Assessing continuous bivariate effects among different groups through nonparametric regression models: An application to breast cancer detection

In many applications, the joint effect of two continuous covariates on the target binary response may vary across groups defined by levels of a given factor. A testing procedure that would enable this type of surface-by-factor interactions to be detected has been designed. To accomplish this goal, a logistic generalized additive model (GAM) with bivariate continuous interactions varying across groups defined by levels of a factor is considered. A local scoring algorithm based on local linear kernel smoothers was implemented to estimate the proposed logistic GAM. Bootstrap resampling techniques were used for the purpose of testing for factor-by-surface interactions. Given the high computational cost involved, binning techniques were used to speed up computation in the estimation and testing processes. The adequacy of the bootstrap-based test was assessed by means of a simulation study. If a factor-by-surface interaction is detected in the model, it is then established that the use of the odds-ratio curves is very useful in obtaining a direct interpretation of the fitted model. The benefits of using this methodology when analyzing real data are illustrated by applying the technique to the outputs produced by a computerized system dedicated to the early detection of breast cancer.     

Effects of mechanical interactions on the hydrostatic stress in randomly distributed rubber particles in an amorphous polymer matrix

The equivalent inclusion method (EIM) assuming linear elasticity is used to calculate the mechanical interactions between spherical rubber particles in an amorphous matrix, as in a rubber toughened polymer. The influences of the various calculation parameters are examined and it is shown that the method can provide reliable results with regard to the level of hydrostatic stress in the particles. Damage of the material is simulated by replacing the most stressed particles by voids. Numerical simulations for several hundreds of interacting particles give information on the kinetics and spatial organisation of the damage. It appears that, as the volume fraction of particles increases from 10 to 20%, the spatial configuration of the damage evolves from a localised to a diffuse mode. These results are discussed in relation to the efficiency of rubber toughening.     

Belgian Experiences in the Ozonization of Water

After reviewing the uses of ozone in the preparation of drinking water, high purity water for Pharmaceuticals industries, and swimming pools throughout Belgium, a discussion of technological developments made at the Tailfer plant (serving Brussels) concerning the uses of ozone is presented. These subjects include analytical and monitoring techniques developed for ozone, procedures for ozone contacting employed at this plant, treatment of ozone contactor off–gases, and the use of oxygen–enriched process gas to produce supplemental amounts of ozone required periodically. Capital and operating cost data are presented.     

Advancements in the design and validation of an air pollution integrated assessment model for Spain

This paper describes the design and application of the Atmospheric Evaluation and Research Integrated model for Spain (AERIS). Currently, AERIS can provide concentration profiles of NO₂, O₃, SO₂, NH₃, PM, as a response to emission variations of relevant sectors in Spain. Results are calculated using transfer matrices based on an air quality modelling system (AQMS) composed by the WRF (meteorology), SMOKE (emissions) and CMAQ (atmospheric-chemical processes) models. The AERIS outputs were statistically tested against the conventional AQMS and observations, revealing a good agreement in both cases. At the moment, integrated assessment in AERIS focuses only on the link between emissions and concentrations. The quantification of deposition, impacts (health, ecosystems) and costs will be introduced in the future. In conclusion, the main asset of AERIS is its accuracy in predicting air quality outcomes for different scenarios through a simple yet robust modelling framework, avoiding complex programming and long computing times.     

INTERFACIAL INTERACTIONS AND SECONDARY FLOWS IN STRATIFIED TWO-PHASE FLOW

In this paper are analysed the interactions between a surface wave field and the kinematic structures above and below the waves, in gas-liquid stratified flow in a rectangular cross sectional channel. The analysis is based on experimental data both on the local structure of the flows and on the deformation of the gas-liquid surface. The basic phenomena that have been observed are: on the one hand, the waves that propagates over the liquid surface can exhibit a crosswise distribution of amplitude; on the other hand, secondary flows can be generated both in the gas and in the liquid. A theoretical attempt is developed to explain the distribution to wave amplitude: in fact, the waves propagate over a non uniform liquid current. On the one hand, the wave field interact with the liquid current to generate secondary flows below the waves. On the other hand, the wave amplitude distribution interacts with the gas flow; the wave distribution can be considered as a non uniform interfacial roughness which generates Prandtl second type secondary flows above the waves. These physical mechanisms which are based on the analysis of experimental results are also validated with numerical simulations.     

Alternative Economics and Sustainable Future: Diverse Cultures/Beliefs/Values as Indispensable Factors

This article argues for a theoretical framework of alternative economics pertinent to Sustainable Development. The alternative economics requires an appropriate belief/value system based on a dynamic, sound and holistic society-specific culture (abbreviated as “Culture”). To represent the Culture-based belief/value system, a general framework for overarching Integral Harmony is introduced as an appropriate social value system for a paradigm shift toward sustainability. Such a social value system is now related to the value premises of the alternative economics. Then, the framework of alternative economics is explained in terms of basic theoretical construct that is simplified as a summary equation comprising value and real aspects. Finally, a typical working of the alternative economics is demonstrated diagrammatically as constant interactions of the value aspect and the real aspect (abbreviated as “Value-Real Interactions”).     

The CM-SAF operational scheme for the satellite based retrieval of solar surface irradiance — A LUT based eigenvector hybrid approach

The radiation budget at the earth surface is an essential climate variable for climate monitoring and analysis as well as for verification of climate model output and reanalysis data. Accurate solar surface irradiance data is a prerequisite for an accurate estimation of the radiation budget and for an efficient planning and operation of solar energy systems.This paper describes a new approach for the retrieval of the solar surface irradiance from satellite data. The method is based on radiative transfer modelling and enables the use of extended information about the atmospheric state. Accurate analysis of the interaction between the atmosphere, surface albedo, transmission and the top of atmosphere albedo has been the basis for the new method, characterised by a combination of parameterisations and “eigenvector” look-up tables. The method is characterised by a high computing performance combined with a high accuracy. The performed validation shows that the mean absolute deviation is of the same magnitude as the confidence level of the BSRN (Baseline Surface Radiation Measurement) ground based measurements and significant lower as the CM-SAF (Climate Monitoring Satellite Application Facility) target accuracy of 10 W/m². The mean absolute difference between monthly means of ground measurements and satellite based solar surface irradiance is 5 W/m² with a mean bias deviation of − 1 W/m² and a RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation) of 5.4 W/m² for the investigated European sites. The results for the investigated African sites obtained by comparing instantaneous values are also encouraging. The mean absolute difference is with 2.8% even lower as for the European sites being 3.9%, but the mean bias deviation is with − 1.1% slightly higher as for the European sites, being 0.8%. Validation results over the ocean in the Mediterranean Sea using shipboard data complete the validation. The mean bias is − 3.6 W/m² and 2.3% respectively. The slightly higher mean bias deviation over ocean is at least partly resulting from inherent differences due to the movement of the ship (shadowing, allocation of satellite pixel). The validation results demonstrate that the high accuracy of the surface solar irradiance is given in different climate regions. The discussed method has also the potential to improve the treatment of radiation processes in climate and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, because of the high accuracy combined with a high computing speed.     

尾矿土变形的应力-渗流-化学耦合模型研究

基于孔隙变化的力学响应方程和尾矿土动态淋溶的实验结果,建立了尾矿沉积土变形的压力-孔隙度-浓度之间的关系,并在此基础上建立了考虑酸溶液作用下尾矿沉积土变形的应力-渗流-化学耦合数学模型。