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Principles Underlying (principle + underlying)
Selected AbstractsElucidation and decisional risk in a multi-criteria decision based on a Choquet integral aggregation,a cybernetic frameworkJOURNAL OF MULTI CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS, Issue 5-6 2005J. Montmain Abstract The authors are developing multi-criteria Decision-making support systems (DMSS) for project teams in charge of selecting a technical solution among alternatives. They propose a cybernetic framework to emphasize the link between decision-making (DM) and knowledge management processes in such projects. These DMSSs rely on the tracking of the accompanying knowledge production of long-term decisional processes by a collective with many actors. Based on knowledge-production management, this paper explains how to design decisional risk evaluation, monitoring and control aids and traceability functions for strategic choices and logical argumentation. The DMSS is seen as a recommender system for the project manager. Each possible solution involved in the decision-making process (DMP) is evaluated by means of a set of criteria. The evaluation results from an interpretation of the knowledge items in terms of satisfaction scores of the solutions according to the considered criteria. Aggregating these partial scores provides a ranking of all the possible solutions by order of preference. As criteria are sometimes interacting, the aggregation has to be based on adapted operators, i.e. Choquet integrals. Evaluating possible solutions by the knowledge contained in the knowledge base (KB) opens the way to automating the argumentation of the project team's decisions: the argumentation principle underlying this approach is based naturally on coupling a knowledge dynamical management system (KDMS) with the DMSS. The DMSS also evaluates the decisional risk that reflects the eventuality of a wrong selection due to the insufficiency of available knowledge at a given time in order to adopt a reliable solution. Decisional risk assessment corresponds to sensitivity analyses. These analyses are then exploited to control the decisional risk in time: they enable to identify the crucial information points for which additional and deeper investigations would be of great interest to improve the stability of the selection in the future. The knowledge management of a collective project is represented as a control loop: the KDMS is the actuator, the risk accompanying the decision is the controlled variable and is strongly linked to the entropy of the KB managed by the KDMS. Each of the three phases,intelligence, design, choice,of the DMP is identified to a function of the control loop: actuator, process and regulator. This cybernetic framework for decision has its origin in knowledge management activities for a great-scale project,the EtLD project of the French Atomic Commission (CEA) that concerns the management of high-level long-life radioactive waste in France. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Microbial biodegradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbonsFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 6 2008Ri-He Peng Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread in various ecosystems and are pollutants of great concern due to their potential toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Because of their hydrophobic nature, most PAHs bind to particulates in soil and sediments, rendering them less available for biological uptake. Microbial degradation represents the major mechanism responsible for the ecological recovery of PAH-contaminated sites. The goal of this review is to provide an outline of the current knowledge of microbial PAH catabolism. In the past decade, the genetic regulation of the pathway involved in naphthalene degradation by different gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria was studied in great detail. Based on both genomic and proteomic data, a deeper understanding of some high-molecular-weight PAH degradation pathways in bacteria was provided. The ability of nonligninolytic and ligninolytic fungi to transform or metabolize PAH pollutants has received considerable attention, and the biochemical principles underlying the degradation of PAHs were examined. In addition, this review summarizes the information known about the biochemical processes that determine the fate of the individual components of PAH mixtures in polluted ecosystems. A deeper understanding of the microorganism-mediated mechanisms of catalysis of PAHs will facilitate the development of new methods to enhance the bioremediation of PAH-contaminated sites. [source] Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years up to and including 2003JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 2 2006Cameron Alexander Abstract Over 1450 references to original papers, reviews and monographs have herein been collected to document the development of molecular imprinting science and technology from the serendipitous discovery of Polyakov in 1931 to recent attempts to implement and understand the principles underlying the technique and its use in a range of application areas. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by papers dealing with fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting and the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing attempts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A review of photodynamic therapy in cutaneous leishmaniasisJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 8 2008EM Van Der Snoek Summary We present a review of six clinical studies investigating the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using porphyrin precursors for the treatment of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Thirty-nine patients with a total of 77 lesions received PDT using a range of treatment schedules following topical application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL). The tissue response to PDT is accompanied by a mild burning sensation, erythema and reversible hypo- and hyperpigmentation. Few mechanistic studies have addressed the principles underlying the use of PDT for CL. All six reviewed papers suggest that PDT with porphyrin precursors is relatively effective in treating CL. Data are still limited, and PDT cannot at this point be recommended in routine clinical practice. The mechanism of action of this promising therapeutic modality needs to investigated further and additional controlled trials need to be performed. [source] Promoting Strategic Learning by Eighth-Grade Students Struggling in Mathematics: A Report of Three Case StudiesLEARNING DISABILITIES RESEARCH & PRACTICE, Issue 3 2005Deborah L. Butler Participants were three eighth-grade students enrolled in a learning assistance classroom who were of at least average intelligence but who were performing significantly below grade level in mathematics. These case studies document the processes by which these students were supported to self-regulate their learning in mathematics more effectively. We begin by outlining important instructional foci in mathematics education for intermediate or secondary students with learning disabilities, along with what research indicates are effective instructional processes. In that context, we introduce the theoretical principles underlying the instructional model used here,Strategic Content Learning (SCL). Based on analyses of case study data, we describe how SCL instruction was structured to promote strategic learning. Throughout the discussion, intervention processes are described in sufficient detail to be of use to practitioners. [source] Osman and police immunity in the English law of tortsLEGAL STUDIES, Issue 3 2000Paula Giliker This article examines and questions the nature of police immunity from claims for negligence in the investigation and suppression of crime, as stated by the House of Lords in Hill v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire. This issue has been discussed before the European Court of Human Rights in Osman v United Kingdom, where the court held that a blanket application of the immunity was contrary to art 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This article will argue that this decision does not overturn the basic public policy principles for the immunity stated in Hill and that further examination of this area of law is required. It is submitted that if the law is considered in terms of proximity rather than in terms of public policy immunity, a clearer understanding of the principles underlying this area of law can be reached together with the desirable goal of removing the term ,immunity' from this area of law. [source] The LGL (Lighthill,Gueron,Liron) Theorem,historical perspective and critiqueMATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE APPLIED SCIENCES, Issue 17-18 2001Nadav Liron The 1970s saw a series of works on the modelling of slender bodies moving in slow flow (Re=0), instigated by the interest to understand the principles underlying the swimming of ciliates and flagellates. It was Lighthill in 1975, who wrote down the first theorem connecting slender body motion and singularities distributions along the centre line. This paper will describe the historical development from the early results through Lighthill's theorem to the Gueron,Liron Theorem, which enables discrete-cilia modelling, i.e., modelling of a multitude of slender bodies attached to a surface. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Theoretical Modeling in Hemodynamics of MicrocirculationMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 8 2008JACK LEE ABSTRACT Over the past decades, theoretical modeling has become an indispensable component of research into the hemodynamics of microcirculation. Numerous studies rely on modeling to provide quantitative insights into the interacting biophysical mechanisms that govern microcirculatory flow. The mechanical deformation of hematocytes has been addressed by continuum and molecular-informed computational models based on a growing body of experimental information. Theoretical analyses of single-vessel flow and blood rheology have led to a range of modeling approaches. Until recently, computational constraints limited direct simulations of multi-particle flows involving deformation and/or aggregation, but recent studies have begun to address this challenge. Network-level analyses have provided insights into the biophysical principles underlying the design of the microcirculation. This approach has been used to complement available experimental data and to derive empirical models of microvascular blood rheology. Continued increases in computational performance applied to current modeling techniques will enable larger scale simulations. In order to exploit this opportunity, integration of diverse theoretical approaches within a multi-scale framework is needed. [source] Validation and advantages of FAWSETS perfusion measurements in skeletal muscleNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 4 2005Kenneth I. Marro Abstract This work discusses the strengths, limitations and validity of a novel arterial spin labeling technique when used specifically to measure perfusion in limb skeletal muscle. The technique, flow-driven arterial water stimulation with elimination of tissue signal (FAWSETS), offers several advantages over existing arterial spin labeling techniques. The primary goal of this study was to determine the perfusion signal response to changes in net hind limb flow that were independently verifiable. The range of perfusate flow was relevant to skeletal muscle during mild to moderate exercise. Localized, single voxel measurements were acquired from a 5,mm-thick slice in the isolated perfused rat hind limb at variable net flow rates. The results show that the perfusion signal is linearly proportional to net hind limb flow with a correlation coefficient of 0.974 (p,=,0.0013). FAWSETS is especially well suited for studies of skeletal muscle perfusion, where it eliminates the need to compensate for magnetization transfer and arterial transit time effects. A conceptual discussion of the basic principles underlying these advantages is presented. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] THE NEW MODEL OF THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY IN SPAIN WITHIN THE EUROPEAN FRAMEWORKANNALS OF PUBLIC AND COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2007J. BAREA ABSTRACT,:,This study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the the new regulatory framework for railways in Spain. We offer a description of the present situation of the railway industry in Spain, following the coming into force of the new Railway Industry Law in January 2005. We also analyse the international experience in light of the principles underlying the liberalization of the railway industry in Europe and, in particular, the cases of the United Kingdom and France. These two models are suitable for our purposes based on these main items: the degree of effective competition, the similarity to the Spanish case, the rail market growth and the geographical location. Our conclusions are that Spain has overcome some mistakes made by the countries mentioned above, like leaving infrastructure investment or security aspects in the hands of the private sector, however others have been committed, such as the excessive influence of the government on the basic actors of the industry or defining a complex system without well defined responsibilities. [source] Subgroup Hypotheses: Clinician's Friend or Researcher's Fiction?ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2009Peter C. Wyer MD Abstract Researchers and clinicians may be tempted to consider apparent differences in effects of interventions in subgroups of study populations for the purposes of individualizing care or directing subsequent focused research efforts. Such "subgroup hypotheses" have a high propensity of being artifacts of chance and are rarely supported when stringent criteria are applied. Subgroup hypotheses emerging from single trials should rarely if ever be considered for application. This article describes published criteria for evaluating the believability of a subgroup hypothesis and presents a conceptual framework for understanding the principles underlying those criteria. Examples of both failed and validated subgroup hypotheses drawn from emergency medicine research are given. [source] Integration, scaling, space-group assignment and post-refinementACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 2 2010Wolfgang Kabsch Important steps in the processing of rotation data are described that are common to most software packages. These programs differ in the details and in the methods implemented to carry out the tasks. Here, the working principles underlying the data-reduction package XDS are explained, including the new features of automatic determination of spot size and reflecting range, recognition and assignment of crystal symmetry and a highly efficient algorithm for the determination of correction/scaling factors. [source] Assessing violence risk in Tarasoff situations: a fact-based model of inquiry,BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW, Issue 3 2001Randy Borum Psy.D. Although significant advances in risk assessment research and practice have been made in recent years, there has not been any analysis in the professional literature regarding how and whether the emerging practice recommendations apply in Tarasoff -type situations. We suggest that, when faced with a Tarasoff -type situation, the appraisal of risk should be guided by a method that is primarily fact-based and deductive, rather than by the more inductive risk assessment approach for general violence recidivism, which is guided primarily by base rates and historical risk factors. We review the principles underlying a fact-based, or threat assessment, approach and outline six areas of inquiry that can guide the appraisal of risk: A,attitudes that support or facilitate violence, C,capacity, T,thresholds crossed, I,intent, O,other's reactions, and N,noncompliance with risk reduction interventions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Development of cortical GABAergic circuits and its implications for neurodevelopmental disordersCLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 1 2007G Di Cristo GABAergic interneurons powerfully control the function of cortical networks. In addition, they strongly regulate cortical development by modulating several cellular processes such as neuronal proliferation, migration, differentiation and connectivity. Not surprisingly, aberrant development of GABAergic circuits has been implicated in many neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia, autism and Tourette's syndrome. Unfortunately, efforts directed towards the comprehension of the mechanisms regulating GABAergic circuits formation and function have been impaired by the strikingly heterogeneity, both at the morphological and functional level, of GABAergic interneurons. Recent technical advances, including the improvement of interneurons-specific labelling techniques, have started to reveal the basic principles underlying this process. This review summarizes recent findings on the mechanisms underlying the construction of GABAergic circuits in the cortex, with a particular focus on potential implications for brain diseases with neurodevelopmental origin. [source] They Do What They Are Told to Do: The Influence of Instruction on (Chess) Expert Perception,Commentary on Linhares and Brum (2007)COGNITIVE SCIENCE - A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009Merim Bilali Abstract Linhares and Brum (2007) argue that they provide evidence for analogy as the main principle behind experts' acquisition of perceptual knowledge. However, the methodology they used,asking players to pair positions using abstract similarity,raises the possibility that the task reflects more the effect of directional instructions than the principles underlying the acquisition of knowledge. Here we replicate and extend Linhares and Brum's experiment and show that the matching task they used is inadequate for drawing any conclusions about the nature of experts' perception. When expert chess players were instructed to match problems based on similarities at the abstract level (analogy), they produced more abstract pairs than pairs based on concrete similarity. However, the same experts produced more concrete pairs than abstract ones when instructed to match the problems based on concrete similarity. Asking experts to match problems using explicit instructions is not an appropriate way to show the importance of either analogy or similarity in the acquisition of expert knowledge. Experts simply do what they are told to do. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||