On parity problems and the functional-link artificial neural network

This paper contains the proof of a theorem on the capability of functional-link artificial neural networks both to represent and to learn the n-dimensional parity problem. The result is obtained by an embedding of the problem into a space of dimension 2ⁿ — 1. It is shown that the Volterra expansion of the data in n-dimensions provides the necessary transformation. By computing the parity function, it is shown that a suitable set of neural network weights can be deduced. Finally, it is demonstrated that 2ⁿ — 1 is the minimum embedding dimension for the problem.The contribution of A Zuderell of the University of Innsbruck is acknowledged.     

Determination of the vapor pressures of select polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans at 75-275 °C

Vapor pressures were determined for several polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at 75-275 °C, extending the available literature data to more relevant temperature regions and providing the first experimental data for 2,3,7-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7-TriCD). A modification of the effusion technique, based upon controlling the diffusion of the target compound and subsequent high resolution gas chromatography/low resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/LRMS) analysis, was proven comparable to other accepted methods for determining the vapor pressures of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Vapor pressures for octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) and octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) were in excellent agreement with those reported in literature. The application of the current method for the vapor pressure determinations of eight polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs) in the extended temperature range (up to 275 °C) is reported. The extension of the vapor pressures to such temperatures, unprecedented for the PCDDs/Fs, is important for vapor-particle partitioning modeling in regions relevant to PCDD/F formation and control. Estimates for the melting temperatures and enthalpies of sublimation and vaporization are also reported, the latter for which no experimentally determined values have been found in the literature. The use of the method to deliver reproducible, trace concentrations (ppt-ppb) of targets was applied to the calibration of the jet-REMPI/TOFMS as an online detector for low chlorinated PCDDs/Fs.     

Adhesives in construction: A contractor's viewpoint

The development of epoxy- and polyester-based adhesives has dramatically widened the scope of adhesive bonding in the civil engineering industry but the technology of the adhesives used has often been more appropriate to the workshop than to the construction site. There is a need for the suppliers of structural adhesives to recognize this and to develop compositions and application techniques more amenable to site use. It is equally necessary for the construction industry to make more effort to understand these materials, to take advantage of their outstanding properties, and hence to use them successfully for the construction and repair of concrete structures.     

Reading in graduate school: A survey of doctoral students in clinical psychology.

To what extent do graduate students in clinical psychology complete assigned readings? A total of 744 graduate students in American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral programs completed an online survey regarding reading in graduate school (67% response rate, of those viewing the survey). The reported amount of assigned reading varied widely, with an average of 330 pages per week. Compliance ratings suggested that about half the assigned reading is completed thoroughly and that thorough reading is more common than skimming or not reading assigned material. Motivating and hindering factors for reading are reported, and implications for faculty are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Materials Specification and Analytical Measurement Precision

Abstract

Chemical manufacturing processes are often sensitive to changes in conditions and minor components, for which there may be limited data and no simple relationships. The product specialist has the dilemma of basing raw materials and process specifications either on current practice or intuitive experience, without adequate knowledge that their attainment will ensure the product’s fitness for use.

However, a natural reaction is to demand increasingly tighter specifications and measures of the process capabilities involved. A judgement has to be made of the acceptable level of variability in the measuring process, in relation to the overall variability of the factor to be controlled. There is empirical evidence to suggest that there are limits on the precision to which analytical measurements can be taken and the application of process capability indices may be inappropriate when applied to chemical specifications.

To avoid the false security of over-tight specification limits, which cannot be meaningfully monitored, it is suggested that the specification process should start from the best practical estimate of the test capability for the measurement of the parameter or component being considered. From this, the raw material or process parameter specifications can be calculated, taking account of the balance of risk between the supplier and user.

Departure from specification would then have a basis of veracity and be less likely the subject of the random combination of chance effects. It would highlight areas in which there was a need for a real breakthrough in analytical technique or more robust product design.