Temporal-logic query checking over finite data streams

International Journal on Software Tools for Technology Transfer - This paper describes a technique for solving temporal-logic queries over finite sets of finite-length data streams. Such data...     

Relative importance,specific investment and ownership in interorganizational systems

Implementation and maintenance of interorganizational systems (IOS) require investments by all the participating firms. Compared with intraorganizational systems, however, there are additional uncertainties and risks. This is because the benefits of IOS investment depend not only on a firm’s own decisions, but also on those of its business partners. Without appropriate levels of investment by all the firms participating in an IOS, they cannot reap the full benefits. Drawing upon the literature in institutional economics, we examine IOS ownership as a means to induce value-maximizing noncontractible investments. We model the impact of two factors derived from the theory of incomplete contracts and transaction cost economics: relative importance of investments and specificity of investments. We apply the model to a vendor-managed inventory system (VMI) in a supply chain setting. We show that when the specificity of investments is high, this is a more critical determinant of optimal ownership structure than the relative importance of investments. As technologies used in IOS become increasingly redeployable and reusable, and less specific, the relative importance of investments becomes a dominant factor. We also show that the bargaining mechanism—or the agreed upon approach to splitting the incremental payoffs—that is used affects the relationship between these factors in determining the optimal ownership structure of an IOS.

Quantification and source characterization of volatile organic compounds from exercising and application of chlorine-based cleaning products in a university athletic center

Humans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, impacting their own air quality through occupancy and activities. Human VOC emissions indoors from exercise are still relatively uncertain, and questions remain about emissions from chlorine-based cleaners. To investigate these and other issues, the ATHLETic center study of Indoor Chemistry (ATHLETIC) campaign was conducted in the weight room of the Dal Ward Athletic Center at the University of Colorado Boulder. Using a Vocus Proton-Transfer-Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (Vocus PTR-TOF), an Aerodyne Gas Chromatograph (GC), an Iodide-Chemical Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (I-CIMS), and Picarro cavity ringdown spectrometers, we alternated measurements between the weight room and supply air, allowing for determination of VOC, NH₃, H₂O, and CO₂ emission rates per person (emission factors). Human-derived emission factors were higher than previous studies of measuring indoor air quality in rooms with individuals at rest and correlated with increased CO₂ emission factors. Emission factors from personal care products (PCPs) were consistent with previous studies and typically decreased throughout the day. In addition, N-chloraldimines were observed in the gas phase after the exercise equipment was cleaned with a dichlor solution. The chloraldimines likely originated from reactions of free amino acids with HOCl on gym surfaces.     

The effect of radiation on the anaerobic corrosion of steel

To ensure the safe encapsulation of spent nuclear fuel elements for geological disposal, SKB of Sweden are considering using a canister, which consists of an outer copper canister and a cast iron insert. Previous work has investigated the rate of gas generation due to the anaerobic corrosion of ferrous materials over a range of conditions. This paper examines the effect of radiation on the corrosion of steel in repository environments. Tests were carried out at two temperatures (30 °C and 50 °C), two dose rates (11 Gray h⁻¹ and 300 Gray h⁻¹) and in two different artificial groundwaters, for exposure periods of several months. Radiation was found to enhance the corrosion rate at both dose rates but the greatest enhancement occurred at the higher dose rate. The corrosion products were predominantly magnetite, with some indications of unidentified higher oxidation state corrosion products being formed at the higher dose rates.     

Antenatally detected urinary tract abnormalities: changing incidence and management

Contribution of two cases of renal adenocarcinoma in pediatric patients. Comments on the most updated and relevant aspects of epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and follow-up. Comparison to nephroblastoma and renal adenocarcinoma of the adult.     

A linear-time model-checking algorithm for the alternation-free modal mu-calculus

We develop a model-checking algorithm for a logic that permits propositions to be defined using greatest and least fixed points of mutually recursive systems of equations. This logic is as expressive as the alternation-free fragment of the modal mu-calculus identified by Emerson and Lei, and it may therefore be used to encode a number of temporal logics and behavioral preorders. Our algorithm determines whether a process satisfies a formula in time proportional to the product of the sizes of the process and the formula; this improves on the best known algorithm for similar fixed-point logics.     

Modelling collisions of soft agglomerates at the continuum length scale

Growth and breakdown mechanisms in granulation processes may involve collisions between soft plastically deforming agglomerates. It has been established previously that the flow stress in such collisions increases with the strain rate, which is dependent on the impact velocity and the size of the agglomerates. In the current paper, a scaling model is described that is based on a continuum constitutive relationship and formulated in terms of accessible experimental parameters. It is an extension of an existing contact mechanics model for elastoplastic nonadhesive collisions and therefore limited to deformations in which the contact radius is less than about 40% of the agglomerate radius. In addition, it is assumed that the elastic strains are small compared to the maximum value. Finite element simulations were carried out for a range of impact velocities and material parameters associated with an elastoviscoplastic constitutive relationship of the type used in the scaling model. The results were employed to validate the scaling model. Within the specified limits of applicability, it was found that the coefficient of restitution, contact area, loading and unloading curves and also the time evolution of the compressive displacement could be calculated with relatively high accuracy. Moreover, it was found that for a viscoplastic material the rate of decrease of the coefficient of restitution with increasing impact velocity is greater than for plastic deformation. The model should prove useful in understanding collision processes in granulation systems, particularly those occurring at relatively high impact velocities when the main energy dissipation process arises from viscoplastic deformation. Under this circumstance, the influence of adhesion is negligible and coalescence may be taken to occur when the coefficient of restitution is small.     

以客户为中心--让客户大获全胜

CRM的应用曾被宣称为可改变公司运营状况,并使客户购买更多的产品,但是CRM的成功率却表明事实并非如此,此项研究乃Gartener于2002年7月所做,但过去两年来仍没有太大的分别.有些人把责任推卸到软件供应商和咨询顾问身上.当初人们不就是预想通过软件和咨询顾问能迅速而明显地改变公司运营方式,使客户和雇员达到互动互利的双赢效果吗?人们当初也期望TQM、BRP、EPM和TLA为他们创造奇迹,他们当初为了降低成本,将客户服务给外包公司,并迫使客户使用非人性的化的IVR和网络.     

Food allergy to peanuts in France--evaluation of 142 observations

BACKGROUND: The increase in frequency of peanut allergy and fatal cases have been reported. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to document the severity of food allergy to peanuts by evaluating the reactive dose of peanuts and to search for the role of peanut oil. METHODS: This study is carried out on the basis of 142 observations collected according to the same diagnostic methodology in two allergy centres in France. Skin-prick-tests were performed with peanut powder, peanut oil and peanut oil proteinic extract. Labial provocation tests were performed on 121 patients. The reactive dose of peanuts and the role of peanut oil were determined by standardized oral provocation tests in 50 and 62 patients respectively. The data are computerized and the data bank includes 509 food allergic patients. RESULTS: Allergy to peanuts represents 28% of food allergies and occurs under 1 year of age in 46% of cases, under 15 years of age in 93%. The clinical features were atopic dermatitis (40%), angioedema (37%), asthma (14%), anaphylactic shock (6%) and digestive symptoms (1.4%). The specific IgE were class 3 or higher in 80% of cases. The total reactive dose was less than 100 mg in 25% of cases, from 100 mg to 1 g in 62.5%. All patients reacted to a dose of less than 7.1 g. The threshold of peanut reactivity was lower than the threshold of egg reactivity. An allergy to peanut oil was demonstrated in 14 patients. CONCLUSION: The severity of peanut allergy and the early onset of the occurrence of this allergy is documented. The role of residual allergenic proteins in peanut oil is established by positive skin-prick tests to proteic extracts from peanut oil and by double-blind placebo-controlled challenges to peanut oil. The increased consumption of allergens in the form of peanut oil and fats can contribute to the occurrence or persistence of symptoms and may be suspected to increase the risk of sensitisation.