-at-Risk of such portfolios. Special attention is given to the particular case of a mixture of multivariate t-distributions. This is a part of J. SADEFO-KAMDEM PhD Thesis[12] of the Université de Reims, France . It has been presented at the workshop on modelling and computation in Financial Engineering at Bad Herrenalb, Germany May 6-8, 2003. The author is an associate professor at the Department of mathematics, université d’Evry Val d’Essonne.     

History of depression and smoking cessation outcome: A meta-analysis.

The authors conducted a meta-analysis of published studies to (a) evaluate the premise that a history of major depression is associated with failure to quit smoking and (b) identify factors that moderate the relationship between history of depression and cessation outcome. Fifteen studies met the selection requirements and were coded for various study methodology and treatment characteristics. DSTAT was used to calculate individual study effect sizes, determine the mean effect size across studies. and test for moderator effects. No differences in either short-term (≤ 3 months) or long-term abstinence rates (≥ 6 months) were observed between smokers positive versus negative for history of depression. Lifetime history of major depression does not appear to be an independent risk factor for cessation failure in smoking cessation treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)