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Critical Aspects (critical + aspect)
Selected AbstractsCritical Aspects of Organizational Learning Research and Proposals for Its MeasurementBRITISH JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2001Satu Lähteenmäki Based on an extensive literature review, this paper reveals several gaps in organizational learning (OL) research that need filling before we can really talk about a theory of organizational learning or verify the traits and very existence of learning organizations (LO) as a phenomenon. The critique, however, is not targeted at any single model or theory of organizational learning, but at theory building, which constantly drifts away with new definitions and approaches that break up rather than construct a theory. Despite the fact that numerous consultation tools for turning organizations into learning models have been developed and applied, the concept of organizational learning itself still remains vague and there is an urgent need for a holistic model of OL. Too much emphasis is put on studying the learning of individuals instead of concentrating on the learning of organizations. Since the theory is highly dispersed and does not really build on earlier findings, rich empirical studies are needed in order to validate measures of organizational learning. Modelling of the organizational learning process and clarification of how learning of individuals is turned into learning of organizations is needed. This paper introduces one set of OL measures developed to study whether organizational learning occurred during the operational and business culture change process of a single case company. Suggestions for further OL research are made on the basis of experiences gained when empirically testing this model. [source] Critical aspects of analysis of Micrococcus luteus, Neisseria cinerea, and Pseudomonas fluorescens by means of capillary electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18-19 2004Verena Hoerr Abstract Within the frame of our study we investigated Microccocus luteus, Neisseria cinerea, and Pseudomonas fluorescens by means of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). They form chains and clusters on a different scale, which can be reflected in the electropherograms. A low buffer concentration of Tris-borate and Na2 EDTA containing a polymeric matrix of 0.0125% poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) was used. Key factors were the standardization and optimization of CE conditions, buffer solution, and pretreatment of bacterial samples, which are not transferable to different bacterial strains, in general. The different compositions of the cell wall of on the one hand Gram-positive (M. luteus) and Gram-negative (N. cinerea) cocci and on the other hand Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria (P.fluorescens), are probably responsible for the different pretreatment conditions. [source] Implementation, performance, and science results from a 30.7 TFLOPS IBM BladeCenter clusterCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 2 2010Craig A. Stewart Abstract This paper describes Indiana University's implementation, performance testing, and use of a large high performance computing system. IU's Big Red, a 20.48 TFLOPS IBM e1350 BladeCenter cluster, appeared in the 27th Top500 list as the 23rd fastest supercomputer in the world in June 2006. In spring 2007, this computer was upgraded to 30.72 TFLOPS. The e1350 BladeCenter architecture, including two internal networks accessible to users and user applications and two networks used exclusively for system management, has enabled the system to provide good scalability on many important applications while being well manageable. Implementing a system based on the JS21 Blade and PowerPC 970MP processor within the US TeraGrid presented certain challenges, given that Intel-compatible processors dominate the TeraGrid. However, the particular characteristics of the PowerPC have enabled it to be highly popular among certain application communities, particularly users of molecular dynamics and weather forecasting codes. A critical aspect of Big Red's implementation has been a focus on Science Gateways, which provide graphical interfaces to systems supporting end-to-end scientific workflows. Several Science Gateways have been implemented that access Big Red as a computational resource,some via the TeraGrid, some not affiliated with the TeraGrid. In summary, Big Red has been successfully integrated with the TeraGrid, and is used by many researchers locally at IU via grids and Science Gateways. It has been a success in terms of enabling scientific discoveries at IU and, via the TeraGrid, across the US. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] HLA real-time extensionCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 15 2004Hui Zhao Abstract The IEEE 1516 Standard ,High Level Architecture (HLA)' and its implementation ,Run-Time Infra-structure (RTI)' defines a general-purpose network communication mechanism for Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS). However, it does not address real-time requirements of DIS. Current operating system technologies can provide real-time processing through some real-time operating systems (RTOSs) and the Internet is also moving to an age of Quality of Service (QoS), providing delay and jitter bounded services. With the availability of RTOSs and IP QoS, it is possible for HLA to be extended to take advantage of these technologies in order to construct an architecture for Real-Time DIS (RT-DIS). This extension will be a critical aspect of applications in virtual medicine, distributed virtual environments, weapon simulation, aerospace simulation and others. This paper outlines the current real-time technology with respect to operating systems and at the network infrastructure level. After summarizing the requirements and our experiences with RT-DIS, we present a proposal for HLA real-time extension and architecture for real-time RTI. Similar to the growth of real-time CORBA (Common Object Request Broker) after the mature based CORBA standard suite, Real-Time HLA is a natural extension following the standardization of HLA into IEEE 1516 in September 2000. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Change in action: how infants learn to walk down slopesDEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2009Simone V. Gill A critical aspect of perception,action coupling is the ability to modify ongoing actions in accordance with variations in the environment. Infants' ability to modify their gait patterns to walk down shallow and steep slopes was examined at three nested time scales. Across sessions, a microgenetic training design showed rapid improvements after the first session in infants receiving concentrated practice walking down slopes and in infants in a control group who were tested only at the beginning and end of the study. Within sessions, analyses across easy and challenging slope angles showed that infants used a ,braking strategy' to curb increases in walking speed across increasingly steeper slopes. Within trials, comparisons of infants' gait modifications before and after stepping over the brink of the slopes showed that the braking strategy was planned prospectively. Findings illustrate how observing change in action provides important insights into the process of skill acquisition. [source] Redox Properties of the Iron Complexes of Orally Active Iron Chelators CP20, CP502, CP509, and ICL670HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 12 2004Martin Merkofer Redox cycling of iron is a critical aspect of iron toxicity. Reduction of a low-molecular-weight iron(III)-complex followed by oxidation of the iron(II)-complex by hydrogen peroxide may yield the reactive hydroxyl radical (OH.) or an oxoiron(IV) species (the Fenton reaction). Complexation of iron by a ligand that shifts the electrode potential of the complex to either to far below ,350,mV (dioxygen/superoxide, pH=7) or to far above +320,mV (H2O2/HO., H2O pH=7) is essential for limitting Fenton reactivity. The oral chelating agents CP20, CP502, CP509, and ICL670 effectively remove iron from patients suffering from iron overload. We measured the electrode potentials of the iron(III) complexes of these drugs by cyclic voltammetry with a mercury electrode and determined the dependence on concentration, pH, and stoichiometry. The standard electrode potentials measured are ,620,mV, ,600,mV, ,535,mV, and ,535,mV with iron bound to CP20, ICL670, CP502, and CP509, respectively, but, at lower chelator concentrations, electrode potentials are significantly higher. [source] Accelerating strategies to the numerical simulation of large-scale models for sequential excavationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 9 2007M. Noronha Abstract In this paper, a novel combination of well-established numerical procedures is explored in order to accelerate the simulation of sequential excavation. Usually, large-scale models are used to represent these problems. Due to the high number of equations involved, the solver algorithm represents the critical aspect which makes the simulation very time consuming. The mutable nature of the excavation models makes this problem even more pronounced. To accomplish the representation of geometrical and mechanical aspects in an efficient and simple manner, the proposed solution employs the boundary element method with a multiple-region strategy. Together with this representational system, a segmented storage scheme and a time-ordered tracking of the changes form an adequate basis for the usage of fast updating methods instead of frontal solvers. The present development employs the Sherman,Morrison,Woodbury method to speed up the calculation due to sequential changes. The efficiency of the proposed framework is illustrated through the simulation of test examples of 2D and 3D models. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Preparing for European Diplomacy?JCMS: JOURNAL OF COMMON MARKET STUDIES, Issue 5 2002Simon W. Duke The literature on European foreign policy has paid scant attention to one critical aspect , European diplomacy. This article considers the nature of European diplomacy, the ways in which it manifests itself and, most importantly, the preparation of EU officials as well as national diplomats for European diplomacy. It is argued that more attention needs to be paid to training so that they may engage more effectively in European diplomacy. In order to facilitate this, support is lent to the idea of establishing a College of European Diplomacy. Effective European foreign policy needs a professional supporting diplomatic service. [source] An update on the mechanisms of the psychostimulant effects of caffeineJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2008Sergi Ferré Abstract There has been a long debate about the predominant involvement of the different adenosine receptor subtypes and the preferential role of pre- versus post-synaptic mechanisms in the psychostimulant effects of the adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine. Both striatal A1 and A2A receptors are involved in the motor-activating and probably reinforcing effects of caffeine, although they play a different role under conditions of acute or chronic caffeine administration. The present review emphasizes the key integrative role of adenosine and adenosine receptor heteromers in the computation of information at the level of the striatal spine module (SSM). This local module is mostly represented by the dendritic spine of the medium spiny neuron with its glutamatergic and dopaminergic synapses and astroglial processes that wrap the glutamatergic synapse. In the SSM, adenosine acts both pre- and post-synaptically through multiple mechanisms, which depend on heteromerization of A1 and A2A receptors among themselves and with D1 and D2 receptors, respectively. A critical aspect of the mechanisms of the psychostimulant effects of caffeine is its ability to release the pre- and post-synaptic brakes that adenosine imposes on dopaminergic neurotransmission by acting on different adenosine receptor heteromers localized in different elements of the SSM. [source] Analysis of low content drug tablets by transmission near infrared spectroscopy: Selection of calibration ranges according to multivariate detection and quantitation limits of PLS modelsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 12 2008Manel Alcalà Abstract The content uniformity of low dose products is a major concern in the development of pharmaceutical formulations. Near infrared spectroscopy may be used to support the design and optimization of potent drug manufacturing processes through the analysis of blends and tablets in a relatively short time. A strategy for the selection of concentration ranges in the development of multivariate calibration is presented, evaluating the detection and quantitation limits of the obtained multivariate models. The strategy has been applied to the determination of an active principle in pharmaceutical tablets of low concentration (0,5%, w/w), using Fourier Transform Near Infrared (FT-NIR) transmission spectroscopy. The quantitation and detection limits decreased as the upper concentration level of the calibration models was reduced. The results obtained show that the selection of concentration ranges is a critical aspect during model design. The selection of wide concentration ranges with high levels is not recommended for the determination of analytes at minor levels (<1%, w/w), even when the concentration of interest is within the range of the model. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97:5318,5327, 2008 [source] History of Process SafetyPROCESS SAFETY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2009A history of process safety, loss prevention in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Abstract Process safety has always been an important consideration in chemical engineering, and the activities of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) have expanded over the years to more formally focus on this critical aspect of chemical engineering practice. Early initiatives included the annual symposia on Safety in Ammonia and Related Plants, dating back to the early 1950s, and the Loss Prevention Symposium, first held in 1967. These activities led to the formation of the AIChE's Safety and Health Division in 1979, and the division assumed responsibility for these existing programming activities. Following the Bhopal tragedy in India, AIChE formed the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) in 1985 as an industry alliance to share and enhance process safety expertise in the industry. One of the early CCPS activities was the creation of the Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SACHE) program to enhance teaching of process safety in the university chemical engineering curriculum. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009 [source] Experimental manipulation reveals the importance of refuge habitat temperature selected by lizardsAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010MICHA ANDERSSON Abstract Refuges provide shelter from predators, and protection from exposure to the elements, as well as other fitness benefits to animals that use them. In ectotherms, thermal benefits may be a critical aspect of refuges. We investigated microhabitat characteristics of refuges selected by a heliothermic scincid lizard, Carlia rubrigularis, which uses rainforest edges as habitat. We approached lizards in the field, simulating a predator attack, and quantified the refuge type used, and effect of environmental temperatures (air temperature, substrate temperature and refuge substrate temperature) on the amount of time skinks remained in refuges after hiding (emergence time). In respone to our approach, lizards were most likely to flee into leaf litter, rather than into rocks or woody debris, and emergence time was dependent on refuge substrate temperature, and on refuge substrate temperature relative to substrate temperature outside the refuge. Lizards remained for longer periods in warmer refuges, and in refuges that were similar in temperature to outside. We examined lizard refuge choice in response to temperature and substrate type in large, semi-natural outdoor enclosures. We experimentally manipulated refuge habitat temperature available to lizards, and offered them equal areas of leaf litter, woody debris and rocks. When refuge habitat temperature was unmanipulated, lizards (85%) preferred leaf litter, as they did in the field. However, when we experimentally manipulated the temperature of the leaf litter by shading, most skinks (75%) changed their preferred refuge habitat from leaf litter to woody debris or rocks. These results suggest that temperature is a critical determinant of refuge habitat choice for these diurnal ectotherms, both when fleeing from predators and when selecting daytime retreats. [source] Accelerating botulism therapeutic product development in the Department of Defense,DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Andrea M. Stahl Abstract Coordinated small-molecule drug discovery research efforts for the treatment of botulism by the public sector, especially the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), began in the 1990s and represent a significant resource investment. Organization of an effective botulism therapeutic drug program, however, presents formidable technical and logistical challenges. Seven distinct BoNT serotypes are known, each representing a different target. Moreover, BoNT exerts its action inside peripheral cholinergic neurons, and some serotypes may persist functionally within nerve cells for weeks or months. Clinical botulism occurs infrequently, and the effectiveness of prolonged mechanical ventilation to treat poisoning further limits experimental drug testing. The efficacy of experimental compounds must be extrapolated from disparate cell- or tissue-based or rodent models. Numerous compounds with moderate efficacy in experimental laboratory assays have been reported, but may not possess the necessary safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profile to support therapeutic development. To mitigate these challenges, we propose product development tools to assist in management of the BoNT portfolio and to clearly define the desired therapeutic product. Establishing a target product profile (TPP) is proposed to guide public sector managers toward critical aspects of the desired therapeutic product. Additional product development tools to assist in shaping research portfolios and to inform decisions regarding lead candidates to pursue are also discussed. Product development tools that facilitate the characterization of the ideal therapeutic product, and assist in the maintenance of a robust portfolio, will ameliorate the inherent financial risk in drug development for treating BoNT intoxication. Drug Dev Res 70:303,326, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Population viability and perturbation analyses in remnant populations of the Andean catfish Astroblepus ubidiaiECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 2 2005L. A. Vélez-Espino Abstract ,Astroblepus ubidiai (Actinopterygii; Siluriformes), which is the only native fish of the highlands of the Province of Imbabura, Ecuador, was abundant in the past in the Imbakucha watershed and adjacent drainages but currently it is restricted to a few isolated refuges. Population viability analysis (PVA) was used to detect critical aspects in the ecology and conservation biology of this unique fish. The annual population growth rate (,) was estimated for six remnant populations of this Andean catfish using a deterministic matrix population model. Sensitivity and elasticity analyses complemented the PVA by providing constructive insights into vital rates affecting projections and extinction probabilities. Positive population growth rates were found in all the study populations. The high contributions of juvenile survival to the variance of , and its high elasticity indicated that A. ubidiai population dynamics are highly sensitive to the transition values of this vital rate, which can promptly respond to management or antagonistic perturbations. Allowing fish to survive until the age of first reproduction and permitting the successful reproduction of these individuals will facilitate positive population growth rates, however the very small areas of occupancy, small extent of occurrence and severe fragmentation may still contribute to the extinction risk. Resumen 1. Astroblepus ubidiai (Actinopterygii; Siluriformes), el único pez nativo de los altos Andes en la Provincia de Imbabura, Ecuador, era abundante en el pasado en la cuenca de Imbakucha y en las cuencas adyacentes, pero actualmente existe en unos cuantos refugios geográficamente aislados. 2. Un Análisis de Viabilidad Poblacional (AVP) fue necesario para detectar los aspectos críticos en la ecología y biología de conservación de la especie. La tasa anual de crecimiento poblacional (,) se estimó en seis poblaciones remanentes de este pez andino usando un modelo matricial de población. Análisis de sensitividad y elasticidad permitieron la complementación de interpretaciones derivadas del AVP mediante la facilitación de exploraciones constructivas de los efectos relativos de las tasas vitales en proyecciones demográficas y probabilidades de extinción. 3. Todas las poblaciones estudiadas presentaron tasas positivas de crecimiento poblacional a pesar de que factores determinísticos tales como la pérdida de hábitat y fragmentación han llevado la ocurrencia de esta especie a pequeños fragmentos. La alta contribución a la varianza de , y la alta elasticidad de la supervivencia juvenil indicaron que las dinámicas poblacionales de A. ubidiai son altamente sensibles a los valores de transición de esta tasa vital, la cual puede responder con facilidad a actividades de manejo o perturbaciones antagónicas. 4. Facilitando que los peces sobrevivan hasta la edad de primera reproducción y permitiendo la reproducción exitosa de estos individuos son condiciones determinantes para mantener tasas positivas de crecimiento. Sin embargo, aún existe la necesidad de confrontar el riesgo de extinción derivado de pequeñas áreas de ocupación, limitada extensión de ocurrencia, y fragmentación severa. En este artículo también se discute la manera en que el conocimiento de estas circunstancias específicas es esencial para tomar acciones efectivas de conservación. [source] Components of Relationship Quality in ChimpanzeesETHOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Orlaith N. Fraser A novel approach to studying social relationships in captive adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) was taken by using principal components analysis (PCA) to extract three key components of relationship quality from nine behavioural variables. Based on the loadings of the behavioural variables, the components appeared to match previously hypothesized critical aspects of social relationships and were therefore labelled Value, Compatibility and Security. The effects of kinship, sex combination, age difference and time spent together on each of the relationship quality components were analysed. As expected, kin were found to have more valuable, compatible and secure relationships than non-kin. Female,female dyads were found to be more compatible than male,male or mixed-sex dyads, whereas the latter were found to be most secure. Partners of a similar age were found to have more secure and more valuable relationships than those with a larger age gap. Individuals that were together in the group for longer were more valuable and more compatible, but their relationships were found to be less secure than individuals that were together in the group for a shorter time. Although some of the results may be unexpected based on chimpanzee socio-ecology, they fit well overall with the history and social dynamics of the study group. The methods used confer a significant advantage in producing quantitative composite measures of each component of relationship quality, obtained in an objective manner. These findings therefore promote the use of such measures in future studies requiring an assessment of the qualities of dyadic social relationships. [source] 27 ps DFT molecular dynamics simulation of ,-maltose: A reduced basis set study,JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2010Udo Schnupf Abstract DFT molecular dynamics simulations are time intensive when carried out on carbohydrates such as ,-maltose. In a recent publication (Momany et al., J. Mol. Struct. THEOCHEM, submitted) forces for dynamics were generated from B3LYP/6-31+G* electronic structure calculations. The implicit solvent method COSMO was applied to simulate the solution environment. Here we present a modification of the DFT method that keeps the critical aspects of the larger basis set (B3LYP/6-31+G*) while allowing the less-essential atom interactions to be calculated using a smaller basis set, thus allowing for faster completion without sacrificing the interactions dictating the hydrogen bonding networks in ,-maltose. In previous studies, the gg,-gg-c solvated form quickly converged to the "r" form during a 5 ps dynamics run. This important conformational transition is tested by carrying out a long 27 ps simulation. The trend for the "r" conformer to be most stable during dynamics when fully solvated, is confirmed, resulting in ,20/80% c/r population. Further, the study shows that considerable molecular end effects are important, the reducing end being fairly stable, the O6H pointing at the O5, while the nonreducing end moves freely to take on different conformations. Some "kink" and transition state forms are populated during the simulation. The average H1,···H4 distance of 2.28 Å confirms that the syn form is the primary glycosidic conformation, while the average C1,O1,C4 bond angle was 118.8°, in excellent agreement with experimental values. The length of this simulation allowed the evaluation of vibrational frequencies by Fourier transform of the velocity correlation function, taken from different time segments along the simulation path. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010 [source] Analysis of aldehydes via headspace SPME with on-fiber derivatization to their O -(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)oxime derivatives and comprehensive 2D-GC-MSJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 19 2008Hans-Georg Schmarr Abstract A method for the analysis of the homologous series of alkanals, (E)-2-alkenals, and (E,E)-2,4-alkadienals is described utilizing a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) step and on-fiber derivatization with O -(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) hydrochloride. Oxime derivatives formed on the fiber are desorbed in the gas chromatographic injector and analyzed by comprehensive 2-D GC coupled to quadrupole MS (GC×GC-qMS). Selecting specific fragment ions within the electron impact mass spectra of the oxime derivatives provides a suitable method for the target analysis of these aldehyde classes, which furthermore benefits from the increased separation efficiency by GC×GC. The analysis of higher molecular weight aldehydes is described in wine and grape seed oil as examples. Quantification of the aldehydes utilizes a stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) assay with octan-d16 -al as isotopomeric internal standard. Besides the selectivity and sensitivity of aldehyde analysis using PFBHA derivatives, critical aspects on background level contamination and repeatability of the sample preparation method are discussed. Optimization of GC×GC-qMS parameters allowed a considerable saving of the cryogenic medium, involving additional (unmodulated) conditioning runs, rendering the method more amenable to routine analysis. [source] Developing a sustainable culture of innovation management: a prescriptive approachKNOWLEDGE AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT: THE JOURNAL OF CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION, Issue 3 2005Mohamed Zairi This paper proposes an approach to innovation management, which produces seamlessness, unleashes full creative potential, integrates activities, delivers superior performance, and builds a sustainable culture. At the heart of World Class innovation is the role of senior management. This paper argues that senior managers have to exercise interest and commitment to innovation activity and have to play a more transparent role in nurturing the development of a sustainable innovation culture. Other critical aspects found through comprehensive research to be inherent factors and key triggers of success are also covered in this paper with prescriptive steps that can help in the establishment of sustainable innovation activity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Validation of macroscopic maturity stages according to microscopic histological examination for European anchovyMARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 2009Rosalia Ferreri Abstract The identification and classification of macroscopic maturity stages plays a key role in the assessment of small pelagic fishery resources. The main scientific international commissions strongly recommend standardizing methodologies across countries and scientists. Unfortunately, there is still a great deal of uncertainty concerning macroscopic identification, which remains to be validated. The current paper analyses reproductive data of European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L. 1758), collected during three summer surveys (2001, 2005 and 2006) in the Strait of Sicily, to evaluate the uncertainty in the macroscopic maturity stage identification and the reliability of the macroscopic adopted scale. On board the survey vessels, the maturity stage of each fish was determined macroscopically by means of an adopted maturity scale subdivided in six stages. Later, at the laboratory, the gonads were prepared for histological examination. The histological slides were analysed, finally assigning the six maturity stages for macroscopic examinations. A correspondence table was obtained with the proportion and number of matches between the two methods. The results highlight critical aspects in the ascription of macroscopic maturity stages, particularly for the present research aim. Different recommendations were evaluated depending on the scope of the study conducted on maturity (e.g. daily egg production, fecundity and maturity ogive computation). The most interesting results concern the misclassification of stage IV and stages III and V (the most abundant), which confirms their macroscopic similarity. Although the results are based on a small number of samples, the advantages and disadvantages of macroscopic and histological methods are discussed with the aim to increase the accuracy of correct identification and to standardize macroscopic maturity ascription criteria. [source] On the impact of the solution representation for the Internet Protocol Network Design Problem with max-hop constraintsNETWORKS: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2004L. De Giovanni Abstract The IP (Internet Protocol) Network Design Problem can be shortly stated as follows. Given a set of nodes and a set of traffic demands, we want to determine the minimum cost capacity installation such that all the traffic is routed. Capacity is provided by means of links of a given capacity and traffic must be loaded on the network according to the OSPF-ECM (Open Shortest Path First,Equal Commodity Multiflow) protocol, with additional constraints on the maximum number of hops. The problem is strongly NP-Hard, and the literature proposes local search-based heuristics that do not take into account max-hop constraints, or assume a simplified OSPF routing. The core in a local search approach is the network loading algorithm for the evaluation of the neighbor solutions costs. It presents critical aspects concerning both computational efficiency and memory requirements. Starting from a tabu search prototype, we show how these aspects deeply impact on the design of a local search procedure, even at the logical level. We present several properties of the related network loading problem, that allow to overcome the critical issues and lead to an efficient solution evaluation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, VoL. 44(2), 73,83 2004 [source] Repeated systematic surveillance of Kawasaki disease in Ontario from 1995 to 2006PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2010Yahui T. Lin Abstract Background:, Rising incidences of Kawasaki disease (KD) have been reported worldwide. Reported herein are the results of 4 triennial KD surveillances conducted in Ontario. Methods:, Between 1995 and 2006 all hospitals in Ontario were asked on 4 occasions to identify all patients with discharge diagnoses of KD and report incident cases. Results:, The latest surveillance identified 697 new KD patients (100% response rate) for a total of 2378 KD patients through all 4 surveillances. Yearly incidence was 26.2/100 000 for <5 years old, 6.7/100 000 for 5,9 years old and 0.9/100 000 for 10,14 years old. KD incidence significantly increased from 1995 to 2006, although the increase seemed to plateau between the 3rd and 4th surveillance. There was an increase in the proportion of patients diagnosed with incomplete KD and a significant reduction in the rate of coronary artery abnormalities, possibly due to better disease recognition and treatment. Hospitals reporting <20 cases per surveillance were found to be more likely to report cases with incomplete KD. These patients were also less likely to be treated with i.v. immunoglobulin and aspirin but were more likely to be treated with antibiotics, suggesting uncertainties regarding diagnosis and management of KD patients in those centers. Conclusions:, The incidence of KD in Ontario is possibly one of the highest outside of Asia and has been rising since 1995. Although the most recent surveillance demonstrated improved cardiac outcomes, treatment delays or absence thereof continue to be a problem. Effective diagnosis and prompt treatment remain critical aspects of KD management. [source] On holding and containing, being and dreamingTHE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOANALYSIS, Issue 6 2004THOMAS H. OGDEN Winnicott's concept of holding and Bion's idea of the container-contained are for each of these analysts among his most important contributions to psychoanalytic thought. In this light, it is ironic that the two sets of ideas are so frequently misunderstood and confused with one another. In this paper, the author delineates what he believes to be the critical aspects of each of these concepts and illustrates the way in which he uses these ideas in his clinical work. Winnicott's holding is seen as an ontological concept that is primarily concerned with being and its relationship to time. Initially the mother safeguards the infant's continuity of being, in part by insulating him from the ,not-me' aspect of time. Maturation entails the infant's gradually internalizing the mother's holding of the continuity of his being over time and emotional fl ux. By contrast, Bion's container-contained is centrally concerned with the processing (dreaming) of thoughts derived from lived emotional experience. The idea of the container-contained addresses the dynamic interaction of predominantly unconscious thoughts (the contained) and the capacity for dreaming and thinking those thoughts (the container). [source] Video-rate scanning probe control challenges: setting the stage for a microscopy revolutionASIAN JOURNAL OF CONTROL, Issue 2 2009M. J. Rost Abstract Scanning probe microscopy is at the verge of revolutionizing microscopy once again. Video-rate scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and video-rate atomic force microscope (AFM) technology will enable the direct observation of many dynamic processes that are impossible to observe today, such as atom or molecule diffusion, real time film growth, or catalytic reactions. In this paper we discuss the critical aspects that have to be taken into account when working on increasing the imaging speed of scanning probe microscopes. We highlight the state-of-the-art developments in the control of the piezoelectric scanning elements and describe the latest innovations regarding the design and construction of the whole mechanical loop including new scanner geometries. We identify critical aspects for which no obvious solution exists and aspects where advanced control engineering can help, like piezo non-linearities, the acceleration limit and the challenging technical requirements for the preamplifiers that are needed for measuring a tunneling current. Finally, we provide an overview of a number of new directions that are being pursued to solve the problems currently encountered in scanning probe technology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||